January 5, 2015

Up later than intended again – this time with a groggy head.  They were off to the hospital by the time I was up, but labor hadn’t really begun yet.  Lupe was here when I awoke, which was truly like old times.  I was 4 when she first began working for my parents.  She is a mother-figure to me, still.  Ingrid was READY TO GO! Or, play, actually…that was a step back in time for me – though not too long.  J  Ethan went with her on a bike ride around the block, which she loved.   There was a lot of stuff I needed to do today, so I got Ingrid ready to go .  I’d forgotten how special is to “put on panties” and dress one’s self.  What a lesson in mindfulness. <smile>

HEB was the first “adventure”  though I believe my definition of adventure and Ingrid’s definition vary tremendously.  She was full of “who-hoo’s!” until she saw we were really just going to HEB to return the razors which can’t seem to shave my leg hairs of steel.  I may be single, but a certain amount of grooming is necessary.  It was fun taking Ingrid and her large pink giraffe in 4 different colored socks and a Dora pull-up diaper into the store, but I am not as fun as my kids are, so she was not excited about any additional adventures.  I dropped her off and then headed to the first car repair shop, where I waited an hour.  

Off to La Bodega for a jalapeno cheeseburger and sorrow.  The cashier had never seen me – not that I expected anything in the least, but it is so strange when you are seen as a stranger on a place you spent the first half of your life in.  Off to the second car repair place.  And another..another….  Wow…It isn’t as easy as I thought getting a car repaired when you are in a “strange place.”  Finally I decided to get smart and while I was waiting, I visited old parts of Midland.  I saw the Laundromat my mom used to frequent when I was under 3.  I have quick splashes of memories and being in a big old sedan-type car with laundry baskets.  I saw Dennis the Menace park – probably the coolest park EVER!  There is a plaque from “A friend of the children.”  This person has NO idea the countless hours of fun that was created at this park for children.  I am so grateful.  The Commercial State bank building – and I remember there was a department store  (was it Walgreens?) across the street – it was 2 story and it had an escalator!  Good times.

Once I finally got home, the kids were just fine with their cousin.  We hung out for a bit, did some face time with mom and dad (baby was taking his time) and then we decided to go to La Bodega for dinner.  I enjoyed the first Mike Roberts plate I’ve had in a long time.  We visited Best Buy afterwards , which is always a fun place, until you need some help…then you’re usually s.o.l.  

Post full-moon trek home, where I baked cookies and the kids played with the Play-doh (and oh, yes, it was that “naughty” version…however it’s about the size of a man’s finger, so I’m not sure how any adult would connect these…unless they have low standards…).  We face timed, my sister, who had an epidural and was fine.  They had her on an epidural DRIP!  WHA??????  In that case, you can consider Mags born “naturally” since the epidural didn’t work at all.   He should be born soon and we will go to the hospital in the morning.  My car should be ready to leave by Wednesday.  What a trip it has been.  Planned on being here barely 4 days and here we are, a week in.  

Pictures:  The mobile awaits Baby Abney Alois; Our adventure to HEB with Giraffe!; Dennis the Menace with the coolest play structures anywhere.