Yes, I do realize how lucky I am to have such a good husband, good baby, and good friends!

So Anabelle and I are home from our travels and trying to get back into our daily routine. I was feeling nervous to fly with Anabelle alone but it turns out I had nothing to be scared of, but that is because I had lots of help.

On Friday afternoon we picked up John from work and headed to Midway Airport. Once there we parked in short term parking and John helped me lug a pack and play, duffel bag, car seat, stroller, diaper bag and baby to the ticketing desk. There we were able to check everything but the baby, stroller, and diaper bag-with no charge for anything. (gotta love Southwest) After going through that I don't know how I could have done it alone, so it was great to have John. John then walked us to security and kissed us goodbye for the weekend. He then went home to sleep for the entire 3 days we were gone =) And we were on our own!

Getting through security was a little tricky, but when most people see that you are traveling alone with a baby they try to either help you, or at least not rush you or give you dirty looks. It helped that I wore slip on shoes and had a stroller to put Belle in while loading and unloading. After security we had time to go get water to fill up her bottles for the plane ride, eat some dinner, change diapers, and walk around for a while before it was time to board. Southwest lets you board between group A and B if you have a small child. We checked the stroller at the door of the plane and then got on and found a window seat in the back. Luckily a nice lady sat next to us who had children of her own and was understanding. Anabelle ate a bottle on the way up, then fussed for a little bit, slept for 20 minutes and then woke up a little cranky. Thankfully I had brought along our magic tree globe that mesmorizes Belle and she stared at that pretty happily for the rest of the trip.

When we landed and retrieved our stroller once we got off the plane. Marena and Adam were waiting for us at the gate, Kansas City Airport is great because it is so small. After lots of hugs and oohs and ahhs over Belle, we were off to baggage claim to get all of our stuff. Thankfully they were there to help, because again I don't know how I would have done that alone. We got all loaded into the car and headed to Target to buy diapers, wipes, formula, and bottled water-it is easier to buy it all there than to pack it.

The next few days went way too quickly. Marena and Adam were wonderful hosts, always making sure that Anabelle and I had everything we needed. Friday night was spent hanging out and chatting at their place. Saturday Marena took me to get my haircut, something I don't often do, which was so nice. Then we went out to a great Mexican place for some yummy food. And finally Saturday night they hosted a party where I got to meet lots of their friends I had heard so much about. Marena has some really sweet people that she works with, and we had a fun time that night. Sunday Marena took me to paint pottery with some of her other mommy friends, I forgot how much I love to paint. I was even able to paint a tile and put Belle's footprint on it-so cute! Then Sunday night we relaxed and Marena made us dinner. Monday came way too quick, and already it was time to go. On the way to the airport we stopped to have lunch with Adam's mom, who I had always heard so much about but never met. She was very sweet and we had a nice lunch.

Then it was off to the airport... It was pretty much the same routine as it was on the trip there. Marena was great and helped me through everything till I got to security. On the plane a nice guy who was in the Army sat next to me, he had two kids with another on the way, and was leaving his family for 5 months of training (can't even imagine what his wife is going through). He was so nice and tried to make Belle smile and never once complained when she started crying. She ate a bottle on the way up, fell asleep for about 30 minutes then woke up and started fussing. She looked at her globe for a while but we were making a really slow long decent and it was bothering her ears. So I gave her another bottle and that helped. And before we knew it we were on the ground.

John was waiting for us and boy were we happy to see him again!

Before the trip I was explaining to John that it is hard to travel on your own because it is you 24/7 taking care of the baby and you don't want to impose on others and ask for help. But I have to thank Marena and Adam because they were so great with Anabelle, always wanting to hold her, feed her, and play with her. I really didn't feel like it was me alone, they were so helpful. Also they are great with babies and when they are ready, I know they will make great parents! I also have to thank Anabelle because she truly was SO GOOD this weekend. To the point where I was like, "No really- she doesn't usually sleep 13 hours" She was easy going, happy, and slept great! When she was fussy it wasn't too bad. Finally I have to thank John for sending me, offering to stay home with Belle if I wanted him to, and helping me at the airport. This was a great Christmas present. (Hmmm... this sounds like an acceptance speech)

So now I am just sitting here missing my friends, and wondering when we can visit again. Valentine's day is coming up, do you think John will surprise me with another trip to KC?

Marena Adam and Anabelle

Adam was really great with Anabelle

Anabelle wearing her "I love Auntie" shirt from her Aunt Marena, so cute!

Yes, she does love her Aunt!

Anabelle had a knack for spitting up on Marena, it started as soon as we stepped off the plane, and continued the whole weekend. Thankfully Marena didn't mind. This would have been such a cute picture had Anabelle not spit up, yuck!

Marena feeding Belle

We were a little worried about Marena and Adam's dogs wanting to eat Anabelle, but they were so good with her. Here Stella keeps a watchful eye over Belle as Jasper lounges on the bed. Stella spent a lot of time sitting at Belle's feet, making sure she was safe.

Jasper wasn't as concerned, typical male =)