Fun in Florida - Day 5

Our fifth day in Florida was wonderful. In the morning, Paul and I had some quality time. He's beginning to play, which we love to watch. Here he is beginning to use his body to make the hanging animals move!

We headed out where the wild things are at Wakadahatchee Wetlands, which is right down the street from Bubbie's. There are so many amazing birds there - Herons, Morehens, Dodos - plus several kinds of turtles and alligators all around. Paul and I are watching Beren watching the birds.
In the afternoon Beren, Bubbie, and Paul did some shopping while I did some work for work. When they came back, Bubbie's friend Marilyn gave Paul some terrific handmade animal hand puppets. Here, mommy recreates "There Once Was a Boy Named Pierre" with Paul. Luckily, Paul cares. Thank you, Marilyn!

The day was capped with a nice dinner with Aunt Marcia & Uncle Arnie in the night kitchen at Sweet Tomatos. What a great day!

Fun in Florida - Day 4

On our way back from Naples, we stopped at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. They have a nice boardwalk where we saw squirrels, birds, cool spiders, lots of flora, and, um, alligators!

Now, Beren's cousin Jesse has called Paul "gator bait." Turns out this is literally true. Here is a large alligator that I had to fend off with a piece of vine.

And here is a baby alligator, hoping for some action. Luckily, Beren and I were too quick for him, running in zig-zags to confuse and confound. These gators were too slow in the head to catch us.

As you can see, Paul slept through it all (alligator, top left). That's my boy!

Post Script: Go Buckeyes!

Fun in Florida - Day 3

After counting many alligators, we arrived for a night in Naples, on the west coast of Florida. We had a wonderful time on the beach, playing with our friends Bret & Althea.

Beren and Althea collected many shells. Here they are, pointing at their shadows.

After a very yummy meal and some chocolate fondue, we went back to the hotel for some heart-to-heart conversations. Sorry they had to go sooooo early in the morning.

Fun in Florida - Day 2

Day two was filled with family and fun. First we got to see Aunt Marcia, Uncle Arnie, and Cousins Jay and Risa. Paul's a bit too young to play with Mimi & Sara, but pretty soon they'll have a great time together! Sorry, the great photo came out blurry. :(

It was so sunny that Paul was wearing shades. He wore them at night too. That night he met his cousins Benjamin and Allison (and Allison's friend Saar) for the first time. Yikes, how many cousins can one little guy have?

Fun in Florida - Day 1

It is finally time for vacation. Paul had his first trip in an airplane today! I have to say, he was a very good boy the whole trip. He saved all of the screaming for the privacy of Bubbie's house! It was great to see Bubbie and Aunt Margie today. They each had lots of kisses for Paul.

We have a very fun week planned, filled with lots of family and friends. And babies in sunglasses.

A swingin' kind of dude

Paul in his swing!

(the videos may induce a little motion sickness. . .but he's so durned cute!)

Baby in motion

One minute of quiet cuteness

On our way out today. . .and home again.

Pats or Giants?

Pats or Giants? Pats or Giants? Pats or Giants? Pats or Giants? Pats or Giants?

I'm so conflicted!!

Daddy wearing Paul

Babies are the hot new accessory, you know. All the celebs are having them. . .

Flashback!

Paul - three months ago!

Paul - last week.

Happy third lunaversary!

Ooooh - scary!!!

Don't ask a baby to help with the laundry. . .

While Paul was helpful matching daddy's dark socks. . .

. . .he became a little overwhelmed by the white socks. . .

"help"

The only thing cuter than a baby in blue jeans. . .

. . . is a baby in overalls!

Workin' out with Daddy!

Father and son work out to some Johnny Cash children's songs. . .

. . .and compare hand weights. . .

Daddy's home!

Daddy came home from work travel last night, but didn't really get quality time with Paul until this morning.

Then mommy took Paul for a walk in the sunshine and some grocery shopping while an under-the-weather daddy got some quiet time at home.

See you later, Daddy!

I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!

Lest anyone think life with Paul is all cooing and smiles. . .

Hello Daddy! (the video)

Hello Daddy!

But officer, I'm innocent, I swear!

(Picture taken in North Market.)

Hangin' with Grandma and Grandpa

Grandpa stopped by last night on his way home from NH. Paul enjoyed hanging out with his grandparents.

Baby, it's cold outside. . .

Paul went with Mommy and Grandma on a few errands - Babies R Us, Michael's, and Ulta cosmetics. Paul was confused when Grandma decided to buy Urban Decay products rather than Smashbox - he prefers Stila himself.

Napping and Awake

Snow Day!

We're pretty much house-bound today, with several inches of heavy, wet snow blanketing all of Boston. Paul doesn't mind - he likes chilling with Grandma Shelly!

Pictures of Unbearable Cuteness

Whatchu talkin about, Gramma?

Super smiley!

But Mom -I can't put down my arms!

I can have any toy I want?!?

Conversations with Grandma Shelly

Paul discusses politics with Grandma Shelly (who is visiting while Daddy is on travel):

. . . the conversation continues . . .

Boy in the Bjorn

1/11/2008

Having fun on the floor - the video

:44

:30

:07

Having fun on the floor - the pictures

Since today is so cold and rainy, we decided to stay in and have fun at home. While mommy folded his laundry, Paul played with his dinosaur (thanks again, Nina!). We also had a few great rounds of peek-a-boo with his clean blankets and burp cloths!