September 9, 2008 - Into the friendly skies
Next week by now, Caleb and I will be on a flight to Hungary for a 2 week trip. His grandparents will get to see him for the second time (first time he was 7 months old) and Caleb will get to see his grandparents, aunt, great-grandparents, and other extended family.
I have begun packing for the trip and running the logistics of flying alone with a toddler through my head (over and over). He will be traveling on my lap, so I have been mulling over questions like "do I need the Boppy pillow for better distribution of weight for the 8 hour flight" and "how will I go to the bathroom" and "how will I eat" and "what should I use while in transit: the Ergo carrier or the stroller."
We are taking 3 flights each way, which I know will be exhausting, especially on the way back. The outbound flight will be much easier because it's a red-eye and Caleb will pretty much sleep through it (though, I most certainly will not). The return flight is the one where I will need to have entertainment for him. Not only is it longer (9 and a half hours), but it is a daytime flight, so except for a max. 2 hour nap, I will have to entertain him in a very small space for 7.5 hours. I've got small books and snacks and stickers and Doodle Pro, and let's not forget, THE AIRPLANE with its many adventures, such as checking out the clouds and running down the aisles and visiting the tiny bathroom (thank goodness, he's potty trained!), but I may need to whip out another stimulating, noise-making new toy. So that brings me to my question: Does anyone have any suggestions for a small electronic toy that might entertain a 1.5 year old?
This trip is going to be such an exciting learning experience for Caleb. Lately, he has been very interested in airplanes, without any prompting on my part. He has a small book called Planes and he's been bringing it to read every day, loudly exclaiming and pointing when we turn the pages and see the airplanes. I was thinking, wow this is interesting, all of the sudden the child is into planes. Great timing! I realized that one of his DVDs, "On the Go" by Baby Einstein, features airplanes as well, and this may have prompted his interest. At any rate, he is going to be beside himself when he sees the real airplanes taking off and landing, and then actually sitting and flying in one (or three, or six)!
I am so excited to see my parents again, my sister, my aging 93 and 88 year old grandparents, and many dear friends and extended family. I cannot wait to see my son relate to everyone, understand their language, speak their language. I am delighted that I get to see my country again, to visit its wonderful sights and sample its wonderful foods. I am overjoyed that I will have the privilege to attend my old church again and worship with the people there.
I know that we will miss Daddy and that he will sorely miss us. I know that he would have loved to come with us. My hope is that we are back before we miss each other too much.
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