From the Atlantic to the Pacific

Eight states, one broken air conditioner, a melted cargo bucket, 593 stalactite boobs in the car seat and one extraordinary baby later, we have made it through much of our adventure across the country. Lucy seems to have adjusted to life on the road as she does everything else....with grace and ease. Our first leg to PA after we closed up our house and locked the door was by far the most stressful for me, but after we got part one under out belts things really started to flow.

We have been to Palmyra, PA, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia Beach and Roanoke VA to see so many dear and wonderful people gracious enough to feed us, spoil our baby with love and give us a place to shower. Every experience made the extra miles well worth the time in the car and I am grateful Jim pushed us in that direction. Lucy has had the opportunity to meet so many of the important people in our lives, some who have been in our lives for over 12 years and I would have been broken hearted if they weren't introduced to our darling Luey (no typo there, just another new and favorite nickname). Our air conditioner died just outside of Roanoke, forcing us extend our stay there and remember the incredible kindness of our friends there.

Things we have learned so far:

• Driving in the early hours of the day makes for smooth sailing
• Camping with a baby is not as scary as it seems
• Stopping for at least one hour to enjoy a blanket in the park is worth the time
• Daddy would rather drive than entertain the baby
• Mommy can sing a lot
• Stalactite boob is good for your abs
• Calming music that the baby is familiar with (in our case, Norah Jones, Wagon Wheel and Blessed Union of Souls) makes a world of difference when baby is sleepy
• Car organization is key and needs to be maintained
• A snack bucket and ample water is helpful
• Six hours a day is a good maximum with a little one
• Getting in the car after nursies and right before sleepy time means mommy has to sing less
• Toys with lights and sounds are VERY useful in a pinch, despite daddy's preferences
• A foam bladed hand fan can provide seemingly endless entertainment and hangs nicely from the car seat handle when walking around hot cities

Things Lucy is doing these days:

• Clearly, definitely responding to and initiating sign language for milk
• Eating any non-food item she can get her hands on
• Giggling more and more
• Really moving around on her belly. She is so close to crawling she can taste it.
• Playing independently with motivation and hard work
• Rolling over her belly at night and putting herself to sleep by nuzzling the bed and sleepy talking
• Grabbing her toes and trying to get them to her mouth, one of her cutest moves yet
• Changing and varied inflection in her voice and sounds 
• Trying to escape the baby bath tub and showing a preference to sit in the tub with mommy
• Begging for real food, but her parents won't let her have it yet
• Sitting up independently for up to 30 seconds
• Reaching up to us when she wants to be picked up
• Rubbing her eyes and ears when she is sleepy (also adorable)
• Going 8 days without pooping and requiring her first ounce of prune juice

Next stop: Amarillo, Texas. We are off to do some climbing and camping. More to come on camping with baby.