I had my very first 100% solo week. Ok, that's not true. I've done solo. What I hadn't done yet was solo traveling. If you don't think there's a difference, think again.
Anyway, I flew to LA on the direct flight (life saver) and my friends fiancé picked us up (this guy is gem). He took us to their condo, which is awesome. Do you want to know how you know that you have an amazing bestie? You show up at her and her fiances place and not only have they entirely baby proofed their apartment for the comfort and safety of your daughter (I'm talking cabinet locks, baby gates AND outlet plugs), but they have dairy free gluten free cupcakes. But really. These two really made the trip so much easier for me.
Having said that, there were still some complicated moments. Solo traveling includes some items you may not (or at least I didn't) consider. For example...
1. Since our daughter is still flying in my lap, this means less lap space because I am only one lap.
2. As far as airports are concerned, this also means that I, and I alone, must haul my suitcase (nailed in with a single carry on this trip), the car seat, a stroller (don't even suggest traveling without one when your child can walk, ie run away from you) and my diaper bag/purse (in my case two separate bags), through an airport, onto a shuttle, and successfully through the car rental situation. Oh. I forgot to mention the kid. I also had to transport the kid with all this stuff.
3. Putting the baby to bed in an actual bed, without a monitor (next time I will remember both parts) is much harder than doing it in their crib.
So those are just the very minor items. Now, Ev and I had the best time. Really. I absolutely loved traveling and having solo time with my little girl. She is the most awesome human and so it was really great.
The hardest thing I had an issue with was, how do I open the stroller to put her in it, in order to prevent the escaping baby when I need both hands to do it. Nothing, I repeat, nothing, for mother should require two hands. What a stupid concept.
Anyway, for the most part, it was entirely awesome. The things I learned and will address shortly in future posts are:
1. Going to a trade show with a very smart and very active 14 month old does not work. Especially when she learns how to get out of her stroller on that very day.
2. When your parent offers to travel with you for work or convenience, say yes. Regardless of the preconceived notion you have of how that is going to go, don't be an idiot. Take the help.
3. At some point, you are going to understand why things change between you and a large portion of your unmarried/unbabied friends.
4. When you get to that point, you will also realize that you don't care if all of a sudden you get labeled under the "Oh, she has a baby" tag. Damn straight I have a baby, and my general happiness revolves around that baby, so if you can't adapt to my schedule, well... Sorry I'm not sorry. One day, when you have a kid, you will understand.
5. I love my mommy and daddy friends!! I always preferred to stay in anyway, and now, guess what?! So do they. The option to pick up lunch and hang out in a home where there are baby toys is AWESOME. Again, when the non-parents have kids, they will understand.
6. I am so so so thankful for my friends who don't have kids but adore mine AND understand my new schedule/hang out preferences. These things don't always go hand in hand, and while I love all my friends, I especially appreciate the ones that may not entirely get it, but who are entirely on board with the change.
So it was a week of lessons and eye openers. I had a great time and not once did I regret traveling alone because I love my special time with my daughter. Having said that, you learn from everything and I definitely learned from my first solo trip. I'm sure I will keep learning as I have been every single day, but I sure am enjoying the ride!