Homeward Bound: Our Trip To The Mothership
Sweet-Pea,
Your father and I get so excited about introducing you to new things. You are learning so fast these days its amazing and scary all the same. There are still days that I want you to stay my baby forever, and yet I look forward to the days we could sit at the dinner table and have a real conversation. I’d want to tell you how much we love and adore you and how grateful we are for every new adventure you take us on and explain to you how much you’ve blessed our lives. We want to teach you how to be strong and help you find your own way through this crazy and beautiful life, and your toddler determination has already proven to be an unstoppable force. We hold your hands and keep you safe, but you truly love to do things on your own, knowing that we are one step behind you keeping you out of harms way. Little by little you are repeating words, singing songs and watching you soak everything up has been our greatest joy. You are learning so much baby girl and we are doing our best to keep up with you. I realize now that with everything that goes on in our lives we have managed to overlook how much you are teaching us and how much we have yet to learn from a little, crazy-haired, chunker like you.
Today you taught me to slow down and take a breath. Today you saved me. You eased my anxiety, and showed me bits and pieces of your beautiful, growing personality. You smiled and greeted strangers. You listened. You laughed. You were curious, and playful. You were unafraid. You were kind. You were brave. You were everything that Mommy needed you to be today. For weeks I have been planning, scheduling, and gathering everything possible to make our trip easy and comfortable, and I was prepared for absolutely anything. With your Abuela’s help we had literally thought of everything we could have needed and wanted for our ten day stay in Charlotte. Your Abuela, working tirelessly creating a surprise bedroom for you, and Mommy masterfully packing both you and I in ONE suitcase, not leaving out a single detail. However, no matter how prepared you are or how well planned your day is, you never know how a toddler is going to react to their very first plane ride. The close proximity of hundreds of strangers, the loud cabin noises of an airplane or the fact that you had to sit on Mommy’s and Daddy’s lap for an hour and fifteen minutes were only a few of the small hurdles we faced today. Thankfully with the travel experience of both your Daddy and I we passed through airport security like professionals, and you waved and smiled at all of the TSA agents. You loved walking and strolling through the airport gates, and curiously checked out all of your new surroundings. You were patient and grateful about picking out your first travel sized, stuffed toy to hold and cuddle. You were so happy baby girl. We were so happy.
It isn’t that Mommy didn’t have faith in you before, Mommy is just a nervous nelly. I was so anxious about our trip and how you were going to behave and feel on the plane. Some little girls and boys your age don’t know how to handle the cabin pressure, their ears popping, and the light turbulence. It can be a very scary thing for some, but you my dear handled things like a chunky, smiley little pro. We were so proud of you. We read books, we looked out the window, we ate snacks, and you flirted with the flight attendants. You also played a little peek-a-boo with the couple sitting behind us through the spaces of the seats, and giggled and laughed with the man sitting on the neighboring isle. He smiled and laughed with you and your Daddy and I were so grateful for that. This may have been beginners luck or a complete fluke, but we will take it! We have so many fun filled adventures planned for your stay in our favorite city, and we were able to get past the hardest part with grace and ease. Thank you for being such a wonderful little traveler, we can’t wait to show you our home, and share you with our family and friends.
Your adoring Mother,
Melvi
