Going Home

Yesterday we drove from Calgary with our last load of stuff to move. We've enjoyed our time in the city and it was an emotional farewell.

We chased thunderstorms all the way and saw multiple rainbows. God, does this mean we've made the right decision and you're smiling on us? 

And little E slept the whole way, good as gold, unaware of all the thoughts and prayers, hopes and concerns with which her parents were grappling.

Could life be fuller?

Life is crazy busy right now with packing, cleaning, moving and parenting. We're emotional about leaving Calgary and moving to a new place, though it is our hometown and not altogether unfamiliar. We're probably also a little overtired. 

But little E continues to truck right along, eating well and sleeping well, and giving us great joy with her increasingly visible personality and antics. We can't help but fall more in love with her each day.

Lasts in Calgary

As we prepare to leave the city, B and I have made a mental lists of places we want to visit one last time before we leave. This included the Calgary Farmers' Market and Heritage Park, among others.

Friday night, at my request, we loaded up the stroller and went for a stroll in Prince's Island Park. We've been there quite a number of times before, for Canada Day, Folk Festival, Shakespeare in the Park and random bike rides and walks.

  It's a beautiful place to walk in the evening. 

Music from buskers can be heard throughout. 

People from all nationalities and all walks of life are there: 

out walking or biking or picnicking or playing games, 

or hitching rides in strollers, as Mom and Dad walk.

There are plenty of places along the river to stop to admire the scenery,

or to have a snack.

  The ducks and geese waddle along, 

showing off their fluffy offspring and begging for food.

The evening sunshine reflects off the river 

and the office towers and condominiums of downtown, 

giving the park a lovely gentle glow.

Prince's Island Park is a pedestrian's treasure, 

comparable to St. James Park or Hyde Park in London England.

And we're going to miss it.

Jus' Hanging Out

When the Mom is sick, 

Mom and Baby spend a lot of time hanging out on the couch trying not to distract Dad.

It's definitely medicinal that baby E is so cute!

Baby in the Closet

Before E was born, a number of people told us how helpful it was to have a baby swing. Thankfully, among the generous handmedowns received from B's cousin was a swing--with five speeds, parent and baby activated modes and plays music to boot! We hauled it out yesterday in the hopes of finding a new way to sooth and entertain E, particularly in the cranky evening hours.

While the swing does work well in the evening, we found it works even better in the morning.

Since progressively more of our stuff is packed away in boxes, we have space in our office--the perfect space for a baby in a swing--in the closet.

So Baby swings and watches Dad work and has a little snooze when needed. Life is good.

Nightlife

Lately, E has decided that the best time of day to be awake is from around six at night until one in the morning. And, of course, she doesn't want to be alone, she wants to have the company of her parents.

So this morning we decided that she has a new theme song.

Presenting The Cars with their nineteen eighty-something hit "Let's Go (I Like the Nightlife Baby)."