Despite a busy week last week, Brandon and I agreed that we needed a date. We needed us time. We needed to get away from Bailey (we love you, darling!). So Friday night found us heading out to the mall for dinner and a movie while our neighbor and friend, Kristen, kept an eye on Bailey. There's a restaurant in the mall that we've been wanting to try for some time now, but it doesn't even open for dinner until some time after 7 P.M. With our movie of choice (The Tourist) starting at 8:30, and since we didn't arrive at the mall until after 7:30, we were doubtful that we'd have enough time to really enjoy a nice dinner in under an hour. So we headed to the food court, split an order to chicken fingers as an appetizer, and agreed to wait on dinner until after the movie. But, alas, after the movie we were both so exhausted that we knew the elegance of the restaurant would be lost on our tired state. So we put off eating there, yet again. One day we'll make it back for dinner. I hope.
Saturday morning started as usual, with Mommy and Bailey time in the morning while Daddy slept in (lucky duck!). When she went down for her nap (and Daddy continued to sleep) I headed to the grocery store with two of the single girls living upstairs, Jen and Courtney. We opted for a different store for variety's sake which put us on a bus both going and coming home. The trip was nondescript, until, that is, we went to disembark from the bus. Yes, another tale of bus adventure. Similar to the day when Bailey and I took a tumble from the bus, this bus came to a stop, briefly, but as Jen went to step off the bus, the driver took off again. She managed to balance all groceries and keep on her feet and Courtney and I scrambled to regain our balance on the bus and pull the chord to stop the bus, again. Anxious to escape the bus, Courtney stepped off before the bus stopped completely, but I was not so brave. After tumbling with Bailey, I vowed to never try that again. It took a few extra seconds of patience, but the bus finally stopped and I securely stepped off. Disaster averted.
Quickly putting away the groceries, the afternoon found us headed to God's Pan (pan = bread), a bakery that boasts delicious pastries, cafeteria style buffet, empanadas, and tartas, all sold by weight. Bailey got to enjoy some of my tarta (filled with egg, potato, squash and cheese, all things she's had before) and enjoyed some extra attention from other patrons enjoying their lunch. After enjoying our meal (and dessert, of course), we headed to the zoo! Bailey napped for most of the time, but here are some pictures of our time walking in the cool shade of the park:
And the day marched on . . .
Bailey needed a quality nap when we got home, and that's exactly what she got as I wrapped presents and got myself ready for a birthday party that evening. Our pastor's twin girls were celebrating their 2nd birthday and were having a fiesta in true Paraguayan style: it didn't even start until 7. Knowing that Bailey would be a wreck if we tried to keep her up late, Brandon stayed home with her while I represented the Trevino clan (and even got to claim Bailey's party favor and "secret gift").
Hoping to fall into bed myself when I returned, I was reminded that I committed to bringing something sweet to Sunday evening's baby shower. Not knowing if I would have time between church and the party, I stayed up late making sugar cookies (and sampling the broken ones, of course).
Sunday, much like Saturday, started in typical fashion. After feeding Bailey, I set her in her play pen to play while Brandon and I finished getting ready for church. But, being the first Sunday of the month, the congregation was staying after church for an asado (BBQ) and fellowship together. It was enjoyable and Bailey had a blast playing with the neighborhood kids that were there for Sunday school (and the hot dogs).
We arrived back to the apartment just in time for Bailey's afternoon nap and I, too, crashed. Then it was up and at 'em to wrap another gift, pack up the cookies and head off to a baby shower for Patricia, our associate pastor's wife, who's expecting a little boy in six weeks. Courtney (from the grocery store adventure) accompanied me on the cross-town bus ride back to church where I had the opportunity to talk with five women from church. They were very patient with my Spanish and helped me feel more apart of the church community. Thank you, Lord, for that mini-blessing!
My experience with Paraguayan parties:
- Potluck's rule! All three events this weekend found guests helping bring food for the festivities.
- Secret Presents! Much like party favors, there are "secret gifts" given to the guests. And not just one, but TWO gifts. Score!
- No Thank You's! Getting thank you's sent out promptly is nothing Paraguayans obsess over, so don't watch the mail.
- No Names, either! Most gifts are given without cards and/or names attached. Many times people will announce which gift came from where, but formal labels are not expected.
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