The Perfect Rainy Day

We have plenty of days that are not perfect, I will admit. The wheels come off the bus with some frequency around here, and then we're missing naps and searching for clean-ish clothes and eating peanut butter and jelly for dinner because nobody went to the grocery store. We have plenty of those days, which I feel obligated to mention because I think lots of moms don't want to admit the truth about those days. Some moms give the false impression that life with children is all about cupcakes and rainbows and chirping birds straight off a Disney World ride. Not so, my friends. Not here, anyway.

But today, today was a glorious day. Perfect in all the ways that count. Hadley slept until 9:00 this morning, and when we woke up, we felt cool fall air wafting softly through the open window. The sky was gray and promised rain. Oh, how I love rain, especially since we get so little here. Jason and Hadley got excited about college football (even though Hadley isn't allowed to watch TV):

Then Jason, Hadley and I headed out to Mumsie and Granddaddy's house for brunch with our friends Tasha and Braxton Hogan (Tasha of the fabulous shoes). Tasha loved on Hadley, and Hadley loved on Tasha, and Jason and I got to eat our brunch without a baby on our laps (because Tasha wouldn't give her up). Hadley napped at Mumsie's house while we all sat around and chatted. Such fun.

Then we did this:

This is her "are you talkin' to me?" face.

How 'bout that drool?

We crack ourselves up.

What's up with my hoodie, Mom?

I just want to squeeze those sweet cheeks.

We came home and Hadley and I took a long, glorious nap together. Jason and I are typically really disciplined about Hadley sleeping in her crib, but cool rainy days are a sign that we need to snuggle. And snuggle we did. She didn't wake up for two-and-a-half hours, and when she did, she was all smiles. Here is her post-nap hairdo:

I have to mention that Jason put Hadley's hands in her pockets, in case anyone is wondering.

Crazy hair!

I have no words for this one.

After her nap, we went to a local Italian restaurant for pizza and salad. Jason and I took turns holding Hadley on our laps, and she was happy to sit and watch us chow down. She's very interested in our food these days, but she's just going to have to wait a couple of more months. I have a hunch that she'll be very happy about solids when they come her way.

Now she's resting peacefully in her crib, and I really hope it stays that way for, oh, the next 10 hours. A good night's rest will be the perfect ending to our perfect day.