So the adventure began at the crack of dawn, a time which in the past felt unearthly but now is something we have become accustomed to. With everything packed and the baby on board we set off for the airport. It was at the drop off point that our first challenge was realised.
As I balanced our numerous suitcases on a cart I pulled Adlai out of his car seat. There was a damp feeling around his waist, which was followed by the unmistakable smell, which confirmed the worst. Adlai had pooped through his clothes. We decided to press on and check in. I held Adlai at arm’s length as we successfully navigated security. At the check in desk the lady did not seem at all perturbed by the brownie yellow now clearly visible through my son’s clothes. She cooed at him in the usual way and despite his disposition he obliged her with a smile.
Bags checked and nappy and clothes changed, we passed through further security with a little more cooing from various members of staff. This all seemed a little unprofessional but they are not the sort of people you question.
We were sat in the bulkhead seats of the plane and Adlai was given a crib, though he didn’t seem too sure about it.. For the most part people on the plane seemed to be glad of the distraction Adlai provided. Others seemed to eye him nervously, presumably worried that he’d scream a lot rather than fearing that he posed some kind of security threat. As it turns out these people had nothing to worry about on either count. He slept through take off and got through the journey by sucking on cups and staring at the TV screen, which was located just above his crib and plotted our depressingly slow progress.
Upon our arrival in Adlai’s other homeland, we were met by his Grandpa (Pappy), his aunt, and two of his great-grand parents. Appropriately emotional scenes ensued. The excitement kicked up another notch when we saw our mode of transport. Pappy had picked us up in his truck which gets ½ mile to the gallon and is approximately the size ofEngland. We had arrived inAmerica.
