Packing for Gotcha Day Trip

I am packed!  My luggage situation is similar to the last trip -- four tubs of donations bound for Hannah's Hope, carefully weighed, labeled, and strapped.  I am not taking a pair of slacks this time, and the extra shoes are out - they never made it on the first trip because of space.  I am wearing sensible shoes, however, instead of heels.  Some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

Other things that have been dropped from the packing list this time 'round:  ear plugs, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, ice cube tray, and flashlight.  I just didn't need or use those things after all.  We are also packing in (modest-sized) backpacks as our main carry-on bags because they are so much easier to haul around the airports. 

All of the things that have been added to the list are related to Isabella.  We are bringing a diaper bag as Jon's personal bag.  Think it will pass as a "small purse or laptop?"  We'll find out!

The diaper bag is stuffed with homeopathic teething tablets aka Be Good Pills, infant ibuprofen, gas drops, first aid kit, suction bulb, chest rub lotion, teething swabs, scented diaper baggies, disposable changing pads, baby wipes, ten diapers, desitin, disposable bowls and spoons, pacifier wipes, two bottles, four nipples, fifty disposable bottle drop-in liners, four binkies (various brands to see if she likes any of them), binkie clip, baby shampoo and conditioner, comb, nail clippers, tide pen, seven pairs of socks, stuffed animal, quiet rattle, teething ring, two books, small can of formula, rice cereal, two outfits,  burp clothes, bibs, and last but not least, plastic diaper covers for the plane ride, just in case.  In my backpack, in addition to my clothes, for Isabella we have thee onesies, two pairs of extra pants, three full outfits, five PJs, and of course lots of hair bows.  There are thirty more diapers, baby oil, lotion, another can of formula, and a lot more wipes squeezed into the donation tubs; there just isn't enough room in our carry-on bags.

I am trying to get the excess luggage fee waived by United in advance.  Even if it is not waived, we may take a chance again and see if the next ticket agent has mercy on us.  We would love to be able to take a couple more things, like one or two unassembled rocking chairs for the special mothers and/or an infant exersaucer. 

11 1/2 days until we leave.  Plenty of time to repack a few dozen times, just to be sure that everything is perfectly perfect in every way...