Toddlers, planes and automobiles!

Yesterday I totally conquered my anxiety of travelling with a 1 1/2 year old. This took months of psyching myself and reciting the wonderful, ” what is there worst that could happen”, cognitive behaviour therapy technique. Let me tell you, I literally thought of everything and anything that could happen.

Oh my god, what is my child act up so bad that people yell at me? What if it is so bad the stewardesses tell me to control my child. I know people claim they do not care if a child screams on a plane but what if someone pushes my Momma bear button and I get into a fist fight?! Uhhh, why do I even have to think it.

So, once I put on my big girl undies, I took the plunge and booked a flight. There was no stopping now. Dawson Creek…we are coming for you whether you like it or not! Haha

You see, it really helped that my dear friend was making the journey with me, as her husband (part owner of the company) is up here as well. Phewwww, nothing better that knowing you have someone who can help calm you down in a time of panicking. Not to mention it sure was nice to have extra set of arms for millions of bags and items I just needed to bring with me.

Not exaggerating, if I could have packed up Holly’s whole nursery I would have been a happy camper. But….I had to remember to be realistic! How nice would that if we could literally shrink our kids rooms with all their belongings etc, and just pack them up. Oh, that would be glorious, wouldn’t it?!

So the daunting task of packing came. Crimany, I had not idea how much or how little to bring. This being my first flight, hotel stay and get away with Holly..I was obviously stressed about it all.

Of course, I did my research on my ol’ faithful..PINTEREST. It has never let me down and I found everything “travelling with toddlers / survival”. All I can say is..god bless Pinterest!!! After getting distracted 50 times with all the amazing pins, I found some great articles about how to pack light for me and what to bring for toots.

So, travel day came. As I sat on my suitcase to get it zipped up, I went through my other two carry ons and decided I was all set. Off we went to the airport. No looking back now!!! Yikes.

We got all checked in and were off to stand in the massive security line up. Man, is it hot in here, or just me?! Oh right..it is always me. It does not help that I have a little growth attached to my hip. 😑

I was definitely sweating my butt off from nervousness and perhaps a titch of excitement. It was absolutely the fear of the unknown. I had no idea what to expect.

But, you know what?!!! Holly really surprised me. She did so well on the two plane rides..even FINALLY allowed herself to fall alseep. I supposed she was enjoying all the adoring eyes, my sweet little ham.

Were there any tantrums?! Ohhhhh, you bet you sweet little a*# !!! She was an angel on the first flight. Immediately after, on our way to our connecting flight in Calgary, Holly did the complete lie down and scream. Awesome.

This was one of my fears for sure, as I am sure it is for many moms. But you know, so many people just smiled and gave encouraging looks, as though to say, “yup, been there”. Hmm, that was super comforting.

And even though there were a few more meltdowns, we made it. And, better yet, did the world end?! Did I get into a first fight?! Nope!!!! This was a huge huge step for me to conquer my fears. And you know what, I am proud of myself. It has been a long time since I have said that.

Yes, I know this may not seem like a big deal, but to me…it is a huge deal! Self high five. Yahoo!!!! It is nice to know I can do these things and challenge myself I just had to do them in my own time. Of course I have the best support system in the world.

I am lucky to know I have people who will love me and give me the pushes I need! Today, I am so thankful for everyone on my life that has been there for me in these past few years. I know I have not made it easy.

Of course it was all worth it when I saw the look on my husbands face when he finally got to see his little pumpkin. Afterall, he is the one who is sacrificing himself to be away working hard for our little family.

Love love love ❤️