Wow, it’s already Tuesday and I haven’t finished writing about the weekend. Well, here goes.
Firstly, we scrambled for a good portion of Saturday to clean up the house in preparation for guests; in between scrubbing and vacuuming and straightening we made time to check out a local butcher that Jen’s been curious about for years. Walking into this place is like stepping back in time—it’s a small store fronted with cold cases filled with meat of all sizes, flanked by six attentive butchers. I stood in awe, holding the baby, unable to process all the choices, until Jen suggested we ask for help, and we walked out with four beautiful porterhouse steaks twice the size and half the price of what we would have found at the grocery store. Along with the steak we decided some fresh Maryland crabs would be an appetizing side dish, so we ordered a dozen and a half 55’s from the restaurant down the street. Dinner was delicious, and our wonderful guests brought a salad, drinks, many questions about childbirth, and a beautiful cocker spaniel who was happy to lay at our feet and get pets from two puppy-starved adults. I enjoyed myself talking so much I didn’t realize how late we stayed up.
Sunday Finn and I rose early (a little too early, if you ask Papa) and after some toast, blueberries, and yogurt we went for a short walk around the neighborhood while everyone else slept. Over coffee and bagels, we introduced the baby to the puppy, and the two of them got along famously. Finn is fearless in the face of large slobbering dogs, which is a great sign—she giggles and reaches for them even as they’re licking every inch of her face.
After our guests got back on the road, Mama and I decided to lay low and enjoy some time laying on our bed with the girl in the air conditioning; she played happily with her toys while we watched the Matrix (perfect mindless Sunday entertainment) and when it came time for her nap we all laid down for some rest. In a weekend of highlights, I’d have to say that was one of the best parts—just the three of us relaxing together on a big comfy bed, with noplace to go and time to enjoy ourselves.