Food for Thought


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It is better to trust and be disappointed once in awhile than to distrust and be miserable all of the time.

-Abraham Lincoln

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Saturday, April 2, 2011

I've been pretty lucky these past few months. I got to take a long trip to the Carribbean in January, Clint and I got to take a little two day trip to Vegas in February while our awesome friends house sat and watched Seth for us, and we got to take a short little Seattle trip in March.


We thought we would see how Seth did on an airplane when he was 9 months old. Seattle isn't too long of a flight so we thought it would be nice to go up for a "weekend" trip and introduce him to some of Clint's coworkers and visit the area.


I must admit I was pretty worried about Seth's behavior. He doesn't really like to sit still at all. So we brought some treats and new toys on the plane to occupy him.


On the shuttle headed to the airport. He seemed to do pretty well on on the bus.

In line at security. Those velcro shoes had him so occupied.

On the plane. He was so happy before take off. Everyone was smiling at him and telling us what a happy baby he was...


...and then when we took off he became an absolute nightmare. The take off didn't seem to bother him but he just didn't want to hold still. He didn't want his new toys, didn't want his treats, and didn't want to be held. He screamed for a good 20 minutes and I got several looks of death from people.


I vow from this moment on to NEVER again judge someone who brings a child on a plane and the child misbehaves. There was seriously nothing I could do to make him happy. When the seatbelt sign finally turned off, Clint stood up with him and he seemed to calm down. Amidst the dirty looks I did see one woman smiling at him and playing peek-a-boo and I literally started to tear up. I was SO appreciative that she seemed so understanding.

So, anyway, quite humiliating. Let me just say, it was during this time that I again realized how lucky I am to have Clint as my husband and how much I love him. He remained calm and kept me calm as we did our best to keep Seth happy and under control. I thought we made a pretty good team when it came to handling our carryon bags and all Seth's stuff.
Seth was pretty good at the hotel. The first night he did wake up crying (and couldn't be consoled) which has never happened before. I think it was just because he was not in his crib and he was in a new environment. But the other two nights he did fine.

He looks a little possessed here...




I didn't want to bring his high chair with me since we already had to pack a ton of other things so I decided to feed Seth in the bath tub for all his meals. It actually worked out REALLY well.


Seth and Dad just chilling in bed...

Just hangin' out in down town Seattle...


Outside the Seattle Aquarium




Blow Fish just creep me out.



Seth was somewhat entertained at the Aquarium. I think he is still a little young though.


On the pier...


Thankfully, it timed pretty well that when we flew home he was ready for a nap so he slept for about 45 minutes of the flight. He was MUCH better on the way home because of this.


It was nice to have a little family vacation but I think Clint and I both agree that we won't be taking anymore trips like this for a while.


Random Seth Faces

Seth is just getting cuter and cuter every day. He has such animated facial expressions and is so curious about things. I thought I would share a little...


His eyes say, "That camera thingy looks like fun. I want it!"


Hello static! He looks like a balloon was just rubbed across his head.


This picture was taken after he slept 12 hours one night. I was getting a little anxious for him to wake up so I finally just went into his room with the camera. You could tell he was still a little out of it when I took this picture. He just rested his head against the crib slats.

He has such a fun time cruising across the railing that separates our kitchen from our den.





He couldn't quite decide if he likes the Jello or not




The funniest part of this video is that he was laughing over and over again when we first started playing this game. But the moment I started filming, he cried. What the heck?





This video had Clint and I laughing so hard. You can tell that part way through this that he suddenly couldn't hold himself up anymore and it scared him. Ha ha!

Snowshoeing

In January we went snowshoeing with Clint's dad. Holy crap! By the end of it, my hips were numb. My muscles were so sore! It took everything in me to try to keep up with Clint and his dad throughout the trek. I usually still trailed behind by about 15 feet. But it was definitely a fun and beautiful experience.

I'm still all smiles here because the trek hadn't yet begun.


I literally almost face planted on this little "bridge" right before Clint took this picture.








Overall, it was a fun experience. I don't think my hips will allow me to do it again but I am glad I did it.