mwf with baby, will travel...

i love to travel, i love my job, i really love to travel when it's not my job. i like to call myself an experienced traveler, even with hubby and now baby in tow. i can get us to the airport, through security, to the gate, and on the plane without ever breaking a sweat. i can pack the perfect suitcase and carry on, if you need it i got it, and i'm talking about just two bags not four. i am one prepared flier and take pride in being efficient. i attribute it all to being a flight attendant.

before i had jackson i was the flight attendant that would smile and coo at your baby, secretly wishing i had one of my own. i would give you the "hang on we're almost there" look, and then the same look to all of the people around you. i would provide distraction rattles (a lidded cup filled with pretzels), plenty of drinks, coloring books, support, and whatever else i could to help you get through the flight also alcoholic beverages to those around you as a sorry i know that kid is annoying. i never told you how dirty the airplane was, that i found a dirty diaper in the pocket of the seat you are now occupying, that someone threw up two rows back but pretty sure particles made it to your seat, or that someone had an "accident" on the seat belt three days before and that it's probably still festering germs. i was, however, silently cringing every time your baby touched something or put said something in their mouth. i wondered why you didn't have your baby strapped into the car seat and that you let them roll around on the disgustingly dirty floor. seriously, how hard was it to travel with your kids? just be prepared.

then i had jackson. our first few flights together were a piece of cake, obviously because he wasn't very mobile, but of course i thought it was because i was an amazing traveler who gave him the genes. then he turned seven months old, started requiring LOTS of real food, was uber mobile, and wanted to put whatever he could grab on to into his mouth. not a problem for this seasoned traveler, right? ha! i guess i didn't anticipate just how hungry this kid was going to be or how much he truly eats. i didn't realize that the toys i brought with me would become the most boring toys on earth. i didn't know just how much a car seat is like a prison to babies. i didn't know i was going to turn into that mom and certainly didn't realize i had until the guy sitting in front of us turned around and gave me the look.

so i threw up my hands and gave in. 

that's right baby, you play with that safety information card!

soooo happy.

our latest travels reinforced my beliefs that i am still an amazing traveler complete with baby...only now i understand that one has to throw out all concern for germs and focus on keeping baby happy.

...because i'd rather not get that look ever again.