"Shelby Gets Her Wings"

This afternoon, we headed to the airport to begin our journey to the annual Mallernee (Papa's side) family reunion held at Barren River State Park in Kentucky. Papa drove up with most all of our luggage, so our load was lightened up significantly. Even still, we had several carryons, all equipped with life essentials like extra changes of clothes for Landon and Shelby, snacks, and gripe water. Landon is a seasoned pro, and with Daddy's iphone, he was set. This was your first flight, Shelby, and we were all a little nervous. The flight was about an hour and a half, and for the first 45 minutes or so, you slept. Then you woke up with a very dirty diaper, and the challenge began. We all know how small airplane bathrooms are. Ok. Try changing a poopy, screaming baby in one! Fun. When we got back to our seat, we were almost ready to start the descent. That wasn't fun either. With the pressure changing constantly, your little ears were starting to pop. I tried to nurse you, but you were so uncomfortable, you wouldn't calm to suck. I tried to get you to suck on your passy, but that didn't work either. Finally, you did settle a little, only to start up again as the pressure changed again. I felt so helpless; there was absolutely nothing I could do for you. I could not get you off that plane fast enough. You were so glad to be done with that. You did get a little certificate with plastic "wings" commemorating your first flight. Worth it? Hmm.

You look a little worried.

The calm before the storm.