National Feiertag (Happy Austria Day!)

This past week was refreshingly normal.  Jacob went to work, Hersh and I busied ourselves about the city in between naptimes, and a good time was had by all.  When we walk around our neighborhood and the city, it feels quite normal, which feels wonderful.  I am even beginning to know where things are in the grocery store!

Saturday was a beautiful day and we made it to Schonbrunn Palace in time for sunset.  We walked to the Gloriette, which is the building that is part of the palace that we can see from our apartment.  It was a lovely fall evening and we couldn't have asked for a nicer sunset.

We also met Hersh's pediatrician this week.  She is very nice and although Austrian, did an internship and her residency in New York and Seattle.  She was very complimentary of Hersh's disposition and thinks that he is developing beautifully.

Yesterday we celebrated National Feiertag which simply means National Holiday.  Everything was closed, people had off from work, and there were patriotic celebrations throughout the city.  Hersh and I went with our friend Jess and her son Judah to the Museum Quartier where there was all sorts of celebration.  We had some delicious Sturm (seasonal wine) and enjoyed the people watching while listening to the Snoop Dog they were playing over the loud speaker.

And today, October 27, is Hersh's half birthday--that's right, he 's 6 months old!  I cannot believe half a year has passed since he was born.  Every day Jacob and I love him more and more.  He is the best and we couldn't feel any luckier than we do each and every day, knowing that we have such a wonderful son.  Just the other day I told Hersh that I have one wish for him--to be as happy and as healthy as he is right now forever.

Leaves changing on the wall of our courtyard.

Dinner can get kinda messy sometimes...

The Gloriette

Schonbrunn Palace at sunset

From atop the Gloriette with Schonbrunn and the city on the background.

Loved the palace!

Happy 1/2 birthday, Hersh!