Ahhh....the Caribbean sunshine

We have been MIA for good reason.

Reason #1: A trip to visit my family in Iowa. We stayed with my parents and everyone (ie. my sister, grandparents, all my goofy, lovable aunts and uncles, my best friend) was able to meet our little man. He had a rough go at it though. Thank goodness for tons of wonderful family and many aunts who have endless nights like we had. Gabe cried for multiple hours on many days of the trip, but they loved him and rocked him like there was no tomorrow. They taught us tummy massages and other little tricks. Unfortunately, we had to visit Children's Hospital ER. Thank goodness nothing major...just a hoarse baby voice from crying so much and a prescription for Prevacid to see if that would help. Thank you, thank you for the Rx as we have a much happier baby now!! We miss our Grandpa and Grandma though!! We will see them again over 4th of July!!

Reason #2: Our first family vacation to the Caribbean. Can't think of a better place to be in March. We took a cruise on Royal Caribbean with my husband's family!! Tons of fun but never without drama when you travel with family. Thank goodness we could hide out in our stateroom and disappear from the drama. Our little Alaska baby loved the warm weather. It was the first time he loved having his clothes and diaper changed. He would hang out naked as a jaybird and laugh about it. We were fortunate to have a room with a balcony, so we could fall asleep to the sound of the sea!! It was this week that we started to see a change starting....no more endless crying jags. He cried only if he was hungry, tired, dirty, or bored! Is it the Prevacid, the motion of the ocean, the sound of the water, dare I say the end of the colic stage? Who cares....all that matters is that he is happier and starting to bond better. Him and my husband were able to bond and play together which is priceless. Needless to say, what a wonderful family vacation. Can't wait for the next and the many more to follow.

Reason #3: Back to reality!! Trying to get back to normal after a trip Outside! The laundry and mail were overwhelming. Our dogs were so happy to see us! Our $10,000 backyard finally put to good use....no kenneling for the dogs while we were gone. They could stay in the comfort of their own home, and we were reassured that they were safe and happy while we were gone. Only a little bit of rebellion for leaving them....a torn up doggy pillow, multiple sticks and logs strewn across the snow, and a pile of poop on the deck!! Could be worse!!

So I'm going to try to continue to be better at posting. I really do enjoy getting my thoughts down here. Whether anybody reads them or not, it doesn't matter. Just matters that it's helping me get my thoughts down and out of my head!!

Here's to Spring days ahead, melting snow, longer days, and walks in the afternoon!!