Blueberry Ever After: Atlanta

Showing posts with label Atlanta. Show all posts

Baby Boot Camp

9:55 AM | Labels: Atlanta, avery, baby, Courtney, greg, jay

In February Jay and I took a trip down to Atlanta to visit Courtney & Greg and their new little girl Avery. It was so much fun spending time with Avery at 1 month old, and learning what life with a newborn is really like. Courtney called it my "Baby Boot Camp."

The girls managed to get out for lunch one day followed by a stroll in the park with Avery. While we were out we noticed this sign at the local carwash. If you know any bald men in Canton, GA they can get a good deal on a carwash right now!

I got to help out with bathtime while I was there, and by help I really mean take lots of naked baby photos to embarrass Avery with when she gets older! And I held her each morning while Courtney got showered and dressed, so I feel well practiced at holding a newborn.

On Saturday afternoon we all ventured out to go bowling but that trip soon got cut short when we got to the lanes and were told there was a half hour wait due to a tournament and birthday party. (Who knew bowling alleys were so busy on Saturday afternoons?) So we quickly changed plans and took Avery on her first beer run at Publix and then headed back home to watch the Carolina game instead. Unfortunately Avery's UNC basketball streak ended against Maryland that day. :(

Despite the UNC loss it was a great visit and we feel so happy that we got to spend some time with the new Bayer family! I am so impressed with Courtney's mothering skills at just 1 month post partum. She already can tell Avery's hungry cry from other types of cries, is a breastfeeding powerhouse, and is so patient with Avery while trying to establish a routine for her. She is turning out to be a wonderful Mommy as I knew she would! And I am so glad I have her to look to for advice when my turn comes, which is not too far off now!

Here are some more pictures from the trip:

Roux and Maggey became good buddies during the visit. Neither Roux nor Daisy seemed too interested in Avery, which is a promising sign for us. Apart from the occasional sniff of the baby's head or foot, they were more interested in Chase and Maggey, and their toys!

Tummy time:

Chillin' in the swing:

Meeting Uncle Jay:

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Hangin' in Hotlanta

5:33 PM | Labels: Atlanta, Courtney

On Monday I had a client meeting down in the ATL so I flew in Sunday morning to spend the day with Courtney. She's now almost 4 months along, so I was excited to see the start of her baby bump!

I landed in Atlanta around noon and went to pick up my rental car and head into the city to meet Court for a late brunch at Horseradish Grill. Upon arriving I handed off my keys to the valet who promptly called me back to my vehicle and told me it wouldn't start. He was having problems getting the key to turn in the ignition, so I tried it and also had no luck. Then Courtney pulled up behind my rental and she gave it a go and couldn't start it either. Since there was no manual in the car, I decided to call the rental car roadside assistance for help. The rep who answered the call proceeded to talk both me and the valet through turning the key but neither of us could get it to budge. After a bit of heated discussion with the call center rep, the rental agency called to let me know they'd be sending me a replacement vehicle.

So my advice to you is not to rent a Chevy HHR. Ever. The best part of the story is that after waiting at the restaurant for 2.5 hours, the replacement vehicle finally showed up and we realized they had sent me the exact same car, down to the hideous champagne gold paint! We just had to laugh at that point!

We hopped in my sweet ride and headed to Atlantic Station for a little shopping at H&M and AT Loft and then decided to head back to Courtney's house for dinner. Greg made us some awesome jerk chicken on the grill. Being that it was a school night we didn't stay up too late, but it was a nice visit and great to be able to mix a little fun with business.

I had a little more fun with my rental car on Monday morning on my way to the meeting. The car in front of me on the highway hit a large bird that went flying over his car and bounced off the hood of mine. Fortunately it caused no damage, but after all the rental car drama I am just happy I made it home in one piece last night!

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Puppies, Midgets & Penguins, Oh My!

10:11 AM | Labels: Atlanta, Courtney, recipes, travel

Last weekend I flew down to Atlanta to see Courtney and we had a great visit. Friday night we met Beth out for drinks at Fado and followed that by a nice sushi dinner at Genki.

Saturday morning I got to meet some of the remaining brittany spaniel puppies who were left from a recent litter. They were so cute! It was hard not to steal one and hide him in my carry on luggage going home! After we got cleaned up from playing with the puppies, we drove up to Blackstock Winery for a tasting, and while their port wine was delicious, I did not bring any home with me because I was too stubborn to check my bag! I did load up my suitcase with lots of purchases from the Georgia Premium Outlets we visited Saturday afternoon though. The highlights were the Lucky Jeans outlet, Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer and the Gap. Yay for a new spring wardrobe!

Saturday night Courtney made us fajitas for dinner, which were accompanied by my new favorite drink: beergaritas!! (see recipe below) After dinner, we hung out in Courtney & Greg's recently finished basement, enjoying the bar and pool table. Courtney tried to distract her opponents with some serious dance skills and somewhat questionable rap lyrics, and for the most part it worked! Just ask Greg.

Sunday Greg made us the world's largest strawberry pancakes for breakfast, and then Courtney and headed to the Georgia Aquarium on our way to the airport. It was fantastic! My favorite exhibit was the Cold Water area, which includes the beluga whales, sea otters, sea lions and penguins. I also really enjoyed the tunnel aquarium, where you can see their two famous whale sharks, a hammerhead, sawfish and many stingrays. If you are ever in Atlanta, I highly recommend stopping off at the aquarium. It is currently the world's largest!