As part of my 30 in the year 30 series that was inspired by Nicole Balch – here is our attempt at #11 on my list.
So we took the plunge and decided to fly when Maggie was 3 months old – and hey why not make it a trip half way around the world… We went to Kauai in February and part of the game plan was taking a vacation with Doug’s cousin Barbie to help out. I had nightmares about getting through security (literally) and even ended up having to get a full pat down and wanding with Maggie strapped to my chest in the baby Bjorn but we got through with our epic entourage (stroller, carseat, 2 roll-ons, diaper bag, backback and a music playing giraffe). Considering I have always advocated for children free flying (if an investor is reading this I have a great plan for an airline that bans children 8 and under and a Disney themed airline for kids to compensate), you can imagine my fear to be “that family” on the plane. We were seated at the back of the plane, and as we made our way to the back I saw the fear and loathing in people’s eyes and my desperate attempt to highlight how very cute and (hopefully quiet) this 3 month old is. I was prepared. I had read a great mom blog post years ago about how to prepare for the screaming child moment on the plane – I had envelopes ready to pass out to passengers with drinks on us if necessary. Can you see my ridiculous need to have people like me? Well, out of sheer surprise and a great moment of pride – Maggie was quiet, beautiful, cute and really was a charmer on every flight (all 3 legs to Kauai) – she slept on every flight, took a bottle at take off and landing and was the perfect flier. She restored my faith in travel and although I fully realize that a 3 month old will be a very different experience from she is 3 years old someday – it did help me realize that being a mom isn’t about giving up my dreams but rather sharing them. Happy Mothers Day.