Baths and Busy Days!

Boy, oh, boy has the Ballou pack been busy since my last post. Some highlights:

First, up I went back to work.  (ok, technically not a highlight, but a major event nonetheless). And...'Nough said about that.

Second, Cousin Erik (the trained chef) brought over a fantastic homemade meal of pork tenderloin, green beans, roasted potatoes, and Uncle Ron's Lemon Meringue Pie. Ahhh....food coma. Of course, E didn't get to eat any of it directly, but I think his dinner tasted especially good that night because he slept like a champ.

Third, while I was at work (boo) Oma, Nana, Papa, and Lisa took E to his first winery. Yep, yep, we start 'em out young.

Fourth, E's umbilical cord fell off! Meaning he got his first (non-sponge) bath! There were six adults crammed into one tiny bathroom with one infant tub, three cameras, and a baby. Like a true Ballou, he loved the water. The only peep we heard out of him was when it was bath time was over. The dogs waited patiently in the hall, wondering what all the commotion was about.

Fifth, once all squeaky clean, the Ballou pack headed up to Mountain View for their Ala Carte and Art fest. Then it was up to Coyote Point (close to SFO) for E's first hike. We strapped him into the Baby Bjorn and took off through the Eucalyptus groves. With a quick stop for appetizers at Uncle Ron / Aunt Vicki's, we headed to Oma / Opa's for a fantastic dinner. Phew. What a fun day. We managed our first two public diaper changes and feedings without a hitch.

Tomorrow is going to be sad 'cause Nana & Papa are leaving for New Mexico again. It's been such a treat to have them helping and playing with us. Though, I've got a feeling they won't be able to stay away from E (or the dogs) for too long...