Monkey House

So Cole’s mid-June birthday created an interesting phenomenon this year. My father’s day felt like my “first” father’s day, even though it was my second. And Canada day felt the same. I guess because he was so small and helpless for the true “firsts”, and we were so tied to the house during those initial weeks, this feels like the first year we got to hang out and celebrate together!

For Canada Day we didn’t get up to TOO much, but it was still great. Went downtown during the day, hung out with Grammy and Abuelito in the evening.

Downtown Ottawa on Canada Day is what it is… lots of people milling around, being happy, dressed in red and white. Sure there are drunk people around, but they’re “cheery”, not belligerent. One thing that was different was the Queen’s visit. Made it tricky to get over to Major’s Hill Park. But after a bit of a wait while she went by (I saw her hat and her hand doing the “Queen wave”) and we were free to cross.

After walking around for a bit and letting Cole have his feet (plus some food), we stumbled across the neatest thing. In a less-trafficked area of the park, there was a small unassuming tent with a small lineup of people. The tent was set up to house and showcase the Six String Nation guitar. It was tempting to just walk by after a quick look at the posters, but Alex asked if I wanted to get my photo taken. On a whim, I agreed. The short line took longer than you’d think, but before too long we were at the front.

The three of us posed with the guitar at first: it was resting on the ground by its lower bout, with the neck pointed straight in the air. Mama Monkey and I kneeled down on either side, and Cole scooted around to my side (the bass side) of the guitar, wrapping his arms around the neck and fooling with the strings. I imagine there were some pretty good shots taken. Then the photographer suggested we let him hold it on his own.

“Uh, what?”

“Yeah, just let him hold it. It’ll be OK.” So I tried stepping out while holding the headstock. “No, you can let go completely and step out.”

“You sure? I mean, he doesn’t exactly stand or walk very confidently yet.”

“No problem. Go for it.” Alex and I each backed off, and I thought for a second Cole was going to fall right away. But he didn’t; instead, he just stood there grinning at the camera, holding the guitar, and continuing to play with the strings! Several clicks later, and we were pretty much wrapped up. I asked if I could quickly play the guitar, so I kneeled down to play it and Cole hung around trying to get in on the action. I was aware of the photographer taking a few more pics even though I wasn’t intending to pose. As we walked past the laptop storing the photos, I could see a candid shot of the two of us, and it looked awesome!

Looking forward to seeing those pics, but it could take up to 2 months before they appear on the website. I’ll be waiting impatiently!

Soon after, we realized it was time to hit the road.

It’s always great to visit Grammy and Grampy (Abuelito). Cole gets a real kick out of them, and enjoys being in different places, too. Mom cooked up a nice’n'cheesy chicken parmesan, and dad served up some nice’n'cold beer. Got to play with the dogs in the back yard a bit, and got to chase Cole around, too, causing him to giggle like the wonderful little goofball he is. At one point we were cuddled up a bit in the grass, and it was just one of those awesome “I feel so lucky” moments. Of course, he quickly returned to his independent self, but I sure love those times he just stays still in my arms. Had another short peaceful moment hanging out in a wee little gazebo-like 2-seat bench that my parents have. I love rough-housing with him, but I love those peaceful moments even more because they’re so rare!

The ‘low’ point (not really, ’cause it was funny!) was when we were milling in the yard and Alex yelled at me, “watch out for the poop!” and reached out for my shoulder to divert my step away from one of Balu’s “gifts”. Thing is, the way she panicked about it made me second-guess my steps, do a little dance, and THAT’s what caused me to step right into it! Would’ve been fine if she hadn’t panicked. But that’s ultimately what made it a bit funny. Nothing a garden hose couldn’t take care of anyhow. It was about time for some poop other than Cole’s to be the source of some disgusting amusement.

And that was our Canada Day. Looking forward to the year we can keep him up (or wake him up) for his first Canada Day fireworks display!

(again, can’t wait to see the Six String Nation photos! We’ll keep you posted)