The Last Flight Home

Let me just preface this story by saying that my husband and daughter are AMAZING. Truly, truly amazing. Now...


We had 4 different flights all together on our trip to and from Michigan. My only big concern was that Zoe would freak out and be one of those hysterically screaming babies. But much to my incredibly wonderful surprise, she was fabulous on all of the first three flights. It was the last leg that got us.


We had an hour and a half layover in Dallas, Texas and then a two and a half hour flight back to John Wayne Airport. She was exhausted, but we were hopeful for another easy flight. Well, it was a very short-lived hope. The first 45 minutes after take-off were fairly bumpy. Not too terrible, but enough. Zoe was also having a pretty bumpy 45 minutes. She cried, not screamed, but cried for almost that entire time. At first I thought she was just tired, but she wouldn't fall asleep. So we tried everything. Every kind of food and snack... water... every toy I packed... looking out the window... bouncing... more food... Veggie Tales... But to no avail. Then, at the hour marker, it finally happened. My poor baby threw up ALL over herself and her Daddy. And we're not talking a little puke. It was a lot! The entire front of her clothes were soaked. The not-so-funny irony of this: I had just finished telling my mom at the airport before we left that I couldn't believe I had forgotten to pack some extra clothes for Zoe in my carry-on. HA! So yes, she had to remain soaked for the remainder of the flight. And yes, I felt terrible. 


Lee was done trying to comfort her while sitting. We were seated at the back of the plane, so he proceeded to get up and stand in the very back near where all of the flight attendants congregate. I thought they were going to make him sit back down, but they didn't! Thankfully, they ended up gawking at my beautiful child and doing their very best to make her happy. And so did every other person who had to go to that end of the plane to use the facilities. It was great! Kind of. It was great to see people be understanding and kind, and not glare at you because your daughter has an upset tummy and is past the point of exhaustion. Wait, it gets better...


Lee ends up standing with her for an HOUR doing his very best to comfort his girl and to relieve some of my own stress and exhaustion. He didn't sit down until we were getting ready to land. Seriously, my admiration for that man went up another notch after that flight! Oh how I love him.


With all of that to say, in the end, we made it. My sweet, sweet Zoe persevered and was even managing to smile at people by the end of the flight. (I love that about her.... she always gives everything her very best.)


And there you have it. So glad we went, and so glad we made it back.