Our weekend adventure

This weekend we tried to go here....

but ended up here instead.....

We attempted to go to a farm and petting zoo on Sunday but when we got there we were met with HUGE crowds and looong lines. We decide to find another place to visit and decided on historic Fort McHenry, about 14 miles away in Baltimore. It was very nice that day and the crowds were very small there. For those of you non-history buffs, Ft. McHenry is most famous as the site that inspired the writing of the national anthem by Francis Scott Key. It was there that Key witnessed a British bombardment of the fort that took place in 1814 during the war of 1812. It was able to ward off the attacks by the British and saved Baltimore. The fort was ordered to be built by President George Washington to protect against future British attacks (which was exactly what happened). It was in use through the civil war as a prison, a hospital during WWI and a Coast Guard base in WWII. The only thing that remains now is the fort itself. It is always fun to step back in time at sites like these and see how people lived and worked. Here are a few more photos from that day:

Arriving at the fort.

The sailboats on Chesapeake Bay. Francis Scott Key watched the bombardment of the fort from a ship just past where that bridge is now.

War of 1812 and Civil War cannons.

Walking around the grounds of the fort.

Just a cute squirrel I saw. :)

Inside the fort looking toward the sally port (main entrance). The flag flying is the small flag they put on days where the wind is low. They usually fly a flag that is 45'X30', a replica of the one they flew during the bombardment. The fact that it was so big made it easy for F.S. Key to see it from the ship in the harbor.

You must have been a beautiful baby...

We had some professional photos taken last week. This is my favorite shot of Sydney. :)

Yesterday she started doing the first step in getting on her feet and walking...she had her hands and feet flat on the floor, legs straight, and butt in the air (let's call it the "bear crawl"). She is really working on learning how to get those legs to stand her up and we are sure she will be taking her first steps within the next couple of months! Her babbling is becoming more syllabic with baba and mama becoming more frequent and mimicking of gestures and signs; she has also started blowing raspberries. We are very happy with her progress.

Here is a cute video of Sydney laughing during a "pony ride" with Daddy.

Good Times

A few photos from the last week:

Taking a walk at historic Montpelier Mansion in Laurel.

"Breakfast is a great time to put my feet up and relax!"

In my new jumperoo. I love it. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!

Meeting my Grandma Sylvia (My mommy's mom)

Some of my favorite photos (so far)

We have gone from THIS a few days ago....

To THIS yesterday!

Sydney is feeling MUCH better and happier. She is just a joy to have in our lives and we feel blessed to have a daughter that fits so well with us. Of course she is not a perfect baby, but she is perfect for us. I continue to be amazed at how right she is for our family and how well she has adapted to the huge change she has gone through. She was definitely worth the wait.

It is great fun getting to know her personality, her likes and dislikes, and what makes her laugh and what makes her cry. I know how to get a laugh out of her, and I know how to get her to sleep. I am learning what foods she likes and that she LOVES to play. I am learning that she is actually not scared by much of anything. She is really just a laid back, easygoing person. She is definitely outgoing and loves to people watch. I can't help but wonder what she will become one day and what interests she will pursue.

Here, Sydney is getting to know our cat, Simon. I am so glad she is not afraid of the cats. Simon is very interested in Sydney and follows her around, watching her and smelling her. Our scaredy cat Sebastian watches her from afar, usually keeping his distance, but he is like that with all strangers at first. They both take her petting them very well.

I knew she was A-OK with Simon (our lap cat) when tonight he cozied up to me while Sydney was on my lap. He ended up sitting on both of us and both he and Sydney were OK with it. He got a good petting from Sydney :)

When I went in to wake Sydney from her nap, this is how I found her and I had to snap a photo. I think the way she sleeps is the cutest! I find her in some of the strangest positions.

Firsts

Sydney has been adjusting and getting used to her new life more every day. We had some firsts the last few days...

We had our first wave yesterday. As we were playing in her room, she just all of a sudden waved to Daddy. She woke up hungry around midnight and practice waving until she went to sleep again. :) We will try to get video of it, but although it is a few times a day, it is still pretty random and she doesn't do it on cue.

This morning we had our first scaling attempt. I put Sydney on the floor next to the changing table while I changed the pad and she pulled herself up to her knees. She was able to do it again tonight in the kitchen. She has been practicing standing (assisted) and her legs are getting stronger all the time. She loves to crawl around and explore. She isn't too fast right now thankfully, but she will be in no time I bet!

We had our first belly laugh tonight. We had a few small laughs, but the belly laugh was great. Physically I think she is feeling much better. Her congestion is much less and she been constipated the last few days, which after some laxative foods and some extra hydration, has been "resolving" all day today, if you know what I mean.

So, all in all, things are going well. We are going to try to get her laughing on video and post it soon. Thanks again to everyone for your interest and support in our journey.