Nathaniel joined us on December 29, 2009. His arrival just over an hour into his due date suggests he will have the attention to detail we expect of Salty Dog crew members. He also has an amiable, easygoing nature just like Captain Mark. Honestly, though, we'd keep him on just for cute factor.
This was taken Christmas eve (at 39 weeks.) Don't let the hat fool you; baby Nate is head down and ready to go. We were glad to get through housesitting and Christmas, plus a few last-minute errands, but are now quite eager to make his acquaintance.
We are house- and petsitting this week at the beach. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. The three shihtzapoo's and one pug need us-to feed them promptly, do potty detail (which involves fending off the coprophagic pug who summons impressive speed/agility) and provide frequent cuddles and the occasional ball throw.
Since the dogs are adorable, and the house and setting magnificent, we eagerly signed up for this week, despite the impending arrival of baby Nate. We live a mile away and are completely packed for the hospital; what could happen, right? Well, a blizzard could (and did) happen.
We had a much different storm than did our inland neighbors-winds of 30 knots (gusting to 40) but much less snow accumulation as a result. As of Sunday morning, we have about a foot, compared to two feet in Annapolis and Northern Virginia . The winds Saturday morning:
So we are snowed in (although pretty sure the Jeep could make it out in a pinch) and making the most of it-pj's and sweats, lots of warm drinks/eats, Christmas music, wireless internet, roaring fire, snoring pug, etc.
Do you think the boy will have enough shoes? I bought only three of these (two of which were secondhand.) The rest are from family and friends. We have been similarly blessed in the clothing, toy, and baby gear departments. I have been book shopping for years, and got more great books as shower gifts, so we're good there, too.
To be sure, we are grateful not to have to spend a fortune on new everything, but the outpouring of love and support for this little man (who isn't even here yet) has been the best gift of all.
Andrea, Rick, and Wesley came for a visit this weekend, bringing these amazing gifts for baby Nate:
Rick built this bookrack, duplicating a pricey one we had fallen in love with in a catalog. And he and Andrea lovingly refinished this gorgeous wooden highchair.
But best of all, we got playtime (and cuddle time) with Mr. Wesley!
I can't see the actual evidence, but the caption says it all!
Does anyone else think his profile looks like Linus from Peanuts?
High five!
And the bump (at 21 weeks) for those that have requested it.
He's kicking up a storm, after the first flutters (felt aboard the boat at 20 weeks.) Thanks to generous family and friends, we already have a surprising amount of gear and clothes. We are working hard on the nursery, figuring that I might as well make the most of the second-trimester energy.
Wesley's first birthday had a cars and trucks theme. Andrea (with help from team YKI) did a great job, as always, with inventive decorations and activities for kids and kids-at-heart alike.
The bounce house adjacent to the picnic tent, and the car activity mat.
Wes enjoyed the bounce house, and hang time with cousin Riley and half-brother Dylan.
The Jeep cake Andrea decorated for Wes (before)
(during)
(after cleanup)
Everyone else had the chance to decorate individual car/truck cakes, and then it was present time.
Rick shows Wes how to make the motorized ATV go.
All sugared up after cake, Wes did several laps up the stairs, with Shannon and Mark spotting.
