When we adopted The Boy I couldn’t bear to travel with the baby equipment.
What if it didn’t work out?
It was more than I could think about it.
So I traveled with nothing and had it all shipped once he was officially ours.
But this time it was different.
The Girl’s early arrival threw every one for a loop and thanks to the flexibility of the airlines – the papers were signed before we got to Texas.
So I traveled with everything….
Including an empty car seat and stroller.
First stop in our “Texas Adventure” as The Boy called it was check in at the airport.
It will probably come as no surprise that my luggage exceeded the weight limit.
Now there are two reasons for this:
a) It’s me we’re talking about
b) When you travel with children you have limited hands so you really do need to cram as much into a suitcase as humanly possible.
Before the man at curbside check in opened his mouth, I volunteered “Sir, please forgive me for this luggage. I am certain that we have exceeded all of your weight limits. So just charge me what you need to. You see we are on our way to adopt our baby girl!” Clearly I was beaming.
Kipp was of course mortified at my wordy explanation and just wanted to pay the fees and be done with it.
But I was hoping for kindness.
And kindness is exactly what I got.
“So you’re a big brother now?” The guy said to Jake.
“Yes. We’re going to adopt my baby sister.” He said while jumping up and down.
The guy smiled.
“No extra charge today m’am. Have a safe trip and congratulations.”
I expected kindness, what I got was the Magic of adoption.
Even I was surprised.
It had already started.
Next stop was security and as we passed the first check person she peered in the stroller and said “Who do we have here?”
“Oh. It’s empty.” I said with a smile. “We’re on our way to adopt our baby girl.”
“Oh… then don’t stand in that line. Here come with me. A baby girl…..now that’s exciting.” And she took my arm.
She took us to the front.
I turned around to shoot Kipp a smile and he just laughed…..I know I sometimes drive him crazy because I talk to everyone…. but he wasn’t going to start complaining now. He was thrilled to skip the line.
Everyone wanted to help us……
Which after a two and a half year up hill battle to adopt this baby was a pleasant turn of events.
And as I finally settled into my seat on the plane it was as if I could feel The Girl in my arms.
I was almost there.
Almost.
Love much,
xob