As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

Too many freaking issues.

This wedding we're invited to is at a BAD time with DH's work. He has to work at least til Friday afternoon, and the wedding is Saturday. We were going to leave together Friday afternoon...

Now my family is leaving a day earlier. DH would be more than fine with me flying with them, and he goes alone. On top of that, he has to come back earlier than everyone.

If we do it that way, if I wanted to fly back home with him it becomes an issue. That would mean two cars in two different places. He would want to fly out of Newark (we live in NJ), my family is leaving from JFK. So I would naturally have to drive to my mom's to go with them. Then, if we fly back together, we fly into Newark, get in his car and drive back to LI to get mine?????

UGGGHH.

So my question is- would you fly across country without your DH if you had your toddler with you? I will have my 2 sisters, my mom, my nieces (built-in babysitters ). I could also choose to stay longer and not go home with him and enjoy the rest of the trip.

WWYD??? They are forcing me to make a decision and I'm too stressed about a million other things to make a rational decision here. Flying with her is stressing me out enough as it is....

Sorry I'm so long winded...just very frustrated and I don't need this extra stress in my life right now!!

TIA!!

Message edited 5/12/2011 9:48:07 AM.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I'd go with your fam a day earlier and let DH come the next day. Can you get a ride to JFK or can a fam member pick you up? Or can DH get a ride to Newark? This way when you fly home together you just have 1 car.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

Hmm, that is an idea, thanks Jess. Well, he'd be going to the airport from work, I would think. He's a lot closer to it that way.

And on top of that, the day my family is flying out is our fourth anniversary!!!! UGGGH I hate this trip. I have too much on my mind to worry about this!!!!

All for a THIRD marriage (her third, his second)!!!!!!!! Two people in their sixties and my DD and my nieces are in the bridal party! INSANITY!!!!!

Message edited 5/12/2011 9:50:12 AM.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

The other thought we had would be to have DH's return flight go to JFK, but that means changing airlines for him which would probably be expensive.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

b/c you have other people that are able to help you, then yes I would...

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I would go and let DH stay home.

Why pay all of the $$ and suffer all of the stress, ya know? You'll have tons of help with your mom and sisters. That's what I would do.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I've flown alone with the kids so I am okay with that (though I wouldn't do it with 2 at this point, I would do it with 1).

As long as you have lots of family at your destination, I would be okay going to the wedding without DH and just let him stay home.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I agree - if you have lots of help and it's a stressful time for DH, let him stay home. If that's not an option, I would drive to my mom's and fly with them. And see if DH can get a ride to Newark. Does he work in NYC or NJ?

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I would go wtihout DH - I think it's better to take a longer trip with more people around to help.

Are you flying JetBlue? They are great with toddlers on long flights.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I flew to Las Vegas to meet DH alone with DS when he was 18 months. It was fine.

If you are also going to have your family with you, I would go the day earlier and not stress as much about making it on time for the wedding.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I would prob have my DH drop me off the night before....at your parents, sleep over and leave the next morning to the airport with them to enjoy the vacation more and for more help! This way you dont have a car with you in NY and have to worry about it when you get back!

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

I have flown solo with 3 kids, strollers, bags, car seats, etc. no family, no nother.. from TX to NY several times..

is it fun? no, but you just do it and get through it..

don't stress yourself out.. just go rearrange it and go with your fam if you have to.

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

Thanks everyone!

I think I might fly out with the family that Thursday, just to give Riley that extra day to adjust to the time change so that she is somewhat herself to be a flower girl at the wedding on Saturday. I also want us to get to really enjoy the time there, instead of feel rushed.

I was able to persuade DH to stay an extra day, so that we're there Thurs-Thurs (he'll be there Fri-Thurs).

I just feel bad leaving without him, especially on our anniversary. He'll leave his car at work, take a car service to Newark, and fly back to JFK with us.

I must say I'm not looking forward to the traveling aspect of it...but like our road trip to SC back in February, it will probably all end up fine.

I was thinking about the moms who do it alone- there must be a lot of them out there!! It's amazing how we just make things work. Thanks again everyone!

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

if i can help in any way T - i will. If you want, i can drive you to your parents in NY...or even just drive you to JFK - this way you don't have to worry about the car thing...

both trips, one trip - whatever you need!!!

Re: As if flying to the west coast with a toddler isn't stressful enough...

you're so sweet Jess, thanks!