A sweet moment!

One afternoon in August, it was unusually quiet. So I rounded the hallway in search of my daughter. Lo and behold, she sweetly sat on the stairs, hugging her puppy with a huge grin. Luckily, she was still smiling when I ran back with my camera.

New York in August

A and I flew to NY to see my family at the beginning of August. I had been wanting to see where my brother and sister-in-law live, as well as where my brother J has been living since January. They warned me that I just might want to stay after I see what it's like. And now I understand why they love it so much. Thanks for sharing your secret with us!

We enjoyed lots of family time. A colored with her Uncle J.
We attempted a round of mini-golf. Mom's quite the golfer, if you didn't know already!

A got to catch up with her grandma and grandpa. By day three or four, she was willingly giving hugs and kisses to everyone. She was especially enamored with Auntie C.

One evening, Uncle J donned his clowning outfit for a children's carnival. A was pretty scared of him, as you can see by her expression.

We were also able to celebrate Mom and Dad's 30th wedding anniversary! Congratulations you two! I'm glad we were all together to celebrate with you!

Guess who?

J bought A a Mr. Potato Head. I'm glad she didn't try to put on the eyes!

This morning I was in the kitchen, and A was unusually quiet. Quiet usually spells trouble when you're dealing with a 22 month old, but today it spelled creative.
A put two of my shirts on (one on and one over her head), as well as two of J's boxers (look closely near her ankles). I think this is hilarious, and it is a good reminder not to leave the folded laundry on the couch. Apparently it's just too tempting!

Family Vacation

When A neared the ocean, she was initially a little scared (it IS awefully loud). But, after seeing her courageous dada venture out into the deep blue sea (or ankle deep, at least), she had to do it for herself. And, once was NOT enough. Her smile was enormous, and she rapidly signed the words "more" and "please" over and over again until she had her fill.
J, with his mom, sister, neices and daughter, enjoying the late afternoon in the sun.
J and his sister, R, bought body boards on Friday and had a blast! R had a few battle wounds and they were both tired and sore the next day, but that didn't stop them from wanting to go back in for more!
A and her cousins shared their first jaccuzi bath together. They were fairly inseperable during our vacation, and it was fun to see how much they enjoyed eachother.
Auntie R was A's backseat entertainer when we took a short car trip

down to the Newport Aquarium.

Tons of sand to shovel before I sleep, and tons of sand . . .

What a difference one year can make! Last year, A was content to view the beach from her stroller, but this year there was far too much sand with which to play.
When J built A her very own pool of water, A's delight in her new muddy pond was contagious. Soon, all of the girls were standing and sitting in it and having a wonderful time.

There were no masterpieces created during our stay, but A

had a great time moving sand around.

The Dog Days of Summer

We took the plunge today and tried out a fun, free water fountain for kids at Esther Short park. After temperatures that soared the day before, any form of refreshment seemed exciting, and this place didn't disappoint! Here is A all decked out and ready for some water fun!

A's cousin S (above left) and cousin A (below center) joined us in the water.

Good times had by all!

Happy 4th of July

J was off in the woods being wild at heart, so A and I went to the Ridgefield 4th of July parade with our good friends H and R. My mom made this fun patriotic dress for A last year, which she wore, but, as you can see, can still wear it this year. In fact, she received many compliments. Go mom!

This year she seemed much more engaged in the parade and only got upset when the little league baseball teams squirted water all over her. But, hey, it was a bit upsetting to me too! Refreshing on a hot day, though.

We ended the day at S and M's house for their annual 4th of July barbeque. We missed J's contribution to the fireworks, but S did an excellent job. And, what 4th of July party could be complete without our heartfelt, be it sad, rendition of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A"? Thanks for a great party, S and M!

It's a . . . . .

Here I am at 21 weeks (just over 5 months for the layman)!

Boy!

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails
That's what little boys are made of!

Tomorrow's the big day!

Tomorrow we are going in for our ultrasound. I have my own prediction. What's your's?

Goodbye 7303! Hello 6905!

During Spring break, J and I started looking for a bigger house. Little did we know that the house we would choose was only nine blocks from our first house. So, over Memorial Day weekend, we made the long move.

A ate her first chocolate covered donut on the first morning in our new house. Despite all of the changes and adjustments that come with being in a new house, A seems unscathed, wouldn't you say?
We hauled boxes until about 1 p.m. and then quickly got started on painting the family room. J and I agreed that the seafoam color needed to go, and go NOW!

Thankfully, we were able to set up the living room with no immediate painting necessary.

Very Belated Easter Adventures

A's first experience with an Easter bunny didn't start off too well, and, too be honest, I completely understood. Is this not the most freakish Easter bunny you've ever seen?

It got a little better once the rain stopped, and we could let A explore the football field sectioned off for 0-2 year olds. J faithfully carried the basket as she watched all of the other equally confused children be prompted to "pick up an egg" by their parents.

Fortunately for us, my parents came to visit over Spring break, and A enjoyed her first Easter basket.

Doesn't A look lovely in her Easter dress from ND Grandma and Grandpa?

Announcing . . .

Our newest addition was 10 weeks and 5 days, according to yesteday's ultrasound.

Shamrock Run '07

So . . . I participated in my first ever 5k run on March 11th with about 13,000 of Portland's finest. I had fun, especially because it didn't rain! And, I think I'll do another for Cinco de Mayo. The race photographers captured the following lovely photo at the very beginning of the run -- in fact I think we're barely moving. But, I thought I'd show you this one, instead of the three UGLY ones of me at the end. I'll spare you the details. Can you tell which one is me? :)

http://www.backprint.com/go.asp?18571115

Snow Days - WA Style!

Perhaps you've heard that WA is getting uncharacteristic weather lately. . . . . specifically SNOW. Weather forecasters and journalists have storm-team coverage 24/7. Meanwhile, at our house, we decided to venture out in the . . . 30 degree weather (yes, you heard right). Consider us brave.



A is being pulled in her red wagon down the middle of the street. We don't recommend this to the layman.





















J and A decided that the slide was safe if they went down together.
















From this pose, she almost reminds me of a celebrity baby, bossing her drivers around. No dad, turn left. LEFT! Actually, she seemed to enjoy the bumpy ride, with only minor complaints.
















I loved being out in the fresh air, after feeling cooped up in the house. I think A and J felt the same way.

















A and I decided to brave the slide too. It doesn't get much crazier than this!

First Snow

A didn't really know what to think of the white stuff. But, she didn't want to keep

her mittens on. I think she had to touch it for herself.
A and her cousins had fun during their first official snow day.

Stairs

Our house doesn't have stairs. So, when we spent a few days in a house with stairs, at first there was no temptation. After watching us for a few days, the intruigue began. And, on the day before we left she took the plunge and didn't look back. Well done A! Boy, are we ever glad we have a one story.

A little fun in the sun!

What would a pool party be without a little breaking of the rules? Number 5 specifically - no horseplaying, running or diving. Without a lifeguard present, we decided to take our chances. Seen here, I am attempting what we affectionately titled "the Double." By the way, I landed it! Also seen here is John in what appears to be an alpine skier pose. Wrong sport John. :)

Deer - need I say more?

Sunriver is full of deer. When we were there at Christmas time, I so desperately wanted my parents to get a good sighting. But, no. Apparently they aren't around in the winter. Fortunately, we had the privelage of seeing them on our recent trip. They even came up to our deck to eat the berries off a bush. We were prepared the next time they came close and handed, yes, you heard me right, handed them lettuce leaves. It was great!

Look, no hands!

The seasoned biking pro that she is, A showed her older cousin Sydney how to ride the two seater in Sunriver, OR. They both had a blast as we rode the miles of trails, and it proved to be a great place to catch some zzzs when taking a nap wasn't appealing in a new place. We're going to have to get one of these so we can ride at home.

What would summer be without a garage sale?

We did it. We attempted our first garage sale as a married couple. And, we actually had fun, got rid of of who knows what, and had a little green in our pockets when the two-day extravaganza was all said and done. The secret? We invited our friends Heather and Bruce, Anne and Jerry, Sherri, my in-laws Martha and Eric, and my sister-in-law Rebecca in on the fun. The hours flew by with so many people there to help and talk to. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Well, maybe in a few years.