I feel like I went all over Charlotte this morning! First, I headed to Starbucks for a meeting with Girls on the Run – they’re expanding their social media efforts and wanted some feedback (GOTR is a character development after-school program for elementary school girls). Speaking of GOTR, how are my fellow coaches doing? The Fall season is just beginning. I hope everyone is having fun coaching – I miss it a lot and am trying to stay involved with the organization in any way I can!
After the meeting, the Husband, Henry, and I ventured to Uptown…
We spotted a sand castle version of Obama. Pretty epic.
Our destination: the arena for a ‘Podium Tour’ of the Democratic National Convention, which is taking place right here in Charlotte next week.
I was a bit concerned that the Podium Tour would be absolute madness – I was picture lines half an hour deep… or worse – but it was quite easy to get in. Everything operated so smoothly.
We had signed up online for passes and were handed our credentials when we arrived.
Henry’s new party trick is holding onto toys (he just started to do it on Saturday – so cool to pinpoint the exact moment developmental milestones occur!), and he grasped onto his badge quite tightly.
The tour was a self-guided walk through the seating area for the delegates and down to the main floor.
We almost flaked on the Podium Tour (sometimes small trips out seem totally overwhelming with the baby) – but I’m so glad we went. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was very neat to see the speaker’s podium and the rest of the setup in person. I still have my fingers crossed that I’ll win a ticket into Obama’s speech (it’s a lottery system).
(We finally found a carrier that Henry likes – he rejected not one, not two, but three other carriers before settling into this Infantino GoGo Rider, which I got on consignment for $14. I know the forward-facing carriers aren’t ideal for babies’ hips, but Henry hates being carried facing inwards, hence why he despised every other carrier I tried. He loves to look out at everyone!)
After Uptown, we drove to Whole Foods. I think Whole Foods was actually crazier than the DNC space. It just opened on Wednesday.
Hot bar madness:
Whew. That was enough excitement for today. I think it’s time for some baby cuddle action on the couch.
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{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sorry this has nothing to do with this post, but I just found out that I work with the father of Matt from the Where the Hell is Matt videos. I thought you’d appreciate that!
hahah cool!
Henry looks adorable as always – getting him in politics young!
I’m coaching for the first time this fall and I’m SO EXCITED! We don’t start until Sept 10th though, I can’t wait to meet the girls!
What a cool experience, and that sandcastle of Obama is insane!! I was out grocery shopping this afternoon too and I know what you mean about the crowds… I spent a good 15 minutes waiting in line! People must be stocking up for the long weekend!
What in the hell is that thing in the middle of your plate? Is that a sweet potato? I’m sorry but my 6th grade mind tells me it looks a little penis-y…
haha its a sweet potato penis.
That looks really fun, I hope you get into the speech! I can’t imagine seeing a president in person!
I know what you mean about even small trips seeming overwhelmig, I have to really talk myself into a lot of things because it always seems like it could easily go very very wrong!
1) I’m starting my first season of coaching GOTR in California (as an assistant) next week! At our coaches conference, you and your blog came up! Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful organization. I’m SO excited.
2) I was the same way as a baby. My mom says, “You were an easy, happy baby, you just wanted to face out and see what was goin’ on!”
Henry doesn’t want to miss out on all the fun. He knows what mommy and daddy look like. he wants to see the world!
So jealous. I’d love to even live in the city where the convention is held- the energy is going to be awesome.
“I think Whole Foods was actually crazier than the DNC space.”
This is our WF as well. But your’s has plates!
I am so jealous of all of this! I wish I was in Charlotte, just being around the buzz for the Dem. Convention would be amazing!
Exciting! Hope Obama wins
I hope you get in!
I hope you get to see Obama speak – that would be an awesome opportunity!
The good part is that most babies are WAY happier spending time in a carrier (after you find one that they like, of course!) and it makes it easier to go out. My son has never flipped out once while out and about in his. Hope you feel like you can start making small trips now!
We start the fall season of GOTR in two weeks here in Ohio. I can’t wait!!
What part of Ohio? I am in the Columbus area and had thought about trying to get involved with GOTR…
I love that Henry is only wearing one sock in the family picture. I just had our second little girl on August 1st and I had forgotten how tricky it is to keep the darn things on their feet! Such a new baby thing.
Aw, sweet little Henry is missing a sock! Poor guy. He is such a little bean!
I don’t think he’s missing a sock – Kristien is holding his little foot (which is frickin frackin ADORABLE – both the holding and the foot itself). Baby socks are about the cutest piece of clothing ever.
You’re right – I think it’s a shadow?
You could try rolling up a little blanket to put under Henry’s bum while he’s in the carrier, althought if it’s not his main form of transportation, and just an occasional ride- k would t worry:) he looks happy as a clam!
Hahaha that sculpture of Obama is kind of terrifying.
So exciting that the DNC is coming to Charlotte. When Obama was a Senator, I lived in DC for the Summer and snuck into his consticuancy breakfast with his fellow Illinois senator Dick Durbin. He was an amazing speaker in 2006 and still is!
Looks like a fun day. The closest whole foods to me is Charlottesville, VA and its always always always packed like that. So dont look for that to let up anytime soon!
It’s so funny how different babies are. Mine only likes facing towards me so she can snuggle and stare up at me. She couldn’t care less about anyone else
Maybe Henry will be super extroverted. Henry also seems so laidback. My 2-month old has some major meltdowns in public. I could never bring her there!
What a fun day out on the town!
I actually loved listening to Mitt’s speech last night. But I so hate this time of year <–I think the waste of money on speeches/campaigns/ads is ridiculous & stupid. But cool that the convention is in your town!
Love whole foods. Mmmm
What a fun field trip!!!!
This looks like so much fun, I hope you get into to the speech! I saw Obama speak a few months ago. It was amazing.
Hey, just to say I believe it’s the structured carriers rather than the forward facing position that makes them not so good for hips – only thing with forward facing is neck control and as he’s so little avoid letting him sleep forward facing. I thought you had posted about having a soft sling carrier but now can’t find the post to see which one it was but most of them can be use rear or forward facing. Incase it’s of interest we use the caboo carrier http://www.caboo.info and this cot2tot one http://www.cot2tot.co.uk
Whoa. I guess I’m taking my shopping trips to Columbia for the next week or two instead of trying to brave Charlotte….I hate driving in Charlotte as is with no event going on…I can’t imagine the traffic nightmares that are about to commence on you! Be safe! Out of towners are always the craziest drivers and cause all the accidents!
The tour looks awesome! Was it free? It’s nice that they have that option for people that live in the area. Is that saag paneer on your plate too? What I would give to have some saag paneer right about now!