Time for Me to Fly

Chicago Trip - Day 15

I knew this was going to be a hectic day and had been nervously anticipating getting through it. I managed to get my day started ahead of Caiden and showered, ate and got in nearly all of the last minute packing while he continued to sleep. Once he got up, I fed him breakfast, packed up the car and hit the road for one last visit with the B's folks before the trip to the airport.

We got down to Joliet in time to settle Caiden down for his nap. I spent an enjoyable couple of hours visiting with Rusti and Larry and consumed a delicious lunch! (Rusti - I need that soup recipe!) I recounted my trip "up north," shared the success of Mom's bday party and copied some photos. Before I knew it, Caiden was waking up and it was time to hit the road for the airport. We said our goodbyes (again, I managed to keep it together!), and Caiden and I were on the road again.

I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare and was able to take my time unloading the car, getting thru security and walking to the gate. I also confirmed that I could indeed take the car seat on board with me! Woo hoo!!!!

Sadly, I did not really think too far ahead about just how I would get Caiden and his car seat on board the plane along with all of the other crap I was carrying. (In addition to the boy and his seat, that included the car seat bag, back pack diaper bag, duffel bag, coat and purse.) I decided to take my chances that the seat would be narrow enough that I could roll it down the aisle of the plane. Um...WRONG. I got no more than 2 feet into the aisle before the car seat was firmly lodged in place. Of course there was a line of passengers stacking up behind me and I'm trying to get the flight attendants attention while simultaneously whacking a seated passenger in the head with my diaper bag back pack. Oops. Luckily, the flight attendant and a very gracious passenger carried Caiden in his car seat down the aisle for me. Of course, the whole situation wouldn't be complete with out one moron muttering: So much for the 1 bag + 1 small item rule. I so wanted to retort with something snarky, but I just didn't have the energy. Technically I was over the limit with the car seat bag (the diaper bag didn't count against my limit), but I thought I'd be using it to gate check the car seat, so what was I to do with it otherwise? ANYwho, we got ourselves settled and buckled in.

For the most part, C did pretty well on the flight. I had to use most of the tricks I'd brought along to keep him quiet and entertained, but I didn't have to resort to any videos - yay! Our flight was smooth, and we even got in early! I was very eager to see B, but I knew it would be best to wait until everyone else was off the plane before I started hauling our stuff to the front.

I huffed it along to the waiting area outside of security and was very happily reunited with a waiting B! We got lots of hugs in all around, and Caiden was pretty excited to see his Da Da. We got the rest of my luggage and it was finally time to head back home.

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This was definitely an amazing trip! I had such a great time seeing so many people, and it was wonderful not feeling totally rushed. Of course I wish it could've been twice as long and that B was there with us! Heck, I wish we could just be living back in IL already! I think one of the biggest lessons I learned is that renting a car is a lifesaver. What a nice difference it made having one!

Thank you to everyone who made time to see us, and apologies to those we didn't get the chance to see. Can't wait to do this trip again next spring!!