Page 15

Kelsey

S am’s assistant, Monica Drew, called first thing the following day to help me book my flight and plan the logistics of traveling with an infant.

I would fly out first thing on Wednesday morning and return mid-day on Friday.

She booked me a one-bedroom suite in the same hotel where Sam and the team stayed.

I would have a car service to and from the airport and the game, and this would solve my issue with Crew’s car seat.

This had been a major concern, and she had solved it in less than five minutes.

“Will a pack-n-play work?” she asked.

“He’s still in a bassinet. I’m not sure if he’ll sleep in something so big.” I had just stopped swaddling him at night, and he still seemed to prefer smaller spaces.

“Ok, we’ll see if we can find a portable bassinet. Also, some mothers prefer to have separate seats for their infants on airplanes. If you decide to do that, he has to be in the seat for take-off and landing.”

“I can hold him on my lap. He likes to be in his carrier.” I had read that many infants cry because their ears hurt but that if I breastfed during both takeoff and landing, it would help him. I would hate for him to be stuck in a seat and in pain.

“Also, Avery Martino will be traveling at the same time. Sam mentioned you two met the other night. Would you like to sit with her? If it’s okay with you, you can even ride in the same car service.

She’s a pro when it comes to infant travel.

Her kids will stay behind this time, but she’d be a huge help. ”

“Uh, I don’t want to impose.”

“You’ll see quickly that there are supportive wives and others that will find joy in your struggles. Avery is one of the good ones. When she was new, they gave her a hard time. She vowed to do what she could to welcome the new wives and girlfriends.”

“Oh, I’m not a wife or a girlfriend.”

“Okay,” she answered skeptically. Either way, Sam asked that I ensure you have everything you need to make this an easy trip. For this trip, please text or email me a copy of any receipts. If I have a week before the next trip, I can set you up with a credit card.”

“Oh, I don’t think there will be a next trip,” Monica said confidently.

“I’ve never seen Sam this attentive. There’ll be a next time.”

After hanging up with Monica, I made a list of everything I would need to bring for the Crew.

I pre-packed diapers, wipes, and plenty of clothes.

Monica had assured me that I would have a washing machine and dryer in my suite should I need to do laundry.

This was reassuring, as Crew was known to have occasional blowouts.

If I couldn’t wash his clothes immediately, they would be trashed.

My phone dinged with a text message:

Sam: Monica said you’re all booked. I’ll be at the field on Wednesday afternoon when you land. Do you have any plans to do anything that evening?

Me: I thought I’d check out the Mall of America for dinner and return to the hotel early.

Sam: Are you flying back on Friday?

Me: Yes, late Friday afternoon…

Sam: Whatever you need while you’re there, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Me: Monica helped a LOT. I won’t need to worry about much while I’m there.

Sam: She’ll also have basic staples delivered to your suite. If she hasn’t asked, send her what you like for snacks and beverages.

Me: Oh. Do you do anything for yourself?

Shit, Kelsey, that sounded rude.

Me: That’s not how I meant it.

Me: I just meant that Monica takes care of so much.

Sam: It’s okay. I travel a lot, and I need to focus on the game. She handles these things so I can get my luggage, eat properly, and make it to the game on time. Travel, especially between time zones, can throw your body off. The team handles a lot of the arrangements, but Monica fills in the gaps.

Me: Thank you for everything. I’m feeling a lot less nervous after talking to her.

Sam: No, thank you. I am pulling both of you out of your routine. This is nothing.