I don’t know that there is another child out there who is gets visited by others, or goes out to visit, as much as Brittain. From the day she was born she has been surrounded by so many that love her. She has grown accustomed to this as it has continued.
I have always appreciated the support that our family and friends have given us, but since Brittain was born, my appreciation has deepened. As much as we love going out and visiting and receiving visitors, the circumstances around how these take place are very different. For instance, my friend from college, Jessica Chunn came to visit a few weeks ago. She has just recently moved to the Atlanta area from Ohio. Pre-baby, I would have probably made the trip to Atlanta for a night out, but doing this requires a lot more planning. So instead, she came to Griffin and we enjoyed a quiet evening here at the house with Brittain. Another example happened just the other weekend when Dan, Brittain and I made a trip to Athens to visit Cecilia and Matt. The night that we got there, Dan went out for a night on the town with the boys. Cec, Brittain and I stayed at the house to play and catch up. It was a different kind of night, but wonderful. The next day the five of us decided to go to Chili’s to eat. We all loaded into the car, had milk, juice, snacks and toys to keep Brittain occupied while we ate. As soon as we sat down Brittain started yelling. Not crying…yelling. She wasn’t upset. She was merely testing out her voice for everyone to hear. Before we even ordered our food we realized that this was not going to work. Dan and I saw that we had finally crossed that line. No longer were we going to be able to go out and enjoy a meal with our child sitting quietly and playing. Nope. This was over. We quickly saw that we were going to have to order our food to go and eat it at the house. It ended up being fine, and probably much more relaxing. Fortunately Cec and Matt didn’t mind, but it was yet another realization for us at just how much life as we know it has changed.
We appreciate everyone who has had to make this change along with us and who do it without ever complaining!
Here are some pictures from this past weekend at Cecilia and Matt’s. Can I just tell you how much fun we had? It was wonderful seeing them and their new house, and just visiting. Thanks for being such great hosts!
When we arrived, Aunt CC took Brittain on a quick wagon ride to show her the rest of the street. A wagon ride isn’t complete unless you have a margarita in one hand and the wagon in the other 
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Aunt CC and Brittain playing:
Aunt CC and Jeff:
The boys took a moment for a quick picture before heading out for a night on the town:
After the boys finally left was when the party really started:
The next day, although we were all worn out from the long night, Brittain stayed on her schedule of waking up at 7 a.m. Dan and Aunt CC really hooked me up by letting me sleep in. I didn’t wake up until 11:15! That’s the most sleep I’ve gotten since she was born! When I finally came downstairs, I couldn’t find anyone. I peeked inside Cecilia and Matt’s bedroom and this is what I saw. Obviously, Brittain was worn out as well:
Kyla Rose and her mommy came by for a quick visit recently:
Kyla showed Brittain how almost 2 year old’s know all about the Baby Einstein discovery cards:
A picture of Papa and Brittain during a recent visit:
Jessica and Brittain:
And, just some cute pictures that I couldn’t resist posting:
I got out the moses basket as I was cleaning out Brittain’s closet the other day. She wasn’t a big fan when she actually fit in it. Now, apparently, she loves it:
“You’re right. Maybe I don’t fit in this thing very well anymore”:
So happy to see Daddy after work:
“Here. I was only getting this to give to you”:
