Planes, Ferries and Automobiles

After months of worry as to how triumphantly Ivan would fair on a plane, he proved to be a champ. Considerations to ease his flying experience included baby Gravol, anise tea, Benadryl and ear buds playing his white noise CD. We decided to “wing it”, as the expression goes, and forego any special calming techniques. Equipped with 4 baby bottles, pouches of pre-measured formula, a thermos of pre-boiled water, and a cooler with Ivan’s finger food, we breezed through security easily and boarded the plane. Our little boy was more patient with the delays than his parents. In both directions, Air Canada accommodated our family by moving other passengers to give us a third seat for Ivan. He was happily entertained by standing against the seat and starring towards the back to the airplane, catching the smiles on faces as people noticed the baby head checking out the cabin. He travelled extremely well, only screaming desperately for brief moments and sleeping for large periods of time. Many of the people complimented us/him on his behaviour. John told Ivan that he’s jet-setted at 10-months of age more than his own father did at age thirty.
The trip was a real journey for all of us. In three weeks Ivan successfully adapted to sleeping in four different homes all over Vancouver Island and the Mainland. We arrived in Victoria, drove up to Nanoose Bay, another roadtrip brought us to Comox for Christmas and the final leg of our tour sent us by ferry to Vancouver.
Ivan experienced three Christmas’ during his first year. In November the Fenton Grandparents came over from Toronto to hand deliver a set of colourful foam blocks for their grandson. It was a nice visit for all of us before our long vacation. The weekend before travelling, John and I initiated a small family Christmas around our tropical houseplants. Ivan best loved ripping the wrapping paper into small pieces. Dad bought him toys and Mum bought him clothes. This is likely the way gift-given will unfold in the future. Ivan is already captivated by cars he can roll along the floor. Books place first his most enjoyed plaything. Up in Comox he opened several books and looked at them immediately. He points to objects he likes to have us taxi him closer to them. Uncle Robert’s tree was stunning as it is every year and Ivan appreciated the shiny tinsel and sparkly decorations, together with the beautiful, tasteful lights. It will be years from now before Ivan understands the meaning of Christmas. At present, he delights in destroying carefully wrapped packages and marveling at string lights.
While in Vancouver over the breaking of the new year, Ivan played with bigger kids and learned immensely. We stayed in a rented suite, only a couple of doors down from our close friend’s Shaina and Greg, along with their two children, Scarlet (3 yrs) and Ewan (1.5 yrs). The little girl was very gentle and loving with Ivan. He liked her quite a bit. She shared food with him and helped him to play with some of her ‘big girl’ toys. The boys didn’t get along superbly. Ewan relished the fact that there was someone smaller than him around and it was a rare occurrence where he could take things away from another little person. Ivan protested loudly each time and in the end ignored him. Spending time with others who have perfected walking was a great experience for him. Now home, he is really working on walking through standing and walking by pulling himself along surfaces.
Special thanks:
To my aunt Elizabeth who graciously lent us her home and vehicle while away in Chili. Ivan helped us keep her home in good order by pushing the vacuum around the house, calling the chickens and loving up their monster cat Frankie.
To my Nanna who is wondrous with occupying small children by tapping her long fingernails on tables and teaching them new tricks like clapping. With Nanna’s attention to Ivan John and I were able to pack-up our belongings in synch for the long drive up Island.
To my deceased Grandmother who tried with all her heart to last in life until meeting Ivan but fell short by only a couple of months. Ivan attended the reception after her ashes were interred in Victoria.
To my mother and father on this memorable trip. They borrowed a car seat, 2 pack n plays, a booster seat and a exersaucer for Ivan’s stay on the coast. The house my parents arranged for us was a very large cottage on Northeast Bay. We appreciated the spaciousness of “The Jib” as John and I didn’t have to whisper while Ivan napped. Waking every morning to the sound of a sea lion colony was definitely a once in a lifetime encounter. We were confused by the barking of the marine life. There were times when we thought the noises were coming from Ivan’s monitor. Mum made very healthy food for him in advance of our arrival and that was a big help to us, freeing more time for us to visit and enjoy our 2009 vacation to British Columbia.