The latest.
Before we left for China Jenn and I had discussed purchasing a new vehicle. Our top pick is too expensive (Prius). Right now we have the Corolla with 186000 miles and the Tacoma with 190000. I’d love to keep the Tacoma, however it’s impractical for families. Two cars, not a car and a truck, will work better for us over the next 5-7 years. So we’re selling the truck and putting some of that money into the Corolla for repairs.
Jenn and I have seen some horrible accidents on the roads up here. One night we were returning home on 75 South. Moments earlier a semi had slammed into the back of a car. Reading the news reports we found the driver wasn’t paying attention. The couple driving the car survived. The infant in the back did not. It was horrible. I still have the image of that accident in my mind. On one of our last grocery trips before China we saw a car flipped on the ramp from I-20 to I-75 N. This week I saw an accident on Austell Hyw, one of the main arteries I take to get to work. It’s no secret the traffic in Atlanta is awful. It’s a whole ‘nother deal when you see it. The stakes are higher when you’re driving in it. I’m more concerned about Jenn, and now, Penelope. That’s why I’m not willing to compromise when I get to the dealer.
If we’re fortunate I can just find a private seller, have our trusted mechanic, Chad, check it out and be on our way. I hope this is what transpires. Otherwise I’ve got several evenings and weekend to spend at the dealerships.
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Penelope is growing and developing, in stature and attitude. I wonder how much adopting has changed my perspective on her actions. Her acting out shows a certain level of comfortability with us. Clearly she’s not concerned how we will feel when she kicks us or flings her arms as though to hit, scrunching up her face like she’s just been given a lemon to suck on.
We are looking into activities for her now. Co-workers have sent links and told me the ages their children were when they started going to dance or gymnastics, music, or swimming. I assumed she had to be out of diapers but that’s not the case. (Dear IKEA, why can’t my child play in your children’s area?!)
Jenn and I think she may be a singer. She is very good at just singing out of the blue. This week we were listening to the Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” vocal only tracks and she started singing. When she’s in the car she’ll sing. Sometimes when she is going to sleep she will sing. I can start singing and she will sing. It’s awesome. She has a beautiful voice too. We have also started singing to her when she’s in her crib and she appears to be calmed by it.
Penelope also enjoys dancing with Mommy and Daddy. Since Jenn danced I can see real encouragement in that direction. I don’t want her to end up like me, unwilling to dance and missing out on something as graceful and emotive.
After finding out about all the activities people’s children are involved in I wondered if there was some master list that parents can refer to. Can I just put her in and check those things off? It’s a lot of stuff. Money and time are the limiting factors. She could be like Rachel Weisz character in “The Brother’s Bloom” if we could get her in EVERYTHING!
Penelope playing with her interactive globe and trying to figure out why I’m photographing it.
Right before bed time. I think I’ll be seeing a lot of this look in 10 – 12 years.
Enjoying a smoothie with one of mommies hair clips.
