Welcome Aboard

I don't know how old I was the first time I flew on an airplane. I must have been young though, because I don't remember it. Samuel and Avery have never been on an airplane, and trust me when I tell you that they reminded me of this fact several times! But Isaac is just 20 months old, and already he's been on his first flight!

We've probably all heard horror stories from people who were stuck aboard an airplane with a screaming child. And last week, as Isaac and I prepared to leave Dallas on our flight to Corpus, I had visions swarming around my head of just how horrible everything could truly turn out. I was anxious about other passengers leaving the aircraft after the flight was over, only to tell everyone they knew about the horrible child on their flight who screamed the entire time. But, I had my "emergency backpack" ready to go. I filled it with special treats and toys that Isaac rarely gets access to when he's at home. Thankfully, we got a window seat, which really helped. And the man sitting next to me was very nice, which also really helped. And well, those chocolate Teddy Grahams and travel size Magna Doodle from the backpack were a big help too. It was about 20 minutes into the flight before I started to relax. Isaac was doing great and he was actually enjoying himself. He kept laughing and recreating the take off, which was really amusing. "Whoa, Mama! Bumpy, bumpy, bumpy." And then he'd bounce up and down in my lap while bobbing his head back and forth. Everyone around us seemed to be enjoying the re-enactment just as much as I was. Isaac played with the window shade - up, down, up, down - about 1,000 times. Then he moved on to playing with the air vents overhead that you can turn to change the amount of air flow that comes out. Oh yeah, big airplane fun! Isaac thought it was pretty cool that we got a drink on the plane, in an OPEN CUP! He dug out all of the ice from my drink and finished it all right before one of the flight attendants came over the loud speaker and announced that it was time to "stop enjoying our beverages" because it was almost time to land. I got a chuckle out of that comment... The total flight took over 2 hours, but we arrived in Corpus safe and sound, and Isaac was still happy. Several people on the flight told me how impressed they were with my child's behavior. And several of them also told me what a beautiful and delightful little girl I have. I guess it's time to go get my SON a haircut...

We had a really nice time in Corpus and it was good to see so many family members. Isaac and I both enjoyed my cousin Ashley's wedding. And Isaac really did great the entire trip, and I must admit that it was really nice getting to spend time with just him. He truly is a delightful child.

The flight back home got off to somewhat of a rocky start. We arrived at the Corpus airport a bit late, and I was reprimanded by 7, yes 7, airport employees all along my route from the ticket counter to the place where I actually handed the man my boarding pass to get on the flight. Once Isaac and I got on the plane itself, the flight attendant greeted us with a cheerful "Welcome aboard!" And some really nice man (NOT!) sitting in the first row added "Yeah, welcome aboard late!" Seriously, I wasn't technically late. I just got on the plane right at the very minute the plane was supposed to be taking off. :-) But I found that I was more nervous about this flight than the first flight because I didn't have time to go to the bathroom before getting on board, I didn't have time to change Isaac's diaper, I didn't have time to give him his decongestant, and I didn't have time to prepare a bottle for him to drink on the flight home. I wasn't even sure if I had replenished the supplies in the "emergency backpack." I grabbed the last open seat on the plane, sat down, strapped myself and Isaac in, and let out a big sigh of relief. Whew, we made it! As I held Isaac in my arms, the flight took off and Isaac laid his head on my shoulder. Within about 2 minutes of taking off, I looked down and realized that Isaac was asleep. It's been a long time since my baby boy has fallen asleep in my arms, and I reveled in the moment. I held him tighter and loved every minute of it. It is pure joy watching your child sleep in your arms.

Isaac stayed asleep for about 3/4 of the flight home, even through the landing in Houston, me having to get up out of the seat to let 2 people off the plane, and the take off again from Houston to Dallas. He slept through it all. He didn't need a bottle, or a decongestant, or anything out of the emergency backpack. All he needed was a good nap in his Mommy's arms, and I was more than happy to oblige his unspoken request! Isaac may never remember his first flight, but I always will.

One last little note... One of the flight attendants on the flight home was quite the little comedian/songbird. As we landed in Dallas, she sang a little number about the high gas prices that are forcing SWA to cut costs on in-flight accommodations in an effort to keep their fares low. And at the end of her little song she said "Southwest Airlines... Low fares and cheap entertainment." Ah, you've just got to love it!