It all started with jelly beans.

Luke and I were at Super Target yesterday, stocking up on important items like diapers, frozen dinners, and hand soap, when we happened to drive through the candy section, specifically the Jelly Belly section, where dozens of miniscule beans bedazzled me with their array of brilliant colors, almost like a rainbow, and suddenly I was overcome with desire for Red Apple Jelly Bellys. "I'll just have a handful every now and then," I promised as I tossed the sack into my cart. "After all, they're fat free!"

Now, at my Super Target, the candy aisle is adjacent to the potato chip aisle, and a variety of Baked Lays beckoned from their place on the end cap. "I'll just have some with lunch," I pledged as I debated between barbeque and cheddar and sour cream. "After all, they're baked!"

Famous last words.

Less than twenty-four hours later, I had consumed approximately twenty points worth of Jelly Bellys, three servings of chips, one Weight Watchers ice cream sandwich, a bowl of Cocoa Krispies, three Fig Newtons, and my weight in defiance, tired of counting points, measuring portions, and turning down a cup of milk with dinner because I'd rather spend the points on cookies (the Weight Watchers ones, of course). It didn't help that today I was home from work, which meant instant access to all things guilt-inducing and an afternoon of Beverly Hills, 90210, the first season, because it was on sale for twenty bucks. (Remind me sometime to talk about how this show has seriously warped my impression of raising teenagers; also, how Jim Walsh is pretty much, "Way to go, son, just use a rubber" with Brandon after he lays his first girlfriend but will fuhREAK out later when Brenda does the nasty with Dylan. Sexism, it is a bitch!). So for now I'm enjoying the goodies and promising to get back on the saddle tomorrow.

Binge eating aside, it's been a wonderful weekend, the highlight of which was a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo. It was Kara's first time, and our first real outside activity as a family (walks around the complex don't count), and as the three of us made our way from the parking lot to the front entrance, all I could say was, "This is what I've always wanted."

The outing was inspired in part because Indy has a few koalas on loan for the summer, so that was the first place we went. Did you know that because koalas live on eucalyptus, a food that's shockingly low in nutrition, they spend anywhere from eighteen to twenty-two hours A DAY asleep? Thus, to capture one awake and on camera was quite a feat. Way to go, Luke.

Next were the seals, where we hung for about an hour because our stop there coincided with Kara's next bottle and she was taking her sweet little time. But eventually she finished, and Luke scooped her up to give her an up-close-and-personal view, and watching them, my heart melted.

As if THAT weren't precious enough, the oceans exhibit was even better, as Kara's eyes were drawn to the brightly colored fish just inches from her nose. It was amazing to see her smile as various forms of sealife crossed her path and Luke beam with pride as he pointed out their features. He's always had a soft spot for nature and animals, so I know this trip was especially meaningful for him.

Of course, I had my turn, too, and took great delight in identifying giraffes, elephants, and monkeys, all of which we see in our favorite bedtime book.

Apparently Kara's hands were far more appealing than posing for a happy shot with Momma.

But not for Daddy!

I could eat them up, I love them both so much.

Afterwards, Luke and I spent some time watching Juno, and when it comes to that movie, I don't know what to say. The dialogue was a cross between Dawson's Creek and every Kevin Smith film I've ever seen, only less believable, but really, it was the act of watching the main characters navigate through the adoption process that brought me to tears, because I couldn't imagine my life without Kara. I felt a new kind of hurt for the moms who choose this process, for whatever reason.

The soundtrack, on the other hand? Totally awesome.

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Check out my latest post on Parents, wherein I contemplate family size.

Comments

[Jana]

Hmmm, I thought Koala bears were cuter. Guess not. But, it does remind me to take Ryan to our zoo while we still have the Pandas. Man, I can't believe I had forgotten to to take her to the zoo!

[Rhi]

WAIT, 90210 is $20 at Target!?! Be right back...

And, I'm going to need to get a Koala. That is pretty darn cute.

[anne]

Loved Juno. I saw it two days before having my munchkin and I believe I got choked up more than once....

Also, we live a couple blocks from our zoo and I can't wait to get a membership so we can go all the time! It's a teeny zoo, but still.

[Christina]

So much fun! How did she do at the zoo? We have been talking about going but not sure if Nathan would really dig it yet..If long weekends arent for a little stumble off the wagon then what good are they?
Also, your skin is looking AMAZING! Are you using the Acne kit or something else?

[Grandma Molly]

Your little family is totally awesome...not that I am biased.

[Jenny]

"turning down a cup of milk with dinner because I'd rather spend the points on cookies (the Weight Watchers ones, of course)."

When I was on WW, I TOTALLY did this all the time, except I opted for Oreos...

[Rachel]

I am so happy to know that I am not the only one that cried (a few times) while watching Juno!!

Love those pictures of all of you and what a fun time! I am gonna have to buy a season pass to the zoo this year as it costs as much for all of us to go once as it would for the pass.

[HollowSquirrel]

Um, Kara's bum is so darn cute! I just want to squeeze it! Also -- what's with the stroller wheels -- doesn't it look like the one on the right is set back further than the wheel on the left?

[Molly]

Those are great pictures from the zoo. I definitely know what you mean about walking in and saying that it was all you wanted. I, too, have felt that way doing certain family activities. Though the first time we ever took KJ to the zoo, a sea gull pooped on his head not five minutes in the gate.

Our next big "all I wanted" is to take family pictures with FIVE of us this fall. So exciting.

[Fraulein N]

Aw, kids and animals. Two of my favorite things. I love how fascinated Kara is by her hands.

[Allison]

A few things (in list form, of course) - some not related to this post, per say, but I thought I'd combine my thoughts into one, convenient reading location:

1) I cannot get over how absolutely adorable Kara is! I just want to squeeze her! God she's cute!

2) I love that your little family does things like go to the zoo. There are way too many people who think babies are "too little" for stuff like that. You guys are awesome parents - and I don't even know you!

3) Seriously? I can't believe people dogged on you (no pun intended) about the dog thing. You're a grown woman who can think any thought you want and who gets paid to write those thoughts down. NO ONE has the right to say anything about how you parent - or how you think, for that matter. People are stupid, and you rock :-)

4) My uncle is a priest and one of the greatest role models in my life. He has some AMAZING thoughts on family, and the value of family in our lives and in our faith; but there's one thing that he said to me that I took to heart and thought I'd share with you: He said he thinks every couple should have at least 3 children; one to replace each one of them and one to increase the population. I think that's an insightful look at family size, but you can think whatever you want and I will not judge, criticize, or disrespect you for that :-)

Whoa - long comment. Sorry!

[becky]

Seriously? Sometimes I really cannot believe just how stinkin' cute Kara is!!! I mean... she's gorgeous!