Dear Reese,
Today, you visit Olive Garden for the first time. A milestone. The last time I was in one was with your Mama A, a few months before you were born. We went to eat after I came along to her doctor's appointment and saw you on the ultrasound for the first time. So I guess maybe this was your second trip with me.
It’s a success, though it seemed like I did pick most of your mac & cheese off their carpeted floor at the end of the meal, and that was the busiest Olive Garden bathroom I’ve ever been in . . .
We meet your Mama A, big sister, and grandparents there for lunch. You see MorMor and Cappi nearly every day, but you don’t get much face time with the other side of the family since they live further away. But they love you so much, too. You are surrounded by so much love, little girl.
After lunch, we go to a nearby park and hang out on the playground. I help you climb straight up the slide again, and you cannot get enough of it. It’s sunny and warm, and I regret not having sunscreen on me, but your hat seems to do the trick for today.
A trip to Green Bay and back makes a long day for us, but a good one. We time it around your naps so you can escape the boredom of the car ride, and afterwards we hang out at the cottage.
You crawl around in the grass and dirt and under the compost bin until there is dirt on your hat and around your mouth and in your fingernails. But I’ve already decided I’m not going to be a parent who's scared of a little dirt. Being in the world is important. Clothes and bodies are washable.
Love,
Mama