The Show

Wish the baby basinett looked like this!

Its like getting ready for a big performance.. a show... a grand finale.  I have practiced a million times, rehearsed in my head how its going to play out.. the excitement and the nervousness all mixed into one emotion...

Today is the day I have been waiting for... anticipating...dreading...  Today - Dyllan and I make the long trek back to Seattle.  Like a baby bird and a mother bird migrating south for the winter.. for the first time... on our own.  Its funny because in preparing for this flight- I have actually paid special attention to Dyllan- learning what makes her happy- what turns off her tears- what toys are most interesting to her- what books she enjoys the most (touch and feel ones WITH sounds- and any one with big pages that she can turn herself).. what foods make her happy- and how to settle her down in my arms - this is something I have never really had to do before- she is a good crib sleeper- and I never rock her to sleep- let alone have her sleep in my arms.  She doesnt even sleep in her stroller anymore!  Here we go 14 hour flight from Sydney to LA- layover- then 3 hour flight from LA to Seattle.  18+ hours of travel time with my baby bug. On my lap.

I have to admit- I feel ready.. as ready as I will ever be.  I have downloaded more kids apps on my iphone than I have room for.. I have over 25 kids dvd's and a mini dvd player.. I have enough snacks to feed the entire flight.  3 sleep masks- 2 pairs of ear plugs- slippers- 2 pillows.. 5 coloring books, 7 books and 2 magazines (all kids of course!)I even have one of those crazy back pack leashes.  I have successfully packed everything Dyllan could possible want.  2 trips to the Dollar store- and a ton of junk later.....we are ready.  If Dyllan actually sleeps this flight.. I am screwed.. or at least stuck eating gogurt and raisins while reading princess books and playing with stuffed animals.

Dont get me wrong- I hope to god she sleeps.  The way over was a nightmare- no sleep- a sick baby- and 2 layovers.. So I am not banking on her to sleep.  I originally thought I would be able to drug her with some baby medicine- but luckily I tested it out first- and found out (several times!) it doesnt put her to sleep- it actually makes her hyper.

I am off to the airport now- and like a mini caravan- Dyllan's stroller is jam packed.  We are ready to do this.  See ya in Seattle!!  And for our friends here in Sydney- enjoy the rain.. I wont be missing it at all!  (It never rains in Seattle).

Dan- I love you- I miss you already- and I will see you in three short weeks!  Good luck with your training for the Ironman- you will kick Sean's butt!!  I am so proud of you- you are the best husband in the world- and I really wish you were flying with me!!  Not doing this alone again.  Thats a promise.

See ya on the flip side.