“Those Parents” take 2

Thank you to the passenger on the Enterprise bus who smiled warmly at my tantruming toddler and handed him a sticker with a train on it.

Thank you to the Enterprise bus driver who was so kind and helpful with our bags and stroller and who, after we began to profusely apologize for forgetting to replenish the cash in our wallets for tipping, stopped us mid apology and insisted that we not worry about it, then pointed out the free SmarteCarte next to the curb to use in the airport.

Thank you to all the people in the security line who gave us knowing “we’ve so been there” looks and who were so incredibly patient as we loaded our 10 million plastic bins onto the security belt.

Thank you to the girls behind us in line who played peek a boo with my flirting son long enough for me to get both of our shoes off.

Thank you to the man at the table next to us in Chipotle who acknowledged how good Kendall was being at dinner. And, when Kendall began screeching moments later just to prove this man wrong, he simply smiled and said he “understood”.

Thank you to the wonderfully kind and helpful American Airlines gate agent who not only hooked us up with an extra seat, but also took our carseat, which we had intended to gate check, and installed it in a window seat for us before we even boarded.

Thank you to the man seated in the row in front of us who greeted us with a smile and turned to talk to Kendall. He was so understanding, even when Kendall, desperate to fight off sleep, slammed his feet into the back of his chair and screamed minutes before finally drifting off.

Our flight earlier this week was pretty nightmarish, but the flight home was so much better. Partly, I think it was because of the timing. We were scheduled to fly out at 7 p.m. but were delayed and didn’t leave until 8:30, well past Kendall’s bedtime.  It wasn’t a full flight, allowing us the luxury of an extra seat for Kendall, which also made a big difference. But, I really think one of the best things about our flight home, from beginning to end, was the people we encountered. It was such a 180 from our flight at the beginning of the week.

Granted, we are still hoping they locate one of our bags, which seems to have been the victim of mistaken identity at baggage claim before we could get there, and the stroller we gate checked at Dulles didn’t make it on the plane, but luggage was the least of my worries. Kendall slept 90% of the flight and the whole experience was about 90% less stressful.

Kendall is quickly approaching 18 months old

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50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Moms Pregnancy Guide
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