Mid-trip update:
Baby girl arrived December 7th naturally and came out without complications at 6lbs 12 oz. she got a clean check up before leaving and was above her birthweight on December 15.
We made it to Cincinnati on the first airplane when she was 12 days old. The TSA was very helpful. We were greatly helped through security and u carried her through easily. We were allowed to board early.
Things I am glad I did /had (thus far):
1) car seat cover
2) really nice stroller with space to help transport
3) we did a car seat clinic to learn about how to install our car seat properly. Since we keep moving it from car to car this has been super valuable.
4) we are shipping the presents home
Things I would do differently:
1) remember my nursing cover (I think it's in our car)
2) I would try to limit the carry on items more. It is really hard to carry a backpack, diaper bag and an infant through the small airplane cabin. And carrying the stroller and car seat to the end is so hard with your husbands hands already loaded.
Things I learned
1) some small regional jets do not have extra oxygen masks on both sides of the plane. We were in 6A and 6B initially, but those seats were on the wrong side of the plane. We were then sent to the very back. We did get a coupon from delta to use in a future flight and were upgraded for our last flight.
2) my family is amazing. We were all together for Christmas. Baby Girl sleeps 3-4 hours at a stretch overnight. While I am tired, I am not exhausted. We spent time together and I would not change that for anything.
3) my grandmother was so happy to meet the baby. She smiled and stared at her the first day. The second day, she wanted the baby next to her. I placed the sleeping baby next to her. She then kissed and snuggled with her head (the only part she can move). Those pictures (I will upload when I get home) and memories mean so much to me.
4) people want to meet the baby. My great aunt came from NC and visited with my grandmother and the baby. I was so happy to have her visit with my grandmother (her sister) and it really had my grandmother light up.
We just finished the second plane ride. Baby slept the whole time (again). I will update more at the end of the trip, but wanted to share the current status.