We returned back to Denver (after our overnight flight from HI) to rainy, cold weather. It was perfect for a snuggly, cuddly day at home. We turned on the fire and napped together on the couch and just enjoyed being home.

When your papa was driving us home from the airport this morning he asked if you were still sticking your tongue out all the time. I thought about it and realized that nope, you hadn’t been doing that at all for a few days. I also remembered that while in HI you started bending your legs up to your chest, grabbing your toes and rolling on your side, nearly rolling over onto your tummy from your back. It’s amazing how much you changed in just a few days!

…all vacations must come to an end. Unfortunately, ours ended today. We opted for a nice, relaxing last day and just slept in and hung out at the pool. We had a bottle of champagne from Lia’s welcome party so we drank that in some mimosas (after a photo -op with sock monkey).

Sock Monkey’s New Friend

Then we headed to the pool. You enjoyed napping in the shade and playing around next to the pool.

Hanging with Dad by the Pool

The hotel had a saltwater lagoon, so we did dip your toes in that. You seemed to like it!

After Dipping Your Toes in the Lagoon

Today we headed up to the north shore. We hung out at a beach called Tunnels Beach and your dad and I got to snorkel and play in the ocean a bit. I had wanted to find a good spot for you to stick your toes in, but it’s hard to find a calm and shaded part of the water. Thus, your first dip in the ocean will have to wait for another day. We did, however, have a fun little photo shoot with you on the beach (after you woke up from your peaceful, beach snooze).

Napping on the Beach

Playing

Love my Toes

About to Roll Over

About to Roll Over Again

Whole Family on the Beach

Today was Lia’s wedding, and we had so much fun! You were all dressed up and looked so cute; the wedding photographer had lots of fun taking pictures of you. The wedding was right next to the ocean and it was beautiful. I was so glad you were able to join us for the celebration.

All Three of us at Lia’s Wedding

Tuckered Out After the Wedding

I was so lucky to get to celebrate my birthday today during our trip to Kauai. I must say that spending it with you and your dad, in such a lovely location, is the best a girl could ask for. But beyond that, simply having you – my sweet, happy and healthy baby girl – is what made my birthday perfect.

We celebrated the day by first enjoying some yummy bloody mary’s and banana macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup. Then we headed to my favorite bay (Nawiliwili Bay) for some stand-up paddle boarding. This is the spot where I first tried SUP, but last time wasn’t brave enough to try the waves, opting instead to stay in the sheltered, relatively smooth part of the bay. Today I tried riding some waves but fell virtually every time, but still had lots of fun.

There I Go!

Hanging Out with Mom on the Beach

Then your dad and I grabbed beers at Duke’s before heading home to get ready for our nice dinner out at Roy’s. We had a great day and I couldn’t dream of a better way to have spent my birthday.

Dressed up for Mom’s Birthday Dinner

Today your dad and I decided to drive up Waimea Canyon. On the way we stopped at Spouting Horn to watch the water shoot out of a hole; you were awake but didn’t seem too impressed.

Awake at Spouting Horn

Then we stopped at multiple lookouts in Waimea Canyon to enjoy the view and take some pictures. You were asleep at every single lookout, so your dad had fun taking pictures of you ‘enjoying’ the scenery.

Sleeping for Viewpoint 1

Sleeping for Viewpoint 2

Sleeping for Viewpoint 3 (with mom)

Sleeping for Viewpoint 4

Tonight we went to a welcome party hosted by Lia’s parents. They held the party so that all of the wedding guests could meet each other before the big event. We had lots of fun and you were so cute in your tropical dress, though you slept most of the party.

Sleeping through the Welcome Party

Today you took your first flight, and it was a big one! It was a seven hour flight from Denver to Kauai. But being the lucky girl that you are, you got to accompany your mom in first class! You did amazing, far exceeding my expectations. You slept a lot, were awake but happy for some of it, and fussy for just the last little bit. Around hour 6 you were over it (as were all of the adults on the flight also) and your dad and I stood with you (trying to get you to cheer up) and chatted in the area between first class and regular class (your dad didn’t get upgraded, but did benefit from the beers that I had sent back to him!). Soon Booey (Lia’s now-husband) and another couple flying out for the wedding came up and chatted. Everyone wanted to help you be happier and to chat about the trip; it was lots of fun!

Just landed in Kauai

You’re three months old today! Your dad wished you happy three month birthday this morning while we were all snuggling in bed and it made me think of all the fun times we’ve already had and how much you’ve changed. Over this last month you’ve sure gotten bigger; you’ve finally outgrown every newborn outfit and you’re solidly into the 0-3 month clothes. You’re becoming more and more smiley and expressive, and you’re very aware of your surroundings, often content to just sit on my lap and look around. You’re also becoming a great sleeper, with eight hours or more a night becoming more and more common. We love you so much, sweet pea!

Three months young

Getting strong and very good at holding up your head

Over the last two to three days you’ve started sticking your tongue out. All the time. I’m not sure why, maybe you like the feeling of the air on it. Either way, it’s pretty funny.

Startled face tongue out

Shocked face tongue out

Relaxed face tongue out

A quick look at my calendar and one thing became immediately apparent; today was a blank slate of no appointments, work-related calls, or obligations. I decided we should take advantage of it. We picked up your nana and headed for downtown Denver for a girl’s day. It was your first time visiting Denver. We had a nice lunch outside, went to a fun baby store and stocked up on items that seemed necessary but probably weren’t (baby sunglasses?), and just had fun browsing the shops. It was a great day and we had lots of fun with your nana.

Hanging out in front of mom’s favorite cupcake shop while mom and nana enjoy their desert