Not Penelope of course. I went back to work today. On Monday’s I work from home, a perfect transition from nearly a month off. Thanks to the terrific team I work with I was able to get back into the groove quickly, taking care of administrative work and clearing out emails. IM windows multiplied exponentially at the bottom of my screen, wishing me a happy (belated) father’s day and asking how my trip was. It may be the first time I was thrilled to answer them all.
Meanwhile, in the other corner of our home, Jennifer, Penelope, and Grandma Padgett kept Penelope occupied with Melissa and Doug toys and Baby Einstein videos, a trip to the library, and food. I think food was her favorite part. I’ll need to get confirmation later.
A paradoxical tension exists with Penelope, and I assume, most 2 year old’s. They are perpetually exhausted yet full of energy. For those with enough steam left in their engines you know this results in some odd behavior. And we know what’s going on. Toddlers don’t seem to. So even though Penelope wanted to sit in grandma’s lap, she didn’t want to sit in grandma’s lap, as the photos below demonstrate.
Jennifer struggled to put Penelope down for her daily nap. For the last few weeks it’s been me who does it. Now it’s Jenn’s turn. Nap time is something I have a handle on. I don’t get flustered when I leave the room and hear Penelope wailing as though I left a pack of ravenous Pitt bulls surrounding her crib. I know that if I do X, Y, and Z she will be asleep in 20 minutes or less. Jennifer hasn’t had that experience. Until now.
After sharing my method of putting Penelope down for a nap Jennifer disregarded it all and came up with her own
When work was done we went to the park and walked the dogs. Penelope stared out of her stroller at the junior runners, passing us as they completed their training circuit. When we got home it was time to make dinner. I’ve been craving enchiladas but we didn’t have enough for all of us. I made rice and beans to compliment the meal and ensure we had enough to eat. Penelope had what I assume was her first plate of rice and beans while we all made light of the possible intestinal storm Jennifer would be dealing with tomorrow.method. Must be the Wanat in her blood.
Penelope lived up to the Uriz name, shoveling in the meal and asking for seconds.
Bath time was great and we were able to get a picture of Penelope in the cute towel Grandma Padgett brought for her.
Since Penelope has our bedtime ritual memorized now I don’t need to wait until she’s asleep. I lotion her face and ears, talk to her for a few minutes, and leave the room. A few minutes later I check the monitor and she’s asleep. Works for me. I can think of a million situations worse than this one.
Tomorrow will be my first day back in the office and away from Penelope for so long. The last three weeks have been a gift. I’ll share more about what led up to them in future posts. I’ll look forward to the weekend in a whole new way from here on out.
Goodnight!
