Lunch Date

This doll face was my lunch date today. 

I had some running around to do and figured since it was so beautiful out, I'd hit up Easton, which is this fabulous little outside mall here in Columbus.  I got caught up at one store and didn't realize how late it had gotten.  It was lunch time. 

Elena likes to smack her mouth together to let me know she's hungry. Sort of like a cow chewing cud.  #girlfriendputstheassinclass

I knew she'd never make it the 20 minute drive home and I was starving, too.  So I decided on a little impromptu lunch date. Now what happens next might not seem like any big thang, but if you have ever shared a meal with a toddler in a restaurant, you can appreciate.  I shall also throw in that I have NEVER in 34 years on this planet gone to a restaurant alone to eat {by alone, I mean without another individual that could order for themselves}.  I have also never taken Elena to a restaurant solo.  I was skeered. 

Cheesecake Factory was nearby and I figured a loud, crowded place was a good choice.  I'm lying.  I really wanted the BLT salad.  It wasn't packed so luckily we were seated right away.  I had some snacks on hand for Elena so she was a happy camper once I got her settled in the high chair with some grub. 

I'm forgetting to add that I am a total social-phobe and would never do anything like this normally.  I have found myself really stepping out of my comfort zone with this move.  I also think that now that I'm responsible for someone else, I'm making a conscious effort to lessen my crazy so it doesn't rub off on Elena. 

Surprisingly, my little love even let me eat.  She was too preoccupied with her own lunch and waving bye bye to every person that walked past.  Until I got my cheesecake.  She was totally eyeballing it.  Just look at her.

Then raspberries started going overboard. Check, please!  Had the rest of my lunch boxed and took my cheesecake to go.  It made for a lovely dinner dessert.  All in all, it was a lot easier than I thought.  Certainly a lot easier than trying to pee with a baby in a public restroom when you don't have an extra set of hands or a stroller.  #poppingasquatwithakidonmylap

When in Rome, right?