This weekend brought on a bunch of firsts for our little man, Breckan. He is officially sitting up on his own now and saying da-da and na-na. A week ago I would have told you it will be a long time coming before he starts with words and then suddenly overnight he was a changed man! So cute. I can't help but smile every time I hear him talk to me.
We had 2 couples, Rich and Lyndsey and Heather and David visit us this weekend. Heather and David have a son, Tre who is a few weeks younger than Breckan. It was so fun to see them interact with each other. Tre is a big boy and already crawling! It is crazy how different babies develop.
Breckan and Tre Hanging out
Saturday morning I did a little photoshoot for Tre in the park near our house. He was such a ham and did a great job! I was able to get some great shots of the cutie. I also was able to take some friend shots of Breckan and Tre together. SO CUTE!! Saturday afternoon we took the group on a boat ride through John Lloyd State Park. We couldn't have asked for a better day, weather wise. We sand docked in the park and were able to wade in the inter coastal sand. Breckan loved it, even though the water was colder than normal. He was splashing and playing around like he was made for it! Across a small area of land was the beach, where we all took a walk and let the kiddos see the ocean. They also sat in the sand for the first time. Tre was grabbing it and trying to eat it, while Breckan was just sitting there until he face-planted and got it all up his nose! We couldn't help but crack up at him. I am sure we will experience a lot of these moments down the road.
It is crazy how the time goes when you are out on the boat. When 5pm rolled around we headed back to the house to prepare for our party that night. Mark prepared baked ziti and a salad for everyone and we partied it up while Breckan slept soundly in his crib. As I get older, the parties seem to end earlier, no matter who comes! It cracks me up how my son has changed my bedtime routine. I don't remember the last time I slept until 9am. That would be HEAVEN! I don't think I could even if I wanted to!
Sunday morning we were woken up at around 6:45 to Breckan talking in his crib and rambling "Da-Da" over and over again. Mark was so excited that Dada was his first word. I was just as excited, except I wish it were Mama! :P Mark kept saying, "Breckan, who is your favorite." SO MEAN OF HIM!!! Below is my talking little guy....
Our friends left that afternoon (after a fabulous breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and oatmeal) and Mark and I spent the rest of the day running errands and cleaning up the house from the eventful weekend. Next time, it is our turn to head up north to Orlando to visit Heather and David!
The entrance to the Renaissance Festival
Quiet Waters Park
This weekend we went to the Renaissance festival at Quiet Waters Park with some friends. We went last year (when I was pregnant!!) and this year seems to be the same stuff but all good fun! It is amazing that these people are somewhat like "carnies" and camp out at the park. I bet they are still "in character" on their down time. These people are serious! I tell you what, if you love to people watch and drink beer, this is the place to be. There are so many interesting people there in such unique, and lavish costumes. And if you like fat boobies falling out...you gotta go! HAHA. Breckan was pretty well-behaved, especially since he didn't get hardly any napping in! I guess he enjoyed being outdoors and watching all the weirdos! Overall, it was a great way to spend some time with friends and enjoy the great weather we have here.
As the winter is coming to an end, I can't help but become excited about the summer rearing it's head. I know, I know, last year at this time I was very reluctant to the idea that the steamy, hot, sweaty summer nights were creeping up on us (You can't blame me, I was pregnant!). This year though, it will bring a bunch of "firsts" for our little man. One I am most looking forward to: SWIMMING!! Here we are with a 6 month old and a pool in our backyard with nothing to show for it! We haven't been in that thing since last summer. I am such a wimp these days and consider the pool during the winter to be WAY too cold. But, in reality, it probably is the temperature that my parent's pool is at during the heat of summer in Chicago. I guess you get used to your surroundings, right?
Exploring in the tub.
Also this weekend, while giving Breckan a bath, he became much more curious about his surroundings and has become quite the daredevil. Now, from a laying position he can prop himself up and he attempts to hold himself up in the tub. It is so cute! I can't help but allow him to explore the world around him in whatever way he pleases. It is quite nerve racking at times! He also has this huge obsession with empty water bottles. He grabs one, squeezes the crap out of it and tries to shove it in his mouth while screaming. I don't get it!! Another first: we introduced peaches to him, and he seemed to love them! No avocados for this man though, it was the first food that he did NOT enjoy to the point of spitting it out. Oh well, maybe next time!
Bella, Rosaline, Bruce, Breckan and I taking a ride!
This weekend I needed to relax. No housework, no working....just spending time with my family. When Mark got home from shift on Saturday Morning, we decided to do Breckan's 6 month photo shoot at the park. Overall he did pretty well, and the photos came out great! Following our photoshoot and Breckan's nap, we decided to take a little bike ride. Breckan has a little seat on the back of my bike so he can ride along with us in comfort! We decided to extend our little jaunt to a little stop at Tijuana Taxi Co. to share a plate of fish tacos. We placed Breckan in the high chair and he hung out while we ate lunch. Believe me, this is a triumph! I usually am prepared for a fussy baby but I couldn't believe how great he behaved! What a great little guy :). The day was fantastic. I couldn't believe how much I needed it. Sunday we decided to head out on the boat to a small sand bar located in Boca Raton with the Li Family. They have two kids Bruce and Bella, and Breckan is one month younger than Bella! It was so cute to watch the two interact. Breckan was so interested in her. He was grabbing to feel the real live baby in front of him! We had an exciting little boatride with the kiddos shoved into life jackets that were far too consuming. It was quite hilarious. The kids were in great moods most of the time. I think Breckan loved the wind in his (lack of) hair and the constant hum of the boat. On the way to and from the sandbar he took little snoozes! Once we got to the sandbar we ate some sandwiches and relaxed. It was far too cold for any of us to go in the water, but I let B feel the water with his toes. Another successful outing and a FUN one at that!
To top of the weekend, we ended our evening with dinner out with the Li Family at El Mariachi, a local cuban/spanish restaurant. Breckan passed out 5 minutes in and Bruce and Bella were just chilling, hanging out with the adults. MMMM it was so good!
I tell you what. I love weekends like these. I wish I had more time to spend enjoying life instead of doing housework on the weekends. I need to work harder on the week-nights so I can dedicate my weekends to family time!
After working from home on Tuesday, Breckan was fussier than usual that evening. I decided to take him to a nearby park and see if he could fit into the baby swing. He was a little small for the swing so I shoved a blanket around him and plopped him right in it. I couldn't believe how much he liked it. Every time he came close to me he would giggle. It was adorable. I think I took 100 pictures that day.
As I was watching my little boy swing away, I couldn't help but long for more moments like these. Yes, I have my weekends to spend with him, but it is just not enough. With housework in the mix it gets chaotic.
I know being a stay at home Mom is just as demanding as working, but I cannot help but have a strong desire to stay at home and give 100% attention to my little man. I guess only in dreams. In our society these days, having only one income is virtually impossible. Therefore, the expectations for a Mom in this era is almost insurmountable. Not only do we have to take care of our children, but we have to go to work or work from home and take care of the children at the same time and be expected to keep up with housework.
I just have to thank God for my husband. He puts in just as much time with Breckan as I do, because he has 48 hours off and takes care of him when I am at work. Most Dads don't do that, and I am sure it is just as demanding on him too. The male used to come home from work and expected his wife to have dinner on the table and have her attend to every need/want from not only him, but the children.
All I can say is, OH HOW THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED! I sometimes wish I was living in the 50's...I think I would fit in better there.
