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I am on the verge of hyperventilating. Seriously.
I should be winding down, but that is not the case. The last couple of weeks kicked my butt. Between my endoscopy and barium swallow, my mother’s health issues, business issues, a late newsletter, product orders, planning Sarah’s course schedule for the next four years, securing a big ugly armed house-sitter for our trip to _________ - oops! Sorry you’ll have to wait a few days to find out where!
Just picture me with two children and like twenty bags of luggage. And I am no traveler. I like both feet firmly planted on the ground, but despite my fear of flying, I am happy to be getting away for a very important event. And hopefully I will be able to figure out the mac, so I can upload my photos. You know this nightly thing has become a bit routine. I can’t blow it now.
Now if I could just get past the, “what on earth did I forget to pack?” stage, I could concentrate on which book to bring. I know I can’t narrow it down to just one. UGH. Decisions, decisions.
BTW - anyone have any travel tips for an almost three-year-old? Like what can I use to occupy her on the plane? How about Benadryl!? One swig of that and I won’t have to worry about her behavior on the flight. Just kidding.
Okay not really.
Anyway, this picture is totally unrelated, but there is just so much a girl can do when she is breathing into a paper sack!
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Cindy says:
Yeah! A trip! How fun. Can’t wait to find out the mystery location.
Have a great time! I would pack the following for little Miss on the plane:
play-doh to do on the little tray
suckers to keep her mouth busy
sticker books
mini magnadoodle
a new polly pocket to dress
mini marshmallows and pretzel sticks to create a sculpture and devour.
Have fun!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Shutterbug says:
Hallie,
Let her sit by the window, if that’s possible. 
Hey there, I’m sorry to hear of everything that you’ve been going through lately. I haven’t had a lot of “reading” time lately. I know you can relate. You are in my prayers. I’m glad you are taking a vacation. Almost 3 and an airplane, huh?! Prayer, coloring, and a gag and some duct tape (just kidding).
I will keep you in prayer for dealing with your mom. It’s a hard thing, what you’re undertaking. You must love her a lot.
May the Lord renew your strength on your vacation, and bless you as you serve Him.
Love,
Marie
May 16th, 2008 at 11:04 am
beth says:
The first poster had some great ideas. Also, the staff is usually very sensitive to a mom flying by herself with kids. They have always been so nice to me, which is not what I can usually say sans kids. Bring some food, but don’t over do it. You don’t want to be lugging that stuff all over the place. Depending on your flight length, the window can occupy quite a bit of time, so can some trips to the really neat potty (in kids’ eyes).
good luck!! beth
May 16th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
javamamma says:
My first-time fliers were completely enthralled with the headphones and radio stations available on the plane. No kidding. They had backpacks of books, colors and such and nope, they just wanted to listen to the radio. Oh and to eat. Take lots of snacks.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Doug says:
Hi Hallie,
While I am in no position to provide advice regarding your little one (although I’m always happy to hear the drink cart… Oh, no I guess not a good idea), I did feel the desire to comment on your photo - in a word - Beautiful. I love it!
Safe travels!
A new “fan”
Doug
May 16th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Kim says:
Seriously I did give my kid Benedryl on her first flight per doctor’s orders. Just a wee little tiny bit. Worked a charm.
Everyone’s had great ideas, and here’s a few more…
When my daughter was that age she had a little backpack that we filled with things just for the trip. A coloring book and new box of crayons, a small doll and couple changes of outfits, a travel size magnetic game of tic tac toe, a read aloud book we were in the middle of, and a pack of her favorite chewing gum (for takeoff and landing to help ease the ear pressure).
If possible, let her sit by the window. That in and of itself can keep an interested kid enthralled for the entire trip!
Hope you have a great one
May 16th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Bahama Mama says:
We have returned on many a day flight back from the UK when Emmy was a wee one. I always used to pack a wrapped box (don’t know why the wrapping worked but it did) filled with junk from the dollar store that she had never seen before - always worked like a charm. I’m with Kim - sugar-free gum to chew as soon as you feel the descent beginning.
May 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
katef says:
Oh a trip… how exciting!
Now it depends how long you are flying for but I flew 2 hours the other week with two four year olds and a ten month old and I found an mp3 player each for the girls loaded with spoken stories was great! Also packed a few surprise toys - they are fairy mad so a few small fairies was an easy choice. The whole flying thing was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be!
May 18th, 2008 at 7:39 pm