Axelmoon

Axel, 2013

So far, Axel has been a delightful travel companion. He's such a fun age at the moment and pretty adaptable. The secret to our success (at home and away, really) seems to be to take the travel cot practically everywhere. He's had some great al fresco naps while we've read by the pool or had dinner with friends, and it saves us from feeling like we are up against the clock. He's been a little jet lagged, sleeping from around 9 or 10 'til 9 the next day, which has meant we can usually include him in whatever dinner plans we've had.

We've also done pretty well with a lack of toys...the kitchen has been gleefully deconstructed several times.

We had one semi-ratty evening when we somehow got ourselves into a four course meal that started around 8, but fortunately the waitress was happy to let us finish up on the terrace, where Axel could crawl around in relative peace.

France seems quite baby friendly so far. The changing rooms in the airport were the nicest I've ever seen; there's even a mother and baby room on the train. And even at quite civilized restaurants, we're never greeted with an eye roll. People often say "Beau bebe" and leave it at that.

Our days have been spent exploring hilltop villages and the cobbles and steep steps haven't always been stroller-conducive, but Will's been working on his upper body strength carrying the bambino around quite a bit.

Blue Skies

Mirmande, 2013

Another absurdly lovely day here. Yesterday we walked to the top of the village and got a lovely view of the Rhone and the Ardeches beyond it. Today we had lunch in a little village called Cliousclat and stocked up at the hypermarche (where they sell "Brooklyn" sweatshirts, naturally).

Next stop, coffee by the pool.

A Christening

Mirmande, 2013

A blissful Saturday! We are in Mirmande for a christening.

Let's just say this wasn't the old dunk the baby in the water and call it a day kind of affair. There was a ceremony at a beautiful old church in the village, a lunch overlooking the olive groves, and a dinner in summer whites at an old farm house, parts of which date from the 13th century.

As we were driving to the dinner through the French countryside, with opera blasting, it was like being in an espresso ad. No joke, this place is insane.

Axel has been blissed out too. Yesterday at lunch they had the most adorable children's table, complete with miniature wicker chairs and a fleet of babysitters. Axel sat there eating macaroni and tiny pieces of ham like a little prince. Last night he had a sleepover in our little inn with all the other French babies and couldn't have been happier.

And the party continues...we are off to brunch!

Ahhhh, Paris

via Hip Paris

Today was one of my first iced coffees of the season, which has me thinking of summer, which has me thinking of Paris.

This is the view from the little apartment we're renting on the Place des Vosges this July, and I can't wait. I found it on Hip Paris, and it's teeny but perfect. We'll be there for a few days after attending our friends' christening and belated wedding party in the south of France.

Although we've had a good bit of extended family time this year, we haven't taken any big holidays as a family of three. I'm imagining Axel enjoying the swings in the little park, chomping on baguettes, and toddling around with all the oh-so-well-behaved French kiddies.

It will also be Will's birthday and our second wedding anniversary, and since we spent part of our honeymoon in Paris, it seems appropriate. We had a blast, as you can see.

Paris, 2011

Wanderlust

France, 2013

So this summer, we are invited to a christening and belated wedding party in the south of France. The guests will be staying here! Not a terrible proposition if you ask moi...