Tank's trip to IL-10 weeks young!

Tank made his first trip to IL at 10 weeks old.  I thought about booking the trip for a couple of weeks prior, thinking, "How in the world can I do this?"  Surprisingly I had two friends with babies right about Tank's age who just returned from traveling on an airplane themselves.  I contacted both friends to get the 'skinny' on flying with an infant.  I was also determined to carry-on our luggage for a 10 day stay with my parents.

The flight we were originally booked on got canceled.  To my surprise United re-booked us automatically and I became away of the situation before leaving the house!  We arrived to Dulles for our second flight, went through security beautifully, then found out that our new flight was delayed 1.5 hours.  I was so thankful the airport wasn't busy and a nice man behind us in security had two children and one on the way!  He was very patient and helpful to us.  I tied Tank on my using the Babyhawk (LOVE, LOVE) pushed the car seat in the snap and go and threw my SBC hiking backpack onto the car seat.  We (Tank) received many compliments throughout the trip of how well we were doing and what a good traveler!!  We were the only ones boarding the train to get to the gate!  And he slept through the frenzy of people getting anxious to board the flight as well as in the air.  He nursed at take off and landing with no problem.  His ears didn't seem to bother him at all.  Mom picked us up at O'Hare, circling only twice!  Tank was tired and ready to 'stop' moving on the car ride home.  He slept like a champ in my crib that I had as a  little baby!

We had a very adventurous time!!  Tank attended his first stirrup cup with many oohing and auhhing friends of the family:)  He was excited to meet his Aunt Sheri and Uncle Kevin,  Great Aunt Terri, Uncle Julie, Patti, and many friends from elementary school through HS years.  Mia, (pictured) is 5 days younger than Tank.  She belongs to a close friend from Jr. High, Melissa.  It was great to always see Adrienne, Mel and her parents, and many other family friends who watched me grow up!  Oh, and can't for get Reverend Purser, who married us in my parent's backyard.  Tank had a special introduction with Flash (the horse) and Denny (my dad's dog).  Dad even made it possible for me to Fox Hunt on Sunday while he escorted Tank in his first WDH car caravan.

We took lots of clothes and even over-packed for the trip.  The weather was changing so the first night was a bit chilly!!  Tank slept great the whole week!  He started babbling more, holding his hands together in front of him, smiling as always and becoming more aware with toys and music to entertain him.  Grandma T worked with him on tummy time quite often too!  We skyped with Chip every night.  It was challenging being away from Daddy and Alvin, but all did quite well.  As always, its hard to leave.  We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again soon! 

Funny story along the way:   We arrived at O'Hare airport and a man asked how old he was.  I said 10 weeks.  He said why did you cut his hair??  I chuckled!  I replied, I didn't, he was born with this much hair.  Apparently his son (10 mo.) was born with a lot of hair!!  LOL

Lots of people stop to talk or see the baby etc.  Its a whole new world of flying for me!  We received lots of compliments of how well he behaved as well as all the stuff we had with us and how efficient we were!!  People even commented on my carrier!