If it’s bad luck when a black cat walks in front of you, what does it mean when a black cat that was eating a freshly killed bird scurries away and leaves the bloodied bird in your path? I ask because that’s how my week started— at 7:30 Sunday morning as I was walking out the door to work. It takes a lot to make me queasy and this did the trick. I legitimately contemplated going back in my house and going out the front door, but because of where the bird was positioned that wouldn’t have helped. I was trapped with nothing to do besides hop over the mutilated bird (and hope Jarmon cleaned it up before I got home). Gross.
On Monday, I started at a new gym. I was perfectly happy at my old gym and especially adored my trainer, but it just wasn’t working from a childcare perspective. So Monday brought a new beginning— and the new beginning meant Arabella’s first time at the Kids Club (ie- gym daycare). She was all smiles when I dropped her off— and all smiles when I picked her up. They say she loves watching the big kids— I’m not surprised. I find it kind of awesome that she is oblivious to being handed off to people that aren’t me, but I also selfishly wish she would care just a little bit. My kid definitely inherited my independence.
On Tuesday we went back to the gym, then stopped at Target. This would be unremarkable except that the power was out. We went in anyway because I desperately needed a hard drive. I figured the store would be empty— who shops in the dark?? Not so much. The number of people shopping sans lights was incredible. It was dark. It was eerily quiet. Honestly, the store was creepy. I can’t believe it wasn’t stopping anyone. But I guess when you are in need of a Target fix you do what you have to do. Arabella didn’t mind a bit. (Perhaps because I was carrying her through the dark store since the elevators weren’t working and there was no way to get a stroller or carrier upstairs (besides carry it– which I’m not really strong enough to do).
On Wednesday, we introduced Arabella to another one of our favorite sushi spots. It’s very close to our house, but the restaurant is very small so we weren’t sure how it would work taking Arabella. We were delighted that it worked just fine.
Other memorable moments from the week included Arabella’s first two times eating vegetables. If you know me, you know I love my greens— so naturally I picked green beans (I couldn’t find broccoli or Brussels sprouts as a purée, ha!) as her first veggie. Arabella seemed indifferent to them. She ate a few bites, but also wasn’t begging for more. The problem came a short time later when I was getting her ready for the babysitter to arrive and couldn’t identify the foul odor in the house. Was food rotting in the kitchen? Was the dryer leaking gas? Was plastic melting in the microwave? Was there a dead mouse somewhere? Had Arabella left me an epic present in her diaper? Then I realized— it was the green beans. A tiny bit of the dried veggie was on her clothing— and on mine. We both smelled downright offensive. I think green beans are going to have to wait until she can eat them whole. Sweet potatoes were a little more manageable.
Also this week, Arabella showed signs of becoming a night owl. I’m not sure why I’m surprised by this— Jarmon and I are both night owls. But she woke up every night, without fail, shortly after I got home from work. I’d be lying if I said I minded. She’s only a baby once and we both thoroughly enjoy our late night dance parties. We sing a few songs and Arabella shrieks with delight until… she’s not delighted anymore, begins to scream and wants to be back in bed IMMEDIATELY. Problem solved. One night we tried reading a book, which she also seemed to enjoy.
We ended our week with a trip to the burbs that didn’t quite go as planned… it went even better. But that’s another story for another day.
Trina Orlando 