Back in the saddle

For some reason, we had a really tough time getting a groove going down here in Nashville.  Between it being oppressively hot out, not knowing anyone and Ellie requiring a lot more attention at lot earlier hours in the day, it just shook us up a bit and we felt so housebound (well me at least, Mike is phased by nothing).  It seemed like every time I tried to do something to get us up and going it just blew up in my face.  Maybe we are just getting the hang of things, maybe because it is pleasant outside that there is more going on, or maybe it is just the tincture of time, but I think we are back on track.

This was most notable on Friday night.  We were invited over to the Reynolds house for dinner.  Stu and Carolyn are our only friends down here in Nashville.  We were set up on a blind couple date when we first moved down, and thank god, we hit it off.  Stu is also a urologist and is in his second year of fellowship at Vanderbilt (not peds, female reconstructive urology).  They have 2 daughters, Emma (9) and Sarah (4).  Sarah, by coincidence, reminds me a lot of Cassam.  For the first time since Boston, we packed Ellie up in her PJs, brought over the pack and play and put her to bed whilst we enjoyed a nice evening visiting and eating great food.  We used to do that all the time in Boston at our friends houses, but Ellie couldn't move back then so we could just lay her on the bed and forget about her.  Anyways, it was great.  And who doesn't love not having to cook on Friday night.

So tonight is one of those prize Saturday nights that you start to enjoy as a parent of a young child.  Had a great day as a family, completed 4 loads of laundry, took an afternoon shower and haven't gotten out of my bathrobe.  Got some take out for dinner and baked a banana bread and am doing...nothing.

                                              Ellie wearing her princess tiara given to her from the Chatignys.  Lisa appropriately noted that I don't buy many toys or gifts for Ellie and that she needed to "help a girl out".  She likes her books though!

Ellie currently is in a phase that requires me to be holding her while standing only at most times.  For some reason though, she will tolerate the Bumbo chair.  Usually because we are feeding her when she sits in it, but will then continue to play in it.  Notice all of the makeshift toys that I give her, hence the princess tiara gift (she has teaspoons in her hands and the coffee tin is a "drum").  She got banana pancakes for sitting in the chair like a good girl.

We went out to check out a small street fair and neighborhood that we hadn't visited yet.  The theme was "Merry in Berry".  Berry Hill is the name of the neighborhood, and believe it or not, it was a Christmas theme.  Apparently this professional sidewalk chalk artist had done this 3D drawing for the last 3 days.  Supposedly if you stand at a certain spot (from which the picture was taken) the tree looks like it is standing up.  I think everyone was just agreeing with the lady who kept insisting that you could see it.  The most unfortunate thing is that it rained later that afternoon.

 Who doesn't love spicy chocolate ice cream at the street fair?!?!?