Florida in Photos

MONDAY: We left our house on Monday morning, ready to do our first flight with Ellie! Getting through security wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it'd be, and I didn't get asked for ID for Ellie once (which was good, because her birth certificate still hadn't come in yet). Ellie fussed a bit during take-off and landing, but slept for almost the whole flight. It was really nice to let her sleep on me, we're usually pretty strict about having her sleep in her crib at home. Notice the diaper bag - I traded it in for a large purse while we were down there. It's funny how when I was pregnant, I wanted a straight-up diaper bag so I could really show off that I was a mommy, but now I just want a nice bag in a pretty color. Also notice my face...I was trying to get Ellie to look. haha The rest of Monday was spent getting the supplies we'd need for the week, catching up with Nana, and just hanging out.

TUESDAY: We went to the beach and did some more hanging out. I think we were still in de-stress and relax mode, so there aren't too many pictures. I think this is also the first day we ate at Robburitos, an amazing burrito place near Nana and Papa's house. They are made with "slawsa"...yum.

WEDNESDAY: On Wednesday, Ellie got her first taste of the pool and loved it! She also got a bath in the kitchen sink, which she also enjoyed. This girl is totally a water baby, she definitely didn't get that from me!

THURSDAY: We went fishing! Well, Tom and Nancy went fishing, Ellie and I watched. Can you see my new bag next to her? Isn't it so cute and summery?? Love it! Anyway, Tom caught a puffer fish, which was quite cool while also being very scary...check out those teeth! Nana was the brave one who pulled it off the hook with a fishing net and a pair of pliers. Later, Tom and I went for our first of TWO dates!!! We went to this little German place named Coconut Cove (yeah, we didn't get it, either). It was really good. We both got schnitzels, and when we arrived we were given the absolute best seat in the house. The building overlooks the river and while we were waiting for our appetizers, a few dolphins came out to play! They were too quick for me, so I didn't get anything but splashes on the camera, but it was so cool to watch. After dinner we went for a bike ride...I was wobbly at first, but once I got the hang of it, I had a really good time.

FRIDAY: Tom, Ellie, and I got up bright and early to try to see the sunrise over the ocean. Unfortunately it was too cloudy, so I resolved to go every day until I saw it. Later we went to Cocoa Beach to walk around the historic district and Tom bought some really yummy food at a general store. Oh, we also got amazingly tasty shakes from Steak N Shake at their half price happy hour.

SATURDAY: I must have been super tired because I slept in until 11:30am!!! I don't think we went to bed too late, either. I was shocked when I woke up. While I was sleeping, Tom and Nancy took Ellie to the beach to play in the water for the first time. I wish I could have seen it, but I got to see video and we went together later. She loved it! Later, Ellie sat in a big girl seat at a restaurant for the first time! She fits much better in the plastic ones, apparently. She ended up getting fussy and we had to take turns holding her again, but it was nice to eat at least half a meal together without Ellie in our laps. The food was good, too, fried fisherman's platter, New England style! 

SUNDAY: We caught the sunrise! It was absolutely stunning and so worth waking up at 6am to see it! That evening, Tom and I went out to see the new movie, "Date Night". It was really cute and funny and we could totally relate to it, especially as new parents. The theater we went to was really small, but the matinée ticket price was only $5 and we shared a large popcorn and soda combo for just $6!

MONDAY: Monday was our last full day of the trip, so we just tried to enjoy each others' company and relax. We went for a long walk, went swimming in the beach and at the pool, and tried a new restaurant which unfortunately ended up being not so great. I had shells stuffed with cheese and crab meat and mine was really yummy, but Tom and Nancy weren't as pleased. 

And on Tuesday, we made the journey home! Our flight was 1.5 hours delayed, which messed up Ellie's nap schedule, so she was a little more fussy than on the way down, but she still did pretty great. I think traveling with an infant seems harder than it actually is. Next time I will bring my wrap for her, though. A lot of her problem was that she was tired, but didn't want to miss seeing all the people and commotion. Putting her in the wrap would have blocked some of that out for her. It was such a fun trip, and so good to spend quality time together as a family (Tom even left his laptop at home!!!), and we can't wait to go again!