No big deal

  Isn't it funny how stuff is always no big deal until you actually do it? A few months ago, I thought it was no big deal to take Harrison to Findlay to visit the grandparents by myself. No big deal. When he was 3 months old, we flew to Hilton Head, SC and all he did was eat and sleep on the plane. No big deal. I mean he is 6 months now but come on, how hard could it be? Right...
   Friday morning. We had to pack our suitcase, the car seat and the stroller. I had to pack our carry-on which was a combo purse and diaper bag. We had to catch a 6am flight. I had to carry Harrison through security and hold him the entire flight - all 90 minutes - without dad as backup. I had to listen as he screamed for at least 15 minutes. Something about sitting at the gate is so not appealing to babies. I had to deal with a sore left arm while he finally fell asleep. I did not get to enjoy a snack or drink on the flight. I did not get to sleep, I was afraid I'd lose my grip on him. Thank goodness my seat neighbors were so nice and understanding. And thank god, we sat over the engine so no one past 5 rows could really hear him.
   Part 2 - I had to navigate the Detroit airport with Harrison in tow to meet GJ (Grandma Jane) at baggage. We stopped at the family bathroom which of course took us at least 15 minutes to change his diaper, let me use the restroom, get Harrison back in the sling, load the diaper bag back up, find my cell phone to finally turn it back on to call GJ. I was sweating by this point. We made it to baggage where the carrousel was empty except for our 3 bags which I pulled off one handed while still holding the little man.
   The last task - install the car seat. Thankfully that was one of the easier tasks of the day. Harrison fell asleep in the car and I finally took a deep breath. I survived. I was very proud of myself.

Traveling makes for one tired baby!

   Of course the flight home was a piece of cake. I mean, I was an experienced traveling mom. We sat by the window which kept Harrison entertained until he ate his bottle and fell asleep with minimal crying (note: not screaming!). Once again, we were blessed to be seated by very nice and understanding travelers.
   Now that we survived that would I do it again? Sure. I'm too naive to say no :0)
~Emily

6 months and growing!

   I've been a slacker. It's October 10th, and I don't have any Harrison pictures yet. Every other month I'm up to 20 by now. I did take some today during our play date. It's not my fault my camera decided to quit saving my pictures.
   Anyway, we've had some fun milestones this week! First Harrison had his 6 month doctor appointment this past Wednesday. My little boo is up to 15 pounds and 26.5 inches. His length is in the 50th percentile, but his poor little weight is in the 7th percentile... I don't think I've ever been in the 7th percentile. Our doctor isn't worried, so we're not either. On the teeth front, Harrison is still toothless. We thought they were on their way since he's really into gumming things but nope. Nothing there but gums.

I'm such a tall boy!!

   Yesterday Harrison took his Halloween picture and his 6 month pictures. OMG!! Just wait until you see these. He is going to be a kangaroo for Halloween - hope it's a cool one this year otherwise he might be a little toasty. The kangaroo outfit is complete with a kangaroo "head" hood and a pouch with baby. The pictures were hilarious! Of course, Mr. Smiley was not smiling during this photo session. For his 6 month pictures, he rocked some super cute jeans, a guitar shirt and a "mohawk" stocking cap. This time we got some smiles. It was so insanely cute!!

Mr. Smiley when I play with Daddy.

   This week we also tried some new food: squash and applesauce. Harrison's not totally sold but he'll humor me and eat a little.

Squash - yum.

~Emily

What happens in Vegas...

   I just got back from my wonderful Las Vegas weekend! And, it was amazing! Adam send my friend Ann and me for my 30th birthday present. We are two lucky girls. Not only was this our first trip to Vegas but it was my first time away from Harrison. I'm not going to lie, it was great to sleep in my own bed and not have to worry about a fussy baby, snoring husband or crazy dogs that have to go out at 5am. But being a nursing mother made sight seeing a little complicated (if you know what I mean...). Ann and I are not big gamblers so we spent most of the weekend trying to see and do all we could.

It's just insane!

   Friday was the day that never ended. We both caught a 6am flight and landed in Vegas around 11am. We went straight to the Bellagio and checked in to our room. After unpacking we explored the Bellagio and Caesar's Palace. It is crazy how big these casinos/hotels are!! Friday night Adam made us reservations at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. I got my own birthday candle on my dessert and our table neighbors sang "Happy birthday." After doing a little late night gambling (no we're not the big winners...), we went to bed around 1am.

Friday fun!

   Saturday we came out of the gate running. We traveled down The Strip and went through 9 casinos. We're crazy, we know. We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris casino. We also went through Bill's Gambling Hall & Saloon, the Flamingo, Shea's, Imperial Palace, Casino Royale, Harrah's (where we won, then lost at Roulette), the Venetian (where we overpaid for a gondola ride), and finally the Mirage (where we picked up our Cirque de Sole tickets). Saturday night we headed back to the Mirage for our show, LOVE - the Beatles inspired Cirque de Sole.

Crazy Saturday!

   Sunday's goal? To attempt to play blackjack. We headed back to Shea's and while I lost my $20, Ann walked with $25. How does a math teacher lose money?? Seriously. By noon we checked out and started the trek back home. It was a great weekend, but definitely felt longer than 2.5 days. I was ready to come home and I think Adam and Harrison were too. 
~Emily