Next week, I will take my first business trip in almost five months. That is a long time for a Road Warrior to be grounded! I am looking forward to getting going again, but apprehensive about a few things too. Will it feel weird to be back in action? Will I remember to pack everything? What about changes in airport security or my airline? (Plus I know I’ll miss my baby, but knowing he is in good hands at home with Daddy eases my mind.) Here is how I plan to prepare for the trip:
Read my blog. Whenever I review my blog, I am surprised by how much I’ve written. There is a lot of helpful stuff in here, if I do say so myself, and I need to go back and read some of it. Especially the security and packing tips!
Make a list. Before I pack, I am going to make a very detailed packing list—way more so than usual. It would be super lame to get to my destination and not have something critical, like my computer, work files, contact solution, etc.
Give myself extra time. In the past I’ve gotten the whole getting-to-the-airport thing down to an exact science—it used to take me 27-30 minutes to drive to the airport, park my car, ride the shuttle to the terminal, and go through security. For this first trip, I’m going to give myself a time cushion just in case I can’t do things as quickly as I think I should.
Figure out the “new mom” stuff. There are a specific travel issues that go along with being a new mom—pumping on the road and transporting breast milk, for starters. Not to mention figuring out how to minimize disruptions for the Mini Warrior at home, and dealing with my own sad feelings to be away from him. (Look for a post on this subject next week.)
So, Readers, that’s my plan. Any suggestions for stuff I missed?
So excited for you. You will be sad, but it is a great feeling to be back in the “real world” for a little bit. You can sleep without interruption, have a glass of wine, and eat dinner without the risk of anyone crying. 😉
Do some Skype/Facebook with the mini me. At a few months old it is mostly one-way communication, but it is a good habit to get into.
TSA is clueless about breast pumps and pumped milk. Hopefully it will go well, but be ready for anything.
Last piece of advice is to be ready to give your home warrior a break when you get home. Try to get as much rest as you can on your trip b/c he will probably be pooped when you return. 😉
All of the above, plus, make sure you bring pictures of him with you.
This is your first time to have a few nights to yourself and not have mommy responsibilities. So bring something special to pamper yourself with – a magazine because you probably never get to read any more, scented bubble bath because you probably never…, you get the point. Also, enjoy eating your dinner when it’s still hot!
Also, be prepared. When your child is an infant it doesn’t matter if you’re away for 2 nights or 10, when you see him again you will notice huge changes. That’s OK.
I agree with the others! One other thing, and it may sound weird, but I often bring a pair of pj’s or something my son has worn. It just offers me comfort when I’m away!
I think you are also going to have to remember to relax. Sounds like you are in panic mode already. Enjoy the town you are in, and sniff the roses … Good luck!
Exciting! Have a fabulous trip!
I may have been the “weird” one out on this topic – I could not wait for my first business trip away from mini me. I took full advantage of it by … sleeping!
Don’t forget that your idea of comfortable clothing may have changed post-pregnancy, so make sure your flight/work clothes are still doing it for you – before you get on the plane.
good luck!!! and enjoy the sleep (even if you do decide to get up and pump throughout the night to keep up supply/stay comfortable). let us know how your trip went.