Thankful

Early last week we packed our bags (side note: I may have packed way too much... some things never change.  Sigh.) and headed to upstate New York and Connecticut to visit R's side of the family over Thanksgiving.  It was really just a good excuse to do the "baby tour" and show off our handsome little man to those who hadn't met him yet.  "You've gotta see the baby!"  Seinfeld anyone?

I realize that once you become a parent, it's inevitable that you will take the back burner and your child will always be in the spotlight.  Not being one who covets the center of attention anyway, I am more than happy to oblige.  

So now for my obligatory post-Thanksgiving, but still very thankful, "thankful" post.  Redundant much?  :)

I am thankful for:

-My sweet baby boy who was such an AWESOME traveler.  Not a peep from him on the plane - he was mostly sleeping and when he was awake, he was smiling and happy.  I crossed my fingers for no poops and no crying on the plane and had both of my wishes granted.  I was so glad we weren't one of "those" families - the ones you see with the screaming baby that is being walked down the aisle of the plane.  I am sure that people who saw us at the gate were hoping they wouldn't have to sit near us, but I can assure you that those who did had zero complaints.

-R being extremely helpful during the trip.  He was always willing to help out whether it was getting G to sleep, taking G in the mornings so I could sleep in and recover from the sleepless nights, or holding up a blanket on the plane so that I could nurse in privacy.  I am so glad he is actively involved in the parenting department.

-Our lovely family members for housing and feeding us.  Let's be honest - I don't cook much as it is, but it's still wonderful to have all of your meals taken care of.  R's stepfather went all out and cooked four course meals with beautiful table setting.  It was pretty incredible.  I am salivating just thinking about his cooking...

-Home.  While sometimes our routine can become monotonous, it has its comforts too.  I was happy to come back to the crib, swing, bouncy, infant bath tub, etc.

-Not having to go to work on Monday.  The worst thing about the holidays are when they come to an end and it's back to the grind.  I am so fortunate to still have one more month at home with my favorite little man.

While there is nothing quite like home, it was really nice getting to see everyone and having them meet G for the first time.  We survived four airplane trips and a two hour car ride from NY to CT.  

Given that it was a trip of "firsts" in many ways, I also learned some things along the way:

1. I don't need to pack quite as many outfits for G.  I anticipated numerous outfit changes because of diaper leaks, the occasional spit up, etc., but I failed to think about the washer and dryer that would be available to us.  Doh!

2. Nursing in public is still not my favorite.  Having to do it in public on an airplane ranks close to the bottom.  It is so awkward in the tight, confining seat with a stranger practically in your lap.  On the way to New York I had a window seat with R next to me.  On the way back, totally different story.  The first leg we both had opposing aisle seats.  Luckily it was only an hour flight and G slept the whole time.  The second leg we were scheduled to be in different rows, BOTH center seats, for a FOUR hour flight.  That was not going to fly (yes, pun intended) with me, so R was kind enough to get our seats changed at the gate.  

3. United is not family friendly.  They do not allow families with small children to pre-board.  Ummm seriously?  The flight attendants were very nice though, with the exception of one crabby lady.

4. Considering that G is still not the best night sleeper at home, he is far much worse when we travel.  He slept in the bed with us (pack-n-play way too heavy and not worth carting around) and wanted to nurse every hour to hour and a half ALL through the night.  Traveling G = grumpy mama in the morning.

All in all, I would have to say that it was a wonderful trip.  Neither one of us had to go through the full body scanner at the airports or have our "junk" touched via pat down.  I missed spending Turkey Day with my family, but holidays will forever be divided now that we have G.  Both of R's grandmothers do not travel so they got so much joy out of seeing the baby.  It was well worth it.  And we came back to my parents' house where they still had leftovers in the fridge... yum!