If you're new to our blog, and would like to start from the moment I learned I was having triplets, click HERE :)
Posts about Colton's Cleft Lip and Palate surgeries as well as the Triplets' Cranial Bands are along the sidebar.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Fasten Your Seatbelts.


In just 2 short weeks, we will be attempting a feat that I had frankly not expected to have to deal with for at least another year. But, you all know how funny life can be, right? Twists and turns when you least expect it. Oh yeah, story of my life. (You know, like, thinking you're gonna have one baby and suddenly there are 3 flickers on that screen.) Yes, those kinds of twists and turns.

So here's the story. If you've followed our blog for any amount of time, you know that all 3 babies required Cranial Bands (helmets, as we affectionately call them) to correct some pretty serious plagiocephaly and torticollis. Learning that we were going to have to care for 3 infants in helmets scared the crap out of me. But, as with most things, when you go in with the right attitude, it turned out to be a piece of cake. And let me tell you, the differences in their skulls is nothing short of amazing. No really. A-MAZ-ING! But I digress.

While all three were still wearing their helmets, we were contacted by the PR people at Hanger Orthotics and asked if we would mind doing a story about the triplets and their helmets. We were totally excited and completely shocked when our story ended up on the front page of the Arizona Daily Star!



Fast forward 1 year and 5 months. I was contacted again by the same wonderful woman, and asked whether I'd be willing to allow the triplets to be included in book being written about Hanger Orthotics' 150th anniversary. It is to include interesting patients from over the years. Interesting huh? Yep. That sounds like us.

"Of course!" I say. "Just let me know what you need from me."

"Well," she says, "We'll need to do another interview and a photo shoot. We'd love it if you could all fly out to Kansas City to do your photo shoot."

[Insert my "pessimistic..."if only" chuckle here.]

As if she could read my mind and the tiny numbers in my checking account, she quickly interjects.

"We would of course cover all of your travel, food and hotel expenses."

DONE!

Folks, we're goin' to Kansas City!


In 2 weeks.
With 3 toddlers.
And 2 adults.
On an airplane.
Where kids can scream.
And people can't get away.
Where grownups are grumpy.
And mommies are stressed.
Where wine o'clock can't come fast enough.

I know these things.

I used to be a Flight Attendant.
(Shout out to all my American Airlines friends who are still flying and an early apology should we end up on any of your flights...) :)

The thing is, I LOVE TO FLY. I like turbulence. Fear does not exist within me.

Until now. :)

The moment I said yes, the questions started flooding my brain.

How many suitcases will we bring?
How will be carry them AND a 3 kids?
Will we need car seats once we land?
Can we rent them?
Should we bring them?
Should we put them on the plane or gate check them? (The car seats, that is. Not the kids.)
How will we get three carseats, 3 kids and 3 suitcases to the gate with only 2 adults?
How will we get all that on the plane?
How fast can Brian install 3 car seats on the plane?
How early should we get to the airport considering how much triplets can slow us down?
How long is the flight?
Can we drink on the flight? (KIDDING)
Can I pay the captain or the flight attendants to show Toy Story 3 inflight? Nemo?
How will we sit on the airplane?
Are we crazy?
Can we really do this?

My simple answer is this-

YES WE CAN.

"We are ninjas of organization and efficiency."
(to quote a magazine article about parents of multiples...)

We are (okay, I am) patient.

We are intelligent, realistic parents of triplets.
(Who will carry at least $100 in singles to pay off all the annoyed people who have to sit near us).

Wish us luck friends. If nothing else, a GREAT blog will surely come out of it!
More of my travel plans to come!

Thanks again for keeping us in the competition!
You can vote once a day until May 30th!

16 comments:

Lawson and Ian's Mum said...

I remember dreading the transatlantic crossing with a change in Dallas with a 2.5 yo - who would no longer use a stroller and a 4 y.o. They amazed me and the people around us. The Bunchkins will charm their way on the trip. Have fun!

Mrs. Lofgren said...

I still think you need to bring along a nanny! (Yes, I am volunteering! LOL!!!) It will be another great adventure for the Bunch family and I'm sure will make for quite a few fantastic blogs!!! Have fun in KC Bunchkins!!!

Lindy said...

My GO TO travel accessory in airports is the Traveling Toddler Carseat Strap. Seriously. Best idea ever. It hooks your carseat to your rolling carryon luggage. You strap the carseat to your luggage, strap in your baby like you would normally do in their carseat, and stroll through the airport. I had SO many people stop and ask me WHERE I had gotten it. (PLUS this way you can check your stroller(s) and have one less thing to worry about!) Here's the link to the it on Amazon (and it's on sale right now!)
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Seat-Travel-Accessory/dp/B000JHN3AS
AND, here's a post showing a picture of the first time I actually used it.
http://bussfam.blogspot.com/2010/08/quick-trip.html
Good luck, and I can't wait to read about your adventures!

Anabelle said...

Ummm, yes. Do drink on the plane! I've only flown with 1 toddler and needed a drink! :)

Angela said...

What a great opp. At least you get to try flying on someone elses dime! Can't wait to read more!

Ami said...

OMG LIndy! I purchased 3 of the TRAVELING TODDLER Strappy thingys just yesterday!! I am sooo glad to hear you liked it! My husband was skeptical, but I figured it gave us a standing chance, if nothing else! THANK YOU for the recommendation! I'm going to go check out your pics now! :)

Lindy said...

I LOVE it. I seriously give them out as baby gifts to my friends that travel now. Ha. Glad you got them!!

Brooke said...

Ami - after traveling several times with our daughter, we found that the best thing for us was to check the carseat. Installing them on the plane is challenging, not that it can't be done, but the amount of space is so tight that you literally have to climb over them AND the biggest thing for us was that b/c the kid sits so far forward, they VERY EASILY can kick the seat in front of them. We could not control this with our daughter no matter how hard we tried and it was SOOOO much easier when we got this CARES restraint belt and just strapped her into that. They are a little pricey, so not sure if you want to invest in 3, esp if you don't travel by air frequently. But just throwing it out there. You can check it out here. http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

Dad/Grampy Sam said...

Sounds like a great adventure. Plus, the Kansas City BBQ will be worth the effort and stress!

The Kemps said...

Ah good times! Just beware that your children might be FABULOUS angels on this trip and inspire you to do it again!! Our first international trip with little people was a snap, the next one, a little tricky but because that first one was so good, we keep at it. Happy Travels!!

The Alexanders said...

So exciting! I can't wait to hear how it all goes. Our future plane travels will most likely depend on how it goes for you guys with your three little ones...no pressure, hahaha!

Adam and Samantha said...

ahh, good times!! It always stresses me out when we fly with our 3 crazy kiddos, but you'll have fun and if people give you a dirty look just tell them to kiss your you-know-what!! And we always take a portable DVD, it's a lifesaver!! One other thing, put them in shoes that are easy to take on and off cause they make even your kids take their shoes off at the security check point and when you have three to take on and off you won't believe how fast the line grows behind you and how annoyed people can get!! Have fun!!

The McCleary Quads said...

Well congrats on your free trip to Kansas City. Hopefully you'll be close to one of the 6 Gates BBQ Locations. Also, another place to check out which isn't too far from the Airport is Zona Rosa, lots of good shopping and Restaurants there.

Ami said...

Thank you EVERYONE for all the advice!! I am super excited to get on with this adventure...McCleary Quads, may I just say that this Top 25 race has been really fun for us! We're loving your competition! :)

The McCleary Quads said...

Your welcome and thanks. The Top 25 has been a blast, I wonder if they thought people were gonna vote that much. Also, if you kids need playmates when your in Kansas City, were only mins away from the Airport & Zona Rosa.

Tim and Darcy said...

How exciting!!! I was worried about the traveling when we went to Hawaii, too. And the kids totally shocked us and did AWESOME! Several people commented on how well behaved they were and best kids they've sat next to on an airplane....now if I could just get them to act that way at home..... Good luck. I can't wait to hear all about it...and see those pics!!! :)

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