Oh dear. We did it again.

I'm just under the wire in a month-long lapse in this blog. Sorry about that. So much going on, most of which had to do with preparing for, living out, or unpacking from our week-long vacation in Mexico. It was a great trip, and we're grateful for my folks for their hospitality, and for Carrie & Brian, Jess & Ben, Eithne and Kim for all joining us. And we're especially grateful for all the people in the rows behind and in front of us on our various planes. Calla's not exactly a silent traveler, and she's not shy about voicing her displeasure. There was some kicking of seats, a little bit of squealing at times, and an occasional shreak or twelve. We all survived and my bruises have now nearly healed.


Calla and Joe enjoying the pool at the Sime Hacienda. Calla did OK in the pool, eventually loving it so much that she wanted to stay in despite blue lips and a full-body shiver.


Posing on the Terrace. Calla loved having the run of the place, pushing her baby in a stroller all over the house and playing in Grandma and Grandpa's bathroom - she loved their big tub, and apparently her baby did too considering the number of times Baby was given a bath.

A few highlights from our trip...

* Calla and her cousin Julia, who she now calls "Dewy." Julia was even more interactive than the last time we saw her, so the two cousins could play on the blanket together and listen to stories. Near the end of the visit, Calla made sure to let Carrie and Brian know when Julia needed a diaper change: "Dewy wet." "Dewy poop. Stinky!" I'm not sure how they're managing without Calla the Diaper Genie now that they're home.

* Calla and her grandfather. In previous visits, Calla took her time warming to my dad, but this time, she just took to him right away. "Boppa" was her name for him. She'd go the door looking into the garage and watch him puttering, trying to get his attention..."Boppa? Boppa?"

* Calla and her grandmother. They went on walks around the block, stopping to talk to the dogs they met. Calla acted as if she'd never met a dog before - it was the talk of her day. Somewhere in Mexico, Calla conformed to standard dog speak - dogs now say "Woof" instead of "Foof." It's more likely that she won't fail kindergarten now, but I'm still a little sad that we left our "foof" in Mexico.

There's more to share, but I'll try to do it in little snippets this coming week. Sorry for the lapse - hope we haven't lost you all in our down-time!