Oh how the times have changed! B.C. I would probably have never described our first summer weekend in the burbs as an amazing time, I might have used the words nice, good, or pleasant. A.C. I’m tempted to say awesome? Heavenly? e. Justin finally had a weekend off! B.C. we would have gone on some sort of adventure, last minute trip to a beach, finally a chance to go to Vegas, maybe a city we haven’t seen like NOLA? A.C. and considering the Cavs made it to the NBA finals we decided to pack up the car and trek down to Cleveland. The prospects of spending a relaxing weekend with friends and family never made me happier than the moment we got on that highway.
Priorities change when you have a baby. My desire to seek crazy adventures, late nights, red eye trips, exhausting all day exploring has temporarily been replaced for a constant search for relaxation, good food, no house work, and the oh so elusive sleep. So since those were my goals, my weekend was basically everything I wished for… and more!
There's something to be said about them burbs and the relaxing silence that gives you time to take in a deep breath while listening to the ruffle of the leaves as the wind blows. The spacious homes and big back yards. The slow pace of life that invites you to sit and relax.
Chiara did great! She even slept in the pack and play without coming into my bed once. In the mornings when she woke up around 6:00 I'd bring her downstairs where grandma & guiness would take the "morning shift" while I gloriously went back to bed until Kiki was ready to come back for a nap. Say what?! I slept until 9:00-10:00 everyday... once again: GLORIOUS.
Guiness is the dog. Chiara and him got along really well, home girl loves dogs and well who doesn't love her?! Took him some time to get used to the idea of sharing his momma with her, but then he was all about giving her kisses. A couple times, she got annoyed at him. But all in all there were lots of giggles and attempts at chasing and petting the dog.
The weather cooperated. We spent the bulk of our days outside and it was probably the most relaxing thing I've done in weeks. Chiara enjoyed crawling around and playing with toys on the grass. It was a bit longer and cushiony than what we've got at the park here so she didn't crawl as much or attempt to walk as often as she does at the park. Still fun though!
We set up a baby pool which she loved! She spent lots of time splashing, yelling, and climbing in and out of the water while I took photos, got some sun, and enjoyed the giggles.
We also played with bubbles! She was more confused by them than amused...but we'll work on that. She did enjoy making lots of drool bubbles though, so that was pretty funny.
On Saturday friends came over for a cookout. Chiara played with Grace who was born a couple weeks after and everyone who's been waiting to see her got a chance to see her in action. We had such a blast I didn't have much time to get pics.
Of course, we did have some inevitable photshoots. This little shed/barn was too cute to pass up as a background.
Clearly, Chiara wasn't as enthused as I was about it. Luckily, Grandma came to the rescue and took some pics of the both of us. Making her a little bit more cooperative and happy.
Thank you grandma and grandpa for giving us an amazing weekend... and for giving Justin and I the opportunity to get some much needed R&R. Can't wait for the next time!!
