The nesting season

So, the nesting season has nearly passed, amid much sadness and rejoicing. Natasha proclaimed us “almost ready” this morning, which I will be interpreting as way more ready than we actually need to be. Almost all of the wonderful presents that you fantastic people have given us have found their space within our home, which sadly was not the case until very recently. Mostly, it was piles of presents stacked in awkward places throughout the apartment. No longer, though. It actually resembles a home, and even feels as though we live here.

Natasha’s last day of work was Friday, and so this is the first day that we are both here at home during the week. We’re going to try to take advantage of the time before we are slightly more encumbered. Shopping at the co-op without all the crowds, and, even better, a daytime movie. Yesterday, at the tail end of a, um, discussion, I decided that it would be a wise opportunity to avail myself of the local tavern, The Toronado. I realized that I need to do so as much as possible in the coming days, as I assume that my opportunities will diminish considerably, if not to the point of extinction, very soon. It is generally considered the best beer bar west of the Mississippi, and only a couple of blocks away, which I have, of course, taken largely for granted. Not this week. I will enjoy it fully. I also noticed yesterday how much we have become a part of the neighborhood, as I ran into three friends as well as many familiar faces on my journey there and back.

The first day of maternity leave...