Nelsonblog

The Nelson's adventured out on their first family vacation!  We went to Michigan where the Nelson's have a family cottage at Bethany Beach not far off of Michigan Lake.

It took six suitcases for two adults and one child for five days.  Yep, I said six.  The cottage is somewhat rustic and I wasn't sure what accommodations we would have for Evan so I came prepared (and for those who know me – I am a planner!).  I had the pack n' play for him to sleep in, a portable high chair, bedding/blankets, plenty of clothing, food (grocery store was 15 miles away), and anything else I could think of to help keep my sanity during a two hour stay in an airport, a five hour flight, a three hour car ride and a five day vacation in a cottage with no air conditioning.  Though, we were very grateful to have the one room with a window fan – it helped keep the room cooled down.  For those who are wondering – did I use all the stuff we packed – I almost did in fact – so there!  I doesn't hurt to be prepared.  Especially when you have a 16 month old screaming at you!

  A few of the highlights of our trip.  Evan got to go to the beach for the first time.  He loved it.  He wasn't quite sure what to think about the water.  It wasn't until the last day that he would stay more then five minutes and play with me or Chris in it.  I actually had claw marks on my back the first day from Evan clinging to me for his dear life when we went into the water – it didn't help that the water was cold.  But as the days went on Evan got use to it and had more fun.  But what Evan really liked was the sand – he loved to play on it, run on it, dig in it, and EAT it!  Yep, it was tasty – well, at first.  And once he realized it wasn't so tasty it was too late!  He tried to scrape off the sand off his tongue but not realizing he was just dumping more sand into his mouth.  Chris and I just sat back for a moment and laughed (probably a cruel thing to do – but I was SO funny to watch his expression as he panicked trying to get the sand out off his mouth but it continued to multiple).  We did eventually dunk him in the water – but the water was cold and that started a whole set of other problems and tears!

Another wonderful highlight was Evan meeting his Uncle Cameron!  Evan had met his Uncle Noel and Grandpa Nelson last year when they came out to see us in California but this was the first meeting with Uncle Cameron.  It was very cute.  When we first arrived at the cottage – Cameron came out of the cottage quite quickly and appeared quite excited to see us – well, quite excited to see Evan.  He whisked Evan out of his car seat and began to walk away with him (I think he hugged Chris and me).  Evan and Cameron walked around and Cameron would point out things such as leafs on trees, branches, bugs, lights, objects, whatever he saw and explain them to Evan.  After they saw everything outside they proceeded inside and continued their exploration and discussion of the wondrous treasures inside.  I was very cute to watch them explore together and after their adventures they sat down and Cameron showed him his guitar – Cameron is a concert guitarist and very talented.  Evan was VERY impressed.  After the mini concert the two uncles, Chris and Evan all ventured down to the park and had fun on the swings and jungle gym.

Evan also had fun hanging out with his Grandpa!  It is sad that he doesn't get to see his Nelson family too much because they live in Germany but we were very fortunate to spend this time with them.  I recall one morning when I was feeding Evan and Grandpa walked into the room and Evan just smiled and was so excited to see his Grandpa awake.  Evan also liked to just sit with Grandpa and hang out with him – which is a rare thing for Evan because he is such a busy boy!  If he will sit with you it means he REALLY likes you.  

A big highlight for me on the last day I was carrying Evan out of the water – we had just spent some time playing and splashing in the water – and he fell a sleep in my arms.  I proceeded to the shore and sat in a beach chair and enjoyed the breeze off of the water and calmness of holding my son near.  Not too far off I could see Chris with his dad, brothers, and uncle – it warmed my heart to see Chris with his family and having a good time.  I know it is difficult on him being so far from his family and that he misses them terribly.  I was so happy to see him being happy.  Life was…I couldn't find the perfect word to feel the warm glow in the my heart.  I could feel Evan's breath on my neck and the warm glow of the son on my head – how rare and precious these moments are.  I hadn't held Evan sleeping in almost a year – at five months he had preferred sleeping in his crib already then being held so this was quite a treat to holding my boy – my big boy! Chris took a turn at holding our sleeping wonder (after 30 minutes my arms were tired out from holding our heavy weight!)

All in all, we had a good time.  It is quite an experience as a parent to watch your child experience things for the first time – to sit back and watch the wonderment and awe in his eyes.  There were times of stress – I won't lie – we aren't perfect by any means.  But looking back I am glad that we were able to get away and spend some time together. 

Evan the BEACH BUM!

Well,we have been quite busy this past month and haven't been writing much – but SO much is going on.  Evan is SO busy and keeps learning and growing.  A few of his recent accomplishments:

Teeth – his 3rd molar on the bottom right has cut through and the 4th molar on the bottom left is getting ready to come through – his gum is all swollen and he's been bitting everything and anything that he can to help releave the pain.  Poor guy.

Pointing – for the past few months Evan would wave his hand at something if he wanted it but now he has discovered the art of pointing with his index finder and folding in the rest of his fingers.  He has been very pleased with himself that he can point – he will wander around the family room and point at random things just for the sake of pointing.

Talking – Evan has been busy with rambeling, singing, whining different sounds.  He isn't quite speaking English yet but whatever language he is speaking – he is pretty good at it!  He picks up his toy cell phone and holds up to his mouth and just talks into it.  Pretty much anything with a flat surface (a book, a toy, his foot) he will hold up to his mouth and talk into it.  The doctor said his speech develoment is on track and right now Evan is developing his understanding of the language and simple instructions – the words will come in time.

Identifying objects – Evan is understanding that objects have words associated with them.  He is now able to identify the ball and when instructed to get the ball – he will pick it up and bring it to me.  We have played many games of fetch the ball.  Sometimes having a baby is like having a puppy dog – they fetch things, they whine and they make messes on the carpet!

Sleeping – Evan has been such a good boy!  His sleep patterns became so messed up with the move 5 months ago and he is now getting back to a more normal schedule.  He goes down between 8:30-9:00ish and is now sleeping through the night and wakes up around 7:30-8:00ish.  It has been heavenly – mommy and daddy have been able to have some time together at night and sleep through the night – I have missed sleeping!  

Climbing -  Evan likes to climb up on furniture and is able to climb on the couch now.  He likes to climb up and sit down by me or Chris and just hang out with us – or to beg for food if we are eating something.

Playing together – Evan enjoys having interaction with people and likes to keep me busy during the day.  He wears me out!  We play fetch, peak-a-boo, stack the blocks, hide under the blanket, tickle time, roll around time, laughing time.  Evan is great at also playing by himself and will sit in the corner and play his piano or with his toys.  But when he is ready for interaction he isn't shy in letting me know.  He also likes to just wander around the room and if there is an obstacle (such as a toy or box) he will walk around it multiple times and creates his own obstacle course and wanders about.

We are having fun as a family.  Evan is a busy boy and changing all the time – it is such a joy to watch him grow.  By no means is he a perfect child – he has his times of crying when he doesn't get his way and loves to go places he shouldn't – but overall he is a great kid.  Many people told us when we first had Evan that things would get easier and we would enjoy parenting – they were right.  The first few months of lack of sleep and not knowing what to do were hard and frustrating – but things have gotten so much easier and a lot more fun!  I enjoy being a mother and look forward to more adventures with my son (the good and even the not so good!) 

Chris' company had their summer party at the the Salt Lake's minor Baseball field – where the Bee's play.  Evan got to experience his first baseball game.  He sure enjoyed walking around carrying a baseball and meeting the mascot – the BEE.  At first he wasn't shy at all and poked the Bee in the head – but once the Bee character acknowledged Evan's presence Evan became more shy and tried to pull back more.  Overall, we had a real fun time.  Here are a few pics of our adventure.