Miss Maya Goes to Washington

Last week, we returned from our first family adventure: a cross country trip with a three month old.  A couple weeks ago, we realized that Alison's maternity leave was quickly coming to an end and that we had some air miles to burn.  So, we decided to make an impromptu trip out to DC to see the sites (Ryan hadn't been) and visit our good friends Andrea, Jeremy and Luke.  We also thought this would be a good way to prove to ourselves that we can indeed travel with a child.  Although we were nervous for how Maya would react to the flight, time change, heat, etc., she did wonderfully.  I think we have a little traveler on our hands.  

Flying didn't seem to bother MJ in the slightest.  Even when our ears were popping on the flights, Maya didn't seem to be affected.  She either slept during take off and landing or was all smiles.  In fact, the only part of the flights she seemed to mind was being confined to our laps for 5 hours since she is an independent little thing who likes to wriggle around on the floor.  

Dad and Maya enjoying a cup of coffee before our early morning flight to DC:

Getting out some energy before the flight (yes, she moves her arms so fast they are hard to capture on film):

First plane ride:

Once we got to DC and met up with the Nevins, we decided to take in the sites.  We walked the Mall and saw the Capitol, White House and all the monuments, toured Old Town Alexandria, and went to Arlington National Cemetery.

The Glettles in front of Maya's future home:

Andrea playing tour guide at the WWII memorial:

Who knew DC was such a stroller friendly place?

Maya and Luke in front of the White House.  In 35 years, these two will be known as Mrs. President and Mr. First Man:

Luke playing by the Potomac:

Strolling Old Town Alexandria:

Arlington National Cemetery:

Because Jeremy is in the Navy, we also got to do something that is a little more off the tourist track.  After we toured Arlington, we went to Fort Meyer (the military base right next to Arlington National Cemetery).  Fort Meyer is home to the group of soldiers that is charged with helping carry out the full honors military funerals held at Arlington.  These funerals involve carry the deceased soldier's casket to his or her final resting place on a horse drawn caison.  The soldiers also assist with any state funerals.  For example, this unit of soldiers helped with both Presidents Kennedy and Regan's funerals.  One of the main jobs of the soldiers is to train and care for the horses that pull the caisons, and there is a stable that houses the horses at Fort Meyer.  We really enjoyed this behind the scenes look at how we pay tribute to our soldiers.

The caisons and stables:

In addition to seeing the sites, we also got to see some of our favorite people who live in the DC area.  In addition to the Nevins, John (Ryan's good friend from college) came over with his wife from Maryland for a visit, and Andrea's mom Beckie came up from Baltimore.  We loved getting to introduce them all to Maya!

Luke teaching Maya "This Little Piggy"

Luke giving Maya a hug:

Crashing Luke's Friday morning music class:

Maya making friends with John:

Luke, Andrea, Alison, Beckie and Maya.  Beckie has known Alison since she was a bit older than Luke:

The girls and their kiddos (clearly holding a 3 month old is a little easier than a 20 month old):

All in all, it was a wonderful first travel adventure A.M. (after Maya).  Thank you to the Nevins for hosting us!

Dad's Antics

I'm not sure exactly what possessed Ryan to blow in Maya's face one day, but he tried it and Maya acted like she was in the middle of a hurricane.  Of course, once Ryan saw MJ's reaction, he had to tape it.  Don't worry.  No babies were harmed during the making of this video.

Pretty Girl

Enough said.

Napping in the Nursery

Maya mastered the art of falling asleep solo at night a while ago.  Unfortunately, getting her to nap in her crib has been a bit more challenging.  Now that she is alert during the day, she has struggled more with nap time.  She fights napping (especially in her crib), but we are slowly making the transition...

Michelin Maya

This year, we've had one of the nicest streaks of spring weather in recent history.  The best part about the nice weather?  Maya has been able to flaunt her chub.  Our healthy little girl has baby fat folds galore.  And since the weather is finally warm enough to wear sleeveless tops and go pantless, she has been able to rock her rolls in public.  In our humble opinion, there is nothing cuter than our little Michelin baby.

Michelle Obama has got nothing on Maya's "toned" arms:

Maya's leg chub on full display:

Mother's Day

Ryan rocked Mother's Day.  This morning, I woke up to a home cooked breakfast, flowers, a new Macklemore CD and People magazine (I love me some hip hop and celebrity gossip), and a card telling me I had a massage appointment this afternoon.   Thanks Ryan for making this a fabulous day!  Now, off to start planning Father's Day.  The bar has been raised.

Sounder at Heart

 We are big soccer fans in this house, so it was only a matter of time before Maya made it to her first Sounders match.  Maya enjoyed everything about the experience, except the protective ear muffs that Mom and Dad made her wear.  And, she proved to be a lucky charm for the Sounders--they beat San Jose 4-0!

Maya is clearly enjoying the game as much as Dad and Uncle Craig:

How times have changed.  Ryan misses the days when sporting events didn't come with diaper duty.

Cinco de "Maya"

One of the best things about being named Maya is that you have a holiday named after you.  Maya thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her first Cinco de "Maya".  She spent the day in the sun hanging out with her family.  She started the day with brunch and a walk nap in the park with her great grandma.  She then played in the sun in the yard with Dad and ended the day by having Uncle Craig, Uncle Nick, Aunt Elaine, Ella and Emery over for a little BBQ.  Although she was a little bummed that we wouldn't let her crack a Corona to celebrate, Maya loved her first Cinco de Mayo.

Three Months Old

May 2, 2013: Three Months Old