Taylor at 10 Weeks

Taylor is 10 weeks old today, succeeding her father's 40th by one day. I spent yesterday cooking Suzanne Goin's recipe for braised beef short ribs with potato puree, Swiss chard and horseradish cream, christening my ocean-colored Le Creuset Dutch oven for the affair. John and Clay were kindly complimentary, and Taylor joined us at the table to lend her commentary. We sipped on Consilience, a Californian Petite Syrah, and salivated over an Old Fashioned cake by Sweetish Hill.

On Saturday, we celebrated here at the house with a party catered by Alex Gates of Latasca Austin. As I sat talking with Joni on the couch, Taylor proceeded to play her first game of hide and seek: Joni smiles, Taylor smiles back. Joni smiles harder, saying "Hiiii." Taylor buries her face in my chest. Taylor slowly turns her head toward Joni, a smile expanding across her cheeks. Joni smiles in response. Taylor buries her face in my chest. Repeat. She kept this up for five minutes and has been inculcating her dad and uncle into the cult of cuteness ever since.

And just now, whilst the wee one slept, I snuck in a workout: 150 sit-ups, 100 walking lunges, 75 push-ups, 50 jump squats in 15:59. Part of the Strength and Beauty Challenge and my first foray back into Crossfit.