Hawaii - Part I - The Beach

As mentioned, we spent 10 days in sunny and beautiful Oahu (well actually there was torrential downpour for 2 so there was only 8 days of sun). I took an abudance of photos so I thought the best way to break down our trip would be to discussed various aspects of it. The first post, and in my opinion the most important part of any warm, tropical vacation, is the beach.

Johanna (aka Grandma Cummings aka mom) rented an unbelievable two bedroom condo just a little south of Waikiki, right near Diamond Head. It is considered deemed the "Gold Coast" of Honolulu. The neighborhood had a couple of neighborhood beaches. The one we visited almost every day was called Sans Souci beach. It was a lovely place that had many friendly locals that we talked to about the culture and sights of Hawaii.

We also went up to the North Shore to check out all the beaches with the REALLY big waves and fearless surfers. It was pretty spectacular and something out of a movie to see the surfers dropping in on the waves without any hestiation. We also did the touristy Hanauma Bay (snorkling) and spent a morning at a beach in Waimanalo. Hawaii beaches lived up to the hype. Crystal blue waters, beautiful sand, warm weather, hot sun, and not crowded.

It took Mae a couple of days to warm up to wanting to be in the water. In fact, the first day she cried when the water touched her feet. However, after the first couple of days, we couldn't keep her out of the surf and wanting to get in the water.

Here are photos from Hawaiian beaches.

Mae's First Steps in Hawaiian sand.

Barefeet, shorts, and a t-shirt feel so good.

First night together on the beach.

First day in bathing suits. Mae is happy her dad is going to build her something in the sand.

At the North Shore.

Mae has warmed up to being in the water.

Mae just got dunked.

At Waimanalo

Merry Belated Christmas

Merry Belated Christmas! Peace on Earth! Joy to the World!

We were in Hawaii all last week (pictures and recap of our trip to paradise will be up soon) and spent Christmas Day traveling to Seattle. Even though, we missed Christmas morning, I was bound and determined to make sure Mae had a "true" Christmas morning, complete with Santa, homemade cinammon rolls, Christmas carols, and hanging in our PJ's all day. Pearson and I were little elves and set about getting everything ready for Santa's visit to our house on the 26th (instead of the 25th). We are fortunate as well that Mae has no idea about dates or Santa.

Mae was very good this year and Santa and our families went above and beyond what was necessary for one little, one year old. She got her own table and chairs. I will say they provide her a great amount of joy but they also provide many tears and yelps for help (she has many accidents on them and some times has difficulty getting onto them). She got an awesome tea set, cake stand, puzzles, books, a lego bus, baby legs, arts and crafts supplies, money, a stuffed cat and pig, and a kazoo. And of course, I let Mae open one gift on Christmas Day. We decided to select the gift from Aunt Heather, Uncle Matt, Will, and Luke. You will see from below she got a baby! Needless to say, I am a little concerned that the baby is going to have to go everywhere with us.

Most importantly, we were blessed to have each other, our health, the love of our family and friends this holiday season -- the gift that matters the most.

December 25th - Mae spies the baby through the plastic

Mae hugging the Baby.

Santa came!

Here Comes Santa

Today, Mae and I took part in a Christmas tradition - going to visit Santa Claus. Mae's friend Lucy, and her mom, Sarah, joined us for what is considered a festive and a highly anticipated event for many small children all over the world. I got Mae dressed up in a new outfit (thank you Aunt Julie), sang "Here Comes Santa Claus," and told Mae about how Santa brings toys to good little girls and boys. (Disclaimer: I am aware that Mae cares nothing about this and this whole adventure was for me). I know she doesn't know about Santa or even care.

Here is a series of photos from today's events. You tell me if Mae had a good time?

In line with our friend Lucy.

All smiles.

I love Santa's grip on Mae's arms.

Recommitted

I have been beyond delinquent in keeping up to date with the blog. The sad part is that I have started some entries and just haven't had a chance/energy/motivation/time to finish them. I promise I will get those up in the next week. I have many excuses (none of them good)...being pregnant (yes, that is a post that still hasn't gone up), being back in DC for a week and half for Thanksgiving, preparing for Christmas, and being a single mom a lot this month (Pearson has been traveling a bunch for work). As mentioned, none of these excuses are worth a hill of beans but they make me feel a little bit better about myself and negligence in posting.

This post is my re-commitment to myself (and anyone else if they are reading) to getting back on the computer and let you know about the exciting and mundane things happening in the Cummings household.

15 Months Stats & Progress Update

Today, Mae turned 15 months and it coincided with her 15 month doctor's appointment. She weighed in at 21 pounds and is 29 and half inches long. These numbers put her in the 25th percentile for height and weight. All I can say is, "Go Mae!" She is now out of the 10th percentile for height and weight. I am happy Mae is petite but as any parent, I want to make sure she is growing and thriving.

Also, Dr. Sheridan asked me if Mae says about ten words, which I said, "at least ten." This makes me want to be a little bit better about documenting her growingly extensive vocabulary.

On that note, Mae's word for today is bucket. Mae walked up to me with a bucket and said, "bucket." I think that I can thank Grandma Cummings for teaching her this. She keeps her recycling in a pink bucket and Mae loves it. Thanks Grandma! Other words she knows, include (but not limited to), cool, book, bird, and bear. And obviously, mom, dad, and Ditka.

There you have it our girl is growing up.