Surprise Visit

I always grew up closer to Daniel, my younger brother. We grew up hanging out with each others friends, telling secrets & having each others backs. We were both living at my Mom's house a little over a year ago when he announced he was moving to the mountains with his sweetheart of a girlfriend, Lindsay. It was no big deal then, but it's really starting to hit me now. It has been such a busy year for both of us. I had a baby & he is in school & working. It felt in a way like we drifted apart but he came home for a surprise visit this week that confirmed we were still as close as the day he left.

Uncle Daniel!

I see that smile :)

Daniel hadn't seen Gabby since Christmas and was so excited to see her! At first, the beard & long hair was a bit intimidating to Gabrielle. Soon she realized he was a trusting person who wanted to play & she opened up to him! Gabby still struggles with men. Lol.

Don't leeeeave! 

Daniel & Lindsay headed home after a short visit. It was so thrilling knowing they were in town & so heartbreaking knowing they were leaving. They are two of the most dear people to me. We love you guys so much!

Gabby's First Trip

Before being all sandy

After being in Raleigh for 18 months, we decided it was time to get out of Raleigh! Gabby has been more managable in the car and figured she could handle the 2 hour drive to the beach. Dan had already reached his 40 hours by Wednesday (long three days for me) so he decided to take a few vacation days. The forecast looked superb. All of the hotels were booked for the weekend before we decided to go on Thursday instead. We are so glad we were able to go earlier because the beach was dead and the traffic in Wilmington was a lot less than a typical weekend.

Sandy & Sad

Carrying a baby with beach gear was something we were not prepared for. The most excruciating walk. Baby, umbrella, chairs, cooler, beach bag. We looked funny. The beach was something new for Gabby and she was a bit hesitant. Ok, she was a lot hesitant. It started off great before she got all sandy & felt the water. There was no downhill from there. Despite the fact that Gabby was unhappy, Dan & I were still on cloud 9 that we were at the beach for the first time with our baby girl.

One thing Gabby has loved for months now, she got to do in Wilimington.. Go to the pool!!

10 minutes before I ate it. Lol

On Friday we got up early to visit the NC Aquarium. We drove 45 minutes to Fisher Island and had time to kill before it opened. There were rocks near the beach and I had an idea to get out and have a photo shoot! I climbed carefully on the rocks and had Dan pass me Gabby when I was up there. On the way down, I passed her back and slowly jumped rocks. One more step until I reached the ground & I went down with speed thinking I was home free. To my dismay, there was a raised rock that blended with the ground. I caught it and took the worst face dive imaginable into the gravel. It happened so quick I had no time to catch myself. My shoulder hit first. Bloody and crying, we still went to the museum & asked for a first aid kit. When I got back to Raleigh I had it x-rayed since my elbow was blue, swollen and I couldn't move it. I was shocked to find out it wasn't broken but so relieved too. The swelling is sticking around but its getting better! Next time I decide to climb on rocks I will be WAY more cautious.

We all enjoyed the aquarium & afterwards took the ferry that we drove our cars on, to Southport. It is my favorite little beach town. There are cute shops & yummy seafood cafes.

The next morning I got up early and ventured out to a few yard sales in Wilmington. Dan & Gabby stayed in the hotel room while I got my weekly Mother's morning out! I found some great deals!

The car ride home Gabby slept the whole way. It was a quiet, relaxing drive with minimal traffic. It feels good to be back in Raleigh even if it was for a few days but we are already planning our next trip to the beach! We had a blast.

Southport shoppes!