A Very Bailey Day

Outside Paulanerkirche

It hasn't even been two weeks yet, but Audrey's sudden entrance into preschool has already become an indisputable blessing.  Not only is my big girl learning and growing--happily testing her insecurities every day, but we have found ourselves on a new schedule that is proving rewarding for all of us.  John loves his time with Audrey every morning.  It is special. It is cherished--just as my mornings with Bailey have become.  It only seems fitting since Audrey got to have me entirely to herself before her little sister made her slam-bang entrance, that Bailey should get to have some Mama time too.  Obviously, my favorite times are ones I can spend with both of my girls, but there is something to be said for sitting on the floor, uninterrupted, cuddling with my youngest child for as long as she wants.  Bailey loves it too--having my undivided attention--and she takes full advantage of it.

Some days there are things we have to get done.  It'd be silly not to go to the grocery store when I only have one kid with me.  But I limit that to twice a week.  Every other day is filled strictly with Mama and Bailey time.  Which sometimes means she helps me clean the house.  Sometimes I cave and watch a movie with her.  Other days we spend the morning out of the house on a Bailey-inspired adventure. 

clang, clang clang went the trolleeeyyy!!!

This kid loves to have fun and I'm really enjoying discovering what her genuine interests are.  She loves movies and playing games on my iPhone (obviously--what kid doesn't, really?) She goes nuts when she sees playgrounds, but tends to stick to playing in the sand, with rocks, or in little Wendy houses.  She detests hand holding (even though Mama is sticking to her guns on that one), but she loves going on walks--discovering new things (like the dragon fountain a few blocks from our apartment) and now, our newest discovery: Street cars, trams, trolleys...whatever you call them, she loves 'em.

Which is what inspired our day out on the town Wednesday. We've been using the trams a lot more since the U-Bahn has been down and have subsequently been wondering if we could use some of the lines we've seen driving by as we wait for another. So instead of launching a simple internet search, Bailey and I capitalized on our free morning by taking a leisurely ride on line 1 of the city's trams, which goes around a fair part of the Ringstrasse and then into the woods of the Prater.  As most adventures go, it's important to prepare--or in our case, to fill our bellies with delicious pastry before hopping on the tram...out fear of starvation, obviously.  We sat on the benches in front of the Paulanerkirche and watched the trams go by while we ate.  The morning had called for thunderstorms, but the sky was clear and the sun was shining.  When we were done, we hopped on the number one tram--an older model of the Viennese street car with charming wooden seats and a higher view than the new (handicap-accessible!) ones. I find myself taken in by the romantic allure of these older street cars, but I can imagine I'd be cursing them if I were trying to get around with a stroller or wheelchair.

Best. Picture. Ever.

B always demands to have the window seat and her excitement was palpable as the tram took off.  We had an excellent view as we drove past some of my favorite Viennese sights and around to Schwedenplatz.  Things got less familiar as we drove down Lowengasse and across the Danube canal into the Prater Park where we turned around and went back on the same route.  I was really happily surprised with our outing--Bailey spent the entire time either talking about the sights or sweetly snuggling and playing with my hair.  I saw a fair bit of Vienna that I hadn't before (like Hundertwasserhaus!) and accomplished my goal of spending some quality, uninterrupted time with my little Bear.  After all that sitting, it was time to let my girl have some time to roam, so we stopped in the Burggarten and walked to the Butterlfly House where we restocked our supply of butterfly tattoos (the girls don't go a day without them).  I also let Bailey pick out a Butterfly necklace to give Audrey for her birthday.  Luckily, the kid tends to get distracted easily, so I don't think she'll remember well enough to spoil the surprise.  After our full morning we were in need of some sustenance and stopped for Bretzel and Wurstle at a stand nearby.  And when Bailey started asking sweetly for ice cream, I was too much of a softie to deny her.  You're only young once.

Our morning together was pretty phenomenal, but nothing compares to seeing these two sisters reunite.  They are so happy to see each other and Audrey is overflowing with news about her morning at preschool.  We chit chat all the way to the train and have a grand old time on the long journey back home.

Every day, I'm nearly brought to tears with feelings of overwhelming thankfulness.  I have no idea how any other period in my life is going to top this.  Which is why it's a good thing I'm not in charge.  In all of my happy disbelief is a budding realization that no matter what seemingly good or bad things befall us, God is faithful.  His design is more perfect than anything our silly human minds are capable of. And for that and a million other things, I am grateful.