First steps in the ocean
Dear Naomi,
This is one particular moment I have very much been anticipating. I've longed to see you experience the ocean and the beach so that you can start creating your own memories of how beautiful and special a place it is. I myself have so many fond memories of the ocean and being at the beach from a very young age from when my family used to take me and I can even remember as far back as 2-3 years of age sitting and playing in the sand. As crazy as that sounds it's true. Maybe that just speaks more to how amazing that first impression was for me when I first saw the ocean. Your Mom and I have also created so many beautiful memories through the years which have made the ocean a very special place for us as well. It's a place where dreams are born, and memories met. It's a place of groundness and meditation to calm the soul, and a place of inspiration to soar into the many depths that dreams and creativity reveal themselves. And just seeing in how you gazed into the horizon with wonder and braved taking your very first steps into an unknown, I know that this was just the beginning of many great memories and a start of your very own relationship with the sea.
love,
Papa
Naomi's first flight
The luggage: 1 large suitcase, 1 very full diaper bag, 1 camera bag, boppy pillow, stroller, car seat, play pen, 1 garment bag, and 1 baby Naomi.
So we braved our first travels with Naomi. A journey that took clear across the country to a place we've never been before - Philadelphia. More than 5 hours in the air each way, that proved to be a grand challenge, but an exciting one at that. We did our best to entertain Naomi on the plane. Getting her to nap was almost impossible, and changing a diaper in a bathroom that you can barely move in is a whole other topic. But all that aside, these memories will stay with me in the most possitive of ways because we were together, traveling for the very first time as a little family.
Our lovely neighbors and friends Cory and Emily were our reason for this trip. We were there to share in witnessing them becoming husband and wife. I was honored to serve as one of the Groom's men for Cory. It was a joyous and beautiful occasion whom we not only feel so fortunate to have been there, but to have been there with our little Naomi. Traveling with a baby (at the time 6 and a half month old baby) presents every type of excercise in patience for a parent that you are probably imagining. How did Naomi do? To be honest, she did a lot better than her parents. She was every bit the champ that we could of hoped for during our quick weekend excursion, but it wasn't absent of bumps. We knew that naps would be a challenge and the usual activities that Naomi is so used to doing at home. After all, we had no swing to put her to sleep in, no rooms that she is used to like her nursery, and ultimately every routine que that we offer her on a daily basis had to be some how reimagined in the best way we could provide for 3 days. I can say that it was definitely a team effort for all three of us :). I couldn't be more proud of how she soaked in the new environment just as we did.
Philly is a beautiful city. Rich in history. We spent our one free day roaming the downtown scene, and visiting the landmarks. We even ran up and down the stairs that 'Rocky' himself ran up in the movie Rocky. As much fun as the trip was, I think it's safe to say we'll reserve any future long trips for when Naomi is a little older. And who knows, we may even bring Olive and Q along next time......just kidding.
crawling.
7 Months!
Dear Naomi,
Wow. What a month. The picture above I think says it all. The past month introduced us to so many firsts, none more noticeable than you starting to stand. What's crazy is how fast everything happened. One minute we were rejoicing in you learning to crawl and sitting up with ease, to one day just popping up to stand like you had been doing it behind our backs for weeks. It is such a remarkable thing to see you becoming so capable and determined. I can only imagine what's next, although I bet my imagining will only last a short while as soon you will be walking, talking and reaching for the sky. We love to engage with you in your baby talk and often have conversations with you, even if we don't know exactly what you are trying to say. It was also a month full of other firsts. You had your very first airplane ride, traveling across the country to Philadelphia and touched the ocean with your feet for the very first time - both of which will be receiving their very own posts as well. And we've also been introduced to a not so fun and challenging first....teething. But that's a whole other story all together :)
Your laughter and smiles are a welcome and frequent presence for us which light up our days like nothing else can. Thank you Naomi for a month filled with so many remarkable milestones. Here's to a next month full of more.
love,
Papa
standing.
naomi standing from Charles Ellison on Vimeo.
Dear Naomi,
It seems like yesterday that you were born Naomi. Seeing how far you have come in such a short time, all I can really say is just how proud of you I am. You are so full of life and light and because of that, you bring so much life and light into our lives. With each day, we learn more about your personality. We learn how determined of a soul you really are. You never hesitate, you never express doubt. You share an undeniable quest to experience all the wonderful things that this life has to offer us. You are brave, and you are strong and even in you little failures, you endure and continue on with that beautiful smile. You are now helping yourself stand on your own. You do so almost effortlessly. Watching you and all your little miracles is the most inspriring and moving thing that I have ever experienced. Mama and I love you so much Naomi.
love,
Papa
Bath time
Dear Naomi,
If i'm lucky, I get home just in time to partake in all the evening fun. The feeding, the last bits of play, the night time ritual, and of course the bath - my favorite of all. I don't what it is, but being next to you as you move about in the water, mumbling your little babble and playing with your water toys, is the best way for me to unwind from a long day. Your always so calm in there, and you love to peak around to see that Mama and Papa are there watching. And when you notice one of us, you send us a little smile of acknowledgement.
I can't wait to take you to a pool soon. The thought of being in the water with you and helping you float around seems to good to be true. But I promise to make this happen soon.
love,
Papa
Play
Dear Naomi,
Ever since we got you this nice cozy play pen, you've had your very own space to explore and just be when you need a break from Mama and I smothering you will too much love. We love to watch you be in your own world.
love,
Papa