Month: February 2018

Gigi Goes to LA

The logic goes like this: I had to be in Los Angeles for the NBA All-Star game, work would cover the cost of my flight/our hotel/our meals/our rental car, and Gigi could fly as a lap child (read: free). So we booked Dave’s plane ticket and set off to LA. I had to attend work events, meetings, and client cocktail hours, but Dave and Gigi kept busy while I was working, and in between all of that, we packed in as much as possible. On Sunday, Gigi and Dave joined me, my clients, and coworkers for the NBA All-Star game.

On the way to California, Gigi kept busy until nap time, and then Dave and I indulged in a movie date while she slept (we saw 1.5 movies before she awoke!).

Gigi’s Staples Center debut!! She had an awesome, awesome time at the game.

Meltdown

These pictures are from a few weeks ago in Tampa when Gigi had the worst meltdown I’ve seen yet. Although it breaks my heart to see her cry, I can’t help but laugh considering the reason she cried this time. It was a little past her bedtime and she was happily busy with her longest standing favorite hobby – pulling baby wipes out of the package one by one. This time, though, I noticed she had nearly emptied the entire package (see the handful of wipes in the picture) and since we were in a hotel room where supplies were limited, I gently took away the package and placed it where she couldn’t reach it. She went BANANAS. Like 0 to 100 immediately. Screaming so loud I thought someone in the hotel would call the police.

I tried to explain the circumstances to her but she was not interested. She kept the wipes she had already plucked tightly clutched in her hand and gestured towards the package of remaining wipes as if she was trying in vain to explain some terrible tragedy to me. Also, she was so mad, she wouldn’t let me near her.

I decided to let her have her moment and I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. But she followed me. Screaming and gesturing towards the wipes. Poor baby. She fell asleep very quickly about 20 minutes later. Ever since, I’m a little apprehensive anytime I take away her wipes.

Santa Monica

While in California, we introduced Gigi to one of our happy places, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Shutters is a beautiful hotel where Dave’s company put us up for a weekend a few years prior. Again, since we were so close, we felt obliged to show Georgia Grace the Pacific Ocean and let her put her toes in the sand. We took in a little sunshine and people watching, had some brunch, and then drove back to LA. We already can’t wait to go back.

Our Crew Does Disney!

Understood that 18 months of age is probably too young for a child to go to Disney. But we were so close, and we didn’t have anything else to do… we just had to take her. So, we hopped in the car and drove to Anaheim. Understandably, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride scared the bejeezus out of her; arguably, there was a better ride to acclimate her to the world of theme parks. Predictably, Georgia Grace’s favorite part of the entire day was at the end, when she finally got her hands on the balloons she’d spent the day seeing all over the park! It was the highlight of our day, too. We’ll be back, Disney! Just give us a couple years.

Our Little Valentine

Thanks to my sweet little family, I had the best Valentine’s Day imaginable. Chandra was on vacation, so Gigi and I spent the day together — it was magical.

We started the day with a cafe au lait (me) and a pain au chocolat (her), and then headed over to dance class, where she performed her weekly solo, earned her TWO stamps, and received a sweet little valentine from her friend, Fifi (short for “Fiona”).

After ballet, I took a guess that Gigi — being a fan of all things floral — would enjoy the sight of a flower shop on The Big Day. So, we stopped by.

She fell in love with the sights and scents, and the florist, Gus, fell in love with her. Gus gave her a single, sweet, pink rose, and I took as many pictures as time allowed.

After Georgia Grace took her nap, we picked up some dry cleaning, and then stopped by the balloon store for a special V-Day treat: a $2 pink balloon instead of the ugly-but-free yellow balloon the shop gives neighborhood children as a vehicle for store advertising.

Pricey balloon in hand, we strolled to Sarabeth’s where Gigi ate more cheese pizza than I could believe and I drank a glass (okay, two glasses) of Chardonnay. Importantly, Georgia Grace also devoted some of the time at dinner to making a cute little Valentine’s Day card for her Yaya. On the walk home, I ordered sushi from my new favorite spot, SUGARFISH (it is SOOO good!), and Dave left work to grab it on his way home.

I gave Gigi her evening bath, snuggled up for milk and a book, and then put her to bed.

When Dave got home, we exchanged cards, had a fun sushi dinner, and drank (a little more) white wine.