Cincinnati Weekend

It is SO nice to grab a couple more weekends in Cincinnati before the season starts up again.  This weekend was packed  and perfect.

After a Saturday morning play date, we swapped with Pappa at Coffee Emporium - then I headed off to a fantastic  Underground Tour with a friend ending at the Taste of Belgium.  Our evening was filled with excellent Indian food from Dusmesh and large train tracks, dump trucks and cranes.

Sunday we woke up at dawn (literally) and I ran the Erlanger Friendship 5k - which was an incredible feat.  My first run after having Soren, completely unprepared - was able to run the entire race and even finished 3rd in my division.  We came home, I caught a quick nap, we all showered up and headed to Eli's BBQ - SO.... GOOD!  We went around 4, so the wait wasn't as long as usual.  There was Rhinegeist on tap and Dojo Gelato in tow.  Soren and I dropped Pappa off at work, and headed out to the park to round out our evening. 

Perfect. 

Cousins

They just know.  It's interesting to observe, really.  Soren and Avery don't see each other often, maybe 2-3 times a year.  Of course we prepare them for one another 'Soren - are you ready to see your cousin Avery??' 'Avery, are you ready to play with cousin Soren??'.  Just like you would for playdates and outings.  But for some reason - when these two get to see each other, it's as if they know - that they are cousins.  

Their interactions with other kids are always different.  I'm told Avery plays a shy - keeps to herself, parallel play, and Soren is a bit quiet but quickly turns into the clown.  I'm not implying Soren didn't act the clown or they didn't parallel play, but they did instantly interact.  

Avery was super excited and started pulling Soren around to see all her toys and showing him how EVERYTHING works (she's almost exactly a year older, took on the big kid role!).  And Soren was quick to follow asking questions and examining her every move.

It was different.  Maybe that is a better way to put it.  In the best way.  Like you could see the warmth and love between them even though the depth of that word they have yet to really comprehend.  It was something special.  I miss her already and her little sister.  And so does Soren.  

Every morning we were there, Soren would wake up asking 'Where's Avery?'.  I would tell him she was still sleeping in her room.  He would go in, climb up on her bed and wish her a good morning.  Avery would then instruct me to make them oatmeal and orange juice as they began a day of play.  Our sweet little blondies.   He asked me yesterday morning, our first day back in Cincinnati 'Where's Avery??'.  My heart melted.

 

Cincinnati Summer : Second Sunday on Main

Another Sunday well spent!  We headed down for the Hudepohl races.  Pappa enjoyed a beer while Soren and I chilled out with some Streetpops.  We snagged some delicious Grilled Cheese (C'est Cheese Food Truck) and checked out vendors and new entrepenours (check out this great Frameshop , these sweet threads and home goods at The Spotted Magpie, and of course one of my old time favorites - Park+Vine).  

Days like these remind me to hold onto those moments.  You know, when they grab your hand with those tiny fingers and lead you to hula hooping or tasty popsicles.  When they feel a little insecure or the need to check in to be sure you are there.  I know it doesn't last forever - but you never forget it and it makes my heart melt every time.

Weekender

Today was my first day back to work after two, YES, mark it down in the books - TWO consecutive days ​off.  Now to most 9-5'ers, 5 day a week peeps - this excitement overload may seem strange to you - but WOO-HOO! not to me.  It was AWESOME.

Not only that - but it was a glorious ​Mother's day weekend - the first one I have been able to spend with my ​Momma.  

However, the title weekender is not just because it is the end of my version of a weekend - but because I am also lusting after this bag by Everlane (eh-hem, Rick, my bday is coming up....).​

Back to the weekend.  Meine Mutti drove the hefty 12 hour round trip to not just come in town, but be our live-in sitter.  She and Soren were instant buds.  They had so much fun listening to May Festival dress rehearsal:​

Followed by dinosaur introductions:

​The next day we went to breakfast in the rain, snagged some swanky boots and an umbrella.  Grandma snagged some adorable photos of the wee one in the rain (while Rick and I were at work).  The next day, after Grandma babysat, we snagged some food from GreenDog Cafe and then showed Grandma the forest:

The next day we brewed from the Chemex (my really ​awesome Mother's day present - thanks guys!!), brunched at Dusmesh - roughed it up at Linwood Park (Lunken Playground) and Grandma snuggled with Soren - put him down for a nap and gave him one last smooch before taking off.  It was brief, but wonderful.  Wonderful indeed.

Thanks Mom, for the visit and devoting such a huge chunk of it to babysitting.  We really needed the help and it was wonderful to get a piece of family for the weekend.  Your 12 hours are so, SO appreciated.​

​Love you, xoxoxo

​

Time Flies

When you are a doula! oh - and a mother, partner and audio engineer.  Yikes!  It's Friday already.  Happy weekend everybody!​

This week has been busier than usual.  I was honored to be a part of a beautiful birth with a strong, incredible mother and doting husband.  It was out of this world.  More on that coming soon.​

As an engineer - there have been broadcasts to be made, promos to be placed in DAD and concerts to be recorded.  Adjustments to be made (time to be flexible!) and great music to be a part of.​

And motherhood.  The root of everything - keeps me grounded (along with my super supportive partner, my cheering squad at 2 AM as I rush out the door, doula bag in hand!).  Soren is growing physically and mentally at high speed.  He is pointing out letters, hiking - balancing on logs that I ​fall off of and continues to be my sweet, sweet boy.  2013 looks like a busy year and not at all boring.  I love my family and I love sharing my life with them.  

This weekend is filled with doula visits (pre and postnatal), concert recordings, visits to Findlay (our awesome​ farmer's market), and a grill out with the greatest neighbors.