what not to do

I pride myself on being organized, thorough and efficient.  I imagined flying alone with a toddler would be a breeze if I prepared well.  “IF” is the operative word.  My husband and I have traveled with our daughter before.  I can do this.

I procrastinated when it came to thinking about outfits - assuming, naturally, I had plenty of cold weather clothing.

I did not plan for my carry-ons well.  Obviously, I needed snacks and things to keep my daughter busy.  I definitely like to keep things simple so I figured I would bring one or two toys, her favorite lovies and movies for my laptop.  I didn’t make a point of ensuring I had a bag large enough to carry it all.  Ideally, my laptop would have fit inside the bag with everything else.  The morning of the flight, I went through a roller coaster of thinking my largest bag had been thrown away while cleaning out the garage and then realizing that we did have it but it had mold on it… oye!  So, on my way to the airport, I had to stop at Target.  I loaded everything that would go in this bag; ran in and purchased the largest bag I could find; ran out and in loading it, realized the laptop wouldn’t fit.  Now, I have three carry-ons instead of two.  I had to ditch my purse. 

I did not think about packing both of our belongings in one suit case.  Instead, I packed two.  Neither were large enough for the trip I had planned - a week.  Both were packed to the brim.

I forgot pull-ups for bed time, my daughter’s jacket, my face soap and a second set of pj’s for me - and who knows what else!  Normally, I don’t forget anything significant. 

When I got to the airport, I realized I had 2 suit cases, 2 carry ons, a stroller and a 3 year old.  Can you imagine my panic for a minute?  How did I put myself in this position?  I calmed myself down quickly.  Connected the small suit case and laptop to the large suit case; carried the large carry on; strapped my daughter in and pushed the stroller with one hand while I pulled the suit case pile with the other.  It was quite a sight. 

Fast forward for a minute to my return home.  Imagine my trip back to the car where my daughter fell asleep in this tiny umbrella stroller with her head in her lap as I pushed her and pulled a suit case [plus attachments].  Thank goodness I knew to strap her in or she would have tumbled out!

Luckily, my stroller is easy to push w/ one hand and I have a very obedient little girl.  I just had to get to baggage check and then I would be down to two bags - one on my shoulder and one hanging on the handle.  Not too shabby.  And, my girl was a complete angel on both flights.  I couldn’t have asked for her to do anything more than she did.  She was such a perfect flier.  And, God gave me the grace I needed to get through all of the flights.

All in all, the good completely outweighed the stressful process of getting TO and FROM the airport.  We arrived safely in Maryland to visit some of our very best friends! 

So, I don’t have any advice except to learn from my mistakes.   I know I did!