NOLA & Baby

Nothing says party like taking a baby to New Orleans! So that's what Miss A and I did last week. We traveled more than 15 hours each way (that's about 5 flight segments) for a two-day conference. It was fabulous! I can't emphasize enough how well baby girl did. I kept wondering how I could thank her and show my appreciation for being such a dear (not perfect, but impressive) throughout the journeys I put her through.

As I remarked on Facebook, we arrived to the hotel in NOLA at midnight and discovered the hotel gave away my room even though I had confirmed it hours before during a layover. There was no way around a full hotel so they sent us away in a taxi for a free stay elsewhere, nearby. Now, even as Miss A had been out of her element, in a different time zone and carted all over, she didn't show it. Had she been cranky or fussy (understandably), my stress level would have certainly risen. But instead the sweetheart smiled as I wheeled her around in her new umbrella stroller.

We finally got to bed after 1am and my mind was reeling; anticipating a check out first thing in the morning to get back to the Sheraton. I stared at A and she stared very calmly back into my eyes. She smiled and I just gave prayers of thanks for surviving the day. It was a special moment, and then, before I could get too poetic or deep, she blew a tiny raspberry without breaking her gaze. She reminded me she's still a baby.

The start of the trip was indicative of the rest. It all went well. She came home with a big baby head from all sorts of lovely comments.

Sunshine and warmth really arrived our last full day. We went strolling around checking out shops with a friend from Anchorage also attending the conference. Here's Jackson Square, and then outdoor seating for dinner (with a mojito!). Had my fill of shrimp creole, seafood okra gumbo, jambalaya, and rice and beans. Yum!

The conference was good and there were nearly 20 Alaskans in attendance. The main highlight of the trip for me was an evening with FAMILY! I have not seen my cousins in over three years! You grow up together, and then one moves to Alaska and the other to Louisiana. Times together are not often to say the least. And now my cousin is a Professor! What an accomplishment! They drove all the down from Baton Rouge for the visit. I'm still grateful and happy. Miss A loved them too, even if she started to fade over beignets at Cafe du Monde. It was a little meltdown.

 And then her second-cousins (is that what they are to her??) helped make everything alright again!

Look! What naturals. And all in due time to use these talents, with about less than 3 months before their precious boy arrives! Yay for putting love to that sweet boy. Thank you for seeing us again! Next time they'll be a family of 3 too.

And then the conference ended and we were on our flights back North. Miss A slept so much that I actually read an entire book during the two days of travel. The southern climate, food and hospitality was a great getaway. I hadn't been to NOLA in ten years. Sometime I'll go back, with Andy. A stroll down Bourbon St. is different with my daughter along for the ride!

*Amy

Four Months Old

Getting older and getting *slightly* bigger! Inconsistent with all monthly photos is the four month shoot. A turned 4 months in New Orleans (more on the trip another time). So here she is on a hotel bed and surrounded by special cajun potato chips bags!

Her demeanor and temperament continues to amaze us. Her 4-month shots went super well. She held her breath, turned completely red, let out a yell and then calmed down. She even smiled as I dressed her afterward. The next day she was a bit out of sorts but nothing we couldn't handle. I liked having the appointment on a Friday because I didn't have to work when she needed more attention paid to her schedule the following day.

She's trending small, although it's of no concern. She wasn't even 12 pounds at the check up. At least she's proportioned, happy, healthy and extremely alert. We're cleared to introduce rice cereal when we feel she's interested. That's not yet so we'll wait a bit. The doctor also insisted we start with veggies rather than fruit to avoid introducing "sweet."

As shared in the last post, her vocals are loud and entertaining. She grabs her toes and feet regularly, holds simple objects and puts everything to her mouth. I personally feel we need to do more tummy time. In a less than positive change she's not sleeping through the night anymore. We enjoyed 5-6 hour chunks of sleep for awhile but in the last couple of weeks she's back to 2-3 hour intervals. We have been napping her in her actual crib so maybe after our upcoming trip to Nome we'll officially switch her from the co-sleeper to the crib overnight.

It's harder to nurse her because she's so distracted and interested in what's happening around her. Pretty funny to watch even if it drags out the necessity! Oh, and she is fierce on the hair pulling. She even got Andy's hair as he blew raspberries on her belly. Miss A manages to pull on both of our glasses too. She's got quite the social and expressive personality developing.

Here's one of her favorite places to hang while awake and I'm working:

This weekend we'll assemble her new Jumperoo. It's time for this step given how much she loves to stand supported!

*Amy

Easter Weekend

We sure had a great holiday weekend. The uh-mazing weather really contributed to our enjoyment.
It was high time to get the boat back on the water and Captain Andy was very thorough. We stayed in close waters so he could check electrical connections and make sure everything was in top working order. Of course we were just excited to get Miss A afloat!  She started the boat ride a bit sleepy and ended it in full nap mode. The in-between time was happiness and much for her to look at.
At the start of our excursion she remained in her car seat. After waking she stayed put for awhile because she had a direct view of her daddy steering. She fully took him in her sights!

We cruised in front of our neighborhood, dubbed "the scar" or "hillslide." I can't remember exactly, but try to find our little blue abode next to the red one.

And in the basket for her end of boat journey nap. She didn't see Daddy's rockfish catch but without a doubt many fish will be seen this summer. It felt so nice to be back on our boat, becoming familiar with the routine again, and jumping into the scenery. I'm beyond excited for camping and exploring.

Then it was Easter Sunday and when we weren't chatting with family, we tried to be outside as much as possible--especially on our new patio furniture.

Skyping with Grandpa Joe and his beard!

Another lovely element to Easter in addition to Jesus' resurrection, the sunshine, family and the prime rib, was A's vocal range! Holy smokes did her voice take off that day! She was a music maker exploring her range.

And just a couple of days ago she chatted up the owl and moon in her book at the changing table.

Finally, this week she is now a Bumbo girl, in short bursts!

Plenty of fun still ahead as Miss A and I fly out to New Orleans tomorrow for a conference. Here's hoping her 2 test run trips to Anchorage last month prepped her for this longer, out of state trip.

*Amy