After 10 wonderful days with family in Texas, we’re finally back in Portland. And to think it only took a 3 hour drive on Monday followed by 12 hours of traveling today. 😉 Actually, we really did luck out. Our longest leg was DFW to SJC, and we managed to be seated in the only 3-seater row on the plane where the 3rd passenger didn’t show up. We both got to stretch out and be [as] comfortable [as possible on a plane]. The last leg was just a quick hop up the coast.
In general, I think this is probably the most stress-free winter holiday travel we’ve ever had. Everything ran on time. We didn’t have a single delay. As a former flight attendant, I can tell you the chances of that happening over the winter holidays is basically nil. I feel like the Travel Fairies were watching out for us this year…and they picked a good year to do it, because air travel at 30 weeks can be pretty miserable.
I also used the time to get down to business listening to my Hypnobabies. I have no idea how well it will work out when I’m in labor, but the “deep relaxation suggestions” certainly zonked me out on the plane and despite the fact that I almost always end up with a back or neck ache after flying, pregnant or not, I woke up with my body feeling really good every time I listened to it. Less pain than I’ve been in after sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time in nearly 10 weeks. And I was on a plane! For nearly 4 hours! Twice! Ladies, you may think hypnobirthing is totally bunk (and after I give birth, I may be in complete agreement with you), but for long plane rides, I can’t recommend it enough.
It’s hard to believe that the next time I travel (just 5 short months away), I’ll be traveling with a baby…and probably sans husband, which should make for an interesting journey. Today, I kept thinking about how I’d make it all work with a baby, and I’m getting more and more nervous at the prospect, especially if Kellen won’t be along to help out. I’ve got a lot of ideas about how I can do it–and I’ve had a lot of experience helping moms get all of their kids, and all of their kids’ stuff, onto airplanes. Still, it’s going to be a completely different travel experience. I just hope I don’t end up being one of those moms who makes everyone else on the plane crazy.
In all, we had a wonderful holiday, and it was very hard to come home. My parents live out in the boonies in Texas, and going to their house to visit for a week and a half is sort of like going on some wilderness retreat (with satellite TV, cable internet, and hot showers.) We barely see anyone outside of family while we’re there, and it’s so quiet and peaceful at my folks’ place.
It’s good seeing family, too. I have a large extended family that I’m very close to, and it makes me so sad that I miss out on so much of their goings on. I don’t get to go to any of my cousin’s little girl’s dance recitals or birthday parties. I’m going to miss out on my younger cousin’s wedding in the fall. I wouldn’t be going back to Texas in May with Isla, potentially by myself, if it weren’t important to me to share those big moments with them. It was so hard to leave (again) this morning. But…you do what you have to do.
I should be back to regular updates now that I’m home. Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight and getting caught up on sleep!
Leave a Reply