traveling pregnant.

Tanks and Jeans: Forever 21, Sunnies: Asos, Purse: Vintage D&B, Shoes: Target (old)

Traveling while pregnant is almost always a terrible idea.

Starting with the packing. 

All I wanna throw in that bag are stretchy pants, big socks, and a long tee. I know I shouldn't though, because I'll have a meltdown at my destination when I realize I "didn't bring anything to wear". And those unforgiving cotton items will only lower my self esteem when looking in the mirror (or worse--in pictures)!

So then I over pack and my only-pack-what-you-can-carry motto is thrown out the window along with my hefty suitcase that I have to check (and pay a fee for) and can't even lift onto the scale.

At least I don't have the burden of crossing my fingers through security hoping the TSA won't spot my hidden stash of liquids. 

Nope, no fingers crossed here since I'm too busy stripping down to my last layer of those unforgiving cotton items I mentioned above.

I step into the body scanner that the TSA lady says is "supposedly pregnancy safe" but it's up to me. 

With minor uncertainty I place my feet on the yellow footprints and place my hands above my head. The man tells me not to move, but I smile. 

I wait for my clothes to come out of the little thing I don't know the name of, all the while feeling nakey in my camisole and bare feet. 

Luckily I wore my hair down today, I think to myself.

Somehow I feel less exposed with my rapidly growing hair covering part of my shoulders.

I reach for my things as they slide down the conveyer belt and spend the next 20 minutes redressing myself. 

The worst part is getting my shoes back on-- without husband's help this time.

I feel like I'm gonna pop.

I rummage in my purse to find a stick of gum and realize I packed the empty pack instead of the full pack when I was cleaning out my purse earlier in the day. 

I spend $2.49 on a new one.

I take a bathroom break and, of course, walk into the stall that smells the worst.

I dry heave, but keep it together thanks to my fresh stick of spearmint gum.

I can barely get the door closed once I'm fully inside, but I manage.

I wait and people watch at my gate.

They make the first call for boarding and that's my queue to hit the bathroom one more time.

I arrive back at my gate during the call for express boarding.

That's me! 

Thanks to my XL suitcase that I had to check, I have only my purse with me and walk right down the airway and am greeted by a stewardess that makes eye contact only with my belly.

Her smile turns into an anxious placement of the eyebrows and she says, "You're not anywhere near 9 months, are you? Because I am not trained in that area!" 

I assure her that I am only 5 months and I walk on.

Everyone looks at my belly... probably wondering how I can fit down such a narrow aisle way.

I sit down and only one old gentleman sits next to me. But the seat between us is empty! Hooray! 

I'm concerned about the germs on the seatbelt, the tray table, and the floor but get distracted by baby kicks inside me. I try to record it on my phone since I can see movement from the outside, but he stops kicking and all that's been recorded is a voice on the intercom saying "At this time we'd like you to turn off all electronic devices as we prepare for takeoff."

Dizzang. 

I sit still until my back hurts and then I just start squirming.

We finally land and everyone is taking forever to get off the aircraft. 

I'm overheating.

On my way out the other stewardess smiles at my belly and says "Good luck to you!"

Even though she's not looking at me, I still say thanks.

Not all aspects of traveling pregnant are awful though. 

One man insisted I cut his family in the security line.

And I did get a lot of smiles throughout the day!

The moment I get back to Portland we will be driving six hours to Spokane.

I will let you know if there are anymore experiences to add to this list after a road trips.

I am anticipating many snacks and potty breaks : )