ode to joy

Today we took Kai to the grand opening of Harmoni, a new urban market in College Park. They had a very nice boutique grocery and wine selection, and their “artisan meals” were very good. It’s nice when a restaurant doesn’t hide their mediocre food by giving you enormous portions. Kai gives it two baby thumbs balled into a baby fist, up. He was an absolute angel and the favorite guest of the entire place, earning oohs and aahs from everyone within eyesight.

Afterwards we ventured over to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. This very well-hidden oasis rescues and rehabilitates all kinds of raptors, over 12,000 since 1979. One of the first birds we saw up close was a barn owl, and for some reason he did not like babies. He was visibly agitated. I thought I was going to have to kill a barn owl today, but the trainer calmed him down and we went off to admire the beautiful ospreys, red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles that live here. It was an amazing experience, one that we’ve been driving by for years and not taking the time to appreciate. Kai approves.

Today’s photo shoot was very fun. Kai took a huge dump and, just like dad, was feeling much better afterwards. He was very well-behaved today. Even his daily 5pm fussy bout was quick and relatively painless. He slept on me while Erin and I watched Adaptation tonight. He is a like a little portable space heater — I’m couldn’t believe how hot I got holding him for that long.

Anyways, Windsor & Alex are coming over tomorrow (Friday) with their nine-month old baby Mason — he’s a cute little pork chop of a boy. Should be quite fun! Check back for photos!