Family Time in Austin: M's First Birthday Party!

Friday 8/20-Friday 8/27: Birthday Party & Remote Work

Mr. E and I headed to Austin at the end of August to celebrate M's first birthday. Hard to believe it's been a year since he joined our family! I still remember our Labor Day weekend visit last year when he was barely two weeks old and the dramatic tale of J & B's late-night drive to pick him up from the hospital. He's certainly been a joy and a bright spot amidst all of the other drama and uncertainty of the past 18 months.

As usual, Mr. E and I flew separately on our respective preferred airlines, arriving several hours apart on Friday. We stayed the weekend with J & B and took on the primary responsibility for preparing the birthday party food -- DIY tacos and fixings -- for the 20+ guests (mostly kids!) on Saturday. The weather was perfect for a backyard pool party, but a few of us preferred staying inside in the air-conditioning. We were still able to see the pinata action in the backyard from the living room windows. Mr. E and I took Mom out to brunch on Sunday morning before dropping off Mr. E at the airport for his return flight.

I stayed the rest of the week at Mom's new place, working remotely from Monday-Thursday and then taking Friday off to help her out with some appointments and household chores. She's gradually getting settled into a new schedule and a new environment, but the transition is definitely still a work in progress. I enjoyed getting familiar with the community and observing her local wildlife -- lots of squirrels, a resident hawk (look out, squirrels!!!), a lizard, some fireflies, and two cats (Sherbet and Minnow) in the cottage across the way that like to sit in their window seat or on the sill to observe the world outside. 

I didn't go to any meals with Mom, but on the last day, I did meet two of her neighbors in the parking lot. She has managed to find a few folks with whom she enjoys talking and eating meals, so that's a hopeful sign. And now that C has started up in-person school again, she'll be able to pick him up sometimes since his school is very close. That will help out J and also give Mom and C some extra time together at her place.