Spring Break, Part 2, Palm Springs

Phase two of our Spring Break vacation was 4 nights in Palm Springs at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort. Toby and Steve joined us for this part of the trip (retirement suits them, and their travel!). We found a good deal on a 2 bedroom villa which gave us a living room and a large outdoor area with hot tub. Having the villa meant we could hang out at home base but not feel cooped up in a hotel room. The outdoor space was fantastic!

This trip marked Claire's first time in a swimming pool. She enjoyed lots of cuddle time with Mana & Papa and some great fresh air naps.

Claire loves bath time anyway, but this was even better because of the giant mirror!

The scenery is amazing. Matt and Steve played two rounds of golf on what they say are two of the most beautiful courses they've ever played.

Concerned look as she enters the pool. The water is not quite as warm as her baths!

A bunch of girls, age 6-8 I'd guess, were fascinated by Claire. At one point, we were surrounded by them.

After all the swimming, it was time to nap. Toby walked her around as she slept, noting that the bathing suit's hood made a great sleep mask. Perhaps we should always dress her in hoodies to block the stimuli.

I like vacation!

Ok, who put on this diaper?

Cozy after her second day of swimming

Saying her goodbyes - just 4 weeks until the next visit!

Steve's photos of the trip can be found here.

Portraits with Mana & Papa

We couldn't let Toby & Steve head home without some family photos!

Tummy Time with Papa

Steve bonded with his granddaughter with some tummy time.

Toby's Magic Touch

Toby and Steve arrived in time to meet Claire and help us as my parents headed home. Toby, or Mana as she's called by Aileen and Jack, really had the magic touch getting Claire to settle in for a long nap. I just can't seem to replicate her method!

Sunapee wanted in on it, so he snoozed on her feet.

Claire, 11 Days Old

Taking inspiration from many other new parents, I'll endeavor to take a series of photos of Claire with the same object to show her growth. I can't guarantee any regularity of these, but I'll try!

The object of choice for scale is an elephant made by my crafty mom some time early in my life. She made the elephant for me and a hippopotamus for Betsy out of my dad's worn out Wranglers.

So, to start the series, here is Claire at 11 days old. She is donning her going-home-from-the-hospital outfit, which already fits better and won't fit at all soon.

Grandpa Jud and His Granddaughters

My dad arrived Sunday night for his quality time with Claire (and the rest of us).

First Big Outing

The big outing of the weekend was a walk around Fort Funston with the whole crowd and Sunapee. It was a beautiful day and the big waves that allowed the Mavericks surf competition to take place were still roaring in. It was nice to get some sun, fresh air and some exercise (especially for Sunapee) and to get out of the house.

Meeting Aunt Betsy, Cousin Lauren and Uncle Evan

Betsy and Evan had a 4 day weekend for Presidents' Day, so they planned a quick visit to San Francisco. Betsy and Lauren drove north Friday and Evan flew up Saturday after baseball.

At 5 months old and 16 lbs, Lauren seems so big compared to Claire at 8 days and 5 lb 15 oz (her weight as of Tuesday 2/9). Lauren seemed to enjoy studying her cousin and Betsy kept exclaiming that holding Claire felt like holding a balloon.

Group tummy time.

Cuddling

Claire had lots of cuddle time with Grandma Cindy. Here she's kept warm wrapped in a blanket made in the '70s by my grandma, Winnie Taber.

Tummy Time

Claire blends in with her blanket during tummy time. Thanks to Grandma Cindy for these pink duds - the gender neutral clothing is quickly becoming a minority. Claire will be well dressed in hand-me-downs from cousins Lauren and Aileen.