I’m trying to think of this as a rite of passage – something
every mother must do at some point, although I’m not sure why. Maybe because it
sounds like a good idea at the time. Or
maybe because we’re all gluttons for punishment. In any case, the time has come
for my toddler and me to fly across the country. By. Our. Selves.
In less than three weeks, I’m taking my fifteen month old son
on a flight from California to Michigan all by myself. As much as I’m looking
forward to seeing my family and friends, I’m dreading the journey.
It will be a twelve-hour ordeal, door-to-door. Pray for me.
We’ve flown with Quinn before, once to Michigan and once to Hawaii,
and he was an absolute angel on both trips. He was also a baby that still
nursed, so anytime he got fussy, I just stuck him on the boob and everyone was happy. On this trip, we don’t have
that luxury.
Like any over-achiever worth her salt, I’ve been doing my
homework. I’ve read a bazillion posts from other brave bloggers who have
attempted similar feats. I’ve surveyed numerous experienced mommy-friends. I’ve
posted questions on several online groups and forums. I’ve begged for advice
via Twitter and Facebook. I’ve collected all the generous responses into a
Google document.
And I’ve completely overwhelmed myself.
As soon as I think I’ve thought of everything, I think of
something else, and then I have a little internal freak-out. In a way, I’m
faced with the same conundrum as any traveler – you don’t want to over-pack and
be loaded down with too much crap, but you want to be prepared with anything
you may need.
Multiply that dilemma by a million, and that’s a mom flying
alone with her toddler.
I decided that my main goal for the day will be to remain
sane, and if that means throwing all my usual rules and schedules out the
airplane window, then so be it.
For example, Quinn can eat all the snacks he wants on the
flight. I’ll have some his favorites and some new snacks that I hope he will go
bananas over (i.e., Goldfish crackers).
I’m also willing to buy his happiness. I have a few new toys
for the airplane, including a Magna Doodle. I hope that if he doesn’t see these
toys for the entire week we’re in Michigan, they’ll be new again for the plane
ride home.
Q can also watch as much TV as the tablet battery will
allow. Hubs has Q's favorite shows and some new apps cued up and ready to go. (Thank you, honey! Muah!)
 |
| The kid who won't wear a hat or sunglasses for more than 1.2 seconds loves his new Kidz Gear headphones! |
There are several moments I’m already dreading. For example,
how will I fold up the stroller in the security line without Quinn getting
away? Gate-checking the stroller is a must, so do I try to wear him in the
carrier? Will I be able to fold up the stroller with him attached to me? Can I
wear him through security, or will TSA pat us down if I do that? I don’t want
them touching me, and I really don’t
want them touching Q.
Quinn’s just starting to walk, so I don’t know how to let
him get his wiggles out without letting him crawl around in the airport. The germophobe in me goes ape shit
in these situations anyway, so the thought of Q’s hands touching anything makes me throw up in my mouth a
little bit.
I’m also a cheap ass, so I didn’t buy Q his own seat. I’m
going to have to hold a squirmy toddler on my lap all freaking day with no one
to pass him off to when I need a break. (Oh
shit, how am I going to pee? Dammit, here comes another internal freak-out…)
What about his ears during take-off and landing? He doesn’t
nurse anymore, and I have a hard time making him drink from his sippy cup when
he doesn’t want to. Someone recommended giving him a lollipop, but then I had
visions of a piece of it breaking off and choking him to death. (Another internal freak-out.)
I also have no idea how I’m going to pack all our stuff into
one suitcase and still keep it under 50 pounds. With Quinn and our carry-on, I
can’t wield more than one checked bag by myself. I’m going to have to resist
the urge to over-pack. But I don’t want to spend
the whole week doing laundry either. Bleh.
On a positive note, I’m flying Southwest, so I can pick my
seat. My hope is that the flights will not be full and no one will want to sit
next to the lady with the toddler. Then we can have at least one more empty seat to work with. That would be the
shiz! (Is it wrong to hope Q cries the whole time we’re boarding and then
is an angel for the rest of the flight?)
I know many of you have braved the same endeavor and lived
to tell about it. Please tell me, mommas, what worked for you and your toddler
when flying solo? Also give me your measurements so I can fit you for your “Bravest
Mother in the Universe” sash.
