Gavin was being both cute as can be and cranky as can be. The cuteness is deceptive people! There is no rulebook on how to be a parent and the way kids scream their bloody heads off - I am not surprised by the amount of post-pardum depression in new mothers. Being a parent is some hard shit yo. Props to my mom and dad who maintained a balance for me. Just like Jen and Chris are doing.
They're really great parents. And that's mostly because they decided to be parents. They may not have known exactly what they were getting into, but it was a decision made on both parts. They'll raise a happy kid I'm sure. He's already a pretty relaxed, go-with-the-flow child. Yes, he cries. But that's because he gets hungry, poops himself, gets sick, is growing new teeth, etc. He's eight months old! It would be so kick ass if babies from birth could just speak outright to their parents:
"Excuse me. I think I shat myself. Would you mind changing me? My arms are a little too little."
"Pardon me if I'm upset, but this new tooth is being a bitch."
"Dude, I just want something sweet! What's with all the carrots?!"
But that's not reality is it?
Getting back to Portland....
I stayed at home while Gavin took his nap. Jen dropped Chris off at work and came back with lunch. Yum. But my stomach wasn't super happy about it. The milkshake? Yeah... No more dairy for Liz for a while.
Once Gavin woke up, we headed down (an entire three blocks!) to Burlington Coat Factory. I did not need a new coat, but they have super deals. Bought a pair of shoes, two scarves, and about a large handful of earrings and necklaces for around $40. Score. I needed to update my jewelry box. Gavin was still in a good mood, so we drove over to Target. Jen needed to buy cat food, shtuff for the litterbox, and baby fings. Then, as we were done with that, Gavin was due for another nap.
Drive home, I stay put in my shorts and tank top because it's freakin' boiling outside! Gavin sleeps for about ten minutes, then starts crying. Jen went to pick up Chris. I ponder. Do I go in there to check on him? What if he's hurt himself? Or is he just pissed off and can tell that mom and dad aren't home? I poke my head in, he sees me and cranks up the volume. Fuck. So, I go in to turn his music back on and he's crying like he's been attacked by bodysnatchers. Damn. Shit.
Fine, you win. I pick him up and sit with him outside for a minute. As soon as I'm about to go back in to let him sleep more, Jen and Chris walk in. Chris' words? "I knew it. He tricked you."
Fine. Yes. I was fooled by an eight-month old. No need to rub it in. It's not like I'm practicing or something. So, they take Gavin with as they go shopping for dinner. I get to stay home and do some YFU volunteering! Woohoo for making phone calls!
We had burritos for dinner, although I fell asleep for an hour as Gavin ate his dinner and ours was being cooked. My stomach now is not happy with me at all, because I had a milkshake directly before falling asleep for my nap. Oops. Ate my burrito and felt awful, even though it was yummers. Drank down some Pepto and watched some TV. Fell asleep kinda late - 12:30!
Woke up and Gavin had already had breakfast and was ready for his morning nap. Man, I can sleep! He can't though.... Woke up thirty minutes later. Yeah, Jen loves that. And when does she get to nap? Never!