Jet Lag

KENDRA'S DICTIONARY

dread- a 24 hr trip half way around the world with a 20 mo old.

impossible- trying to nap on a 1 1/2 hr flight to Chicago with a squirmy baby on your lap.

irony- when the squirmy baby finally falls asleep, it's when the airplane is taxi-ing to the gate after landing.

awe- the USO in Chicago was wonderful. An hour and a half of relaxation: free food, drinks, comfortable recliners, movies, crayons, even a free diaper, so we could save ours and make sure we had enough for the flight. Way better than sitting at the crowded gate in the uncomfortable chairs.

Exhaustion- 6 hours into the big flight and Mary screams in her car seat, won't sleep and won't eat. She only wants milk...and to be carried all over the plane. Pleeease go to sleep, we beg.

acrobatics- What Mom has to do, since we're stuck in the middle row of the plane. The seating was: Doug, Mary (car seat), Kendra and big man that slept, kept invading Kendra's space and didn't need to pee once for the entire 13 hrs! So, I had to stand in my seat, step over the car seat into Doug's seat and then into the isle. 100 times more fun with a screaming toddler in my arms.

relief- When Mary finally slept the last 4 hours of the flight, including landing. We were waiting for everyone to de-board, since she was sleeping peacefully, when she opened her eyes and said "up!". Quite funny. She was ready to get out of the car seat.

Joy- To finally be home again with no future prospects of getting on a plane. Sigh, what a relief that's over.


Even though it was a sad occasion to go home, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone again and Mary really had fun with all her cousins. We wish we could have stayed longer...or at least live closer. Anyone that wants to brave the long trip here is more than welcome to stay in our guest room.