JAWS First Flight

Yesterday James and I flew from Grand Rapids to San Diego for the National Youth Workers Convention and for a visit with Opa, Lola, and Aunt Malia. I'll admit to being more than a little nervous about flying with a baby, especially on my own. Turns out, I didn't need to worry, James is an excellent flyer! Tim dropped us off at the airport at 6:30 for our 8:15 flight. I thought it would be good to have extra time to go through security and get his diaper changed. The woman at the check in counter was nice, but said I didn't actually need his birth certificate - that's just for international flights. Not sure how I feel about that. I don't like the idea that anyone could just take a baby on a flight, even in country, without them making certain the child is actually yours. At security, the guard was wonderfully helpful, he even put stuff in bins for me, pulled out my laptop, and folded up my stroller. We got on the plane last - intentionally, and found ourselves sitting next to some great people. James made them laugh with his antics. He kept peeking through the seats in front of us, eavesdropping on those people's conversations, he did his usual jumping up and down, and he tried repeatedly to steal the girl next to us' bright blue pillow. Not once did he fuss or cry on that plane. As we were taxiing into the gate he fell asleep (great timing buddy).

On the plane from Grand Rapids to Chicago

After getting off in Chicago we had to run to our next plane since it was already in the boarding process (not easy to do with a baby, bags, and a stroller that is meant for strolling not running). When we got to the gate the line was still long so I took the time to change his diaper - and was the last one on the plane yet again. This time the plane was much bigger and had a lot more people on it. James fell asleep about a half hour into the 3.5 hour flight. He slept for about 1.5 hours and after he woke up I fed him some yogurt - note to self, next time bring Tim along just for the feeding! He got restless with about a half hour to go so I stood up and bounced him. He laughed, made eye contact at people, smiled at them, and entertained them the whole time we were bouncing. He jabbered away at them and made a ton of "friends". I'm thinking this social personality is a trait he gets from his father...

We got off the plane in Phoenix only to find out we had to switch terminals by going outside the airport, catching a bus for a 5 minute ride to the last terminal, and then had to go through security again. This time security wasn't very helpful. They even tested his bottle and then had the nerve to look upset that I was holding up the line... I wondered if they ever had to go through security with an infant on their own. This is what it involves: take out baby food and declare it, take out the bag of 3oz liquid/gel items (diaper cream, orajel, tylenol, etc.), take out the laptop, take everything out of your pockets, take off your belt and jacket, take off your shoes, take your baby out of the stroller, fold it up and put it on the belt one handed, and then you have to put it all back together again. Of course I was holding up the line! I officially have a strong hate on for the Phoenix airport. If I have a choice, I'm never flying through there again.

The last flight was even smaller than the first. We ended up sitting in front of people from our previous plane, and one woman was actually a true British nanny. She took him so I could find a place for our stuff in the already crowded plane (we were, of course, the last ones on again). James ended up sleeping through the entire flight, only waking up as we descended. Getting out of the airport was easy and Dad and Helena were already there waiting for us (with their own story to tell about border patrol crossing and cop-induced traffic jams).

Opa and James playing in the hotel room.

We went to the hotel and unpacked, then went to dinner and on to Ralphs and Target to get baby stuff. We ended up getting this super cute and totally awesome inflatable tub in the shape of a rubber ducky (see below) for James to take his baths in. He loved it! Honestly, I think it's better than his bath at home. He kept beating on the poor duck's head. Anyway, it was a great trip for the most part, and James is such a good traveler. I got so many compliments on how good and cute James is (and that I should send his picture in to Gerber). I'm thanking God (again) for that blessing! He ended up sleeping better last night than he has in weeks. One thing I didn't think a lot about was the time change - so at 2 (5 our time) this morning James had to wake up for a bottle and then woke up again and wanted to play at 5 (8). It's a good thing Dad and Helena are deep sleepers! That's it from San Diego for now. Our internet connection isn't great, but I'll try to keep the blog up while we're out here.

James in his new inflatable rubber ducky tub!