Week 12 - Back to the 'Lou

This week, the family loaded up and headed to St. Louis on Thursday to see Mimi and Papa. The drive to St. Louis was like a scene from a movie. We thought we could get across the state with only making one stop in God's Country (Columbia) for dinner and bathroom stop. Instead, Aubrey started getting fussy from hunger about an hour and a half into the drive. We wanted to try and push her 30 minutes until we got to Columbia, but then Henry started yelling he had to pee! So we pulled off and stopped at a gas station/repair shop/tractor sales place just west of the river. Stopping there threw off the rest of the timing. After stopping in Columbia for dinner and some mild nostalgia, we no longer were going to be able to make it without stopping yet again to feed Aubrey and let Henry go to the bathroom. Parenting, geez!



The kids' future! M-I-Z!

 

On Friday, we took the kids to Grant's farm so that 1) Henry could see some animals, and 2) the adults could get free beverages :) What I was not anticipating is Aubrey 'blowing out' while we were waiting to get into the park! There is nothing like standing in a line of strangers, trying to maneuver cleaning and changing  your baby without getting any of the 'shrapnel' on you. Note that Reggie failed at this. You know who you don't bring a separate change of clothes for on a family outing? Dad..... :)  Henry loved the bird show and elephant, and Aubs loved that we were able to find an air conditioned spot for her to eat!

With Mom outside the bird show (in her second outfit of the day)

Enjoying the free beverages!

Saturday was a bit of a wash out during the day. However, the rain stopped in time for Laura and Reggie to take in the Cardinals-Rangers game. After being VERY hot and humid, the rain brought the temperature down to the upper 60s by first pitch. It was a perfect evening. Big thanks to Mimi and Papa for watching the kids (even though we know that there is no "work" when it comes to watching your grandkids:) ).

Aubs and Papa

On Sunday morning, we took the kids over to our friends Leah and Rashad's house so they could meet our Aubrey. Luckily, both kids were very well behaved, and Henry didn't break anything. However, I do apologize for any rocks in their yard that I was unable to locate and put back into the landscaping!!!

Leah and Aubrey

Later Sunday, Laura took Aubs to a family henfest, aka cousin Amie's baby shower. All the aunts and cousins were happy to see Aubrey again, and all took turns holding our little lady. Later, Reggie brought Henry up to the event to see everyone and run off some energy before we hit the road back to KC.

Aunt Pam and Aubs

Mimi and the Aunts



Cousin Kristi and our girl!

If you are wondering how our drive back to KC went, please refer to the first column. However, you must add in torrential rainstorms!

Week 11 - Father's Day



Summer Fun!

This week brought Reggie's first Father's Day with Aubrey. To celebrate the day, the whole family loaded up and headed down to Carl Junction to visit Papa and Grandma Rosie's house. Our little girl got lots of love, and can't wait to go down when she is a bit bigger so she can ride in the golf cart with her brother!

Ridin' in style!

Henry stayed in Carl Junction through Wednesday, so Laura and I took advantage of the situation and were able to take Aubrey on a tour restaurants that don't serve grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese! It was like turning back the clock to 2010. Laura and I were able to have adult conversations, all while the baby slept!

  

Happy Father's Day!

 Earlier in the week, Henry's daycare held their annual field trip to the zoo. Henry loved the polar bear and lion exhibits. The temperature was around 97 that day, so we decided against putting Aubrey in the Baby Bjorn. Luckily for us and Aubs, we found out that one of the viewing spots for the lions was enclosed and air conditioned. We happened to come up on this location right at Aubrey was getting hungry. Perfect timing! (well, not for the guys that were sitting on the next bench in the back of the exhibit - Laura quickly found that she was alone back there :) ).

What you can't see is Henry off-camera growling like a lion and scaring Aubs!

 Laura must be driving our Bob stroller like she's a Mario Andretti, because while walking back from the 'Africa' exhibit, one of Aubrey's back tires blew on us! As you would guess, this was literally the furthest point from zoo entrance. So, Aubrey had to endure a not-so comfortable ride all the way back to the entrance. Note - A stroller with a blown back right tire pulls significantly to the right as you push it!



Aubrey looks on with jealous eyes...



This week also marked the start of the Bogarts being members at the city pool. It is perfect for us as parents - Henry loves playing in the water, and Aubs loves sitting in the shade outside. We even let her dabble her toes into the water (no response one way or the other).

My new bed!!!



Developmentally, Aubrey continues to grow quickly, and now is having issue fitting into certain 0-3 clothes due to her length. She is also now sleeping full-time in her crib! It was hard at first for Laura to give up knowing her baby was sleeping right next to her, but it has been great overall. In addition, Aubs only wakes up once/night (if that) to eat! In fact, there are mornings that Laura has to wake her up before heading to the gym to force her to eat/"relieve" :)

  



Aubs looked bored; thanks Henry!