Adventures with Annabelle Rose: Week 4: Getting out of the house and baby's first road trip

Week four Bella logged quite a bit of carseat time and we began to venture out of the house. Our friend, Winston, from medical school was in the Cleveland area interviewing for an Emergency Medicine position at Southpointe hospital on Thursday. Robbie happened to be there in the morning for a lecture so they were able to meet up. Winston's interview ended at 1:30 so Rob came back home to pick me and Annabelle up to have a late lunch with Winston before he hit the road. We went to an old fashioned submarine restaurant fittingly called (for Bella's first dining out experience) Di'Bella's. We, of course, photo documented the moment!

Robbie and Winston with Bella

Bella at Di'Bella's

Bella checking out Winston

Me, Winston, and Annabelle

Bella's first outing went really well. She slept or sat contentedly almost the whole time and only really got fussy on the drive home. Not too bad for a 3 week old!

Robbie had a few days off at the end of the week and looking out towards the next month we knew this wouldn't happen again for awhile. After talking to our pediatrician and debating whether or not we should be traveling with a not quite 4 week old baby we decided somewhat last minute to head to back to Chicago for a very quick road trip. We knew if we didn't go back when we had the chance it could be 6 months or more before Robbie's grandparents could to meet baby Annabelle since they are heading back to Missouri for the winter. We loaded up everything we needed for a one day trip in the car and headed out of town only 45 minutes behind schedule...not bad all things considered!! The trip in was long, much longer than with just the two of us. We had to stop several times to feed and deal with a blowout diaper but all in all Bella was so good during the car ride only crying when we would slow down or make a stop. As long as the car was in motion she was a very content baby (even though she can't stand getting into her carseat)! We made it to Chicago Saturday afternoon and got to see Shelly, Moose, Max, Ross, Rob's parents, Grandma and Grandpa Tanzer, and Jeff, Little and Hunter.

Moose, Shelly, and Max with Bella

Max wasn't sure what to think of his new cousin. He gave her lots of kisses and also practiced his sharing by sticking a barbeque potato chip in her mouth (Bella wasn't really into that). But he also poked her in the eye, threw a car at her head, and grabbed onto grandpa's legs and whimpered when he was holding her. I guess time will tell...

Grandma and Grandpa Tanzer

Ross, Bella's godfather and uncle

Jeff, Little, and Hunter

Two pretty girls :)

Saturday morning we were able to take Annabelle to meet Grandpa Sullivan. Shelly, Moose, and Max stopped by and both Uncle Bernie and Dennis happened to be there as well. Bella cuddled up with her great-grandpa and napped almost the entire visit. Grandpa Sullivan loved it!

Before we left town the Smit family invited us over for a quick lunch. We were able to see Robbie's parents and Ross again along with most of the Smit family. Annabelle got passed around for photos with the family.

Nicky, Mr. & Mrs. Smit, and Gram

Ross got to say goodbye before heading back for his last few days on campus...ever!

Kara and Gil with Bella

We hit the road shortly after and made it back to Cleveland safe and sound. The trip back went a little smoother with no diaper blowouts and Robbie and I having the rest stop routine down pat. We can't wait to get back to Chicago when we have more time to see all of our friends and family!

Here are a few other photos taken during the week:

Bella smiles at her daddy

Robbie playing with Bella

Bella smiled very early (day 2) in her sleep or at random. This week she began smiling socially when Robbie or I talk to her, give kisses or smile at her. She also coos and giggles when she is happy now. It is pretty much the cutest thing ever.