Fourth generation

On the way back from Kansas City we stopped in Cedar Rapids to see more family. This time, I was introduced to members of the Lander family for the first time (that's Grandma Gigi's side of the family).

We saw Tom, Connie and Alecia Lander, but also Great-grandma Leah Lander (Gigi's Mother). Pretty neat to share a few moments with them.

Fourth generation... trippy.

Goin' to Kansas City

Another day, another big trip. This time a trip down Memory Lane (Kansas City) for Ma and Pa. Me, I don't really have a memory, but I was a first-timer anyway.

Mom and Dad lived in Kansas City for several years before I was born and Auntie Whitney lives there. We went to visit her and a whole bunch of old friends and go to a wedding. Lots to do. Here's the run-down:

My longest drive to date (about a 7-hour trip that I made close to 9). I was a good little traveler, I'll say myself, sharing the back seat with my sister Aubrey. But, we did have to stop and nurse me twice and I had one particular accident that required all hands on deck. Let's just move on.

Saw a few of Mom's former co-workers Friday morning... teacher friends from Shoal Creek Elementary. Then went to Arrowhead Stadium to see some of Dad's former co-workers. Whoa... I have no idea what Chiefs are or even football for that matter, but that place was cool. I think I'm gonna want to get back there in a few years when things are clicking a little better upstairs.

Next, a BBQ with some group called the KC Crime Family. Not sure why I'm being exposed to mafia at such a young age, but there were plenty of other young-ins there to meet so I felt comfortable.

Buddied up with Carson, Avery, Cooper, Landon, Jay, Emmitt, Malloy, Colton, Carter, Brady, Addison, Alex and soon-to-be born Bailey. Some cool cats in that group... I must say. Don't ask me to remember all those names though. One particular gal (Malloy) caught my eye... or did I catch her's (above)?

Super bummed that I couldn't join the other kids in the bouncy castle though. Soon grasshopper... soon.

Saturday brought about another friend visit to the Whalens... then eating BBQ was on the agenda. Apparently, that's a necessity. For me it was second-hand if you will. Tip: Oklahoma Joe's is still tasty when passed as milk. Try it.

World Cup watch party up next. From the highest of highs (at right)... to utter depression. I thought I was bummed about the bouncy castle... new low when the U.S. lost to Ghana. I got over it moments later when I ate. Again... no memory.

Up next was the Looney nuptials Saturday night. Mom and Dad ditched me for the ceremony... something about not wanting to expose me to the teachings of the church. Just kidding I've been. I guess they were worried I would cry or something.

So Whitney and Brett watched me. GREAT to spend lots of time with Auntie Whitney... she spoils me and I like it.

Mom and Dad scooped me up and took me to the wedding reception. They just wanted to show me off for a bit before Whit and Brett came and got me again for the night. Got to meet lots more neat things. I say things because that includes people and whatever the heck this thing is (right)!

I'm told it was KC Wolf (the Chiefs mascot), but Mom and Dad were more than nervous when he reached out and grabbed me. As for me? I was cool with it... but that's me... cool.

2 Months Old = SHOTS!

Happy birthday to me. You know how we celebrated? Shots!

No, not those kind of shots... not for 20 years and 10 months anyway. I'm talking immunization shots.

Today marked my two-month anniversary of life and thus, a trip to the doctor. It was a routine check-up and everything was going well. Weighed, measured, checking my eyes, ears, etc. And then... wham, two shots. The nerve.

My weight is up to 10 lbs, 12.8 oz. and I now measure at 22.75 inches (or one-foot, 10.75 inches). Looks like I'm on a healthy climb on the growth chart. A little below average, but climbing steadily. Doctor says overall I look great and I'm healthy and happy.

As for the shots, they actually weren't as bad as Mom and Dad feared. I took one orally and I actually quite liked the nasty serum. The other was a prick in the leg and that wasn't quite as pleasant. However, thanks to the great idea suggested by Doctor Mallory, Mom was feeding me during it. The shot was startling and didn't tickle, but I went right back to nursing a moment later.


Little drama.

Another day at Mommy-Baby hour rounded out what was overall a pretty good day.

Fast Times in Florida

Florida in June is hot. Really hot. But what a great trip. Lots of time with Nana and Papa Herb, sun, surf, golf, naps, eating… all good things.

During my Meet and Greet a few weeks ago I had a little heat rash/baby acne/allergic reaction. Basically, I was developing some unsightly red bumps on my face and chest. To be honest I think they bothered my parents more than me. Anyway, we were worried that the Florida heat might cause that to flame up again, but it didn’t at all. In fact, it’s gone. There goes the heat rash theory.

Next thought was that it might be an allergic reaction to strawberries. Mom was eating them somewhat regularly when I was getting the bumps and then she stopped eating them and they went away. Stay tuned.

We watched a lot of World Cup games in Florida… love those vuvuzelas. That buzz puts me to right to sleep (pictured at right).

I know what you’re thinking, but I assure you it’s not the nil-nil soccer that takes me to the land of nod. It’s the horns.

The picture at left is my reaction to the USA having their goal disallowed against Slovenia. Unreal.

Lots more firsts on this trip. I took my first boat trip down the Estero River and out to Ft. Myers Beach. Pretty cool, but a little breezy. Saw a few dolphins, birds, fish and plenty of the back of my eyelids on the trip.

Swam in a pool without a diaper (so liberating, but don’t tell the condo association). I also swam in the ocean for the first time. By swim, I mean Mom and Dad bobbed me up and down in the water. Nevertheless, it was fun.

The Gulf of Mexico temperature was a bathwateresque-86 degrees. I really liked it and no one would ever know if I peed. The trick was bobbing in the waves so that I didn’t get saltwater in my face and keeping the hot sun off me.

We tried really hard to keep the sun off me. Shirt with SPF, sun hat, baby-approved suntan lotion and sitting under a huge umbrella the whole time. But somehow I managed to get a little rosy on the cheeks. I saw Mom and Dad trying to tan, so if they think it looks good on them, why wouldn’t I want it?

No signs of oil by the way. Not a bit.

Nana and Papa watched me for a night while Mom and Dad escaped for a little date night. It was a win-win situation as far as everyone is concerned.

Other than that the week was spent going out to eat, a little shopping, Dad and Papa golfed a few times, playing cards, naps at the pool, thunderstorms in the afternoons. The huge booms didn’t scare me a bit thank you very much.

Speaking of booms… time to change my diaper.

My wings

I got my wings today. That’s right, first flight. Two flights actually, I got a pair-of-wings pin from one of the nice flight attendants on AirTran.

We flew to Florida tonight (via Indianapolis) and it was a pretty easy experience. My parents were prepared to feed me a bottle on the way up and down of each flight as recommended by several people, but it turned out to be unnecessary in three of the four occasions.

I don’t even remember the first flight from Milwaukee to Indy. I just slept in Daddy’s arms throughout the entire thing. I was awake for takeoff to Ft. Myers and I took down a three oz bottle to avoid ear trouble. Perfect.

I was passed around a bit during the flight between Mom, Dad and Nana Herb, who was sitting a few rows back. Then I slept on the way down. Incident free.

The most interesting part of the trip had to be the diaper change in the airplane bathroom. I’m not even two feet tall and even I think that was a ridiculously small space.

Daddy and I wrestled for what seemed like 30 minutes in there as he tried to juggle a diaper bag, messy diaper, wipes, a new diaper and even a costume change for me, all while keeping me from squirming off the tiny excuse for a changing table. Video from a surveillance camera in there would be priceless.

Memorial Day with Family

Third weekend, third straight trip to Appleton. I'm starting to get confused where home actually is. I'm especially mixed up when Mom and Dad keep referring to it as going "home to Appleton."

It was another fun trip though, filled with meeting lots of family. Nana Herb's family always gathers at Nana and Papa's house every Memorial Day for a weekend reunion. This year Linda, Mike and Megan Johnson, Jessie and Greg Heidemann, Corky, Diane and Alissa Ochs and Paulette Prentice. Plus, as a bonus, the Dixon family flew in from Pennsylvania which was fun.

I'm not gonna lie, I was a big hit.

The weekend was filled with hanging out with the family and lots of firsts. Saw my first parade, which marched past Nana and Papa's house. Learned Sheephead. Nursed after Mom ate asparagus for the first time (For the record, it did not make my pee smell).

I also took a bottle for the first time. Great success. Took to it like well, a baby to a bottle. The motives for introducing me to a bottle are still in question: for future occasions when it's important? So mom could have an extra drink or two? Who knows?

The best part of drinking from the bottle is that Daddy got to give it to me. As much as I liked it, judging by the glow coming from his face, he enjoyed it even more.

Another big development is that I'm starting to smile more often and it's not just from passing gas. I am genuinely starting to like things and show off that emotion. I can "say cheese."

We got to see Grandma Joan (GiGi) and Grampa Rico some too which was great. We stayed at their house since Nana and Papa's is crazy and crowded with family. We also attended Gigi's retirement party this weekend. Landmark event and we were all proud and excited to be there to celebrate her. She liked showing me off a little too ;)

Now we're back home in Madison and all three of us (four... Aubrey probably too) let out a collective sigh now that things have settled down. Whew.