March Madness!! (no b-ball here)

"Captain Joss"

Well, it's almost been a full month since my last post. (cozy-up... this one is kind of long) We knew March was going to be insane, and we also knew it was going to fly by...it has been and done both!! March was piling up to be pretty busy for us trip wise, so we decided to bring in some outside help for the month. We hired a great guy from England, Chris.

He was a LIFESAVER for sure. We were starting to second guess our choice (before Chris arrived) when we realized that there wouldn't be any guided trips going out that Dallas himself wouldn't be on to lead...which was a big concern and reason for hiring someone with his credentials. Dallas and I neither one regret for a second bringing Chris here for the month, and we both wish we could afford to keep him here year round. He just left this morning, and we were both very sad to see him leave. He's been a huge help around here the past couple weeks.

The first week in March Dallas was out (with Chris) leading his first (official) kayak trip. The weather was really nice for them. The second week Dallas was out (with Chris) leading his first sailing trip!! The weather was absolutely PERFECT for them this week. While Dallas was out on his trips, I was left to take care of rentals and things coming and going on the homefront.

Check out everyone in their cool shades :)

Praise the Lord, I had my own set of angles during that sailing trip (my parents were visiting).

We had a bunch of folks coming and going that week Dallas was gone. Launching a kayak rental typical includes: picking folks up from their hotel (about 5 minutes away); bringing them here to our gear and equipment and fitting them for all the right stuff; going over checklists to make sure they have enough water, fuel, supplies, etc. Then we load the kayaks on the truck and take them out the other end of the island (about 45 minute drive). Once there, we go over the route charts and cover any last minute questions they may have about the area or trip and then wait for them to pack their kayaks so we can bring any unneeded luggage or gear back for storage. Then we get to drive back (another 45 minutes). So all in all a smooth launch takes about 4 hours (give or take). Joss has gone with me to do this a handful of times, but he starts to get a little anxious and tired (I don't blame him, because I do too!). Picking folks up isn't USUALLY as long, but it's still a lot with little man in tow.

Trying to figure out where Mommy is-- So sweet!!!

It was SO WONDERFUL to have my mom and dad here to help out during that week of chaos. My mom ate up all the time she had with Joss, and was on cloud 9 hanging out with him (going to the beach, pulling/pushing Joss around in his little wagon they brought, loving on him during Backyardigan time, etc).

And my dad was a huge help to me (helping me lift kayaks on and off the truck, driving the truck while I drove the bus, helping me tow the various trailers and changing the hitch in between each one, etc.). I don't have too many pictures of that stuff.

I couldn't have made it through that week without their help that's for sure! We had some time to play, and got out in the boat one day (a perfect day to be in the harbour). We just strolled around and gathered starfish, sand dollars, took in the beautiful scenery and just enjoyed being together. It was a GREAT day!

Joss was the captain... I was just along for the ride :) He also discovered his liking of ketchup! I think he just liked making the mess, but we was liking his fingers like crazy!

For Dallas, the sailing trip was a huge success on most accounts :) The guests had a fantastic trip, the weather was absolutely perfect, and he had the best co-captain we could have asked for. The motorboat however was another story. One thing after another happened with that thing this week for him, and it is in the shop being fixed right now (we're waiting on the final bill--YIKES). At one point he was actually controlling the speed with two ropes attached to the motor.

It was pretty "ghetto fabulous", but they managed to get up to Staniel Cay and back in one piece... just cost a little more than we were hoping. The boat wasn't given the name "9 Lives (with 7 hash marks)" for no reason :) We can't take credit for that name, but we thought it was pretty clever. Dallas says he's about to add another hash mark-- LOL! Stay strong little Mako, stay strong.

The Wild Swimming Pigs up near Staniel Cay are always a hit on the trip!

I was SO excited to see these guys after their week of trekking up and down the cays. I got a taste of Dallas' job, and now it's his turn to get a taste of mine (just don't know how to manage that one) :) It's so strange, but completely wonderful how just having Dallas around gives me such comfort and peace. Knowing "my man" was back to take on some of the load was such a relief. I think we make a pretty dang good team myself :)

Things have still been busy since the sailing trip, but it's been rentals, and those are a lot easier because Dallas is here and not out camping. It's been great being busy though! We're hoping and praying for a steady summer. We know it won't be super busy because that's not the busy time for the Bahamas, but we've got a few bookings already, so we're optimistic!

Baby #2 (I'm gonna have to come up with a better nickname-- any suggestions??) is growing healthy and strong. Every time I go to the clinic here they are so shocked at how strong the heartbeat is. I'm not really sure how to take that (what is common for most babies down here?), but I like knowing that the Baby has a good strong heartbeat. Makes me feel good! I've actually felt a little movement already which is by far the coolest thing about being pregnant. It's not too strong just yet, and if I didn't know what they felt like from Joss, I probably wouldn't be feeling them. I love it though! I just can't get over it that we have another one on the way...but it's getting more and more exciting as we get further along. Joss is going to have so much fun having a buddy to play with.

Playing with mommy

Joss update-- he is getting a mouth full of teeth. His back teeth have cut through (on top and bottom) and his canine's (I'm pretty sure that's what they are called) are cutting through. It's insane!!

Enjoying his apple with Hippo!

I officially stopped nursing (he was still on the night feedings) 3 days ago. He is doing really well with the transition. It was another answered prayer. I was so afraid of how this was all going to go... but he's been TERRIFIC. He snuggles a lot more at bedtime now, which is a nice bonus!

He's growing so fast. I was reading a friend's blog (Laurie & Brett) about how fast their twin girls are growing (just a couple months younger than Joss) and that they seem to change daily right before your eyes, and it is so true. It's truly amazing to see first hand, and so sad (but exciting) at how fast it happens. He just got his 15 month shots, and they said he doesn't have to come back for more until he is 4 and half years old-- HOLY COW! That seems like an eternity away, but I know it will be here very soon. I just get so afraid that I'm going to screw something up really bad and it's going by so fast that I won't even realize it.

Well, I'll sign off for now and try to post something (shorter) before a month goes by!