Jude meets the ocean

The bahamas gave us our first chance to show Mr Jude the ocean. And because it was cloudy and a bit chilly, we didn't have to slather with sunscreen and cover him up. so i actually think the photos of the moment are better because you see his cute face.

Jude and dad walk to the waterwhat is that?

Atantis also let Jude get up close and personal with some 7 foot reef sharks. Notice the clear 'tube' in the tank, more on that adventure later.

can i eat you?the shark appears annoyed with baby trying to eat it...or perhaps excited mommy photographer

The sunshine did make an appearance on our first two days. We took Baby Jude out in his gear and even let him splash in the pool.

sunshine baby

Its amazing what they make for babies these days. Baby Sunglasses...check. Baby tshirt with UV protection...check. We even brought along a floating fortress, as Greg calls it. Basically its a floating ring, with squeaky parts, that has an inflatable canopy over it as well. We used it to take Jude in the pool. We didn't have our camera with us for that first time. And...we didn't realize that would be the last day it was warm enough to take him in the water. Oh well. hopefully it will make a reappearance this summer.

bahama baby

Now for more on the family trip to Atlantis in the bahamas.

getting ready

Jude makes friends

Jude is moving into eating more of the food we're having at our meals. so we can break up some chicken pieces or veggies and put them on his tray while we dine. The first night we expected to do that for dinner. But our baby continued his streak as Best Baby Ever and promptly slept through dinner in his stroller while we enjoyed our meal. Greg in particular enjoyed the dessert bar.

Greg explores the dessert options

Our room turned out to be right above the driveway. Though there was cement in the way, it was still lush and green. We were happy to give baby jude some fresh air that wasn't frigid.

our 'view'

Jude gets fresh air

We are still adjusting to all the crazy colored baby items that have taken over our home. Especially the crazy mobile. But we have found something that rivals that color scheme...the drapes at Atlantis.

After settling into the room and getting Jude's crib and a mini fridge delivered for his food, we realized our dresser doors were stuck and the sink handle was coming off. So Atlantis moved us to a better view.

our new Views. the closest lagoon has stingrays.

the far one with the rope bridge has hammerhead sharks

Kara and Jude enjoyed Jude's dining process a lot more when they could watch the ocean and see sting rays swimming in the lagoons.

nursing not allowed

We took Baby Jude on vacation to the bahamas. In the tough economy we found a crazy sale at the beautiful Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. They have one of the largest outdoor aquariums in the western hemisphere.

Jude meets the nurse sharks

Even though their name involves 'nurse', no nursing allowed (sorry for the bad pun) with the large nurse sharks in pools scattered around the property. They appear docile enough, but Kara watched them during a feeding time and saw plenty of agression.

Jude got up close and personal with all kinds of new creatures and experiences. we'll have more in the days to come.

baby rankings

We find it a bit funny to have our child 'ranked' at the pediatrician's office. But it is helpful to find out how he's doing against the average baby.

At his 8 month checkup Jude weighed 20 lbs, 4oz which is 75th percentile.
His heights 27 1/2 inches which is 50th percentile
His head size (can't remember the number) but it was also 50th percentile

These are the exact same percentiles as his 6 month checkup. Its amazing considering how much his baby diet has altered since the last time with the introduction of semi solid foods.

We are also seeing two new teeth budding on the top right side of his mouth. So it may be a difficult few days soon.