issue #35: I thought I knew everything about how to travel.

And then I had a baby.

I recently flew back home to Chicago with my one year old daughter for a week with the grandparents and a little break from the city. It was great! We had a beautiful time hanging as a family, running (crawling) around the yard, eating fresh raspberries, enjoying the space.

BUT. As we navigated the airport together - her in the carrier, heavy duffle packed with diapers, toys, and snacks over my shoulder - all I could think about was how much I wanted to be at an airport bar, big ass glass of shitty wine in front of me, working (read: fucking around) on my laptop, anonymously making my way from one place to another in a sea of fellow travelers.

I have traveled a lot, both in my personal life and for work, and the adjustment from being on the road constantly to hardly ever has not been the easiest for me. As many fellow parents will likely sympathize with, one of the hardest things about becoming a mother has been the necessary lack of freedom. The days of doing what I want, whenever…