Of Resurrection and Regression

Well, it's been a week since Easter and we had a whale of time with guests in town, visits to BBQ shacks and wineries, and many a glamour shot (seriously, I used to love going by this place in the mall growing up; there were always rumors of someone from school being one of the featured "models" tacked up on display in the store) session with baby Gracie. But the post had been delayed this past week because the aforementioned little one had a bit of a regression in the sleep department. We had become accustomed to her sleeping pretty much all night from around 10p to 6a'ish. Experienced parents, baby books and our own notion of Karma told us to keep this more or less to ourselves, not to gloat, and just thank our lucky stars and continue to knock on wood. Which we did! But early in the week, I rolled over at 12:30a expecting to see more 6's and less 12's to the sound of someone waking up, fussing and demanding some milk. Then again at about 4a. Oof! I had forgotten this lifestyle. And it continued through the week, so arriving at home at night left little energy to giddily recount the previous weekend's events. But, alas, Grace has strung together a couple longer nights and we've rested up so the look back to last weekend is ready.

So, Auntie Janel and Uncie Mike (pictured here in their own glamour shot way)

decided that instead of spending yet another weekend enjoying freedom and all the delectable delights of Denver, that they would spend it with us mostly sitting around and watching a fairly undeveloped human cycle through her sleep-defecate-eat routine. AND! they would help hold, rock and expertly photograph said lady as well. God bless 'em!

They arrived Friday and mostly hung out around the house capturing some great photos of the GRAPEs. Proof:

Then, in an effort to show our guests more of a good time and to prove to ourselves that we really can take our daughter out in public without a major catastrophe occurring, we hopped in the car and traveled to our favorite BBQ haunt that doesn't involve getting up at 7a. Grace was excited

and so were we. The ribs are exquisite, the sausage unique and the fatty brisket was actually better than remembered. But, the deliciousness comes with a wait...always. Witness the line out the door

But finally after waiting and drooling as we saw the firepits and the meaty goodness being prepared, we were rewarded with a record $60 worth of meat. We promptly consumed nearly all of it with Grace watching on seemingly jealous.

Feeling drunk on the meat and buzzed on the Lone Star, we brazenly set off on a hill country drive en route to the as-big-as-Texas Mandola winery. Upon arrival we found that while Grace did not eat the BBQ, she pooped as though she had. We had leakage; new outfit needed stat! And so we cleaned her up in the back of the Subaru only to find later that the swanky winery had a changing table more plush than ours at home in the men's room. Doh! Daddy lesson #317. Nonetheless, we lingered and indulged on the larger sampling session while little Texas debutants, excessively tanned middle-aged men, and other folk hovered around us.

We returned back to Nana & Pops's house for an evening of frivolity to cap a busy, enjoyable and parentally successful day.

On Easter day itself we took it a little easier. We started with the Easter tradition of breakfast tacos (?) and egg-themed chocolates. I particularly enjoyed those.

And after the requisite Whole Foods tour and a bath for Gracie, we headed out for an obligatory spring-time Texas wildflower photo shoot. On the previous day's drive we had noticed the impressive crop this year so we knew the photo gettin' would be good. Observe the impressive results thanks to Uncle Mike photography skills.

Then they had to go back to Denver :( THE END!