The Alford Family: Emery's First Train Ride

Emery went on her first train ride this past Saturday! We had plans to head up to Northern Virginia to meet up with some old friends...so smart of me to pick Labor Day Weekend to drive up I-95 with an 8-week old, right? When I realized that we very well could have quite the nightmare looming in our future (sitting in horrible traffic with a screaming baby that was hungry/wet/fussy/all of the above that you can't remove from her carseat), Adam and I decided that we'd spring for a train ticket. It was the best decision ever! I was free to nurse Emery, change her diaper, even walk her around if she got fussy (she didn't!). We had such a stress-free and relaxing time, I think that just may be the way to travel with Emery. She did great, didn't fuss at all except a tiny bit on the way home because the train was soooo cold. Once we wrapped her up, though, she was all smiles again!

We had a great time in NoVa visiting with some very old friends, some I hadn't seen since I left my old job in Alexandria over three years ago. My friend Sara did a nice job of getting everyone together. I was pretty worried about Emery getting overstimulated and screaming the entire time, but I was shocked that she didn't cry at all unless she was wet or hungry! She even tolerated being held by a lot of people she didn't know, and we were so proud of her.

It was great to see my good friend Tristina and her new little boy, Caelan. Tristina and I were pregnant "together" and she had Caelan on July 9, just six days after Emery was born. Emery and Caelan were even the same size, 7lbs 12oz! However, Caelan has left Emery in the dust...as you can see from the pictures below, he is a big boy! Emery is doing a great job of gaining weight herself, but Caelan puts her to shame. It was wonderful to finally meet him and to catch up with Tristina in person.

I fully admit that I was almost dreading the trip to Northern Virginia with Emery, because I just didn't know how she would react to the experience. However, I am so happy to report that Adam and I had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed spending the day with our happy & content daughter! I believe that we have reached a turning point with her - it seems as if overnight she has become a million times less fussy and a million times more alert & happy. She was all smiles on Saturday, and has continued to be that way over the last few days. Keep your fingers crossed that she keeps it up!

Below are a few pictures from the day (check out my MySpace or Facebook pages for more pics). Thanks again to Sara for putting together a very fun party, and for picking us up from and taking us back to the train station. We'll have to do it again very soon!!

Love to you all,
Michelle & Adam

Getting ready to leave the Staples Mill train station!