This weekend was Sammy’s turn for a special weekend in NY with mommy. Hooray! Everyone’s been sick all week (Steven, Sammy and Amaya, that is) and I was a little worried I wouldn’t be able to make the trip but we did it!

I woke Sammy up at 5:30am and we headed to the airport for an 8am flight to NY. Sleepy eyes!

From now one, we’re not doing lap babies so this was my first flight with a car seat baby in a convertible seat instead of a carrier. New logistics! I was very nervous about how I’d get Sammy and the diaper bag and his car seat on the plane and then install it, when I can’t just ask Sammy to stand in the aisle. But we got ‘er done!

So, instead of a stroller, I have a nifty gadget that attaches to the car seat so I can use it as a stroller in the airport. Genius invention. Also, as you can see, I tied Sammy’s donuts to the car seat so they were always accessible. Best move of the trip!

Settled on the plane

Drinking his bottle

Taking in the sights

Eating breakfast. Eggs! Mmmm, mmmm, good.

And, finally, asleeeeeeep.

Together!

And we’re here! Waiting for Papa to pull up curbside and take us to Nana & Papa’s house!

The fun begins! Sammy is sooooooo excited to see Aunt Sara!

And cousin Charlie!

He loves visiting with Chase!

Meanwhile, back in the Land of Cheltenham…

Friday night was extra special because I had a sleepover with Chase. He’s my best big guy forever.

We did art projects, too!

Saturday morning started with happy Sammy

Chase hung with Sammy during breakfast.

We had a fun day together. Lots and lots of cuddles.

Auntie Anita never misses a chance to come by when we’re in town.

And, of course, Savta doesn’t either.

We had a lot of fun FaceTiming with Daddy, Steven and Amaya!!

And, in the afternoon, took a trip to Barnes & Noble.

That evening, Sammy had another opportunity to FaceTime with Daddy back in MI.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Cheltenham…

Grandma Sunshine and Amaya had lots and lots of laughs. We’re so glad that Grandma Sunshine can stay the weekend when Mommy is away!

And, next thing we knew, it was Sunday and time to go back home. After a hearty breakfast.

Sammy had his first visit to the Delta Sky Club

And of we went!

He cried a bit, early on, but I think it was just exhaustion. He slept most of the way home to MI, calm as could be.

And here we are! Ready to go home after a quick lunch of pasta and banana that we brought with us from NY. Nothing like sitting on the ground in the airport sharing lunch with your 11 month old after a mommy/son weekend.

Meanwhile, back in the Land of Cheltenham…

Grandma Sunshine provides endless entertainment!

Backing up a bit, Michigan State won their bowl game thanks to these cool MSU outfits from Aunt Annette. All it takes is a little school spirit from Sammy, Steven and Amaya and the team is golden.

Also this past week, Amaya continued to work on standing unsupported!!

Solo shots!

Steven was determined to get the book he wanted.

And he was able to pull himself to standing from Megan’s lap.

He loves the newest addition to the playroom, courtesy of Chase & Charlie.

And he looooooooves this water bottle.

Smiles!

Sammy and his donuts.

Even during a tantrum.

And sound asleep.

DONUTS.

This was Sammy’s last bottle with rice in it. Along with Zantac, we used it to help his reflux. The Zantac tackled pain. The rice helped thicken his feeds to reduce spit ups. We stopped the Zantac around Thanksgiving and weaned him off the rice over the past few weeks.

Finally, Sammy faces!

Amaya, in cat ears from Daddy. The cutest.

Very into her book.

Cuddly

Happy, happy girl

And, finally, I won’t show their bare butts in the blog but stick a finger up your nose and it’s going to be out there for the world to see. I love this picture so much!

Have a great week!