I often find myself staring at Andrew in amazement because I could not imagine a more beautifully adorable and perfect baby. I wonder how someone who is so imperfect could have something so perfect. At this age, his greatest talent is looking cute.

Happy 1 month birthday to our little one!

The only variable left in this whole adventure of bringing Andrew home were the dogs. They were at the kennel while we were in Dallas. The day after we got back I went and brought them home.  I was concerned how they would react to a new baby They came home and sniffed Andrew who was on the floor. After that, they wandered off and went about doing what they always do. So far, the baby has been a non-event for them. They do not get upset when he cries and he doesn’t get upset when they bark. It is as if the dogs couldn’t care less that there was another person in the house. That may all change once he starts walking, but it is good for now.

How could you not love 
that adorable face?

At home, things are going well, but I’m still in shock trying to take it all in. I don’t think reality has hit yet because I’m still in the honeymoon phase. On the one hand, it feels completely natural and on the other hand I feel like I’m living on Mars. How could you not love that adorable face? My heart skips a beat every time I look at him. I often find myself checking his breathing as he sleeps.

I’m back at work and Jenny is off until the end of February. We are tired and stressed but otherwise overjoyed. She has cried happy tears a few times in the last week. She says he is perfect and I have to agree.

After weighing all the options we decided that flying first class would be the best. We got up pretty early Tuesday morning to catch our 11:45 am flight because we suspected that the lines would be crazy and that with a baby it would take us longer to get ourselves out the door. I had the rental car packed by 8:45 and we were on our way to the airport by 9:00 am. I dropped the family off with the luggage at check-in while I drove to the car rental center and got rid of the car.

Because we had first class tickets, there was no line to check-in. We also saved about $200 in baggage fees because all the bags are free in first class. Navigating through security was not too much of a problem either. I had a baby in my arms so we were directed to go through a much shorter line. Once through security, we went to the American Airlines Club lounge to wait for our flight.

At the American Airlines Club

This was much more civilized than waiting at the gate. We all had our diapers changed and got something to eat; Andrew had formula while we shared a croissant and juice. The executive lounge is a quiet and relaxing place compared to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the airport, so when Andrew started crying I started to panic. Nobody seemed to mind though and a few people even commented as to how adorable he was. When people asked how old he was I felt like I had to explain why I was traveling with a 10 day old. It was as if I had to say, “No, I’m not insane traveling with a newborn! I’m taking my adopted baby home.”

We walked over to the gate a few minutes before boarding. A friend was going to pick us up at the airport and he was texting me with how bad the weather was. We boarded with ease and sat in our very roomy and comfortable seats for the three hour flight home. The captain said that it might be a bumpy flight because of the storm and we had to wait to take off. I was anticipating a delay but it didn’t bother me because I knew that we would all be comfortable and well taken care of.

Comforts of First Class

There ended up being no delay and we took off without a hitch. The flight attendants and passengers in first class were all cooing at our little boy. The fact that he is so adorably cute insured that no one gave us any odd looks. He didn’t cry once and slept most of the flight. We were served hot meals and all the beverages we wanted. We were so worked up about traveling and so far it had been easy and so for that we were very grateful.

To get the better airfare, we landed at the airport 50 minutes from our house (the closest one is 20 minutes away). Neil came and picked us up but because of the “storm” (rain) it took us two hours to get home. I cannot tell you the euphoria I felt that night as I lay in my own bed finally and thankful for my son, a comfortable home, and good friends.