It could be worse...

"It could be worse," said Dad on day two of our recent vacation to Turks and Caicos. I quickly responded with, "It couldn't be much better." To which he chimed back, "...but it could be worse." 

We were both right. It could have been worse...we could have been at work back in Alabama where the weather was around 40 degrees. But it really couldn't have been much better. I mean, this conversation took place here:

The most clear water and softest sand ever. 

 See what I mean? 

From the edge of the pool, overlooking a dining patio and then the beach.

This was our first vacation alone since Mr. B arrived. I missed him every day, especially when I saw the other kiddos that were staying at our resort. But let me be honest, while I missed him I was glad he wasn't there. 

We have arrived!

We slept in, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, sat on the beach watching the turquoise water roll in, took long walks in the velvety sand, sipped on adult beverages over an extended lunch, napped by the pool, toasted ourselves at the hotel bar before venturing out for dinner, noshed on local grilled lobster, slipped on the bedroom slippers left for us by the turn down service before enjoying the chocolate placed on the bed. Repeat that for five days and you will feel like a new person. And even appreciate your opinionated and rapidly growing toddler for the amazing little human that he is. 

Beach bar at its best.

Our favorite lunch spot - The Somewhere Cafe

Most importantly, Dad and I got to spend some uninterrupted time together and make memories. I won't say that we needed it, we are lucky to have a fantastic support system of family members who actually ask to babysit so we can have date night. But it was really great to have. Whether we were talking about how life has changed in the past year, debating whether to have a pina colada or gin and tonic, or sitting in silence staring at the scenery, it was a nice reminder that we have each other and are in it together. And we are fortunate enough to really like it that way.   

The other side of the pool from the water-side bed.

The resort was beautiful at night, complete with Christmas lights!

After a trek to lunch, enjoying the walk and the company. 

Location: Turks and Caicos

Resort: The Regent Palms

Favorite Restaurants:

Somewhere Cafe & Lounge

Mr. Grouper's Restaurant

Le Bouchon

Mango Reef

Bay Bistro

The Rise of Super Dad

I was raised by two wonderful, hands-on, loving parents. My mom stayed at home after my younger sister was born while my dad worked hard to support the family. My dad changed diapers, got up in the middle of the night, and held us at dinner so my mom could enjoy her meal. My dad went to swim meets, piano recitals, dance recitals, gymnastics meets and everything in between. This is what I was used to and this is what I expected from Adam (now Dad). 

What I didn't expect was the unique dynamic that comes with a new baby. The past year has been a process that has changed our lives and relationship more than I imagined. For me, becoming a mother happened instantly. The second I saw B lying on my chest, looking all squishy and gross, I knew what I needed to do. When I didn't know what to do, I moved forward acting like I did. This is just kind of how I do most things in life...personally and professionally. 

About an hour after B's arrival. 

I feel like for men things happen differently. The foreign object that was just removed from the body of their significant other is now screaming and flailing attempting to comprehend the sensory overload that has just taken place. Nurses are scurrying about tending to Mom and Baby while Dad is left trying to get a glimpse of the new life he helped create. What ensues in the following months is difficult to describe and, I would imagine, differs wildly from one father to the next. 

Perfecting the football hold. 

Look at that sweet face.

 Our journey into parenthood has had its ups and downs. But the one thing I never doubted was Dad's ability. Three months after B was born, I had to travel to L.A. for work. Dad handled B just fine, despite his own nerves. Most every morning, we pack up B and Dad gets him to daycare. Most every night, Dad washes and prepares B's bottles for the next day, after he washes our dishes from dinner; he then cleans the entire kitchen and picks up the toys strewn throughout the house. 

Closely supervising tummy time.

This weekend I attended my sister's bachelorette party. Dad and B had a boys weekend - dinner with Grandpa Friday night, Dad got to golf with friends on Saturday thanks to my brave girl friends who managed three babies, B and Dad washed up then headed to a dinner with friends on Saturday night, then brunch on Sunday before I got home. 

The Super Dads and their boys before golf.

By the time I got home, B and Dad were waiting and everyone was happy. Dad didn't seem frazzled, there were no weekend mishaps, and we enjoyed a nice evening and early bed time. 

I don't want to provide a false sense of ease...life is not always easy. We have had our ups and downs as parents, but we have grown, adapted and overcome. Dad is amazing; he has the desire and ability to make B a happy, well-adjusted child. More importantly, Dad has the desire and ability to make me the happiest Mom and wife. 

Let's be honest, Dad is MUCH funnier than Mom.

Cheers to all the Super Dads who change diapers in the car because there is no changing table, who eat cold food because the baby decided the high chair was no longer comfy, and who strap on the diaper bag and sport that burp cloth. But let's not forget the private times when you let us cry on your shoulder, bring us a glass of wine in the bath, and remove our hair from the fist of a handsy infant. 

Did you pack the Vaseline?

"When can we take him places?" was the second question we asked Dr. Redmond at Pediatrics East. "Get out," she said, "it's good for mom and baby." 

I once read that every time you leave the house with an infant you feel like you are about to leave for the airport. 

"Do we have everything?" "Did you get the blanket?" "I only have one burp cloth, should I bring another?" "Where is the thing that sucks out his nose?" "Wait, turnaround, I forgot an extra hat!" "Shit, I only have one bottle of hand sanitizer."

Getting out of the car is just as exciting. 

What goes first? You can't leave the baby in the car, but do you put the carrier on the concrete while you get the stroller? How do you push a stroller and a grocery cart? Do you take the stroller in everywhere? Should the baby stay in the carrier while we eat? Will the carrier fit on the table, or maybe in the booth? 

This isn't even close to all the questions and scenarios we went through. People wanting to touch, hold and talk to the baby is an entirely other post. 

But out we went...

At two weeks old, we took B to Slice and a Barons game.

Week 2: View from the outfield.

When B was three weeks old, we went to the Fox and the Hound for a Saints game. 

Week 3: Aunt Lala holding B at Fox and the Hound.

After our weekly breastfeeding support group at St. Vincent's we would visit some fun places in Birmingham. 

Week 4: Visit to Red Cat Coffee and Hop City after breastfeeding class.

As soon as we could muster the courage to travel, we headed to Gulfport to meet Gigi (my G-ma). Needless to say, she thinks her great grandson is pretty spectacular. 

Week 7: B is listening to Gigi tell him he would look better in crimson.

And to celebrate B's eight week birthday, we went to Breakin' Bread at Railroad Park. This is one of our favorite events in Birmingham because it features food from restaurants across the city and lots of WINE. 

Week 8: Dad looking like a pro, sampling some food and wine.

Date Night Dinner, hold the vomit

To save money and spend more time with B, Dad and I like to have dinner at home on the weekends. But it has to be something good...we eat a lot of chicken and vegetables during the week so we need a change of pace. Last Friday I went to Publix with nothing particular in mind. Luckily they had New York Strips on sale. Couple those with some little rose potatoes, asparagus, a quick salad, some wine and we have a Date Night Dinner! 

I use DAK's spices in almost every meal I cook. They make awesome blends that are SALT FREE and the owners live here in Birmingham! The steaks were seasoned up with some DAK's Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pepper and Steakhouse blends. I also added a pinch of kosher salt.

Yummmmm. Sophie was jealous. 

For the potatoes, I added 1-2 tbsp. of Herb Oil (also made in Birmingham). This stuff is good enough to drink and really great with bread or any other starch. I also added some Herbes de Provence because it is Dad's favorite. We wrapped these up in foil and threw them on the Weber with the steaks and asparagus (not shown). 

Mini potatoes are cute and fun to eat!

B joined us for dinner, as he usually does, but wasn't feeling his green beans so I tried some Yo-Baby yogurt. Evidently he was trying to tell me he wasn't hungry because he proceeded to projectile vomit on my house slippers. We learn something new every day. 

Friday's Lesson: all high chairs should have wheels. I missed the second projectile by inches thanks to my quick reaction and our spiffy rolling high chair. 

"MA, NO MORE FOOD!" said B in his OXO Seedling high chair provided by G-pa Steiner.

Needless to say, bath time was quickly followed by ice cream for Mom. Good thing Publix had a Haagen-Dazs BOGO!

Patience Saved...for now.

I am a patient person. Ask Dad and he will agree. This week B tested my patience and he won. With a nasty cold and 102 fever, antibiotics and a Tylenol/Motrin cocktail were in order. That is at the least four doses of medicine per day. Medicine could be made of candy and kids wouldn't want it which makes the house a war zone around medication time. Until today when I discovered a forgotten purchase - The Medicator. I think I bought it at The Dollar Tree a month ago knowing B would need some sort of medication again soon. 

When I found it in the cabinet I immediately ripped it open, thoroughly cleaned it and loaded it with amoxicillin. Now listen here, it was down in 30 seconds. Then I put some infant Motrin in...20 seconds and gone. B will wisen up soon but for now I will enjoy.

Having a baby changes everything and changes you as a person. While I may be a bit less patient, Dad has learned some patience. It has been a wild seven months. Needless to say we have learned a lot but have so much more to go.

The Medicator by Munchkin. Today's lifesaver.

Thankfully, mom has her own medicator known as wine. 

Chicago October 2012, PB (pre B) at Au Cheval. Best cheeseburger ever...

Tidbit Tuesday - Bottle Brush

Since becoming parents, we have discovered a few tricks. Some make life easier, some have grown out of necessity and others are just plain funny. This piece of advice covers all three. 

Dad discovered early on that the bottle brush comes in handy for cleaning wine glasses! We go through a lot of bottles and a lot of wine glasses and Dad does most of the dishes so any streamlining of the process is a plus. 

Bottles for everyone...who says men can't multitask? 

We like the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle Brush. It's got a nipple brush that fits in to the handle and a suction cup on the end so you don't have to just lay the brush in the sink. 

Handy and inexpensive.