"Firsts"

Cole's first vacation was a success and happened to include many first time experiences for the little guy. Below are a few.

1. First Roll Over - The Grandma's claim, while Kristin and I were sleeping, Cole rolled over. I would not, however, be surprised if someone gave him a little push. Although, later in the week we did find him on his tummy in his crib. We're hoping to get some footage with our camcorder that we can post later. FYI - Rolling over is now his new favorite thing. He does it everywhere, all the time, with the same result...rolls over and then screams, because he can't figure out how to flip back over.

2. First Airplane Ride - Kristin and I were extremely nervous about this "first." We both imagined two hours, stuck in the air, with a screaming baby. We made sure we were prepared with toys, bottles, his blanket...anything we could think of we brought. Overall, we were happily surprised. The first flight went well until the last 15 minutes. Then it turned into the worst flight. Cole was pretty much inconsolable and did a lot of crying and screaming. Our seatmate was very nice and tried to help us console the little guy. Nothing seemed to work. Thank goodness it didn't last for long. Once we landed Cole was his smiley, happy self again. On the flights home Cole was either in a good mood and kept himself busy charming the ladies sitting next to us, or slept. This Baby Einstein music toy was great to have and was a big player in Cole's stellar behavior. Even though all went smoothly, we were on such a level of high alert and so nervous, I recommend checking your babies with the rest of your luggage.

3. First Swim - Getting Cole saturated in sunscreen and in his swimming outfit was the most difficult part. As you can see below he is not very happy. Admittedly, maybe the baby shades were a little much. Once in the water he seemed to enjoy himself. I think he even kicked his feet a little.

4. First Boat Ride - For this first, we had to go buy a $50+ infant PFD (Personal Floatation Device), which did not make me very happy. Lucky for Cole, I would have bought a ten dollar PFD if they had one. Good news is that he was fine wearing it and we can also use it in Wisconsin at the lake cottage and on the pontoon. Bad news is that the little porker may out grow it before this summer. Then the search for that $10 PDF begins...

We took the boat across the Gulf to a BBQ at my uncle's house in Fort Meyers. After a quick photo shoot Cole fell fast asleep. Grandpa John also did a nice job driving smoothly and not too bumpy.

5. First Easter - We ate Easter dinner at my Aunt Betty Ann (BA) and Al's house. Dinner was great and my Aunt BA (doesn't stand for badass but it should) had a lot of toys set out for Cole (and even more Easter decorations). There Cole met my Uncle Danny and Aunt Debbie. The following day he met my Aunt Janet. Many Fuchs family relatives live in Florida and for most it was their first time meeting Cole.

He also got to wear his Easter PJ's, which everyone else enjoyed much more than he did. A winter hat and jammies with feet are definitely not necessary in Florida.

Kristin and I enjoyed our trip a ton. The Grandmas were more than happy to get up with Cole in the morning so we got to hand him off around 6:30 and go back to bed. We also got a nice break from washing bottles and making formula. They did our laundry, prepared our meals and waited on us. Grandmas are awesome. Grandpas - take 'em or leave 'em. I'm not sure what they did besides eat and drink.

For more vacation photos click here. Also, feel free to comment if you think Cole looks like a girl, as everyone we talked to at the airport or on the airplane said we have a beautiful daughter. Sorry Cole. I'll try not to make fun of you to much in the future.