1/22/09

LaoLao in town

Q'a LaoLao has finally arrived chéz nous, after an initial trip or two delayed by snow and then by mechanical difficulties. It's been a fierce winter in New York state this year. But all's well that ends well, and we are now a house of four for the week. Against all our expectations, QQ did remember her LaoLao (whom she hasn't seen since the week we returned from China) and has been basking and glowing in her presence for the past couple of days. Here she is helping to unload the dishwasher (recognize the shirt, Maryellen?)
M. had the day off the morning after LaoLao's arrival, and so we all had the luxury of a relaxed morning of lounging around the house together.
Mum brought QQ some wonderful new batik PJs from the Laughing Bear in Woodstock, and they look fab on her!
It was inauguration day, and so we sat around and watched the proceedings on the one channel we are able to pirate without cable.

Aaaaaaaahhhhh, late mornings! It's a luxury we rarely have these days.
Last night, we all went out for a traditional French dinner of cassoulet, lamb shanks, steak frites, and country paté at the newest local brasserie.

Look how delighted Q is with her newly expanded family unit!
Though I have to admit that, after a long day of zoo-strolling, extended walks in the park (she's only just getting her footing on grass, and it's quite strenuous for her) and playtime with friends and family, she did melt down for the first time ever during a dinner out. One can hardly blame her - she was exhausted! I think she deserves a pass on this one.

5 comments:

Vivian M said...

I love the picture where Daddy and Daughter only have eyes for each other!
Welcome back Lao Lao, and may your weekend be fun and peaceful and lovely!

monica said...

It's great catching up on your week. Yes, that's a lot to pack into a day, but the fact that it's her first meltdown ever? Well, I'm not sure what to say about that....Jasmine started her meltdowns in China when she didn't get her normal routine so we became pros back then. Now, it's only associated with doctors, hospitals and long car rides. Cheers, Monica BTW, how do I become part of your "friends list?"

Maia said...

Monica - haha, not her first meltdown ever...just her first meltdown at a restaurant. She's usually quite happy. She was not a melter-downer, even in China. But she will, like yours, melt down on a long car ride. Her rare meltdowns are generally associated with being strapped down in some way (including the car seat). Other than that, she is a very happy kid and not fussy.
As for the friends list...I think you just click on the words "follow this blog" and it will join you. I think. It's a new Blogger feature so I'm not all that up on it either ;)

Carrie said...

Have a great time with your Mom!
Love the pic of the baby at the window of the store!

Juliette said...

Cassoulet, I am so jealous!
What a busy week you all had. So fun that Lao Lao is with you.
Your girl is blossoming and so are you as her Mama.
This is such a wonderful miracle to see happening each time...