Finally Florida

We survived a wonderful flight and trip to Florida. Just as everyone said, Jack was good on the plane, very busy, but good. Here is how it went...

Friday: We arrived at the airport an hour and a half early. Thank goodness for the six year old boy sitting next to us who kept Jack entertained while we waited to board. Clay mentioned feeling achy and wasn't exactly himself. I watched the clock intently, ready to get this over with. We boarded for our 57 minute flight. Jack read books, ate lots of Cheerios, climbed up over the seats and giggled at the passengers behind us, sat in Mommy's lap, switched to Daddy's lap, and then switched again, drank two bottles, tried to doze...but didn't, looked out the window, and wiggled a lot! Finally we arrived and Grammy pulled up to get us in her new shiny black SUV. We arrived at home and Jack was zonked...off to bath and bed he went after a little loving from his cousins and Uncle Matt. Clay ran a fever and was off to bed right behind Jack.

Saturday: Jack woke at 6:30 am (central time)...yuck! Jack enjoyed lots of playing and more loving from Grammy and Grandpa. Mommy was sent back to bed for some more zzz's...yeah! Clay drug himself around realizing he was missing his wallet....ugh! We all headed to cousin Whit's basketball game. Jack stayed home with Grandpa because the bleachers were too steep for a crawling 10 month old. Maybe next season. Back home to search for the missing wallet...still no luck and no ID. We were beginning to think Mommy and Jack were flying home alone. After a barbecue lunch and a visit to my old babysitter, Jack settles in for an afternoon nap. Two and half hours of sleep later, Jack gets a visit from Uncle Jim and Uncle Mike. Too much fun! Clay still searches and feels even worse...was it the missing wallet or the flu? Jack is assisted to bed by Grammy and Grandpa and Mommy makes a visit to her high school friend, Stephanie and baby Evan. Oh, how sweet and adorable he is! If Jack's bed time weren't on eastern time, he may have gotten to see them too.

Sunday: Busy day! Jack wakes with the sunshine. And what beautiful sunshine it is...70 degree weather. Oh, how I miss Florida. The missing wallet is found...in the dryer! Good news, Mommy and Jack don't have to fly alone. One morning nap and still a sick Daddy later, company arrives. It's Uncle Mike, Uncle Matt, Aunt Catlin, cousins Whit and Larkin, Nini, Grandaddy, Aunt Linda, and Sonja...all to see baby Jack and eat "hot off the grill" hamburgers. From toy to visitor Jack stays very entertained. Maybe he'll snooze on the flight back...not so, just more of the same as the arriving flight. We arrive at the airport 45 min before departure with suitcases full of toys for Jack. Close call, but much easier than waiting! Poor Clay is still feeling the flu and Mommy is ready to put both the baby & the Daddy to bed. Atlanta at last and we are ALL tired and cold. Sure do miss that Florida sun and of course, our wonderful family.

We had a wonderfully busy weekend! We finally made our trip happen...drama and all!

We're Off...Again

As you may remember (via the blog), our trip to Florida was canceled last month due to a vicious stomach bug. I was beginning to give up on the hopes that we could find another weekend that worked for everyone. After much planning, organizing, and checking of agendas, we are finally scheduled to leave tomorrow. I say that with caution after our last try. We haven't been "home" since Thanksgiving. Which means we have a lot of people to see. Jack will be visiting with Grammy, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Uncle Matt, Aunt Catlin, cousins Whit and Larkin, Uncle Jim, and I'm sure many more. Not only will his social calendar be booked once arriving in town, but he also gets to take his first plane ride. Before hitting the skies, I asked for advice everywhere I could get it. I dont want to be the passenger on the plane with the screaming baby. Granted it is only a 45 minute flight, however no one loves Jack as much as his Mommy and Daddy, especially when he is crying. Therefore I needed advice. I heard..."give him a bottle at take off and landing for his ears", "have lots of treats" ( I guess he can't scream too loudly with a mouthful of food), "bring many books and toys", "pass him back and forth between Mommy and Daddy often to change the scenery", and "expect the best, it wont be as hard as you think" (gee, I hope that's true). So, we are taking all of that advice and our luggage on the airplane with us tomorrow and heading south. Nervous?...kind of. But, mostly just excited to see everyone and share my baby. With Jack's help, our bags are packed...again...and we are ready for a busy weekend! More when we get back from FLORIDA!

You Better Be Funny

When I get asked if Jack is a happy baby, I always want to go into a long disertation. You see when Jack is in a good mood, he is in a REALLY good mood and when he's not, he is REALLY not. He is very intense with his emotions....kind of like his Mommy (as Clay would say). When I was pregant I prayed he would get Clay's laid back personality, instead he got my more high strung one (again...as Clay would say). So everyday with him is an adventure. Not to mention, if you want to hear him laugh...you better be very funny. Jack is very selective about what he thinks is humorous. IF you can make him laugh, the first time he is hysterical, the second time he'll give you a courtesy laugh, and the third time, you're not so funny anymore. So when I heard him in hysterics while playing with Daddy on Valentine's evening, I ran to get the video camera. Who knew pretending to eat plastic letters could be so funny? He was just coming down from his emotional roller coaster when I started the video. But, I was able to catch the tail end of it. Trying not to disappoint me, Jack followed it up with a few bear growl imitations. Here is a video of our lovely Valentine's evening...if you can stand to watch the whole thing. You may have to press the play button twice to get it started.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love Is In The Air

Cupid's arrow hit our house today with Jack's first Valentine's Day playdate. He was dressed the part and ready to LOVE his company. We started with lots of red yummies to eat. Jack and I provide the main dish...lasagna and our guests brought either a red or Valentine's themed side. The Mommies and babies munched our hearts out and then headed to the playroom for the real fun. It was a packed venue with Allison & Ansley, Erica & Miller, Karen & Wesley Kate, Heather & Meg, Donna & Patterson and, of course, Jack & me. The odds of love were about 50/50 with 3 boys and 3 girls. Mister Irresistible didn't mind though. He kept himself very busy traveling from toy to toy and friend to friend. What an afternoon! Here are some pictures to prove it...