Wednesday, September 30, 2009

my bff: when we weren't eating...

Lest you think we forgot about Eli, I'd like to document that we did more than just eat. This is Kerri helping me shop. I'm a sling girl. I find carriers pesky and cumbersome. But how do you shop for clothes when you've got a kid wrapped around you? Well, you bring a friend along to do the hard work. And for opinions, of course! She rightfully talked me into that orange number from Banana Republic. And gratefully kept me from making some bad decisions that I likely would have purchased without her good sense.

Why would I even mention shopping? Because I was thrilled to finally fit into normal-sized clothes again (more or less). And I haven't been clothes shopping in like nine months. I had an itch.

But perhaps the most memorable outing was Kerri's very first rodeo. She got all decked out, belt buckle and all, and headed with my friends and I to experience Texas. There was barrel-racing, kids' mutton-riding, calf-tying, bull-riding (for real!), and even motocross-jumping. (Yes, that last one was random. I didn't see it coming either.)

Little known fact: It was my first rodeo, too. That became very evident when the first calf was roped and instead of cheering like everyone else, I cringed. The poor things. Over and over again some poor calf was slammed to the ground and then it would pop up just to do it again. I'm no animal rights activist, but it just seems wrong. I was assured by everyone around me that I should "think of it as their job, and be grateful. Because if they weren't in the rodeo, they would probably be on your plate." Um, that didn't make me feel any better.
poor baby cows...
As for Eli and his first rodeo? Well, he didn't care for it much, either. Refusing to drink from his bottle, he became quite unruly and I was forced to find a dark corner to nurse. Not easy in a stadium, but I can now attest that it can be done. And I didn't miss the bull-riding, either! (Which, oddly, I was totally ok with.)
Afterwards we made a Sonic run and I drove Kerri into the mountains to see the city lights. This is our view of Mexico on any given evening. Sometimes I'm still amazed at how close we live to the border.
And the rest of the time? We just chilled at the house. It was the perfect week with a best friend. Thanks, Kerri. You're the best bud around.

8 comments:

Crafty P said...

love the sling, Karen! did you make it? Did you guys make a sonic video? you two are good for that sort of thing. A rodeo sounds fascinating! I would love to go to one sometime. I'll put that on my "list" of things to do eventually.

can't wait to see pics of the nursery!

Nana said...

It looks like you had a Texas sized super time, I am so glad. Good to see all the pics of Kerri. (and you and Eli.)

Love Skype!!!

Happy said...

Oh my goodness...love the sling. Love it. If you made it I am uber impressed. And uber jealous.

I'm not even going to touch the cow subject seeing as tonight I am traveling to the farm to pick up "half cow" that's frozen and waiting to be put in someone's freezer.

Not mine, though...

Mine comes back from the butcher next week.

Can't believe your view of Mexico...and picture me saying that with a silent x please.

Sounds like such an awesome week. So glad for you to be able to spend quality time with your best bud and shop for non-maternity clothes.

I'd call you a name over the last one if I weren't so nice.

I'm sooooooo tired of maternity clothes.

LifeAtTheCircus.com said...

oh karen... sounds like a perfectly delightful week! You and Kerri really have an amazing friendship.

And super congrats on the new clothes... He's not even 2 months old... you are amazing!!

Megan said...

What a wonderful visit! I love that Kerri got all decked out for the rodeo - not surprised and I love it!

I love that you got to have such a great week together. What a blessing that time must have been.

And seriously Karen? Normal clothes? In less than two monthes! (actually I don't remember at all with Ella, but I'll stick with being shocked!)

Erin said...

What an adorable sling! I love it! i didn't have much luck slinging C. I was so excited to do it and i bought a maya sling, but he was just always so heavy. 10 lbs is a lot to carry on one shoulder for a long time. I was cracking up over your "finding a dark corner" to nurse in. I'm one of those extroverts who's whipped out a boob at: church, football games, graduation cermonies, restaurants, etc. and C. would never tolerate a blanket over his head, so we'd just have it all out there... still tried to be as descrete as possible, but i'm sure someone or other caught a glimse of skin here or there...

Kerri Smith said...

Aw - what a nice post! I'm sorry I'm just now reading it! I had a wonderful time, too. Thanks for enjoying all of my eating whims, trips to the computer store and the kinds of talks I could only have with you. I love you and miss you! I need to see more pictures of Eli! He must be a giant by now!

Capt RandOm (pOd) said...

Did you not buy your best friend the customary scorpion-lollipop? Or gnaw on a slow-roasted turkey leg?

(And personally I start drooling whenever I see bucking sides of beef getting roped...then my wife will cuff me across the back of the head to remind me its not proper rodeo etiquette to drool at the livestock....I just can't help it...I'm thinking, "that thing is just a few steps away from being being a lucious veal chop on my styrofoam plate!")