Beach Bum Baby

We just returned from our first family vacation in the Keys and had such a wonderful time and did so much fun stuff I don't even know where to begin. Nate experienced a lot of "firsts" so I guess that is where I will start...

His First Airplane Ride

I was a ball of nerves leading up to this event, but it turned out to be nothing to worry about. On the way there he stared out the window as we made our way to the runway, drank a bottle during take off, and slept the entire flight until we landed. On the way back, he was getting really antsy and fussy (it was hot on the plane) while we were sitting at the gate and he wouldn't drink his bottle when we were taking off so we were getting really nervous, but then he giggled during the bumpiness of take-off and then once we got in the air he looked at me, closed his eyes, and put his head on my shoulder where it stayed until after landing (I had to wake him up). So, apparently the roar of the flight works as a sleeping aid for Nate - yeah!

His First Time in a Pool

He loved the water...he was a little nervous at first but he had a blast splashing in the pool. "Crazy Crab" (as we named him) was a hit...he had fun kicking around in him and I loved that he could play in a little bit of shade.

His First Time at the Beach

The water in the Keys is amazing...the colors are gorgeous, it is clear and calm, and there are lots of sandbars. We spent a couple of days at Bahia Honda Park and there were beautiful sandbars right off the shoreline so it was perfect for Nate...calm waters and he could put his feet down, so it wasn't overwhelming - like a giant pool. He had a blast!

There were some more "firsts"...first boat ride, first taste of ice cream...but a lot of our pics are in a raw format that I can't get to upload to the blog yet. So, I will work on that and create an album of all the fun pics from our trip (or at least a sampling...we took almost 700).

Random Baby Product Plug - we weren't sure what to bring for Nate to sleep in since the Pack & Play just isn't realistic when flying and we weren't staying in a hotel to rent a crib, so we took a chance and ordered a "PeaPod". It is a little tent that folded up small enough to fit in my suitcase and has an air mattress you blow up for the bottom. It was PERFECT. Nate loved sleeping in it (it was like a little cocoon for him), it didn't take up much room, and it was even perfect to take to the beach for shade and napping. They have an small size (that was still plenty big for him) and a bigger size and I would highly recommend this tent if you need a sleeping alternative while traveling!

Mother's Day at the Zoo

I had a fantastic first Mother's Day with Nate. The day started with our Sunday morning ritual of the three of us having our coffee in bed (Nate's "coffee" = Formula)...but this time Nate brought with him a card and a gorgeous necklace (my boys are too good to me). Michael has a knack for making me think he has completely forgotten about a special occasion and then surprising me by going completely above and beyond...you would think after 7 years I would be on to him by now! Nate had a little meltdown around morning nap time (I guess his ears haven't completely cleared yet) so we had to skip church to make sure he got his zzz's...but after his nap we had a delicious brunch with our moms. It was such a perfect day out so we decided that we would spend the rest of the afternoon at the zoo and we had so much fun! Nate was very interested in the animals (once they were pointed out to him...I think he enjoyed people watching as much as the animals!), he loved touching the goats in the petting zoo, and he got to take his first carousel and train rides. He giggled all afternoon (which was a relief after the morning incident). The best pics from Mother's Day are of Michael and Nate, but that's ok because they are the best gifts a girl could ask for...

More Ear Troubles...

Last weekend he had a fully chaperoned date with Amanda Pavloff. They shared toys and watched each other eat dinner and then both went to sleep like little angels so their parents could eat. Nate also learned how to give mommy big slobbery kisses - it's disgusting but I love it! (More pics of the date in the 10 month album)



He also rode on the tractor with Daddy and played outside with his Alie...













Despite the fun he had last weekend, he still didn't seem to be quite himself so I took him to the Dr on Monday to find out he had infections in both of his ears. Poor baby. :( So we have been trying to take it easy so that he starts eating well again and is 100% before our vacation next week. But he did spend some time this weekend with his Nena...you can tell from the picture below that he still isn't liking the feel of grass on his feet.