Yesterday was Claudia’s birthday and we had planned on sailing to Norfolk VA and celebrate the special day with one of the many fine restaurants in the city. Then we were going to hangout with our friends Ro and Steve (whom we met last October). Unfortunately at the last minute, Mother Nature threw us a curve ball that we did not expect. She changed the weather window for our passage going north.
At 6 AM, I woke up Claudia as she was fast asleep. I gave her a kiss and said to her “Happy birthday but a big sorry, we’re leaving now for an overnight sail to Annapolis; we need to get dress in the hurry to go through the bascule bridge and the Great Bridge Lock. They’re about to open in 30 minutes.” Claudia, being a good trouper, hurried up and got dressed as we quickly prepared Fujiko’s for another long passage to Annapolis.
Off we went, in a matter of minutes, we were underway for a perfect 24 hour Southwestly sail up the Chesapeake Bay. Except for avoiding getting too close to some huge container ships and Navy warships, we made our way safely and moored in Annapolis Harbor at 9AM the next morning. This overnight sail saved us 3-4 days of anchoring and docking in Norfolk and the Chesapeake Bay and oh boy, are we happy to be here, only an hour drive away from Arlington VA, where our granddaughter Shay lives, who we last saw about 5 months ago when we sailed up the Potomac River and hunkered down from tropical storm Ian.
After catching up on our sleep, first thing we did was to reserve a Hertz rental car for the following day and waited patiently as the excitement of seeing our granddaughter builds. Next day we picked up the rental and quickly found our way on the highway towards Arlington. Having used to sailing and moving at 6-8 mph in the past 9 months, it took me awhile to get used to driving at 65 mph. I found myself staying on the right lane (slow people lane) as most cars just speeding pass us, I realize I’m no longer a captain on an ocean going vessel but an old guy driving a Buick slowly on the highway.
Baby Shay was still napping when we got to Kara & Ryan’s but it gave us an opportunity to be reunited with the adults first. We spent some quality time with them before the bundle of joy woke up. First thing Shay did was to stared at Claudia for a moment and instantly put on a biggest smile, she definitely recognized Claudia as they FaceTiming each other almost every other day. As her eyes turned towards me, I was relieved when she also gave me a hugh smiled. I think in some way Shay saw a resemblance between myself and Ryan, and the familiarity was comforting for her.
She loves to laugh, play and wants to be read to while she turns pages with her tiny hands. Her personality is booming and seem to be smiling most of the time; she’s so curious and wanting to get into everything. She doesn’t have any problem with strangers, and enjoy meeting new people. She started to crawl last week and pretty soon Kara & Ryan will need to baby-proof the whole house as Shay gains her mobility.
We spent the whole day playing with her and having one of the best days ever. We also had an opportunity to check in on Ryan and Kara and seeing how they are doing as new parents. It looks like they have gotten used the new normal. They are still tired but their love for Shay overshadowed everything. They are wonderful partners for each other and great parents for Shay. Claudia and I left their house as content as we’ve ever been. We’re blessed with such beautiful and happy granddaughter.
Tomorrow we leave Annapolis for C&D Canal and prepared to run down the awful Delaware Bay towards Cape May. Good bye Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, hello New Jersey. Only four more states to go before we get home.
Shay is so precious, she is a combination of Ryan and Kara. In some of the pictures I see Kara when she was a little girl and then in others I see Ryan. It will be fun to see her as she grows and takes on her on personality.
Hi guys- we r so happy for u. Spending time with the baby- it’s such a precious time. You will be here soon, and we will get together in person! Be safe, and God bless.
Hi Trish, Yes for sure Shay is such a joy!! I’ll text you when we are home and settled in… Hope you guys had a Happy Easter 😘😘💕💋💕
Shay is precious! I especially loved the “Bonding with Shay” pic with you Claudia.
Awwwww… Thanks Ed !!! Can’t wait to see you guys in Maine this summer 😘😘😘😘
Happy Birthday Claudia!
Shay is so beautiful.
What a feeling of joy she must bring when she stares into your eyes and smiles.
Thanks Dennis for the birthday wishes.. agreed she is a bundle of joy 💕💕💕
What a treat to check in and find these wonderful pictures!! Happy Belated Birthday, my dear! Shay is simply perfect – so happy and love the picture with you reading to her. Jim, your writing is so much fun to read – there is a book in you somewhere!
Thanks for sharing and Happy Easter!
Ms Kelli, Hope you had a wonderful Easter !!! Thanks for the birthday wishes too. Can’t wait to see you when I get back 💕💕💕
Thanks for the Easter greeting. Happy Birthday Claudia. What an adventure you are having. I am enjoying the trip.
Hi Betty Ann, Thanks for the birthday wishes! Four more states to go, can’t wait to see you at Gil’s once I get back 💕💕💕
Shay is absolutely beautiful!!! As grand parents, we love them so much 🥰
Happy to hear that you were able to get to see them! Claudia, is this your birthday today?
If so, happy birthday to you dear Claudia 🎂 and have a great and happy Easter to all the Billings family! 🐇🐰
Thank you so much!!! I can’t wait to hear about your travels this summer.. hopefully you’ll pass by Boston. Happy Easter to you and your family 😘💕💋💕
Sweet post and comments about Shay, thanks Jim and everyone. We appreciate the love! She had a blast with her grandparents.
Hi Kara, We had so much fun .. love you guys 💕💕💕