paris, day 1

Where have I been, you say? What happened, you ask? I got on the Downton Abbey train, that's what. I've spent every Jack-less moment for the last week watching that show and now I'm caught up all the way through Season 3's ending (BOO HOO, by the way, if you know what I'm talking about). So now I'm ready to share the details of our trip!

I traveled over with four other girls and all of our honeys were waiting for us at the airport. When we landed, it was 3:30am our time and most of us hadn't slept very well on the flight over. But adrenaline is a funny thing, as is love, because I didn't feel so tired anymore once I saw my guy.

The next few hours went a little something like this:

Reunite. Try to figure out how to get into the city. Buy train tickets. Get on the train. Listen to a man perform a song for us. Switch from the train to the metro. Get off the metro right in the middle of the Champs-Elysees. Navigate the sidewalks and alleyways with gigantic suitcases that scream AMERICAN! on our way to our hotel. Hand our bags over and go out in search for lunch while they get our room ready.

We found a cute little cafe just around the corner and ordered lunch. It was then that I realized just how unbelievably tired I was. By that point, I'd been awake for over 24 hours and could barely participate in basic conversation. It wasn't pretty.

We finished lunch and headed back to the hotel for a power nap. After that and a shower, I was refreshed and ready to go! We wandered around and did some exploring before finding dinner at a bistro that was so good that I came back with the girls a few nights later. We caught up on the last two weeks and enjoyed a leisurely meal together without the interruption of a certain toddler or the Navy. It was beautiful.

The French do meals differently than we do - it's slow and spaced out and amazing. There's no rush, there's no leaving the table stuffed because you ate three courses in 45 minutes, there's no impatience while waiting for the check. You're forced to enjoy the time and the meal and we really enjoyed that.

And that was that. We turned in early, determined to get a good night's rest before our first and only full day together. It was a short trip, but it sure was sweet...

bonjour!

On this, the day of Love, it seemed appropriate to reemerge from my little vacation to say, "Bonjour! I'm back from Paris!" I spent three days rendezvousing with Andrew before he had to leave and this time it will be months and months before I see him again. Thankfully, there were four good friends who were there doing the same thing and we got to keep each other company for a few more days and do girly things like eat macarons in a tea room and shop.

I'll be back with more pictures and the play-by-play, but I'm still recovering from jetlag and currently trying not to let Valentine's Day turn me into one of those people who hates Valentine's Day. I just miss my guy, that's all.

The cheeseburger I had for lunch is helping. And I'm banking on a valentine from Jack, once I pick him up from preschool. If he didn't make something out of pink construction paper and glitter, I might really start to feel sorry for myself.

pictures to make up for an extended absence

I should have called this post I've been busy preparing for a big trip and my mom is disappointed in my lack of blogging. Or maybe I'm going to be gone for a week, so here are some pictures of Jack to hold you over.

Either way, enjoy this photo dump. A lot of these are Instagram repeats. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Daddy's old cover from his previous rank is now one of Jack's favorite thing to wear.

Speaking of wearing Daddy's hats...

Recording a book for Jack. I probably cried.

Oldie but a goodie. First day of preschool!

Fair winds and following seas, my love.

Toddlers.

I sent this picture to my MIL (who is staying with Jack this week) and asked her if she was sure she wanted to go through with it. She still says yes. (Note to self: bring home awesome souvenirs.)

A nice reminder, especially during deployment. Because it's usually a choice, you know?

Somebody get this kid a cup holder.

Tunnel time! This was a Christmas gift from Papa and Nana. If you want to pass the time during that bewitching 4pm hour at your house, GET A TUNNEL.

One of his favorite spots, especially if Rudy is outside.

This was the first time we've taken any toys outside. I think he enjoyed himself, judging by the epic meltdown that took place upon coming back inside.

Mid-chew. Still cute.

Upside down baby!

I fold clothes in my bedroom, he hangs out in the closet fort. Everybody wins!

Weirdo.

Putting his hat back on. Sort of.

Little baby lumberjack! He looks like a bodybuilder in this picture and it cracks me up.

Fish tacos. I should share the recipe because they're probably the best fish tacos you will ever eat. At least that's what Andrew tells me.

Sometimes he won't smile, but he's still really freaking adorable.