Today was a big day for us in Chicago. We got word last night that the boys made it safely to Pasadena and now we (Bonnie, Kelly and I) were up for a huge adventure taking two-month old triplets onto an airplane from Chicago to LA. The morning started off very early with Bonnie, Kelly, Evan and I scrambling to get everything ready for the girls and our imminent departure. Not only did we need to pack up our camping space and equipment and clear out the apartment but we also had the girls and all their necessities to cram into luggage (perhaps pre-packing a bit more might have been a good idea). Evan had stayed the weekend to help us with the girls and ended up taking on a majority of the housework that we didn't finish before we needed to leave for our flight. Of course the weather was rainy with lightening and thunder nonstop....isn't it August in Chicago? After loading up one car with the girls and some luggage Evan and I departed for the airport while Kelly and Bonnie took a cab with the remainder of the luggage.
Upon my arrival at the airport, Kelly and Bonnie had luggage carts, a clear idea of how to check in and had already befriended the agent supervising the 45+ minute check in line. Once the agent saw the girls she immediately asked us if we like to check in 'promptly' - of course we said yes and we were whisked to the front of the line where she recruited a separate agent just for us. Normally I would refuse such special treatment, but if you saw us - you'd know we needed it. In addition to the three girls in their car seats we had 6 checked bags and probably 5 carry on bags - we were a mess, an organized mess, but a mess. Security wasn't a big deal, I think the agent thought each of us had one baby as he didn't seem to understand the triplet thing, but I wasn't about to correct him. O'hare has a family screening line so we took over that for a good 15 minutes while everything was inspected, breast pump, breast milk, formula and all - it was an experience....but we passed.
Now off to the gate, which of course seemed to be as far away as possible, even through the colored tunnel for those who are familiar with O'hare. Upon arriving at the gate, we see a sign for Baltimore - our gate had been changed during the time it took us to walk from security. I nearly fainted with exhaustion upon realizing that we needed to go all the way to the other side of the terminal. Thankfully (I think) our flight was delayed so at least we had time.
Upon arriving at our new gate (and checking every single monitor on the way) we took over a corner of the waiting area. This is where IT happened.....my first public pumping. I had to do it - I can only go so long. Thankfully I have a 'hooter hider' that my sister made so it was pretty discrete - I think. Besides if anyone looked over they were enamored with the girls and obviously not bothering to figure out what I was doing.
After several delays, our flight was finally boarding. I just assumed that since we were travelling with infants we would get to board near the start but turns out United doesn't do family boarding - so we waited until the very end to get on the plane. It was hilarious with all three of us carrying on a baby (minus the car seat since the plane was at capacity). Each person we walked by had fear in their eyes, avoided eye contact, or just gave a look of wow hoping that we didn't sit near them. Once we reached the back of the plane, we found our seats and tried to make nice - this was a strength of Kelly and Bonnie and less so me as I was still fearing the take off and landing.
The flight went REALLY well - no major meltdowns and very little crying. In fact one fellow passenger said the man snoring in front of her was noisier than the girls - so I took that as a compliment. I was even able to pump on the airplane something I would rather not do again.
Upon arrival in LAX we were greeted by Brant and headed to our new home. The movers were just finishing up and everything (and everyone) had made it safely. We all had a very successful day. The girls were wonderful (as good as one can ask for) on their first plane ride...all my anxiety for nothing - I was SO lucky and obviously couldn't have done it without my travel buddies.
My sister wrote up a great slideshow of our adventure while she was visiting. Slideshow link to see all the pictures
great slideshow you guys!
ReplyDeletedid the girls stare sleeping through the night? is that true?