Thursday, May 25th, 2006

Dear Dad,

Yesterday was my first airplane trip!!

No one could sleep two nights ago. After all, there were so many things to think about! When would Mom feed me? Would I have a dirty diaper on the plane? Most of all, would I be a good baby???

Not to worry! We got to the airport at about 11:15 yesterday morning. After the luggage was checked in and the voucher was printed for me to be a lap baby, Mom and I headed to gate B6 for Southwest flight ?? from Baltimore to Kansas City. I slept through the car ride, while the luggage was checked, when we went through security, and even at the gate as we waited for the plane. At around 12:30, Mom woke me up, fed me a little bit, and changed my diaper so that it would be clean for the trip. We then stood in the pre-board line. Well, I guess that little bit of food in my stomach woke up my system, because Mom had to change my diaper two more times as we stood in line! Pre-boarding had started, so she had to hurry, and we ended up at the back of the line. That was ok with Mom though because it meant no dirty diapers on the plane!

We sat in a window seat about 5 rows back, in front of twin mothers with their babies. Before the plane left the gate, Mom got me to drink a bottle. Since I was drinking and swallowing, my ears didn't hurt at all as we took off. In all, I had 3 oz of milk, which is quite a lot. It was so much, in fact, that I had a wet diaper, but Mom just changed me in her lap. At that point, Mom gave me the pacifier, talked to me, rocked me in her seat, and finally fed me a little more. Then, I went to sleep for my afternoon nap and slept through the entire rest of the flight!! I didn't wake up again until we saw Grandpa Ken and Great-Grandma Schumacher in the Kansas City airport. Everyone was relieved that I was such a good baby!! Now, is that so surprising?

As of yesterday, I have now met my Great-Grandma Schumacher and Great-Aunt Delores for the first time. In the next two weeks, I am going to visit with almost all of my family - both sides. They can't wait to see me! As for me, I can't wait to see you tomorrow night!

Love,
Gretchen the cuddle bug