Takin' to the skies...

Hunter and I just returned from a huge adventure. We left the “road” part of our Road Trip and took to the air—flying from Denver, CO to Houston, TX. Not only was this Hunter’s first trip on an airplane, it was my first time to travel alone with a baby.

My good friend from college, Aimee, got married on Saturday. I knew I wanted to be there to see her and the love of her life exchange vows. I also knew that Josh and I could not afford to both go and that Hunter still only eats his momma’s milk. So I put on my brave hat and decided to be daring.

We left early Friday morning. Not only was I traveling with an infant, I insisted on avoiding all checked bag fees (I still cannot believe they charge for checked baggage—I will have none of that!) thereby forcing myself to carry my bag, my diaper bag, and my baby through the airport security, through the terminal, and on the plane. Whew! My shoulders are still pretty sore. I was so nervous when Josh dropped me off at DIA. I got a little teary, then switched to my super-determined attitude. And it really wasn’t that bad!

Renting a car and navigating Houston was its own adventure, and one I am happy to say I survived and did so quite successfully. I was so excited when I finally got to the hotel, met my friends, and was able to enjoy the weekend.

Having an infant at a wedding is never an easy task. And having an infant at a rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, bridal breakfast, wedding, and reception was quite exhausting. Combined with the lack of sleep the past few nights due to travel and teething, as well as the flight from Denver, keeping up with Hunter during all these events without the support of my husband was quite possibly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have a new respect for single parents. It is a non-stop job to be the sole caregiver. Hunter is a great baby and it was still exhausting.

During the bridal breakfast, which was at a fancy hotel with formal place settings and elegant tableware, Hunter flailed his arm quickly and unexpectedly and knocked over a glass of orange juice. Orange liquid went all over the table and into the lap of my friend, who was one of the bridesmaids. Talk about humiliation. I could have crawled under the table right that second.

Other than that, though, Hunter did great. He was mostly quiet during the wedding service and even slept through part of the very loud reception. He was quite popular at all the events. I had a blast introducing him to friends.

I experienced a lot of God’s mercy on this trip. Just at the moment I thought I was going to fold under the pressure and exhaustion, a woman offered to hold Hunter during the reception. When I was so nervous about the tiny space I had on the flight, the seat next to me (on a completely sold out flight) was left vacant. When the car rental company refused to help me carry all my stuff plus the car seat out to the car, a nice Scottish man offered to help me. When I needed a private place to feed Hunter, the valet parked my car in the front row.

It was a great weekend. I am so happy for Aimee and Garret and know that the Lord has brought them together. Weddings are such a wonderful time of celebration!