Traveling without an infant: I arrive at the airport an hour before my flight, already checked in and ready to go with my one small carry on bag. I breeze through security and wait patiently to board the plane while I check Facebook...play games...text my hubby. I board the plane and sit back and relax until we reach our destination...possibly reading, listening to music, playing games, or even snoozing. Upon arrival, I grab my small carry on bag and make my connection or meet my ride. Pretty simple!
Traveling with an infant: My travel day begins hours early as I check, double check and triple check that we have everything we need. If I'm lucky enough and someone is driving to our destination, I've already packed that car with diapers, extra formula, blankets, toys, and anything else we might need. I arrive at the airport at least a couple hours early so we can check in...we have to check in since a lap traveler doesn't get a boarding pass. Then we gear up for security...folding up the stroller and emptying the car seat, declaring the formula, and still trying to take shoes off and get liquids out for screening. Once we make it through security, we make our way to the counter to get the stroller and car seat gate checked. I make multiple trips to the bathroom for diaper checks. In between bathroom trips, I try to keep the infant happy. Then we board the plane, dropping the stroller and car seat off, and settle in for a flight. We stow the important things (bottles, pacis, toys) under the seat for quick access. I feed the baby so he'll be happy as we take off, then hope for a quiet flight. Then said baby poops all over the place, but we're taking off, so I clean him (and myself) up as best I can while seated. Baby, oblivious to the mess he's created, slips into sleep. I spend the flight trying to keep baby happy (which he really is.) Upon arrival, we gather all of our things, stuff them back in the bag, and grab the stroller and car seat on the way out. We change diapers (and outfits) in the bathroom and make our connection or head to baggage claim.
Two totally different experiences. Today as I wait in the airport, I'm excited to visit my sister. But my heart hurts a bit remembering my last trip through airports. Yes, there was a lot more hassle and worry. Yes, it's easier to travel alone. But I look at the mom struggling with the infant carrier with a bit of envy. I see the dad trying to corral an unruly toddler and I kind of wish that were me. We had so many plans for Henry and it hurts to know we won't get to carry out these plans. So instead, I will relax and enjoy my music and my book, and dream of the next time I can struggle to get through the airport rather than breezing through.
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