On Friday February 26, we left for a 5 day snow skiing trip to Breckenridge, CO with Gigi, Pops, Aunt Kay, Mitchell, and Heath. Like so many other new "firsts", I had no idea what to expect from Lauren or how she would like the extreme cold weather, long flights, and exposure to snow. I was pleasantly surprised when she was as sweet as can be the ENTIRE trip! I think she noticed that we were in cleaner, fresher air and loved every minute of it! More so, I think she enjoyed being the center of attention from all of us and strangers and being on the move constantly. She loves seeing new things and being out and about, even if it is 20 degrees outside.
We left our house at 3:00 am Friday morning to catch our 6:00 am flight from Ft. Walton Beach (yes, we live within 1/4 mile of the terminal in Panama City, but this is another story). Lauren seems to have no problem with take-off and landing. I did nurse her, just in case her ears didn't equalize during take-off and I gave her puffs or yogurt melts during landing (once again, yay for puffs and melts!)
During our lay-over in Memphis, I pulled out my Girl Scout rigged zip-lock baggie filled with the right amount of oatmeal and benefiber, added fluoride travel water and a jar of fruit and squeezed the bag to mix it up. Who says traveling has to be hard, right!!?? Ha.
Lauren has started eating/gnawing Mum-Mums Rice Rusks. We LOVE them too and they seem to be the safest for little babies with no teeth. They dissolve so fast, but rarely leave a mess on her face.
After landing in Denver, we found our shuttle and headed toward Breck. (BIG NOTE: Please don't comment on the forward facing car seat--I know. This is what the shuttle company supplied despite my 2 calls to double check that they had us down for a baby car seat that would hold a rear-facing 17-pounder. Let's not talk about it.) Lauren and Aunt Kay playing with one of the many I-Phone applications for babies. Another thank goodness!
Lauren stayed right on schedule for her nap. Her bunny always seems to help too. If you enlarge this photo, you can see the bunny's ears are stained by Lauren's mouth and prune juice. She will suck on the one or both ears while she is falling to sleep. Yes, it's gross and sometimes gets smelly, but... Bunny now gets a bath in the washing machine once a week. 
Once we landed and got settled, we went to pick up our ski rentals. Lauren was on her 3rd nap at this point.
The weather was beautiful the entire weekend. Hi's in the low 30's that made skiing so enjoyable. My mom, Eric, Kaitlin and I took turns keeping Lauren in the condo. It was a ski-in/ski-out lodge so it made it extra nice to come in at lunch and swap out.
No, this is not the sunset. Unfortunately, Lauren slept horribly every single night we were there. I read about ways to avoid altitude sickness with infants and I tried to keep her hydrated and her nose moisturized, but for whatever reason she woke up multiple times every single night. This is the sunrise that Eric saw out our window our first morning there.
Despite not being happy during the night, this is how she looked during the day...every day. She was such a happy baby.
Aunt Kay kept Lauren Sunday morning and Eric, Mitchell, and I went to the TOP of the summit: over 12,000 ft! Beautiful views from above and double black diamonds coming down. Crazy, I know, but this was my favorite run of the entire mountain. One day, we'll take Lauren. :-)
Aunt Kay had a photo session with Lauren on her babysitting day. Lauren is so lucky to have an aunt who absolutely adores her like Kaitlin does. One day very soon, I can tell it will be the other way around too. Lauren lights up every time she hears Kaitlin's voice and will laugh sometimes at something funny that Kaitlin does.
Watching it snow. Lauren loved sitting on the window seat and watching the skiers go by. Gigi said that she would scream and wave her hands the first time she put her there. She kept trying to get everyone's attention outside. That's my Lauren!
We went to a French Bakery twice while we were there. They had the most delicious, fresh pastries and sandwiches. On this visit, we sat down with our desserts and drinks and gave Lauren her Rice Rusk and bottle. I think she felt like a big girl sitting there eating with us.
Walking on Main Street and warming up by the fire. She loved the Bjorn and didn't seem to mind the cool wind on her face.
We let Lauren get into a bath water temperature hot tub and I can definitely say that she is ready for Crystal Lake this summer. She liked splashing (a little bit) and after a little while, was very relaxed as you can tell.
When we go out when there was a heavier wind and colder temps, we put this hat on her. So funny!! Her cheeks are filling out a lot (thanks to the 2 jars of baby food then sampling food from our plate at EACH meal) and the hat would push them together even more.
...and Lauren seems to be thinking "OMG! When is this going to end! I'm so over this cold white stuff!"
Lauren's wave is very much perfected at this point. She waved to everyone in the airport, Main Street, at the skiers...everybody! That's my baby! It won't be too much longer and I can start working on hand shaking!
I always hate to say good-bye to Colorado. I love being there with all of the beautiful skies, scenery and snow. Until next year!
Lauren's palette at the airport. Little baby needs to stretch and play before the plane ride in mommy and daddy's laps.
There she is!
I'm so glad that we got to go out west this year and loved every minute of Lauren being there (well, except maybe the nights). Having a baby makes everything that much sweeter and funner. Can't wait to see what she will do next time we go.
I almost don't want to say this because you may think that we have lost our minds, but...
We'll talk to you after we return from St. George Island next weekend (48 hours after we return from this trip). Why slow down, right? I'm glad Lauren likes to travel!
What a trooper that Lauren is! Such a jet setter. It certainly doesn't surprise me to hear how well she traveled and wasn't it much easier with all those extra hands? No diaper blowout stories....figures, huh? Never happens when you have the help! Have fun at St. George Island. You must keep your bags packed all the time!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about the extra hands, Susie! I was not the least bit worried about flying with her this time. I kept thinking to myself that it couldn't be any worse than our first solo flight together!
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