GW2K11

For the sixth year in a row, my besties from college and I met up for our annual Girls' Weekend. Like last year, this time we went to New Smyrna Beach, which was super convenient for me. Nathan tagged along and was the first boy to crash our trip! Allison, unfortunately, couldn't make it this year but we took advantage of technology and Skyped with her each night.

We ate our meals in to keep things casual. Nikki prepared a delicious cold shrimp pasta for the first night. Stefanie did a whole low country boil the second night (which I did not get to partake in because it coincided directly with bedtime for the bubs - bummer!). Meg whipped up a yummy lasagna for the last night.

It was a bit of a challenge to get suited up and bring the baby all the way down to the beach. We attempted it each day but didn't get to stay out for very long. It was disgustingly hot and the poor thing didn't want to nurse down there so I had to schlep back and forth to the condo to feed him.

Despite the work, his insane cuteness in his beach garb made up for it!

We missed Allison not only for her beautiful smile and delightful company, but also for her photo-documenting skills. I don't have a lot of shots from the weekend!

To be honest, I had a bit of a pity party for myself the first day because it was so tough to have Nathan there and be off schedule and deal with the complications of heat and sand and sunscreen. I selfishly wished I could have left him home so I could have fully enjoyed my girls' company, the adult beverages and get a good tan. Such ridiculous things!

But that is why I love my besties so much - they helped me talk through my troubles and gave me so much comfort and support. Not to mention a nice break with the extra helping hands! I cannot begin to put into words how much these girls mean to me and how thankful I am to have them in my life. And, ultimately, I am glad I braved a weekend at the beach with Nathan on my own because each experience only helps me gain more confidence as a new mom.

I look forward to many more GW to come (but maybe sans baby next time)!

Snug as a Bug

We've learned the trick to getting Nathan to nap... He likes to be wrapped up tight in the blanket his Great Grammy knitted!

Despite it being summer and a bajillion degrees, he seems to enjoy getting all toasty and sweaty. Hey, if it helps the kiddo sleep, I'm all for it!

I swear, he's in there somewhere!

Darby & Kathy's Wedding

We had the pleasure of attending the wedding of our good friends, Darby and Kathy - sans baby! Ryan's mom, Nathan's Lolly, was kind enough to babysit so we could be away for a few hours. It was a fun night of celebrating these two lovebirds and it was really nice to have time with Ryan without Nathan (as much as we missed him!).
The ceremony was held in Winter Park. The couple impressed us all by writing their own vows! The couldn't have looked happier, it was very sweet.

The reception was held at Leu Gardens. There was a cocktail hour before they opened the doors to the ballroom and then we were all invited to our seats for the main event.

I love this man so much and I was so thankful to have a "date night" where we could dance and reconnect a bit.We are so lucky to have such a close circle of friends and the opportunity to share in these special times with them!

It was a great night and we're so happy for the bride and groom. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Miller!

First Bottle

I'm honestly torn about breastfeeding. I love the connection and bonding experience it gives me with Nathan and I know it's what is best for him in terms of nurishment. It's free and always available.
But there are times that I would like a little more freedom and the occasional ability to have more than just a couple hours to myself between feedings.
Knowing we were going to leave Nathan with Ryan's mom for a few hours so we could attend our friends' wedding, I started pumping so we could do a trial run with the bottle. I was a nervous wreck and nagged Ryan about how he should do it and how important the method was so that Nathan would be okay with it.
I don't know what I was worried about...
Does this look like a boy who has any trouble taking a bottle?

"Mom, what's the big deal?"

I'd say he was pretty satisfied!

Smiley Boy

Is a smiling, talking baby not the best thing in the world?! This boy just makes my heart swell and puts a huge grin on my face!

Two Month Well Visit

Nathan visited Dr. Alber on Monday for his two-month well visit. I had a laundry list of questions since it had been so long since his last appointment. Everything checked out great although poor little guy was miserable the whole time.
He checked in at 11 pounds even (36 percentile). And he was 22 1/2 inches long - three whole inches since he was born! (also 36 percentile)

His head measured 15 3/4 inches (46 percentile).

After all the measuring, it was time for the dreaded shots. The first was oral, so it was no problem. He actually seemed to like it. The other three were needles in his upper thighs. I'm pretty used to hearing Nathan cry at this point (that may sound like I'm an awful mom - but seriously, the little monkey is just loud!) but it broke my heart to see him react to the injections. His face turned bright red and his eyes welled up. He cried and cried and I felt awful!

The rest of the afternoon was spent napping and then, another outburst of crying later, we ran out for Tylenol to help relieve some of the pain (and the slight fever). He was a trooper, though! It'll be interesting to see how much he changes by his next appointment at 4 months!

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July!

The fourth happens to be Ryan's birthday. This year, we spent the holiday weekend in Atlanta with my family - I was still up there to be with my mom and Ryan drove all the way back up to be with us.

The birthday boy spent the day hanging out with his little buddy, waiting for the crummy weather to pass so the guys could all play tennis.

Once the day was over, we got ready for an evening at my parents' club. Mom bought Nathan and Carter matching Janie and Jack outfits for the occasion. They looked so cute! I am sure this is the first of many times they will be dressed alike.

The club served a yummy bbq buffet, with pulled pork, fried chicken and all sorts of delicious sides. We nabbed a prime table right in front of a huge window in the ballroom, which ended up being perfect for watching the fireworks because it rained throughout the night.

Once the show was over it was time to head back home in the rain. Despite the bad weather, we has a great time celebrating with family!