Traveling solo, plus 2 under 5 - what was I thinking?

Two kids, one me – and a flight to LA ahead of us. What was I thinking? Well, I wasn’t really – at least not with my brain, thinking with my heart was more like it. I was headed to LA for a baby shower for one of my longest best friends who lives in the town near where we grew up, so what better opportunity to take advantage of Abigail still flying free and have a girl’s weekend down south. I could attend the baby shower and spend the night with my other longest childhood best friend (whose hubby was out of town) and catch up with her, too – perfect idea, right?

But then a business trip to Seattle fell into the picture a week out, and momma’s guilt set in and I didn’t have the heart to be gone two days, home two and then jump on a plane with Abigail, leaving Isaac – who had been asking about when he’d be able to get on a plane again, at home. A late night booking and redeemed points to the rescue, Isaac had a ticket of his own! I guess it was a preview to the zone defense my husband and I will be playing come the fall when baby #3 makes its appearance, but seriously – what was I thinking?

Curbside check in came in handy, and thanks to my double stroller, I had the perfect holders for my car seat and booster, and Abigail in the front seat people watching through SJC with Isaac (my 4 ½ year old) by my side. Once we got dinners to go, and settled in at the gate – we were in good shape, at least for the time being. God bless Apple and the iPhone, which kept the kids occupied in flight, and of course the courtesy peanuts and apple juice won them both over. Landing was Isaac’s favorite part though – why? Because mom broke her gum rule, and let him chomp away to get his ears to pop.

After the last gum in the hair incident, I vowed to not let him eat gum again until he was 6, but keeping him comfortable took precedence, and the fact I made him spit it out once we got to the gate, certainly alleviated the risk of another bad haircut. Mom’s gotta do, what she’s gotta do, and this was one time breaking my own rule was the right thing to do. But let me be clear, he’s still not getting gum under any other circumstances for at least another year!

Security – check, dinner at the airport – check, flight –check, now I just needed to figure out how to get all our stuff, now with the added luggage that we had to retrieve, to the rental car place. And we made it – gotta love the discounted up-sale to the SUV, but damn that car seat that took me 20 minutes to get installed. Boy do I take for granted all the help I get from grandma – you are the best mom!

 

 

 

 

Pretty sure we’re stickin with two! So you think the man upstairs says…

Baby fever was certainly starting to set in, but could you blame me? Three of my closest girlfriends, including my longest childhood friend were all expecting. Let's not forget my sister in law and former marketing coordinator both had buns in the oven – due within weeks of each other. And I actually liked being pregnant with the first two – maybe we were meant to have more? Fortunately my common sense thread woke up and I was back on track with sticking with two. So I thought...

I had completely talked myself out of it. Not so much that Mark was off to get a little snip snip, but hell – my mind was made up. We were blessed with two beautiful healthy kids and I was enjoying being a true size 6! We even started talking about a trip to Costa Rica later this year and with the new job I just took– along with my recent nomination to become the MHDA President (which yes – Mark thought I was crazy to accept), aint no time for newborns. And then there was that night…

That damn Makers Mark and post business trip lovin’! But we don’t make stupid mistakes like this! I’m a planner for God’s sake! And with the first two we were actually trying – and we survived the other 10 years with each other making sure we didn’t have an oops moments. Could this really be freaking happening?! Now the waiting game…oh monthly visit from the red river – where are you????

The trouble with Transformers

So, it wasn't the loud banging of metal and missiles being shot across the screen that made me regret letting Isaac watch Transformers for the first time this past weekend. It was the premature explanation I had to come up with on a whim about why face clutching - tilted head, closed-eye kisses are NOT meant for mommy (or family for that matter). I wish I had a picture to post, but basically my knee jerk response was, literally laughing out load, taking his hands and telling him those kisses should be saved for a girlfriend or wife someday. Are you kidding me? Am I really having this conversation with a 4 year old, is all that kept floating through my head as I'm explaining myself. Dammit - I knew I should have vetoed anything past G Rating for another year! Of course he didn't make any gesture letting on to how much he wished he was the guy getting to drive Bumblebee home and lock lips with super hottie, Megan Fox. However, saying good night a few hours later told a completely different story. This was a perfect example of you reap what you sow. Hello - parenting 101, they are soaking in EVERYTHING - not just the cars turning into mega machines. They are watching the same make-out scenes as you and wondering, hmmmm...why are they kissing like that? I can't fault him for being glossy eyed and anxious to copy the newly discovered smooching technique (that we essentially exposed him to!), but still an awkward moment for me! Dad certainly saw far less harm in the whole matter and actually wrapped up part 2 a little while ago. Hopefully they were more focused on the loud cars this time! LOL...we'll see. Happy New Year - never a dull minute in the Devlin household! No resolutions this year - just a promise to post more often!!!