Yesterday was, as my mom called it, a spectacularly horrible day. Definitely one that will go down in my history books. One I truly hope will never be repeated. I got up at 4:45 to get ready to go to the airport. The babies threatened to repeat their performance on Wednesday night, but somehow managed to keep it under control and fall asleep. So far so good. My dad helped us bring in all the luggage and, per Amy Hanks' suggestion, my mom was able to accompany us through security to the gate to wrangle all our gear (I didn't even know you could do that!). We drugged them up, hoping they would fall asleep. On the way to PA, Eva drifted off to sleep shortly after takeoff, so I wasa hoping for the best. Unfortunately, we were delayed in taking off and were just sitting there for a long while.
She started to scream -- a demonic scream of one possessed. Any attempt on my part to soothe and console was met with writhing, an arched back (causing her to hit her head on the seat in front of us), and scratching at my face. We were taxiing and so I could not get up and walk her around. All I could do was sit in my cramped little seat and try to wrestle her into not kicking or hitting the people sitting next to us. This continued for at least an hour. After awhile, a man sitting next to me moved across the aisle and sat next to his wife, so I had an empty seat next to me. It didn't stop her from crying, of course, but at least I didn't have to worry about her kicking or hitting others... None of my babies have ever done this on a flight. A little fussing, sure, a little antsiness, but nothing like this. I was reduced to tears myself. She finally succumbed and went to sleep for an hour or so and the rest of the flight was uneventful, but I am still scarred.
We originally had only a 25 minute layover in Denver, but our delay from the first flight was threatening our chances of making it at all. They ended up holding the second plane for us and we dashed to the next gate, barely getting there in time. After all that, there were mechanical difficulties and we had to sit on the plane for 2 hours before we finally left. I took a long hot bath last night and the tension started to melt away, but after she had been asleep for only 2 hours, she woke up and was doing that scream again. Instantly I felt panicked; I couldn't deal with it again. Marc took over, but was equally mystified. I went to bed. She woke up four times last night. I got up three times with Lucas as well, he had a high fever for unknown reasons. Today Eva has been extremely fussy and doesn't want me to put her down, but she is none too happy with me holding her either. She's a mystery wrapped in a riddle, as Jill would say. What in the world do I do???
I'm not in a good way. I decided I should make a list of things I am grateful for today:
- I'm not on an airplane.
- I don't have to go on another airplane for 3 more months, by which time I am hoping I will be brave enough to attempt it again.
- Marc did laundry before I got home!
- The house looked nice when I returned.
- Marc, Max and I are healthy.
- I had a really good time visiting my parents.
- We had Costa Vida for dinner last night (mango chicken salad).
- I don't have anything pressing that I have to do, so if I have to, I can hold Eva all day.
I'm hoping that tomorrow I can think of more, but right now I'm feeling a little worn out.
10 comments:
I was almost as upset as you after hearing your tale of airplane woe yesterday. I still have flashbacks from when I flew to Michigan with Whitney when she was 4 months old. People were so mean. It was painful. I can only imagine how much worse it was for you since she was doing a demonic cry. You poor . I had high hopes for you for a good night's sleep to help you recover, but it sounds like you got the shaft again. I'm so sorry. What's up with Lucas' mystery fever, perhaps it was a gift to celebrate your return. Oh my friend, things have got to get better soon. Take care.
I am so so sorry as well. I couldn't stand watching Eva do that yesterday. I know it's not the case, but it really seemed like she was doing it TO you, ya know? I hope things pick up, and good for you making a list of gratitude. i especilly like #1 myself. I'll be praying for you, much like I did yesterday. (I found I had a constant stream of prayers on loop in my head yesterday)
It is just so wrong- I can't believe all the delays and it is so irritating that airlines leave you sitting like that for hours! I am SO, SO sorry for your horrible return flight (and night)! I too have been reduced to tears while flying with an infant, my heart goes out to you! I hope Eva is okay, and even more- that you recover by your next flight! I don't know if I could in just three short months!
Oh my goodness! I can't believe that, I would die. You're a strong woman and you made it through. I really admire all you mothers out there, I really don't know how you do it.
while we were sitting there on the plane, and all I could do was watch in horror, I couldn't help but wonder why Heavenly Father tries your patience when you obviously already have alot more than most people...
Michelle. i am so sorry . i was with you on Tuesday when we flew home from San Fran. Sally Jane screamed for only about 45 min. and some nice man cam up to me and said. "you know what everyone of us on this plane has cried just like that too, so don't you worry about it." how nice is that. As soon as Sally Jane was done Caroline took her place. A 2 1/2 year old is not as cute as a 11 month old. jeff and i were seriously just laughing, i had no idea what to do. the man next to me got up and sat behind me too. oh the joys of flying.
it stinks living on the other side of the county as family.
i am glad you had a good trip though. your moms store is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh man, I am so sorry Michelle. Hopefully you can catch a nap or something and Eva will do the same over the next few days. I don't look forward to the days of traveling with kids on airplanes, and sharing your experience will come in handy when I am debating to do it or not in the future. Take care.
Sad, sad, sad, very sad, so sad, SAD. I guess I can keep my life. I love you and thanks for coming. I am alittle sad and lonely today, well, everyday since you left. You are definitley one of my heros. I love you.
That's a pretty decent list of things to be grateful for, but I have to ask, did it help? Usually it does, but it sounds like your day was too traumatic for anything but a series of good day to heal. What a nightmare! I'm so sorry you had to go through that. And then to have to get up so many times during the night! I would be reduced to tears, too.
I' sorry to hear about your flying fiasco. How yucky for you. You deserve a nice long hot soak in your tub with no interruptions. I hope the kids are feeling better.
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