Monday, July 14, 2008

And Away We Go

As much as I've been looking forward to going home to Detroit to visit my family, I'm dreading the actual traveling by myself with a toddler part of it. I can deal with the tantrums, the gear, and the complete ineptness of the TSA folks. What I'm a bit worried about is that this will be our first trip with Christian's CI. While it does present itself with a FABULOUS language opportunity, carrying on our extra processor is stressing me out. I have it hermetically sealed in a Foodsaver Bag, inside of a case, in an inside pocket of my carry-on. I've ensured that it can't be corrupted by Graham Crackers, Lipgloss, Juice Boxes, or whatever else is floating around my bag. I'm still worried about it. I mean, it costs more than our car. Seriously.

And, I can't help but be worried about going through security BY MYSELF, with a squirmy little toddler who has a piece of metal in his head that may set-off the detectors. He'll be hand-wanded, with the processor off...and here I thought that the TSA folks making a toddler take his shoes off was crazy.

Luckily, despite all the new things that we have to deal with on this trip, Christian is a seasoned traveler, with more than a dozen trips to his name. I know he'll be ok. I have cars, and books, and Annie's Cheddar Bunnies. We'll be using the CARES Harness on the way out, and hopefully it works.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi there!

It's understandable that you're concerned about Christian going through the metal detectors as my mother was concerned about it when when I was growing up. There is actually no issues with going through the metal detectors. I wrote a blog entry a few months ago about going through the metal detectors. So, you might want to check it out - http://cochlearimplantonline.com/blog/?p=134

Bon voyage!

Mom to Toes said...

You'll do fine! :)

Just so you know... they cannot require you to remove his processor for screening. It is a prosthetic device. They wouldn't have an amputee remove a leg or an arm to go through. The same holds true for Christian.

We've flown with Toes several times. The first time we did the whole pat down and wand thing. After that, I just carried her through the metal detector in my arms with no problem at all.

Just thought I'd send you off with some unsolicited advice. ;)

Have a great trip!

tammy said...

Good luck on your trip! It's always something else traveling alone with a toddler! All of my kids are seasoned travelers too and I used to stress about getting through security, to the plane on time, the kids fighting or crying, etc. This past trip though was different ... I just didn't stress. Maybe with age comes patience. I used to pray for it all the time and God's provided more than enough scenarios to test it, so now I just pray we get there safely! : ) Hope you have a fun and safe trip!

Christian and Lily's Mommy said...

Ladies-I knew I'd get some super knowledgeable folks on here calming my fears! Rachel, thanks so much for the link! W-Thank you for the clarification regarding the processor!

Cagey (Kelli Oliver George) said...

Can you let us know what you think of the CARES system? I am considering purchasing one and would love to know what you think.

Good luck traveling - it is always dicey with kids. I am heading out to BlogHer this week with my one year old, who has never been on a plane. Furthermore, unlike my son, she is not much of a lap-sitter. I am nervous. Yes, I am.

leah said...

I flew with Matt (who had no expensive devices on his person) at 15 months of age- it was a challenge but we all made it through the flight! I think he played with the plane's barf bag more than anything else, lol. I kept hiding toys in it and he would look for them.