Awkward and Awesome

Summer is almost here - let's roll up our sleeves and dig in. 

While at a White Sox's game yesterday I was this close to having a hot dog, but resisted the temptation because it didn't feel right. We were in a fancy restaurant in the stadium, and honestly, who can eat a hot dog on a white plate? With a tablecloth? Weird. Hot dogs are hot dogs and brats are reserved for tailgates. 

I've also been rationing the cucumber vodka using the bizarre logic of: "Is it hot enough for cucumber vodka? I don't want to get sick of this come August..." 

I'm treating brats and liquor like fine China. 

Maybe it was the short winter. Maybe it's the realization that this summer is not like last summer (i.e. new infant, no job, nursing every 2-4 hours). Or maybe it's because Ingrid is growing at a rapid pace. But everything feels slightly askew and I know we're entering uncharted territory with a toddler. Which feels terribly awkward in the moment and amazingly awesome in memory. 

Awkward: 

• Finding mashed up peas on your shirt late in the workday. Then silently recalling that it was actually avocado from lunch. Then blame it on your daughter to a group of people who have since moved on from said "mashed up peas."  
• A massage in a wood-paneled room (thanks Groupon)! 
• Getting busted for playing Words with Friends.
• Being awkwardly terrible at Words with Friends.  
• Tripping not once, not twice, but three times in rapid succession while running by a group of people. 
• Not so much awkward as it was depressing - burning a batch of caramel corn. 

Awesome: 

• Husband being done with school (for now). As much as I loved the discussions around essay revisions and sign language quizzes, I'm happy to have my calm, cool and collected husband back. 
• Bright lipstick and top knot hairdos. 
• Hide and seek with Ingrid. Just don't go too far or someone (Ingrid) gets panicky. 
• This knock-off Panara Thai Chicken Salad Recipe. 
• Ingrid's joyful state while splashing around the kiddie pool. Post pool-time smile, also awesome: 

And one of the most awesome moments of all - Ingrid taking her first few steps.

Not to belabor the point, but it does feel a bit awkward to think this small feat is so awesome. But with true sincerity, seeing her take her first(ish) wobbly (or some might say, awkward) steps was such a proud, emotional and (dare I say, awesome) moment.

(that sentence was "Ugh, I'm like, crying." Classic Mom.)