So, we're here, we made it. We survived the plane ride. We're in Oregon. Home of the Oregon Sate Beavers…no really….I'm not making it up. Since we've been here I've been looking for a shirt that says, "Ask me about my beaver." No luck as of yet. We still have one and a half days here though. I'm not giving up. This whole state has no sales tax. Whoo hoo!

 

We had a few mishaps on the flight. Nearly all of Shannan's make-up was taken and she had to dump out a bottle of holy water. Yeah, I said Holy Water. If you know Shannan, it makes sense. I had a small panic attack mid flight and felt like snatching down my oxygen mask but I got it together for my son. I have no idea why I freaked out. I just started to panic about having him in the plane. Aside from the snails I ate in France, he was just so much safer when he was in my belly. But we made it and Dori waved at everyone as they got off the plane.

 

I love seeing my nephews. They are all so different. It's strange to think that they all came from my little sister. So far we have eaten a lot. My sister is an amazing cook and her husband is fantastic at the barbecue. We have gone to the store so the kiddos could spend their birthday gift cards we brought them. We saw my middle nephew's very first football game and my son has bitten a lot of people. He's gotten every one of his cousins. He likes his youngest cousin the best because he's vegetarian and so is Dorian. So far it has been a wonderful trip but I miss my husband and Dorian, as much as he loves his three new chew toys, misses his rocking chair, Daddy, and routine. He fell asleep the first night saying dadadadadada. It'll be good to get home but I'll miss my family here. My super mom little sister is showing me all kinds of tips and tricks to handle Dorian. Although I do admit to wanting to kill him earlier today, she stepped in and took him off my hands and while I was grateful for the break, I was a little jealous of her infinite patience and heightened mothering instincts. But like I said, I was more grateful for the break. And Dorian just love, love, loves his Aunt Amy. She cracks him up big time. He was a little shy at first but now he squeals with delight at just the sight of her. He loves his delicious cousins too (when he isn't chasing them down the hallway to chomp on them) and has even thrown his Uncle Justin a few big grins.

So I broke down and paid for a flight for the baby too. The website said they offered discounted fares for children under two. This turned out to be a lie. I paid more for his ticket than the two others I bought combined.  At least I won't have to worry about holding him through the whole flight. I'm going to strap his carseat to the seat and then tuck him in. He sleeps in it in the car, why not the plane?

As an added bit of security I had the doctor give us a benadryl type of medicine to make him sleepy before the flight. The doctor told us to try it out on him BEFORE we get on the plane because it effects some kids the exact opposite and they end up bouncing off the walls. That would have been horrible. We tried it and it seems to work. It was already near his bedtime but he slept through the night, which he usually doesn't. As tempting as it is to give it to him every night, I promise only to use this liquid gold for the plane flight....really.....

Wish me luck....

I have a three hour flight I'm taking the baby on and I have no idea what is in store or what to do if and when he freaks out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been encouraged by a few folks here and a few friends not to let one idiot run me outta town. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement.