We arrived late Tuesday night because there was a snow storm on Wednesday, and we wanted to beat it. That gave us an extra day on Wednesday, so Jimmy and I took advantage of it by leaving O with the grandparents/aunt and going shopping in a nearby town. It was a fun little date... something I wouldn't have thought twice about before O was born, but now that he's here I relish the moments Jimmy and I can be alone and focus on each other.
Thursday morning we got up and watched the parade as a family (that's the picture of the three of us in the above collage). When I was young I remember watching the parade with my parents every Thanksgiving and how excited my dad got. He made a huge deal about it because Santa closed the parade, so the entire parade he would shout things like, "the big man is circling the neighborhood!" My brother and I would run around squealing and waiting for Santa to make his big debut. By the time he finally appeared, by dad would have us so riled up we'd be about to pee in our pants. I attempted the same thing with Oliver, but he was more interested in chewing on things and jumping in his jumpie. He finally wore himself out and had to go down for a nap before the big man made his appearance. Maybe next year.
On Friday night we went to The Capitol Theatre to see Phil Lesh and Friends while Jimmy's family babysat. My phone died, so I did not take any photos and had to borrow this from a friend. We went to the show with our group of friends we go to Phish shows with and have gotten to know really well through the years. We do not get to see each other very often, so when we do each time seems so special. It was such a happy night dancing around and enjoying being around people I love so much.
Jimmy's family has a tradition of going into New York the Saturday after Thanksgiving to see a play. This year Jimmy's dad volunteered to babysit Oliver while we went. Jimmy's mom got us tickets to "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime." Honestly, it was the best play I've ever seen. You can click the link to see a synopsis.
The story was told so well, and the set was unbelievable. It was done as a cube made out of graph paper. The main character either has, "Asperger syndrome, high-functioning autism, or savant syndrome" (from wikipedia). The set is perfect for showing the way the boy's brain works. I cannot say enough good things about the play. It's quite moving, and if you have the chance you should see it.
Jimmy's family has a tradition of going around the table so every person can say what they are thankful for that year. I have a major crying breakdown every year because I really do have so much for which to be thankful. This year especially I am thankful for our families. Becoming a parent gives you such insight into how much your parents love you, and it's a very powerful thing. As we were sitting around the table, and I was trying to decide what I wanted to say, it really struck me how Jimmy and I could not be the parents we are without the help of our families. For example, last week my dad, Missy, Ben and Kate came over for a faux-giving so that we could all be together even if it wasn't on the actual day. I know that was a massive effort, but it meant the world to us. On the Tuesday before we left for CT, Jimmy's sister (who came in for a visit) and my mom helped me so much with the effort of getting Oliver packed and ready to go. We were down to the wire, and my mom was in my office bouncing the baby and feeding him as I finished editing my final photos before the holiday. Jimmy's parents and sisters were so amazing to watch Oliver for us and give us some alone time during our visit. And finally, last night when we got home, my mom met us at our house and put Oliver to bed because we were so exhausted from traveling and weren't feeling great.
A few months ago I read this article about the first year of parenthood. I loved this quote (I edited it a bit) when I read it, but after this holiday I believe it's even more true. This year I am thankful for our village.
The most important thing to get for your baby is a village. Your village will keep you afloat. They will carry you when you are tired, feed you when you are starving, forgive you when you are unkempt and hours late and a neglectful friend. They will love your baby when you are too tired to hold him, because you are imperfect and human and have imperfect and human failings. They will remind you who you are when you start to think your whole life is only about poop. They will lift you up.
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Before I go I wanted to share with you guys the cutest house I shot a few weeks ago. The address is 344 Coventry Road, and it's listed by Donna Boyton and Joy Myrick at Beacham & Company.
I fell in love with the layout. There is a great attic bedroom for guests. The kitchen is new, and it has a great butler's pantry as well as a banquet-style dining room that overlooks the front lawn. It was also a former GE appliance show house! The master bath is also new and a great accompaniment to the master bedroom, which is large and has perfect natural light. The back patio is strung with white lights, which I love, and it makes me want to throw a party! There is also a small house in the back that they use as an office. If you are looking for a cute home in Decatur, this is for you!
Happy Monday everybody! Have a great week!
Blayne Macauley
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