The Original "O"s

Our time in DC was talking and laughing punctuated with eating and a little adventure. Maeve was going through a fussy phase at this point and didn't seem to want to be held for long by anyone but mama.

My poor Mom trying to love Maeve through a "but it's naptime" moment.

During a day on the town we got stuck in quite a downpour and stuck it out in the car for awhile before venturing out to shop more.

Looking at this pictures as I post makes me realize just how much Maeve has grown in the last month! My goodness how a few weeks can mature such a sweet little face! It is also becoming painfully aware just how much of her hair has fallen out! The poor kiddo has some seriously dry scalp, and it seems where the dry scalp is, the hair is not.

Our adventures took us shopping, out to the National Harbor, and downtown to the Elipse to the National Christmas Tree. Our plans were to see Santa, but Obama's motorcade came through, and they evacuated the park. Boo.

The O'Connell Clan at the National Christmas Tree

The Ladies in Front of the White House

The "O" Girls

Maevey Bean and her Grandparents

Mom & Dad, we loved visiting you all, even if the reason for our visit wasn't the happiest. We're looking forward to seeing you at the end of January! It's rumored Maeve may even have a laugh or two for you when you come! ;)

Dinner Visits

Sheila Johnson has been my father's second mother since he was fourteen years old. I have memories of her, and her late husband Ross, spanning the last twenty-something years of my life. Ross helping me make everyone cards on their home pc when I was five or six, Sheila gentley reminding me to say "excuse me" when wanting to speak with my mom and dad during adult dinners, visits to their island in the Adirondacks while at our lake house. I've always enjoyed warm hugs and funny stories, especially of my dad's youth.

The first Friday of our visit there we all tromped over to Falls Church and were able to enjoy sweet company and introduce Miss Maeve and Sheila. Dinner was wonderful, and the company was even better. Sheila pulled out pictures and stories of the Johnson family and dad of the past. With so much sadness having woven its way through our family in the previous weeks it was good to laugh.

Sheila and Miss Maeve

Dad, Sheila, Maeve and Mama

Maeve and Mama

Grandad showcasing his baby sleeper skills.

Originally, with this post, I had hoped to share a picture of Sheila and myself when I was about six months old. BUT, I left my memory books (books Granio compiled for us kids with pictures, mementos, etc) at my parents for them to ship home. So, next time then.

Let's Try This Again

Our second shot at flying to DC was a success. I was up on time, we arrived on time, and for the most part it went smoothly.

Oh, except for security. I am convinced hell is going through security alone with an 8wk old baby. Thankfully a dad behind me stepped in to help as I tried to collapse strollers, take off shoes, pull out liquids and laptop all while juggling Maeve. Yuck. I was so worried about inconveniencing those behind me I began to sweat and get the shakes again. I'm sure it was a lovely sight. :)

Maeve did great on the flights. Our first, OKC to Newark she slept from the get-go. When we landed, we hit the bathroom and while I washed my hands my sweet girl was full of coos and smiles. A fellow hand washer leaned over and exclaimed "Oh she loves you! Just look at how she smiles at you!!!"

Melt my heart! It's one thing to look at your babe and know she loves you, it's quite another to have a complete stranger see the love bubbling over from her to you and point it out. It was a first. :) Unfortunately, that's where the happy love ended and Maeve demanded to be held while I pushed the stroller one handed from one end of Newark to another. Three kind gentleman pointed out that it would be so much easier for me to navigate if I could bring myself to put down my sweet baby. Really? My, where would this silly little mother be without the guidance of wise, older men!? I had never putting her in her car seat except...oh yes, we quit that because she was turning purple and screaming. But thank you for the help anyhow kind sirs.

And while nursing in the airport did not go well (read: we flashed a guy my brother's age and cried because we were too distracted), the little old ladies in the gift shop who told me I looked amazing for having an 8wk old baby and fawned over Maeve, holding her while I paid for my bottles of water made me feel quite wonderful. God was dropping little golden moments of happiness to get me through our travels.

Again, once aboard our last leg, we had a little whine and then poof: this is how we landed in Baltimore.

Fly Away With Us

Shortly after Thanksgiving the bean and I made the trek from Oklahoma to DC. Visiting family and friends, mourning the passing of my Granio, and spending some time being pampered by my Mom and Dad.

But, before we can talk about our trip we have to talk about our test run. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there are certain truths in life that are better left un-tested. Lessons like, "Everything takes at least twice as long with a baby." and "Always arrive an hour and a half before your flight's departure." Neither of these lessons seemed to find their way into my thought before Tuesday, the day of our departure to DC. The morning was supposed to look like this: get up at 4am and ready, feed and change Maeve, put Maeve in car, put bags in car, leave for airport. I had laid things out with order, had planned everything out in my head and thought I was pretty prepared. But, the anxiety of travelling alone with my then 8wk old baby kept me up most of the night and instead the morning looked something like this: cousin waking me up at 5:15, we're supposed to leave, get dressed, now I'm sweating, feed Maeve, Maeve spits up, Maeve has a blowout, Maeve's crying, change Maeve, hand Maeve off to go into her carseat, get bags, my bags won't close! how can they not close?, get in car, get to airport.

Once at aiport, a flight pro I had imagined, walk in, check in. Instead it was drag things in, shake the whole time, have too many things...boppy, coat that no longer fits, pump bag, diaper bag, stroller, carseat, suitcase, snuggly....pray you're never left to fly alone again, pray the baby keeps sleeping, run to the ticket counter, swear you'll never fly alone again, arrive to two irked looking ticket agents. They are supposed to take your id, take your bags and wish you merry travels. But no, today you are greeted with, "your flight leaves in twenty minutes, I can't check you in, you're not going to make it."

GULP

Keep shaking, try not to cry, think of the baby, think of your parents, wish Adam was here. Look at Shannon, be thankful someone kind IS here, and ask what they can do. So we were given choices by a gruff and tired looking airline attendant.

Our conversation went something like this....

"Well, that was our only flight to Baltimore today."

"Oh..."

"But, you can get from here to Houston and Houston to Baltimore."

"Great!"

"But Houston is over-sold so you'll probably get stuck, at least until 7 tonite."

"Oh..."

"Or we could put you on a flight to Chicago."

"Great!"

"But because of that snow storm, you won't get out tonight."

"Oh...ok...well.."

Thank goodness Shannon was there to lean in and remind me I didn't know anyone either place, and kindly tell me I could stay in Edmond with them another night.

So, for $75 I bought a ticket change for the same flight the next morning and an extra day of fun with the VanHeests.

Pictures and tales of DC to follow, but let me assure you that the next day Mama was up on time.

Ok, ok, and because I can't help but moon over our gal. Maevey turned 3mo old this Friday. Here she is modeling at the botanical gardens this week.