Week 15

This was a big week for the George family, characterized by a lot of firsts...

It was his first time holding hands with his future girlfriend, Nora. Nora and him have something special going on (they think Ryan and I don't know).

It was his first time in the jumperoo. He couldn't quite figure it out because his feet just barely missed the floor. He seemed to enjoy himself when I made him bounce up and down in it, and I even noticed his legs starting to move in the "jump" motion.

This is Mindi and Jasmine. While Hunter is quite the ladies man, Jasmine is more interested in Wilder, another young man in the play group.

While not a first, he sure does look adorable when he sleeps in our bed. He is most comfortable on his side and has no problem turning from his back to his side. Strong and smart!

I think he was giving us his best "Aren't I cute? Please pick me up" face. This was in the morning, after a bath and before his first flight!
Here we are, getting ready to board the airplane for Hunter's first airplane ride and first trip out of state. He is obviously not as excited about it as I am.
Here we are on the plane!
Upon arriving in Seattle we had dinner with our good friend Kaew. I am riding the pig "Rachel" and Kaew is thinking I am crazy.


Brian and Kaew on their first date. I chaperoned. Hunter slept in his stroller (not pictured).

Then Brian and I went for a ride on Rachel. She gave us one heck of a good time ;-P
The next day we got ready for breakfast and a walk around town before heading to Bainbridge. This would be Hunter's first trip to the fish market and first time on a drive-on ferry.
The famous Seattle market
Brian holding Hunter at the dock to get to Bainbridge

Here we are before our ferry ride.

Upon finding the park (after an hour drive around the island of Bainbridge), we found Alexa and let her visit with the little guy. She was getting excited about her impending nuptuals.
Here we are at the beautiful Fay Bainbridge park
Here we are at the hotel. The sound was so calm and peaceful.
Hunter and Daddy are taking in the sites.


Mommy is holding Hunter close and enjoying the greenery

Look at the "V" sign! I knew he was born to be a Trojan! He did that himself, I swear.
Mommy is sooooo silly.
Such a CUTE face!
In the play yard. He's looking like a happy little guy.



Here we are at the wedding. It would have been outside in this beautiful setting, right on the sound. Instead (it was pouring) it was inside, but still gorgeous.

Brian and Josh pose like Mr. GQ. Josh moved to India 5 years ago so we don't see him much.
The happy couple :-)
Mommy and Hunter at the wedding
Our name tags. I liked the color scheme of purple and green.

With the beautiful bride!


Brian and Alexa: Mr. and Mrs. Huggins

Mommy and Hunter's first dance (another first). It was strange to think that one day we'll be dancing at his wedding!
Their first dance.
Mommy and Hunter were exhausted after a long night out! i think we made it until 9:30!! Haha.

On Monday morning we returned home via ferry, plane and car. This is the ferry we took to get back to Seattle from Bainbridge.Here we are on our way home. Returning home, I felt at peace with the whole vacation. Actually, i felt at peace with a lot more than that... I have made the decision (with Brian's help and support) to take a leave of absence from my Ph.D. program. I don't think I'll go back, but I know for sure that I'm taking a leave. It sounds like a dream come true to spend the days going to the gym, visiting with friends and, of course, loving the little one. I am truly lucky to be able to stay home and have a very supportive husband who just wants me to be happy. Look where I live! Why wouldn't I want the freedom to walk on the beach with my little one and my new friends? Life is wonderful. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am, but days like today - when the sun is shining and the water is blue - that I am reminded of my good fortune in life.
And look at this face!! Who wouldn't want to stay home with him? (His shirt says "Chick Magnet")

Week 14 and Coronado with the Grandparents!

What an exciting week we had. After our anniversary on Wednesday, the week passed quickly. We went to visit Daddy at work. Hunter is sitting at the table, waiting for Daddy to play with him. When he failed to come back, Hunter moved into Daddy's chair. Look what a powerful little man!
We played in bed. He turned over several more times, from tummy to back but has yet to go from back to tummy.
This is his favorite new toy. They're very trendy down here in Manhattan Beach. Now that he is reaching and grabbing for things, you can see his tight little grip on this ball.
Daddy is holding Hunter while he sleeps. Both are cute!
On Saturday we had some family friends over for a BBQ and swimming. Hunter was exhausted before it even began.

Allie and Ben eating burgers at the swim-up bar.
I love the way our little man looks as he falls asleep. Pictures can't possibly capture how much we adore him. By the way, at our gym I keep hearing stories about how cute our baby is. Not only do the women who work in the gym come in to visit him, but the men and other parents also come to visit. One Dad went in and dropped off his son. After seeing Hunter he (reportedly) went nuts and decided he wants another baby! Also, the photographer who took our professional photos has asked if she could feature Hunter on her website. Of course I said "yes", but when you go to her website he is one of 2 main pictures on the site! In her galleries there are several more pictures of him (www.blueberryskyphotography.com)
We went to Coronado with Grandma and Grandpa and stayed at the beautiful Hotel Del Coronado. Here we are just after arriving...
This is Hunter's very first time having his little feet in the sand.

I think he liked it!! Yay for our little beach baby!

Daddy is holding Hunter as he looks a tiny bit Grumptastic...
Hunter falls asleep in his favorite position at the dinner table. He's recently decided that he HATES Being put down, so I need to hold him almost constantly. I'm not complaining though, I adore him!
Grandpa is holding him at breakfast.
Brian and Susie at breakfast.


Hunter had a mini photoshoot on the bed. He was in a very smiley mood.

And then he gave us his best surprised face.
Followed by an amazing smile - you can even see his little dimple!
Daddy and I went for a walk later in the day. Hunter was asleep, so the stroller is featured.




This is the view from the walking path by the ocean. It's a breathtaking hotel and it sure is a historical landmark.

Hunter, as usual, was exhausted and fell asleep in bed.


Grandma and Grandpa before dinner with baby Hunter. He's looking interested in something else...probably a leaf or something. The 5 of us on our first family vacation with the little one.




The little family.

And again, at dinner.
And again, at the wine/chocolate/cheese bar. Note the outfit change. Hunter was SUPPOSED to be sleeping, but instead he is awake and partying in his pjs.
At the wine bar - enology.
Hunter FINALLY asleep in Mommy's arms...his favorite place to sleep these days.


Little man sleeping in an uncomfortable lookin position. He's a stomach sleeper and REALLY doesn't like being on his back. So long as I can watch him I don't mind him sleeping on his tummy. He often sleeps in bed with me on his side (another favorite position).

Grandma with Hunter this morning.
Tonight, after getting home, going to the gym, getting the puppies, making dinner, cleaning up dinner, doing laundry and unpacking, Hunter is wide awake. I think I need toothpicks to keep my eyes open, so I am off to bed.
Tomorrow I go to Cal State Long Beach, where I am now a "professor" of the History of Psychology. This is the first course I will teach and I'm incredibly excited. I'm wondering what Hunter will do while I'm teaching, he'll either go with his Daddy to work or we will get a babysitter and bring her with me to class. We'll figure it out I suppose. On Thursday I am going to run some errands and unwind before heading to Seattle on Friday. Yay for Alexa and Brian getting married!!!