the trip

Reporting here from our "camp" in Maine, a beautiful lake home surrounded by loons, lush green forests and farmhouses with stone walls and natural perrenial gardens. Our flight out of o'hare went probably as smoothly as possible it was almost a tad strange - we pulled up at curbside check in and saw the massive 100 person line and then looked at one of the workers and he said, "would you like the v.i.p. service?" to which Eddie eagerly responded, "yes." It consisted of not having to wait in any lines and being escorted through priority...not sure how we managed to get such royal treatment but it made us want to travel with a baby all the time. Eddie did really good on the flight. Of course he loved the commotion of the airport and after a little boob, fell asleep on the plane right after take over for about 30 minutes. The rest of the flight he truly was a "lap child" and stayed contently in our laps playing with his books and chewing on toys. The only struggle he had was with landing - I tried to offer him some boob, bottle and a chew toy but he didn't want any of it. All in all, he was a very good boy and I was surprised and impressed that he did not want to squirm away and crawl all around. I, on the other hand, was a mess - felt nausous and had to use the bathroom like three times and the fasten seat belt sign was on the whole flight because of bad turbulance. I guess it was all the nerves of traveling with the baby for the first time. I found myself using the labor breathing techniques to get through the flight.

We have been here on Lake Cobbossentee since Saturday evening and our place has been the beacon to which all the relatives have swarmed, so we have had visitors day and night. Eddie loves it. He has no stranger anxiety whatsoever and can be held by anyone. He loves watching the older cousins play and move about, and often tries to join them as they all climb the stairs or run around the deck. We have brought him into the water several times and he clings onto us pretty hard because the water is a tad cold...at least for babies. For me it is perfectly refreshing and brings me back to our childhood trips to Crivitz, WI. We have all enjoyed swimming and taking the jet ski out. More fun to be had as the next few days have in store for us a lobster bake party, a pool party and our trip to Portland where daytrips to coastal beaches are on the itinerary.