The Land of Cotton...and humidity

A couple of weeks ago, Claire and I went off on an adventure. This may not sound brave to you, but I felt so valiant and mighty...by taking off for Alabama with my 2-year-old BY MYSELF. 

You should know that traveling (by plane + car) from Boston to Alabama takes almost half the time that it takes to drive from Durham to Huntsville. Shocking, isn't it? It's a ten-hour drive from door to door. Isn't that crazy? 

Lucky for me, my in-laws live about halfway between my house and my parents' house and are always kind enough to let us stop over for the night. You bet your bottom dollar that I did. Both ways.

Our drive from Durham to Johnson City was lousy, weather-wise. It rained profusely the whole way. The kind of rain that keeps you from seeing more than 15-20 ft in front of your car (technically, it only rained that hard for 3 hours, but it did rain the whole way). That, AND the fog on the mountains around Boone made visibility even worse. It was just not fun. Although, Claire was kind of a dream child during that drive.*

We got to JC in time to visit for the afternoon, eat dinner, and for me to join my mother-in-law and her friends at a Kelly Minter event. It was definitely a nice break from the rain. Unfortunately for Claire, she wasn't able to go and visit her beloved CWEEK (creek) in the backyard...because, as she pointed out, it had become an OCEAN! Complete with ocean ducks floating around.

The next morning had us up and going bright and early with NO rain! But with tons of fog! Yay (except not). It was still unbelievably foggy by 10:00 am. I thought fog was supposed to burn off by then (?). Finally (FINALLY) we arrived in Madison and were able to chill and relax (for about 18 hours). We got back into the car the next morning (Claire was starting to sense a pattern, and she wasn't too thrilled about it...and I was getting weary of it myself, truth be told) and headed to Anniston, AL.

The purpose of our trip wasn't rest and relaxation (I'm sure you've figured that out, based on all of the car time). We actually headed south so that we could help my mom and aunt with preparing my Granddaddy's house to be listed. He passed away last year, but they haven't had the opportunity to do all that needs to be done to prep the house. It's a big (and emotional) job, so we all pitched in the best we could. For me, this took the form of sorting through closets and boxes and creating piles to be thrown out, donated, or sent home with a family member. For Claire, this meant spending time playing with my dad's mom (Grammy) and having a ball running around. 

I'm happy to say that we accomplished a lot at the house and had a good time visiting with one another, even if the task at hand wasn't the most uplifting.

Back in Madison, after more car riding from Anniston, we were able to visit with two of our favorite friends, Senora Romine and Mrs. Tidwell. It was a nice way to wrap up our trip! Bonus: both visits involved food from some of my favorite North Alabama food joints. 

The drive(s) back to Durham were loooong. And not much fun, what with sitting with my car in park on the interstate just outside of Chattanooga for an hour, changing a dirty diaper with Claire standing up in a regular stall because of the absence of a changing table (and no room to change her in my car), more torrential rain, and smoke/fog on the mountains that had me struggling to see the end of my car's hood (um, yikes, and HOW DO PEOPLE LIVE UP THERE??). But, we made it. And Brad, who we had left to write his term paper in peace, was very happy to see us. I'd say the trip was a success all the way around.

*I'll write a post about my neurotic planning for Claire's entertainment and amusement for anyone who may be interested. It was a trip in and of itself.

My pictures are a little scattered/random/etc. I was kind of busy the whole time, so we're lucky I got any, folks:

Playing with Ray Ray and having a blast.

Watching The Magic School Bus (dvd-playing device not pictured) with Grammy. And holding hands.

Going on a walk with Grammy! On our way to Target for a quick, mid-morning popcorn break.

Watching something with Poppy.

Taking turns riding in the car with Rosemary.

Posing for a "multi-generational" shot. That's my cousin playing in the same car about 25+ years ago. We've (the cousins) all spent our fair share of time playing in that car.

Having a blast bouncing on Nana's bed.

This was supposed to be an adorable shot with my parents. Unfortunately, mom committed the unforgivable offense of holding Claire's hand so that she'd stop waving it around. We were rewarded with this face. Heaven help us.

Around here, lately

The other day, I was working on chores around the house and letting Claire play on our kitchen step ladder. We worked in companionable silence for a while, until Claire turned to me and said, "Mommy, I wuhking laundry." I looked over and saw that she had hung some necklaces and dishtowels over the handle of the step ladder (as if they were freshly washed and drying). That girl loves to help with laundry. (And, no, I don't usually wash necklaces. I think she just found them really drape-y.)

Brad was gone last weekend (for the third weekend in a row: Boston, Dallas wedding, Jackson wedding), leaving Claire and me to our own devices. For me, this involved watching more tv shows (in bed at 8:30) than usual. For Claire, this entailed...ahem...other things.

Last Saturday, I was setting Claire up with my Kindle to watch Curious George while I showered (yes, this is my method: I set the Kindle on the closed toilet seat, set Claire on the bathmat, and I can see everything she does from my glassed-in shower. Coping. That's what it is.) While I was prepping the scene, that little Bear went and LICKED THE TOILET. Licked it. WHAT?? What would possess a creature to do such a thing? It looked like she just wondered what it would be like, tried it, and decided it wasn't for her (you know, after I shrieked and sprayed her down with Lysol). Noro virus, party of one. I'm expecting it any moment now.

Shortly after The Licking Incident, I was drying my hair, thinking that Claire was still peacefully watching George...until she yelled, "Mommy! I wet!" That's how she tells me that she needs a diaper change. Except, this time, she wasn't just wet. She was the "other," and it was smeared all over the front of her pants. HOW?? I start emergency diaper change maneuvers and realize that she didn't have a blowout. <Light begins to dawn> 
Me: "Um, Claire, did you put your hand in your diaper?" 
C: "Yahhhh!"
Me: "Um, did you wipe poop on your pants?"
C: "Yah yah YAH!" 
Me: "Ok, new rule: we DON'T DO THAT."
At least she's honest, I guess.

This past Sunday, I ended up taking Claire to church by myself, since Brad was still out of town. I had no idea how this would play out, as Claire has been unpredictable on Sunday mornings for the past 8ish month. As Sunday was Palm Sunday, we had our palm branches during the service (which she loved), and we said, "Hosanna in the highest!" a lot. Apparently, she really liked this, because she began saying, I mean shouting, "HOSANNA HIGHEST!" at random intervals throughout the service. As in, during quiet moments of prayer or during scripture readings. On top of that, she seemed to feel that the communion liturgy was the appropriate time during which to sing, I mean shout, the alphabet song. No amount of threats could stop her, either. She is a force.

In the spirit of Palm Sunday, as we walked through the parking lot of Costco yesterday, she shouted, "HOSANNA HIGHEST!" to all the cars in the parking lot. Maybe she was thinking that if she didn't praise Him, the rocks, trees, and parking lot full of cars would cry out? 

And, this morning, Claire put on her own shoes. On the correct feet. Such a big girl.

What a week.

I HEART BOSTON! (Who needs New York?)

Oh, friends.

You do not even know all the feelings Brad and I had going on about a week and a half ago while we were in BOSTON. That's right. Brad took me to Boston as a Christmas gift (belated, obviously). It was the best. The. Best.

We have been in such a slump recently. Without going into all the detail that there is, suffice it to say that we are having a HARD time getting a group of friends up and going around here. The list of things we have tried in an effort to make these elusive friends is extensive and somewhat creative. And despite such a fabulous list, we have very little to show for our efforts. It doesn't make us miss Boston less/like Durham any more than we did when we moved here. 8 months ago.

This has led us to question ourselves. Have we become unreasonably awkward? Are we now socially inept? Is the fact that we now know basically nothing about pop culture hurting our chances?

We've been struggling, y'all. 

So, our trip to Boston came at the most perfect time. To try and tell you about everything wonderful that we did would be a little impossible for me...because, cheesy as this sounds, I feel a little like Mary when she treasured things up in her heart.

Yes. I realize I just typed that. But, in all seriousness, the Lord orchestrated so many opportunities that we so desperately needed. It was perfect.

Seeing as describing everything would be impossible, I thought I'd make a list of highlights:

1. We were there when Boston got the last two inches they needed to break the record for the most snow. I loved it. 

2. We got to eat at our beloved Regina's Pizza. And Mike's Pastry.

3. Those were the only Boston-y things we got to do, and we were SO okay with that because our time was packed to the gills with friends. Saturday was spent with our friend and host, Anne. She is so dear to us. On Sunday, we spent about 4 hours with some of our dearest friends, eating fabulous food and playing Settlers. The wife, a Californian, made sweet tea just for us and did a GREAT job. Sunday after church, I got to spend 3 hours with my "mom" friends (which was so so so needed) and Brad got to visit with one of his friends. Monday: Brad had a friend breakfast, I had a friend coffee, we visited with one of our Jesuit friends, Brad had lunch with his Boston College advisor, I had lunch with a friend, Brad went for a walk with another friend, I got my hair cut, and we had the most perfect dinner with four couples who are dear to our hearts. Tuesday: breakfast with a bestie couple of ours, Brad had coffee with a mentor, I had coffee (apple cider) with Anne, Brad had lunch with our Boston pastor, and I had lunch with one of my favorite friends and her kids.

4. Church. This was one of the best things. We have been so desperate to find a permanent home church that serves as our family in Durham, and it has not happened yet. Being in the midst of our Boston church family while worshiping exceeded all of our expectations and filled us to the brim. I'll stop here before the gushing becomes too much.

5. We headed home on Tuesday, but we headed to the airport from different places around the city, which means I was by myself during the sad part of our Bostonian adventure. Because God knew I needed a laugh, I took the green line to Park Street to switch the the red line. Isn't that hilarious? Just kidding. The funny part was that while I was waiting for the train to arrive, a musician set up right next to me and started play Darius Rucker's song "Wagon Wheel." I don't know if you're familiar with the song, but this is the first bit:

Heading down south to the land of the pines
I'm thumbing my way into North Carolina
Staring up the road and pray to God I see headlights
I made it down the coast in seventeen hours
Picking me a bouquet of dogwood flowersAnd I'm a-hopin' for Raleigh, I can see my baby tonight 

...

Running from the cold up in New England...

I definitely laughed out loud by myself and put some money in that guy's guitar case. How very appropriate to my life. And, as if we were in a movie, that guy strummed his last chord the exact moment that my train pulled up. Unbelievable timing. It really was a fun way to leave...seeing as how I didn't want to leave at all.

The trip was perfect. We came back with new outlooks and recharged batteries. The best Christmas present, Brad. Thank you!!

Arriving at the airport...could NOT have been more excited!

Headed to church with Bobby and Karli

Regina's! Best pizza. Ate way too much.

Got our cannoli because we would have shriveled up otherwise.

Got to ride the T. It's funny how you miss it when you're gone...not so much when you live there.

Saw this guy playing fabulous music in South Station.

We stayed with our former upstairs neighbor. It was so bittersweet to stay in our old building. Loved it and it made me sad at the same time.

Anne and her kitty, Sammy.

Brad with our friend, Chris, hanging out at the Jesuit residence near Boston College.

This was everywhere.

Friends. They're the best. Also, you wouldn't believe how complicated it was to get this shot...

A Helper.

A couple weeks ago, I was working on putting together our "instant oatmeal" packets and was letting Claire help. She LOVES to be a helpuh. When I give her specific instructions and show her what to do, she can actually help quite a bit. I think one of the reasons she likes to help, though, is that I let her stand on our kitchen stool.

While she was helping me make the oatmeal packets, she got a little enthusiastic about stirring and splashed quite a bit out onto the counter and floor. I needed to clean it up pretty quickly, as we have had an ant issue lately, which meant that I needed her to hop down so I could move the stool. 

Oh goodness.

The tears that flowed forth. It was pitiful because she was crying while wailing, "A HELPUH! A HELPUH, MOMMY!"

What kind of mother forces her child to stop being a helper?? 

Oi. At least I know she loves to be a helper. Can't beat that.

Bear's Birthday Bash

Bear turned two! We had a party!

That's the short of it. Here's the long:

We waited a couple of weeks after Claire's actual birthday to have her party so that all of her grandparents (and one of her aunts) could join us! My parents and Amiee flew in from Alabama and Texas, respectively, and Brad's parents drove over from Tennessee for the big day.

When I say "big day," please don't envision anything fancy or Pinterest-y. That's definitely not the case. However, Claire had a very big day. She had lots of family and her little buddy from here in town (plus his family) to romp and play with. 

We had a very light Curious George theme, because he is her favorite thing. This meant we had to wear yellow hats:

(Also, this is Claire's new camera face. It is SUCH a task to get her to smile for pictures.)

and run through red and yellow streamers (over and over and over):

and empty out a pinata with George's face on it (guys, I made a pull pinata...I was not about to give my two-year-old and her three-year-old friend a bat).

Pictures from every angle.

We also had cupcakes (the last cupcake she had was on her birthday last year, so she INHALED this one):

Remember this shot from last year?

There was also lots of birthday hugging:

That's a Claire-sized bear she's hugging (Thanks, Aunt Donna and Uncle JD!)

And, there were presents from family members near and far:

There was also dancing when "Let It Go" came on Pandora:

Mostly, it was Claire having a blast with some of her favorite people. 

Little KB was so happy and cheerful the whole time.

R is Claire's favorite little buddy. She was thrilled to have him at her party.

See? Look how happy.

The face of one tired Bear. It was a happy birthday, indeed!