Traveling with a Toddler and a Stitch Fix necklace

Traveling with a toddler is not easy.  I can tell you that.  That must be why everyone always asks me what it's like and how I manage.  First, I am blessed, because Evan is super easy to travel with and pretty calm on the plane.  I traveled with him in January when we went to Houston and that was a bit challenging because it was supposed to be a four hour flight but it turned into a 5 hour flight and that was a long time for him to sit still in his seat.  Or my seat really, because he flies as a lap child still.  This past flight was fairly easy because Atlanta is only a one hour flight from Baltimore, so it wasn't too difficult to get there.

Taking every baggie out of the box is airplane friendly, but it sure helps me get dinner ready!

But there is SO MUCH STUFF.  Packing for children is not fun!  First, I packed the diaper bag with so many activities and toys and snacks that it weighed at least 20 pounds.  It was SO heavy.  Then I had a backpack that had some of my stuff in it and things that I didn't want to check.  We also had the car seat because if you want to go anywhere in a vehicle you need a car seat.  I know that legally you don't need to put children in car seats if you are taking public transportation (buses, taxis, shuttles, etc.), but taxis are just as likely to get into an accident as I am so why risk it?  So I always bring the 50lbs car seat.  I did by this nifty carrier for the car seat and love it.  It fits the seat perfectly and then I can carry it on my back.  I always check the car seat with my checked luggage and it doesn't count as an extra bag.  If I get desperate I can always throw a few things in with the car seat because they don't weigh that.

Evan can now climb onto the rocking chair by himself.  He loves sitting in his own seats now - but on planes he
still has to sit with me!

In the suitcases go normal stuff like clothes and shampoo, but then I have to remember all the stuff for keeping a toddler entertained at a hotel: blocks, animals, coloring books, books, trains, spatulas, measuring cups, bath toys, etc.  Plus enough diapers and wipes and special baby shampoo and soap.  And swim diapers.  These things get heavy...and take up an entire suitcase.  So, on top of the diaper bag, car seat, and backpack, I also have two suitcases.  And a child.  That is a LOT of stuff.  Usually my husband helps me check in but sometimes there is no one waiting on the other side so I have to somehow get all my stuff into a cab by myself.  This time I was meeting my mom at the airport so she helped me out. 

The airplane ride was a breeze this time because on the way there we flew at 2pm which was close to nap time.  I nursed Evan on the take-off (yes, he is 21 months and I am still nursing) and he immediately fell asleep and then slept for the entire flight.  On the way back the flight was delayed and didn't take off until 9:05pm and that was close to his bedtime, so again I nursed him at take-off and he fell right asleep.  Easy peasy.  The flight home was super crowded so there was a person in every seat.  This made it a bit tight since I had a lap child.  He may have gently kicked the person sitting next to me, but she didn't care. 

It makes nursing a bit interesting though - when someone is practically sitting on top of me.  I'm not a huge fan of nursing in public because I have to try and be a bit more modest (i.e. I can't take my entire shirt off, I have to wear something underneath so that my entire back and stomach aren't exposed, etc.).  Although I have read numerous stories about people having problems nursing in public, this has not been the case for me (thank goodness).  I have nursed Evan on all of his flights and I rarely use a cover (what's the point - Evan hates being covered and flings it off two seconds into a feeding) and no one has ever said anything.  Some people don't like to make eye contact with me - like they are a bit embarrassed or thing I am embarrassed), but that's about it.  I've nursed at the airport too, but usually in gates with only a few people.  I've never had to pump in an airport though, and I hear that that can be pretty rough (it's hard to find outlets in private areas). 

To keep Evan busy while waiting for the plane to board we usually try and find an empty gate and set up shop near the window.  Then Evan can run around, take out his ball, build some blocks, look at planes, make a lot of noise, and wear himself out.  Sometimes we walk up and down the hallways, but this can be hard because of my 20 pound diaper bag.  And Evan eventually wants to let go of my hand and go darting in and out of people and in front of airport carts.

So - that is a brief summary of my experience.  Nothing that I'm sure you couldn't figure out yourself.  I wrote a post of airplane tips with toddlers a while back that might be useful if you are flying too.  So far I have taken Evan on every work trip (a total of four) and am really lucky to have family members willing to meet me at my destination and hang out with Evan while I'm working (thanks Elizabeth, Aunt Pam, and Mom!!!).  That has made all the difference and has made work travel so much less stressful.  It is awesome getting to eat with Evan during lunch and show him off to my work colleagues - who are in love with him, of course.  Plus, I get to see family I normally wouldn't get to see - even bigger bonus!

After spending half a week with his Mimi, he was all set to Skype with her shortly after we returned home.
We usually Skype lying on the floor - so he was all set to go!

Aside from that - not much to report around here.  Oh, except I got my third Stitch Fix box yesterday and LOVED it.  I wanted to keep 4/5 things but really didn't want the 5th thing and it was more expensive to buy the five things than to buy the four things so I decided to just buy three things.  One included this necklace that I love!

I'll snap pictures of the other things too.  Plus the things from my second box, since I never showed you that.  I am really loving Stitch Fix!!!  If you click those links to sign up, I get $20 for referring you.  No pressure though - you can just go to the website yourself.  I just wanted to put it out there just in case you were interested and didn't mind using my referral number.





How is your week going?  Any tips for traveling with a toddler?

Any Stitch Fix lovers out there??