Miles Meets Jet, And Now I’m Going To Need Four Award Seats

Miles Meets Jet, And Now I’m Going To Need Four Award Seats

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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.

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).

Miles and his two-day-old brother, Jet

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!).

Miles and mom, pre-baby brother

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. 😉

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  1. Morgan Diamond

    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!

  2. Jay Guest

    Congrats to you and your family. God bless you, Ben!

  3. Brodie Gold

    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.

  4. Clem Diamond

    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!

  5. quorumcall Diamond

    Congratulations!! As a long-time reader it is wonderful to see your family grow :)

  6. Tom Guest

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! May you all be happy, safe, and loved.

  7. Globetrotter Guest

    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).

  8. Fabrizio Chiesa Guest

    The circle of life!
    An unforgettable bittersweet time for all of you!
    Congratulations and much love to you all!❤️

  9. AdamH Diamond

    Congratulations Lucky on the new baby and so happy to hear your Mom got to meet him. What a meaningful moment.

  10. Tim Dumdum Guest

    What a bittersweet moment! Wishing you and your loved ones all the best.

  11. Chris N Guest

    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.

  12. Vickie Guest

    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.

  13. InLA Guest

    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?”

  14. Fred Guest

    He doesn’t have a brother and you’re not parents.

    1. Pete Guest

      You have no soul. Give it over, you miserable old prick.

  15. Frank Guest

    Congrats to my OG and favorite travel blogger ever!
    Next kid should be named OMAT!

  16. N515CR Gold

    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).

  17. Northern Flyer Guest

    Jet! What a great name. Congratulations to you all.

  18. Liz Guest

    Congrats - I couldn't be happier for you!

  19. iV Guest

    Congrats Ben. Wishing you, Ford and your family all the best.

  20. Zac Guest

    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.

  21. Bob Guest

    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.

  22. Keith S. Guest

    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!)

  23. Steven Elliott Guest

    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 ❤️

  24. modok Guest

    Congratulations Ben on your new child.

  25. Debra Casillas Guest

    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!

  26. Mark Guest

    Congratulations guys! So happy for you.

  27. David Aird Guest

    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.

  28. Bob May Guest

    Congratulations.

    My best wishes to your family

  29. Nancy Guest

    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.

  30. Huggs Guest

    Mazel tov!. Jet is such a great name; much better than Turboprop!!!

  31. MB Guest

    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.

  32. Chris Guest

    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.

  33. PJS678 Member

    Congrats Ben and family!

  34. Glacialfury Guest

    Congratulations on Jet and my thoughts go out to your mom. Wishing you all the best.

  35. Thomas Guest

    ❤️❤️❤️ from Cologne

  36. Joe Guest

    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.

  37. Matt S. Guest

    Congrats, Ben! What a wonderful family you have.

  38. philwupdx New Member

    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!

  39. Neil Guest

    Congratulations !!

    I’ve been enjoying your insights for many years.

    Keep blogging

  40. JB Guest

    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? :)

  41. Sammy Guest

    Thanks for sharing this very special announcement. Don't hesitate to post more stories like this!

  42. Alex Guest

    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.

  43. Guillermo Rodriguez Guest

    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.

  44. Fjon Guest

    Congrats and all the best to you and your family! Prayers for mom….may she be around a long time to spoil those grandkids!!!

  45. susan Guest

    Those are the cutest little boys !!!

    Congratulations.

  46. Mano Guest

    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.

  47. derek Guest

    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!!!)

    1. derek Guest

      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.

  48. D3SWI33 Guest

    Congratulations! I’ll always remember where I was on this day.

    1. JB Guest

      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.

  49. Chris Guest

    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!

  50. John Guest

    Fantastic that your mom was able to meet Jet. That is everything.

  51. Ethan Guest

    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.

  52. Bruce Guest

    Congratulations on your new addition, and love that you posted this on the last day of Pride Month!

  53. Chucky Guest

    Much much love and respect.

  54. Dunc Guest

    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 ❤️

  55. BradStPete Diamond

    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.

  56. Kerwin Guest

    Congrats to all.
    Huge hugs to mom...

  57. BRCA1+ Guest

    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.

  58. Adam Guest

    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

  59. TG Guest

    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.

  60. NicktheGreek Guest

    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

  61. Ley Guest

    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.

  62. JC Edwards Guest

    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!

  63. bucktruck7 Member

    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!

  64. hbilbao Diamond

    @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.

  65. Tom Guest

    Congrats! You’re the best at what you do, and you have a wonderful family.

  66. Ole Guest

    Congratulations to you and your family!!

  67. Creditcrunch Diamond

    Wishing Jet, Miles, Ford and the rest of your family clear skies and a smooth ride for the glorious years ahead.

  68. Janet Member

    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.

  69. Bill n DC Diamond

    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

  70. jjmpdx Guest

    Thanks for sharing. Best wishes to your beautiful family.

  71. rpearson Diamond

    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.

  72. kvespa Guest

    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!

  73. Whirlwind2000 Guest

    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!

  74. TheNoisyAmerican New Member

    Congratulations! It's been fun to follow your journey since early on, and it seems like the adventures are really just getting started!

  75. Chris Guest

    Congrats! Love this journey for you all.

  76. Kim Guest

    What a beautiful family - you're blessed! Congratulations.

  77. Mj Guest

    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...

  78. BP Guest

    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.

  79. Mark Guest

    A really special post, for lots of reasons. Congratulations to you, Ford and Miles.

  80. InternationalTraveler Diamond

    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.

  81. Alison Guest

    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.

  82. leftsidewindow Guest

    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.

  83. Al Guest

    Mazal tov Ben! And so glad your mom got to meet Jet!

  84. Derek Guest

    Heart felt and beautiful.

    Blessings for you and your family.

  85. dx Guest

    Congrats on the new baby! I'm glad your mother will get to meet him too.

  86. JDM Guest

    Congratulations! I am really happy for you. Good luck. :)

  87. Aaron Guest

    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.

  88. ZTravel Diamond

    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.

  89. Theboywanderz Guest

    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.

  90. Jack Guest

    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!

  91. Michael K Guest

    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

  92. Jon Guest

    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.

  93. MrChu Guest

    Congratulations!

    And best wishes to your mom!

  94. DavidW Guest

    Ben, I have enjoyed your website for many years. I'm happy your mom was able to meet both your grandsons. Congratulations

  95. ImmortalSynn Guest

    Congratulations. It's amazing the strength a (grand)mother's love can grant. Blessings to your sweet mama.

  96. Kira Guest

    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.

  97. GoAmtrak Diamond

    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.

  98. skimegheath Diamond

    Congratulations on Jet! What a wonderful addition to your family.

    Sorry that your Mum is not doing well.

    1. walester Gold

      Wonderful news, Ben. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

  99. Matt Guest

    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.

  100. Dusty Guest

    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!

  101. Cornel VW Guest

    Congratulations Ben. Kids such a blessing

  102. William Guest

    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.

  103. Raclette Guest

    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.

  104. When I Travel The World Guest

    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.

  105. Josiah Guest

    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, ;)

  106. Tim Dunn Diamond

    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.

    1. Tim Dummerest Guest

      Wow. You actually made a comment that didn’t suck up to your cousin Ed Bastian and the evil empire in Atlanta. Bravo.

    2. Tim Dunn Diamond

      you live fully into your name.

      This is Ben's day. Go back to your hole.

    3. Eskimo Guest

      @Tim Dummerest

      He still suck up to "God".

  107. R B Guest

    Congrats Ben & Ford on your new family member.

  108. ST Guest

    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?

    1. cls Guest

      Who cares. They're a family. It doesn't matter how they came together.

  109. dn10 Guest

    Sorry to hear about your mom, but glad she was able to meet Jet. Best of luck to you and your family.

  110. Russ Gold

    Congratulations to your family and best wishes to your Mother. Such a blessing that she was able to hold on for this huge milestone.

  111. Lisa Guest

    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.

  112. Mike P Guest

    Been reading since before you did hotels fulltme. Congrats on Jet & the whole family!

  113. Eamonn Dundon Guest

    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.

  114. Alpha Golf Guest

    Ooops accidentally posted in the wrong thread. Mazel tov on the new baby! But sorry to hear about your mom.

  115. WinstonTeracina Guest

    Contracts Lucky.

    1. WinstonTeracina Guest

      Oops, I meant congrats.........obviously work on my mind :)

  116. Proximanova Gold

    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! ;)

    1. Proximanova Gold

      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!

  117. Peter Guest

    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!

  118. GUWonder Guest

    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.

  119. morgan Guest

    Miles's name just clicked for me... wow that one went over my head

    congratulations :)

  120. Santos Guest

    Congrats Ben, many blessings to you and your family.

  121. Mike Hines Guest

    I’ve been reading this blog for probably 20 years but I’ve never cried until today

    1. Chris Guest

      Snap! Ben, Ford and Miles: I don’t know you personally, but this brought me to tears. Wishing you all of the best.

    2. hbilbao Diamond

      I remember crying when @Ben posted about his marriage. Was so unexpected :)

  122. Mike O. Guest

    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.

  123. Jessie Guest

    Congratulations! Hope mommy is recovering well! He's beautiful!

  124. MildMidwesterner Diamond

    That's the cutest picture I'll see today! Congrats!

  125. betterbub Diamond

    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!

  126. John Smith Guest

    Mazel tov! I hope you don't abandon your kids at the WA Maldives and then blame the hotel for your poor parenting :)

    1. hbilbao Diamond

      And don't leave Jet all alone on the floor!

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Eamonn Dundon Guest

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.

8
Tim Dunn Diamond

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.

7
Lisa Guest

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.

7
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