Hail to the Chief

So, like most people, I watched the inaugural address this morning. And despite the unfortunate stumble during the president’s oath of office, I thought it was really impressive. And I was reminded of what I like most about President Obama–his relationship with his wife and daughters.  This was one of my favorite aspects of President Bush. His relationship with Laura seemed like one of genuine affection, respect and love. And regardless of the emotions he might be experiencing today, he has his partner by his side. And, to me, having a true partner during this life makes difficult moments more bearable. Michelle and Barack Obama seem to have that same genuine love for each other and their daughters. It’s nice to see them share smiles and laughter with each other and Malia and Sasha. I also think it’s a reminder of how important the institution of the family is. And while many families look different, having people around you who will be there, whether times are good or bad, seems to make all the difference. I like that Obama sets an example as a true family man, a man who takes responsibility for his own.

I couldn’t help feeling so proud of the fact that our nation has come so far as a people that we can have an African-American president. Even if I don’t agree with all of his views, I can very much appreciate what this kind of acceptance says about us. I was struck by his statement that 60 years ago, his father wouldn’t have been served in most restaurants. Wow. That doesn’t seem like very long ago. And having never experienced that kind of prejudice, it’s so hard to imagine a society where people lived like that. It’s so sad that for so long, the culture has been to try to dominate other people. I’m thinking of the Native-Americans as well. I wonder just how the Christians of those times justified that kind of prejudice. I’m sure some of them stood up for what was right and condemned that sort of hate and injustice. But I think many of those people could go to church on Sunday, and still feel comfortable with the massacres happening around them. Or the slavery right in front of them. It’s just so hard to understand. And it’s still happening in places where people believe themselves to be worth more than people who are not like them. As a Christian myself, I just can’t reconcile this with Jesus’ teachings. And it’s really sad when people try to.

So, whatever happens in the next four years, I’m very proud today to have an African-American president. And I was thinking of how cool it is that such a monumental event happened the year of my daughter’s birth. I hope that’s just an indication of the next generation growing up with an even greater sense of equality and justice.

Airports and Babies Are Not a Good Mix

First off, Christmas went well. All the family (and I do mean all!) got to meet and hold Ashtyn and see her precious smile. While the days from Christmas to New Year’s were busy and full, we still had a really great time at home in Texas. 

Let’s talk about the flight home. Imagine you’re a young mom traveling alone with your 4 1/2 month old baby for the first time. You’re running late to the airport and for this reason have to walk as fast as you can (carrying your baby, purse, and diaper bag) to the terminal. By the time you get there, sweat is literally dripping off your face and you have about five minutes to buy a bottle of water for the flight and sit down before boarding. You sit down, exhausted and sweaty, and the woman next to you asks you if you knew that there was spit-up all down your arm.

It’s time to board. Luckily you get to board early b/c of the tiny baby squirming in your arms. You find your seat and wonder just how–with the squirmer in your lap–you’re going to mix water and formula to make bottles . Maybe you can wait until after take off. The plane begins to fill. It’s definitely a full flight. Young guy number 1 makes his way to your row and takes the window seat. Younger guy number 2 finds your row and sits between you and guy number 1. You’re starting to feel a large amount of anxiety as the precious little one begins to cry. The airplane door is closed, but take off still isn’t happening. You’re sweating again. The baby is crying louder. You know that everyone on the plane hates you. Baby is screaming. Younger guy number 2 is asking if he can help–realizing he is also in an extremely terrible situation by sitting next to you. You try to keep the baby under control but can feel yourself about to cry. Flight attendant comes to your row and says not to worry, baby will calm down after take off. Yes, but when the heck is that happening?? you wonder.

As screaming continues and life worsens, you grab the water bottle, baby bottle, and box of formula and hand it to younger guy and say, “Fill to the 6 with water and put in 3 scoops of formula and shake). Immediately younger guy (who is home from college and probably has never fed a baby) starts working to make a bottle. You are loving younger guy. He is your only ally in this horrifying moment. You stick bottle in frustrating baby’s mouth and there is finally . . . silence.

Everyone on the plane is breathing relief. You see baby falling asleep and decide you absolutely cannot move in case she wakes back up. For the next hour, you are a frozen person, holding sleeping baby. Flight attendant comes back and says, “I told you she would calm down after take-off. She can sense your fear.” Hmmm. Thank you.

After landing, baby starts squirming and whining again. You remind yourself that daddy will be waiting and soon you won’t be taking care of squirmer alone. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, people start filing off the plane.

It was definitely the longest two-hour flight of your life.

Yeah, that was our trip home. Not cool whatsoever. But we made it back to Colorado and Daddy was there to rescue Mommy. And despite being terrible during the flight, Ashtyn’s still the cutest thing ever.

What did I learn from all this? Never be late to the airport. Never travel without Jeff. Always make bottles before getting on the plane. And babies are going to cry on airplanes–it’s a fact of life.