Mexico -- Day 1

We headed out on a 6:00 flight, connecting in Chicago. Quentin did really well. He slept for the entire first flight, but was alert for takeoff the second time. It didn't seem to bother him at all (although he was ready to be out of his carseat by the time we landed!).












By the time we got to Cancun and managed to find something to eat, it was late afternoon. We headed out to the beach as soon as we could. Quentin absolutely loved swimming, although he wasn't very fond of having salt water in his eyes.

Mexico -- Day 2

First thing in the morning we went for another swim in the ocean. Then we went for a stroll along the beach.

Then it was time to head inland. Quentin did very well in the car. It worked well to schedule activities for the mornings, then drive in the afternoons when it was too hot to be outside anyway. Quentin took advantage of the opportunity to nap.
That afternoon we visited a cenote (basically an underground waterhole). Matthew really had to stoop to keep from hitting Quentin's head on the rocks while climbing in and out.

Mexico -- Day 3

Chichen Itza

We headed for Chichen Itza first thing Saturday morning. Quentin, still not able to give up his morning nap, slept in the backpack for a while, but he was ultimately happier being carried. He had a pretty good time, but it was very hot and humid.












After Chichen Itza we drove to Merida, where Quentin got to do some more swimming.

Mexico -- Day 4

Uxmal

Uxmal was probably my favorite of the sites we visited. The ruins are really impressive and it didn't hurt that the weather than morning was not too hot. We discovered that attaching Quentin's pacifier clip to his hat helped to keep his hat from blowing away (the pacifier was also good for keeping foreign objects out of his mouth).

Mexico -- Days 5 and 6

Day 5:

Ek Balam This was a very busy day. Our first stop was Ek Balam, a smaller site near Valladolid. Because it is not as popular as some of the other ruins, we actually had the whole site to ourselves part of the time!

On the steps of the pyramid at Ek Balam. Mommy and Daddy took turns climbing the pyramid (Quentin decided he would rather stay at the bottom and play).

TulumWe weren't originally planning to visit Tulum, but we had some extra time and decided to try to squeeze it in. The views of the ocean alone made it worth while.

Quentin watching a lizard at Tulum. We saw many lizards throughout our trip, although there seemed to be more at Tulum than anywhere else.

Day 6: Back at the Airport At the airport in Chicago waiting to board the flight for home. It was a fun trip, but we were all happy to get home.

Lazy Saturday

We went out for a while late Saturday morning, returning a little after noon. By the time we got home, Quentin was fast asleep (even though he had slept well the night before and had already taken a nap in the morning). Fearing repercussions if we woke him up, we just brought him inside in his carrier and left him in the hall, thinking he would wake up in a minute (he won' fit in it for much longer, so we might as well take advantage of it now). He slept for over an hour. I guess the cats have taught him well. Unfortunately, Mommy and Daddy had work to do and were not able to join the rest of the family.




This picture is from earlier in the week. Although you can't tell from the picture, he is wearing his train pajamas.

We're off to Mexico on Thursday, so we should have some good pictures and interesting stories next time!

Drinking from a Cup

Although Quentin has finally learned to enjoy traditional baby food, he still loves his Cheerios! (actually Kroger brand Toasted Oats cereal, but he's not brand-conscious yet). His favorite thing to eat is banana-flavored fruit puffs. Just seeing the container is enough to make him smile.

Quentin is also working on learning to drink from a cup. He's actually getting pretty good at it--much of the time he is able to successfully pick up the cup by himself (the rest of the time he tips it over or picks it up sideways or upside down). With a little encouragement, he even remembers that he needs to hold the cup up and tip his head back in order to actually get something out of it.

Of course, even then he doesn't always succeed!

Updated Statistics (and more)

Quentin had his 9-month checkup on September 29th. He had a bit of a cold at the time (which he generously shared with Mommy--Daddy has been spared so far), but was otherwise in perfect health. No immunizations this time, but he did have to have some blood drawn, which was even worse as far as he was concerned. His new stats are:

Height: 27.5 in (27th percentile)
Weight: 19 lbs (28th percentile)
Head Circumference: 18 in (65th percentile)

Two months ago his height was closer to the 50th percentile, while his weight and head circumference were both at around 25%. It's interesting how the proprotions change. His next visit will be after his first birthday. Hopefully the rest of his body will have caught up with his head by then!