After a terrible flight, we actually made it to Paris!

"All our bags are packed and we're ready to go..."

We have completed the first great challenge of our adventure... the actual journey. I am currently running on 2 hours of sleep in 24 hours, which honestly after having a baby and Mike's recent night shifts isn't terrible. I'm still zombiesque at the moment, but I'm happy to be here after that awful plane ride.

We left Nashville yesterday at noon and arrived in Paris this morning at 7:00am. The first flight from Nashville to JFK was great. I again had the perfect child keeping himself busy with the quiet book my mom just made, and all of his books and snacks. But somewhere between the first easy flight and the 7 hour flight to Paris, someone switched out our son for an identical, manic copy.

Luke playing with his
new quiet book

Our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower

It started off well, Luke sweetly played and easily fell asleep for 45 minutes, then he woke up and decided he was going to do everything he could to not fall asleep again. That included, but was certainly not limited to; throwing books on our seat neighbor just as she was falling asleep, bumping the seat in front of us where a rather grumpy Frenchman resided, randomly yelling, practicing his new language skills as loud as he could, and fits of crying. Honestly though, what can you expect from such a little guy? I was feeling the same way, and I must admit, I had my own fit of crying. I had gone into the experience realizing this flight is a necessity, and I don't have to see the people on the plane again, but it was still hard to know each noise my child uttered, I was making enemies. I got so many dirty looks from fellow riders, and even the flight attendants, but, we survived! It is possible and we are living proof. Although, I am so relieved that I have another few months to prep for the next trans-atlantic flight.

 I shall not dwell on the trauma of that terrible flight any longer, for I'm in Paris and one cannot help but smile while walking the streets of Paris! Such history, art and love fills the air. 

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.”― Thomas Jefferson

Mon Petit garçon dans le Jardin des Tuilieries

Bonjour Notre Dame! Its been far to long

As I walk these beautiful streets, my ears perk to the French language, as I search for familiar words. To my excitement, I do understand a few, and if I think long and hard I can create a semi-adequite response. However, I completely loose any ability to understand or articulate anything in French when someone actually speaks to me directly. Hopefully that will change. The adventure has begun! But I am exhausted and cannot keep my eyes open any longer. Bon Nuit!