Baby Panda: Month Two!

This past month has been a whirlwind of activity as the Panda family has started to make sense of what our life with the Little Panda looks like.  We have gone on adventures as a family, had fun visitors, and just the other day the Little Panda had his first vaccinations.  Below are some photos and little bit about our adventures this month!  First, a look at the guy on his two month:

As you can see, the Little Panda has started to experiment with all of the facial expressions!  As you can also see, he likes being held by Mama Panda much more than Dad; well, at least during the photo shoot.  Dad would like it known that normally the little guy really likes resting on Dad's chest; after all, it is a big, soft, warm place to rest!

This month the little guy has also started playing with toys, although he has much more fun when Mom and Dad hold him close and make funny faces.  If I'm honest, one of the greatest things I've experienced in a long time is watching my son's face light up as he giggles.  I'm also getting better at getting him dressed, not just successfully, but also looking good!

As a family we have also gone on a few adventures this month.  It is a bit harder to get out the door than it used to be; for such a little guy he comes with a shocking amount of stuff!  Of course, we also have to figure in time for eating, which is his primary occupation at this point in his life.  With all that, what used to take us an hour now takes two or three, so our adventuring is more limited than we sometime plan.

Our big adventures this month have been focused mostly on going outside, as we have been enjoying beautiful weather here in Northern Ireland.  So, a few weeks ago we went to Mount Stewart for an afternoon picnic, during which we had the pleasant company of a pair of ducks. Our duck friends were convinced that pandas should be more giving of their food, but they didn't seem to hold it against us, so they kept us company for a good while.  About a week ago we took a bit longer road trip to explore the Glenoe Waterfall and Islandmagee, two National Trust sites to the north of Belfast.  Not only did we enjoy a beautiful waterfall nestled in a deep-green glen, but we spent some time watching people play on the beach.  One of our favourite sites was a dog playing fetch in the surf; he was very dedicated!  Of course, during most of our adventures, Little Panda enjoys a nice long nap!  We have also had a few trips into Belfast for business that have involved a taste of home at Five Guys.  Last weekend a planned adventure to a farmers market via train didn't work out, but we had the joy of stumbling across a pipe & drum band competition in downtown Bangor.  So, we stayed and watched for awhile, and in the process found out that the Little Panda enjoys the bagpipes!

On the 1st of May, Groomsport was excited to host Rev. Dr. Craig Barnes, the President of Princeton Theological Seminary, as our guest preacher.  It was a real joy to welcome Dr. Barnes and his wife to our little corner of the world and be able to share with them what life has been like doing ministry in Northern Ireland.  It was also good to hear about the commitment PTS has to keep this program going in the future.  I am proud to be part of a strong heritage of PTS students and graduates who have served this community!

I don't know what the next month will hold for the Panda family, but I am sure it will be filled with joy and challenge, long nights and smiles and visitors.  We are looking forward to the next month of our adventure, and I can't wait to share it with you.  Whatever life brings you, I hope it is filled with good days, peace, and joy!

Until next time... Peace!

Chris MillerComment