Rub Your Tummy

Despite our best efforts, we got a late start when we left for Sanibel. We rented a mini van (more on that later) and drove across the state to the Sunshine Island Inn. It had come highly recommended and it did not disappointed. It was not overly fancy – a bit “old Florida.” It was perfect for what we wanted!

The first night we looked around, cooked dinner, and spent some time hanging out in our home away from home for the week.

I am not a fan of window AC units, but Caitlin loved it. She would stand in front of the AC and let her hair blow in the wind before running off like she was blowing away. She’s too funny.

We knew the room had a CD player so we’d planned to bring some of Caitlin’s favorite CDs. Unfortunately we’d misplaced or forgotten all but two, so it was Old School Sesame Street on repeat. One of Caitlin’s favorite songs on the album is this one:

(Though the version we have is not Ernie and Bert, but that was the best I could find!)

I learned really quickly what happens when you try to take pictures during the song…

Rub your tummy, Pat your Head..

(side note, the you can tell the difference in the cameras I used to take the photos)

Sean was a good sport about it!

She loves to sing and dance!

Sean’s First (and Second) Swim

While we were on vacation last week, Sean took his first swim. Even though it was really hot out, the water was a bit chilly.

I left out the less-than-flattering pictures of me with a screaming Sean. He calmed down once I took him out of the float, but he still wasn’t thrilled!

(Though Caitlin loved it!)

Most of the week Sean watched the fun from his bouncy chair in the shade. Not a bad life!

On Friday the pool was much warmer. Caitlin was napping so we decided to try again. He LOVED it!

He was still smiling when I took him out…

…though all that swimming will wear you out!

~~~~~~~~~~~

It has been a very busy couple of days. Between an ant issue in the kitchen, a case of the Irish man-flu, and a crazy to do list that is still not anywhere near completed I haven’t had a chance to sit down at the computer. (Thank goodness for mobile devices for times when I am nursing, but I can’t blog from there!) I got this post started today during nap time. I’d decided to try to post pictures of Caitlin first to keep things fair/even instead, but now Sean is fussing so I guess that is all I have time for tonight. I'm hoping for a restful weekend!

Family Celebration

After Sean’s Christening we all headed back to my grandparents’ house for a family dinner. In an ideal world I’d have cooked and baked, but we had been in town for less than 24 hours, so we picked up Costco chickens and sides from Boston Market instead. The Irishman, his parents, and my grandmother made the take out meal look pretty! I did not get a picture of that, but here is the enchanting spot my grandmother set up for desserts. Between the cake and a homemade sherry trifle everyone left on a sugar high!

My godparents (my Aunt Emily and Uncle Terry) came to join the celebration. We had a delightful time visiting with some of my favorite aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Of course Sean was passed around…

Caitlin followed around my cousin Stephanie every where she went. We’ve nicknamed her the baby whisperer for how Caitlin and Aiden seek her out! Caitlin was all over the place. She ran around. She colored. She ate ice by the cupful. She sang. She ate cake. She danced. She kicked the ball. She threw the ball. We were exhausted just looking at her!

This picture is actually from the church, but it was too much fun not to share. Grandpa Boo fell when they were on vacation this summer and has just graduated from the wheel chair to a cane. Uncle Lee was hiking with my dad and Uncle Mike a couple of weeks ago when he hurt his ankle so he too had a cane. They decided to ham it up for a photo op…

We hate that the Irish family is so far away and can’t join us for these types of things but we were lucky to have Nana and Granda here to join our little family of four.

It was a lovely family celebration!

Sean’s Christening

Our baby boy was baptized on Sunday. We recently switched parishes, so it was a different church from where Caitlin was baptized. The new parish does not have as many young families, but they have made us feel very welcome. While Caitlin was one of 16 babies baptized at one time by the deacon, Sean was the only one Father Theo baptized on Sunday.

It really was a lovely ceremony. Sean slept almost the entire time. The baptism garment he wore was made by my grandmother’s aunt. Grandma Betty thinks it has been worn 16 times. (I was too big when I was baptized to wear it, so I am not one of the 16) It is a lovely family heirloom.

Before we left for the church, I’d packed a diaper bag with clothes to change Sean into afterwards. I’d included the pumpkin bib, but a certain little girl found it first. She insisted on wearing it all day long. She also insisted that Elmo and a reindeer that plays Jingle Bells come into the church with us. I knew then what we were in for!

She did very well when we were sitting in the pew, but once we all stood up and the focus was on Sean sibling rivalry took over. She wanted to bless herself in the Holy Water so we let her do that. She properly dipped her fingers in the water and made the sign of the cross. The priest and the family were impressed and praised her for doing this. Then she wanted to do it again. And again. And again. By this point she threw a small fit.

Thankfully Aunt Emily, Colleen, and Stephanie were there to fuss over Caitlin and keep her entertained while we took pictures. Sean’s godparents (Christina and Robert) were unable to make it for the baptism, so Nana and Granda stood in. We took pictures afterwards with them and my grandparents.

Caitlin came by after a while to see what we were up to and we managed to catch her in a quick photo.

It was a lovely day to welcome Sean to the Catholic Church!

Every precious gift comes from above.

James 1:17

We’re Back!

I didn’t mention it before, but we spent most of the last week on Sanibel Island. (Since the break in we are careful about telling the world when we decide to leave town!) The Irishman and I took his parents there a few years ago. While that trip had been a work trip for Morgan, we’ve talked about going back for a while. I was very pregnant this summer so we decided to take our “summer vacation” in October this year.

We wanted something laid back and relaxing, so this trip was perfect! We had Nana and Granda with us, and we all had a wonderful time at the beach and in the pool. I have downloaded about 400 pictures from the trip, so you can guess what you’ll be seeing this week…

On top of a busy weekend of unpacking, laundry, and party preparations, Sean was baptized today! It was a lovely ceremony and we had a great time celebrating with the family afterwards. Again, we have lots of photos and videos we will be sharing soon!

For now though, there is a left over piece of cake calling my name before I head to bed…

Cowgirl

I found some dress up clothes at the dollar store.

Forget the fairy wings, this is a cowgirl at heart!

Howdy, Granda!

Yeehaw!

Princess with a Cookie Crown

After we got ready for bed the other night Caitlin found the perfect hat to top off her PJ look.

Because every princess needs a Cookie Monster crown!

Bath Paint

I found this idea on Pinterest and given Caitlin’s love for bath fun, I thought it was perfect for her.

Source: meetthedubiens.blogspot.com via IrishbyMarriage on Pinterest

I found the muffin tin, shaving cream, and paint brushes at the dollar store. We’ve had fun all week on $3. Not too shabby!

Of course my mom and grandmother will tell you that Caitlin requires everyone to know how to draw Elmo. Here is my bath time Elmo effort.

She had almost as much fun washing away our creations as she did making them!

This idea is a keeper!

Just look at that smile!