Wonderfulness

John's first comment to me this morning: Can you believe we are sleeping again?
My reply: It is WONDERFUL!!!

For the past few weeks Lydia has been sleeping from seven at night to seven in the morning with just one pacifier put-back, usually around five. Equally as wonderful, Lydia waved to Amy and Nathan over Skype yesterday. Megan

Pelican Fly-bys

Navarre has a large population of brown-nosed pelicans. Even after two years, it is still a thrill to see them fly by at eye-level from our balcony. Last night, we took a stroll down the pier and came across this friendlier-than-most pelican. These gorgeous birds were greatly threatened during the oil spill. It is nice to see them thriving and enjoying life these days. Megan

Many More Sunsets To Come

John received written confirmation yesterday that we will be staying in Navarre until April 2013! I am so thankful. By the time we leave, Lydia will be almost two. Megan

I'm Cute by Association

Lydia has recently undergone an exciting developmental burst. She can now stand on her own. Our coffee table is just the right height for her. Crawling is on the horizon as she refuses to stay in one place. Also, Lydia has started eating rice crackers and drinking from both a sippy and regular cup. She can pull the cups to her lips but just needs a little help with the lifting part. Lydia is loving her baby food--squash, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, pears, peaches and apple sauce. My favorite, she can also play a nice game of peekaboo by lifting and lowering her head into a blanket. Megan

Lydia's Hands

I love Lydia's hands, particularly the pudgy part between her base and middle knuckles. Sometimes when I give her a bottle, Lydia will lightly caress my own wrist and hand. It gives me tingles. Megan

Snowbirds

Every winter you can find a much more "mature" crowd at Summerwind Condominiums. They travel from as far as Iowa and Michigan to winter here. Snowbirds do water aerobics every day at nine followed by yoga. They shell on the beach and walk the bicycle path in the afternoons. They remind me to exercise and enjoy the beauty of my surroundings. On a side note, I have on occasion joined them for water aerobics. Lydia, who watches from her stroller, is a huge hit with these grandparents. Megan

Simple Pleasures

Since Lydia arrived our weekend adventures have certainly slowed down (i.e. no more motorcycle rides through Tokyo at night). We miss this excitement, of course. However John and I have found that simple pleasures can be just as wonderful. Admiring a dense fog that hangs around all day. An afternoon swim. Watching Lydia roll from her back to tummy for the first time. Wasting away the first few hours of the morning in bed. Our favorite steak and salad bar restaurant. Lydia's happy kicking feet as she rides in the front of the cart through Walmart. Megan