Maya's Got a Set of Brand New Wheels

On Thursday, our second day off together, we decided to take Maya shopping, after she woke up from her nap. Brad had decided that it would be a Toys R Us day, as well as a WalMart day. Why WalMart? I have not a clue. We packed up and hit WalMart first, in awe of its sheer size. After shopping for water filters, a phone case, and lots of stuff we didn't need, we headed off to the checkout stand...where all I can say is...I will do my utmost best never to step in another WalMart as long as I live. Now that we had succumbed Maya to such an expression of American capitalism, we decided to head onto yet another capitalistic venture...Toys R Us, where the lines are shorter, people are a lot nicer, and where our Maya's face lights up. The idea was to shop for a Radio Flyer wagon, but what we ended up with was a Step 2 vroom, vroom, car in red, blue, and yellow! Maya tested it out in the store and loved it, even daring to stand up at times voicing "Look Dad, no hands!" (in baby talk...the child is driving, not talking, people!) Brad zoomed her around the store, taking sharp turns, and going at a Mach 2 speed. Suffice to say, the car was purchased, but along with it, I fell victim to the doll section, where I picked up (for Maya, of course) a baby doll that sputters, cries, and coos, as well as her little car seat, diaper bag, accessories, and milk bottle. We are totally in trouble...aren't we?

Maya's First Zoo Day

Daddy decided to take a couple of days off this week and on his first day off, we decided to take Maya to the Los Angeles Zoo. Grammy B. packed us a lovely picnic and we headed off to see the animals. Maya was really responsive to us pointing out the different animals. We saw lions, tigers, an elephant, giraffes, chimps, and lots of birds and reptiles. This was my first time at the zoo as well, and I was a bit disappointed. It's important that all of you who live in Los Angeles support the zoo. It is low on funds, and this shows in the animal exhibits. Despite the humidity and heat, we had a great time and saw all the exhibitions and stayed until the zoo closed. After that we stopped off at Viva Fresh for some Mexican food and then headed home.

Beach Day on Mama's Week Off

Went to the beach on Monday to kick off my week off. Maya was already sleepy, so I wondered how she would take to not having her beddie bye. We got there and it was beautiful - slightly overcast, but not cold. The water was different shades of blue and green, and the sand was warm. Auntie Al, Grammy B., Uncle Chuck, Carrie, and Marlon were there with us.

On the Rails with the Haberts

We had the privilege of having the Haberts over to the train club on Sunday. Chuck, Marilyn, and Carrie came bearing vegetables and Marilyn's favorite Dump Cake. We grilled Moroccan chicken and vegetables, and along with couscous and Grammy B's salad, there was quite a Sunday feast. Grampa Bob even joined us. After a satisfying dinner, Brad took out the train and off we went. The Haberts seemed to have fun on the rails.

My Favorite Time with Rosie

Rosie wakes up between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. after having had about 7 hours of sleep. When she first stirs, I hear a rustling of the blanket, followed by some cooing. If I have not gone to her crib by that time, I will hear a knocking sound that comes from the wooden ring that hangs by a ribbon on the side of her crib. Some time passes, and if left alone, she talks to herself, or Molly the Dolly. There are lots of "aga", "bada", "ada" sounds that emanate from within her room, going on for about 15 minutes. After I have spent my willpower to give her, her own time, I wander into her room uttering, "Is there a Maya Bird in here?" At those words, she falls back into her bed, and burrows under her blanket. I look into the closet, under the crib, in the hamper, in the chest of drawers, out the window, and finally, a surprised Mummy finds Maya playing possum under her blanket. She jumps up and I give her the tightest hug!

Sunday at the Train Club

Well, we seem to be really liking this place, and thanks to Brad, we get to ride around on his speeder. This time, Uncle David and Grammy B. were with us. After a sumptuous Sunday dinner of ribeye steak, mashed potatoes, peas, and a green salad, we rode the rails. Skunks and coyotes couldn't stop the fun we were having.