Rigut Menfass Konjo

I've said that one of the main reasons I got started blogging was that J and I discovered how great it was to keep up with some of the kids we knew in Africa via their family's blogs. There is one such little boy who we have been lucky to be able to to see, along with his sister, smiling and soaking in the love of his adoptive family, a family we were lucky enough to meet and spend time with when they first came to meet him.
When we knew him, his nickname meant "mountain" because he was so strong. He was all muscle, great at sports. Especially soccer. When we took the kids on field trips, he wanted to be the first to try everything. He was fearless. He had a huge, wide smile and was just a really warm, fun, amazing kid. It was really cool for us to have been able spend so much time with his new mom and brother, and to see him and his sister go home with a family that fit them so well and were such wonderful, loving people.
I'm especially glad for that now, because that little boy, strong as a mountain, died last night after a long battle with cancer. Some things are just not fair. But he had family to cheer him on and help him fight as long as he could, and to be with him and comfort him when he couldn't anymore, and he passed away loved and cared for and not alone.
There is nothing right, ever, about the death of a child. But there is something to celebrate about the love of a family, and the light of a life that gave so many smiles to so many others even in such a short time. If you pray, send one out for him, would you? And for his family, whose heartbreak I can't even imagine. And whether you do or not, find a child in your life, and hug them a little closer.

Rolling is going Swimmingly

Last weekend, Mr. Landlord and I had a little chat. This civil exchange of delicate phrases resulted in him coming over with Sidekick to shampoo the carpets. Good Mr.Landlord. Cookie for you. Unfortunately, these two decided afterward to dump the filth water down the bathroom sink, which is connected to the kitchen sink, which resulted in our having no use of sinks for a few days while they tinkered about to fix the plumbing. Which resulted in dirty dishes on the counter. Which was interpreted as an open invitation by some new unwelcome houseguests. But I digress.
The main thing is that Little One's rolling surface is now suitable for exploration. Mr. Landlord took extra care to make sure it is very clean. According to J, when we arrived just as they were finishing, the following exchange took place:

Mr. Landlord: Well, we're all done in here.
J: Great, thank you.
Mr. Landlord: Um...do ya thing she's going to be upset? ...About the bleach smell?
J: (laughing) Nope. I think she's going to love it.
Mr Landlord: (not sure if J is being serious or not)...she...is?
J: Yep. She'll love it. She'll know it's really clean.
Mr. Landlord: (incredulous)...really?
*enter C*
C: (looks around, sizes things up) Well....it certainly smells much better! .....What's so funny?

What can I say? The man knows me.
It smells like a swimming pool in here. But it does NOT smell like smoke. Little One is enjoying the freedom granted to Her by a floor free of questionable particles. She can navigate Her way around the whole place pretty well, and fast. This is good. It keeps Her on Her tummy, and me on my toes.

Little One Goes South- and sees the sea

tHere you go! Photographic evidence of fun times in South. North Carolina is a bit like 1930's film star. It smokes way too much, but it sure is beautiful. There is water just everywhere, and many of our adventures so far have been about going to the water and being the NC starlet's fans; standing around ogling, and asking it to pose with us for countless pictures.

:

See? Little One is having trouble posing because this little river-beach was teeming with ducks. Ducks are very perplexing. Why do they make that funny noise all the time? Where are they all going? Why do they not get close enough to chew on, which would surely solve all these riddles?

This is our first day at the ocean. Oceans smell funny. And they are very sunny. I suppose this is why Little One required two pairs of sunglasses, even inside the funky diner where people call Her "puddin'". The best thing about the ocean is the wind that comes up over the boardwalk. This wind is nice and cool, and funny smelling. Apparently the best thing to do with ocean wind is to dance around as much as possible, gasp dramatically, and then sing to it.

Singing to Ocean is even more fun when Daddy sings, too.

We went to a Memorial Day service on a big battleship in Wilmington. On the way in, Little One met this handsome fellow. "Hey there, Sailor", She said, "My what big studly muscles you have. As if they were carved from oak! Meet me on deck in about 20 years, k?"

Here we are at the service. Little One was a very good patriot. She was immersed in Her study of the flag for throughout the speeches and ceremonies, but made sure to sing Her little heart out during taps. I don't mean cry, I mean sing. It was really very sweet, and it's amazing how a baby can bring some joyfulness to a somber moment. She earned Herself a lot of fans on that ship!

There has also been much popping into little shops and historical sites, perusing antique shops and taking long walks and hikes through the scenery. And lots of hanging out with our new friends. We are having a grand time experiencing new people and places. The best part of course, is that good and bad we are very lucky right now to be doing it all together.

Playin' the Blues

Oh, Peanuts.
Little One has big issues. Ok, well, moderately sized ones, but the Mommy-filter amplifies all things causing unhappiness to babies, so since you're hearing it from me- big issues. I'm sorry to admit it, but I'm feeling pretty discouraged right now.
That's not the only thing happening around here. I promise pictures tomorrow of fun times and to stop moping around all crestfallen. Yes. Tomorrow I will pick up my crests and get on with it.

May 26

Today is May 26. Little One has a message:

Dear Grampa. You are so, so, so, soooooOOOOooooo old. Of course, to me, a three year old is elderly. But still. Congrats on becoming even so so sOOooooOoo older! Here is your happy birithday kiss.
Love,
Little One

Choosing Sides

When I was little I had two best friends. This was great because they were both radical and we played tea party like Queen Liz wouldn't even beleive. But there came a day when these two besties decided for some grade-school reason to become enemies, and it was very sad. Well, that's kind of what's happened with two of the loves of my current life, too.
Last Friday, because neither the veganism nor the fancy-dancy prescription formula seemed to be working, Dr. Allergy said, "eh, fuggedaboutit". So, though frustrated at not solving the Mystery of the Big Red Spots, we all did a happy dance about returning Little One and I to our favorite foods- breastmilk for Her and ice cream for me. Oh Ice Cream! How I'd missed you!!
Sadly our dance was interrupted by a string of events involving Little One's face resembling the after-effects of a bar fight, calls to doctors, pacing about, lots of scratching and howling on Little One's part, and plenty of trying not to Freak Out! on ours.
We think....it was the ice cream. The melty one I was holding while I foolishly carried it, Her, and both doggies out where old ladies distracted me with their endless questions and yappy lap dogs.
We think this because when we had more ice cream the next day, Little One very deftly manuevered Herself into a contorted position in which her little hand swiped some double-fudge and stuffed it in Her mouth. Despite our quick wiping and scolding action, seconds later She had Goldie Hawn lips and hives all over her mouth and hand. Our unintentional experiment seems to have led us back to square one.
Oh Ice Cream! Why?! Whaaaaah-haaaahaaahaa-hyyyyyy????? How could you initiate an attack on my Little One? Apparently my two sugary little friends cannot peacefully coexist after all. Bummer. However, unlike before, there is a clear winner in this feud. Despite today's hives, fevers, and fussy-cranky-pantsness, Little One wins. Sorry, Ice Cream. You are SO not invited to my birthday party.

A Sign From Hog

It has been mentioned to me that perhaps I exaggerate the Southness of our little abode here. Perhaps I stereotype, perhaps I embellish. Well. I just want all you who question the authenticity of my perspective to know that we have seen a sign. A billboard, actually. Emblazoned upon this board in big red and yellow letters are the words: "We have the biggest pork display in the country! Come on down!" Ha.

On Memorial Day

So, our little adventure down here in South has its ups and downs. But in the end it's wonderful because we are so lucky to be doing it all together. It's Memorial Day, and in a way I think it's all about remembering those we've lost, but also remembering those we have, and how incredible it is that there is no hole in our lives where they are walking around now.
Today, I'm remembering my Poppy, and missing him. I'm also thinking about my Navy guy and all of my friends in the service, and hoping I won't have to miss them any time soon at all. Being married to a hot-uniform guy, I have to accept the reality of what it means to be in the military, and to keep in the back of my mind the idea that at some point he will likely be sent off for a long time, possibly to somewhere scary, and who knows what that means.
In truth, though, it's not just the sailors and soldiers whose presence doesn't come with a lifetime warranty. It's everyone. I say we take today to think about the ones we miss and how great it was when they were with us. And that we tip our metaphorical little hats to those who put so much on the line without any way to know where their lot may fall someday. And that we take a look around at all the people in our worlds, even- well, especially- the ones we see every day- even the ones who annoy the heck out of us sometimes. I say we take stock of those people, what they mean to us, and remember them, too.
Who do you miss today? Who do you have that you are thankful for? Who are the people that you want to remember? For me, I'll be very busy today. I'm lazy enough I probably won't call to say "I love you man", but you better believe I'm remembering all of you, my Peanuts. And no matter how obnoxious you are sometimes, today I'm thinking only good things.
Happy Memorial Day

The Rental

When we arrived here, it was dark, and stormy night. No seriously, it was. Which is why we had pretty much no choice but to take the place as is when we got here, even though the apartment shook its fist and threatened us. Which is why I went back out into the dark and stormy to find a Walmart and get myself armed. And I came back and I looked around and I said to the apartment, "Bring it."And I spent just about the entirety of the next two days scrubbing and scouring every nook and cranny, every square inch of the walls, and the inside and outside of all the appliances and furniture. And I used up an entire bottle of febreeze. And then I threw down my yellow gloves and said, "boo-yah, apartment, it has been brought-en!"
Now, the carpet, which I believe not to have been so much as vacuumed in bout 30 years, is still a level of icky that causes me to periodically cringe throughout the day. But the rest is now quite acceptable.
Little One has tried to take things in stride. She did have a couple of rough nights there while She was forced to adjust to sharing a room with the whole family and the squeaky, creaky bed. She does miss the kickability of a tub at bath time, and She does not appreciate all this change occuring at the same time She has been forced to drink powdery white stuff instead of milk. But, to my increased cringing, She does like the wide open space to play on blankets on the floor. And She does like all the daily attention from the cast of characters, and She does like the daily outings where we stroll through grassy fields and watch turtles and goslings and the fountain in the marina.
The dogs are pretty sure that this is a doggy vacation made just for them. They get to run and play and pee all over the place, smell all kinds of new stuff every day, and when I'm not looking swim around and chase various flying creatures. Because there is no yard they have to be walked every time they need to 'go', and that suits them just fine. They like to stick their noses out the big open window and keep an eye on who comes and goes, alerting us to suspicious mini mart patrons and letting me know that J is coming as soon as they hear the prius down the street. Best of all, they can lay wherever they want, and they do not have to get their paws wiped clean every time they come inside, or to have a bath everytime they swim or roll in the mud, like at home.
Because truly, who cares? They could wallow in slime and then roll on the carpet and who would know the difference? Might as well let them live it up while they can. As for me, in this regard I am fighting all my OCD tendencies and trying hard to live by a motto first coined while bouncing through potholes and off-roading through the forrests of Maui in a mustang convertible: "eh...it's a rental."

Little One Goes South- Brought to you by Marlborough

Lets consider our time here in South to be like a mini-series feature on the Little One channel. You can tune in and follow along as you wish. Let me begin by setting up the scenery and players for you:

Backdrop- A small town of 2000 where most of the businesses still have names like "Sue's diner", "Corner tool shop", and, yes, "JimBobs". A few small, winding roads away is a little marina with kid sized docks and little boats bobbing around. Everything is green green green and there is water everywhere. Next to the marina is a large parking lot underlining O'Onka's convenience store, and a short astroturf-covered stairway above the shop is our little apartment.
Set- An open little place with a wonderful, huge window in the living room, it has probably never seen the rough side of a sponge. Despite the fact that it is old and decaying, it's possibly decent underneath the many, many layers of grime and cigarette ash.
Cast of Characters-
Drunk Mike
Drunk Mike lives accross the hall with his napoleonic papillon, named Yappy Pappy. He is a very friendly chap. In fact, the first night we arrived he chatted us up, and then clapped J in a bear hug after learning he was in the navy, saying, "I-jsss wanna thank you for yerservice man. Thanky ou. Thanks." Don't get the wrong idea about Drunk Mike. He tries hard to contain Pappy's emotional outbursts and walks around the playground in the morning picking up litter, which scores him points in my book.
Smokey Lemont
Smokey L bought the conveniece store below us a week ago. He's probably one of the nicest people ever. Ever. When they didn't have any paper towels for sale he gave me a roll from the back. When they didn't have a corkskrew for sale he went home and got his for us. He has a big laugh and likes to talk about how much he loves his wife. And he likes to smoke cartons of cigarettes every day, the parfum of which comes rolling into our place through the vents and windows and under the door. Though some of that smoke could also be from-
The Porkers
The Porkers occupy two apartments down the hall from us. I've only met the teenagers who live there, who all call me ma'am and like to fish on the pier after school. The boyfriend has decided J is a very important man, what with his trained dogs and fancy uniform and all, and he tries very hard to get J's attention and to impress him. He wants J to know that he has put the indescretions of his youth behind him and is going to become a respiratory therapist. The Porkers know that fried pig meat is a vital dietary staple, and that despite common misconceptions, sausage and bacon are not just for breakfast. They are good all. day. long. The lovely scent of which comes seeping through the walls along with Tupac and BoysIIMen. Which have nothing on the musical gifts of-
DJ Griseda
DJ G is Smokey Lemont's wife, newly arrived from the Dominican Republic. She speaks no English, but will not let that stop her from making friends. She fell instantly and besottedly in love with Little One, and never misses a chance to squeal and dance around for Her and tell Her how linda She is. Little One generously returns this affection with giggles and raspberries, and will even let DJ G hold Her, a rare privalege these days for anyone but J or me. DJ G runs the store most days, playing music on speakers so hot that the base gives our apartment the feel of being back in the womb again, with a throbbing heartbeat that sometimes actually rattles the dishes in the cabinet.
Sidekick
This guy is very quiet and kind of bashful, but nice. I have no idea what his actual name is or how he's affiliated with the place, but when Mr. Landlord is about, Sidekick is always shaddowing him silently, and I think he lives here and is maybe some kind of super or something. He sort of slinks around, randomly appearing and dissappearing.
Mr. Landlord
Oh geeze. This guy! A lesson I may never learn, perhaps because I have three grandfathers who are so so great and whom I still think of as perfect, is to beware affable old men who try to seem harmless by saying things like "golly" "swell" and "I'm just an old feller". That santa beard and absent-minded smile are covers! Mr. L beleives, for instance, that leaky toilets have magical qualities, and might just fix 'emselves if we just "wait on it awhile". He promises treasures like vacuum cleaners and towels, and then refuses to answer the phone or return my calls.
Extras
These are people who chat with us in the store while we're hanging out with DJ G, who drive by while we're out exploring and slow down to wave, and who populate the inside and outside of local establishments, wishing us a "mornin'" through the cigarettes in their teeth. Everyone, so far, ready to smile and talk the day away, and every one oblivious to the cancerousness of the cloud wafting over to my baby.
Little One, J, the Doggies, Me
Well sure, we're in the show! We think we're the stars. So far we're playing the curious strangers, and Little One has the part of Center of Attention, a role for which She is naturally inclined.
Episodes of Little One Goes South coming soon... pictures also coming soon. I'll add them as internet speed and nap lengths allow. Tune in!

Welcome to North Car-ol-laahn-a

Hello Peanuts.
I haven't been able to check in yet because, as you will see, I have been very, very busy. Also, when Mr. Landlord said that there was wireless 'innernet' in the apartment, but that it sometimes did and sometimes didn't work, what he meant to say was that there is wireless innernet in someone's apartment, and there sometimes is and sometimes isn't a hot spot in the living room. So. Let that just be an introduction to the tales that await you.
In the meantime, though, despite the torrential downpour and the hydroplaning semi-trucks and the scattered overturned vehicles in the median, we did make it down here to the south. And, Peanuts, we are in the South.
We have arrived in a place where all the buildings are only visible as mirage-like apparitions, wavering behind a clinging haze of cigarette smoke. A place where "fine dining and dinners" means a bar with a menu where you are eyed very suspiciously for ordering food but no booze, despite the fact that it is the early afternoon. Where the confederate flag flies proudly down the roads (which according to our GPS do not exist) on the front of partially primered fords, and where- NO KIDDING- cars are pulled over by an undercover cop driving an extended-cab truck with chrome wheels and lifted with 50 inch tires. If you are wondering what it's like to be vegan in the South, let me just inform you that we stopped at a mini-mart on the way into town, and there was an entire aisle dedicated solely to pork rinds.
But the South is also a place where people hold doors open and wave at you all the time. Which I'm sorry to say I've become unadapted to after living in DC this long. I'll be walking down the street and someone will drive by enthusiastically waving and I'll think, "What the? Do I know that guy?...Oh! Friendliness...wave back wave back!" But by then it's usually too late. Don't worry. I'm stranger-waver at heart, and I'm sure I'll get back in the zone before long. I've already made some new friends, in fact. But I'll introduce them to you later. I've got to go tuck my J into bed, as I see he has fallen asleep on the floor and the dogs are curling up with him like there's going to be a slumber party. Tales from the South are coming soon.

TTFN

What a crazy day! Week! Life! I love it. We're running around like escaped chimps trying to get everything done before tomorrow. Our new landlord tells me that, golly, sometimes there's innernet down there, and sometimes not. So I'll try to let you all know how it goes, but if you don't hear from us it's not because we've run off for good. Well I must re-commence the chimp running, but here's a picture to tide you over for now. In the words of Little One, "Ba ba baba bbb!" Or, bye bye.

Tarring Our Heels

Remember how awhile back J got sent to far away lands in the country of Texas for six weeks and only my mom visiting kept Little One and I from the depths of despair?! Pretty dicey there, wasn't it? Well, Uncle Sam will steal J away from us again. BUT NOT THIS TIME! HA!
For J's next rotation, he will be stationed in North Carolina. Thanks, however, to the tenacity and advanced sleuthing skills of my fantastically awesome mother in law, we will not have to live without him. Take that Uncle Sam! I stick my thumbs in my ears and wiggle my fingers at you!!
That's right! Because after months of searching and finally giving up hope, my MIL found us a place that fits our four magic conditions: short term lease, fur-friendly, close enough that J can get to work in under an hour, cheap enough the military will pay for it.
This is, apparently, a nearly impossible combo. But MIL found it! Yay! And so Little One, the doggies, J and I are packing up and heading out. On Sunday.
Is it a rash decision made at the very last minute? Yes!
Do we have any idea what we're really getting ourselves into? No!!
Are we super excited anyways? Yes!!!

sunDay

When you get married, they tell you, "this is your Day". And let me tell you, I really lived it up at our wedding, because that was my Day. And I wasn't going to let it go to waste. Good thing I didn't know, then, that there's a loophole in that whole "you get one Day" philosophy. It's the motherhood clause.
This clause mandates that all Motherly Individuals be allotted one Day- per year- in which all persons, related, acquainted, or otherwise, must acknowledge, accept, and decree towards such Individual the fact that it is her Day. Said persons are also required to project effusive niceness unto the clause recipient. I'm told that the fine print includes future accrual of burnt toast crumbs in the sheets and misshapen clay objects. Well, I found this loophole. For the first time ever (drumroll) I got to have...a Mother's Day. WOW! And I did.
I went out in the gorgeous spring weather and took a long, rambling walk. All by myself. When I got home, Little One was just waking up, and She was waiting for me with a present. She's so thoughtful! After church, J took me into the city to what intense research has proven to be the best injera in the city. Lucky for me my favorite food happens to be vegan and soy and peanut free! Later, J hung out with Little One while I seriously, actually, got to take a nap. Woo hoo! Then we went over to Aunt W.s house for a fabulous dinner with several other mothers who were also having a Day, and came home and watched a chick flick, and J didn't even roll his eyes.
I went to bed thinking to myself, that was a good Day. Thanks, J! And thanks, Little One for hooking me up with this stash of Days! One every year! Score!
On further refelction though, I realized that there is even a loophole in the Motherhood loophole. Which is that- I get smiled at every time I walk into a room. I get hugged and snuggled for no reason at all. I get loved so big, I'm missed when I'm gone for just seconds. A house full of laughter, singing, play. And the ability to participate in a world thats full of innocence, excitement, and wonder- morning, noon, and night.
When I got married They told me, and I believed it, "This will be the best Day of your life". It was super awesome. And it was certainly the most important. But the truth is I've somehow weasled myself through loophole after loophole since then! I'm very sneaky. The truth is that now, every time the earth goes for a full spin around and the sun comes up, I get to have a Day. Every day.

Seven Months

Today is Little One's golden birthday- 7months on the 7th! Let there be fireworks! Parades! No? Ok well, then let there be overly-loquacious recounting of developmental progress! Yes! Here we go:

First of all, Little One would like you to know, She is now quite able and desirous of being involved in the greater community. She speaks up and weighs in on grown-up conversations, for instance. She sings along with the radio people. She laughs herself silly if others are laughing. She would like to eat what we are eating, and when we are eating. She would like to be where the action is, and not left to play on Her own any number of inches away. She would like to "help" with activities by getting Her hands all over the vacuum/spatula/textbook/toothbrush/whatever is being used and shaking it vigorously and with an air of utmost importance.

If left out, She is able to give a little cough, like, ahem, "cough cough (batting eyelashes, patient smile)." Or to mention her preferences, like, excuse me but I am right here, "aahgooDabllrrrrrt". Or to whine. Or to hold up Her arms beseechingly and say, "aaaaAH?!" Or to have a pretty decent go at a tantrum. "Is that what that is?" J asked me upon his first witness of said event. Why yes. Yes it is. And it's only the warm up.

Oddly She doesn't mind alone time if it's in Her crib. When She wakes up or before She drifts off, Little One has added a workout routine to Her talks with Blankie and Feet. I hear Her up there, moving and banging on stuff and when I peek in She is managing to turn Herself sideways, then a full 180, then all kinds of rollings around and kickings and squirmings ensue.

I think this is how She practices, and waits to demonstrate Her new skills until She can really impress us. As with the Rolling which She's now such a pro at. Or the new crab-shuffle, where She rolls on Her back, skitters Her feet out to one side, then rolls on Her tummy, so that She ends up going in a forward direction. But in a very roundabout and entertaining manner.

In the end though She can get to mostly anything, and She's begun to actually play with toys now rather than just slobbering them. She is able to walk in her stationary walker and pull the toys off the dashboard. She has discovered gravity, which is really really cool until the part where the object is now irretrieveably on the floor.

Fortunately this game does not yet extend to food, because the food does not stay around long enough to be played with. This girl chows. I thought for sure I could get you peanuts a good lemony sour-baby face picture by giving Her kale this week. No dice. She loves kale. She loves eating. She likes helping steer the spoon to Her mouth, to make sure you don't intend to trick her, or miss and not get the food into Her mouth right now please. How a 7month old in 3month-old clothing (actually still wearing some of Her newborn stuff) can pack away that much cereal, milk, kale, and water is a miracle of science. But She does it, and has a ball doing it.

She has a ball with most things, really. She interacts and enjoys playdates with other babies, She LOVES Her evening bath. She eats up any kind of attention, be it human or canine. She's fascinated and amused by pretty much any object, sound, smell, activity, and seems to be smiling and thinking, "now I can learn about this! and this! and this!" all the time. She likes being read to and pretending to read back, She likes going out and seeing new things, or staying in and playing and snuggling.

Snuggling is still Her favorite activity. We get in a good snuggle at least every morning and before bed, but despite Her new wiggly antsy-pants-ness, She likes to take a lot of cuddle breaks during the day, too. The best part is that She has added actual hugs to Her snugglishness now. Really good, wide-armed, head on the shoulder, nuzzled-in hugs. Which actually make up for the chocolate I'm missing on the allergy diet.

The Big change this month I think, is that Little One has crossed over to the Learning Zone. The age in which She can not only observe, but understand and apply. The time during which everything is an educational experience and little synapses are forming at incredible rates. She is trying really hard to master new skills; She can wave "bye-bye", give a kiss, and is working on saying h-h-h-hi and on clapping. From here on out, She is going to be bent on participating in the World, and each moment is a teaching opportunity. It's going to keep us all busy! And it's going to be a heck of a lot of fun.

Life is getting 7 times more exciting every day. Happy 'golden' birthday Little One! Here's to lucky number 7!

Tough Chick

Thanks everyone, for all the messages in response to the pics of Little One's unhappy back down there. She appreciates all the hugs sent through various virtual media, and we'll keep you all updated. But not to worry! Little One is hanging in there and rocking Her babyness like a star. Allergy, shmallergy, She says. No stopping this one!

We Paid Him 100G. (Giggles.)

So I'm obviously a bit behind here and trying to catch up. That's because all last week my dad was here and I was busy living it up while he was busy working as my personal construction crew slash babysitter. Heh heh. Gosh daddy aren't you glad you came to visit?! I am. After all, he did:
renovate my utility room
and the laundry room
and the storage room
including new flooring and custom-built shelving
organize all that stuff, and all our many tools
re-arrange the basement to make it an office/playroom
build Little One a ballet bar for practicing pulling to standing (out of an actual ballet bar he found at a salvage shop)- SO cute!
fix about a zillion things around the house
mow the lawn
feed the Little One
Bathe, change, and read to Her
take us out on the town
teach Little One to wave "bye-bye"
keep us sane at the doctor visit
other stuff
plus having fun and giving Little One lots and lots of good grampa hugs.
J was ecstatic. Well, J was working nights and sort of a zombie even when awake that week. But afterward he took a look around, and I could just see him mentally crossing things off his To-Do list and (mentally) doing a little happy booty shake with each one.
Little One was ecstatic. This grampa dude totally got the fact that Little One is the absolute center of the universe, derserving of undivided attention and ridiculously over-the-top adulation.
The dogs were ecstatic. This smellin-like-New-Mexico-green-chilis dude totally got the fact that they are the absolute center of the universe, derserving of undivided attention and ridiculously over-the-top adulation.
And I was ecstatic. Because everyone else was. And because this daddy dude totally gets how fun it is to do things like go to salvage shops and to sort stuff into individualized, properly labeled containers. Yes.
We miss him already, and it's not just for the free manual labor. Come back soon Grampa!
Some of the few pics we had a chance to snap last week:

Little One: Grampa! Where'd you get this fantastic chew-toy?!
Grampa: I don't know, Little One. I can't see it.

J doing an excellent job of not falling asleep at dinner.

Me, doing an excellent job of not getting spit-up on the black dress

Little One thinking that She'd like to get in the fountain

Having a capitol time. Ha ha! HA! hee hee.

She thinks it's funny.

Wave "bye-bye" Little One!

Bye-bye.