This weekend, the hubs, Abbers and myself will be taking a little trip “up nort” to a family member’s wedding. We’ll be staying in a hotel for the first time with our little firecracker. I’m nervous, but it’s only one night, and if she hates the hotel’s crib she can always crash with us in our bed. Assuming we got a king. And a ice bucket full of sleeping pills. (FOR ME, jerks. I wouldn’t give any to her. She wouldn’t need it if I can’t hear her through the Ambien haze.)

Anyway, any fear I originally had for this weekend is being grossly overshadowed by what will be happening in roughly 2 weeks. We’re taking her highness (and ourselves) on a plane to the land of Rice o Roni.

I keep trying to think about all the crap we need to get/buy/do/plan for to make this flight land safely and not with me on a stretcher in a 4 alarm panic attack. Luckily we’ll be staying with my Uncle & his family (including 4 year old twin boys and an older brother she’s never met), so many items we’d need they’ll be able to supply. But we’re planning on renting a car. Do we just rent a car seat? Bring ours with? If we do, do we check it in? Or check it at the gate? Do we bother bringing juice boxes for her only to be accosted at security for bringing liquids? Do I shave my head now to avoid pulling my hair out when she cries incessantly on the flight? WHAT DO I DO? WHAT DO I DOOOOO?!?!

great, now I made her cry.

Yes, this is a cry for help. I’m looking for any and all advice about traveling with a toddler. Please and thank you.