We Made It
Posted By Jill on June 29, 2008
We made it without too much trouble to San Antonio. I am very glad I did my “homework” preparing and thinking out this trip. It really paid off.
Mac had an hour nap and ate before we left, so by his schedule I expected him to be hungry right about the time our flight would take off, which was perfect.
We arrived at the airport around 12:30 for our 2:15 flight. We checked in and checked our 2 pieces of luggage, including our car seat (which I had researched ahead of time that we can check in addition to our luggage without an extra fee). We had a stroller with Mac, diaper bag, bag of food for lunch, the Baby Bjorn carrier, Jeremy’s laptop bag and my little purse. We got through security without a hitch, and I was actually quite impressed with how helpful the TSA employees were. I told Jeremy he could take the laptops with his stuff (he’s faster with getting things in and out of the bags), and I’d take Mac (I’m faster with him). The TSA employee helped me get the stroller folded and on the belt after taking Mac out, and when I had forgotten to take my shoes off, she put them on the belt too, since I already had Mac in my arms. And they helped after we went through as well, though Jeremy was collecting our belongings at that point. We got to the gate, and Jeremy ate lunch while I walked with Mac, then we traded. I was disappointed to not find a changing station in the restroom… unless it was in the big stall that was occupied each time I tried. We were running late so I improvised. When it was time to board, Mac went with me in his carrier while Jeremy (self-titled the “pack mule”) carried most of the gear, checking the stroller at the gate.
We were still on schedule to have Mac eat while ascending, but we may have started a bit too early. He survived and didn’t fuss too much. He finished his bottle and proceeded to mess his diaper. Not knowing if there was really anywhere to change him, I actually opted not to (I since learned that there was a changing station in the lavatory). After that he showed signs of being tired – as he should have been – and he did fall asleep in my arms. Had I not needed to move, therefore jarring him and waking him, he might have slept the whole flight… oh well. He did go back to sleep after some fussing and just a little screaming. We got another small bottle ready for the descent, but we should have given him a whole one – it was gone a bit too fast! (Note for next flight – bring bottle nipples that are smaller so he has to suck harder and take longer.) He was fairly fussy on the way down, probably because he was a little hungry, a little tired, and likely just sick of being in one position. We managed, and overall we really thought he was very good.
Once in the terminal at baggage claim, we changed that nasty diaper which had now leaked through his clothes (ick – lesson learned) while Jeremy got the stroller ready and led us to our bags. Then it was time to prepare for our cab ride to the hotel. I had read online that a good way to travel in a cab with a car seat is to tell the driver he can start the meter, give him his tip right away, and not close the door until the car seat is buckled. Those tips worked wonderfully. I was again impressed at how helpful people were with all our gear.
At the hotel, we hit our first glitch. I had called a couple of weeks ago to make sure they have cribs, and the guy said they do, but you can’t reserve them, so you have to request one at check-in. (Jane, I should have thought to ask you about this ahead of time, if there’s any way to guarantee it.) Well, when I requested one at check-in, he said there were none left! Yikes… what would we do? We managed to use the other bed, push it against a corner wall and create other walls with pillows and sheets wrapped around so he couldn’t get under them, over them, or pull the sheets off. He’s sleeping there now, zonked from our adventures of the day!
I’m very happy with the way things have turned out, with as particular as I have been about packing and preparing, and I finally really relaxed when we got to the hotel. I tried to do as much research as possible to make it go smoothly this first time, and not having others to ask much advice, I think we did really well. We can only get better from here! On the list of things we forgot so far: desitin (but I did bring A&D ointment which should work too – Mac’s got some icky rashes in his creases from the heat). That’s it. But to make up for it, I packed one thing there is no way we’ll need – the baby monitor. It took until I was unpacking for me to realize it, and when I asked Jeremy, “why didn’t you stop me from packing the monitor?” he answered, in true supportive and patient Jeremy, “I questioned it but didn’t say anything because I figured you had a plan.” I must say, in addition to the helpful employees throughout our trip today, Jeremy also deserves kudos. He did everything I asked, was patient when I was being slightly frantic about things, and helped in every way possible. He helped me think things through as we went, and it is with those kinds of interactions that I feel so blessed to have a true partner in this life. (Ok, sappy stuff done…)
Jeremy seems excited to have this time with Mac while I’m at conference sessions, and I’m so glad to have them with me I can hardly express it. We will have evenings (and probably a morning or afternoon or two, depending on how many sessions I attend) to spend together exploring the city, especially the Riverwalk. I’ll try to take lots of pictures and post something each night. But for now, it’s time for bed. I have to get up and “work” in the morning!
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