Texas Showering

Only days after Hurricane Sandy, Rory and I waved good-bye to Sean and got on a plane to Texas for the week. It had already been planned but was now so necessary. New York was still recovering and Sean was still commuting out to New Jersey to work. Landing in Houston with that perfect 75-degree November air, Rory and I were so thankful to see Mom standing in baggage claim. 

Rory immediately made himself at home and passed out for a nap!

That night a birthday dinner for Chris and I had been planned at the house before Chris had to drive back to school. We were joined by Chris' girlfriend, Ametis, and Aunt Nancy and Uncle Bob. It was so nice to sit around with family and have a big delicious dinner. Mom even made a Mocha Torte (lopsided or not, it was still delicious Mom!)

Cederberg's and pups

When was the last time the 4 of us were even all together?

Obligatory sibling birthday shot

Mommy and daughter (and the next little girl, too!)

Dad and Rory were best friends

Rory quickly remembered how much fun life at "summer camp" was! He wasted no time doing laps around the yard, sprinting up and down the stairs, and digging up every last toy that remained hidden in the house. He was in hog heaven! Even Aunt Dawn flew down and joined us in Houston for a day.

After an amazing (and somehow very busy!) week at home in Houston, we got in the car and drove to Austin, ready to celebrate little Riley with friends! 

So tired from playing all week and having a sick tummy, Rory slept the whole way to to Austin!

We arrived at the Mansion on Judge's Hill (where our hotel room had already been stocked with a large, comfy puppy bed and coordinating food and water bowls for "Mr. Rory"), picked up Liz and Meaghan from the airport, and prepared for girls' weekend! After 2 weeks of being displaced and off-schedule, Rory was not the picture of a happy camper. He had an upset stomach and was not into the idea of staying in a hotel room, let alone by himself while we went to dinner. We left him in the room (practically screaming bloody murder) and alerted the very nice guy at the desk. Note that this is the same guy who greeted ONLY Rory when we walked into the hotel to check-in, I'm pretty sure he wanted to steal him. He assured us that if Rory didn't calm down he would go and take care of him.

Dinner at Hula Hut with some amazing women

When we came back from what was probably the best Hula Hut dinner of my life, our hotel room was quiet.....and empty..... Where was Rory? Oh, Rory.... He's greeting everyone that walks into the hotel, checking people in. So typical. Mere minutes after we left, Rory was rescued from his screaming solitude in the hotel room, taken on a walk, and spoiled at the front desk doing what he does best, socializing!

Rory was a great chauffeur around Austin

Saturday morning Mom, Liz, Meaghan and I went for a mother-daughter day at the spa. We all needed an excuse to relax and pamper ourselves and we loved every second of it! And Rory LOVED having one-on-one time with Aunt Dawn at the hotel.

Earlier in the week the vet had given me a new sedative to try on Rory for flying. Benadryl just wasn't cutting it anymore, especially trying to fly with him alone and pregnant. Our flight to Houston had been just a TAD bit trying on my sanity levels. He suggested we test it out before flying and so the afternoon of the shower seemed like the perfect time. Half a pill and all of a sudden Rory seemed like he drank a few-too-many bottles of vodka and maybe smoked a joint or two. Poor pup. But at least he didn't mind being left alone in the hotel room while we went to the shower!

Mom, Aunt Dawn, Susan and Kay planned the most perfect baby shower for Riley and I. 20 of my closest friends at the Westwood Country Club in Austin, complete with delicious food and a cupcake bar. It was like I had died and gone to heaven.

Baby shower ladies

Riley already loves her BAM besties! <3

I loved seeing all of my friends. It is so hard to be so far away from them, especially during exciting times like this! I miss them like crazy every single day!

'my heart belongs to daddy'

Little Longhorn Lady

Every little New York girl needs a fur jacket

There were lots of precious gifts and shared stories. Many giggles and coo's filled that room of women. Pink bows and fuzzy baby clothes exploded around us. It was a perfect afternoon.

That evening we had dinner at Zocola Cafe with Shelley and Chris. We were so excited for Rory and Kerbey to finally meet and be best friends! Rory on the other hand, was still drugged up and zonked out during the whole dinner (at least we know that pill works!). Poor Kerbey probably felt terribly unloved by the snobby little New Yorker Brussels Griffon. HMPH. 

Still passed out from the "sleepy pill"

Sunday morning we had made big plans for a delicious Mexican breakfast at Maudie's and some Austin sightseeing before everyone headed to the airport that afternoon. But big plans were shattered when Mom's car wouldn't start. We called AAA and headed into the hotel restaurant. It ended up being a perfect Sunday brunch, with a huge food buffet, sitting on front porch of the mansion, surrounded by the amazing women in my family.

Molly came to visit us at the MansionThe amazing women in my lifeRory with his Lizzie and Auntie MLate morning nap in Grandma's arms

After brunch and AAA fixed the car, we headed off for a brief sightseeing tour of Austin. Aunt Dawn had never been and Liz and Meaghan barely saw the city during the wedding-craziness! It was so nice to spend those last few hours together before we all got on our planes and headed home. Even though it was a wonderful week in Texas, Rory and I were so happy to come back and see Sean. Despite living thousands of miles from our loved ones, this is our home. Just the 3 of us.

lots of love,

kasey