Fear of flying

Dear JJ,

Today is your first plane ride. You get to meet your uncle Ron, your Grandma and Grandpa Simpson. Waking up today was easy- being excited for you to meet this part of the family is like a kid on Christmas morning - on the otherhand, the first jet ride and travel has your mother and I nervous.

We don't have a fear of flying- each of us logging over 50,000 miles last year - but we have a fear of flying with you.We have both seen hundreds of parents bring their kids through security - but now we wish we had paid attention to them, and asked them questions. Most of the time we were rushing through and never noticed how easily they zipped through without effort

This meant a trip to babies-r-us - where we looked to the travel section to get any help we could. Your stroller, with car seat - was one we purchased because it travels easily. And in those days before you were born we imagined going with you around the world. Today we are terrified of a two and a half hour trip. So off to the stroller section - where some very helpful lady said, "Oh, I wouldn't use that nice stroller, here get this inexpensive stroller- we all know what airlines do to things." So, we purchased an inexpensive stroller.

Then there is formula- you only have a bottle or two a day- so clearly we needed more bottles (going to the third world of Portland). And of course, had to pick up a bottle sterilizer. Found the sterilizer for a type of bottle you have- -and look it goes in the microwave. Wait- does that hotel have microwaves -- I think it does. Quick call to the hotel -- yes, microwave ovens in every room. Cool- lets get this one. Now this Tommy Tippy sterilizer is meant for Tommy Tippy bottles- which we have two, but this holds six - and we need the special "low flow" nipple. So your dad bought six new baby bottles with the low-flow nipple along with a couple extra low-flow nipples.

While at Babies-R-Us your mom and I said- "lets look over the formula" - after all, some of your crying might be because the formula doesn't agree- and there are only 1000 other formulas made of soy, milk, goat milk, yak, and with "pre-biotics" - all of which say they are easier and better on your tummy than the standard stuff that most people use. So, lets pick up a few of those.

Talking to my friends on Twitter and getting lots of advice - checking the TSA website for advice, and the airline for advice - -and even tweeting Alaska airlines asking them to be kind.

Thankfully, Gigi will be with us- so she will help you (did I tell you how much we are going to miss her when she returns to China?).

Got home- packing every bit of clothing we might need, as well as diapers, and wait-- should we bring powder and mix formula or pre-made formula. Well, they do allow up to 3.2 ounces of formula through security. Quick trip to Walgreens -- pre made formula - in 2 ounce bottles. While I am here - more wipes, more bags for diapers, and of course, some rice cereal (never mind you haven't had it yet, but one can never be too careful).

This morning woke up and reason prevailed. I said to your mom, "You know, I don't think we need the Tommy Tippy microwave sterilizer."
"I don't think we have room for it." Your mom said
"Kinda silly, I mean, pretty sure that Portland's water supply is safe." I said.

Your mom was right again - all we need is something to clean the bottles with.

So yes- your parents-- seasoned travelers - brought to our knees by our nine pound son and wanting to make this trip comfortable for you.

Did I mention that I bought ear plugs for the two rows around us and will be buying drinks for them? No?

Ok, son- while you sleep this morning, your mom and I are worrying over every detail -- just remembered - we need hand sanitizers.

Have a good trip son,

Love,

Dad