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Blog Entry 38 of 48 Adventures of a Stay Home Mom

Mom and children's author chronicles the frustrations, joys, embarrassments and struggles of staying home with her three boys and trying to get published.

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Sticky Car Seats and Other Things About Travel

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Contributed by: Stephanie Blake on 10/23/2006

I have been preparing for our annual trip to the in-laws.

Traveling (when I didn't have kids) used to be so simple--and fun. I would fill a swanky black carry-on with a pair of jeans and 3 shirts, my makeup bag and hairdryer, and I was off. Cool as a cucumber in my cute traveling clothes, I would walk slowly, chatting and smiling to everyone. At the gate, I would shop for a magazine and sit casually with my book and Starbucks drink, excited to be going somewhere--even if it was for work.

Not anymore.

My hubby and I are taking two kids under the age of 5 to NY. On a plane. Foralmost 3hours, a layover, and another hour,plus a car rental and 45 minute drive. I can only imagine how we are going to get a huge suitcase, 2 car seats, a laptop, my purse, 2 kids and a diaper bag from the parking lot to the check-in line without losing someone or something.

I have made lists of the lists of things I need to buy and do before we leave. I have to get food for my teen to eat while we are gone. I have to make a list for the teen to do (and not to do) while I am gone. I have to get food for Grandma who is staying with the teen while we are gone. I have to get dog food. I have to confirm the rental car.I have to set up Tivo, so I won't miss my shows, while we are gone.

Oh Ya. I was thinking that the car seats are pretty disgusting. I pulled them out of the minivan to power wash them before we leave! There is no way I am pulling up to the curb and throwing those disgustingly sticky things to the skycap to check.

Argh! I have to pack for 4 people. That means there is extra laundry to do. The kids need new shoes. And coats. We are going to upstate NY where it is already wintertime.

Every mother knows that a bag of tricks is crucial for a successful plane ride with small children. Don't give me the advice about Benedryl. It doesn't work on my kids. I spent an hour in the toy department at the new Super Target.

Instead, I have purchased the premium diapers (guaranteed not to leak), a new travel box of baby wipes (the old box doesn't close properly), several new Matchbox cars (because a new toy is more fun than an old one), a set of Wonder Color Finger-paints (for the poop smearer), Playdoh (for stress relief), throw away sippy cups (no liquid rule), gummy worms (for mommy), and a book on Sudoku (for my husband who will be sitting alone because the children are Clingons for Mommy).

What will I be wearing? Jeans, tennis shoes, and a dark shirt with an extra set of clothing in my backpack for each of us because inevitably someone will spill something, barf, pee or vomit before we get there. No belt, no jewelry and definitely no metal on my shoes, so I can get through security without a strip search. Did I mention that I am always chosen for a wand inspection, plus a pat down? I don't meet the criteria for a terrorist. I am just trying to get from Point A to Point B without a meltdown.

What am I forgetting? The camera!

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Showing 1-4 of 4 comments

Submitted By: Robin Nolet

posted on 10/26/2006 @ 1:57:00 PM

Rated Blog Entry

Boy, I remember those days! I've stood the entire flight with fussy babies in turbulence, used up most of my goodies before we ever left the ground on flight delays, and run out of diapers on a flight full of mom's (it was a Mother's Day special!) who were incredibly helpful! We survived and now, you guessed it, I actually miss them when I travel...but it is more relaxing! Hope your trip was fun.

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Submitted By: William Boucher

posted on 10/25/2006 @ 10:31:15 PM

Rated Blog Entry

"rushed to the door as if they were handing out free samples of Ben Gay.." Priceless. Erin, if that is indeed your name, you really need to blog. Yours was pretty good too, Steph!

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Submitted By: Erin Williams

posted on 10/24/2006 @ 12:27:21 PM

Rated Blog Entry

Good luck Stephanie. When I was 5 and my sister was 2, we were at the airport with my mom and her grandmother, who was the only one flying that day. We were waiting at the gate with great-grandma when they called passengers to start boarding. Great-grandma rushed to the door as if they were handing out free samples of BenGay, while my mom was trying to round up me and my sister. She picked up Kate (my sis) and began to chase Great-grandma to say good-bye. After the good-byes, my mom turned frantic. "Erin, where's Kate?! Katie? Katie! Where's Katie?!" Finally I pointed up to her arms, where my sister was squatted silently on her hip. Mom's last remark in the airport that day, "Erin, let's go home before your mother forgets where we live."

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Submitted By: Rob Guthrie

posted on 10/24/2006 @ 6:13:24 AM

Rated Blog Entry

Good to see you blogging again. Have a safe and barf-free vacation!

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Stephanie Blake

Parker , CO

Stephanie Blake has posted 48 blog entries and 120 comments since joining on 2/14/2006. Stephanie Blake 's average blog rating is 4.95.

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