HAPPY PRE-ST. PATS!

Yesterday we headed downtown for the 51st St. Patrick’s Day Parade in historic Cork Town, Detroit with our next-door neighbors Joe, Janette and their 3-month old Addison. It was a beautiful sunny and 60 degree day, just perfect for drinking and watching people slowly walk down a road. This was Elena’s first ever experience with the infamous streets of downtown Detroit, we told her it doesn’t usually look this way… and just left it at that. We set up camp out in front of the Gaelic League - the drunken heart of the parade. I quickly realized I totally pulled a rookie dad move and forgot to bring any beer/refreshments. With a stroller I now have a mobile cooler at my fingertips and I totally blew it. We were so freaked out about forgetting Elena’s hat, mittens, food, diapers and every other baby supply that our St. pats priorities obviously got all screwed up. Luckily beer was abundant and we were able to quickly remedy the situation. Mid-way through the parade we made our way inside the G-league for some corned beef and live Irish music. Now this was truly a mistake/stressful experience… I was on constant guard protecting my little Elena from any and all stumbling drunk O’ Irishman who came within 4 ft of her, and there were plenty. When on the street if you bumped us, it was shame on you…once we made our way inside, it was shame on us. (To be clear, we were not in the bar – we were outside in a non-smoking tent) Overall - it went quite smoothly considering the event. I give us credit for being adventurous and fun young parents, but it doesn’t come without a stressful price-tag. Elena did love being outside. Not one tear was shed. Some day she’ll be saying how she first went to this parade when she was 3 months old and I’m sure they’ll probably respond with “what is wrong with your parents!”