JULY IN REVIEW

Time seems to be flying by...can it be that sweet Annabelle is already 2 months old?  Where does the time go.  At 9 lbs. 8 oz. and 23 1/3 inches long, she is a happy and healthy little baby.  July was a whirlwind of activity. The weekend following the 4th of July Holiday we received an invitation to stay at our friend, Justin's, vacation rental on Shelter Island.  Not to be confused with the movie, Shutter Island with Leonardo DiCaprio, Shelter Island is located in the sound between Connecticut and the northern tip of Long Island.  It is a tiny, quiet island of homes with wrap around porches and sprawling lawns leading up to the sea.  Away from the crowds of the Hamptons, we were thrilled to venture for some relaxation and good conversation.   We sipped wine on the porch, read, sat on the shore, watched the boats go by, Nate golfed and we enjoyed a dinner at the country club.  It was the perfect first weekend away with our girl.  Annie E. had her first road trip, beach day and sleep away from home.  Aside from pulling over in parking lots along the way to feed her, she did great at all three.

The following weekend we were thrilled to have Adrienne come for a visit.  We did not make many plans other than relaxing and catching up, which was exactly what we did.  The first night, however, we had tickets to see Modest Mouse play at Williamsburg waterfront.  We took the L train to Brooklyn and scouted out a seat on the grass ready to hear some tunes from one of our favorite bands.  Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and an incredible lightening storm broke out over Manhattan.  After just three songs, the band was forced off the stage by the park officials since the lightening posed a safety hazard.  Fortunately, the Mouse is cool enough to return for a make-up show in September as not to disappoint its fans.  By September, Annabelle's hearing protector ear phones should fit her small head a little better!

 

Aside from the Mouse show, Ade, Annabelle and I spent our time picnicking in Central Park, going to movies (another first for Annabelle), taking walks, shopping at the Chelsea Market, cooking great meals, experimenting with our camera settings, and hanging tough at the apartment.  I was so thankful to have  quality time with my sister and so glad that she could get to know her little niece.  Annabelle is quite taken with her Aunt and looks forward to seeing her again at the end of the month.

 

Other July happenings included - watching the World Cup, a visit from Matt Johnson, and my first run since October!  It is going to take me awhile to get the old body back into running shape, but it certainly felt good to be out there again!  We also experienced Annie E's first smiles, which melt my heart every time she flashes that toothless grin. We have been getting into the groove of being new parents and love watching Annabelle discover the world around her.  Looking forward to an exciting August ahead.