I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting this. In Pilot J’s absence — he’s getting some much needed R and R down at the capital — these other two floor dwellers have had some time to get to know one another. At first, Cooga was a little hesitant, a little bit shy. But Lily, well, Lily was always sure as all hell that this furry, four-legged barking person who so shamelessly poops outdoors for all the world to see would just love her. She, it turns out, was on the money.
Well, this was a few days ago already, but I didn’t figure you loyal fans would mind some very slightly out-of-date photos. Behold baby ambling on a sunny day!
The morning of:
Though birthdays ARE terribly exciting, Lily didn’t really understand why we were all abuzz on this day in particular. But then, it didn’t really matter. She was plenty excited anyway, because she’s pretty much excited all the time. (Case in point: She loves New York, but she’s never even been to New York!)
When Nana arrived from Port Townsend, the celebrating began in earnest. Nana treated us to a delicious lunch of blackened Cajun salmon, which Lily devoured, spicy coating and all. After lunch, Nana, Lily, and I went toy and feeding-supplies shopping. We discovered an incredible toy store in downtown Tacoma, called the Learning Sprout. It was possibly the finest shopping experience I have had in Tacoma so far, and that goes triple for the kid. She made out like a bandit, with a new push cart filled with blocks, a xylophone, and a retro Fisher Price telephone from said toy store, and some rockin’ spoons and forks and baby-proof plates from Babies R Us. Yeah!
Later that evening:
If you’re wondering, oh yes, Lily did receive a fistful of this dense, rich, dark, almost deadly chocolate cake, and she liked it. She also got an earful of Nana, Matt, and me belting out a radically discordant “Happy Birthday to You.” I just know she treasured it, if not for the artistry, then for the memories. Yeah, you should have heard it.
Happy Birthday Lily!!!
