Our trip to Cali...

PART 1

We have been in CA for about 5 days now and this is the first time I have gotten a chance to blog. To say that we have been busy would be and understatement! Here is what we've been up to:

On Monday night, we arrived at the airport to fly out. Passing through security went fine but took a lot longer due to the carseat, stroller and various other baby gear. Alana also did great on her first plane ride. She nursed during takeoff and landing and seemed to have no problems with the change in pressure. She did however, insist on being held the whole flight. Every time I tried to put her in her carseat, she would wake up and cry. Rather than disturb the other passengers, I decided to just hold her. When we got to baggage claim, my dad, Tonia and Malcolm were waiting to greet us. What a nice surprise! My mom was there to pick us up and after picking up my Uncle Michael's car, we were at my mom's house. This was a really late night for Alana. She didn't go to bed until after 11:30 (bedtime is 9!) but she held up like a champ!

Tuesday was a day packed full of visiting family. We started the day by going to my grandparents' house were Alana met her Great-Grandma Arnetta, Great-Grandpa Ray and Great-Aunt Debra. Boy did they LOVE her! After a nice a nice visit and lunch it was time to go.

And off we went to visit the Burkes followed by a yummy BBQ at my mom's house with the family. Alana got to meet her other Great-Grandma and her Great Uncle David. Unfortunately, by this point, Alana was on family overload and she was kind of fussy.

Wednesday we played it kind of low key. But Thursday, was a day filled with more firsts... Alana's first road trip, her first trip to Santa Cruz, and her first stay in a hotel. After getting settled into our room, we headed down to the lounge for Alana's Welcome Party. So many friends came out to see us. I think we counted over 30! Everyone loved her of course and she was passed around from one set of open arms to another. Again she did great with all the new faces.

Friday we woke up late and we wanted to hit the road so as to not hit any traffic. So we didn't get a chance to go to the beach... but we did drive by it. All I have to say is, I miss Santa Cruz and living by the ocean. When we got back into town we met my Dad and Tonia for dinner. And after a nice visit, it was time to call it a night.

Today is Saturday. Alana has another party at my mom's house. We are looking forward to seeing a few more people. Let's hope Alana holds up!

PART 2

Home at last!!!

Everything but the kitchen sink

I am a notorious over-packer. And now I over pack for my daughter. We are leaving for our trip to CA in a little under 3 hours. We will be gone for a week and I'm sure I packed enough for two... clothes, toys, blankets, diapers... everything but the kitchen sink!

This is our first trip to CA as a family and I am so excited! A little nervous about the plane ride with Alana but overall excited. We have a lot planned including seeing my grandparents and a mini trip to Santa Cruz.

California, here come the Morarus!!!

Oh and Alana gave me her first Mother's Day present... I was lifting her up over my head and she spit up right in my eye! This was this first, and I'm sure not the last time!

My First Mother's Day

I'm sure I will remember this Mother's Day more than any other. My first time being celebrated as a mom. I received so many calls and wishes for a happy day. The day started with a yummy breakfast made by Danny and a very thoughtful card. We then went over to the in-laws for lunch with the family. The rest of the day was spent getting ready for our trip to CA tomorrow. But it was just nice having my baby and my honey with me all day. The best part of the day was bath time. Alana was in such a happy mood. Now its time to relax and enjoy the rest of the night!

A new wardrobe

Alana is such a trooper! This morning, she patiently sat through about four outfit changes before we found on that fit. My little baby is now wearing 3-6 months onsies. So its time to reorganize her dresser and closet. I feel like I just made the change from newborn to 0-3 months clothes and here I am again. However, the funny thing is that she is still wearing newborn pants. She has a long torso like her Momma and she would look like Urkle if she wore the 0-3 months pants.
So its great! I have a whole new wardrobe to start dressing her in. Plus we leave for CA in a couple days and she'll get to wear all her cute "summer" outfits. Even though all this means my baby is quickly getting bigger, I can find the bright side of anything!!!

Ahhh... Sunday!

Sundays are now my favorite day of the week. Why, you ask? Well most weeks, Sundays are Danny's only day off. Sundays are "Family days".

This morning, Alana woke up at 8:14 (right on schedule). I brought her into our bed right in between Danny and myself. We spent the next 20 minutes together watching Alana stretch, smile, and stick out her tongue... It was heaven!

Right now, Danny is changing her (I have vowed not to change a single dirty diaper today. Wet ones, okay, but dirty ones NO!) and I have Trader Joe's chocolate croissants in the oven (another piece of heaven). We have no plans today except for a walk in Cook Park and I couldn't be happier!