Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Scenes from an Airport (A Cautionary Tale)


As we approached the airport, I told Parker in a firm Mommy voice, “Parker, there will be times in the airport that you need to be in your stroller.”

Parker said gingerly, “Ok!”

I have dealt with Parker and airports three different times, every time I have been alone – without my husband. Although I knew deep down that everything would be alright and we would, most likely, arrive at our destination alive, the anxious pit in my stomach started to churn as we approached the airport.

My mom stopped the car at curbside check-in to drop us off, and instantly madness began. I can only describe it as a loud vacuum of chaos.

I got the stroller out, got the bags out, got Parker out, put him in the stroller. I went to the car to start wrestling with the car seat and no matter how many pulls, pushes, and determined grunts and cuss words I threw at the damn thing, I could not get the car seat out of my mom’s car. My mom stuck her head in on the other side of the car to try and help me. I looked over to check on Parker and screamed.

Parker was almost lying in the street as he had wrangled himself out of his stroller. My mom ran over to Parker and shouted, “Parker! Your mom told you there would be times you would HAVE TO stay in your stroller! This is one of those times!!!” Then, my mom looked at the US Airways men standing at the curb and said, “Somebody help my daughter!”

God only knows what these men were thinking as these shrieking, frantic women pulled up at their curbside.

Well, the dear, good curbside men got the car seat out of the car. I gave my mom a hurried hug good bye, and off she went, back to her house to probably sleep for four days.

I thanked all the men at the curbside, and apologized profusely for not having any cash for a tip (I know, I am an awful, awful person). The men graciously smiled, promised me it was ok, and waved me on, but I just know they were thinking, "Woman, go. Get the hell off our curb."

I did a deep, cleansing breath and pushed Parker (in his freakin stroller) into the airport. Little did I know, strife and danger had only just begun…

To be continued…(The next post to continue this story will make you feel like a better mom. I promise.)

14 comments:

Jen said...

Ooo, where is this going to go? Can't wait for the next installment.

Babes Mami said...

I can't wait to hear all about how you make me look like a good mama!

Tammy said...

Thanks for stopping by today and praying for Charley's family today. Such a tough day for all of us as moms. I have been one of your followers for awhile now, thanks for stopping by and following me today!

Ca88andra said...

Thank goodness my boys weren't alone in trying to get out of any restraint!

KNB said...

I've given you a Blog with Substance award. please stop by my blog and pick it up!

Young Wife said...

Oh, my! Traveling is so stressful. Glad you got some help.

Oddyoddyo13 said...

Yikes. Thank goodness you made it back alive.

Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea said...

Yes! We went to Disney this past May with our 5 year old and almost 2 year old. Tough and stressful. I was astonished that the people around me were so kind and others so unkind. Had it been that long since their kids were little or since they were? Great blog!
www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com

Stephanie in Suburbia said...

Oh no! Okay, I've been dreading a post like this because I am flying with Wee Burb for the first time in August. My mom is flying out with me, but it is just her and me on the way home. Me, a 9-month old, in an airport. I think I may just stick her in the Baby Bjorn after reading your stroller incident. And I'll make sure to pack cash for ANYONE willing to help me with anything, at that point. Or to tip the bartender at the terminal bar :)

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

I'm dying laughing. I can't wait to hear the rest. Why do we travel with kids???


Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Megan said...

Yikes! This totally sounds like something that would happen to me. Can't wait for the next installment!!!

Mrs Woog said...

when when when when when ..........

kathryn said...

Ah, yes. The wiggling down, down, down until we've slid butt-first onto the curb...as the stroller slides slowly backward in their wake.

I remember that now....good times.

But definitely NOT at a busy airport...I'm thinking it's okay when we're at the park.

But hey...it happens. If Parker wants out, Parker's getting OUT!

Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud said...

Oh boy! You're not alone. Trust me. I've flown with all four of my children. By myself. From the Eastern half of the country to Hawaii. Did I mention that I did it by myself? Oh yeah... I've done it multiple times. Your description of the hell that takes place the minute you step out of the car at the airport is unbelievably accurate! lol I'm with you sister! Can't wait to read part two. Off to do that now...

Kristi, Live and Love...Out Loud
@TweetingMama