– 3:43 pm
We flew into Riga late last night. Your mother and I were mentally prepared for you to have an abnormal reaction to being on a plane for the first time, dealing with that noise and sensation. There are helpful tips on this website for flying with a baby. But you went about it like business as usual. I saw on Reddit to feed you during takeoff and landing so your ears pop but those events were a breeze, free of tears or drama. You slept and ate like any typical day. Honestly, I was surprised and it’s fast becoming a theme. I don’t know where you get the chill from. (From me I’m told). But long may it continue. As a four-month-old baby, I have no expectations of you but it’s a relief for the parents when you’re unexpectedly this considerate and well-mannered.
It was a first for us trying out the long-stay car park at Gatwick. We hauled all 57 bags onto the shuttle bus servicing the airport. I had to run back from the first stop to the car to get my phone as I forgot it in a frenzy trying to make the bus. It was a great test for my leg and knee running that fast with a ten-kilo backpack which I really should’ve left with you and Liza on the bus. Glad to report, I passed the test.
It was minus five when we landed. Your grandparents met us at the airport with a Car Guru. Liza and I stayed back and took a Bolt cab while you went ahead with most of our luggage.
I never get tired of the fresh air that hits my lungs whenever I come out of the Riga airport. It makes our departure area feel so polluted. The contrast is stark. And so with great pleasure, I let that ice-cold air hit every corner of my anatomy.
You had a torrid time settling into your new environment. Despite the frequent virtual exchanges with Julia and Valerie, you yelled hysterically every time they tried carrying you. It went on repeatedly all evening and every time, Liza or I had to intercede to calm you back down. That was the first time I’ve ever seen you be picky with people. It was so bizarre and uncharacteristic of you. But very understandable.
In hindsight, perhaps they were a bit over-elaborate in demonstrating their joy and excitement. Valerie especially. I can see how overwhelming it all was. A bit much I would agree. Your grandfather is forcefully loving. He’s very loud with it. Your grandmother is very space aware. She just let you be after the first clash.
You’re a lot calmer today, and way more accepting of the change. But I never heard you cry this much in such a short elapse of time.
It was also the first handshake between you and Uncle Andrew. He’s a chain smoker and likes a drink but in spite of all that, he hasn’t aged one minute. How can he though? He lives by the sea, a stone’s throw from a crowd of hundred-meter-high trees where he picks mushrooms from the forest floor as a hobby. No smoke can cloud his lungs. The air he breathes is grade fucking A. He’d be dead in London. He’s also never travelled out of Latvia, never. No need he says. The furthest he’s been is fishing. He’s quite the (gun collecting) character and I love him without understanding a word he says.
You’re probably wondering how you got on a plane without a complete those of vaccines. You’ve had them all now. Your mother took you in solo for them. I couldn’t make it. But unlike last time, we didn’t fuck about not giving you Calpol. You’ve got a taste for things sweet now so administering the dose was a lot easier.