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We headed down to Zihuat with Nate, Tracy, and Emilya this spring for a family vacation. This was our first big vacation taking the baby. Not the same as going without the baby, of course. There wasn't any late night bar-hopping or wild carousing (not that we ever did that before), but there were still plenty of good times. Dare I say *better* times! :)

We rented a great house in the Madera neighborhood which served as the perfect base. Very secure, awesome pool, plenty of privacy. And the gardener also cooked us authentic dinners! Yum. Thanks Lionel!

Just up and over the hill one block away was the beach. And down the road a few blocks was El Centro with all the restaurants and shopping we could want.

We spent most of our time sunning by the pool, enjoying the food, or strolling the beach.

Midway through the vacation Meadow came down with her first real sickness. Being first-time parents, and being her first-time with a bug, and being in Mexico, we naturally over-reacted. In retrospect it was no big deal, but there were a couple nights where the baby wouldn't be soothed.

(MJ with a 103 degree temperature and Daddy with a cool fruity beverage.)

At the peak of her fever we went to a doctor's office to make sure she was clear of infection in her ears. She was - phew! But she did have some in her throat so some antibiotics and she was quickly on the mend. I should also point out that the doctor at the clinic was SO wonderful. His English was a little better than my Spanish, but with Lu's skills we managed to communicate well enough.

Our little girl is such a joy. Even with the fever and feeling like garbage her spirits were good. She loved playing with Emilya and her toys and wouldn't be stopped from using the coffee table to help herself stand. She took a couple bonks on the marble floor but got around exceptionally well. She also enjoyed for the first time in her life floating around in a big pool full of water!

Traveling with friends is the best. And sharing the house was a perfect way to get privacy but also get to hang out with the old pal. One of the highlights was getting to smoke a fine Cubano cigar late in the evening and chat it up with El Natron. What a good guy you are Cap'n!

Once Meadow was back in action we hit the streets and the markets and festival and all the goodness Zihuat has to offer. What a great town to vacation in. The people there are so friendly and family-oriented. Everyone wanted to hold Meadow, and by the end of the trip we were letting them.

(MJ and her pals at the juego (juice) bar)

In the end the 10 days was too short. I actually wanted to extend our trip! But alas it wasn't meant to be. We said goodbye to Zihuat and flew home.