We have been having so much fun; we lost track of time!   But so much has happened in the last few days; I don’t want to forget anything.  We are at the lake now and have been for 3 days, but I should probably start with my playdate on Friday.  Mom took the day off so we could go to Skippack (her old stomping ground) for a play date with SEVEN babies.  It was so much fun.  We saw Hailey and Kaeden, again, but we also met Will and Ella and Kaitlyn and Lucas!  Will and I are only a few days apart, and we were born in the same hospital.  We played for a while, and then took a nice walk to a nearby park.  Strollers put me to sleep, so I took a nap.  We had so much fun with everyone, and the date really wore me out!  That was good because when we got home Mom had to pack everything we would need for a week of vacation!

Ok, so finally at about 6:45 we were ready to leave on our journey to the lake.  Without 2 cats and a baby, the trip would take about 4 hours.  We were on the road for about 3 minutes when Mommy announced that she had forgotten the wine slushy mix that she had promised to bring for Aunt Emily.  We had to go back!  After that small detour we were on the road for another 10 minutes before Mommy announced that she forgot my life jacket.  That would have been a big catastrophe.  We were all looking forward to canoe trips, and I can go out on the water without it.  So we had to go back!  Daddy was getting annoyed, but we really needed it!  FINALLY we were officially on the road (at about 7:30), and Daddy laid down the law that there was no more turning around!  But our adventure was far from over.  When we were going through Milford Daddy wanted to take the scenic
bypass, but then we would have skipped Wendy’s.  So as we were going through Milford Daddy made a right turn on an illegal red light (really he RAN the red light), and a police officer pulled us over.  Apparently, Daddy knows some super secret tricks to getting out of a ticket, though.  He put his keys on the roof, flashed his family police cards, and turned his 4 way flashers on.  The police officer thankfully came back to give us a warning, and we were on our way again.  Just a few miles up the road we stopped for dinner, and then were on our way again.  We only had to stop one more time, because I was hungry, and we made it to the lake at exactly Midnight. 

This is my third full day at the lake, and so far we have done SO many adventures.  I’ve gone swimming – TWICE – canoeing, and hiking, had a campfire, and gotten my first bug bites.  I also turned 19 weeks, played lots of peekaboo with the family, napped sporadically, took a bath in an old metal wash basin, and got a little cold.  And the BIG news – I can roll over – all the way – 360 degrees!  I did it for the first time on the porch.  It was a big deal.  The other big news, is that I LOVE to swim.  For as much as I could care less about baths, I could be in the cold lake water for half an hour!  I love to splash, sit in the water, swish around with daddy, and grab handfuls of sand!  Mommy was sure that I was going to hate the cold water (she hates the cold water, and most babies before me hated it, too), but I played with Daddy and Grandpa for a long time, both times that I went swimming.  Everyone thinks I’m going to be a little fish!  I also like canoe, but not the ridiculous life jacket that I have to wear.  Once I got used to the chunky jacket, and could see out to the trees and water, I really like to float in the canoe.  Mommy held me in the Princess seat while Daddy and Debbie paddles.  Grandpa came along in the kayak to take photos. 

This morning Mom and Dad needed a little break (I didn’t sleep well last night because of my congested nose), so Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Debbie, and Aunt Merideth took me on a long hike in the front pack.  I love to face out now and see what’s going on.

We have a lot more adventures planned.  And a lot of photos so far.  Our internet connection isn’t great for sharing photos, but Daddy may try later.  

We have a few fun trips planned for the rest of the week – Going to Lake George, and down to Bennington for Emily’s Graduation.  We’ll try to keep up better with the blog!

 

Guest Blogger Tia Deborah:

It has been so much fun to see everyone at the lake this weekend!  Preston LOVES the cold water, hurrah!  We have so many fun swims ahead of us.  Maybe we will hold off doing the mile swim for a few years though.  We went on a giant hike today (Monday) and had our first Dendrology-by-taste seminar in the nature center.  Babies learn to identify trees best by putting them into their mouths!  American Beech tree branches were the species of the day.  We also SAW a hermit thrush, which are usually very hard to spot in the woods. Hermit Thrush birds are the state bird of Vermont, and we told Preston all about how they are neo-tropical migrants. Vermont has very progressive nudity laws that seem appropriate for Preston, who loves naked time.  Maybe everyone will come visit soon!  Going on walks with Preston is a lot of fun; he falls asleep so easily and otherwise looks around with a thoughtful expression.  

Tonight we had a picnic on our back patio.  Grandma and Grandpa brought Swedish meatballs and Swedish Moa!  She is our families exchange student from many years ago, but she still comes to visit whenever she's in the US.  I even ate my bananas and cereal outside!  Grandpa got here pretty early because he rode his bike from work, so we walked around outside while Mom and Dad did a little bit of yard work.  They have to try to get it in now, because we leaving on Friday for a week of vacation.  
After dinner we rolled around in the freshly cut grass, so Grandma got to give me a bath! Then she read me some stories and got me ready for bed.  I got to do that same thing last night with Gigi Nedick!  I love all of the Grandparent time that I am getting, and Mom and Dad like the little breaks.  

From Mommy:
Our date night last night was really great!  We had Lobster Pad Thai and Chicken and Prawn Curry at White Orchids, with a peanut chicken appetizer and Mango Sticky Rice for dessert.  It was SO delicious.  Then we went to see Water for Elephants.  As I mentioned, I just finished the book.  John had to yell at me once to not give the story away, because I would react before things would happen.  I loved the movie and thought they did a really good job of following the storyline.  Of course a few things were changed/shortened, but I actually thought the changes and omissions were appropriate for a movie, and simplified the storyline.  On the drive home John said he could see why I would want to see the movie.  When you read the book you can only imagine the circus acts and tricks.  It so neat to actually see them performed and have your imagination come to life.  
When we got home at 10 Preston was sound asleep.  He had a full night of bottles, walks, visitors, and snuggles.  It was a great night for him and for us.

On our date John showed me this PHOTOGRAPH of a sand dune.  I think it is such a beautiful and cool optical illusion.  I really thought that it was some kind of modern painting.  I just had to share it!

My parent's are going out on a tuesday night (I guess with a baby, they have to take what they can get).  I hear Thai food and Water for Elephants are on the agenda.  Gigi Nedick is coming up to spend the night, so she can see me before we go away on our vacation starting this weekend!  I think we'll do a lot of snuggling! 

From Mommy:
Yes, I'm blogging early today, because I want to get home tonight and go right to bed!  Last night we finally had another good-ish night of sleeping - 11:00 - 5:30.  I am REALLY hoping this means good things for us, but I might be jinxing it.  We wore him out at the picnic last night. 

I am really looking forward to going out tonight.  I finished the book "Water for Elephants" a few weeks ago, so I'm excited to go see the movie.  I think John might even like it, too.  The White Orchid is right by the movie theatre, so I'm also looking forward to Thai noodles and Mango Sticky Rice!

I have read more books in the last 2 months than I have in any entire year previously in my life.  Now that I nurse and pump, reading makes that time go so much faster!  It's a calm, easy activity, and I love that I am rediscovering the joy and adventures of books.  My Kindle makes it even easier; I only need one hand to turn pages.  I think I might start keeping a list of books I read - I'm going through them so fast now!  Currently I'm reading "Something Borrowed."  It's kind of slow and hard to get into, but it has potential.  I just finished "Matched" and before that I read "Water for Elephant."  In April I read "13 Blue Envelopes" and "Twenties Girl."  You could say I'm into Chick Lit. 

I'm taking book suggestions, too, if you have any.  I like mysteries (but nothing scary or freaky), adventures, chick lit, etc.

Tonight Mom and Dad took me to the Bach Choir family picnic.  I have a feeling I'm going to get to know this Bach guy pretty well over the course of my life.  
When we got to daycare this morning Mommy put me in my favorite bouncy seat, and I saw my bar of dangling toys nearby and reached for them so Mommy wouldn't forget to set them up for me.  I like all the fun things at daycare!  I've also learned a new movement.  If I arch my back and lean over I can almost roll from my back to my belly.  It also helps me to scoot around, and give Mommy a hard time for diaper changes.  These are all important skills for babies to learn.  
Daddy loves to give me bananas and today I even learned to open my mouth to ask for more.  It's only been 2 days!  I think I'm going to like this eating thing (just not that icky cardboard rice cereal, yet).


From Mommy:
I really miss singing in the Bach Choir.  I was actually jealous of John when he got to go to night after night of rehearsals and recording sessions.  It's hard work, but so rewarding!  I really hope we can work out a great weekly sitter situation in the fall so that John and I can both return.  It's something that we both love to do together, so I think it's important that we find a way to do it. 
Preston is always a hit when we visit people, and today was no exception.  We even got to meet another Connor whose Mommy is a soprano with me.  This Connor is a month younger than me, so we'll be good friends.  

Well, we knew this day would come, but it seems to have come much faster than we expected!  I am 18, and it's time for me to move on - find a job, earn a living, start contributing to this household.  My parents feel bittersweet about it, but are excited for the freedom of an empty nest.  They want to travel more..........what was that you said?  I'm 18 weeks, not years?  Oh, phew!!! What a relief.  I mean, I could have maybe gotten a job as a baby model, but I hear that's kind of competitive.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do.  Hear that Mom and Dad!?  You can't get rid of me yet!

In other news we had another fun and busy weekend.  On saturday, in the beautiful weather, we went to Mema and Poppop's house to celebrate Poppop's birthday!  We had a rough start to the morning, because my poor parents don't get to sleep much, but once we got there, we were so happy to see everyone.  We played in the grass, shopped a few yard sales, and hung out with the relatives.  
Then today, we FINALLY went grocery shopping.  My parent's have bought groceries in WEEKS. It was a big deal.  Then we had a relaxing day at home.   
The big news of the day:  I tried my first (legit) solid foods - rice cereal=yuck and bananas=YUM!
You can follow the rice cereal story in the captioned photos below.

From Mommy:

Mommy had to go to work tonight, so I'm doing my very best to give Daddy a hard time.  I was really tired when I got home from daycare, so Mom didn't mess around and put me right to bed.  Well, it turns out I only needed a nap, so now I am awake with Daddy and NOT happy about it. 

From Mommy:
Yesterday was the Poor Mommy post, so I thought that Daddy deserved his kudos today.  I'm writing this from work; I have a little downtime before intermission (plus I'm waiting for a print job).  I just got a call from John with a hysterical baby in the background.  Apparently he woke up half an hour after I left (he was sound asleep when I left, and I was hoping he was down for the long haul), and won't calm down. 
I guess it's up to John, now, to calm him down.  I don't like being away when I know he is struggling. 
Oh sweet sleep, will we ever know you again?

Yesterday I visited Dr. Saltz for my 4 month check in.  Boy did I grow.  Weighing 16lbs 1 oz, I'm almost bigger than my feline brother Jack, and 26 1/2" long.  That's more than double my birth weight and 7" longer at the hospital; I'm like a spring flower.  The nutritionist told me I can start each rice cereal and some pureed fruits and vegetables.  I hope they are as delicious as mommy's milk.  I am right on track with my development, the doctor was so impressed with how well I can pick my head up.  And then came the S-H-O-Ts.  I don't know why mommy keep spelling it out.  I got one shot in each leg and an oral vaccine that tasted yucky.  I was so hysterical my legs hurt so bad, then I was so tired from crying I slept all day at daycare.  Mrs. Erin had to wake me up at 5:15 when mommy and daddy was coming to pick me up.
Today mommy and daddy both brought me to daycare again since daddy's car was in the shop.  It was pretty uneventful, but I still have a stuffy nose which makes it hard to relax.  My new bedtime is 7pm, but the Grandma and Grandpa Krug wanted to see me after dinner, so I missed my bedtime.
Note from daddy:

We are so exhausted, I feel like Carrie doesn't have anytime to rest.  PJ is still sick with a stuffy nose which makes it nearly impossible to put him to sleep.  At night he wakes up every couple of hours crying.  I hope the phase/sickness doesn't last long, it's taken a toll on our sleeping habits. I mostly feel bad for Carrie because she is a much lighter sleeper than me and wakes up more often.  The saving grace is that he's so so super adorable.  His smiles and laughter make you forget all the middle of the night sorrows, and lack of sleep or personal time.  We love PJ dearly, cannot wait for sleeping through the night once again.

From Mommy:
This is going to be short because it is VERY late, but I just wanted to wish Preston a Happy 4 Month Birthday!  It was a normal day around here; John didn't have Bach so he cut the grass.  I'll post some 4 month stats tomorrow, so stay posted!

I'm 17 weeks old today.  We had an exciting day of traveling and new adventures.  We went to Grandma and Grandpa Nedick's house for lunch, and then to Spring Lake to see Uncle Joe's new house.  Grandma heard that I love the exersaucer at daycare, so she got me walker!  My legs are still too short to make it go, but I LOVE to play with the toys that are attached to the tray.  Grandpa Krug might be a little jealous, because I saw my first train today; it runs right by Uncle Joe's house.  We took a walk up to the tracks to see it go by.  I also saw the beach and the ocean for the first time!  I can't wait until it's warmer out so I can play in (and probably eat) the sand. 
After our visit with Uncle Joe we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's house, and then back home to Pennsylvania.  It was a long day of visiting and driving, so I'm pretty worn out.  Weekends fly by so fast. 

From Mommy:
Today was special day for me.  One year ago I found out I was pregnant, and now I have a beautiful 4 month old baby boy.  I remember taking a pregnancy test in the morning because I wanted to be sure that I could drink at Sarah's Bachelorette party that night.  I was so surprised to see a positive!  John wasn't even home - he was on a train excursion with my dad, Ted, and Poppop Krug.  I couldn't tell anyone, because John didn't even know.  It was not a surprise pregnancy, but all I could think was "I guess we are going to have to do this now!!" We are so happy and blessed to have Preston in our lives, and, really, today marks the one year anniversary of when he entered our hearts.
The past few days I have learned a few new "Baby Whisperer" tricks.  Preston has had a few episodes where he works himself into hysterics and it seems like NOTHING will calm him down.  He gets so upset he won't even take a bottle or nurse.  I tried a lot of things to get him to calm down, but the thing that worked the best was simply taking him outside to the patio and rocking him outside.  He calmed down right away and even feel asleep.  I filled John in on that secret, and it worked for him last night when I had to work.
The other trick we figured out it actually pretty silly.  On our way home tonight Preston was fussy in the car.  Normally he sleeps or calms down when we play him classical music, but that wasn't happening.  So joking I asked John if there was a radio station that just played white noise.............. he switched it to a static FM station!  It was perfect!  Preston calmed down right away and fell asleep.  It wasn't great listening for us, but after a few minutes he was fast asleep and we could switch it back to something more entertaining.
 

I think the Bach Choir should make onesies for all of the Bach babies being born this year.  There are quite few of us.  Today was the last day of the Festival, and despite the rain Mom took me to the Chapel to show me off in between the two sections of the Mass in b minor.  The Soprano's have a infamous picnic every year, that seems to grow and grow.   I missed my afternoon nap so that we could be there, so I am cranky at first.  I finally met Mommy's friends Sarah and Ryan, but I was just waking up.  Sorry I was so fussy, Sarah.  I promise I'll play nice the next time we meet!  
When we got home from Bach I got to catch up on my nap before Mommy had to leave to go to a concert at work.  I gave Daddy a bit of a hard time after Mom left.  Mom had to endure my hysterics on Thursday, so it was Dad's turn.  
I definitely have more hair growing in.  Mommy thinks it's cute that have a few very long hairs that I was born with.  
Tomorrow we are going to visit Grandma and Grandpa Nedick in New Jersey.