family outings

Bennett is at such a great age right now - he's old enough that we've gotten really comfortable with his needs and routine, but young enough that he doesn't need much more than a change of clothes, a fresh diaper, and me and/or a bottle of breastmilk to be happy. He's great in the car, in a stroller, in his Ergo, or just hanging out in his carseat at a restaurant. We've been taking advantage of just how portable our little guy is and getting out and about in our new hometown!



We've been playing "tourist" in Portland and spent an afternoon wandering around Fort William and the Portland Head Light, after some fried seafood on the rocks in Cape Elizabeth and my first truly public nursing experience. Now I'll happily nurse just about anywhere...



Bennett's Uncle Andrew spent a day with us, and we explored the east end of Portland, wandering into the Old Port for an ice cream cone. Ben was in his stroller that day, but I think I saw 5 or 6 Ergos, making it the unofficial baby carrier of Portland - we're loving ours!



Ben's first trip to Martha's Vineyard! My whole family showed up to celebrate the 4th, even Mariah (who flew in from Pittsburgh) and Rakesh. It was ungodly hot but the water was great, and Bennett even made a trip to State Beach with me and Mom, huddled under a little umbrella. Dan went back on Monday, but Mom and I stayed a few extra days with the little guy.



We spent last weekend at my great aunt and uncle's house in Lake George, where we've been before with Tyler, Sarah, and Mariah. The weather was perfect, and I got to take several swims and relax on the porch with my book while Bennett napped with Dan. We meant to dip his feet in the lake, but never got around to it!



The trip to Lake George was prompted by Sonali and Seth's wedding in Middlebury, Vermont, on campus at Mead Chapel. The wedding was fun, and Bennett got to meet several college friends for the first time. Sonali was gorgeous - in the picture above, she's bravely holding Bennett and I'm silently begging him not to spit up on her beautiful white dress! Bennett was such a good kid though: silent at the ceremony and awake for most of the reception. I think he was so stimulated by all the people and sounds that he slept that night for 5 hours straight - hasn't happened since, but it was a pretty nice reward after a fun but tiring day!



We met Carter and Emily in Prescott Park last night for an outdoor concert and a picnic - the band was great, but we ran out of the park right before the last song when very dark clouds threatened to drench us all. Bennett slept the entire time in his Ergo; he must have been lulled by the music!



Erin and I took Bennett and Olivia to Willard Beach in South Portland for a picnic lunch today. The water was Maine chilly, but felt refreshing on our hot feet! Again, Ben slept the entire time in his Ergo - that thing is a soporific for this kiddo!