Trip to Ft. Lauderdale

When we first had our daughter Greta, we thought that we would be able to travel a lot more than our schedule actually allows. Two weeks after she was born, we even got her a passport so that we could take a return trip to Phuket (pre-tsunami). Well, work got in the way and we still haven't boarded an airplane be it international or domestic. So last night, fed up with my characteristically cold toes despite the electric blanket, we succumbed to our wanderlust and booked a trip to Ft Lauderdale. I am sure that many of you have traveled with young children and so perhaps I could learn from your expertise. Here is the situation: I am leaving MN four days before my wife (Liz) because she complains that it takes me at least that long to fully relax. In the meantime, I pace the room, wake up at dawn and make lists for every conceivable thing I might want to do that day. She on the other hand can merely think about a beach or some other vacation destination and be completely relaxed instantly. So until I have had a chance to calm down and get into the groove of things, I am on my own...

Almost on my own; Greta is coming with me. So I will be flying down to Florida with a soon to be walking baby. Now that I think about it, I may have an even more difficult time relaxing under these circumstances. Once I arrive, I am comfortable enough being on my own with the baby, hey I do it every day. It's just that I have a difficult enough time just keeping her in one place at home let alone holding her on my lap for a couple of hours on an airplane! If any of you have travel stories that could help me or others, I would be glad to post your story or suggestion. Wish me luck.