Day 297: Lunch with the Goose

Michal and I had the pleasure of having lunch with some of our favorite family members, Cousin Louise and her mom, Denise.  We went to one of our favorite restaurants - BD's Mongolian BBQ.  Whenever family is in town or we simply can't decide on another restaurant, we end up there.  It's just so easy - there is something for everyone and it's really great for anyone who is vegetarian or has food allergies.  I especially like it for Michal, as it allows me to fill up a plate with lots of good stuff and usually there is plenty left over for lunch later.   

The hostess brought Michal some crayons, which we broke out once we got situated at our table.  They were pretty cool - triangle-shaped, so they wouldn't roll off the table - smart!  She is still working on the fine motor skills needed to really draw and doodle, but she seemed very intent on the process of figuring out what to do with them.

 "Mama... what am I supposed to do with this?"

Closely observing Louise drawing a flower.

"Ah... so THAT is how you do it." 

 

After we visited for a bit and watched the baby nearly mark the paper with her crayons, I headed up to make us some lunch.  I filled a bowl with her favorites - pasta, broccoli, egg, tofu, mushrooms, and sugar snap peas with some garlic for flavoring.  It was a little hot right off the grill, so she waited patiently, watching some of our dining neighbors.

... still watching other people eating.  By now, the food is ready to be eaten, but Michal is still in social butterfly mode.  This is what happens with most meals with the Goose.  Wherever we place the highchair, she turns to watch everyone around us.  We spend a good amount of time trying to redirect her attention, even re-positioning her body.  But there is always something else to see and someone else to greet with enthusiastic waves and "Hi!"s.   

"Oh... you're still here." 

"Oooh... what have we here?  All of my favorites?" 

"Don't mind if I do."

And yes, the first thing she picked up - broccoli.  Even at dinner tonight, she couldn't get enough broccoli.  Smart kid. 

The Ravens played Monday Night Football tonight.  Michal was really excited that they were going to trounce Jacksonville.  It's a good thing she was asleep for the game - it was a sad, sad evening indeed.  But how cute is she here??  And she looks like such a big kid!