Mom! There's a Giraffe in the Road!

This was a special moment at Animal Kingdom. We were on the "safari" ride when suddenly our jeep slowed to a crawl. Munchkin was oblivious, but Brad and I were amused.

Finding Nemo: An Intro to Musical Theatre

Obviously, Brad and I are very passionate about the theatre.

We consider ourselves blessed that we have seen a whole ton of theatre (mostly musicals), both before and after the birth of our son. So you can imagine how thrilled we are that we had the opportunity to take Munchkin to his first theatrical experience while we were at Disney World! The best part about it was that the majority of the audience, of course, were children, so noises and crying were just part of the ambience.

Silly me, I thought he might use this opportunity to take a nap, but I should have known that OUR SON wouldn't think of sleeping through such an exciting show. When the giant (and I mean G-I-A-N-T) turtle appeared on the stage, he waved his arms furiously and yelped with glee. He put on quite a show for the grandparents sitting next to us. I wasn't sure what to watch: Munchkin or the stage! His second favorite moment came during the curtain call/finale, when they turned on the bubble machines over the audience and showered us.

Click this link for a clip of Munchkin's favorite part.

Next stop: Cub's game. :o)

DISNEY!!!

Until last week, I had never been to Disney World. This appalled my husband, so he decided it was high time I experienced a little Mickey Magic.

We took the little Squirt on a two-day Disney experience, including Epcot and Animal Kingdom. We're saving Magic Kingdom until our child(ren) are older. I'll let the photo journey tell most of the story...but stay tuned for an additional post or two!

There are 4 pages of photos, so feel free to skim. Oh, also, if you're having trouble viewing the entire title, make sure you're in slideshow mode (where you can only see one picture at a time).

http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100248

Hannah and Marah

When I was young(er), I had a "best cousin" named Marah.

(For those who are unfamiliar with my extensive family tree, Marah is the daughter (3rd in line) of Mary, who is my mother's eldest sister.)

For years, my family would drive (yes, DRIVE) from Livonia, Michigan to Ocala, Florida at least once per year to visit the Stevens family, often over Spring Break. I have zillions of memories of Marah, but here are a few:
- One year us kids confiscated our Easter baskets and ate the candy in secret in the bedroom. Our "punishment" came when my sister got gum in her hair and we had to tell our moms so they could help get it out.
- Many, many warm Florida days spent at "Wild Waters" waterpark. It was the first time I heard the song, "Manic Monday," by the Bangles.
- The year that we were pre-teens and tanning, Marah decided to forgo sunscreen and scorched the back of her legs so badly she couldn't sit down for days.
- The year of the lice. I won't elaborate. :o)
- Sleeping in tents outside Uncle Frank's cottage and talking about the arrival of a certain female friend named Flo.
- The same visit to Uncle Frank's (I think), Marah and I got in trouble for stealing all the graham crackers for S'Mores and eating them dipped in milk. Yum!
- One time we made up cheerleading/dance routines to Huey Lewis's "Hip to be Square" on the lawn outside Marah's house.

So it now seems a little surreal to visit my Best Cousin in her own house in Florida, meet her husband, her three small children, and introduce her to mine...but that's exactly what happened!

On our first day of vacation in the Orlando area last week, we spent the day with the Fitos family, and were later joined by Todd and Gregory's families (Mary's two sons), Elizabeth (Mary's 4th in line), Mary (my aunt) and Barbara and Terry (my aunt and uncle). Marah's kids had a marvelous time meeting my little Munchkin. They were so gentle and kind to him, bringing him toy after toy.

We had lunch and dinner together, talked all about babies and our lives and our families...and when we would get together next! It was a great day. Too short, but wonderful.

Thanks to the Fitos' for their hospitality, and to my other counsins, aunts and uncle for making the journey to see us. We love you!


(Unfortunately, I did a terrible job at documenting this day through photos, but here are just a couple. There are a few more that will be included in the Disney photo album later this week.)

J, K and S (Marah's oldest and middle, and Munchkin)


Great-Aunts Barbara and Mary with P (Marah's youngest) and S

Munchkin: Interpreted

Nothing monumental...just life on the playmat.

A Letter

Dear Munchkin,

Dr. B says you are too skinny. Please eat more spinach.

Your Friend,
Popeye



(Took the little one to the doc today for his 4 month appointment. He has only gained 1.5 lbs in the last two months, which puts him below the 5th percentile, which, according to Dr. B, is potentially problematic. To combat this--before we run a whole bunch of labs--I am to (force) feed him every 2.5-3 hours....even if he's asleep. Ack. At night, I don't have to intentionally wake him, but if he wakes on his own, I'm supposed to get him up to eat. Double ack. We'll go back to the doc after our Florida vacation. On the upside, Munch only cried for about 10 seconds during his vaccinations. Brave boy.)

Weight: 11lbs, 8.2 oz
Height: 24.5 in
HC: 16.25 in

Over It

In case you haven't heard, we've had a little snow in Chicago so far this winter.

And I'm ready for next week's vacation.

Orlando, here we come!