Walker took Mommy and Daddy on a vacation to see Gigi in Boca Raton, Florida.

 

 

We had a wonderful time and Gigi went gaga over Walker. We arrived on Saturday night in Miami. Walker was amazing on the flight out. We received all the standard advice but the best thing someone told us was to bring a pillow on the flight for Walker to sit on. It was perfect. We created a little nest for him and he curled up and snoozed. He only yelled once when he was falling off to sleep. That was the most fantastic way to begin the vacation.

When we arrived (after waiting more than an hour for our luggage — we were afraid our bags had gone MIA in Miami — heh) Gigi had a beautiful dinner prepared. We put Walker to bed at around midnight Eastern and at 1am we sat down to begin our vacation eat-a-thon with shrimp, tuna and chicken salad, and pita chips.

I planned on keeping Walker on Pacific time. I figured since he’s sleep-challenged, messing with his little internal clock would be bad news. Add “spring forward” to the equation and he’d be four hours off. I figured even if we migrated to Central or Mountain time, it would still be better than moving all the way to Eastern. Plus, Gigi had a party planned for Wednesday between 5-7pm Eastern and it was critical for Walker to be chipper. Much to everyone’s surprise, we were able to maintain California time throughout the week. It wasn’t terribly difficult as Gigi generally goes to sleep between 1 and 4am and awakes between 10 and 11am.

On Sunday, the baby bomb exploded in Gigi’s beautiful apartment. Walker and I awoke first and we hung out in the living room with all our treasures. We then moved into the den where I checked out Gigi’s computer set up (my first exposure to MS Vista — not sure what all the hubub was about…) Walker played quietly on the couch and was pleased to see Gigi sneak in. She parked herself on the floor in front of him and started to make faces and play with him like she was 60 years younger. At one point she was even rolling around on the floor and kicking her feet in the air to imitate Walker’s favorite moves.

Whenever Mommy visits Gigi, she gets spoiled and pampered. I got a massage, pedicure, and a facial. Daddy and Walker took a great walk around the Boca Raton Hotel and Resort. We’re no longer members but who would stop a man and baby with such cool sunglasses?

 

Wednesday was a BIG day. It was Gigi’s 85th birthday and to commemorate the occasion, she invited over 40 of her friends to come meet Walker. We spent the morning (and by morning, I mean afternoon Eastern) preparing, answering the birthday phone calls, and accepting the flowers and packages that kept arriving at the door. (Gigi was overwhelmed at how many people adore her although we don’t know why given how generous, funny, and kind she is.) Walker gave her the best gift of all — he was a perfect angel during the party. We were afraid he’d be frightened by all the people coming over and talking to him at once. He’s gotten very shy and has a new maneuver when someone comes to talk to him — he drops his chin to his chest and then slowly, very slowly, he cocks his head to the side to catch a glimpse of the person in front of him. It’s very coy. He must have sensed this was a special occasion because he cheerfully accepted all the attention with smiles and giggles. He took a quick nap in his stroller during the hubub and refreshed, continued to be adored. It was really fantastic sharing him with all Gigi’s friends including Phyllis and Bob Levinson — the couple who prompted Gigi to propose to me to marry Larry but that’s a story for a different time. Walker’s top teeth also finally made an appearance. Welcome Mr. Toothy!

 

The next day was beach day. Walker donned his spiffy bathing suit, Gigi gave him a pail and shovel, and we headed out to Deerfield Beach. He got sunscreen slathered all over his transparent skin and enjoyed banging the shovel on the bucket and feeling the sand under his little feet. After many photos, it was time to brave the waves of the Atlantic. Walker stood in the wet sand and buried his toes. A small wave covered his feet — and that was OK. So many people walked by and watched him enjoy his first ocean experience. Another wave came up and it was a might bigger. It came up to his shins and got his bathing suit wet. He crinkled up his nose and waited one…two…three…and WAILED! Poor little guy. I’m sure he’ll grow to like the ocean as much as Mommy and Daddy.

That afternoon (and by afternoon, I mean evening), we went to Gigi’s favorite toy store and Walker picked out a toy for himself — a big green dragon he grabbed and chewed on. We figured he wanted it so it became his. He’s not going to be spoiled or anything. Then we had a nice dinner with cousin Jory who goes to college in Boca. Mommy and Daddy remember college and we’re glad we’re not there anymore. It’s too much work to keep such a busy social calendar (and oh yeah, do some studying in between).

The next morning (and by morning, I mean the middle of the night Pacific time), we awoke at 4am Eastern and were on the road to Miami for our flight home. We all got an hour or two of sleep, kissed Gigi goodbye and had a relaxing trip to the airport. As we checked our bags, I realized we forgot a very important carry on which included our taxes, computer and diaper bag. At least we didn’t forget the baby and some guy invented FedEx so we were covered. We did, however, have to buy diapers at the airport which apparently are coated in gold explaining the sky high cost. Walker was a bit less cheerful on the way home but he was easily calmed when he walked up and down the isles attached to Mommy in the Baby Bjorn. He received many compliments from fellow travellers on how well behaved he was so I guess he was better than I feared.

We got home at noon Pacific and we settled back in with the kitties, unpacked and as I did so, I kicked the ottoman not once but three times. I just didn’t learn to walk around the furniture. My poor little toe is all black and blue but at least it looks good with the orange polish.

Tomorrow Granddaddy (heretofore referred to as “Pops”) will come down to pay homage to the little guy. Lots of family. Lots of love. Good vacation.