picnic in the park + other non-issues

Theo was there, I swear it.

We went to the park on Monday night and we took some Wendy's with us so I guess you could say we picnicked in the park. The apple pecan chicken salad is my favorite. After 30 minutes of no one sitting and eating at the same time, Julia collecting a gallon of pebbles and delicately sprinkling them all over a sleeping Theo, Simon and I taking turns chasing Sebastian who sprinted off to harass fellow park goers, see about a street with some cars, and attempt to maul/play with a dog that was his size twin Simon suggested that I make it a regular thing while he was at work during the day. You know, a little something to add to my Costco/cafeteria rotation of outings. I'm just going to assume he was suffering from a severe and temporary case of crazy because let me think abo ......... no. But the weather is finally warm and my heart is taking a page from any politicians day-of-election speech and is "cautiously optimistic" that it will stay this way. But - we're headed to Wichita tomorrow and the forecast is predicting snow tomorrow and on Friday - day of the nuptials.

If you were to figure out a way to climb into the complex mind-o-Grace here are some things you might find spinning around up in there:

+ So after Mary's wedding this weekend Theo, Simon, and I are going to a work conference in New Orleans for Simon and the kids are going to stay with Simon's parents. For FIVE days. I'm not freaking out because I'm worried about the kids well being - they'll be better taken care of than they are at home and Sebastian will forget I exist. I'm only worried because Julia can be a little emotional (and by little I mean -- Les Miserables on repeat all day every day sometimes/alltimes) and really likes her Graceservant I don't want to be banned from ever visiting them with her in tow again. And as much of a stoic b as I can seem and would never sneak into their rooms to watch them sleep or anything I left them with a sitter this morning and came back early because I missed them and I took an extra dose of mush with my morning meal. All this to be reassured ... it'll totally be okay, right? (and ... does anyone know of a super responsible sitter there in New Orleans that can drive and knows their way around babysitting a 4-month-old? thought I'd ask ... )

+ this just in - Simon's other sister has volunteered to potty train Julia in our absence. I'm feeling equal parts grateful, guilty, and giddy about the prospect of returning home to a mature and independent new woman.  No pressure, Elizabeth. 

+ Theo turned four months and Sebastian turned 18 months yesterday. Sebastian's new trick is to spank his diaper when he senses that he is about to get in trouble - less work for the disciplinarians. Theo's new trick is to continue to not roll over. Characters in the making. Here's a clip from this morning complete with my grating voice.

+ Sebastian has been sort of notcrazy this week. It's been weird. He brought Theo his blanket and bottle while he was being bathed today, has been making sure Theo has had enough to drink, retrieves Princess J's stuff to get her to stop her tantrum, and is sure to wake up early in the morning and from his naps so that we can read. Yesterday he wanted Pride and Prejudice to be the story du jour and that is just the way he rolls. 
 
+ I should not be typing this blog post. I should be packing and folding the massive loads of laundry staring at my right shoulder.

+ So that's what I'm going to do - for once. Did you see that? A Wilbur just got his wings.

Hasta la something.