Santa Cruz Vacation

It's been awhile since the last post, but we've been busy! Luke and I went to Santa Cruz for 2 1/2 weeks for a whirlwind visiting extravaganza! Forrest was popping in every now and then as work would allow. We got to meet all kinds of friends and family. It was truly great to see everyone, and for the few of you that we missed, hopefully our schedules will align next time we are in town. Leighla (the dog) also came along and enjoyed the *mostly *cool CA weather and running free at the beach! Of course we thought we were escaping the hot and humid Houston summer only to land right before a heat wave and unseasonable weather - 102 degrees and a thunderstorm?!?! That never happens in SC! Luke had fun meeting Great Grandpa Gil and Great Grandma Helen, Great Grandpa Will and Granny Joan, all his great aunts and uncles, and great, great aunties, too! Plus all his cousins and friends! Of special note are the other babies -- 3rd cousin Jayden who is 3 weeks older, and friend Sadie, who is 5 days older! (Oddly enough they were all about 3 1/2 weeks earlier than expected!) Luke got a good taste of Santa Cruz (and according to Aunt Nancy it was a bit much for his young GI system), dining at great eats such as Zachary's, Hoffman's, Jalapenos, and El Palomar. Mom and Dad also got away to celebrate Forrest's 10th high school reunion - we had fun showing off pictures of our cutie pie! And of course Nana and Grandpa just couldn't get enough of the little tyke. The trip flew by and was over too soon, but it truly was wonderful!

Luke is now almost 3 months old and is smiling all the time! He is also starting to giggle, it's so cute! Slowly but surely his is sleeping longer and longer, often making it from 9pm until 4-5am, and going right back to sleep after he gets a quick meal. He is such a happy baby, such a joy to be around. And now that I'm getting more sleep on a regular basis I'm a happy mom, too. =) I've also started back at work this past week, it was difficult to leave Luke but he was home with Forrest so that made it much easier. It does feel good to be back at work, and luckily I'm only going back part-time.