a solid kind of week

We started off last week making Melissa's perfect chocolate cake Sunday evening when it started cooling down again. Wayne made the ganache Monday and we frosted the cake when I got home from work so we could invite Chris and Alyssa and Karl and Angela over to sample it.

I thought it worked out well. I've never had a cake actually come out completely level -- it didn't have a small hump nor did it fall even a little. And it was tasty! I think all the girls enjoyed it more than the boys did though....

Though the cake party did have the sad aspect of being the last time we hung out with the Rock's before their move to Utah. We're glad they have found employment and will be close to family, but we sure will miss having them here in CA with us. Just when Paela was starting to notice Ethan, too.

Paela has had a good week too. We enjoyed visits with my friend Jennifer and her friend Daphne, with Angela and Thomas, and with Kate. We also finally lowered her crib, now that we've seen she is capable of pulling herself to a slow stand using the rail if she is in a sitting position. She can't yet put herself into a sitting position without our help, but it's probably not sensible to wait until she figures that out without us seeing it. Especially since the first thing she did after standing up was to lean over the rail. Silly girl.

I thought it was interesting that Angela noticed Paela has exceptional posture when she's sitting. Wow. I had never noticed before. Now every time I look at the girl I think of how much I slouch. I gotta improve my own posture before Paela notices!

She also celebrated her 6-month birthday this week (no cake for her, though...) with a checkup at the doctor and starting solid food. At least she got some food from the deal, since she doesn't really enjoy the shots at the doctor's so much. We aren't really sure that she enjoys the "solid" food that much either, but someday she'll "get" what this eating thing is all about. So far she doesn't scream when we attempt to feed her like she does when they give her shots.

And finally I celebrated a birthday this week too...though the usual annual variety, not a half-year kind. We got a free Red Robin burger and dessert, and Wayne made my favorite cookie cake. Karl and Angela and Thomas were kind enough to help us celebrate. Thanks for all the cards and emails and phone calls from everyone!