M's Nautical First Birthday Brunch

I have been distracted lately by non-boating non-live aboard related activities.  In an effort to keep things somewhat relevant, I thought I would share photos from M's first birthday "brunch".  

The party was at my mom's house, down in Seattle, so that family could attend without too much travel-hassle.  I tried desperately to keep expenses under control with moderate success.  

"Welcome Aboard" lifesaver on the front door.  Used scrap-booking letters on our existing lifesaver. (Cost: Free to us)

 

Centerpiece on kitchen island - made with dowels from hardware store, felt, goldfish crackers, cotton twine, saran wrap, and already-owned vases.  (Cost: $5 for dowels and felt)

Wrapped silverware using cotton twine and lifesavers.

Sailboat Watermelon

Gluten Free Vegan Zucchini Muffins - used mix from Wholefoods

I purchased (with gift card) an adorable nautical themed cupcake decoration set at an island gift store (Cost: $14.50).

Borrowed Nautical Parade Flags.

Doughnuts, Muffins, Veggies, and Fruit.

The Birthday Boy with his "lifesaver" birthday cake and melt-my-heart outfit.

I made Mr. M's cake out of a store-bought angel food cake and leftover red felt.  I purchased M's sailor outfit on eBay.  (Cost: $12.99)

Tried to keep it easy, simple, and cute!

All of the decoration and food was inspired by ideas I found on Pinterest (very addicting!).

Busy Days

Things have been busy around Ma'alahi.

Last year, T and I started an involved membership application process for a well respected yacht club (off island).  I was contacted for an interview and had to make an unplanned trip off island late last week (with kids in tow).  Hopefully ::fingers crossed:: we will hear good news from the club soon (at which point I will happily talk further about the club and why we applied).  

I have also been decompressing from Miss K's second birthday party that we hosted at my in law's house - I will post photos soon.  I am so thankful that my in laws have offered their home to us so that we can entertain our friends without the hassles and hazards that would be involved with having people down to the boat (not to mention that Ma'alahi doesn't have a dining room table).  

We have been busy... but having a lot of fun too.  I am happy that we are staying put for a while.  It allows me to live in the moment with the kids.  

Miss K play inside her ducky blanket fort.

We are having fun.

Living Area = All Incluse Amusement Park

Baby equipment is a funny thing.  It (generally) takes up a lot of space.  But ... oh the SANITY that comes with it.  I thought it might be helpful to include a sequence of photos showing how our space changes throughout the day.

Open floor play time.

You can see the Pack n' Play, Bumbo (chair), and "high" chair stored (on the left settee). 

M in his Pack n' Play (where he sleeps at night).

During the day, M naps in the master stateroom in his blue bouncy chair (which he has basically outgrown).  I am waiting for his new tent to come in the mail (it will provide a consistent night and daytime sleep solution).  More to come on that soon.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

I have a request out to get an additional "high" chair for M - he has outgrown the Bumbo and can get out of it. 

Folding Jumper - Active Play.

I found the Baby Einstein folding jumper/activity center on Craigslist for $30.  It has been a great break (for me).  We store the jumper in the "cave" of the galley/pantry area when not in use.  It does not get in the way of the pantry cupboards. 

Jumper stored in "cave" (on left) when not in use.

I recently discovered this folding jumper/activity center (which I LOVE for our situation): 

Kidco Go-Pod

It is priced at $50 - how perfect for a family limited in space!?!

Finding a boat that is child friendly.

When we first started boat shopping, T and I had a very specific (although not at all child friendly) picture of what we wanted in a boat.  I could elaborate on all the things we thought we wanted... but I will keep it simple and highlight the features that we realized (thank God) we needed in order to functionally live aboard with kids.

1. Walk Through Stern - this has made our lives a lot easier.  We are able to easily step aboard the boat from the dock, take an additional step up into the cockpit (with full canvas covering), walk through the cockpit (past the folding table), and then step down into the cabin (via four STAIRS... not a steep ladder).  
   • A walk through stern is typically not considered to be a desirable feature for a "blue water boat" - We had to take a step back from wanting a perfect boat and figure out what works best for our family.  
   • In addition to having a baby and a toddler aboard, we have an 80 lb labrador with a bad leg.  I CAN.NOT. picture rolling the stroller up to a boat, going up slippery dock stairs with a baby/toddler/dog/groceries/stroller in tow, walking along the deck to the stern, climbing down into the cockpit AND.THEN. entering the cabin.   There are far to many opportunities to fall.  I am sure it is possible, but in reflection, I am SO.GLAD. that we have a walk through stern.  
2. Companionway Steps (STAIRS) -  We were very attracted to Ma'alahi because she has four stairs to get into the cabin.  We were initially attracted to this feature because we figured that we could train Buddy (our dog) to go up an down them (this has never happened).  I am constantly going up and down the stairs with kids, groceries, laundry, etc.  I am thankful that I am not carrying the kids up and down a steep ladder (like you see in a lot of center cockpit type boats).  
3. Design - We lucked out with our boat design.  There are a lot of things that I did not consider when we were boat shopping.  Ma'alahi has turned out to be perfectly functional for our family.  Here are a few things that I would know to consider now: 
• Confinement -  We are able to keep the kids away from the companionway stairs and galley with a single baby gate.  We were initially more focused on finding a way to keep K from climbing out of the boat without us knowing.  Although this is (obviously) important, I would highly recommend finding a way to block access to the galley area.  There is something about toddlers having access to a propane stove and the boat's electrical systems.... not a good thing. 
• Open Floor Space - Ma'alahi is a very beamy boat.  We were able to make a decent sized play space by removing the dining room table (it is in storage).  This has allowed the kids plenty of space to play. 

Every family has different needs and may be willing to sacrifice convenience and comfort for a boat that is known for being more "sea worthy".  A boat that is built for comfort at sea is typically not going to be comfortable for day to day living at dock. 

Thankfully, T and I were able to bring ourselves, and our dreams, back down to earth before we bought our boat.  We have no plans to sail over the horizon in the near future and are keeping our cruising plans flexible.  The truth is that we will be at the dock most of the time for the next few years.

Making Ma'alahi Home.

Our family recently has experienced a major quality-of-life-improvement aboard.  T and I had been talking about getting a rug in our "family area" ever since we purchased Ma'alahi.  I fell in love with a simple and affordable (think Black Friday deal) rug at Home Depot.  We received it as a Christmas gift from my in laws.  

After rug... everyone is happy!

The rug matches the upholstery nicely and has made the kid's play area more warm and comfortable for everyone.  M now has an area that he can practice sitting up (and falling down) as well as a space that he can learn to crawl (the floor is far to slippery for him).  

I was worried that I would need to keep a vacuum aboard (I even brought one down to the boat from the storage unit).  I have found that I can get the rug nice and clean with an aggressive sweep of the broom. 

I also explored the option of installing foam puzzle tiles (from a baby supply store).  Something to keep in mind if you are researching all options.  

I am, however, happy with our decision to go with the rug - I have dreams of entertaining in the (distant) future and would like to have the option to make our main living area look like a living room... not an amusement park. 

Before rug.

Ma'alahi Tour - Living Room -

This is our living room, dining room, media room, etc.  The best decision that we made with this space is to remove the large table (see round table mounts in floor).  This allows for adequate playing/lounging space for our family.  We have also found the "marine leather" upholstery to be invaluable - it is easy to clean (think spit up).  

We have discussed purchasing a rug for this area to increase comfort.  We are holding off on that investment for a while because the floor is so easy to clean.

Facing Forward:

Note:  M's Clothing is stored inside the forward cabinet.  The children's books are stored in the cabinet just aft of M's cabinet.

Toy Storage & Baby Gate: 

Note - Baby gate blocks access to kitchen and companion way.  Toys are rotated out to provide K with variety. 

Port Settee:

TV, M's Bassinet, & K's high chair storage

Facing Starboard: 

This is where the table can be installed.  The table can drop down and convert to a double bed (the insert is stored under the master stateroom bed).

Kiddos are not confined...

Establishing a routine has been a focus of mine since M's arrival.  When people hear that we are living aboard with kids they often express a concern for our kids ability to "run and play" in their home. 

So far, this has not been an issue AT ALL.  I make sure that K gets outside and plays at least once everyday.  Reflecting on our lifestyle before we moved aboard I know that she did not get outside daily.  Our whole family benefits from the deliberate act of getting outside.  I have been getting much more exercise since having M than I did after I had K due to the simple fact that I need to walk about 1/4 of a mile, up a hill, with the kids in the stroller, to simply get to the car.  Depending on what our plans are for the day, I will sometimes walk into town and keep the car parked all day.  Anyhow, the kids get a lot of fresh air and K gets plenty of exercise. 

We have found (and think that) kids are extremely adaptable to their environment.  I have not noticed anything different about K's personality or behavior since moving aboard (other than adjusting to the new baby).  K exceeds all of the motor skill benchmarks for her age range and is right on track verbally. 

My gut instinct is that she is thriving in our new living environment.  We are all happy. 

Here K is letting off a little steam in our "living room"...

 By the way... we have a smiling baby boy... (M - 10 weeks)