Teddy goes to Chicago

So, Teddy really is a traveling baby- and a champion at that! Here are some crazy statistics we figured out while we were in the car (30+ hours in the car leads to some free time). In the past 2 1/2 weeks we have visited 3 cities (Syracuse, Libertyville, and Burlington) to attend a memorial, a baptism, Steamboat days, and to visit with family on both sides. We flew 1888 miles and drove over 2000 miles. Teddy got to visit with 12 cats, 5 dogs, 7 cousins, and all of his many loving aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He had his first flight, first ride on a boat, first time in a church, and first two teeth appear. A lot can happen in just a few weeks I guess! Anyway, this update will include the first part of our trip, and I will do another blog update for the latter.

We were only back home from New York for 4 days before we packed the car up again and headed for another trip- this time by car. Although Teddy did really well flying, we were relieved to be driving this time. That way we could bring as much of Teddy's stuff as we wanted, and we could travel on "Teddy time." We headed to Chicago (Libertyville) for cousin Harper's Baptism. Here we are as we headed out of town: Although we did leave shortly after lunch, we were not able to make it out of Atlanta before traffic time. We drove all the way north of Louisville, where we stopped for the night. We chose a scary Super 8 Motel to stay in. Teddy was excited to get out of his car seat and play with some toys: The hotel turned out to be lacking in the cleanliness department (to put it nicely). We were initially happy when they told us they had a pack-n-play. However, the box was wet and the pack-n-play moldy (EEEWWW) so Teddy got to sleep between his mom and dad on a queen bed. He slept well, though neither of us did. How can someone so little take up so much space?? We were very excited to visit with the Weinsteins. As you can tell, Teddy is getting some much needed rest after 2 days of traveling, while Aunt Sammie and Aunt Shelley visit with Jack.

More dogs!! Oliver and Monty show us that the life of a beagle is very difficult:

Nana Pat and Harper were happy that Jack shared the couch with them:Grandpa Steve with Finley: Grandma Susie with her sweet granddaughters Harper, Amy, and Finley: The family poses for a picture before Harper's baptism. From left-right: Grandma Susie, Harper, Aunt Sammie, Aunt Shelley, Aunt Stephanie, Grandpa Steve, Amy, Shae, Teddy, and Lisette:

3 Generations of Hoscheks, all dressed up: "Copy, copy"

Shae was excited to see a Cubs game with his dad and sisters while we visited. Although Teddy stayed home to play with his grandma, aunt, uncle, cousins, and mom, he showed his support for the Cubs:

Shae and Sam visit their brick:

Aunt Shelley and Uncle Matt got a cool new stroller while we were visiting. The two girls look like movie stars as they check out their sweet new ride:

Hung over dad + baby = lots of naps!

We had a great time visiting with family. Aunt Shelley and Uncle Matt were so nice to open up their home to everyone. We had 7 adults, 3 babies, 1 toddler, and 4 dogs in one house! It was noisy but fun. Harper was so sweet to let us borrow her room. Poor little girl had Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, but continued to smile and play. Shae and I were your typical germ-phobic first-time parents; washing our hands and Teddy's toys over and over again. But so far he does not have any bumps (knock on wood). We had so much fun playing with the babies and Finley, and we are grateful we were able to spend some time with the Weinsteins before they move to Canada next month.

Here Finley plays with Teddy: Teddy enjoys his cousins' cool pink chair:

Lastly, I'd like to dedicate a video is to cousin Finley. She is such a doll and so full of personality! We're thinking she may want to watch this video one or twice. (You can thank us later Shelley and Matt).