change of plans

We had made plans to meet up with folks at this morning's Durham Bulls game. However, our plans quickly changed when our to-be compatriot did his best Linda Blair impression while his mom was cruising the parking garage look for a space to park. (You have my deepest sympathies, Kelly.) So instead, Madeline and I wandered up and down the water feature at the American Tobacco campus and rode up and down the glass-walled elevator a few times before heading home for lunch and a nap. Sometimes the free entertainment is the best!

chef-in-training

As of late, Madeline has become very interested in the process of meal preparation. Today she helped me roll out the crust for some taco pizza. And just as I was taught as a kid, I showed her that a Tupperware cup is the best crust-flattening device.

first concert

While we were out running errands today, M and I came across an outdoor concert. A musical instrument store in the adjacent strip mall had a couple of kids miked and amped up and they were rocking out as best they could. It was awesome. We parked ourselves on a spot on the sidewalk and enjoyed their 8 song setlist (including Inagaddadavida, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and My Generation). By song #6, M demanded that I stand up and dance with her. What a fun Saturday afternoon!

loyal

Madeline calls this the "goat hat". I guess all of Grandpa L's years at Caterpillar have made quite an impression on her.

growing up

M emerged from her room wearing a pair of shoes she had picked out and put on all by herself. She was so proud. So what if they are on the wrong feet?!

learning from dad

The Rock Band drums are very intriguing to Madeline. When Josh got home from work, she requested that he help her play them.

good friday

One of the biggest challenges that we've found in this adventure called parenting is finding "affordable" and "quality" childcare for us to enjoy some couple time together. We're pretty frugal folks and so it's hard to justify paying more for a babysitter to "watch" our sleeping child than what we would spend during our entire evening out. Luckily, we've got some friends and family who are willing to trade off childcare so that we all have a chance to enjoy an evening out for free*. Tonight, we were on the receiving end of the "friends and family" plan.

Our friends Kalonji and Kelly brought over their sweet baby boy Jaxxon this evening and we grilled brats and chicken for dinner. This was the first time we'd seen little Jax man -- hard to believe it's been 4 months since he was born! Madeline was intrigued by Jaxxon and all his baby accoutrements. I think she was secretly jealous of his bouncy seat. It was fun to catch up with K & K and hear about their transition into life as parents. Hopefully it won't be so long until the next time we get together!

We got M settled into bed and then headed off to a fondue party thrown by Jon and Chelsea. There was cheese, there was chocolate, there were adult beverages. It was all good. Josh rocked out on the drums during the Rock Band marathon and I confabbed with the grad students in attendance while playing speed Scrabble. By 11pm, we were spent (we're so old) and went home to relieve our sitters.

It definitely was a Good Friday.


*Our "free" usually means we feed the folks who watch over M. So not exactly free, but still less than the $10/ hour for a sitter!

egg hunt

We met up with some playgroup pals this morning for the annual egg hunt at West Point on the Eno in north Durham.

Madeline + Cadence + Hayli

We don't have a big basket with a handle, so M's trusty blue bucket made do. She had a blast finding eggs "hidden" in the grass.

april showers bring....