First of all, I am sorry for the week-long hiatus. And I hope I haven't lost any devoted readers because of it. Last week was so busy! Our friends from Chicago, Seana and Madeline Strawn, visited us for four fun-filled, baby-centric days. It was hopefully the first of many cross-country play-dates. The last time I saw Seana was in Chicago, in May, and she was pregnant. Meeting Madeline this first time was really special. Seana and I have been friends for almost 10 years. We have been though so much together, having first met as waitresses at The Plateau Cafe, stood up in each other's weddings, empathised as we each underwent grueling fertility treatments, hosted each other's baby showers, welcomed our bouncing baby girls only 6 months apart, and shared plenty of tears, laughs, wisdom, and inspiration along the way. We call each other "soul sisters" because whether we are near or far, we always seem to connect on life, from the latest cravings in home decor, to our philosophies on motherhood, and most everything in between. Madeline's temperament contrasts and balances her mother's personality quite like Willa's contrasts and balances mine. We get a lot of laughs and conversations out of that. It was a joy to spend this quality time with our dear friends and to get to know Seana's adorable, mellow, smiley baby girl, Madeline.
In addition to our visit from the Strawn's, we welcomed lots of unexpected guests throughout the week, including Jenifer and Reyn, Jordan and Cash, Shelly and Cassidy, Helen (sans baby Jack,) Tara, Harlie, and Gracie, Sarah and Sofia, and Anabelle and Mattie. Rebekah, Brooklyn, and Camden paid a neighborly visit, too. Thank goodness for Cheerios and the big shag rug that I recently put down in the shoe section. I've been enjoying this perk of self-employment and turning the back half of the shop into a romper room for Willa and her friends. (Of course, I welcome any opportunity to chat up and relate to fellow moms.)
Last Thursday, my mom, Willa, and I attended the Grand Opening of Minx in downtown Austin. This new boutique is co-owned by my cousins, Sarah and Kate Penick. It is a beautiful store, stocked with fantastic labels, like Meghan Fabulous, Chloe Dao, and LaROC. I bought some great chocolate brown riding pants, and an early Christmas present for my mom, a scarf emblazoned with peace signs (of course.) There, we met up with Jenifer and Reyn and followed them to Matt's El Rancho for a yummy Mexican dinner. Reyn is 2 years old and unbelievably precious! She and I did lots of baby sign language, which has re-ignited my determination to teach Willa to sign. Its a great tool, simple to learn and execute, and cuts down on fits of frustration from little ones that have no other way of communicating their wants and needs. As we waited for our table, I doled out cheese puffs to Willa and Reyn. Willa grunted loudly whenever she wanted another one, and Reyn sweetly signed "more" and "please." From what I have read, now is the ideal time for Willa to learn, so Sean and I are buckling down, and I encourage everyone around her to do the same. Just ask and I'll teach you the basics.
Business has definitely picked up at the shop. This is absolutely my favorite week of the year, not only because of sales, but because of the familiar faces that pass through. In the 7 years I have owned Root, I have made countless friends and acquaintances through the shop. Seeing them on their regular, annual shopping spree always reminds me how much I enjoy and appreciate my job. Its hard to believe that I've been at it for so long, but I am frequently reminded. Customers I first met as little girls, trying desperately to fit into the clothes, are now coming in as college graduates with real jobs and their own money to spend. The familiarity of loyal customers is especially welcomed this year, with all the stress and struggle the recession brings. My numbers have been noticeably effected, and the credit crunch is taking its toll, but we are hanging in there. I'm so grateful that I have 7 years behind me and am somewhat established as a retail destination.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and another big first for Willa. I'm reminded how thankful I am for the blessings in my life. There are so many, which include Willa, Chris's health, my business and the freedom it has granted me to focus on being a mom, my doting hubby and the amazing friends and family members (especially the Grandmother Trifecta) that have helped me adjust to the drastic changes motherhood has brought. And on that note, I better sign off and get my shower before the sweetest blessing wakes from her morning nap.
