Chocolate Mousse

For the sake of an analogy lets say that if the trip home was like the amazing food I ate while I was there, then the mini vacation to the California coast, with my parents, was definitely the incredible chocolate mousse dessert!  Not only was its presentation perfect but each bite was just as delicious as the last, and (unlike most things in life) it didn't just meet my expectations... it surpassed them.  Did I take that too far? :-)
Like the vacations of my youth, my dad had it perfectly planned.  Knowing that my boys would probably need a break on the almost three hour drive, he found a childrens' museum just over the half way mark.  Honestly, it was the most amazing place for young children.  It is just one big building full of hands on learning...I'm pretty sure no one would need Ritalin here...no one is expected to stay still.  
Jake was in his personal paradise free to fun from exhibit to exhibit

...watching, touching, asking questions, making conclusions...they even had a fossil excavating area. Really what could be better?

James was completely entertained, enthralled even, watching his big brother run around.  His arms and legs went wild with excitement as we trailed behind his big brother.  At times it was difficult to tell who was having more fun.  But after an hour of wiggles and squeals, James was exhausted and getting cranky.  Luckily Grandpa Dave was there to walk him around until he was successfully passed out.  Seeing my baby all snuggled up in my dad's arms was one of my favorite memories of the trip. 

Another highlight for me was watching my mom and Jake playing with prehistoric action figures together.  She actually beep bopped behind him through out most of the museum...she kept up with him better than I did.

But the two of them have always had a special bond.  Some how those two always seem to get the giggles when they get together.
There was something so interesting about watching my parents with my boys.  A little like deja vu, as I got a glimpse of what they were probably like with my sister and me when we were little.

Allowing me to see back to a time I lived but don't really remember.  All I can say is that Robyn and I were lucky girls (but I already knew that).  Although, it appears that my boys get the added bonus of gift shop trips...I guess it is the grandparents job to spoil.
The rest of our time together included more amazing food, a trip to the aquarium, and a beautiful drive along the California coast with my dad (the boys were there too...but they slept through the entire thing).

 

It was a short trip, but it was so much fun!  I treasure the time we shared and and the memories we made more than I can express.  

Thank you both for such a special trip!

Baby Blue

When an ER nurse apologizes for how crabby a medication might make your baby before she even hands over the prescription, you are in real trouble.  It wasn't that I didn't heed her warning, I just couldn't imagine it having that great of an effect on my sweet Baby James.  After all, he had been such a trouper through the fever, the cough, and the start of an upper respiratory infection (hence the need for the ER trip). 

 Well, after having James yell, not cry, but yell inconsolably for 48 hours, I now know better.

It should be just written into one's travel plans, that when you fly, especially with small children, someone will inevitably get sick.  And this being James first flight, he was the lucky winner.  It started out as your basic virus.  While it was no fun to see him sick, the fever just made him sleepy and cuddly (his Ama, Apa, and I took turns and sometimes fought over who got to snuggle him).  However, while he wanted to be sleeping, he only would stay that way lying on someones chest. 

So I only felt slightly guilty when I agreed to letting his Ama have him one of the nights.  I know she treasured those hours with him, and I treasured the much needed sleep. 
But when started to show all the tail tell signs of a secondary infection in his lungs, I did not mess around...to the ER we went...twice. 

Just hanging out at the ER

Between the two appointments he was given pretty much everything under the sun, and I learned two things...a baby on steroids is miserable (for everyone) and my little boy has an unnatural love for breathing treatments.  The nurse and respiratory techs were in awe, as they administered the first treatment, when James immediately grabbed for it, talked to it, and then happily (and correctly) put it in his mouth.  I guess the normal reaction for children it to back away from the noise and vapor.  But not my boy.  I attribute this behavior to subconscious memories of his NICU days when he received breathing treatments multiple times a day.  But regardless, his fascination and delight made giving him the treatments much easier over the next several days.

So while being sick on a vacation probably wasn't the most fun he could have had, James received great care and there was more than enough love and willing arms to get him to a full recovery.

California Dreamin'

While looking at photos taken of my sibling and me as children, I often wondered why there were so many pictures taken while we were asleep.  Pictures of us sprawled alone, together, with cousins, at grandparents' houses...you know the kind of pictures I'm taking about.  Well, now I understand.

There is nothing more beautiful than watching your child sleep. No matter how naughty, grumpy, or difficult they were even moments before, it all disappears as their bodies relax, their breath deepens, and peace spreads over their face...

you can't help but see them for the angles they really are.  So here are my quintessential babies sleeping on vacation pictures.

Hotel California

Vacations feel much less vacationy when you are traveling alone with two kids.  One big difference is, that without Daddy, my hands are generally too full to take pictures (and even when they aren't I am often too tired to run for the camera).  So long story short, I didn't photo document this California trip as well as I should have.  Especially since this was James first time in the Golden State.  But none the less the boys and I had a great time reconnecting, creating memories and strengthening the bonds with our loved ones there.
Something about strapping a baby to your body and caring a tired 3 year old on your hip all while attempting to have enough diapers, activities, and snacks to get you from point A to point B can make you feel slightly more like a pack animal that you may otherwise like.  However, after our last trip to California, the long day went surprisingly smooth (thanks to the man sitting next to us on our long flight who acted as the surrogate father to my children).  Of course, we came a little too close to missing our connecting flight when they moved the gate of our departing flight while Jake and I were busy eating our dinner.  However, I did notice before our names were being called or a dramatic run through the air port became necessary...a short brisk walk was all it took for us to board on time.
We didn't have too many set plans after we arrived.  Mostly we just played it by ear...but can you do it any other way with a baby?  We spent just over 2 weeks at Arthur's parents house.  During that time I am pretty sure Jake never went to bed before 10:30, and when I let him (which was usually) he'd be awake until after midnight.  This is even more impressive when you consider that California is two hours behind Alabama.  Since Jake was born, he has never wanted to miss a moment, and he was obviously trying to make the most out of every second of this trip.  And I didn't have the heart to say no.
He spent the days (and much of the nights) catching bugs, playing pretend, helping with yard work, and everything in between with his revolving playmates...

Tio Frankie, Tia Jesse, Jordan, Ama (she always came home from work ready to go), and of course Apa.  Systematically he would wear each one out, until it was usually just him and his Apa.  I guess that is one of the many benefits to having a grandpa who is so young at heart.

One of the true highlights of the trip was watching James bond with our family.  Last time they saw him, he was a very tiny very sleepy new born, fresh from the NICU.  Well, that baby has been replaced with a chubby, happy, bubble blowing boy who's gummy smile brightens any room.  James, is much of the reason why we made the visit when we did.  We knew it was time for him to spend some quality time with the family even if it did mean we had to leave Daddy behind. 

 

 

I'm not going to lie, sometimes it was hard to share my babies.  But seeing them in the arms of our family made it more than worth it.  Quite often I found myself sitting back and admiring them as they interacted with everyone.  It is a view I don't often get.  I love hearing the smart and funny things Jake says in his conversations with others and seeing James melt hearts (there were several times I was a little nervous I wasn't going to get him back :)) I was especially good about sharing with the grandparents...I am hoping that this will create good karma for me in the future (the FAR distant future) when my babies have babies...

More May

The little boys and I spent the second part of May in California visiting friends and family.  Unfortunately, Daddy had to stay behind and work.  But here are some quick snaps shots of some of our family fun before our big trip.

a lazy afternoon

Really, they are best friends!

The park is always more fun when Daddy can come

First trip down the slide!

Completely unfazed

Mother's Day brunch (before Jake's meltdown)

Brothers!

I know, we're exhausting!

Is it possible to like your family too much?!?1 :-)

May Memories

Some how I have gotten way behind on this blogging business.  Normally a few quick sentences (okay more like several long winded paragraphs) would get me all caught up, but it has been a busy month since I last updated this little page.  So now, I will do my best to keep things short and sweet.

First, I'll start with a little James update.  As luck would have it, it appears that James is quite the water baby.  Here are a few pictures I caught of him loving life in his first bath in the "big" bath tub last month right after he turned 5 months.

Such a happy boy!

Now you might think, "Well of course he liked the bath.  The water is warm and calming."  But it appears that this love of water is far more inclusive because this boy also loves the OCEAN!!  Which was definitely a Happy
Mother's Day moment for me.

This brings us to mother's day...

I'm sure most people, especially people from California think, "Lower Alabama?!?!  How on earth do they survive in Lower Alabama?!?"  And while I will admit the move was quite an adjustment, being so close to the Florida coast is a great perk...one we try to enjoy whenever possible and Mother's Day seemed like a perfect excuse.  

The beach was picture perfect.  The water was calm and the weather was amazing...warm with a light breeze.  It was a beautiful day with my favorite people.  

Jake continues to be our sand dweller.  

I think that the unpredictability of the ocean makes him a little nervous.  We can get him in the water for several minutes, but he spends most of the time thinking of excuses as to why he needs to get back to the beach.  However, do not doubt his adventurous spirit.  He's just like his daddy. He always needs to feel in control of a situation- like catching a fish with his bare hands...that is no big deal...

Hard to see, but there is a fish swimming in that bucket

James, on the other hand, couldn't get enough of the water!  Each time we tried to sit him up, he would wiggle and arch his back until he was back lying in it. 

He spent nearly an hour down by the water slashing, kicking, cooing, and grabbing handfuls of sand in his chubby fists until I decided it was time to get him out of the sun.  Although, I think if I had left it up to him he would have been there all day.

I love how different our boys already are.  Children really come out being who they are going to be, and I believe as parents we are just blessed to help and guide them on their journey.  I just hope I don't mess them up too much. :-)  But really, my favorite part of motherhood is spending each day getting to know these amazing little people.  

Here is the best part of my mother's day.  

Getting to watch my husband with our boys.  He is so in love with them and he shows it in such a complete and tangible way.  It is the best Mother's day gift I could ever ask for.