flying

[makena_smiles]

Yikes!  I was looking for tips for flying with an infant.  I came upon a page with lots of different comments to various questions.  There was one that made me feel just awful, though.  And it must be from someone who does not have children, or at very least has never traveled with them.  Anyway, it made me feel like anyone who actually takes their child on a trip with them is just an inconsiderate, rude jerk.  She said parents should buy their kids a seat.  Um... trust me, if I had $500 to burn... I STILL wouldn't buy her a seat.  She doesn't need her own seat.  She'd spend most of the trip in my lap anyway.  And this woman  went on this big thing about parents changing their kids in the seat instead of the bathroom.  I barely fit in there by myself!!  Let alone with a baby.  And if there's no changing table there's NO way I'm putting her on the toilet lid to change her.  Yuck.  Now I feel all nervous.  Like everyone who sees us getting on the airplane will hate us on sight.  Oh!  another person said as soon as she gets on the plane she offers to buy a glass of wine for all the people sitting around her (behind, in front and beside).  WHAT!!!???  That's like $50 in drinks!  Screw that!  I don't need to apologize for having a child!  And I don't need to apologize for taking her places.  Now I feel all anxious and insecure.  We are very careful about trying to be considerate, but when it comes down to it we have a baby.  She will act like a baby.  And make noise like a baby.  And sometimes there is nothing a parent can do, no matter how much they try or how well-meaning they are.  Oh man...  Damn you internets.  I just want to relax and have a good time.  All you power travelers will just have to suck it up and deal with those of us who go places as a family.  We do are best, but no one is perfect.  And if you don't like children... well, suck it.

(btw, feeling somewhat better now, but still kind of icky about some of those comments.  I just hate mean people)