Our little family unit is in Seattle this week, staying with our dear friends Anthony and Liz in their beautiful and comfortable new home.

We were warned by both of Chiara’s grandmothers that other passengers on the plane to Seattle might not look too kindly upon our arrival with baby in arms. And my mom also prepared us for feeling frustrated and finding it difficult to travel with a small baby with lots of required gear, such as a car seat.

But happily, our experience was much better than expected. We used a car service to get to the airport — a huge factor in our trip’s success. As usual, Luke and I hadn’t given our trip details much thought until the day before, and we have always taken the subway to the airtrain or the shuttle bus. But after my mom offered to pick us up and drive us to the airport, we realized the ludicrousness (is ludicrosity a word? how about ludicrity?) of trying to lug all of our stuff: 2 suitcases, a carseat, a diaper bag, a computer bagpack and a bag filled with food for our trip and for our hosts.

Our driver, Jose, was so wonderful. No one honked at us as we fitted and secured the car seat into the town car. i had forgotten what it is like to ride in a town car — the leg room is incredible! Luke and I both fell asleep during the ride since neither of us gets enough sleep these days. Chiara, of course, was asleep nearly from the start.

The flight was pretty uneventful. We were delayed by more than a half hour on the tarmac as the traffic congestion for flights leaving JFK was thick. But Chiara was pretty content sucking on my finger, snuggled up in the baby sling. When that no longer worked, I nursed her and that settled her considerably. I wondered how she’d be on take off and landing, but had been reassured by other parents that since Chiara’s fontanel, or soft spot on top of her head, has not closed yet, she would not be plagued by the air pressure pain that adults and older babies get. In any case, I was positioned to nurse her through the pain if necessary, but it wasn’t.

Changing her in the airplane bathroom proved to be easier than in the airport’s bathroom. Since I had a changing table as well as a small counter nearby, everything I could possible want was well within reach, including the sink.

Toward the end of the long flight, I was more fidgety than she was, and anxious to get off the plane. The flight crew were warm and friendly toward us, and told us that Chiara was the youngest passenger they’ve ever had — a dubious distinction, I felt. Perhaps she’s too young to be taking across the country? Nonetheless, I cheerfully accepted the wings they gave her and will put it in a scrap book or her baby book to mark the milestone.

But although we haven’t experienced the return flight home, or the aftermath in terms of jet lag, I think so far the trip has been a successful experience. Chiara is an easygoing baby for the most part, or perhaps it’s just that we are easygoing parents and don’t mind holding her or nursing her through difficult periods. But I suspect the truth is that she is so young and her needs right now so simple, that this is an easy time to travel with her.

And being able to introduce her to our Seattle-area friends and family is worth the effort! Liz and Anthony have been so great with Chiara — who is cooing and smiling and being very cute for them. Tonight we will be bringing Chiara to her maternal aunt and uncle’s house in Redmond.