Cousins

Three weekends ago, I partook of my first "cousins" experience. We all met together on the Eastern shore of Maryland for my great grandfather's funeral. Although we were getting together to mark a somber occasion, we still all managed to have a good time. The "cousins" events are a longstanding legacy on the Welch side of the family complete with t-shirts and all. I even boasted my own 'cousins' onesie at the gathering. Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

My cousin Wells

AKA "Dash"

Wells, Abby & Me

Wells smooching on the girls

Check out my cheeks in this picture. I didn't see Dizzie Gilespie there, but I'm sure we're related.

Aaaaah, prevacid

Let me explain to you what my prevacid makeover has done for me. As I've stated before, I have quite the case of acid reflux, and a couple of weeks ago the doc switched me over to prevacid. Well, here's my before and after:

Before: I would cry during almost every feeding and for a while afterwards.
After: I enjoy my feedings and smile and squeel in delight once my belly is full.
Before: I couldn't make it more than 45 minutes into a nap without waking up crying.
After: I now take 1.5 to 2.5 hour naps, and I wake up soooo happy.
Before: I had slept through the night 3 times....total....in three months. The couple of weeks preceding prevacid, I was waking up 8-10 times a night crying.
After: I have slept through the night every night since the prevacid kicked in.
Before: I used to constantly squirm in my fitful sleep.
After: Now I suck my thumb and lay still like a little angel.
Before: My parents were total zombies.
After: They seem much happier too.

My Kackie was up for a visit when the prevacid took effect. She can attest to my miraculous transformation.

The Chicos

• The Chicos and The Discos. It was a fun run, hopefully to be repeated in sunny CA, even if only temporarily. My Chico and Mariah left me on Friday. They were driving across country to eventually end up in Santa Barbara, a couple of hours south of my soon to be home. I don't know where I'll learn my potty humor with Chico gone. Oh, that's right. I still have my daddy.

Well, there's definitely no one left to teach me or my mommy pilates or flaminco. Who are we kidding? Mommy dancing? Come on now. I could make an off-handed remark regarding the Mexicans in my life, but it would be an inside joke and probably perceived as bigotry by outside readers. So, I'll refrain and keep my humor to myself, much to Chico's chagrin. I'll miss you both dearly. See you in June.

Warmer Weather

Well, New Jersey is finally catching up with the rest of the country, and we are having a week of 60+ degree temperatures. That is warm enough for a walk outside. Last week was a crazy week for me. I was visited by my Kackie for a couple of days, I started a new medicine for my flux (which is working wonderfully), I had to say goodbye to two of my favorite people, and I went to Maryland for the weekend and met lots and lots of cousins, aunts and uncles. I"ll fill you in bit by bit, but for now I'll just ponder it all on my stroller ride.

My Sweet Aunt Katie

• GANGSTA Protection Unit!

(They're so hard-core, even with Louis Viton Shades)

Here are some of my best pictures with Aunt Katie. I just love it when she comes to visit, because she is so very special, and she helps me dry off from my bath-time. She and Daddy are my gangsta bodyguards...but that's really just a lot of silliness.

• Although it's hard, try not to stare at the perfect roundness of my big, beautiful, baby-cheeks.
• I can't wait to meet Aunt Ashley & Uncle Doug & this Wells fellow this weekend down in stillpond. I'm going to meet all sorts of COUSINS!
• I love you Anut Katie:) -LKW