Babies to the Max: Adventures in Louisville

Max made his first trip to Louisville for the Easter holiday. He was greeted by many people seeking to admire him...aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and most importantly, Nana and Papa Mike! We arrived on Thursday after a long, but successful car trip. Max was super during the drive and we only had to make brief pit stops for feeding. I've heard several interesting stories about attempts at nursing while the car is in motion, but we decided it was easier and safer to stop. Plus, how else are you going to see scenic Berea, KY?

After a great night of sleep, Max was ready for his big round of introductions on Friday. We missed out on the zoo, but were able to take Max to meet Charlie, Shelly, and their twins Marie and William. Max was absolutely fascinated by these babies who were so much bigger than him (they will be 2 this summer)! Then it was onward to meet Nancy Sherman, the mother of Max's namesake Danny. Like a true honorary Grandma, she could not get enough of cuddling our precious baby! Friday night was family night as Uncle Tom and Aunt Barbara tried to indoctrinate Max about the U of L Cardinals while Aunt Bern and Cousin Allison were set on convincing us to stop calling Max funny nicknames like "Snort" and "Bubbles".

The second full day of visiting took Max to Scott and Amy's house where they met Jack, another giant baby (15 months old). Jasper and Amanda arrived with Jasper's mother Tina in tow. Tina definitely gets the award for the Most Excited Entrance as she bounced in to meet Max. Jasper managed to avoid her thinly veiled references about providing her with a grandchild :) However, the true award winner of the weekend was Amy. While she was holding Max, he had the Poop of the Year in her lap. Literally, it was in her lap. Despite this very special "time together", she offered to hold Max again after they had both changed outfits. He promptly pooped again, but with no spillage this time! Ahhh...babies.

The rest of the day was play time with Nana and Papa, who also graciously watched him after he went to bed so that we could go to a party at the Eiflers. Although the guests were disappointed that we didn't bring Max to the party, he was zonked from all the social events and being off his schedule.

Unfortunately, we had to return home on Sunday, so Max's first Easter was in the car on a cold, gray day. He isn't old enough to realize it, but I hated to not attend church (and Easter dinner). However, driving was an all day commitment and we had an important reason to be back on Monday morning. Max did not sleep well on Saturday night which I thought was caused by all the changes in his environment. We discovered yesterday that it was probably also due to him developing a cold and an ear infection. He's extra pitiful at the moment, but I'm glad he was able to hold it off until we got home. At least he got to see his Daddy's homeland and meet (almost) everyone!

When he starts talking, learning to pronounce "Louisville" correctly will be of the highest priority! Now if he can just decide which team to cheer for in the U of Louisville vs. UNC game tomorrow night.....