Stop and Smell the Roses

So, it’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog. Truth be told, I have been on the road for a majority of the past few weeks. One great thing about my “free time” is being able to do many things that I would like but otherwise would not be able to. I feel like this is God’s way of saying, “hey, life is all around you! Pay attention!”

Shortly after my last post, I took a trip up to Hotlanta with my BFF, Tina and her 6 week old son, Tristan. We went up there to welcome the birth of her sister and brother-in-laws’ second child, Jeremiah. I honestly have to say I was wondering how the trip would pan out considering the long duration and the fact that we had a small baby in tow. But, Tina was right. Tristan is an excellent traveler. She had recently practically traveled the entire east coast, so she knew what to expect. Apart from a cry fest of about 10 mins, he slept the entire way up and back down. Now, that’s my kinda kid! Seriously though, I have to give props to “Mister Trister.” He has opened my eyes to the kingdom of babies. Before him, I was petrified when someone asked me if I wanted to hold a baby. Would they scream bloody murder? Would they puke up pre-digested milk onto my lovely locks? Would they take a massive deuce on me? Or worse… would I drop them?


Lauren and Jeremiah

Tristan was born as a toddler. Pushing the scales at nearly 10 lbs, his mom took it like a champ. Part of the credit for breaking baby phobia goes to this magnificent woman, my best friend, Tina. Her outlook during her entire pregnancy and labor was jovial even when the worst hit. She just doesn’t know how much I admire her for simply just being her. She can make the darkest situations full of light. And, since Tristan’s birth, I haven’t been as scared to hold a baby I guess due to his shear magnitude and Tina’s better than best attitude during the hospital stay.


me and "newborn" Tristan

Well, back to the travels. After enjoying a meal at the Cheesecake Factory, a great pedicure, and a couple of hospital visits, we headed back shortly thereafter. On the return trip, we stopped at the Bass Pro so that Uncle Craig could meet Tristan for the first time. Tristan was thrilled to be in man heaven, cracking smiles around every corner and mesmerized by the huge tank full of fish. Craig was so thrilled about this, as I’m sure Tristan’s daddy, Drew, was as well. Returning home, I walk into the kitchen to find fresh flowers. I guess Craig was tired of my travels, but alas, more to come.

 Happy Outdoorsman

 

I got to see a good friend from vet school the following weekend. Erin sought refuge from New Orleans to Orange Beach during Hurricane Isaac. (It’s ISAAC, NOT ISSAC! That irritated me so much when people misspelled it!) Anyways, I met up with her and her folks for a nice lunch. It was great to see my sista from another motha. Her parents are fun times too. A few days later, we invited my friend/old colleague over for dinner after viewing The Possession in theaters. Craig refuses to go to scary movies with me. I can’t decide if it’s because he’s a girl or he doesn’t want me to see him in public in the fetal position during a flick.
 

view from the decks of the Cove

My aunt and uncle invited me over to P-cola for a boat ride the next weekend. We stopped first at a place called Pirate’s Cove in Josephine, Alabama. It’s a hole in the wall right off the water that consists of some plywood, tarp and tin - similar to the Florabama. They have dogs on the beaches and in the bar. We enjoyed a couple of breakfast sammiches, then set off for Lulu’s. I’ve been to Lulu’s many times via car but never arrived in high class fashion as a boater. I have to say, every time I go to Lulu’s there is a 3 hour wait and therefore I end up absolutely trashed prior to being seated. This time was no exception minus the wait time. We had several cold ones, swapping stories and watching the Saints lose their first game, dammit. Then, we toured Old River and yearned to live in the houses on Ono Island. Good times.

 Pirate's Cove, Josephine, AL

 Alabama Bar Scene at 8:30 AM

                                                                           

The following weekend Craig and I went out with the ‘rents to Horn Island, trying to squeeze in some island time before the cooler temps reach us. As always, the island didn’t’ disappoint. It has changed a lot since the last time we went prior to Isaac. Thinned out south, but nonetheless still beautiful. F- BP had a couple of rhinos and port o’s to clean up the tar balls still found on the shores. I leave that just like that for the sake of fewer explicits in this post. While on the island, I got a text from my friend Mindi. “I’m in labor!” She was scheduled for a C-section on Tuesday but little Everett decided that he was ready then. Well, shit… I mean… I’m on a friggin island.

Dunes of Horn Island

Enjoying our home away from home

Lots of new jettis and a more narrow south side

I headed up to Jackson a day earlier then planned. I was going up the following day anyways for my niece’s 8^th birthday party. Mindi gave birth to a precious little boy just prior to my arrival. We watched him quietly squirm in the nursery, then Joey came out to let everyone know that Mindi was fine. “Tara, isn’t it your turn for one?” Dammit, here we go. To be expected… everyone I know says something similar on the regular. To my surprise, Mindi asked to see her mother and me first. I have to tell you how special that made me feel. To see my sweet friend right after her delivery and to watch her hold her newborn for the very first time is a memory that I will cherish. The love in the room was overwhelming. OK, enough of the sappy shit. No, really, she and Joey will make wonderful parents.

Everett Joseph Kern, born 9/14/2012 at 7:05 pm, 7 lbs 7 oz, 21 in

 The Kerns

The birthday party was AH-MAZING. I wanted to participate but being that I was nearly 20 years older than the participants, I felt it was inappropriate. She had her party at a paint studio where they did canvas paintings, sand art, and watercolor with crayon then danced in a black light room. I mean, how awesome! After the party, I was able to spend some time with my in-laws. They really are great people. I have always felt as if I was a part of the family from day one (almost ten years ago, sheesh!)

Even though my situation is not exactly ideal, my time has been well spent. Sharing and making memories with my family and friends is very important to me right now. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I am optimistic for the future. I know that everything happens for a reason, and I just may have found that reason.

Cheers!
Tara