Love from London

Photo by my brother, Nick Taylor

James and I had a fairly nice weekend together. He was post call on Saturday and actually got to sleep the night before, so we were able to enjoy time together both Saturday and Sunday. What a treat! He did still require a nap, but I didn't complain because I had expected him to need the rest. Besides, it was a perfect opportunity to finish my book. It's one of those that is so hard to put down...

We went out for a pleasant meal on Saturday night. We chose a barbecue restaurant, it was a chain restaurant and in my opinion, left much to be desired. James has decided I'm a barbecue snob. Probably. I'm from Kansas City, for heaven's sake! That, and my dad has fairly refined tastes of his own- they were bound to rub off...

Sunday, I let James sleep in. We could have gone to church and in many ways, I wish we would have. But, he was so deeply and soundly asleep, and he so rarely has that opportunity, I didn't want to disturb him. I think he awoke feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy his day.

He studied and did some catch up work, we took a walk and then decided to go to the movies. We chose to see The Kings Speech. We are very much behind the rest of our contemporaries when it comes to popular culture, but since we had the chance, we decided a movie outing was long overdue. What a wonderful movie! With the exception of some pretty strong language (I felt the need to put "ear muffs" over my belly so my little guy couldn't hear such profanity, not sure it worked) it was an uplifting and inspiring story. It made me want to be brave and fearless in the face of my weaknesses.

It fueled great conversation between James and me. Topics ranged from manners and etiquette, to how our childhood affects our adulthood, to "Do you ever wish you talked with a British accent...?" It was loads of fun spending the evening together and chatting about everything under the sun and absolutely nothing at all.

The next morning James woke up and went back to the grind. 'Tis how it goes. I slept in. Our full weekend had made me extra tired. I also had a series of the most interesting dreams. Half the players were speaking in British accents. I woke up with a grin. What a funny thing our minds do when we're asleep.

As I woke up and got dressed I chirped around my bedroom singing songs from My Fair Lady and talking to my little boy in the most terrible British accent. I then made my way downstairs and as I reached  the last step I noticed we had a package on our door step. I quickly opened the door and brought the package inside. It was addressed to none other than TEAM PEPPERS and it had arrived at our house after a long journey beginning in LONDON! Go figure! This of course inspired another chorus of  "I could have danced all night..." And more goofy accents. My poor son was probably rolling his eyes in my womb, embarrassed of his absolutely giddy mother. This likely will not be the last time I embarrass him...

I waited to open the package until James got home from work. I was very excited, but wanted to share in the fun. And my was it fun! Words do not begin to explain the absolute blessing the box contained. After first opening the box we found a card to Baby Peppers from his cousin, Nate.

My cousin, Patrick, and his wife, Abi, and their two sweet kids, Nate and Leila, live in London. They have for several years now. We don't see them often, if fact, I don't think James has met them, but we keep track of their lives through facebook. And while it's a lame substitute for real live interaction, it does keep us somewhat linked in to their lives. We hear stories of their sweet little girl asserting herself and her opinions and their latest addition, their little boy, figuring out his place in the family. We have been smitten with him since he was born. He is one of the cutest little guys we've ever seen. This little man is also very generous. He has graciously given Baby Peppers some clothes that no longer fit him. Bunches and bunches of them!

It was like Christmas in April. James and I spent over an hour looking through the amazing box of goodies. Sweet little boots(with fur), tons of button up shirts, sweaters, cargo pants, onesies, you name it! After we had looked through it all James turned to me and said, "I think we're going to have to work on our wardrobes if we want to keep up with our little boy."  So true.

Thank you, sweet cousins! I'm really having a hard time gathering the right words to tell you how much we appreciate your gift. But one thing's for sure: We felt very loved all the way from London!