I was born and raised in Chicago and even after moving to San Diego 8 years ago, I found myself going to Chicago every few months. A handful of my closest friends are there, my family is there as well and it’s always nice to go home. This was the first trip where we had to pay for Jacob’s plane ticket. I almost cried when I had to pay for the ticket.
Flying/traveling is stressful to me for two main reasons:
First, packing for Jacob and me. My packing requires a spreadsheet/list to be prepared a few days in advance, laundry must be done and folded to have fresh clothes for packing day, the day-of timeline must be mentally visualized (e.g., locking windows, throwing out trash, walking out the door), you get the picture. Trying to pack for the two of us to fit into a <50-pound bag is a challenge! How many shoes can I bring? What about makeup and accessories? Am I really going to wear heels and fancy clothes? With my current limited physical abilities (weak back and growing belly), how much will I be able to carry with me? Do we need the Ergo? Umbrella stroller? Will the Ergo even fit around my midsection right now? These are the questions that weigh my mind the days leading up to travel day.
Second, the germs. Jacob loves to touch everything. I can’t wipe everything down and even if I think I have, he finds something – like the floor!
I’m no expert traveler. I can’t imagine having to travel frequently for work- it would drive me insane. But I do feel like I have traveled enough to try to be more efficient and courteous to people around me so we can all find room for luggage and try to get to where we want to go as quickly as possible. I’m also confident that most people around me have traveled a few times and so I’m baffled by a few things. Some tips for people:
- If you’ve got the aisle seat and your row isn’t full or people are still boarding, don’t fasten your seatbelt. And please don’t act annoyed/surprised when you have to get up because someone is sitting next to you!
- Throw your carry-on below your seat and put your carryon overhead (wheels out, people!) – it does NOT go sideways!!! And then SIT down, don’t dilly-dally in the aisle and block people from passing you to get to their seat.
It’s not rocket science or is it?
I look at families with more than 1 child and all the stuff they have to bring and I am scared! I told Jeff we’re going to have to rent a Smart Carte and he refuses! He says I have to pack lighter. Ummmm, sure! No problem! Now I have to fit 3 people’s things into one carry on?!? Luckily we won’t be thinking about that for a little while!
The main reason I wanted to go to Chicago now was because I missed my grandmother and wanted to visit with her. I’d miss her 1-year memorial since at August 10, I’ll be ready to pop and won’t be able to fly at that time. Going to Chicago isn’t quite a vacation since Jeff has friends there as well. We try to meet with his friends, my friends, my family and driving between the suburbs and Chicago.
We miss you, Halmunee (Grandmother in Korean)
Jacob was great on the plane now that he loves to watch movies. We have snacks
and beverages ready for him , his Taggies to help him nap
and his own seat so I can ‘relax’ a little bit too! It’s not ideal to travel later in the day when you want to get somewhere but it’s helpful to your and your child’s sanity when you pick an itinerary around your kid’s nap.
Chicago was fun- we got to spend time with our friends, family, visit with my Grams, Jacob was still on ‘San Diego’ time so we could stay up later to eat and hang out with people. I couldn’t gorge like I usually do because of the limited belly space but I still managed to indulge!
Now we’re back home, Jacob is sleeping normally in his crib and we are back to the grind.
Do you have any travel tips or stories to help us impatient travelers? Things that drive you mad and wish people would make PSAs about when it comes to travel?
I hope everyone has a great week!
Trust Me, I'm a Doctor Mom 