Baby Big Pants

If you follow Josh on Facebook, you may have noticed that he refers to Mackenzie as "Big Pants." This is meant both figuratively and literally. Figuratively because-for the time being-Mackenzie wears the pants in our family. Literally because were using cloth diapers, which, due to their bulk and diaper cover, made Mackenzie's lower half look....well...Big.

Notice that I said we 'were' using cloth diapers. Sadly, today I officially gave up my effort to reduce Mackenzie's carbon footprint (I actually wanted to cancel two weeks ago, but couldn't bring myself to do it during Earth Week). In theory, cloth diapers seemed so smart, easy and cute (I really got into those diaper covers). Plus, my mom used them with me, and I turned out pretty good. Oh, I should totally point out that we used a cloth diaper service...IE, a wonderful company picked up our dirty diapers and provided us with clean ones. No way in hell I'd clean our own.

Everyone was on board with this plan....except for Mackenzie. We really should've asked her first. The wonderful thing about Mackenzie is that she is tuned into everything. Sounds, smells, sights and other sensations. The not so wonderful thing about Mackenzie is that she is tuned into everything. So, when she had a wet cloth diaper she made sure to let you know. After weeks of changing up to 20 diapers a day, I gave into a few things:

1. Mackenzie will leave a carbon footprint. Hopefully it's not as big as the generation's before hers.
2. I will gladly pay more money for disposable diapers and whatever it is that wicks away moisture.
3. I need to keep some things simple when it comes to parenting. Really? 20 diapers a day?
4. We still recycle, use 'free' dishwashing soap and carpool to work. You're welcome, Earth.

Good Food, Good Drinks, Good Baby

It's taken me a while to write this because I seriously had a hard time picking out photos.....

Ben and Lizzie came to visit us a couple of weeks ago (that's Lala and Baba to Mackenzie), and we had a wonderful time eating, drinking fancy drinks and lounging with Mackenzie. Major credit to Ben and Lizzie for "going with the flow," as life with a newborn can be unpredictable.

Some highlights of their visit:

Fantastic food: Cuban, Argentinian and Americana Soul Food. Mackenzie's restaurant manners are getting a jump start!

Lizzie and Ben's 1st Blowout: This happened while we were eating out (thankfully it was close to our home and we could make a quick exit). Blowouts are always a mixture of horror and humor. Horror as to what can come out of something so small, and humor because Mackenzie still looks adorable regardless. When we got home Ben and Lizzie asked,"OK, how do we do this." Gotta love 'em for using the pronoun 'we.'

Baby Talk: I heard my brother used the term "fartsky wartsky" when he was playing with Mackenzie. I've never heard him add '-sky' onto any word. Being an uncle will do that to you.

(Bottom photos taken by Lizzie)

Anniversary Love

Love this man!

Anniversary

Happy 2 year Anniversary to my favorite companion! This has been a year of busting through comfort zones for Josh and me: moving to essentially a foreign country, getting new jobs and having a baby. All have challenged us, made us feel uncomfortable and strengthened our marriage. I wouldn't trade it for the world...well except that time we shared a twin mattress our first night in Miami. I still could've had a fulfilling marriage without that.

Thank you, Josh, for working every day to be the best husband and father that you can be. You make me beyond happy and loved.

Bath Time Progress

Mackenzie's come a long way with her toleration for baths. 

We started out like this during her 1st week:

And are now to this:

I think I caught a glimmer of a smile. Maybe.

Smiles and Stares

Mackenzie has smiled before now, but it was while I was reading to her about the tensions in North Korea. Unless she is planning a career in international politics, I am sure that was a reflex.

Below is a video of a smile in response to something that actually warrants a smile:

I wouldn't go so far as to say Mackenzie is quick to smile. She tends to be somewhat discerning in what she observes....IE, she stares a lot.

A New Spin on Biking

While out to dinner tonight, we witnessed no fewer than 5,000 bikers going through downtown Coral Gables.

Apparently it is a group mass of people that meet the last Friday of the month and cycle a different route around Miami. The cyclists were not exactly super-serious....there were numerous bars (and I'm not talking handle bars) attached to bikes and stereos blasting Jay-Z and Pit Bull tunes. Think South Beach club meets group exercise.

The video is a mere glimpse of the mayhem that ensued for the next 20 minutes.