Planning for Seth's first vacation

In just over a month, we will be embarking on a vacation. This will be Evan and Seth's first trip to our nation's capitol. While this is exciting, there's a big part of me that is very anxious and nervous about this huge disruption to Seth's daily routine...and what that might mean for the grown-up's routine too.

Food. I'm least worried about feeding Seth on the go. He's a good sport about it and though sometimes a bit messy, I think we can make it work. Instead of bringing along all my homemade foods (which would need thawed), we'll probably resort back to Gerber for the four days for convenience. I'm doubting our hotel room will have a small fridge or microwave, so it's best for us to be prepared to do without.

Sleep. This is where I have some major anxiety. Seth still takes 2-3 naps per day. I know he will not get that on vacation. At this point I'm hoping we can make it back to our hotel room each afternoon (ideally after lunch) for Seth to get a decent afternoon nap (preferably 2 hours). Going to bed for the night is where it could get a little tricky. At home, we can easily put Seth in his crib, turn on his music, and let him drift off to sleep. When sharing a hotel room, this will obviously not be the case. Evan and I have thought about hanging up a sheet or blanket in order to block Seth's view so he can't see us. Seeing mom and dad = no sleep. So even if we do all that, have all his favorite things from his home crib in the pack-n-play, we still are in a hotel room with Seth. It needs to be quiet, especially until he is completely out.

So, do Evan and I have to just sit and do sign language to each other from 7:30-8pm until we go to bed? This is our vacation too, and honestly, I'm not exactly thrilled that we will be prisoners to our hotel room. Guess this is part of having small children. Maybe I just need ideas on how to make it fun. Evan isn't really into playing cards or playing a board game. TV would probably wake Seth up since he's in the same room. So, this is where my problem lies. I'm open to suggestions (keep it clean, now! ha.)

A Step Toward Self-Sufficiency

In the past week, Seth has begun to help himself...mainly by holding his own bottle. He isn't doing this consistently just yet, but it seems to be happening more and more. Just another sign that he is growing so fast! A photo taken tonight after his bath...

Holiday Weekend

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend! Ours was busy: a wedding, a parade, picnics, visiting family, and of course, fireworks.

Seth was a trooper through it all, considering his schedule was put to the test several times. I think he will be playing catch-up on sleep tomorrow. He was very interested in the fireworks.

We've entered rooms lately finding Seth in his journey to becoming more mobile: pulling himself up to a standing position. We were able to get some photos of our findings. :o)

10 months

Seth is 10 months today. His birthday will be here in a flash...and I still need to print out the invitations and mail them. Hopefully this weekend. I've been busy with work lately and have had no time to work on his scrapbook or birthday invites. I'm hoping in the next two months I'll be able to get his book caught up.

Seth is still on the move and seems to find anything and everything that he shouldn't. He loves to find power cords and power strips behind the tv or under the desk. He loves finding paper in a trash can and promptly begins to eat it. Needless to say he finds more interest in these things than any real toy.

Diaper changes are a real challenge since he has figured out how to crawl. As soon as the dirty diaper is off, he wants to flip over and crawl away. I usually have a firm grip on his ankles as I wipe him, so it ends up looking like we're attempting a wheelbarrow as he tries to crawl away with his ankles in my hand. I eventually get the job done, but it takes much more time than it used to.

He still loves everything we feed him. We're making much of his food. We puree chicken with sweet potatoes, or chicken and noodles, and several fruit combinations (apples, peaches, pears, bananas, blueberries, etc). He eats it all with no problems.

He's still a pretty good sleeper too. Sleeping through the night and 2-3 naps a day. Some days his naps are longer than others, which gives me the breaks I need to get things done. His 5th tooth has just broke through, so he now has 2 on the bottom and 3 on top. He is a very easy-going boy and smiles so easily. He has a great temperament and is a joy to be around.

On the move

Watch out, I'm coming for ya!

Yes, Seth is crawling...and now we have evidence. I managed to get a couple shots today. He's also starting to pull himself up a little too . Then there's this other move where he goes up on his hands and feet, with his butt in the air, like he's attempting to stand. I have yet to get photos of this! He seems to catch wind that I've got the camera out and stops dead in his tracks...and just smiles.

We've also been enjoying time outside and on our porch...which Seth seems to like also. Here's a photo of playtime on the porch. Enjoy!

And so it begins...

...to get a bit busier around here. Not only summer activities that keep us on the road every weekend it seems, but Seth is getting busier too. This weekend he crawled for the first time. No, I didn't get it on film. My parents and Evan were right there as witnesses. I will get some photos of him moving, but he isn't crawling consistently yet. The days are gone when I could sit him in one place and still find him there moments later.

Anyway, a couple photos of our visit with Evan's family yesterday. Aunt Tina took these photos (she ALWAYS has her camera ready unlike us). Enjoy!

"He's perfect."

Today was Seth's 9-month pediatrician appt. All went well, no shots at this one.

His stats:
Weight: 18lbs. 15.5oz (25th percentile)
Height: 29.5in. (75th percentile)

Since his last appt. (3mos. ago) he has gained 3lbs. 6.5oz and grew 2.25in! The doctor said she had nothing to say other than that Seth is perfect. I guess I can't ask for a better report than that!