WI Trip

5/21 Wednesday
We spent the day in transit. We got up early to catch the bus to the airport. The flights were ok, the second lag was a little late. Andy took it a lot better than I anticipated. He was happy for the most part, the second lag was a little rough. He dozed off from time to time but no long naps. Plane taking off or landing didn't seem to bother him; he focused on nursing at those times. The entire Ravet family came to greet him at the airport, so he got to meet his cousins Quinn and Kaia for the first time. We stopped by Irene's to pick up the traveling crib and some of Lilian's favorite toys when she was Andy's age.

5/22 Thursday

Today was the first day in Madison. The weather was nice and sunny. It was pretty relaxing. We walked around the neighborhood.

Here is Andy in cool shades.

It's been almost two years since we came back the last time. I met up with Irene at the Memorial Union Terrace. It's the popular terrace right outside the student union by Lake Mentoda. 17 mo Lilian was very talkative. I was impressed by how much the kid understands at that age and how strong her language skill was (able to say things in 2-3 languages).

With Irene and Lilian at the Terrace

5/23 Friday
LR got to check out the "Family Enhancement Center" today. They have lots of toys and an outdoor playing area. He was a bit timid about the new place. I visited Irene again to observe the in-home nanny experience. Irene shared lots of baby learning tidbits. She used pudding for paint when Lilian started trying her hands with art projects (didn't have enough hand coordination for writing utensils).

5/24 Saturday
We went to the farmers market on the capitol square today. It's a beautiful early summer day. Pictures.

At the Farmers Market

In the afternoon we went to the Carson's for a memorial day grill out. Carolyn has 3 boys now, the youngest Lucas is 3 months old. It was a lot fun getting together with them.

Lucas and Andy say Hi to each other

5/25 Sunday
It's Joe's big running day today. The weather was perfect for it, cloudy and cool. He had a cramp by mile 14 but managed to complete his first marathon. Joe's parents and us cheered him on at a few mile stops. We are all very proud of him. Andy enjoyed watching all the runners. Pictures

A developmental observation:
I noticed tonight that Andy was able to pull the bottle out of his mouth and push it back in with both hands. He did this several times as he emptied the bottle. It was exciting to see this hand coordination.

5/26 Monday
Bob got to meet Andy for the first time here.

5/27 Tuesday
I took Andy to see the fish hatchery at my dad's work DNR this afternoon. Andy was interested in all the wild life there.

DNR walking trail

5/28 Wednesday
We got up before 5am for the flight home. The week went by so fast. It was great to see families and friends and Madison was at its prettiest this time of the year. Andy has been a good sport traveling. He didn't have any problem with plane ascending or descending; in fact, landing seems to put him to sleep! He seemed to adjust to the new places and time difference well to my surprise. He cried a little more for a couple of the nights, but still fell asleep about the same time at night (after 9pm). He automatically adjusted to CST in the mornings: the first day he woke up after 9am, and then were 6:30-7am consistently. Though he exhibited a little shyness towards new places and people, we were also glad that he warmed up to the families and friends quickly.