Shaw: Fun with Friends

Charlie and I had special visitors last week. My best friend, Lisa (aka - Auntie Pooh), and her daughter, Alex, came to see us last Thursday. They just moved from Miami to LA a few months ago, and it has been 5 months since we last saw them. This might not seem like a long time to most of you, but trust us, it is toooo long to go without seeing this duo.

We spent our first day together hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa Pomerantz's house. There was a lot of playing, talking, singing, and eating to be had by all! Charlie and I even got to take part in Shabbat dinner. Charlie got to wear a yamaka for the first time.

Day two was spent over at Casa de Shaw. Charlie's grandma and grandpa came over to see the girls. Alex showed off all of her big girl talents to everyone. She was born March 13, 2007 and is exactly one year older than Charlie. We were all amazed by how much she can do. Alex can count to 5, name her colors and shapes, knows her animals and sounds, and can tell you some of the letters and their sounds. I am such a proud auntie! Not only is she smart, she also has the greatest personality. It nearly brought me to tears each time she asked me to "pay" with her.

Our third and final day with our friends was spent at The Wiggles concert at Gwinnett Arena. Yes, I took my 8-month-old to a concert....AND IT WAS GREAT! I had never watched The Wiggles before this weekend, and now I am hooked. Grandma Ann, Lisa, Al, Pie(Lisa's niece), Charlie, and I had a blast dancing and singing along with The Wiggles. After the concert, we went over to Lisa's brother's house for dinner. Lisa's brother, Brian, came into town from Athens to cook for us. We enjoyed a gourmet meal with everyone before we had to say goodbye.

Lisa and Al headed back to California earlier today. I have been pretty pouty all day, and I miss them already. Lisa has been my best friend for ten years now, and we have spent the last five of those years separated by distance. Our friendship has really stood the test of time if you ask me. We have experienced a lot together in ten years, but sharing motherhood with her has been the most rewarding experience. I am so fortunate to have her to guide me as I raise Charlie. I know that she is a great mom to Alex, but seeing her in action made me realize just how wonderful she is in her role as mommy. Al has turned into a beautiful little person as a result. I hope that I can be as nurturing, patient, and loving a mom to Charlie as Lisa has been to Alex.