As Jason can attest, I have been dreading these flights since the second I clicked the mouse to buy the tickets. I couldn't wait to take Charlie to Texas for the first time, but was convinced that the flights were going to be a nightmare. After a quick hop to Atlanta, we had an almost 3 hour flight across to El Paso -- and as all the pictures prove, Charlie is not big on sitting still these days.
After all of the worry, over-analysis and general annoying-ness, I humbly admit that I underestimated both my son and the power of an empty plastic cup. Charlie loved crawling around the airport before the first flight and curiously observed all the other travellers as we boarded and waited to take off. Once we were airborne, he was content to treat the couple behind us to a rousing game of peek-a-boo and play with an empty cup provided by the flight attendant. We made it to Atlanta unscathed, and I thanked God that at least part of the trip had gone well.
Our flight for El Paso left around 7 PM, so Charlie had a quick dinner on the plane then after a few minutes of fussing (nothing like the hour plus of howling from the child 2 rows ahead), he fell asleep and didn't wake up until we were almost to the luggage carousel! We'd made it!
We all had a fabulous time in Texas with my mom, dad, sister and her fiance, Bill. I can't remember a lazier (or more relaxing!) weekend -- of course my jeans don't fit right now, due to an overabundance of homemade chocolate chip cookies, but it was well worth it!
Charlie had his first visit to the playground, and he is definitely a fan. We're going to have to start looking into some sort of swingset, since our neighborhood's idea of a playground is 2 swings. He also adored playing with Aunt Angie's chihuahua, Wiley. I think he may have gone into withdrawal if he'd had to survive all weekend with no dogs!
The highlight of the weekend may have been the two stairs from the game room to the kitchen. Charlie took it upon himself to master the obstacle and even worked his way up to the three stairs that lead down into the family room. The best part is watching him lay on his tummy and start scooting backwards 5 feet away from the steps. I'm not sure what he's going to think of the less scoot-friendly carpet here at home.
Despite the lessons learned on the trip out, I was a worried mess again yesterday. This time the long flight was first -- and in the middle of the day! I still had an arsenal of toys and enough snacks to satisfy a preschool class, but I was in full dread. Again, Charlie played and flirted at the gate -- and as an answer to worried prayers, our seats were unexpectedly changed to the bulkhead! Charlie had a full 4 foot by 6 foot play area for the entire flight! He loved it!
After an hour nap following takeoff, we played with some toys, scarfed down some blueberries and landed in Atlanta 3 hours later, none the worse for wear. By now I was getting confident! We had a relaxed dinner in Atlanta we even shared Charlie's first icecream cone -- he's a fan (though other travelers seemed to think we were insane). The short flight to Charleston started out a bit rougher, but after 10 minutes of restlessness (still no wailing), Charlie zonked and slept until the seatbelt light dinged.
I realize that this all may seem like a small success to some, but the anticipation of torturing 4 planes full of strangers with a screaming baby and worse, of not being able to console a little man who just wanted to get up an crawl around, had me almost in tears last week. I am so grateful to and proud of Charlie -- and me and Jason. We definitely believe that the keys to our blissful travel were plenty of snacks, some brand new (and inventive) toys and frantic prayer! Now we just have to duplicate the effort come May...
Ready to go...
First Bubble Bath
Tough guy...
Chuga-chuga-choo-choo!
Playing with Aunt Angie
Love for Grandma!
Meeting Wylie
Perfect teether
Saying Goodbye to Grandpa
The power of a baby
Celebratory Ice Cream Cone!
What a weekend!
