Your first trip to St Louis.

My Dear Sons,
I have a baby book for you. I write in it infrequently. But hopefully, every week or so, I can update this blog with news, pictures, and advice so one day you can look back and see what our world was like when you two first became a part of it.

This week you rode in your first airplane! We flew to St. Louis--two parents and two babies. For being only five months old, you traveled like champions! Jack, you fussed for 10 minutes of the 2 1/2 hour flight there. A nervous flyer in front of us, with the face of an overweight hobbit, deigned to give you a dirty look. But one glance from you dad shut down any complaint that was forthcoming.

I think the trip meant a great deal to your great-grandmother ("Ga") who couldn't get enough of you both. When your dad and I were about to crack from the baby stress (unfortunately neither of you took to sleeping in a new place or in strange cribs), Ga fed you, held you, bounced you, and even did a little jig for Alex as he fussed in his doorway-bouncer. On this trip you met Ga's church group, your "great aunts" Harriet and Cele, and my close friend from grad school, Liana, who drove in from Kansas City with her daughter Elena just to meet you.  It makes my heart smile to see you giggling and interacting with the people closest to me and you dad!

You were angels on the flight back. Your dad had the bright idea of putting Alex in a front carrier, which left him hands free for the flight. (I glanced over to see him playing a mean game of Angry Birds). But sadly, Alex, you peed on him as he waited on the cold, windy runway for the stroller. Your Aunt Nada was extremely proud!

LESSON #1: Boys, remember when you grow up to help out parents (especially single parents) travelling with kids and don't complain about crying infants and children. Be gracious to families travelling as chances are they aren't having very much fun either!