op!At 6 weeks old we figured Caleb had seen all he needed to see of California, so we thought we'd bring our small baby to another corner of the wide world. Plus he had lots of family to meet in the northeast. Also it was Thanksgiving, and if you can't be thankful for free infant airfare, what is there to be thankful for? So off we went!!!
After arriving at the airport way too early and being whisked through a stroller-friendly security line with a short wait, we got to the gate and waited... and waited... and waited.... until it was well past our boarding time. Finally the gate attendant announced somewhat helpfully, but way too graphically, that they were waiting for a steam cleaner because a passenger on the plane's previous flight "got sick all over the plane." His exact words. We boarded 90 minutes late, exactly the same time we had between flights in Washington, D.C.
Caleb slept well in our laps on the cross-country red-eye. But airlines no longer whisk you off a flight when you have a tight connection, nor do they hold the next flight for you, not even for a moment. So after we rushed across the airport to watch our plane close its doors and take off, we had 5 hours to kill until the next flight. Thanks, United. Caleb and Amy napped. I stayed awake out of this nagging fear that someone might steal the baby. You don't want to be "that guy"... ("Well I know this guy who fell asleep in an airport and after a nationwide manhunt and many years passed they're still looking for his...")
First stop: Binghamton, NY, Dad's hometown. Here are Grandma Claire, Aunt Andrea, and longtime family friend Ilana Segal.
Happy baby!! Is it because Aunt Andrea and Uncle Jonathan have the new version of your swing back home, which features softer fabric and bouncing sheep? I hope not... we don't need swing envy at this young age.
More swing happiness!
Here's cousin Micayla attempting to pick Caleb's nose, which makes some sense because he lacks the coordination to do it himself and she has the second smallest fingers around. I realize looking back on this trip I didn't get many good pictures of Micayla, probably because she was in constant toddler motion.
Mom and Caleb doing that loving gaze thing while Grandma watches on.
Lurline tickles Caleb's leg while Victoria cradles him. Grandma's ready with the pacifier, just in case...
Victoria and Caleb
Dad and Caleb
Three generations on the same couch on which I used to watch Sesame Street and Mister Rogers! Grandpa Melvin was sorely missed on this trip, but Caleb, who for now has his grandfather's blue eyes, helped fill the void he's left. Another way that Caleb may fill Melvin's shoes: at his 2-month checkup, Caleb was in the 30th percentile for height but in the 50th for weight. Our little fireplug!!
Next stop: Amherst, MA, home of Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Micayla. In this "everybody, grab a lilttle person!" pose, Dang holds Hannah, Lisa holds Rachel, and Mom has Caleb.
Micayla snuggles up on the couch with Caleb, who she calls "Beh-bee!"
The brothers Shefftz pushing their progenies!
Micayla sips pensively on her sippy cup...
Next stop: Fitchburg, MA, home of Aunt Katie and Uncle Dave, with Grandma Priscilla and Grandpa Russell visiting from Maine.
Katie says, "Look - it's a baby!!"
Does the pig hat fit?
Not yet, Caleb - keep growing that noggin.
Grandpa Russell and Uncle Dave get some smiles.
