hehe, that's cruel expat...but funny!
i would also add that it really does depend on the baby, i had a shocker/screamer/colic/reflux baby and the first 3 (and more) months were a complete nightmare. i dont know how i would have coped out of my home environment and with people trying to sleep.
i dont want to be negative, lots of people have great experiences, and some babies ARE easier to deal with when they are little/portable, but not all.
i guess if the worst comes to worst, you could always pull out at the last minute - GET TRAVEL INSURANCE, and then get a dr. to say you are not able to take the baby (burst into tears and sob about not being able to cope).
also, try to get a separate apartment, you will be really stressed if you have a baby that screams between 1am and 5am (yes, it happens) and keeps everyone awake all night.
also, tell your family before they book - as supportive as they are, its only fair to warn them in case they have hesitations.
i wouldnt worry too much about the 16 hour flight over there - thats over and done with quickly - its more the actual time over there...
good luck, and congrats!