Spring Break in Ft. Lauderdale

As some of you know, we had our first vacation with Evan. Back on March 10th, we (Dan, Evan, my dad and myself) flew down to Ft. Lauderdale, FL for a vacation. We all had our objectives: visit family and friends, spring training, beach, golf and relaxation. This was a trip filled of firsts for Evan and us. First of all, traveling with an infant is not an easy feat. He demands a lot of things, not just clothes. Luckily, my cousin Dawn lives in FL and she was able to let us borrow a couple of things. Evan's first flight was OK. He was little cranky and gave his parents a lot to do while in flight. His flight home was so pleasant that mommy got to nap, watch some TV, eat and snack all while Evan slept.

Evan next "first" came our first night there... Evan couldn't bring his crib nor did we want to bring his portable crib (airline would probably damage it)... so we brought his bassinet mattress and converted his stroller into a bed... he was a little cramped, but slept like a baby every night. We visited a lot of places and was on the go every day. Day one we visited our family (Dawn, Frank and there soon to be 1yr old, Mikaela---aka Mika). The day before we arrived in FL was the GRAND OPENING of their franchise restaurant... Quiznos. Yummy foods and they stock SoBe (pina colada flavor). During our trip, we also visited their other restaurant... Indian Chillies... a wide variety of delicious foods.

We spent time at the beach of course... first was Miami Beach at sunset and strolling on the boardwalk. Then we went to Hollywood Beach with Dawn and Mika. It was Mika's first time walking on the sand. It was Dan's helpful hand that built a bond between them of trust. It was also Evan's first exposure to the Atlantic Ocean. And he enjoyed the warms temps in FL... wait til he experiences the New England Atlantic... way different. And of course we visited the Ft. Lauderdale Beach which was located just a block from our resort. With sunblock of 50 and a UV umbrella, Evan was well protected.

We did some site seeing in Miami, but I didn't have my camera... so I'll have to rely on Dawn's photos. But was went to the Bay side Market Place and took a boat cruise to see the homes of the stars... like Ricky Martin, Shaq, Elizabeth Taylor and many others. And it was a sunset cruise, so we were able to see the city lights at night. Of course the 2 kids did NOT enjoy the wind, so we were indoors on the boat (pictures not the best). But they slept most of the duration while in their infant carriers.

And talk about a first... one night Dan and I went for a walk with Evan in his Baby Bjorn front carrier. We wanted to go to the Mexican Restaurant for take-out. And it was outside this Cantina that a some-what tipsy (perhaps) grandpa like fellow asked if he could give the baby a gift. Dan was protective and I was reluctant but we accepted the rolled up piece of green paper... thinking it was a dollar bill... we were half right. It was a bill but a little more than a dollar...as I unrolled the bill, it was revealed to be a $20!!! Dinner was on Evan that night! We figure it must be just a nice old guy who we hope had money to spare.

And of course, we couldn't go to FL in March and not attend a baseball game or two. We attended 2 games at the home of the Orioles: vs. the Marlins and then the Twins. Luckily we had great seats both games and we were able to hide in the shade when needed... for sun protection, feedings and a diaper change... Yes, Evan had his diaper changed in the grandstand seats... what a site :)

Last but not least... we got "stuck" in FL due to a snowstorm that closed the airports in the Northeast. So instead of returning on the the 17th, the next available flight was TUESDAY 3/20. Dan took a earlier flight which allowed my dad, Evan and myself to flight at a decent hour. And it's not easy lugging a baby and his gear (stroller/car seat, diaper bag) through the airport and it's security measures. Dan missed his baseball draft, but instead he had to do it via speaker phone. And instead of eating lunch with the guys, we hit the hot tub! So all in all, it was a GREAT trip. Visiting family, FL and baseball games... beaches and relaxation is what a spring break trip should be... can't wait for our next vacation!!!

Check our photos from our trip...

Sleeping thru the Night????

So far so good... it began Sunday February 25 and Evan's been going strong... sleeping through the night. What a nice change not to have to wake up at 3am or midnight anymore. Sure this may change at any time and I am prepared for that, but I am enjoying the uninterrupted dreams. Since Evan found that sucking on his thumb puts him to sleep and comforts him, he's a lot happier.

Evan will be 4 months on March 14th and we are amazed by how much he's grown. He's growing out of his clothes by leaps & bounds... then again that may have to something to do with the fact that I've been drying his clothes on the wrong setting apparently... but not all the clothes have been shrinking.

Yesterday was the perfect example of how kids and babies are sponges... we were shopping at the mall and Evan woke up. He doesn't like the stroller stopping.. just constant movement is his wish. So while I stopped to browse, he'd fuss and just suck his thumb with a 'force'. Then we got to the shoe dept... he's never been to the shoe dept before... well, he became wide eyed, quiet and just looking EVERYWHERE. It was new to him and you could tell he was processing and absorbing everything he was seeing. And this is just the beginning.... I am sure his dad would say that he just wanted to get out of the shoe dept...

What will today bring....I don't know... but look forward to see .....

oh... don't forget to "spring forward" Saturday night and change the batteries in your smoke detectors as you loose that hour of sleep but gain a lovely hour of daylight.

First Snow

Monday was the first real snowfall in Southeastern CT. So much fell that schools were cancelled and Evan wanted to go out and play. Sure, he can't sit up on his own or really "play" as much as you and I but from the window, he spied a white-ness to the usually brown and green outdoors. So his fascination with the new scenery inspired a hands on approach to the learning. So we bundled up and explored. Evan reacted as usual to the cold and not much bothered. But as he sat on the snowy chair, he watched the snow falling... and looked confused... then he started to fall :)

I actually started this entry on Monday and it's now Friday... busy week. Evan is sleeping less during the day as his naps last about an hour. This means, however, he is starting to sleep through the night. So far it's been about 3 or 4 times this week and I think we finally can get a full night's sleep and still keep the household happy.

Last night, was another first for Evan and our family. We went out to a restaurant for dinner. It was a birthday celebration and we couldn't NOT go.... so Evan slept somewhat peacefully for most of the dinner. He even had the little boy in the next booth concerned when Evan would cry... but a little rocking and he was fast asleep. It was a success... I am sure our ability to take Evan out to restaurants will be short-lived until the days the Evan will be screaming, throwing food and just very excited about being at a restaurant.

TGIF!! Time to start the day.

Back in the Saddle

Hi everyone – it’s Dan this time!! Yes, I’m back – like a bad rash or another Jay-Z “come back”. Things have been quite busy for me lately, with Evan new on the scene and work being a tad on the overwhelming side of late – but I seem to have caught up at work (for now) and Erica and I are settling in as parents.

So Evan is 3 months and few weeks old now and when I weighed him last night before his bath he was up to 14 and ½ pounds! Now, I’m no expert, but that seems like a lot. He’s got chubby little cheeks and very chubby thighs at this point – basically he’s a little porker. But he's OUR little porker and very, very cute. He’s starting to make new sounds and he even slept through the night twice this week (thank god!!!).

I’ll keep it short today – I don’t want to strain myself since it’s been so long. More to come soon!