Day Out With Zoé (Photostory)

Getting back to the story I started before Thanksgiving...

Danielle was having cabin fever, so she planned to meet her girlfriends at the local park.  They are meeting on the east side of the park with the picnic tables, the photo booth, and the food vendor.

Vanessa, Antoinette and Lisa arrived close to the same time.

Our college student Liam is also a budding entrepreneur.  He owns a small vending booth.  Two days during the week he is here at the park.  There is a lot of competition for this space on the weekend.  Right now he only gets one Saturday every third month.  

Oh, look.  Leslie is arriving with Joseph.  

"Hey, ladies.  How is everyone?"  (Leslie)

All the ladies say hello.

"So Danielle hasn't arrived yet?"  (Leslie)

"You remember what is was like having a newborn.  Every time you thought you were ready to walk out the door the baby was either hungry or needed a diaper change."  (Lisa)

"Yes, I remember.  That's why I'm always late.  Joseph isn't a newborn, but it's a challenge getting anywhere on time with him in tow."  (Leslie) 

The ladies spend a few minutes getting caught up.

Before long Vanessa looks up and sees Danielle coming across the park.

"There's Danielle."  (Vanessa)

"Awww, she's so cute.  She has that new mommy look."  (Lisa)

"Need some help?"  (Vanessa)

"No, I got it."  (Danielle)

"Sorry to keep everyone waiting.  This is our first time out and I underestimated the time needed to get us out the house."  (Danielle)

"I also didn't realize how tired I was going to be."  (Danielle)

"It's going to take a little time to get all your strength back."  (Lisa)

"Okay, enough with all the small talk, I'm ready to see the little princess."  (Leslie)

"Okay, okay.  Let me get her out of this stroller."  (Danielle)

Leslie and Vanessa have yet to meet Zoé.  Antoinette and Lisa saw her at the hospital.

"Ohhhh, this is bringing back memories of when Ciana was little."  (Leslie)

"Awwww, she's beautiful.  Can I hold her?"  (Leslie)

"Of course."  (Danielle)

"What a doll?"  (Vanessa)

"Yes, she is."  (Leslie) 

"Mama?"  (Joseph)

"Yes?  Are you trying to see the baby?"  (Leslie)

"Anyone want something to eat?"  (Daneille)

"Can you grab me a hotdog?  No bun, please."  (Antoinette)

"Okay."  (Danielle)

"Hi, Liam.  How are you today?"  (Danielle)

"Great Ms. Danielle. What can I get for you today?"  (Liam)

"I have grilled teriyaki chicken,

beef hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn.

"Do you have anything healthier?"  (Danielle)

"I have some fresh fruit.  I can fix you one of my famous smoothies."  (Liam)

"That sounds great.  I'll also take two of the hot dogs for my friend."  (Danielle)

Leslie has relinquished Zoé over to Vanessa.

"Sort of makes you want to have another baby.  Doesn't it?"  (Vanessa)

"No.  They are cute and adorable, but sooo much work."  (Antoinette)

"All they do is sleep and eat at this stage."  (Vanessa)

"Unfortunately, they always seem to sleep at the wrong time."  (Lisa)

As Liam works on Danielle's smoothie, 

he watches the ladies.  They are a little too far away to hear what they are saying. 

Back at the table, the ladies start in on all the questions.

"So how's my brother-in-law handling being a new daddy?"  (Antoinette)

"You know he is in heaven.  He's been a big help with the boys."  (Danielle)

"Are the boys happy to have a new little sister?"  (Vanessa)

"Julian is.  Jacob is still warming up to her.  This morning was the first time he acknowledged her when leaving for school."   (Danielle)

"I remember when we had Kenaz, Zahara turned into a little terror.  She was not happy about not being the center of attention."  (Antoinette)

"Hey, little lady.  What's wrong?  I guess you have been in that seat long enough."  (Lisa)

"By the way, thanks again for all those baby clothes.  They are going to come in handy."  (Danielle)

"You're welcome.  She had so many clothes, she just didn't' get a chance to wear everything."  (Lisa)

"I've been trying not to over buy because I know she will not be this size forever."  (Danielle)

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if they stayed this size longer?"  (Vanessa)

"I don't know.  I don't want to be toting a baby around forever.  I liked it better once the boys were walking and talking."  (Danielle)

"I don't know what I will do when the kids grow up and leave the house.  I'm sad just thinking about it."  (Leslie)

"You have a long time before that happens.  Just enjoy your time with them now."  (Lisa)

"Switching gears, what's everyone doing for Thanksgiving?"  (Antoinette)

The ladies hang out a little while longer talking about a little of everything, but then duty calls and they all have to get home before the kids arrive home.