Getting out and about

We've had an active few weeks. We are getting back in the hang of things and thus had Cat over for Shabbat dinner. We set up Ben's highchair, and although he is not able to sit unassisted as required by the instructions, we have worked it out.

That Saturday Ben and I went to a Girl's Lunch and Tea which was quite enjoyable. Lots of just hanging around having adult conversation.

Ben and I started going to Gymboree last Tuesday. He really seems to enjoy going and seeing the other babies. I like having somewhere to go twice a week. We also decided to brave going to a two day event in Bakersfield (about 2 hours away) over the weekend. This required me to get some sewing done for both Ben and myself. I started on Sunday and I managed to get an outfit mostly completed for me (finished the closures on site and still need to hem the skirt) and a shirt and had done for Ben. Getting the sewing done in a weeks time was a bit of a challenge. I managed to sew while Ben napped and a couple of times while he just hung out in his high chair or swing or on Jeff when he was around and awake. Friday, Cat was kind enough to watch Ben while I got my hair cut and then we decided to get together for Shabbat dinner. Cat was kind enough to offer up her home and cook a lovely meal. I got little sewing done there, but it was nice to have a break. We got home and Ben headed right to bed while I finished up what machine sewing I needed to do. I ended up staying up too late between sewing and packing getting to bed around 2 am. We got up around 5:45 so that we could hopefully be on the road by 6:30.
We carpooled and our rider was a bit late getting here on Saturday morning, so we had everything packed and ready to go once he arrived. We got on the road at 7 and made it to the site by 9. Knowing I had a baby who would be unlikely to sit quietly for any lengthy time, I spent most of the day in the lobby talking with friends and caring to Ben's needs. Unfortunately, it was quite warm and since the doors remained mostly open, the AC did little to help. By about 5, Ben was tired, overheated, and hadn't eaten well most of the afternoon, so we headed to check into the hotel. Ben then alternated between sleeping and eating for several hours while the 5 of us (Jeff, me, Eric, Cat and Kim who was visiting from MN) hung out in the room. We headed out to get some dinner. We got back and Ben was quite awake for a bit. He and I finally got to sleep around 11 while the others hung out in the room.
In the morning we got up and headed to breakfast and then to site. We joined Lyondomere for the day under their shade. Despite the heat (in the 90's) I was able to keep Ben cool by wetting his hat.

He slept and visited all day. We got to watch Jeff in each of his fights and he ultimately won the tournament. The day went longish and we didn't get on the road till 7:30. Jeff had to be at work by 11, so we knew we needed to get going on our 2 hour trip. We got packed up and on the road, but Ben was quite fussy. We ended up pulling off to get gas and try to get Ben comfortable. I fed him again, changed his diaper, and then put him in his car seat and wrapped a blanket around him so he felt swaddled. He was asleep before we even got onto the freeway again and slept until we were almost home. Once home he ate and went straight to bed while Jeff left for work and the rest of got some nourishment and then talked a bit.
Monday, I got some laundry done and then Ben and I went out around Long Beach with Kim. That evening we went out to dinner. Ben was not his usual happy self in the Moby and at dinner, so it was an interesting meal. We packed up Kim's stuff into the car after dinner, Jeff dropped Ben and I at home and then took Kim to the airport.
Yesterday Ben and I went to Gymboree, but otherwise stayed home choosing to skip the fighter practice we usually go to with Jeff.