Traveling Back East, Part I: Packing, Flying, and the Car Seat

Let me start by saying, packing for this trip was a nightmare.

I'm a list person; I require an itemized list to complete almost all tasks:  grocery shopping, household chores, miscellaneous to-do's, PACKING.  I admit, this behavior is a tad OCD.  Prior to embarking on this great journey, I googled four separate infant packing lists.  They were all pretty similar, BUT I had to be sure.  There seemed to be this recurring theme of packing doubles: two outfits per day, two sleepers per day, two hats, two this, two that.  All this makes for a suitcase twice the size of acceptable carry on luggage. 

I eventually decided that packing that much for one little, tiny baby girl was just plain insanity.  And so, we planned to wash clothes a couple of times while staying at my aunt's house (thanks Auntie Judy!).  In the end, it was the perfect solution; I recommend doing this if you're staying with family or friends.

Here's a pic of alllllll the stuff we packed for Goose (not including disposable diapers and diapering supplies):

Naturally, all this packing fun took place at the absolute last minute.  I literally zipped up our suitcases, and we headed out the door for the airport.

My mom made all the travel arrangements, and she so brilliantly chose a red eye flight to Connecticut.  That's right mom, I just called you brilliant - you're welcome.  Goose fell asleep on the drive to the airport, and stayed asleep through most of security.  Apparently just one, short month ago the FAA decided babies must be removed from carriers of all kinds (including the Moby).  Naturally, Lucy woke up, and stayed awake through boarding.

Goose was a perfect angel walking through the airport.  When we got to our gate, she was ready to eat, but we wanted her to hold off until take off (the swallowing helps babies ears adjust).  The six of us took turns trying to bounce her and distract her, but ultimately, papa bear had to request that she and I pre-board, so that I could start feeding her.

Once in flight, Lucy drifted in and out of sleep.  I had a hard time figuring out how to position her, because she hates being cradled.  At one point I was burping her over my shoulder and she fell asleep within seconds.  For those who plan to travel with their babies, keep that sleeping position in mind!


The flight was surprisingly short, less than five hours!  We landed in Newark around 6 AM local time, and headed to the rental car pick up.  Our chariot for the week was a sexy 2011 Dodge Caravan.  Casey and I loved it!  We hope to get one in the next year or so.  It was SO roomy, and perfect for large families - eventually we hope to be a large family!

My one complaint, completely unrelated to the van, was the car seat we rented.  When we found out there were car seats available for rental, we were ecstatic.  Who actually wants to lug a car seat across the country?  We assumed that the rental company would provide a good quality car seat, considering the liabilities...  Well, we assumed wrong.  The car seat we received was pretty damn ghetto, to say the least.  The handle had been ripped off, there was no head support for Goose, and the strap used to tighten the harness wasn't working properly.  So...for those traveling with babies, bring your own car seat!!!  It is worth the hassle. 

 Despite all this, Goose had no problem getting cozy!

Stay tuned for Traveling Back East,Part II:  Diapering, Breastfeeding, and Family!