Its been getting colder here. It seems overnight the temperature dropped about 15 degrees. I especially feel it in the morning. I have been trying to retake the habit of getting a baguette from the boulangerie as soon as it opens. I love walking out on the streets an hour before sunrise, when there is only a hint of day in the sky. The dull orangish hue of the street light gives everything an ethereal feel. The air is so crisp and all of this together shocks me awake and puts me in the right state to start my day. Today I had the bright idea of keeping the baguette warm by stuffing most of it my coat on the walk home(shout out to Nebraskans and Runza for the idea), it was heavenly and the baguette kept that out of oven warmth. 

Fall it seemed flashed by as soon as I got here. I have tried to enjoy the leaves as much as I can, but it seems like most of them are now on the sidewalk. The plan was to go to Versailles this weekend to see if the fall colors were there, but I think it's a little bit too cold and I think Gael and I will instead go see the natural history museum. Outdoor exploring may go on hold for a bit, but that's ok as there are more museums and hidden indoor passages than winter days! I love that I have a little partner for these adventures, it's so much fun to watch his eyes get wide wherever we go. The wonder of everything and the world around us! Speaking of his eyes, today I noticed that they are the same as Céline's. Everyone is saying he has my face, but those hazel green eyes are hers. And when he looks at me, they have the same joy and warmth(I am not going to get all mushy and talk about memories of her eyes and just staring into them as the sun rose and brushing her hair behind her ear...nope not going to do it).

Speaking of Gaël, he is still growing(surprise). His top teeth are coming out and it looks like he'll be gap toothed(les dents du bonhuer - did I get that right Céline?). In his good moments, which are more frequent, his smiles comes quickly and easily. He has started to crawl everywhere and seems to have an especially destructive/suicidal streak. He is especially set on climbing dressers(he finds us yelling "NOOOOO" to be the funniest thing in the world). More to come on him in the future.

Last thing - bicycling in Paris has been crazy. I found a bike path for a big part of my commute so I joined the city bike sharing program(only $40 for the year) and it has been quite a bit of fun. The bikes are built like tanks and there seems to be stations of them everywhere. You bike on the street here and there is no dedicated lane for bicycles you just go for it, there is plenty of honking and last minute stopping. Lights must be something new here, because most people see them more or less as stop signs, you just kind of eyeball it if you can go or not. I feel like I have almost gotten hit a few times, but by parisian standards I guess I have never been in danger. I am considering using the basket on the city bike as a baguette holder and then maybe I can throw them like spears to stay safe. 

Ok enough rambling, until next week I guess? Big hugs to all of you in the states, enjoy the burritos and thai food for me(even though I discovered there is a chipotle close to my work!),

DJ