Day 1! February 3, 2023
The day FINALLY arrived. Our last trip before this was in September of 2021 for our babymoon.
So I guess this was technically Nora's SECOND trip.
We live in Maine, but almost always fly out of Boston. It's about an hour and a half to the airport and the flights are much cheaper and more nonstop options.
When I booked these flights last summer I had no idea what Nora's wake/nap schedule would be but we lucked out! Our flight was scheduled for 12:15 PM which meant we were able to let her wake up on her own around 7 AM and have our normally paced start to the day.
We had to get dressed in warm clothes as it was -15 degrees! GET ME TO FLORIDA!
My mom picked us up around 830. She lives in the same town as us, and actually usually watches Nora on Fridays so she was already available! The traffic wasn't bad at all and we arrived right around 10 AM.
We had a LOT of stuff. Traveling with a baby is no joke. We had two large suitcases I had already paid to check, her car seat, stroller, diaper bag, regular backpack, and carry on suitcase (with her essentials like sound machine).
One item I was relieved to be rid of was FORMULA. Only two weeks before this trip we switched to whole milk and it made things so much easier.
When we went to get our bag tags we were standing there contemplating paying to check the carry on suit case to lighten our load when a desk agent came by and gave us the extra checked bag for free!! We thanked her profusely and told each other that this was a good sign that the trip was off to a good start.
Nora didn't know that she should be excited for this win!
We were now down to the stroller and two backpacks (stowed under the stroller for ease) and were on our way.
Quick stop to change Nora - mirror selfie required lol
It was nearing 11 AM but not much was open. We opted for sbarro. We shared some calzones with Nora and she was a big fan.
Here is where I should mention.. we booked Delta basic economy for this flight which is fine. But when I went to check in the night before they had me and Ian in completely different sections of the plane. I understand that is what you sign up for with basic economy.. but it just seems like it is setting other passengers up for a headache when you have a lap infant.
Ian went to the gate agent to ask about being sat together if anyone no-showed, and I took Nora to the children's area to get her wiggles out.
She loved it. She mostly loved watching all the kids play. She goes to daycare 3 days a week and just LOVES playing with other children.
Once we heard them start priority boarding we did another quick change and headed to the gate. Fortunately Ian was able to secure us two seats together!
The flight was... rough. I had high hopes, as it was right at her naptime but WISHFUL THINKING. I gave her a bottle for takeoff and hoped she would fall asleep but it was not that easy. Once she finally DID fall asleep.. the woman in front of me slammed her seat into a reclined position and bonked Nora's head. Great. She was screaming crying. Finally fell asleep again PHEW. Drink service starts.. flight attendant YELLS asking what we want and once again wakes her up. I know they are just doing their job but GOOD LORD. Spoiler alert.. this also happened on the way home lol
We eventually made it to Orlando and were very grateful to get off the plane. We immediately shucked our sweatshirts, changed Nora and got our bags from baggage claim.
We were able to get an UberXL very quickly and soon we were on our way.
Someone was VERY happy to be off that plane.
Our Uber was very nice and clean and he was kind enough to blast the AC for us even though I'm sure for a Floridian 65 degrees wouldn't typically warrant that level of cooling.
We hit some traffic as it was nearing 5 PM, but overall not too bad.
Before long home was calling to us!
We had a TIME trying to get checked in and get our Magic Bands sorted, but it did allow us to pick up our Walmart+ order that had been delivered to bell services. We ordered diapers, milk, snacks for Nora, etc. which was really helpful.
Check in complete - where to next?!
I can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
agreed!!The days are long but the years are short.
Which is why I never took mine anywhere until they were like 4 & 7 and could sort of listen. Who am I kidding. They are 9 and 11 now and still only sort of listen lol. I've always been in awe of parents who take infants and toddlers on planes or long road trips. My kids could never have made it at that age, and I was not brave enough to try!
