FIRSTS: Hawaiian Vacation

This is my second attempt at this post... For some reason the first one did not save :(

This year, Katie and I turned 30 so my parents wanted all us kids to go to Maui to celebrate. These plans had been made prior to considering I would have a newborn baby during this time. I decided that I would still plan on going since I would be off work anyways (maternity leave) and Chris and I had talked about not wanting to stop doing things just because we had a baby.

The first few days ended up being a girls trip because the Chris's were coming a few days later and then my Dad was scheduled to arrive a few days after that.

High five durig FaceTime with Grandpa

Jim and Janie had been in Hawaii the week before Katie, Bennett and I had arrived. As a present to us (as well as contributing to the future Wheeland Grandkids who would vacation there) they bought a bouncer and a pack and play. This SAVED us! Bennett is a baby that prefers to be held so this is really the only way we were able to all eat at the same time. He also took many naps in this bouncer.

Lava flows!

Bennett had the life! This is his "go to" ride. Car seat + personal fan = happy baby

Lazy mornings

Bennett loves his binkie, so Katie would always say "plug it up!"

I was so paranoid about Bennett being in the sun. This was our first walk down to the ocean/beach right before sunset. He was out in the sun as long a it took to take these 3 photos and then back in my shaded stroller and under the blanket he went!

From this selfie you can tell he is not used to the sun! So bright!

This was the morning after the boys arrived

Daddy love!

Morning Grandpa arrived! This was the second time Bennett was in the sun - grandpa took him for a walk around the pool. They both look so happy in this picture!

 Shuffle board! This game got surprisingly competitive.

Katie had made some chocolate seashells so we all walked down to the water to take some photos. She displayed them on a plate that looked like a leaf and put it in the sand. I thought it would look nice to put the plate closer to the water and Katie about had a heart attach thinking her chocolates were going to get wet!

 New parent selfie!

Photoshoot

This is what it looks like when you want to go to the pool - with a baby. Sitting under a huge umbrella - taking turns so I could go in the water. Thanks Uncle Cupcake for taking a turn!

Thirtieth birthday celebration! My mom is so creative!

Beer cozies of weddings past!

 It was really overcast one day - so we had some time on the grass - he really seemed to enjoy this!

First family portrait of 3

Moose Magilacuties (I know I didn't spell that right!)

Katie had been asking to do this with Bennett since we first got into town. Every time before this, Bennett was asleep so finally we were able to make this happen!  Katie - you are such a fun Aunt!

So little!

Boche ball! Chris and I lost... My mom and Dad won. I think there was cheating going on... Even though I don't think you can cheat at that kind of game! I had determined my mom is a Shark - she pretends to not be good - but then my dad a her ended up winning!!!

 Bennett joined me in the baby carrier.

First trip to the beach with a baby!

It was so windy so Bennett ende up being wrapped under two towels to prevent the sand from getting in - and also to keep he flies from biting!

My dad and I (Bennett came too but I was carrying him in the baby carrier) took a walk down the beach. This is what we found... Both dead but I had to document it!

FrontBack at its finest!

I so badly wanted to get a photo of Chris and Bennett while we was wearing this outfit... But it never happened so I settled for one of just Bennett.

My parents - still love birds - enjoying the last day in Maui

We had a great trip! We all (minus my Chris who had to get back to work) flew to Las Vegas for our cousins Maddie's wedding!  

Cupcake was such a champ! He insisted on carrying all my bags and one of Katie's! What a gentleman!

Twin selfie with ABC Store hats!

Interesting book for sale at the airport

My mom arranged for them to sit net to Katie and I on the plane so they could help with the baby if need be. It was nice to have us all so close - like old times. Poor cupcake sat 10 rows back :(

 Cuddle bug!

Drinking wine and holding a baby

Momma and baby. I love when he is cuddly like this!

Grandpa holding Bennett

 It really was a great trip. Different than other trips because of the baby but I am totally glad I ventured out and didn't let the fear of traveling with a newborn hold me back! 

Next stop - Las Vegas!

I'm two months old!

This is the first photo where I think he looks somewhat like me

Weight: 11lbs 4 oz

Favorite Toy: A bouncer - he is becoming more able to entertain himself. This has been a lifesaver for us - beig able to put him down. He still prefers to be held but does pretty good in a bouncer. When we were in Tucson - Auntie Kim an Uncle Brian let us use their bouncer which had lights and noise that worked when he kicked his feet. He really enjoyed that!

Favorite Activity: Having someone sing to him. Current favorite is "blue bird." I love theatrics song was sung to babies as far back as my great Grandma Hansen. 

Milestone: Mimicing facial expressions. In the morning he is super smiley. I started to realize he was coping my expression so I tried sticking my tongue out and so did he! This is my favorite part of our day! Also - all in the last month he has been to New York, Maui, Las Vegas, and Tucson. Been on 6 airplanes with the longest flight being 11 hours. Slept in  6 different beds. Played in 3 different bouncers.  Met countless relatives and friends. Attended 1 wedding. Been in 4 different taxis (which was a HUGE fear of mine. Who this ahead of time about how car seats work in cabs?!) He is a champ! Grandma Wheeland (Christine) keeps saying that he is an amazing baby in public (and has his meltdowns in private (which I guess is the way I would want it to be!)

Dislikes: When he doesn't get his way - right away. As you know we have done A LOT of traveling lately and when he gets hungry he wants to eat NOW! On the plane this happened and I was looking for the last bottle of pumped milk that I had in my bag... When I finally found it and put it to his lips he immediately shut up - and I heard giggles from the passengers on the plane. He always does this! He seems inconsolable and then he will stop just like that! 

The way he is looking at Chris melts my heart!

we were trying so hard to get a smile for this month!

This is the way he looks at me all the time.  I call this the "i can't believe you are my mom" look.  I imagine this look will get worse as he gets older! :)

Both the girls were very interested in our photo shoot this month

8 weeks and 1 day old

May the 4th (be with you), Bennett turned 8 weeks old. Earlier in the week I took him by my parents office and he was weighed and measured. 

At birth: 

             6lbs 14oz

             19.5 inches

At 7 weeks 4 days:

             11lbs 5oz

              25 inches

I will do his official 2 month post once I get back to Virginia but I wanted to jot down a few milestones that have happened in the last week.

He started really smiling. Smiles from interacting - not just gas.

He also started to mimic your expressions - with the most obvious being if you stick your tongue out - so will he. He gets so excited when you praise him!

I am falling more in love every day!