Oregon Family Visit

I'm a little late in posting this, but wanted to share some photos of our trip to Oregon last month. Nicholas and I flew solo back to Portland so he could meet all four of his great grandparents. We flew Southwest to avoid any baggage charges (which was key since it looked like I was moving home instead of visiting for a week), but unfortunately there have never been any direct flights between Austin and Portland.* As a result, I was torn between booking a two-segment flight with a several hour layover or a three-segment flight with essentially no layovers because we just touched down briefly to pick up more passengers. I ended up going with the three-segment flight... I know, I know. But the overall travel time was shorter, so I figured it was the lesser of two evils. And Nicholas actually did great. I came armed with multiple bottles and a pacifier to help pop his ears with all the take-offs and landings, but he was barely fazed by all of the altitude changes. By the time we hit Boise (the third leg), he was pretty fussy, but fortunately it was only a quick 45 minute flight to Portland from there. We managed to eek out the 7 hour flight(s) with no major screaming fits.

My mom's garden... gorgeous

After relaxing at my parents' house for an evening, we packed up the next morning and hit the road for the 5 hour drive down to Coos Bay, a small town on the southern Oregon coast where my mom's parents live. Because I moved away for college and haven't since lived in Oregon as an adult, this was my first trip back to Coos Bay since my senior year in high school. (I've seen my grandparents every year, but it's always been in Portland during the summer or over the holidays.) The drive was more scenic than I remember it, but I'm sure it didn't hurt that it was mid-May and all the rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom. And coming from Texas, everything in Oregon just seems so lush and green.

My grandparents were thrilled to meet their first great grandchild.** We spent the evening relaxing at their house, and then the next day we got up and met some old family friends for lunch at a little seafood restaurant on a small inlet of Coos Bay.

The weather was gorgeous. Later we took a scenic drive up to Sunset Beach and Nicholas dipped his toes in the Pacific for the first time.

A balmy May evening on Cottonwood

The next day, we hit the road back to Portland. Back home, my mom arranged a family dinner, and Nicholas met Uncle Geoff, Aunt Brooke, and Uncle Mike for the first time. 

Uncle Geoff, Aunt Brooke (with Nicholas), Aunt Laura, and Uncle Mike

Uncle Geoff and Aunt Brooke made sure that Nicholas will be well outfitted for football season.

Go Ducks!

Later in the week, we visited my dad's parents in Portland. Nicholas is the first great grandchild on this side of the family as well, and they were excited to spend the afternoon with him.

He also met great uncle Scott and aunt Mary, great aunt Ann, and cousin Grace, but unfortunately I didn't get pictures with them.

Grandpa and Nicholas

On the way back to Austin, we had  a two-leg flight, with an hour and a half layover in Las Vegas. The total travel time was a little longer, but after comparing both options I think fewer flights is better just because he was able to stretch out and move around a little on a blanket on the floor in the Vegas airport during the layover (yes, we thoroughly scrubbed everything once we got home.) The travel each way was long and exhausting, but it was so worth it to get a chance to introduce Nicholas to his great grandparents and so many other relatives-- and now I know that when Jason and I travel back to the Northwest together in a month, it will be a piece of cake by comparison.

*Southwest just started up a non-stop flight between Portland and Austin, and after nearly three years of 7 hour travel days to get home, I could not be more excited.
**Just barely! Nicholas can't wait to meet his second cousin Blaine, who arrived earlier this month.

It's Official

Summer in Texas has arrived.

Only three more months... Only three more months... Only three more months...

Mmmmm... Carrots

Nicholas started on solids a few weeks ago. So far, we've only given him rice cereal, but I decided to try my hand at homemade baby food today. First up: carrots.



It may be a little while until we convert him into a foodie...

Four Months: A Letter

Dear Nicholas,

We've had a busy past few weeks, so I'm late in writing this letter. You are now four and a half months, and getting more active by the day! But your fourth month was full of excitement, too. You turned four months old on May 23rd, and had your four month check up on May 29th. As of your doctor's appointment, you weighed 15 lbs. 8 oz.-- still in the 50th percentile for weight. You've stretched out a bit though (evidenced by the fact that all of your footy pajamas are getting too short) and are now 25 1/2 inches-- the 75th percentile for height. Your head circumference is also in the 75th percentile at 45 cm.

Your fourth month marked a few big milestones for us, including my first Mother's Day. I felt so special being able to celebrate this holiday as a mother. The day started off with you sleeping in until 8:45am, which was a wonderful gift.  Thank you, buddy! Then Daddy took us out for brunch at the Pecan Street Cafe where I enjoyed a mimosa and eggs benedict. Afterward, we all took naps, and then later we made a family trip to Central Market where I selected ingredients for a delicious steak dinner that Daddy grilled. I love being your mom, and I had so much fun celebrating this special new role that you've given me.

In front of the Pecan Street Cafe

The other big adventure of your fourth month was our trip to Oregon to meet all four of your great grandparents. Daddy had to stay home to work, so you and I flew (alone!) for seven hours each way. The travel was long and tiring, but you were a trooper. You hardly cried at all on any of our 5 flights (!) and managed to keep it together until the very last hour or two on the way out and the way back. While in Oregon, you had a great time traveling to Coos Bay to meet Great Grandma and Grandpa Mac. You also dipped your toes in the Pacific. It was chilly, but you didn't even flinch. I suspect you'll be a water baby like your mama.

Back in Portland, you met Uncle Geoff and Aunt Brooke, Uncle Mike, Great Grandma Marilyn, Great Grandpa Don, Great Aunt Ann and cousin Grace, and your Great Uncle Scott and Aunt Mary. They were all thrilled to meet you and marveled over your cuteness. (Your Dad and I agree.)

Too cute not to post again...

During your fourth month, you discovered your legs and you love standing on them. In fact, you are now just too alert and too busy to be content lying down. You only want to stand or sit upright with our assistance. At four months, you also love playing horsey (a fun game Gammy and Grandpa introduced you to), taking baths, going for walks outside, sucking your thumb and/or fingers (sometimes as many digits as you can cram in your mouth), getting kisses on the cheeks or lips from Mommy and Daddy, and getting your face tickled with my hair. You are still sleeping well at night-- usually from about 7:30pm - 7:30am with one wake up for food and a fresh diaper sometime between 4-5am. You do not, however, enjoy naps, and they continue to be a daily struggle. You just don't want to miss out on any of the party, but then you wind up way too tired and fussy at the end of the day. We're hoping we can get this sorted out over the next month or two.

Happy to be using those legs!

Nicholas, it's hard to believe, but I actually love you more and more as each month passes. We are just having so much fun. You are such a smiley, happy little guy, and you bring so much joy to our lives.

All my love,
Mommy