donut sees the world... kinda

Well this was a big week for little Donut. I was out and about all week long with Mom, Dad and their friends exploring many new places. I feel like a world traveler and I'm only 21 weeks old! Too bad I couldn't actually see anything but the inside of Mom's uterus. At least I got to hear all about the places we visited and meet some of my Aunties.

The first place we visited was Baltimore. We were only there for less than 24 hours but we got to see our home team, the Tampa Bay Rays, play against the Baltimore Orioles at historic Camden Yard. Mom's jersey is getting too small cause I'm getting so big! I'm not sure what she'll do if the Rays make it into the post season.

The Orioles had a sign that showed the different birds they've had as mascots. I personally like the one at the end, "Baby Bird." Isn't he the cutest?

Although the Rays lost we still had fun at the game and it was super cool to see another ballpark besides the Trop. We also had time to visit the Inner Harbor to eat an authentic crab cake sandwich and see the big boats.

From Baltimore we headed South a little bit to Washington, D.C. While we were visiting D.C. we got to stay with Auntie Kristen and Uncle Jon and Auntie Dena. I could tell Mom was excited since these are some of her very best friends that she doesn't get to see very often.  This was my first time meeting them so I was looking forward to spending some quality time getting to know them better.

Auntie Kristen got me two onesies with gators on them and some really cute bath towels with gators as well. I can't wait to finally be able to wear all my cool clothes. As it stands now I have four outfits that root for the Gators and only one Bulls one.... Dad it looks like your friends need to step it up.

Our first night in D.C. we walked to "The Mall" (in case you don't know The Mall is what they call the big grassy area that encompasses all the major monuments etc.) to get acquainted with everything. A cold front followed us to D.C. so for the first time Mom and Dad had to wear jackets. This is me at the Washington Monument.

We were able to see a beautiful sunset after the storm rolled through. Isn't God amazing? Look at that gorgeous orange and blue sky.

The next day we visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This is where most of our paper currency is made. Since Mom and Dad couldn't take pictures I don't have much to show you, however, they did let you measure how much you're worth in stacks of bills. Look how much my Dad is worth, he's a baller! According to the formula I'm already worth 245,000! Whoop whoop!

We also visited the Sculpture Garden on our way to the Air & Space Museum. In the garden they had a wish tree. As part of the art guests can add your own wish to the tree. All the wishes then get sent to the artist and compiled on a tower in Iceland. Mom wrote out a wish for me.

Her wish read, "I wish for a safe delivery of our child. I wish our baby to be happy and healthy. I wish us to be Godly role models and that we can raise our child to make a difference in other's lives."

Although not surprising, this brought tears to Mom's eyes after they were done... go figure. After wasting some time at some boring museum (sorry not into museums...) we visited the Capitol building and I got to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence too.

That night we got to spend some quality time with Auntie Dena and see another ballpark. This time we got to see the Nationals play the Marlins at Nationals Park.

If I come out looking like this, please put me back in...

Saturday was a great day because Auntie Cheryl flew into D.C. to be with the girls and officially make Mom's roomie reunion complete. I could tell Mom was so happy to be around her friends while we were there. First we went to visit the Lincoln Monument and I was able to see where MLK made his famous, "I have a dream" speech.

Mom noticed Dad struggled a little more to pick her up than before. Perhaps it's me that's making it a bit more difficult?

We said hello to Abe and they couldn't resist getting a little chomp in before we left to go watch the Gator game.

And of course Mom couldn't resist the opportunity to be silly. I guess it's not everyday you get to pick Abe's nose...

...and eat it! Gross Mom! Clearly I have very mature parents who are totally ready to raise a child...

The next day I got to see the White House and visit a few more boring museums.

I think my most favorite thing to see was Dorothy's ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz and the big dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History.

That night we visited the Iwo Jima Monument and Arlington National Cemetery. While waiting for the Metro I modeled a little bit for Dad. Everyone keeps saying how much I've grown these last few weeks. Now that I'm 21 weeks I'm the length of a carrot and weigh three quarters of a pound.

This is what happens when you get really bored at the train station. Mom has been practicing her baby dance for a while now but I guess she was ready to release it to the public.

Me on the Metro.

The next day we departed headed towards Philadelphia. Our first night in town we got to go to our third ballpark, Citizens Field where the Phillies squared off against the Cardinals. It was definitely the most fun game we went to because it was so close throughout. All the ballparks were equally awesome although Philly's definitely had the best view from the park.

While in Philly Mom and Dad really enjoyed eating some good food. During our short trip they managed to consume two Philly cheese steak sandwiches each. They were so delicious, Wiz Wit... as they say in Philly.

Philadelphia is full of historic sights and locations. One of the coolest things I got to see was the Liberty Bell.

This is me on the oldest street in the US! There was a house built in 1703...

Of course we had to visit the oldest Pub in the US too. I indulged in an ice cold O' Douls just to partake in the atmosphere... I do have 21 in my age after all.

We saw a lot in the short time we were in Philadelphia. I think this is my favorite family portrait from this city. Pretty much sums it up. LOVE.

All in all I visited three different states; Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania and of course the District of Columbia. I'd say I'm a pretty lucky baby so far.

When I got back from the trip I went to see my doctor for a check-up. She said everything from the sonogram I had before we left looked great and that I'm a healthy baby. She listened to my heart which was still beating around 156 bpm. She also measured Mom's belly for the first time since I was 20 weeks old now. I measured 21 cm this week and each time I go back they'll measure Mom's belly to be sure I'm growing correctly.

Tomorrow Mom and Dad are going to start my registry so I can have fun, new things in my nursery. Mom still hasn't found bedding she likes but I think she's going to go with an owl themed room for me.

Time to run, I've stayed up way past my bedtime. Goodnight!

<3

Donut