We arrived at the San Antonio airport around 7:30am, so Jack was pretty groggy. Seeing that I was 8 months pregnant, with stroller, we were swept away past the normal security lines and got to use the pilot/crew line to scan our carry-ons. It all happened so fast that I had no time to explain to my sleepy toddler what was about to happen. Suddenly, the big "police man" is telling Jack to get out of his stroller because we have to put it up onto the conveyor belt. Jack screamed, "Don't take my stroller!" While I am unloading everything, Jack is screaming. To make matters worse, the man says, "We will need to take off his shoes as well as yours." Fantastic.
Little does Mr. Serious know, Jack is wearing his brand new big-boy "Belcro" shoes that he put on that morning all by himself. This request sent Jack over the edge. As the harried crew members are passing us up and rolling their eyes, I lift Jack like a screaming sack of potatoes and carry him through the metal detectors. Later I realize, the only time little boys see conveyor belts are in cartoons when something is going down the belt to be chopped into a million little pieces. I felt so bad. He was truly scared.
Little does Mr. Serious know, Jack is wearing his brand new big-boy "Belcro" shoes that he put on that morning all by himself. This request sent Jack over the edge. As the harried crew members are passing us up and rolling their eyes, I lift Jack like a screaming sack of potatoes and carry him through the metal detectors. Later I realize, the only time little boys see conveyor belts are in cartoons when something is going down the belt to be chopped into a million little pieces. I felt so bad. He was truly scared.
To make matters worse, they take a while to give our bags back to us, because they see his EpiPen in the carry-on, and proceed to ask me a million questions. Little did I know that answering "yes" to the question, "Does the little guy have a peanut allergy?" would throw us into another flight adventure altogether - more on that later. So, after calming him down, getting everything back in good order, putting his Belcro shoes back on, and lots of candy at 8am, we were ready to head for our gate and start the fun part - our first time flying in the huge airplane!
We were approached to complete a "Peanut Dust Allergy Alert" form with four perforated parts. One part was for the front flight attendant, one for the back flight attendant, one for the gate attendant, and one for Jack to keep with him. This Peanut Allergy afforded us "Pre-boarding" privileges as well. I felt bad that they were going through so much trouble, since his peanut allergy is really very mild, but I was glad that they had such a protocol and took it so seriously. Before leaving the terminal, the crew made an overhead announcement about the "Peanut Allergy on board" and asked that everyone refrain from eating snacks that may contain peanuts or peanut butter. They informed everyone that they'd be serving Cheez Nips in lieu of peanuts, and even made Jack Griffin press his call light button to show all flight attendants where we were sitting. Anyway, this same 4-part form/announcement, etc. was necessary for all four flights to and from BWI.
The really ironic thing is that Jack Everett is far more allergic to Cheez Nips than to peanuts.
Up, up, and away!
He was great on the plane, and loved looking out the window. Fitting him and his big Mama in the airplane bathroom (like twelve times) was quite a sight.
Emily and Evan (8 months) greeted us at the Baltimore (BWI) airport, and it was so great to see her and to finally get to meet him. Pictures don't do him justice - he is SO cute and has such a great demeanor.
We went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore where we were surprised to find that strollers were not allowed. I felt so bad as Emily had to carry 20-lb Evan on her chest in a borrowed baby pack. We made the best of it. We could not resist these matching crab hats for the boys!
We swam at the local indoor pool - Evan's first swim!
We took a walk to the neighborhood park - Evan's first swing! Which of these two boys is getting a little too big for the baby swing?
And finally, we took pictures in matching shirts.
It was a totally relaxing visit, but gave me a small peek into what it would be like to have two boys for a few days. One afternoon when they were both getting hungry and sleepy, I stopped Emily to say, "Can you imagine? This is how it would be for me if these were both my children!"
It was a totally relaxing visit, but gave me a small peek into what it would be like to have two boys for a few days. One afternoon when they were both getting hungry and sleepy, I stopped Emily to say, "Can you imagine? This is how it would be for me if these were both my children!"
It was awesome to see Emily as a Mother. Evan adores her. She is a natural, and I can't wait to watch Evan grow up. I am so glad we got to see them, and Jack can't stop talking about "Baby Evan."
She took us to the Metro station Friday night to meet Sandra and Trevor... It was hard to leave because I know it will likely be quite some time before I see her or Evan again. Thank goodness for blogging...
For all pics from Vacation, Part One - click here!
2 comments:
Finally, now I believe you really went! Sounds like you had a blast. I'm going to look at the rest of the pics now. He was so cute on the plane!
Aunt Mel
OK that pee story is a riot! And if I had a crab hat it's the first thing I'd wanna wear in the morning too ;)
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