I always like to share life updates on the blog — this is one of those, so if that doesn’t interest you, by all means skip this post (I won’t be offended, I promise!).
I’m so grateful to those who have been reading OMAAT for a long time, because I’ve been writing this blog for over half of my life, at this point, so I consider ya’ll to be an important part of my life. Well, there’s an especially exciting update this week (at least for my family), and the timing is kind of beautiful.
In this post:
Jet is the newest addition to our family
Nearly three years ago, Ford and I welcomed our first son, Miles, into the world. Last week, we welcomed the newest addition to our family, Jet. Suffice it to say that the past six days have been a bit chaotic, but they’ve also been beautiful beyond words.
For months, we’ve been telling Miles he’d get a baby brother. He was very excited at the concept, but also a little confused, as he has had a little doll that he has been calling baby brother. But I think the smile on his face when he actually met “baby brother” says it all. I was worried he was going to say “no thank you” or “I don’t want it” (his preferred way to reject something, in toddler talk), but instead, he said “my turn” (we’re working on the “please” part).
My gosh, how life has changed. I started this blog back in college, and then eventually moved into hotels full-time, where my biggest worry was making sure I left before the check-out time. Now it’s just nonstop chaos… but in the best way possible.
Jet is healthy and couldn’t be easier or more pleasant, at least on the scale of newborns. Miles is also adjusting well. It’s funny, because Miles is very excited about Jet, and loves him a lot. But he’s also understandably subconsciously struggling with jealousy, so that has been the biggest challenge of the past six days. Any time someone is doing something with Jet, suddenly he also wants attention from that person.
Being a parent is pretty awesome. It’s all-consuming, but it’s amazing how it gets better by the day, especially when they start to show their personality and really become “little humans.” That’s when it becomes clear that they’re sponges, and just absorb everything.
We’ve enjoyed every stage so far in a different way, and we can’t wait for some time down the road, when we can travel a lot with them internationally, and actually have them get a lot out of it. I’m well on the road to dealing with so many of the frustrations that some OMAAT readers report, about finding four award seats over school breaks.
My mom even gets to meet Jet!
Back on Mother’s Day in 2019, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. We knew she couldn’t be cured, so it was just a function of how much more time we’d get with her (which I suppose applies to all of us, come and think of it). She has undergone treatment to give her more time. Fortunately we’ve had way more time with her than any of us expected, and for the past six plus years, family (especially my mom) has been by far my number one priority, even more than usual.
I’ve spent so much quality time with my mom, both at home and traveling. My mom always comments that the best and most meaningful years of her life have been since she was diagnosed with cancer. I feel lucky that I’ve had so much time with her.
No one is more obsessed with kids than my mom. She always told me that if it were up to her, she would’ve had a dozen kids. We didn’t think she’d be around to meet Miles, but amazingly enough, she was. She has even been able to see him grow up, through all his stages so far (and my gosh, kids have a lot of stages in the first three years!).
For nearly two years, she hasn’t been undergoing any treatments, and her condition has progressively deteriorated, as you’d expect. Around eight months ago, she entered hospice. I know one of the things that made her hold on and want to live a bit longer was being able to meet Jet.
She’s now really struggling day-to-day and is toward the end of her hospice journey. Several weeks ago, she told me that it was her time and she was ready, and she didn’t think she’d make it to meet Jet. So I couldn’t be happier that she’ll actually get to meet Jet this week, since that’s something we didn’t think was possible.
I’m incredibly lucky to have a mom who has always been so loving and supportive, and I feel very blessed that they’ll get to meet. Even though Jet won’t directly remember it, I know I will, and it’ll certainly bring me to (happy) tears.
Bottom line
We now have two sons, with our nearly three-year-old now having a six-day-old baby brother. Having a family is a blessing, and I can’t believe how lucky we are, especially that my mom gets to meet our youngest at all (when we didn’t even think she’d be around for the first one).
I still intend to take review trips as before (and Ford will also travel separately from me). If you see posts in the coming weeks at odd hours, it’s likely not because I’m traveling somewhere fun, but because I’m dealing with a screaming infant. 😉
Congratulations Ben and Ford! what a blessing to have another healthy child. Being a loving family is not always picylture perfect but it doesn't need to be. having trust and love us what matters.
Congrats to you guys! Wonderful!
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my mom 3 years ago suddenly, and I am glad I was able to travel around with her all these years. All the memories are forever!
Ben, Congratulations to you and Ford on your adoption of Jet. I'm so glad your mother got to meet him and so sorry for your impending loss. I was about your age when I lost my parents, just three years apart. I still miss them and am said for every milestone they miss. Hang in there. You've got a lot happening.
Simply amazing!
Ben - firstly, huge congratulations to you and Ford with the addition to your family of Jet. He's just as adorable as Miles.
It pains me to hear of your Mom's continuing battles. I wish her all the very best and am thrilled to see that she has met Jet. Over the years, your occasional mentions of your Mom have given me a picture of her as someone with much love and great resilience.
...Ben - firstly, huge congratulations to you and Ford with the addition to your family of Jet. He's just as adorable as Miles.
It pains me to hear of your Mom's continuing battles. I wish her all the very best and am thrilled to see that she has met Jet. Over the years, your occasional mentions of your Mom have given me a picture of her as someone with much love and great resilience.
Given the addition of Jet, your Mom might just engender some of that resilience to be with Jet for just a little longer. Never underestimate the power of a mother's or grandmother's love. You might have inadvertently given Mom an extra reason to keep going.
Your approach to life is shown to us vicariously by adding small snippets of your personal life to the blog - and is appreciated. As for the few negative comments that have appeared here - just ignore them. It serves to remind us that there are still some thoughtless, ignorant or lonely people in this world that have problems accepting joy in their life.
Don't forget to look after your Dad. The up's and down's of life are always challenging. My sincere best wishes to your whole family.
That's such amazing news for your family Ben. And I'm so glad your mom will get to meet him even though her time with him will be short. Welcome to the world Jet!!!
On the separate note, thanks for sharing this - makes me so happy (and sad).
Best wishes to you and your family.
Best post I've read in a while, Lucky. So happy for you and Ford, and that your mom has been able to meet Jet. Best wishes!
Awesome name! Congratulations, Lucky!
First and foremost, congrats to the Schlappig family on the new addition! My wife and I welcomed our son into the world a year ago and he's quickly adapted to a life of flying and managed to log 33,000 miles in the air his first year on earth (I've been tracking for him).
It was a big adjustment going from dog parents to human parents, which you all seem to have done well (Hey Winston)...
First and foremost, congrats to the Schlappig family on the new addition! My wife and I welcomed our son into the world a year ago and he's quickly adapted to a life of flying and managed to log 33,000 miles in the air his first year on earth (I've been tracking for him).
It was a big adjustment going from dog parents to human parents, which you all seem to have done well (Hey Winston) but this is an even bigger change going from wrangling one child to two. We're hoping to add a second in the next couple of years so I'll be on the lookout for travel tips and tricks on traveling with two little ones.
From a fellow BoardingArea blogger, the ATX Jetsetter crew is wishing your family all the best!
-JB
Congrats Ben to you and the family. The new addition looks as cute as anything. Miles is beautiful too. Glad your Mum got to meet Jet. Not an easy time nevertheless. My Dad never got to meet my two boys, passing away from cancer at the age of 60.
Thanks for all your good work. I’m looking forward to your experiences with family travel!
Congratulations Lucky to you and your entire family on the new baby! How exciting. I am also so sorry to hear about your mom's condition. I am glad she was able to see Jet, a true blessing. Godspeed to all of you.
Congrats guys! Makes my ❤️ happy.
Duuuudddeeee .... congratulations!
So happy for you and Ford!
Congratulations, Ben and Ford (and Miles)! Made me tear up at my desk thinking about the serendipity and brutal starkness of reality. Many blessings to you and your mom.
Congrats to you and your family, Ben!
Ben - I have been watching you grow since way back from when I first discovered Gray Roberge, and then your adventures caught my eye with your blog. So yeah, before you started living in hotels and all the rest of your impressive adventures unfolded.
Watching your family story emerge in a surprising slow burn has been a cherished anchor for me. I have my own story with my husband and our adopted daughter....
Ben - I have been watching you grow since way back from when I first discovered Gray Roberge, and then your adventures caught my eye with your blog. So yeah, before you started living in hotels and all the rest of your impressive adventures unfolded.
Watching your family story emerge in a surprising slow burn has been a cherished anchor for me. I have my own story with my husband and our adopted daughter. So to see you guys make it all happen after us has further tied me to your blog, especially when you share your family stories. Thank you! We celebrate your beautiful new addition to your family! And it is such a blessing to hear that your mom was able to meet her newest grandchild. I’m honestly affected way more than I would expect.
Sending you and Ford, and your family positive thoughts and hopes for the days ahead!
I religiously read your blog and am another one who doesn't comment much at all.
Reading this brought tears of joy to me, god bless you and your family and especially to your amazing mother
Hi Ben,
As a newly minted attending emergency doc I have to say I always appreciate these updates and hope you and your family are doing well. I've followed you for a decade as I'm also a Gator alum from the Tampa region. As someone whose only been able to travel the last decade through points/miles your journey always feels like that of a kindred spirit. As someone with parents approaching the 80s and someone...
Hi Ben,
As a newly minted attending emergency doc I have to say I always appreciate these updates and hope you and your family are doing well. I've followed you for a decade as I'm also a Gator alum from the Tampa region. As someone whose only been able to travel the last decade through points/miles your journey always feels like that of a kindred spirit. As someone with parents approaching the 80s and someone constantly surrounded by medical reminders of our mortality I attribute the special trips we've had as of late to your blog and the examples and teachings you've given us. Even those times when I feel like I need a vacation from the vacation of being the go to travel person in our family I'm so thankful for the time remaining and just wanted to express my gratitude.
I hope your family continues to have wonderful little moments for as long as you can. Y'all surely deserve everything and more.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Next month, it will be 40 years since I lost my mom to this terrible disease. I know how you feel.
At least you will have the memories of her meeting both of your sons.
Sorry to hear about your mom, Ben. Hope things go as well as they can. And congrats on the new addition to the family with a name like Jet, how adorable and appropriate!
Many congratulations Ben. What a lovely addition to your family! I started following you when you still lived in hotels and thought how astonishing it was for one so young.
I'm really sorry to hear about your mum but so glad she was able to to meet the youngest. I'm sure you'll treasure it!
Our son was unfortunately, not able to meet my mother face-to-face, but we used Facebook video, spoke on the...
Many congratulations Ben. What a lovely addition to your family! I started following you when you still lived in hotels and thought how astonishing it was for one so young.
I'm really sorry to hear about your mum but so glad she was able to to meet the youngest. I'm sure you'll treasure it!
Our son was unfortunately, not able to meet my mother face-to-face, but we used Facebook video, spoke on the phone often, and sent photographs to her, while she knitted and sent baby clothes to us. She passed away when he was just 18 months old!
He's now 23 and we still look at photographs, laugh and talk about her! Your children won't forget don't worry.
Congrats Ben and Ford !
June is a month for baby and Pride
Healing thoughts and peace for your Mom
So happy she gets to experience your new addition. Lots of love
Miles and Jet ! Love it
Is the dog Points ?
Congratulations! Love the name again!
Congratulations on Jet! Sorry about your your mom.
Someone called it perfectly in the comments - bittersweet. It is the circle of life.
I love your blog. It's the first one I started reading when I got into collecting miles and I was so fascinated by your "I live in hotels" research. But, as another gay guy, one of the best parts of the blog has been seeing your life grow. Meeting Ford, getting a dog, adopting your first son and now another. It warms my heart. I lost my mother last month and I know how hard...
I love your blog. It's the first one I started reading when I got into collecting miles and I was so fascinated by your "I live in hotels" research. But, as another gay guy, one of the best parts of the blog has been seeing your life grow. Meeting Ford, getting a dog, adopting your first son and now another. It warms my heart. I lost my mother last month and I know how hard it is. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of airplane rides, as well as the ups and downs of your life.
Congratulations to you and your family!
Ben, all the best to you and your family and may you always cherish the memory of seeing your mom with your two children.
Beautiful post, Lucky.
Congrats! These personal touches are why I enjoy your site.
Congratulations Ben and Ford! Love the name of your new son a great addition to your beautiful family. Glad your Mother was able to meet him. Can’t wait for your first trip together as a family!
Congratulations on your expanded family. Best wishes to your mom too, it looks like you've made her remaining years full of delightful memories. Keep that in mind when she passes - you'll have tough days, but the tough days will get further apart as time passes.
Congratulations!
Congrats on your new addition! And blessings to you and your mom - it's sounds like she is at peace. When my mom was in hospice I was grateful she still had the cognitive faculties to express her wishes - she was planning her funeral service with her pastor from her hospice bed. Take care.
Make sure your governor Ron DeSantis doesn’t find out about this.
Congratulations Lucky!
Congrats on your new family member, Ben! Thanks for sharing many personal parts of your life here - it brings humanity to your blog. Sending you, your husband, your children, and your mom lots of support and well wishes.
Congratulations, Ben! My husband and I are awaiting our first and hope to keep traveling (within reason!). The balance you’ve found is an inspiration. Oh, and please take some time off to focus on your family!
Damn. This hit real deep on so many levels. Beautifully written too. Wish you all the best.
On the occasion, may I respectfully suggest Cai as a middle name? I'll get my coat...
Blessings for your family on life's journey.
Ben, congratulations on the newest addition to your family! Love the name BTW. You and Ford must be very proud. However, it is so ironic but true that life’s joys and heartaches often occur in tandem. So sorry to hear about your mom’s situation. But at least there is some comfort in knowing she got to meet your youngest son. May these precious memories help carry you and your family when darker clouds roll in.
15+ years reader here, and I’m so glad that we have people like you amidst all the immorality that the internet has become. Thank you so much Ben, and I’m really sorry about your mother.
Mazel tov, Ben and Ford, on your new addition to the family. May the four of you enjoy love and good health. Thanks for OMAAT for all these years.
Congrats and all the best to you and your family!
I got teary-eyed reading this. It’s beautifully written, thanks for sharing your story and vulnerability. I wish you peace as you work through the joy of a new baby and the sorrows of knowing a loved one doesn’t have a lot of time left. What a beautiful thing that your dear mom kept her strength to see her grandson, for that you can be forever greatful.
Lots of love, from an avid reader of 20 years (and part of a 2 dad + 1 baby family).
Congrats on the beautiful new baby boy, Ben! So glad your mother was able to meet him.
—Max
Congratulations!
And yes, very cool kids' names.
The photo is adorable. They're both lovely little fellows. Congratulations to you and Ford.
Congratulations to you, Ben! This is a lovely post. I’m very sorry to hear of your Mom’s deteriorating health but it’s evident how grateful you are for the time you’ve spent together.
Your kindness and respectfulness comes across in all your posts. Lovely qualities for being a great Dad! Wishing you, Ford, your children and your Mom all the best. Cherish every moment.
Congrats. Always love your blog!
Congrats and huge Mazel tov!!!
What a beautiful family, what a cool name, and how cute is Jet!
Can't wait to see the first picture of Jet in a Emirates A380 First Class suite!(Maybe taking a bath in the bathroom sink. lol)
Congrats and huge Mazel tov!!!
What a beautiful family, what a cool name, and how cute is Jet!
Can't wait to see the first picture of Jet in a Emirates A380 First Class suite!(Maybe taking a bath in the bathroom sink. lol)
Congrats! Very happy for you :)
Congratulations, Ben & Ford!
... and so happy your mom got to know him <3
Congrats to you and your family.
Bittersweet news about your mother, but as others have said, at least she got to meet Jet and spend time with Miles.
Where's Miles' and Jet's moms? A healthy family do need both mother and father.
Dude, it's neither the time nor the place. Read the room!
You have a mother and a father but it's obvious that you are not healthy at all, especially mentally. Please do yourself and society a huge favor and seek help urgently. Meanwhile, please always use a condom! We don't need more people like you roaming freely and spreading hatred.
Ben, congrats on the beautiful and healthy family!
Please don't
Ben, my heart could just burst with joy for y’all. Congratulations on the new addition, and I’m so thrilled your mom got to meet Jet too.
I was in exactly the same place as you are with your mum a little while back.
It is so hard but when my mum spoke those similar words as yours 'I am ready, I just want to go now' I felt an element of peace. And thanks that right up until her final days she had kept her cognitive function and was able to express her own desires.
Glad she got to meet Jet :-)
Long time reader, first time commenter. Congratulations on your new baby boy!! And hugs and love to your mom. Many blessings to you and your family.
Congratulations! What a beautiful baby! Wish all the best for your mom as well!
Congratulations Ben and Ford!
It’s really wonderful to see your family grow!
I’m especially glad your mum has been able to hold on long enough to meet both of her grandkids. What a meaningful moment that must have been! Wishing her all the very best.
We had a similar experience with my grandmother. She was there for our first son until he turned four, but just barely got the chance to meet...
Congratulations Ben and Ford!
It’s really wonderful to see your family grow!
I’m especially glad your mum has been able to hold on long enough to meet both of her grandkids. What a meaningful moment that must have been! Wishing her all the very best.
We had a similar experience with my grandmother. She was there for our first son until he turned four, but just barely got the chance to meet our baby daughter. She passed away two days after holding her for the first time. Her health had been declining for months, and we truly believe she found the strength to stay with us just long enough to meet her great-granddaughter.
Much love to you and your family!
A bittersweet post...
Big hugs to all of you!
Been reading your blog for more than 10 years now. Your blog has been a big part of my life. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Congrats!!
Been reading your blog for more than 10 years now. Your blog has been a big part of my life. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Congrats. Congrats. Congrats
Thank you for those news, the wonderful one about Jet, and the reality hit from your mom.
I never think I'd be so invested in a stranger's life and it gives me comfort that, trough all the ups and downs of life, you and your family are happy.
Enjoy the new family of four, and all our love to your mom <3
Congratulations !!!!
Beautiful news of your growing family. And how wonderful for your mother to meet him. Like others have said, bittersweet circumstances. Best wishes.
Congratulations Ben!!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations Ben to you and Ford!
Huge congratulations, Ben! I've been reading your blog a long time, and it's a joy to have seen your life evolve through the years, just as mine has. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you all the best.
Amazing! Been following for 12 years, always grateful for your articles and advices you give. Congratulations! Wish you 4 a long happy lives. Also thoughts and prayers to your mom.
It must be 15 to 20 years since I first read your blog. I am a daily reader and really enjoy your perspective on travel, hotels, and flying.
Congratulations to you and Ford on the birth of your second son.
I was also interested to hear news abut your mother. I wish her and all your family lots of happiness for the future.
Ben, congrats to you and your family on Jet!! I don’t comment often, but I have read the blog for 10+ years and it is so special to see all of the life developments you’ve shared with us - from meeting Ford, to your amazing trips with your Mom and Dad, to having Miles and now Jet!
I am so grateful for all of the time you have had with your Mom, even if...
Ben, congrats to you and your family on Jet!! I don’t comment often, but I have read the blog for 10+ years and it is so special to see all of the life developments you’ve shared with us - from meeting Ford, to your amazing trips with your Mom and Dad, to having Miles and now Jet!
I am so grateful for all of the time you have had with your Mom, even if it never feels like enough. Wishing you and your family the utmost strength and support in this time, and I pray that the almighty look over your Mom at this time.
Big big congrats!
Congratulations! x
Mazel tov to you and your family!
Time has flown! I have been a reader since 2013, and it's amazing to see how much this blog has grown.
Congratulations, Lucky and Ford! Wish your family only the best.
Congratulations and... that story was more bittersweet than I expected. ;_;
Thank you for sharing; wishing you and your family well.
Congratulations on your new addition to your family. Thank you for sharing with us. Both joyful and sad to hear your news. I've been reading your blog several times a day for over 12 years and I feel quite emotional reading your post. Wishing you well in the both the happy and sad times.
Ben, I read this post while sitting in Rome this AM with my wife and kids in a two bedroom suite overlooking the Spanish Steps.
Your blog helped me figure out how to fly from the west coast in business with all of them and pay for (most) of this room with points.
This post reminds me of how special these moments with my kids are and the memories they are making.
...
Ben, I read this post while sitting in Rome this AM with my wife and kids in a two bedroom suite overlooking the Spanish Steps.
Your blog helped me figure out how to fly from the west coast in business with all of them and pay for (most) of this room with points.
This post reminds me of how special these moments with my kids are and the memories they are making.
Sincere congratulations on your families next steps. I’m happy to hear your mom was able to meet her newest. Thank you for what you do, especially in such a joyus yet difficult time.
Sending you all a tropical hug from Tampico (by the Gulf of México), especially to Miles, Jet and mom.
Deseo de todo corazón que mamá no sienta dolor y pueda salir adelante en el día a día.
Love and Light
Gildo Vargas
Congratulations Ben and Ford - Jet looks beautiful!
I’ve been a OMAAT reader for 7 years and I love readying stories like this about your family - it truly is the best blog!
Congrats to you and your family. God bless you, Ben!
Damn dude, you made me cry. I lost my Mom to ovarian cancer and she went relatively quickly. She loved my kiddo and it was really cool to read your post and see the connectivity.
Congratulations Ben! Another decade long reader of your blog here. Sorry to hear about your mom but happy that she got to meet Jet.
Huge congrats to you and your family Ben! Very bittersweet to read about your Mom. I'm glad she got to meet Jet and that she beat the odds of cancer for much longer than anticipated. All the best!
Thank you for sharing your family news, and life's up & downs with us. Congratulations on Jet, and wishing you strength in the journey ahead for your mom.
Congratulations!! As a long-time reader it is wonderful to see your family grow :)
CONGRATULATIONS!!! May you all be happy, safe, and loved.
It makes me happy to see Miles getting a new little brother and sad to hear your mom has deteriorated more. Circle of life continues on as we all age. May we all grow old gracefully with style (preferably sitting in 1st class using miles).
The circle of life!
An unforgettable bittersweet time for all of you!
Congratulations and much love to you all!❤️
Congratulations Lucky on the new baby and so happy to hear your Mom got to meet him. What a meaningful moment.
Congratulations! Bittersweet tears certainly, but I wish you and your family the best.
What a bittersweet moment! Wishing you and your loved ones all the best.
Congratulations on your new son and on your Mom being able to meet him. I lost my mother to ovarian cancer 31 years ago. I pray for her peaceful transition. Enjoy your family.
Thank you, Ben, for sharing your family with all of us. Congratulations to all of you and for the love you are building together. Bittersweet news about your mom, but I am so glad that she had the chance to spend these years with Miles and, now, to meet Jet.
Yevarechecha Adonai.
Congratulations Ben! So bittersweet but I’m so thankful your mom is here for your new addition. Sending hugs and prayers. Miles and Jet are lucky boys.
I send big congrats and wishes for enormous joy to your family! I like the name “Jet.” Not so much when our neighbors named their son “Tank.” It probably seemed cool at the time, but in the era of drone warfare, who wants their kid to be constantly asked by their classmates, “What’s a tank?”
He doesn’t have a brother and you’re not parents.
Go to hell, Fred.
You have no soul. Give it over, you miserable old prick.
Bigotry is a choice.
Im sure your parents and siblings must think the same about you.
Please seek counselling urgently!
Congrats to my OG and favorite travel blogger ever!
Next kid should be named OMAT!
Congratulations. It is a blessing your mom got to meet your son! Prayers for your mom, what a tough cookie she is! Our dad passed away day before our baby was born, I like to think they met however in passing.
As a mom with several kids I look forward to your future content traveling with little ones.
Ben - been a reader for longer than I can remember, and I enjoyed meeting you at FTU several years ago at the blackjack table.
Congrats to you, Ford, and Miles on adding Jet to your family! I know y’all will cherish these moments.
I’ve also lost a parent to cancer, and as you already know how awful it is, all I can say is enjoy the moments you do get and honor...
Ben - been a reader for longer than I can remember, and I enjoyed meeting you at FTU several years ago at the blackjack table.
Congrats to you, Ford, and Miles on adding Jet to your family! I know y’all will cherish these moments.
I’ve also lost a parent to cancer, and as you already know how awful it is, all I can say is enjoy the moments you do get and honor the memory. It seems like you have great relationships in your family. I was also so fortunate, and those are things you can look to fondly (particularly helpful on crummy days).
Jet! What a great name. Congratulations to you all.
Hi Ben, I’ve been a reader of the blog for many years now and open the website 3-4 times a day. I recently registered an account and can’t think of a better moment to post my first comment. Congratulations to you and Ford.
Congrats - I couldn't be happier for you!
Feeling so happy for you - children are beautiful. Sorry about your mother, but you are so lucky that she met Jet. Wishing you all the best over the next weeks and months.
I may not the most modern of men, but I recognize when there is a very warm, caring and solid family unit.
Congrats Ben. Wishing you, Ford and your family all the best.
Ben,
Just had our first child 4 days ago. Since you and my dad have inspired this crazy hobby of points and miles, I cannot thank you enough for letting us experience the world thought your eyes! And now to learn how to combat family travel, looking forward to going through these life stages together.
Thrilled for your newborn, but breaks my heart for your mother. Such a blessing to have her meet Jet. Praying...
Ben,
Just had our first child 4 days ago. Since you and my dad have inspired this crazy hobby of points and miles, I cannot thank you enough for letting us experience the world thought your eyes! And now to learn how to combat family travel, looking forward to going through these life stages together.
Thrilled for your newborn, but breaks my heart for your mother. Such a blessing to have her meet Jet. Praying for a peaceful ending to your mothers wonderful life, and the start of a new adventure with jet.
Congratulations on Jet.
I lost both of my parents recently. It's the worst feeling. But they felt fulfilled before they unexpectedly passed and I hold on to that. I imagine most parents do feel that way and remembering those moments that reinforces that will help.
Congrats!
Congratulations Ben! Credit where it's due on continuing to embrace the lifestyle with your children's names. I know your mom's journey has surely been rough, but it should bring you some solace to know it will soon be coming to a happy end. And I'm sure Miles and Jet will enjoy hearing your stories about her for many, many years. (Plus it's better than having them spend an entire transoceanic flight on an iPad!)
Such wonderful news to wake up to and also such sad news at the same time , may you all be happy knowing that your dear Mum was able to share the latest joy in your lives , blessings to all ❤️
Congratulations Ben on your new child.
Congrats on #2! and all my thoughts are with you as was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in late 2018. And then the chemo that I rec'd shrunk the tumors enough that I qualified for surgery....which was successful. I am now "NED" in other words no evidence of disease"...to which I continue to praise both God and my doctors AND the research that brought lung cancer to this spot!
Congratulations guys! So happy for you.
Aww Ben this is so sweet how lovely for you and the whole family and for your mum to see the new arrival. Hope she is comfortable and out of pain. Enjoying any moments with her 4 boys.
Congratulations.
My best wishes to your family
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! So wonderful that your Mom got to meet both your boys. Wishing you all nights with enough sleep, days filled with making memories and travel and a peaceful end for your Mom when the time comes.
Mazel tov!. Jet is such a great name; much better than Turboprop!!!
Congratulations! I have been reading since you were in college (we’re just about the same age) and rarely comment but want to say I am so happy your family of three has grown to include a fourth! As someone who has lost a parent to cancer, I know how meaningful it is you’ve had this time together and I wish you all the best as you navigate so much all at once. Thank you for...
Congratulations! I have been reading since you were in college (we’re just about the same age) and rarely comment but want to say I am so happy your family of three has grown to include a fourth! As someone who has lost a parent to cancer, I know how meaningful it is you’ve had this time together and I wish you all the best as you navigate so much all at once. Thank you for doing all you do! I have learned so much from you and enjoyed the enthusiasm and sincerity you bring to your writing.
mazel amigo!
I’ve read your blog multiple times a day for nearly 10 years now, and it’s always been time well spent. You’ve opened my eyes to the gift of travel and the opportunity to dream bigger doing something I love. I hope you know that all of us are behind you and hope that you spend as much time as possible with your family, even if that means stepping back for a bit.
As someone...
I’ve read your blog multiple times a day for nearly 10 years now, and it’s always been time well spent. You’ve opened my eyes to the gift of travel and the opportunity to dream bigger doing something I love. I hope you know that all of us are behind you and hope that you spend as much time as possible with your family, even if that means stepping back for a bit.
As someone who also had a parent with cancer who took a journey similar to your mom, please know that you are not alone. We stand with you and will always support you.
Congrats Ben and family!
Congratulations on Jet and my thoughts go out to your mom. Wishing you all the best.
❤️❤️❤️ from Cologne
This is such a real and human post. Thank you for being so open about your life and your family's journey with us. I think parts of our lives echo each others and it is touching to read that you're building yours so well. I haven't made it all the way to where you have, but it's beautiful to see what is possible. All the best to all of your family.
Congrats, Ben! What a wonderful family you have.
Ben, this is all so poignant and human: The ebb and flow and beginning and ending of life. Congratulations and much love to Ford, Miles, you...and your mom!
Congratulations !!
I’ve been enjoying your insights for many years.
Keep blogging
Congratulations Ben! I am so happy for you and your family. I wish your mother, you, and your family peace, and I am so sad to hear that her time is near the end.
I noticed this past week that you were posting at odd hours for your times (around 1-2am) and I couldn't comprehend that you'd be up that late (with you being you of course :) ). I had assumed that something...
Congratulations Ben! I am so happy for you and your family. I wish your mother, you, and your family peace, and I am so sad to hear that her time is near the end.
I noticed this past week that you were posting at odd hours for your times (around 1-2am) and I couldn't comprehend that you'd be up that late (with you being you of course :) ). I had assumed that something had happened with your mother, as I did every time you would stop posting. Glad to hear she is still here. It isn't easy losing your mother. But the gift given to you is that you know its coming and are able to make the most of her time with no regrets. In my personal life, I have noticed that every time I would lose a loved one in this life, I would gain another loved one through a new soul that enters this world. Seems like the same has happened with you. Good luck, and welcome to the world Jet!
Also, how does Ford feel about your children's names? Did he have a say in Jet? :)
Thanks for sharing this very special announcement. Don't hesitate to post more stories like this!
Congratulations on the arrival of Jet!
Also grateful that you have such a supportive family.
I know that your mother will feel comfort and love in whatever time time she has left.
Congratulations to you and Ford on the arrival of Jet. Jet is Gorgeous as well as Jet.
May God bless them.
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom, but grateful that she was able to meet Jet and was able to enjoy Miles.
I wish that she would be able to enjoy them both a little bit longer.
May God bless you all.
Congrats and all the best to you and your family! Prayers for mom….may she be around a long time to spoil those grandkids!!!
Those are the cutest little boys !!!
Congratulations.
Tears of joy. I only know you as a faithful reader of your aviation content, and still I was so happy to read this headline and even more appreciative of your sharing. Best to your family during this time of joy and the anticipation of grief.
There are people whose first names are India, China, Israel, Lucia (as in St. Lucia), Vincent (as in St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Christopher (as in St. Kitts and Nevis), Marshall, Solomon, Ireland, Cyprus, Kenya, Jordan, Chad, Georgia, Holland.
How about Egypt? Of Cairo? Or Cairo International Schlappig? (no, don't!!!)
Consider some secret nicknames... Miles could be Aeroplan. Jet could be Trent, as in Rolls Royce Trent 1000. Ben is already Lucky. Ford could be Mustang.
Congratulations! I’ll always remember where I was on this day.
I still remember reading Ben's posts about his first child. I had just gotten a haircut and was walking to get a smoothie in Miami.
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! Please make sure you take as much time as you need and want... we will be here whenever you are back!
Fantastic that your mom was able to meet Jet. That is everything.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! I’m so sorry to hear about your mother, but it’s amazing she’s been able to be apart of the journey and make it to this moment.
Congratulations on your new addition, and love that you posted this on the last day of Pride Month!
Much much love and respect.
Wow congratulations to you and Ford, life is journey and this blog is all about journeys. Just so love stories and I am sure one of your most avid (Mom) readers is just waiting to read the next Chapter. Best of wishes to your Mom and her new Grandson, Miles your a big brother now you will have to protect Jet and show him howbto play football.... The journey continues ❤️
I am shedding tears of joy and sorrow for your beautiful family. So very grateful for sharing your life with us. Your sons are joyful and beautiful. I wish you strength as you prepare for your beloved mother's passing. May that be peaceful and comfortable. Your OMAAT family supports you and your family.
Congrats to all.
Huge hugs to mom...
OVCA is horrible. It is wonderful that your mom will get to meet Jet. I am so sorry you and she have to deal with this horrible disease. I am 18 years post and totally understand how she feels about life being rediscovered after diagnosis. Best wishes to you all.
Congratulations to you and Ford with latest addition to the family unit...how amazing!! Sending strong love to your Mom and you all, Ben. Stay strong xxo
Thanks for sharing and for years of great blogging.
Also a family of 4, and I'm glad my sister got to spend time with my two kids before she passed away from ovarian cancer. They still talk about her.
I'm Miami-based, if you ever want a coffee. I recall trying to cram decades into days. I found therapy and talking helped.
What wonderful news. This speaks volumes of your professionalism to be able punch out so many stories, while managing the family side (it explains why the reviews have been a bit parse). Enjoy this stage of parenthood, and we look forward to seeing more from Ford. Best of luck to you and the family! x
Ben, thank you for sharing so much of your life with us, your faithful readers. I echo Tim's comments and simply wish to add a hope that your mother's final days will be pain-free and filled with love from all those who care about her.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your second son, Ben and Ford! What a gift for his big brother, too!
My best wishes for your family and may your mother enjoy her grandsons as long and as best as possible. What a lovely family!
This is my favorite website to read every day and this story made it even better.
Super CONGRATULATIONS to you, Ford, Miles and your Mom!
@Ben, I'm happy to hear that you have been able to spend quality time with your mom and that she has been able to meet Miles and Jet and shower them with love.
Congrats! You’re the best at what you do, and you have a wonderful family.
Congratulations to you and your family!!
Wishing Jet, Miles, Ford and the rest of your family clear skies and a smooth ride for the glorious years ahead.
Congrats on the addition of Jet to your family. While it is no doubt tough to savor the joy of a new born son with the impending loss of your mother, it is wonderful that she will get to meet her newest grandson and to have witnessed Miles’ growth from infant to toddler. Enjoy this precious time.
My gosh what a wonderful happening and double so that Grandma got to hold Jet! I have read your blog since almost the beginning. Your fun travels with your parents, Love your Dad - because of him, I do intentionally “enjoy the ambiance.” I admired your Coming Out. Cheered when you met Ford. Excited for Miles and now Jet!
Definitely a Happy Pride Month. Sincere Best Wishes for the four on you <3
Thanks for sharing. Best wishes to your beautiful family.
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family. Time passes soo quickly, and it is a blessing that you have been able to share this time with your mother.
Congratulations Ben . You are so lucky to have such an abundance of love in your life, starting with your mom. Thanks for all the fun blogposts you have written over the years. Some have been helpful , and others entertaining. The posts will continue to evolve. Cheers!
The whole circle of life coming at you in a short moment. Be kind to yourself and each other to go through all of this in a short interval, but cherishing every moment for what it is. I'm so happy for your growing family, and I feel there will be 1 paid + 3 award tickets in your near future!
Congratulations! It's been fun to follow your journey since early on, and it seems like the adventures are really just getting started!
Congrats! Love this journey for you all.
What a beautiful family - you're blessed! Congratulations.
Contrats. A lovely story. I think many people think stage 4 cancers cannot be cured and lose hope but that is exactly why people lose their battle not because of the cancer itself. In the east, cancers can be cured by practicing meditation and resolving unconscious mental traumas but the people these days dismiss everything that science hasn't proven. Very sad but I think now it is getting into the west slowly, most notably by...
Contrats. A lovely story. I think many people think stage 4 cancers cannot be cured and lose hope but that is exactly why people lose their battle not because of the cancer itself. In the east, cancers can be cured by practicing meditation and resolving unconscious mental traumas but the people these days dismiss everything that science hasn't proven. Very sad but I think now it is getting into the west slowly, most notably by joe dispenza but there are a lot more healers that the west particularly dismissed and laughed, yet many people won the battle against cancer, especially late stage ones where the doctors declared months to live. I hope people explore more options instead of bluntly trusting what doctors say...
Gosh,so joyous and sad at the same time. So happy for you and Ford, and so sad about your mom. You and your family are in all of our thoughts.
A really special post, for lots of reasons. Congratulations to you, Ford and Miles.
Congratulations to your new family addition! I noticed you dropped a hint in a post a few days ago and was fearing the worst news from your mom. I am so hay to hear that it is just the opposite and she could join you to celebrate the new life.
Congratulations! Your children are adorable. I am sorry about your mom, but glad she got to meet both your kids. My mother met my oldest son a month before she died and I have always been so grateful for that. Enjoy this next phase of your life.
Congrats on welcoming your newest little travel companion! Wishing you double the joy, double the love—and maybe even a companion pass or two in your future. Excited to see how parenthood 2.0 earns you & Ford even more life miles.
Mazal tov Ben! And so glad your mom got to meet Jet!
Heart felt and beautiful.
Blessings for you and your family.
Congrats on the new baby! I'm glad your mother will get to meet him too.
Congratulations! I am really happy for you. Good luck. :)
Congratulations, Ben. I’ve been reading your blog since my sophomore year of college in 2015. Today was the first time I teared up reading one of your posts. I truly wish your Mom peace and all the love in the world over the coming weeks.
Congrats Ben! Love the names of your kids!! I’m relatively new to your blog and I enjoyed this life-update! Life is amazing that way, it gives and it takes… enjoy and savor those moments.
Congrats so cute
Sending you and your family love and support. What a bittersweet time but also one of small blessings and comfort in knowing that we never really have enough time but we can make the most and celebrate the time we have.
Ben, sending huge happy wishes to you, Ford, and Miles. And Jet too! I'm sure you're experiencing so much joy and a lot of pain too, so all the love to y'all. In my life grandmothers have played a huge role, and not just the one who was with me the longest. That your mom has the chance to meet Jet changes everything for all of you! Your post made me cry and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Thank you for sharing!
Congratulations!!!!!!
What fantastic news - many congratulations Ben and Ford! We have two kids with a similar age gap - our oldest is now nearly 7 and our youngest is 4. Travelling is a piece of cake again - and you learn to appreciate new things, like two player battleships on Emirates ICE! Enjoy this special time with your family
Congrats Ben and Ford!!
Crying. Happy. Congrats.
Congratulations!
Mazal Tov from another gay couple who had baby #2 three weeks ago!
We flew home with baby and our 2 year old at 4 days (on award seats). We also have an international long haul booked for August in Biz so it’s still possible to find those award seats - just a bit more of a challenge. Just hoping we can get passport and global entry sorted by August.
Congratulations!
And best wishes to your mom!
Ben, I have enjoyed your website for many years. I'm happy your mom was able to meet both your grandsons. Congratulations
Congratulations. It's amazing the strength a (grand)mother's love can grant. Blessings to your sweet mama.
Mazel Tov!
Congratulations, Ben! Jet is the cutest baby and his name is the best name possible! And I'm both happy and sorry about your mom.
So pleased for you Ben!
You never have to share these real and vulnerable life updates with us, but we as readers are always fortunate when you do. Congrats Ben & Ford and sending warmth to your whole family in this time of big changes.
Congratulations on Jet! What a wonderful addition to your family.
Sorry that your Mum is not doing well.
Wonderful news, Ben. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Congrats Lucky!!!
Congratulations Ben and Ford. What a beautiful baby. Thank you for sharing your life’s milestones with us. I am sorry to hear about your mother. I am glad she had a positive outlook all these years and has had quality time with you all. I hope she is in comfort. Thinking of you and your family. My prayers are with you.
Congratulations on the new addition to the family. He's a cutie and I love that Miles was actually happy to meet his new brother. I hope Jet doesn't drive him (and you and Ford) too crazy. I'm glad your mom has gotten to spend as much time with them and you as she has. Make the most of it!
Congratulations Ben. Kids such a blessing
Congratulations!!
Congratulations
After all these years it still brings a smile to my face to see you growing up and creating a life from this crazy hobby we all love. Watching how you’ve changed your living locations and situations and been inspiring and I’m So happy for you and Ford. Glad your mom gets to be apart of such a meaningful time in your life also.
You do deserve all this happiness for all that you’ve brought to us.
Congratulations to you and Ford! So glad to hear that your mom made it to meet Jet. It’s such a blessing that she’s been able to watch Miles grow up and Jet be born.
Congrats Ben, very happy for you and your family. I wish you all the best.
Very glad your mother got to meet Jet as well, reading that about your mum really brought a tear to my eye.
Once you announced the birth of Miles, I was sure your next boy was going to be named Points, but I guess Miles & Points just didn't sit right with you..
LOL, ;)
bittersweet news, Ben.
Very happy for the addition of Jet and share your pain w/ your Mom's deterioration.
The amazing thing is that you continue to crank out high quality content.
May God be gracious to you and yours.
Wow. You actually made a comment that didn’t suck up to your cousin Ed Bastian and the evil empire in Atlanta. Bravo.
you live fully into your name.
This is Ben's day. Go back to your hole.
@Tim Dummerest
He still suck up to "God".
An unncessary comment Tim Dummerest at this point in time.
Congrats Ben & Ford on your new family member.
so how they can have 2 babies in FL? Use of Egg Donor and Gestational Surrogacy? then Each Man Is the Biological Father of One Baby?
Who cares. They're a family. It doesn't matter how they came together.
Sorry to hear about your mom, but glad she was able to meet Jet. Best of luck to you and your family.
What nice a post, B.
Congratulations to your family and best wishes to your Mother. Such a blessing that she was able to hold on for this huge milestone.
Congratulations!! I had no idea #2 was on its way!
I’ve been reading since you were in college and preferring Diet Coke to liquor and I’ve loved following every stage. I hope you’ll start adding I. Some family travel stories!
Thank you for the update on your mom. I think about her every time I see pics of Ford’s mom and wonder how she is. It’s so amazing she has been able to meet both boys, and sad that her time may be near. May strength be with you all.
Been reading since before you did hotels fulltme. Congrats on Jet & the whole family!
Lucky, I don't often comment, but as a multiple times a day reader since ~2009 I just want to send a huge congratulations to you and your family! Anytime too much time goes between your posts, my first thought is that something must have happened to your mom. I am so glad to hear she has made it to celebrate this milestone with you, Ford, and Miles and best wishes for her peace and comfort in the coming days and weeks.
Ooops accidentally posted in the wrong thread. Mazel tov on the new baby! But sorry to hear about your mom.
Contracts Lucky.
Oops, I meant congrats.........obviously work on my mind :)
Ben, it’s so lovely to hear that your mom has recovered so nicely to meet her grandsons. It’s always heartening to hear of a tale of beating cancer, especially when it’s affected you deeply. Aside from that, she will also provide some girl power in a family that’s otherwise dominated by guys — including little Miles and Jet! ;)
My bad, I shouldn’t have said beating cancer (I know how awful that sounds here), but rather living long enough to have some special memories. My sincere apologies. Regardless, I’m very glad that your mom could spend time with Jet!
Proof that you don't care about Ben or his family, but wants to act lapdog around him.
Really a lame attempt.
You have quite the foul mouth, Proxi. Visualise your own mouth shut with duct tape. Or do us all a favour and take your socially awkward Indian self out of this forum.
Welcome Jet and best wishes with all of your life cycle events. Every person and every moment is precious.
Good luck with those school break award seats (and the fun continues with lounge access guest policies...), but if anyone can do it, you can!
Congratulations on your newborn child and growing family. It’s wonderful that your mom — difficult as it has been for her and all who love her — will know her two grandchildren before life’s wonder ends as it inevitably does.
Miles's name just clicked for me... wow that one went over my head
congratulations :)
Congrats Ben, many blessings to you and your family.
I’ve been reading this blog for probably 20 years but I’ve never cried until today
Snap! Ben, Ford and Miles: I don’t know you personally, but this brought me to tears. Wishing you all of the best.
I remember crying when @Ben posted about his marriage. Was so unexpected :)
Congratulations to you and Ford, hopefully Winston gets to meet Jet soon.
And I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I know it's been a rough couple of years for all of you, but your mom has defied all expectations by making it this far. The best thing all of you can do is make every single day count.
Thank you once again for sharing your family moments with us.
Congrats to you and your family!
Mazel Tov so many blessings
Congratulations! Hope mommy is recovering well! He's beautiful!
That's the cutest picture I'll see today! Congrats!
Hey Lucky, I've been reading your blog since around you moved into hotels full time. You live the life of someone who devotes their entire lives to living without compromise and it's really awesome and inspiring to see. Whatever comes next, your influence on the world is positive and we appreciate you. Congratulations and special thanks to Mom for raising you!
Congrats Ben to you and Ford!
Mazel tov! I hope you don't abandon your kids at the WA Maldives and then blame the hotel for your poor parenting :)
And don't leave Jet all alone on the floor!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!! ❤️