Unfortunately, before we left our place on Friday, Gemma threw up pretty much everything she had eaten all day. She had had an episode of this on Tuesday and Wednesday also with a decreased appetite all week. I don't know if it was a bug, the side effect of trialling her off of her reflux medication, or due to constipation. She had a good day on Thursday, so I was hopeful we were in the clear for travelling. Unfortunately we weren't. She got sick three times on the flight from Dublin to Chicago. Luckily two ladies from Texas, one of whom was a nurse, jumped to my aide each time. And, Gemma still managed to keep a smile on her face!
In addition to getting sick, Gemma only slept for one 30 minute nap and one 45 minute nap during the 8 1/2 hour flight. By the time we landed in Chicago, our bodies felt as if it was 1am, and Gemma was delirious with tiredness. There was a huge line at customs, and I was afraid we were going to miss our connecting flight, as our flight was an hour late getting in. Luckily, I learned that our flight to Minnesota was also going to be delayed. Gemma and I went through security at the next terminal, got to our gate, and I got her to sleep again for another little catnap before a loud announcement woke her. Our flight was delayed another hour, then eventually cancelled.
By the time I got Gemma back in the stroller and all of our gear loaded up, we were one of the last people to get to the customer service desk for rebooking and accommodation for the night. Again, the line was long. At this point, I must have looked totally defeated, because a young woman from near the front of the line came back and got me and brought us in front of her. The two ladies in front of her then let us to the very front of the line. The agent did his best to make our arrangements quickly, but by this time Gemma was near meltdown. Two other United agents were trying to help as well, asking if there was anything they could get for Gemma.
The plan was that the airline would put us up for the night in a hotel, and we were on a 10:40am flight the next day. We were also given meal vouchers. We just had to make our way to the shuttle center to get the shuttle to the hotel. During this walk, Gemma FINALLY crashed and fell into a deep sleep. She slept during the van journey and as I got checked in. I gave her a quick bottle once we got to our room around 10:15pm (4:15am to our bodies), and we both crashed.
Gemma was awake a little after 6 the next morning. We got up, I fed Gemma, got ready and packed up. I was trying to find bottled water for Gemma, but all the vending machines were sold out. I asked at the front desk, and they were out as well. I was told there was a convenience store across the road, but it was a busy highway and a cold morning. The front desk attendant said to leave Gemma with her, as she was used to taking care of kids! I did this and made a quick dash to the store.
On the shuttle trip back to the airport, we met an angel of a woman who was also supposed to be on our cancelled flight and was going to be on the flight with us that day. She was a mother of five and also worked with children. She stayed with us the entire time in the airport, and we were even able to switch seats and sit next to each other on the plane. She got Gemma to sleep both while waiting in the airport and on the plane! I felt I had witnessed a miracle! She was with us until we met up with mom and Margo in Minneapolis.
We got to Margo and Justin's a little after 1pm. Gemma played for a bit, had a bottle, then went down for a nap around 2:30pm. I had to wake her at 4pm because she probably thought she was down for the night. She went back to bed at 6pm and woke at 3:30am, but this was just due to hunger, as she had refused bottles most of the day and had only had 6 ounces of formula, half a banana, and some Cheerios all day. She fell back asleep and slept until 7:20am this morning! She took two naps around her normal times and went to bed at 6pm again, which has been normal back in Ireland as well. Fingers crossed she'll sleep through the night tonight!
There were so many acts of kindness shown to Gemma and me during our journey. In addition to the ones mentioned above, there were many others. Gemma was wonderful too. Despite getting sick and not getting much sleep, she still managed to charm everyone around her. One of the Aer Lingus staff in Dublin even took a photo with her! Below are some of our pics from the journey.
Just after boarding the plane
Gemma in her 'bassinet' AKA cardboard box
Another shot of the box!
Waking up at the hotel
Finally with family! Gemma and Freya were so cute- they just kept looking at each other and laughing when they first saw each other!
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