Alaska: Part One- The Ship

I know, I know... this has been a long time coming. Even Jason has been pestering me. It was such a daunting task to sort through 600+ pictures, decide which to post, (which I still cannot even decide) but I think I am ready to start. Norah was so excited to get on the "big airplane." She got her "Fofa" doll (yes that is the name- ever seen Yo Gaba Gaba?) and kept telling us that Fofa would help her not be scared. I was stressing about Evan flying for the first time. He got a cold about three days before we left and I just had these visions of a screaming child, ear drums exploding and whatever else could go wrong.

Whew, no need to worry. Norah watched a movie and Evan had a blast with the Emergency card.

We flew into Seattle and stayed with some great friends, the Steinmans, who picked us up, put us up, entertained our kids, and dropped us off. That is friendship! Not to mention, we had a great time with them. It was a whirlwind getting to the ship. We checked in, boarded, ate lunch, and got settled into our cabin. Within minutes, both the kids were zonked out.

They missed us pulling out of port and the views of a beautiful Seattle day. I am sure they were sad...

Jason, Chris & Mike Setting Sail!

The Star Princess was a beautiful ship. The staff were all wonderful to our kids. They would stop in their tracks to say hello or even reach out and hold them. We had a great Maitr' D, Karoly, that adored Evan. He would come over and read his book to him. He said that is was a good way to practice his English. Our waiter loved Norah and made her origami frogs that jumped. Each night he would bring her more, ranging in every size possible. She loved him! (Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to get a picture with Evan and his buddy.)

They also had a great kids program. Norah got her face painted like a butterfly and was fascinated by the glitter on her face.

Even with all the activities and play stuff, they still had the most fun on the balcony!

So, speaking of dining... They have the best food! Us Bakers, have no problem admitting that! That is probably the best part of the ship- besides the company of course!

Evan, Jason, Norah, Mom, & Dad enjoying lunch!


Formal Night: Mike, Chris, Mom, Dad, Steve, Wendy, Norah

Evan waiting for his strawberries that were brought to him every meal as per his request!

Dapper Gents, Jason & Mike

Two Lovely Ladies, Wendy & Norah

Norah was absolutely, in love with her cousin Wendy that joined us on the trip. She just wanted to be with her all the time. "Where is Wendy?" "Is Wendy sleeping?" "Is Wendy coming?" "Come wif' us Wendy!" Thanks to my Wanda (a.k.a. Wendy) for being such a good sport and hanging with my kid. She still talks about Wendy and asks when we can go visit her on the ship. (She thinks that she lives on the ship)

Wendy and Norah hanging out in the room

Have You Seen My Baby?

We went to the pumpkin patch the other evening and it flashed in my mind that the last time I was at the pumpkin patch my Evan was only 2 weeks old. I had him all cuddled in a blanket and he slept the whole time while Norah ran and played. I watched him in amazement as he ran around, held the pumpkins and kept up with his big sis!





All the while, I kept wondering where my baby went. Did it really go that fast? Then I started thinking about little things at this point that I do not want to forget about him at this stage... humor me as I reflect...


***His chubby checks that will only too quickly slim down into a little boy face



***The constant baby babble that sounds like he is having a conversation- soon will be words and sentences

***How much he loves "Mr. Green" (his blanket) and how when he is sleepy he will rub his little face on it, snuggle up and go sleepy



***That he walks with his hands in the air like he is in a stick-up. They are slowly moving down, but still pointing to the heavens

***How happy he is when I come and get him the morning. His little face could light up a house. He is just such a bright little boy

***He is my helper... he will hand me things from the dishwasher, or just climb in to spin the spinner thing.



***His fascination with the water coming out of the faucet when the bath is running

***How full my heart is with two sweet and wonderful kids! I am truly blessed!

So polite...

We were suspicious of this little trick, but thought we were imagining it. Then I was at lunch with Tricia and she handed Evan something. She asked me, "Did he just say thank you?" That is what we had been suspecting, but thought no way! Sure enough, my polite little boy says thank you. Here is the proof!

Deceptively Delicious!

They all warned me... I am here to prove them wrong.

I happened upon Jessica Seinfeld on Oprah talking about her cookbook, "Deceptively Delicious." It is a cookbook with recipes and ideas to incorporate veggies and fruits onto your diet. Here's what you do: you add veggie and fruit purees to recipes and ta-duh, you are getting your fruits and veggies. Norah has always been a good eater, but lately she has resisted healthy. It really has become a struggle, so I decided that I was going to get the cookbook and try it. What could it hurt? Then came the opinions... "Too much work!" "Not practical!" "I have it, but have not had the energy to attempt the recipes!" I added a couple of the recipes to my menu and decided it was time to tackle this project.


The puree making has been the biggest "con" that I have heard from everyone. I am here to tell you that it is really not that bad. I choose recipes that only had certain purees and made those three purees. It took me an hour from start to finish, including clean up, and I was finished. I even changed a diaper while something was blending. (Don't worry if you come over for dinner, I washed my hands) Note: If you are doing sweet potatoes, start those first because they take the longest.


Norah helped me "color" the bags (label them). The biggest plus is the recipes thus far are yummy! I added some cauliflower puree to Norah's scrambled eggs and she was never the wiser. Evan even ate some of the sweet potato puree.


I am so excited! (I am sure you cannot tell!) If anyone was discouraged or has not tried this, I definitely recommend it! Now get out there and puree!!!