A California Thanksgiving

Reid's first Thanksgiving was spent in California with the Hamilton clan which meant, of course, Reid's first plane trip. All in all, it went well. We had timed it just right so that he would be ready to nod off to sleep just as the plane took off. As luck would have it, our flight was delayed and he was all kinds of cranky as we waited in the terminal. I'm sure the other passengers were hoping they wouldn't have to sit next to us. But we finally got boarded and as the engines started up, I threw on my Hooter Hider and Reid took up booby duty. (Nursing helps during take-off and landing as the sucking helps the baby's ears pop.) Here he is shortly after take-off, fast asleep.


Ah, relief. I then settled in to listening to my audiobook and enjoying the peace as Reid slept. Until he woke up 5 minutes later ready for action. So, I spent most of the flight playing with Reid and bouncing Reid and singing to Reid (quietly enough that other passengers couldn't hear) and "dancing" with Reid (to the extent possible in a plane seat) and finding things that didn't have plane funk on them for Reid to put in his mouth. Everytime I would sit still for a moment and try to relax, Reid got that look on his face that let me know in no uncertain terms, "Mommy, if you stop entertaining me I WILL scream my head off and embarrass you in front of everyone on this plane" and so I'd start up again playing and bouncing and singing etc. There was one 40 minute nap in there somewhere, but I was definitely on duty for most of the 3 1/2 hour flight.

Infants under 2 years old aren't required to have a separate seat, but since we had a free ticket to use, Reid did have his very own seat, but naturally he didn't want to sit in it so even during the 40-minute nap, my arms were working. But at least we had the row to ourselves.

I also changed my first poopy diaper in an airplane lavatory. Did you know there's no changing table in those things? Just the top of the nasty toilet seat. UGH. But we managed and got the job done without stinking up the whole cabin. Does that qualify me for a special mile high poopy diaper club membership? Ah, so many firsts!

At the end of the flight, I was exhausted but I think the passengers around me were grateful for my efforts in keeping the cabin relatively quiet and stink-free. After the flight, Reid charmed the crew as we waited for his stroller to come out at the gate. Here he is in the Captain's arms:

And then it was off to Grandma's house! Grandma Linda (GLinda for short) was so happy to see her grandbaby. And just in time for her birthday - happy birthday GLinda!

And I was happy to have another pair of arms around to hold the not-so-little man. My arms were so sore the next day!

Reid spent the rest of the week in California charming family and friends during the days. He enjoyed time with his Auntie Lisa (with fur-cousin Pierre here)

... and Auntie Pam - many thanks to Pam for carrying on a dance marathon with Reid so that I had a chance to eat my turkey dinner in peace! (And what a meal it was - thank you Lisa and Steve!)

He loves the ladies and they love him! And while his sleep patterns at home had gotten significantly better the week before we left, the change in environment wasn't working for him and he spent most of his nights keeping us awake. But on Thanksgiving Day, I had my revenge (as I always do) when I dressed the boy for his first Thanksgiving.

On the plane ride home, we didn't have a seat for Reid. He performed as instructed and fussed and cried loudly while the other passengers were boarding, so that everyone avoided our row and we had it all to ourselves. (We were flying Southwest, where there is no assigned seating.) Then he fell asleep on cue at takeoff and stayed that way for over an hour. When he woke up, we proceeded with the entertainment regimen, found cootie-free things to put in his mouth, watched a Baby Einstein DVD and stayed relatively quiet.

Before the flight as Reid was crying and being a nuisance I heard the guy behind me comment, "I guess I can't complain, I've got two of 'em at home." After the flight he smiled and told me, "He's a real good baby!" Yes, he is. Good job, Reid!