Forrest and I just got home from an 8 day trip to San Diego and Tucson. I was beyond haggard by the time we landed back in Raleigh (and may have even shed a tear when I heard Bo's voice on the phone) BUT, it was a liberating adventure I'm so glad I did. Here are my lessons learned for the next time:
- Traveling with an infant by yourself is challenging but doable. My independence concern is somewhat assuaged.
- What I thought was packing light definitely wasn't. For the next week long trip, we each only get 4 outfits and 3 pairs of shoes. (Well, ok, I get 5 outfits.)
- Forrest's toys need to be heavily rationed. Consider rationing diapers.
- Breast feeding still continues to be the easiest answer for hungry cries. The fact that sometimes it ends up happening in the middle of the outlet mall or in seat 8F next to the 25 yr. old navy Seaman who's never even held a baby, just has to be a part of life and not something to get self-conscious about.
- Its a great learning experience to have said Seaman hold Forrest for part of the flight. An added benefit is there is no room for him to drop the baby.
- Turns out, Forrest values socializing more than nap time... He can be so incredibly good with so little sleep until finally, he's not.
- Little baby ears seem to acclimate better and better with each flight. When they seem to be struggling, nurse. Those that may raise an eyebrow at you normally for nursing in such close proximity to total strangers, would much rather suffer through sitting next to a nursing mother than a screaming infant. Promise.
- When you are wobbling down the gangplank with overflowing bags, spastic child in arms, BOB stroller and car seat to break down and gate check at the bottom and someone offers to help-- for the love of God, accept.
- If you ever see similar situations in the future, for the love of all things holy, offer help.
- Unless you have the whole row to yourself, DO NOT sit in the window seat. When faced with their options, whoever is in the aisle will trade you.
- The flight stewardesses will love holding your baby while you go to the bathroom. Just make sure they aren't busy when you ask.
- Be absolutely sure you have enough diapers and extra clothes to recover from at least 3 massive blow-outs... in a row...
- And lastly, take lots of pictures and revel in every moment -- even those that were ugly on so many levels. Each is a memory you will forever cherish.
