Mae is now protected from blood-sucking vermin during our strolls … well, from mosquitoes at least, probably not vampires or no-see-ums.

Last week the field station hosted the third incarnation of the San Salvador Pet Clinic. Each time attendance has grown and more animals have received veterinary care, but what made this clinic extra special was the support and sponsorship of Project Potcake, a group of dedicated students from Florida Gulf Coast University. After three years of hard work and fund raising, Project Potcake was able to provide free spay and neuter surgeries to 16 dogs and 3 cats! On an island this size, that many animals not having babies can make a big difference.

Meet a few of the younger patients, Beckham and Lucky:

And this super sweet little lady came all the way from Rum Cay!

Several of the Project Potcake members are studying per-veterinary medicine, so they were very eager to gain some hands-on experience. And how many puppies get to see their own mother get spayed?!

Zipper and Doc wondering why all these other canines are suddenly on their turf:

Project Potcake co-founder Alyssa snuggles up with Spots, Beckham, and Erica, and later all the babies hanging out together:

Thank you, Project Potcake!

In honor of Earth Day, Mae wanted to show off some of her cloth diapers. Did you know it takes 500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose? As in, if Shakespeare had worn disposables, they would still be sitting in the Stratford-upon-Avon landfill. It was visits to San Salvador’s struggling landfill that prompted me to look into cloth back when we decided a baby was in our near future. Then a friend from Nassau showed us the cloth dipes she uses on her son, and I was hooked.

These are not your grandmother’s cloth diapers … no pins or plastic pants involved. They are better for the environment, cheaper than disposables over time, chemical-free, and super cute to boot! You would not believe all the different styles and colors and patterns that are out there. Yes, you have to wash them, but it’s really not that bad once you get the hang of it. And did I mention they contain those infamous “blowouts” so so so much better than disposables? Certainly a plus.

If you’re curious about cloth, I’d be happy to tell you more about how I got started and which diapers we like best. Just let me know in the comments and we’ll chat. Already a compadre in cloth? Please share your favorite diapering tip!

Happy Earth Day!!

This year marked my parents’ fifth trip to San Salvador. I usually cram their schedule full of the sights and sounds of San Sal, everything from beach combing to hiking to snorkeling. But this year, with Mae in tow, we stayed much closer to home. That doesn’t mean we didn’t have a good time, though. It’s funny how lots of things (albeit not everything) seem more fun with a baby. Maybe it’s the “newness” of activities we used to taken for granted? Anyway, Grandma and Grandpa helped us try out lots of new things, like Mae’s shade tent for the beach, her sea float, and her paddling pool. We even attempted a hike to North Point (made it half way), and there was lots and lots of quality time in Mae’s play area (aka The Fun Zone). We already miss them a whole bunch and are looking forward to their visit next year. Grandma will be retired, so we might never let them leave!

(I’m trying out WordPress’ “Gallery” feature … click on the thumbnails for a larger view.)

We’ve been having an eventful April. At the beginning of the month, I had a old dental issue resurface (14-year-old Erin’s mouth meets boat). Nothing painful or too serious, but with there being no dentist on San Salvador, it necessitated a trip to Nassau. Luckily, Tom wasn’t too busy with work at the time, so the whole fam got to take a mini dental vacation!

While I was having my teeth tended to, Mae and her pop enjoyed the resort life. They relaxed on the comfy bed while waiting for room service and enjoyed the view from the balcony.

When I re-joined them, we took walks and played in the sand. It’s probably a no-brainer, but Nassau beaches are no where near as nice as our San Sal beaches. Mae wanted to hit up the casino with the spring breakers, but we thought she was a little young. Her daddy said no to the water slide too.

She did get to sit in her first restaurant highchair though! Granted, she had her thumb, so she didn’t partake in much of the buffet.

Next up on the early April recap … Grandma and Grandpa visit!

Some friends from our student days back in Chicago recently posted a ridiculously adorable passport photo of their beautiful baby boy. It reminded me of trying to to get Mae’s taken at 5 weeks … we were much less successful. I really wish the U.S. State Department would have accepted this one:

Last week, Graham’s Harbour hosted the First San Salvador & Rum Cay AgriExpo. It was a really neat cultural event, highlighting local food, crafts, fashion, and agriculture.

There were pens of San Sal’s finest livestock, including goats, pigs, and chickens, and also a large cage of very colorful (and tasty!) land crabs. Sadly, no feral cows were roped for display.

Tables and tables of crafts and foods of all kinds were also on exhibit. There were shelled mirrors, jewelry, and figurines, along with various coconut crafts, palm-woven items, baked goods, and other artwork.

We came away from the event with some Rum Cay seasoned salt (there used to be a formal salt works there), Miss Marva’s really delicious papaya-guava jam and papaya barbecue sauce, and a delightful watercolor. I knew I had to have the painting the moment I laid eyes on it. It depicts a fight between a San Salvador Rock Iguana and a flamingo (the national bird of The Bahamas). I asked the artist if he had ever seen such a thing in real life, and he replied, “It just came to me!” Like I said, had to have it.

I will admit I was disappointed that the Expo happened during the year we are largely taking off from our vegetable garden. It would have been fun to show some of the produce that Tom and I work hard to grow. But all we’ve got going right now are a few “baby food crops”, and among those only the green beans are ready for picking at the moment. Not sure a basket of beans would have been all that interesting. We’ll just have to hope it becomes an annual event.

Mae made some new friends in the settlement up the road.

Her cheeks were pinched, poked, prodded, and heartily enjoyed.

She was also very earnestly likened to a coco plum and a marshmallow.

All the attention was so sweet, and we can’t wait to go back to visit again!

Yesterday I turned 30. There were no wild parties, but it was a special day none the less.

Here I am eating my weight in my most favorite Bahamian dish, conch ‘n grits. The conch was tender, the grits were creamy … all in all, delicious.

Now that Mae can sit up without tipping (for the most part), she wanted to celebrate by heading to the beach to bury our feet. She also enjoy her first mouthful of sand. I’m sure it’s the first of many.

We rounded out the day with cupcakes (thanks, Li!) and Downton Abbey (thank you, Lupe!).

For the record, my 30th wasn’t as upsetting or unpleasant as society would make us (especially women) believe. In fact, it wasn’t upsetting or unpleasant at all! I’ve felt like I’ve been in my 20s for a loooooong time, so it’s nice to finally change things up. I think this birthday was probably hardest on my mom …. her baby is 30!