North Carolina

Today we woke up and left Nana and Pa's after a fabulous week in HHI. It was very sad to say goodbye, but we are already looking forward to next year. It is so funny to think that when the little tyke showed up a week ago he was just starting to crawl, but since then he has really taken off. He is scooting across the room in two seconds. He really enjoyed the loaned walker and has since taken a liking to holding onto our fingers and walking across rooms, hotels, parking lots, you name it. He is a mover. He has also since fell in love with table food. A big week! Not to mention, all of the love he has been showered has really brought out the best in this guy.

So, we sadly left HHI but embarked on our new journey. A one-week trip cross-country (south to north that is) home. Somehow this seemed like a good idea a few months ago, when the kiddo was basically immobile and slept a ton. Yesterday, I kept thinking, what did I do? Today was the worst of the entire trip, a 6 hour leg to Chapel Hill, NC.

Leaving, no problem. Morning nap in the car, fine. Lasted an hour an a half, what more could we ask? A few minutes of happiness, followed by a few minutes of crankiness, and then it was time to stop at his favorite, the Cracker Barrel. Lovely lunch where J makes friends with anyone to his right (he keeps turning that way - nothing we can do can make him face us). Then, some "walking" in the parking lot. Back in the car only to be met immediately with an awful traffic jam. 1/2 hour of no fun whatsoever, screaming crying child, Grammie fighting her way to the backseat, and we had gone 1 mile... The GPS then took us away from 95 and onto backroads, with three hours left, to Chapel Hill. We knew this was not the best plan, but better than the road construction. So, off we went. He only napped a total of 20 minutes for this 3-hour leg, and it was rough. But it could have been worse and we got through it. We kept him interested with toys, baby Mum Mums and lots of chatter. We made it, eventually.

In the hotel, Marriott - and cannot say enough good things. I brought the kiddo in and the guy at the front desk was able to find us a suite. So, my mom and I are comfortably in the living room area now with a glass of wine and DWTS - while the kiddo is sleeping in the next room. After we checked in, we immediately got ready and off we went to visit Uncle Tom and Aunt Terrie in Galloway Ridge at Fearrington Village. A really, really nice retirement community. They treated us to a great dinner. And, J flirted with all of the ladies. He is a ladies man. We did not get back until 9 though... so I wonder what this will do for his sleep tonight... We shall see!

Tomorrow off to DC by way of Richmond... The second toughest leg, wish us luck! I hope to get some shots in too..