Why is mom always the last one packed — doing laundry at 4 a.m. with her underwear drying on the rack? Catie’s prepping for a work trip with Ryan (and hasn’t let him pack in peace), while Danielle is gearing up for Daisy’s dance recital… where parents are expected to show up red carpet ready by 9 a.m.

We get into the mental load of leaving the house, the guilt of setting up kids’ stuff while you’re away (RIP last year’s picture day outfit), and the great debate: is first class worth it, or are we row 37 middle-seat girls forever? Plus, the business advice that says buy the business class seat and talk to everyone, why we’re learning to “delight in the delusion,” a devastating Stray Kids update, and an oracle card that may or may not have motivated Catie.

Clock back in with us — and send good vibes for the trip and the red carpet.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome back to From 9 to Mom
00:09 Catie’s pre-trip chaos (and type A spiral)
01:39 Ryan’s clothes are all over the floor
02:45 Kid prep guilt and the picture day disaster
03:44 Why moms always pack last
05:52 Daisy’s recital: parents must be red carpet ready
08:10 Turning Ryan into a bougie traveler
09:42 TSA PreCheck (do you even need it in Rochester?)
10:30 Too cheap to pay for seats: Row 37
11:44 Recliners vs. non-recliners
14:49 Airline status goals: is first class worth it?
16:18 Buy business class and talk to everyone
21:29 Oracle card pull