November 29, 2010
Gym. Yoga. Pool time with Jacob. Grocery store. Nap. Bank. Home to make soup (he's all about cutting up veggies). Daddy home. Books, books, books. Bedtime.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 64
November 28, 2010
Sunday. Hmm.. I skipped out on the Black Friday mayhem but headed into the last of the fray today. Definitely some "deals" out there; of course, I figure they mark things up so high to begin with that you're still paying way more than it took to make these things in Asia.
Mostly a relaxing Sunday, though. Some football, more Thanksgiving dinner. Yum. Those cheesy potatoes taste better and better.
Sunday. Hmm.. I skipped out on the Black Friday mayhem but headed into the last of the fray today. Definitely some "deals" out there; of course, I figure they mark things up so high to begin with that you're still paying way more than it took to make these things in Asia.
Mostly a relaxing Sunday, though. Some football, more Thanksgiving dinner. Yum. Those cheesy potatoes taste better and better.
Day 63
November 27, 2010
Silence. I have the house to myself for a brief while. There is almost no greater pleasure that to sit in an empty, quiet house and do nothing. It's such a seldom occurrence that it feels sacred. No one needs me for a few minutes, no one is asking me for anything. And unlike when I leave the house on my own, I don't feel the guilty for leaving someone else to watch Jacob or that I have to hurry back to help take care of him. Most of that is in my head, my own voices telling me things that aren't true, but they stress me out nonetheless. I could just sit here and stare at the walls the entire time they're gone and that would be fine with me, pleasurable actually.
Hmm... this sounds like a late 19th century writing from a half mad housewife. That can't be good. It really is in the times of quiet when we can hear the voices that are trying to tell us something. It is rarely quiet here.
Silence. I have the house to myself for a brief while. There is almost no greater pleasure that to sit in an empty, quiet house and do nothing. It's such a seldom occurrence that it feels sacred. No one needs me for a few minutes, no one is asking me for anything. And unlike when I leave the house on my own, I don't feel the guilty for leaving someone else to watch Jacob or that I have to hurry back to help take care of him. Most of that is in my head, my own voices telling me things that aren't true, but they stress me out nonetheless. I could just sit here and stare at the walls the entire time they're gone and that would be fine with me, pleasurable actually.
Hmm... this sounds like a late 19th century writing from a half mad housewife. That can't be good. It really is in the times of quiet when we can hear the voices that are trying to tell us something. It is rarely quiet here.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Day 62: Black Friday!!!!!!!
November 26, 2010
Oh, Black Friday. My favourite day to NOT go to any stores!! I cannot handle all the craziness. I do love a good sale but that's about it. To think, I could get to several stores and shop before Jacob even woke up is absolute craziness! Usually it's me waiting on them to open. Bizarre. Maybe if I had a cup full of margaritas and a DD, then I could enjoy the shopping craze.
Jacob and I did head downtown this morning but not to shop. We went to meet up with some Kriste/in friends. My friend Kristin from Boulder was in town visiting her husband's family (yea, for friends' families living in Portland) so we had planned to meet up. And then my old high school/college friend Kristen who lives in Seattle was down here too! Whoa.
Met up with Kristen at Powell's. Powell's is an experience as everyone says it is. I visited years ago when I was passing through but hadn't been yet since we've moved. Every time I talk to my dad he asks if we've been there and is appalled that we haven't. Here's my bit, though: the pleasure of books upon books upon books is almost orgasmic. And just like a good orgasm, it needs time to be dragged out, experienced and, if lucky, experienced again. One cannot experience this in the same way when one has a child with you: too distracting. So, I think we haven't been because I want to enjoy my time there. I have to go with Fraser and Jacob, by myself or fully knowing that my pleasure will be compromised (although the children's section is quite good also). All that being said, it was great to see Kristen and great to have just a little taste of Powell's. It makes me want to read more again. I've been in a lull with reading, trying to catch up on National Geographic (I'm on February 2010) and getting through an interesting but slightly slower book, Mayflower, that one of my neighbours gave me before leaving Boulder. Very interesting, and somewhat sad, story.
Next, we met up with KristIn up at NW 23rd and Glisan, a nice little area with cute shops and cafes, pubs. It was so nice to see her and her family. These little bursts of familiarity in a sea of newness really remind me that I do miss Boulder and my friends there. Of course I know this but try not to dwell on it because life here is good too and something that I need to embrace because it is my life now. However, it's awesome to be able and sit with someone and just talk about stuff that we both know, feeling familiar and regular and not like I have to (somewhat) think about how I'm acting or what I'm saying. I don't oftentimes censor myself but it's good to know that this person already knows that and still likes me. We had some lunch together. Short, short, short... but very nice. She asked Jacob what songs he liked these days. "Itsy bitsy spider," she asked. "Yes," he whispered. After singing, he asked her for more. So cute.
Headed downtown after nap to hang out with a new mom friend and her husband and almost two year old. We went to Laurelwood Brewpub. A nice place with good beer and a little play area for the kids. Niiice. It was a fun time. Everyone got along well and it was fun. Downtown is a very fun place to hang out and walk around - too bad things get expensive and far from Fraser's work.
Oh, Black Friday. My favourite day to NOT go to any stores!! I cannot handle all the craziness. I do love a good sale but that's about it. To think, I could get to several stores and shop before Jacob even woke up is absolute craziness! Usually it's me waiting on them to open. Bizarre. Maybe if I had a cup full of margaritas and a DD, then I could enjoy the shopping craze.
Jacob and I did head downtown this morning but not to shop. We went to meet up with some Kriste/in friends. My friend Kristin from Boulder was in town visiting her husband's family (yea, for friends' families living in Portland) so we had planned to meet up. And then my old high school/college friend Kristen who lives in Seattle was down here too! Whoa.
Met up with Kristen at Powell's. Powell's is an experience as everyone says it is. I visited years ago when I was passing through but hadn't been yet since we've moved. Every time I talk to my dad he asks if we've been there and is appalled that we haven't. Here's my bit, though: the pleasure of books upon books upon books is almost orgasmic. And just like a good orgasm, it needs time to be dragged out, experienced and, if lucky, experienced again. One cannot experience this in the same way when one has a child with you: too distracting. So, I think we haven't been because I want to enjoy my time there. I have to go with Fraser and Jacob, by myself or fully knowing that my pleasure will be compromised (although the children's section is quite good also). All that being said, it was great to see Kristen and great to have just a little taste of Powell's. It makes me want to read more again. I've been in a lull with reading, trying to catch up on National Geographic (I'm on February 2010) and getting through an interesting but slightly slower book, Mayflower, that one of my neighbours gave me before leaving Boulder. Very interesting, and somewhat sad, story.
Next, we met up with KristIn up at NW 23rd and Glisan, a nice little area with cute shops and cafes, pubs. It was so nice to see her and her family. These little bursts of familiarity in a sea of newness really remind me that I do miss Boulder and my friends there. Of course I know this but try not to dwell on it because life here is good too and something that I need to embrace because it is my life now. However, it's awesome to be able and sit with someone and just talk about stuff that we both know, feeling familiar and regular and not like I have to (somewhat) think about how I'm acting or what I'm saying. I don't oftentimes censor myself but it's good to know that this person already knows that and still likes me. We had some lunch together. Short, short, short... but very nice. She asked Jacob what songs he liked these days. "Itsy bitsy spider," she asked. "Yes," he whispered. After singing, he asked her for more. So cute.
Headed downtown after nap to hang out with a new mom friend and her husband and almost two year old. We went to Laurelwood Brewpub. A nice place with good beer and a little play area for the kids. Niiice. It was a fun time. Everyone got along well and it was fun. Downtown is a very fun place to hang out and walk around - too bad things get expensive and far from Fraser's work.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 61: Thanksgiving!!
November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving! My favourite holiday. I have such great memories of going to my grandma's house: we'd play outside, climb the pine tree in back, and come in to the warm house and the amazing smells. This side of the family is Polish so there was always tons of food. All so delicious! Turkey, cheesy potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, pickles, olives, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, rolls... Mmmm.... I love that Thanksgiving is about family and friends and food and fun. No gifts, not as much hype as Halloween or Christmas. Just right. Watching the parade (the Detroit parade, that is) is always a tradition. Sadly, the only parade we get out here is the Macy's Day which is okay, but there's too much... fluff in that parade. Too much talking to actors, too many performances. I want to hear the marching bands and see the floats. That's the parade. Alas. It'll have to do.
Jacob enjoyed seeing the balloons on the parade today. He helped me get some dough ready for our dinner rolls. He was pounding it with his elbow! The turkey's in the oven, starting to smell quite yummy. We have a fire going. I'm drinking a mimosa, and there's even a dusting of snow out on the deck. Lovely. A perfectly relaxing day.
Relaxing until the last minute rush of getting all the dishes together. Fraser and I were just hanging out thinking, we're fine, everything we're making won't take long. Riiight. None do on their own but when you have two people in a small kitchen, one oven and a small child wanting to be a part of it all. We ate later than we had planned but it was all so good that it didn't matter: turkey, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, home made cranberry sauce, stuffing, our dinner rolls. Followed by a wonderful pear, cranberry pie with oatmeal struesel. Whoa. When the meal was ready Jacob was doing some jumping about and shouting, "Yea!"
And for a special dessert for the boy: sprinkles.
Thanksgiving! My favourite holiday. I have such great memories of going to my grandma's house: we'd play outside, climb the pine tree in back, and come in to the warm house and the amazing smells. This side of the family is Polish so there was always tons of food. All so delicious! Turkey, cheesy potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, pickles, olives, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, rolls... Mmmm.... I love that Thanksgiving is about family and friends and food and fun. No gifts, not as much hype as Halloween or Christmas. Just right. Watching the parade (the Detroit parade, that is) is always a tradition. Sadly, the only parade we get out here is the Macy's Day which is okay, but there's too much... fluff in that parade. Too much talking to actors, too many performances. I want to hear the marching bands and see the floats. That's the parade. Alas. It'll have to do.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 60
November 24, 2010
Two months and Thanksgiving Eve - how exciting! Jacob and I did some crazy errands this morning: bank, Old Navy, Target, Whole Foods, AND Gap. The kid had some stamina this morning. But we successfully got the rest of our stuff for Thanksgiving, a new jacket and boots for Jacob and a new bra for me. Great.
Alright... who cares what we got at the store? Seriously. I'm hitting a point in this blog where I feel that all I write about are mundane things. I know life is full of mundane things but to sit here and just write about them seems a little....boring! Maybe I'm getting a little bored with it. I think my writing self needs a little something more. What that is, I'm not sure at this point but hopefully we'll both find out soon. I'm going to keep writing daily, push through this phase, so bear with me.
Meanwhile, I'm wearing a clay mask to get out the impurities in my skin (that just sounds gross) and it feels like I buried my face alive. Very odd feeling, for sure. I suggest everyone try it.
Two months and Thanksgiving Eve - how exciting! Jacob and I did some crazy errands this morning: bank, Old Navy, Target, Whole Foods, AND Gap. The kid had some stamina this morning. But we successfully got the rest of our stuff for Thanksgiving, a new jacket and boots for Jacob and a new bra for me. Great.
Alright... who cares what we got at the store? Seriously. I'm hitting a point in this blog where I feel that all I write about are mundane things. I know life is full of mundane things but to sit here and just write about them seems a little....boring! Maybe I'm getting a little bored with it. I think my writing self needs a little something more. What that is, I'm not sure at this point but hopefully we'll both find out soon. I'm going to keep writing daily, push through this phase, so bear with me.
Meanwhile, I'm wearing a clay mask to get out the impurities in my skin (that just sounds gross) and it feels like I buried my face alive. Very odd feeling, for sure. I suggest everyone try it.
Day 59
November 23, 2010
The bit of snow we got caused the schools to close for the day, so my friend Karen called to say she was taking her kids to an indoor play place, Out of this World, and asked us to come along if we wanted. The place was pretty cool. Big, with lots of things for the kids to climb on: tunnels, slides, bumpy castles, plasma cars, a play kitchen for littler guys. Jacob had a good time hanging with the big kids and climbing on stuff.
We tried to get all our stuff for Thanksgiving but couldn't make all the stops before naptime. Hopefully tomorrow morning won't be too busy.
Jacob helped me make some tasty corn chowder and corn bread for dinner. This place definitely makes me feel like I should be mastering my culinary skills, what with it getting dark at 4pm and not having much else to do in the evenings sometimes. It takes awhile for Jacob to wake up from his naps so I don't think I could just put him in the car and go to the gym in the pm, so we have to do something interesting at home. Sometimes, I run out of ideas. But we have to eat so it seems like something interesting to get more into. We'll see... I'm sure before I know it I'll be too busy to think about things like this. But while I'm not, it could be fun. And now I'm rambling.
The bit of snow we got caused the schools to close for the day, so my friend Karen called to say she was taking her kids to an indoor play place, Out of this World, and asked us to come along if we wanted. The place was pretty cool. Big, with lots of things for the kids to climb on: tunnels, slides, bumpy castles, plasma cars, a play kitchen for littler guys. Jacob had a good time hanging with the big kids and climbing on stuff.
We tried to get all our stuff for Thanksgiving but couldn't make all the stops before naptime. Hopefully tomorrow morning won't be too busy.
Jacob helped me make some tasty corn chowder and corn bread for dinner. This place definitely makes me feel like I should be mastering my culinary skills, what with it getting dark at 4pm and not having much else to do in the evenings sometimes. It takes awhile for Jacob to wake up from his naps so I don't think I could just put him in the car and go to the gym in the pm, so we have to do something interesting at home. Sometimes, I run out of ideas. But we have to eat so it seems like something interesting to get more into. We'll see... I'm sure before I know it I'll be too busy to think about things like this. But while I'm not, it could be fun. And now I'm rambling.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 58
November 22, 2010
Looooong day today. Got to the gym; that was good. Fraser's working late tonight and Jacob just got to bed. It's 9 o' clock. I can still hear him up there banging around too. He did have another three hour nap but those haven't interfered with his bed time until tonight. And it's snowing outside! Which is exciting except for the part about Fraser driving home in it in my crappy car. I have to admit it; I was listening to Christmas music today. There's a station that's already playing it and since I love it (and Fraser doesn't), I thought, I might as well.
Funny Jacob stories:
When he's getting his diaper changed and it's time to put the new diaper on, I tell him to put his butt in the diaper. He comes over and turns around once or twice before sitting down (oftentimes backwards). It reminds me of how a dog walks in circles before laying down.
We've entered the 21st century with an iTouch. One of the features is a video camera. Jacob loves it. He likes watching himself on it as I play it back. He'll answer the questions I'm asking him on the camera. Hilarious. And really cute.
Looooong day today. Got to the gym; that was good. Fraser's working late tonight and Jacob just got to bed. It's 9 o' clock. I can still hear him up there banging around too. He did have another three hour nap but those haven't interfered with his bed time until tonight. And it's snowing outside! Which is exciting except for the part about Fraser driving home in it in my crappy car. I have to admit it; I was listening to Christmas music today. There's a station that's already playing it and since I love it (and Fraser doesn't), I thought, I might as well.
Funny Jacob stories:
When he's getting his diaper changed and it's time to put the new diaper on, I tell him to put his butt in the diaper. He comes over and turns around once or twice before sitting down (oftentimes backwards). It reminds me of how a dog walks in circles before laying down.
We've entered the 21st century with an iTouch. One of the features is a video camera. Jacob loves it. He likes watching himself on it as I play it back. He'll answer the questions I'm asking him on the camera. Hilarious. And really cute.
Day 57
November 21, 2010
We motivated this morning and tried to go on a hike this morning using a new hiking book that we got at REI the other day. It has lots of hikes in Forest Park, which is really close to us. We bundled up and headed out at the trailhead. It was beautiful. Sadly, Jacob was not into it. "No hiking," he said. I think he was cold. So, we headed back to the care after about 10 minutes. Oh well. I'm not happy when I'm cold, either.
I went to Old Navy and got him some warmer pants. A jacket is probably soon to follow and I'll remember to put his mittens on too. Wet cold is much more permeating than sunny, dry cold.
Jacob helped me make a delicious butternut squash and beef stew. He especially like helping me cut up herbs with his own knife.
I also went out with my friend Karen and one of her girlfriends which was fun. We had drinks and a little food. It was nice to be out of the house, first of all. And secondly to be hanging out with some ladies and feeling like I'm making friends. It can sometimes feel like a very slow process but it is happening.
Day 56: Perspective
November 20, 2010
A conversation I overheard today in the gym locker room:
Girl 1: So, how old are you?
Girl 2: 23.
G1: Is it exciting?
G2: It's okay. I thought 22 was more exciting.
G1: Why's that?
G2: I guess because it was the year after being 21 and stuff. I'm actually really looking forward to 25.
G1: I'm looking forward to my late teens and early twenties.
Several comments went through my head that I would've loved to share but none of them sounded like anything more than an older woman talking like a grown up. Sigh....
A conversation I overheard today in the gym locker room:
Girl 1: So, how old are you?
Girl 2: 23.
G1: Is it exciting?
G2: It's okay. I thought 22 was more exciting.
G1: Why's that?
G2: I guess because it was the year after being 21 and stuff. I'm actually really looking forward to 25.
G1: I'm looking forward to my late teens and early twenties.
Several comments went through my head that I would've loved to share but none of them sounded like anything more than an older woman talking like a grown up. Sigh....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Day 55: OMSI
November 19, 2010
PT morning shuffle. Getting someone to take care of Jacob when I have an appointment like that can be a bit of a hassle. It all worked out in the end, but it makes me realize I should probably look into all my options.
This afternoon we met up with a friend of a friend's friend... hmm.. We went to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The place is huge with a domed IMAX even which we all know are the only kind worth going to. There was a kid room, though, that was incredible. All sorts of little areas to explore: balls, sand, water, kitchen, art, blocks, animals. Wow! Super cool. We probably explored about a third of just that room. Jacob was in heaven - except when someone else wanted to take some of the balls. It was awesome. And the new friend, Patti and her little girl, Sophie, were great too! Even better. Sophie is the same age as Jacob which works out well.
The worst thing about it: traffic. That and our GPS which, although handy at times, also is frustrating when it tells me to go the wrong way down one way streets! I think I'll keep my common sense with me as backup.
PT morning shuffle. Getting someone to take care of Jacob when I have an appointment like that can be a bit of a hassle. It all worked out in the end, but it makes me realize I should probably look into all my options.
This afternoon we met up with a friend of a friend's friend... hmm.. We went to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The place is huge with a domed IMAX even which we all know are the only kind worth going to. There was a kid room, though, that was incredible. All sorts of little areas to explore: balls, sand, water, kitchen, art, blocks, animals. Wow! Super cool. We probably explored about a third of just that room. Jacob was in heaven - except when someone else wanted to take some of the balls. It was awesome. And the new friend, Patti and her little girl, Sophie, were great too! Even better. Sophie is the same age as Jacob which works out well.
The worst thing about it: traffic. That and our GPS which, although handy at times, also is frustrating when it tells me to go the wrong way down one way streets! I think I'll keep my common sense with me as backup.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Day 54: Oh, to be 2
November 18, 2010
The sun showed itself this morning so Jacob and I motivated and went for a hike in Forest Park. We just took some roads that lead into the park to see what we would find. A lovely trailhead and tons of hiking trails! Sweet.
What a gorgeous place. Wow. Don't get me wrong, I love the austerity and dryness of dessert life in Boulder, the mountain vistas and canyons. This is totally different and just incredible. The amount of moisture is ridiculous; woods like these are always dripping, the leaves always soggy. I'm still adjusting to what to wear, also. When the sun was out and it'd been raining in Boulder, that meant it wasn't all that cold. Here, it's another story. Bundle up, because 50 can feel pretty darn cold.
We hiked down Fire Lane 1 for awhile, a nice wide path. Soon we came to a few smaller trails that headed off into the jungly woods. We took Wildwood Trail. We meandered along a ridge, looking down into a lush valley. It reminded me of Hawaii except a lot colder. I also thought of my brother, Matt and sister, Julie, who would love this area for birding. We saw one little brown bird flit across the path but that was it today.
Jacob ran for some of the trail and rode in the backpack for some of it. Of course, he also enjoyed playing in the mud. I reminded him that we still have to find some rain boots for him. That way he could get even dirtier and it would be okay. I, also, must find some.
We stopped at some mossy picnic tables to have a little snack. Takes me back to hiking with my family when I was a child. We'd go for a nature hike at Kensington Metropark in Michigan then come back to the car for food. My granny would pack salami, cheese, crackers, nuts. It all tasted so good after being outside, hiking.
Such a great time had to end in a temper tantrum, though, because Jacob is, after all, two. He wanted me to carry him in my arms back to the car. When I told him I couldn't do that and that he'd have to ride in the backpack, that set him off. He yelled the whole way back, partly in the backpack, partly walking next to me. We got close to the car and he wanted to keep hiking. It was getting cold (soon to be raining) and it was time to go. Nothing to do but strap him down. Not my favourite thing to do but sometimes the only option. He yelled about hiking all the way back home. I just love those times. Makes me appreciate my mother because I know I gave her plenty of them. I was always amazed that she still was so kind to me after I was such a pill to her. Now I understand.
After a nice nap, we read some books in his room. He could do this for ages. I've sat in there with him for 45 minutes just reading one book after another. Today, we had to go to the grocery store. This caused another battle. He didn't want his diaper changed or his pee-soaked pants changed or his shoes on... I took him in his socks. We made it through the store fairly quickly. I was opening the umbrella when I hear Jacob say, "Wainbow!" Sure enough, there is a gorgeous, bright, huge rainbow arching over the sky in front of us. We both enjoyed that one.
Fraser's off doing some team building tonight with his co-workers at a Nuggets/Trailblazers basketball game tonight, so I'm on my own. Just relaxing with my own self... aaahhhh...
After a nice nap, we read some books in his room. He could do this for ages. I've sat in there with him for 45 minutes just reading one book after another. Today, we had to go to the grocery store. This caused another battle. He didn't want his diaper changed or his pee-soaked pants changed or his shoes on... I took him in his socks. We made it through the store fairly quickly. I was opening the umbrella when I hear Jacob say, "Wainbow!" Sure enough, there is a gorgeous, bright, huge rainbow arching over the sky in front of us. We both enjoyed that one.
Fraser's off doing some team building tonight with his co-workers at a Nuggets/Trailblazers basketball game tonight, so I'm on my own. Just relaxing with my own self... aaahhhh...
Day 53
November 17, 2010
A very fall day today: cold, grey, windy and rainy. It definitely feels like November. But it makes me feel cozy. Minus the rain, it's just like autumn in Michigan which I always found to be a peaceful and comforting time. The quietness of a cloudy sky in the early darkening evenings made me feel like the earth was getting ready for a long restful period.
We went to the gym this morning. I got to do some exercising which felt great. I must say, having spent a decent amount of time in ladies' locker rooms, there is a certain enjoyment I find in being naked with other women or people in general. But with women, there's a commonality about it when people are naked together, reminding us that we're all human animals. Our bodies all differ slightly which is interesting in itself, but once you start looking at bodies just as bodies, it makes me feel more connected to others. My body isn't perfect and no one else's is either. I find that people are more modest here at this gym than the one in Boulder. More people walked around naked at my old gym. I kind of miss that.
Jacob helped me mop the kitchen floor before he had his lunch of six and a half potstickers. The kid was hungry! Hopefully he now takes a nice, long nap.
Success - two and a half hours he slept! Bliss. Hung out at home and listened to the rain. It was coming down like crazy out there all afternoon. Incredible. And vacuumed the whole house this evening - don't feel the need to do that again for another two months. Big spaces take so much longer to clean!
A very fall day today: cold, grey, windy and rainy. It definitely feels like November. But it makes me feel cozy. Minus the rain, it's just like autumn in Michigan which I always found to be a peaceful and comforting time. The quietness of a cloudy sky in the early darkening evenings made me feel like the earth was getting ready for a long restful period.
We went to the gym this morning. I got to do some exercising which felt great. I must say, having spent a decent amount of time in ladies' locker rooms, there is a certain enjoyment I find in being naked with other women or people in general. But with women, there's a commonality about it when people are naked together, reminding us that we're all human animals. Our bodies all differ slightly which is interesting in itself, but once you start looking at bodies just as bodies, it makes me feel more connected to others. My body isn't perfect and no one else's is either. I find that people are more modest here at this gym than the one in Boulder. More people walked around naked at my old gym. I kind of miss that.
Jacob helped me mop the kitchen floor before he had his lunch of six and a half potstickers. The kid was hungry! Hopefully he now takes a nice, long nap.
Success - two and a half hours he slept! Bliss. Hung out at home and listened to the rain. It was coming down like crazy out there all afternoon. Incredible. And vacuumed the whole house this evening - don't feel the need to do that again for another two months. Big spaces take so much longer to clean!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 52: CHAP
November 16, 2010
We had another play group gathering today at a place downtown called CHAP (Children's Healing Art Project). It's a big space designed to let kids be free with art. There are tables with paints and collage materials set up, but there's also a play space with a house set up, some tunnels and other odd things (an old bathtub, some mannequins, toy cars, a mini kitchen). You are allowed (and even encouraged) to paint all these things in this area! Pretty neat.
Jacob did a little bit of painting. He wasn't totally into it this morning. He wanted to play instead which was fine. He also did a little collaging. He said he had a fun time.
Thankfully, the paint was dry on this punching bag when he hugged it.
We had lunch with a few of the other moms at the Laughing Planet, a restaurant not far from CHAP. It has burritos, bowls, wraps, salads. Kind of healthy Mexican style stuff. Very tasty. I had a Cuban bowl with brown rice, black beans, plantains (yum!) and sweet potatoes. I added chicken. Jacob ate lots of black beans. Portland sure is fun and interesting when you're downtown. So much to look at and do (a.k.a. spend money on). Just people watching in a park is great fun.
Headed back over the hills for naps. It's a beautiful drive this way, though. The wet forests with bright patches of moss on the bridges and trees... very pleasant.
Took a nice walk around the neighbourhood in the evening. I put Jacob in the stroller with a blanket and told him we were going on a walk in the cozy, dark evening. He liked it. We also checked the mail and he got two more presents! We waited until Daddy came home to open them. One is a really cool book from Gigi with a pop-up alphabet. We had to read it right away. And the other was the play food I'd ordered online.
"Ooohh!" he said as he discovered what was inside. The look on his face was priceless. "Open. Open."
The first thing was breakfast foods: bacon, egg, hashbrown, a muffin (!) and strawberries. He was putting them in his dollhouse kitchen. It took him a little while to even notice that there was something else in the box.
Vegetables that you can cut with your own knife! Oh, he was in heaven. We got those vegetables out and he cut them up and put them together for almost half an hour. Fraser was with him and they'd call out the names as he was cutting them:
F: "Avocado!"
J: "Arrogado!"
F: "Tomato!"
J: "Mato!"
F: "Carrot!"
J: "Car- rot!"
We finally had to pull him away to have a few bites of dinner and a bath.
Bathtime was funny tonight too. He was all hyped up, having a great time swimming around in there.
"Don't splash too much, sweetie," I said. "It'll get all wet out here."
"Moldy," Jacob said. The boy does listen.
"Yep," I said, "it'll get moldy in here."
"Blackberries."
"You're right. Like the blackberries get moldy sometimes."
Never underestimate what a kid is understanding. Or remembering. As Soundheim said, "Careful the things you say, children will listen."
Jacob did a little bit of painting. He wasn't totally into it this morning. He wanted to play instead which was fine. He also did a little collaging. He said he had a fun time.
Thankfully, the paint was dry on this punching bag when he hugged it.
Headed back over the hills for naps. It's a beautiful drive this way, though. The wet forests with bright patches of moss on the bridges and trees... very pleasant.
"Ooohh!" he said as he discovered what was inside. The look on his face was priceless. "Open. Open."
The first thing was breakfast foods: bacon, egg, hashbrown, a muffin (!) and strawberries. He was putting them in his dollhouse kitchen. It took him a little while to even notice that there was something else in the box.
F: "Avocado!"
J: "Arrogado!"
F: "Tomato!"
J: "Mato!"
F: "Carrot!"
J: "Car- rot!"
We finally had to pull him away to have a few bites of dinner and a bath.
Bathtime was funny tonight too. He was all hyped up, having a great time swimming around in there.
"Don't splash too much, sweetie," I said. "It'll get all wet out here."
"Moldy," Jacob said. The boy does listen.
"Yep," I said, "it'll get moldy in here."
"Blackberries."
"You're right. Like the blackberries get moldy sometimes."
Never underestimate what a kid is understanding. Or remembering. As Soundheim said, "Careful the things you say, children will listen."
Day 51: Jacob's birthday
November 15, 2010
My little baby's birthday. Number two. Wow. I still remember everything from his birth day like it was yesterday. My water breaking during James Bond, feeling excited going to the hospital, being exhausted during labour, and first seeing Jacob, seeing that he was a boy and being thrilled to meet him. My heart expanding beyond what I knew it could. And here we are, celebrating his life. He is an amazing little person who I love so much. This past year has been even more fun than the first. The first is all newness and babyhood and sleep deprivation and survival. The second has been more personality, wonder, curiosity, growth. He's so much fuller than after one year. It's so incredible to know someone so intimately from the moment they are born; from the moment they come into being, actually. I am so fortunate.
Fraser took the day off of work today, starting a new tradition in our family of taking the day off on our child's birthday. We decided to go to the zoo this morning. It was great to go as a family. Jacob had a great time running with Daddy ("Daddy, wrun"). Today, we saw mountain goats, bobcats, elephants, gibbons, sea lions, river and sea otters, a mother cougar and her two month old baby. At the chimp exhibit one of them was knocking on the door to the back rooms before she'd run up to the glass and smack it. It sure looked aggressive. I do like seeing animals in the zoo and I know zoos can do a lot of good with wildlife. It also does seem sad to see some of the animals because they look so bored and sad. Repeating the same patterns in the water or around their pen, swinging from the few faux branches and ropes in their cages. Especially the animals with such large natural ranges or the ones with social networks. Seems hardest on them.
After the zoo, naptime. For Jacob and me. Fraser slept in this morning.
We did some skyping with Grammy, Aunt Julie and Grandpa after naptime. They gave Jacob a cool wooden train, a wooden car and bus and a paper great blue heron to hang up. He put the train right on his track. Of course, the packing peanuts that came with the presents were as much of a hit.
We decided to take a birthday train ride downtown. The sun actually peeked out in the evening for a nice little sunset. Jacob loves riding the train and had a good time watching the sights and tunnels and people go by. We went to the Rock Bottom Brewery. We knew where to find it, knew it had good beer and food that Jacob would eat. Kids menus suck and I think we've decided to stop using them. It's the same four things every time: mac n' cheese, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, hamburger. Sometimes there's a variable fifth option: pb&j, quesadilla, buttered noodles. We picked mac n' cheese with a side of broccoli. He ended up eating lots of the broccoli but more of my mac n' cheese and chicken. Also my tomatoes and cucumbers from my salad and the apples from his plate. Now, for the best part. He got a make-your-own sundae for his birthday. They also had birthday beer but we thought he wouldn't enjoy that as much. The sundae came with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and cherry, and.... you guessed it - sprinkles!!!! The only thing he ate were sprinkles. Ok, he took a couple bites of the cherry eventually. But he just dug into his little cup of sprinkles. He decorated his whipped cream a bit with them also. If any whipped cream got on his fingers, he'd make a grossed out face and have me wipe it off. Hilarious. He had no desire in anything other than sprinkles. It just made his day.
Took the train back. He was great the whole way. What a trooper. We read a birthday card from Gigi (Great Gran) and looked at e-cards from Aunt Katie and Uncle Justin and Mimi and Pop and went to bed. A long but delightful day for everyone.
My little baby's birthday. Number two. Wow. I still remember everything from his birth day like it was yesterday. My water breaking during James Bond, feeling excited going to the hospital, being exhausted during labour, and first seeing Jacob, seeing that he was a boy and being thrilled to meet him. My heart expanding beyond what I knew it could. And here we are, celebrating his life. He is an amazing little person who I love so much. This past year has been even more fun than the first. The first is all newness and babyhood and sleep deprivation and survival. The second has been more personality, wonder, curiosity, growth. He's so much fuller than after one year. It's so incredible to know someone so intimately from the moment they are born; from the moment they come into being, actually. I am so fortunate.
After the zoo, naptime. For Jacob and me. Fraser slept in this morning.
We did some skyping with Grammy, Aunt Julie and Grandpa after naptime. They gave Jacob a cool wooden train, a wooden car and bus and a paper great blue heron to hang up. He put the train right on his track. Of course, the packing peanuts that came with the presents were as much of a hit.
Took the train back. He was great the whole way. What a trooper. We read a birthday card from Gigi (Great Gran) and looked at e-cards from Aunt Katie and Uncle Justin and Mimi and Pop and went to bed. A long but delightful day for everyone.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Day 50
November 14, 2010
Another morning to sleep in - oh, the joy! This time I actually got back to sleep and slept till 10 o' clock!! That has to be some sort of record. I impressed myself. Jacob and Fraser were having a nice morning together in front of another fire. Fraser had caved in and gone to the only restaurant we know of yet that's open early enough in the morning: IHOP. I had some leftovers (minus the pancakes).
Got stuff ready for Jacob's little birthday party. It was very strange that it kept getting darker and feeling later and later, but knowing that we were having a gathering that started at this point in the day. The time change plus clouds is not the greatest combo.
The party was definitely a bit.... different. Karen and Charlie came from down the street and our friends Janelle and Niul came also. Charlie was the only other kid but that was okay. He and Jacob had a nice time playing together and with Fraser.
I was going to go for some chocolate brownies. Jacob really wanted sprinkles on whatever birthday cake he had. That was his one request when we asked him what he wanted for his birthday. Then I was at the store and saw a blueberry tart. I already had a $7 container of blueberries in my basket but traded it out for the $4 tart. Less work for me too than making brownies and not that I don't love eating brownies but I don't love where they end up when I eat them.
So... I loaded the sprinkles on Jacob's tart. He loved it. He was so happy with the results. He wouldn't even look up at the camera to say cheese for the picture, he was so engrossed with sprinkles. And he ate the blueberries too.
Yum, yum!
Jacob and Charlie riding on Fraser. Jacob definitely got a bit jealous when Fraser spent some time with Charlie. It was pretty cute, actually, to see Jacob make a claim on his daddy.
Yay, Daddy! Giddy-up!
Another morning to sleep in - oh, the joy! This time I actually got back to sleep and slept till 10 o' clock!! That has to be some sort of record. I impressed myself. Jacob and Fraser were having a nice morning together in front of another fire. Fraser had caved in and gone to the only restaurant we know of yet that's open early enough in the morning: IHOP. I had some leftovers (minus the pancakes).
Got stuff ready for Jacob's little birthday party. It was very strange that it kept getting darker and feeling later and later, but knowing that we were having a gathering that started at this point in the day. The time change plus clouds is not the greatest combo.
I was going to go for some chocolate brownies. Jacob really wanted sprinkles on whatever birthday cake he had. That was his one request when we asked him what he wanted for his birthday. Then I was at the store and saw a blueberry tart. I already had a $7 container of blueberries in my basket but traded it out for the $4 tart. Less work for me too than making brownies and not that I don't love eating brownies but I don't love where they end up when I eat them.
So... I loaded the sprinkles on Jacob's tart. He loved it. He was so happy with the results. He wouldn't even look up at the camera to say cheese for the picture, he was so engrossed with sprinkles. And he ate the blueberries too.
Day 49
November 13, 2010
I got to sleep in this morning. This really meant that I got up to get Jacob because I already had to go to the bathroom. He wanted to read in his bedroom together. After about 20 minutes or so of that, I convinced him that we should cuddle with Daddy in bed. Finally the boys got up so I could sleep. By this point, I was pretty awake but sometimes I can get back to sleep. Fading a bit when the garage door opens, then Shilo starts meowing about who knows what. I let her into the room. Usually she just sleeps on the bed. Fading again, more meowing. Grr! I kick her out but by this point, I'm really just thinking about things and not feeling sleepy. My body is now so acclimated to getting up early that it's hard to sleep in when given the opportunity. Not every time, but lots of times. I probably enjoy the break from child responsibilities more than the actual sleep.
I came downstairs to find the boys cuddling in front of a nice fire. Ooohh... that's a perfect thing to do on a grey, rainy day. This is the first place we've ever lived with a fireplace and it's fun. Very cozy.
Fraser still having a hard time with suburbia and the rain. Not sure how to help him out of all that. I think there has to be a change in mindset and that comes from within. Talking through it is helpful too. It bums me out that he's having a hard time getting past this. I get excited to do stuff together on the weekends but when they come, he's out of sorts most of the time. Sigh... time, I suppose. One of those patience things.
Jacob took a three and a half hour nap!!!! Holy mackeral! Craziness. I don't remember the last time this has ever happened. Amazing.
After this wonderful time period of rest we decided to go to Toys R' Us. I had decided to go and look and maybe get some things for Jacob there. First, it was dark and rainy, it took us a long time to find it due to poor maps and GPS directions, so the bad mood had already set in for Fraser. I was still fine at this point. We walk in to rows and rows of somewhat disorganized, plastic crap. Just shelves of toys, none of which looked very nice. It made Target's toy section look like Santa's workshop. Everything seemed so manufactured. Then there were the buckets of McDonald's play food as well as the cooking station so you could fry your own french fries at home. Hmmm.. one of the most disgusting places with some of the worst food and here it was in miniature for our kids to pretend to eat constantly. Disgusting. I wanted to leave. Fraser actually found a cool basketball hoop for Jacob and a remote control helicopter for himself. There's still a child in most of us.
We stopped for dinner at Juan Colorado, mostly for margaritas. Jacob had a virgin one: "ma ga ta" and a "dee-ya" (quesadilla). The food was tasty and the service nice. It's also close to our house: convenient.
I got to sleep in this morning. This really meant that I got up to get Jacob because I already had to go to the bathroom. He wanted to read in his bedroom together. After about 20 minutes or so of that, I convinced him that we should cuddle with Daddy in bed. Finally the boys got up so I could sleep. By this point, I was pretty awake but sometimes I can get back to sleep. Fading a bit when the garage door opens, then Shilo starts meowing about who knows what. I let her into the room. Usually she just sleeps on the bed. Fading again, more meowing. Grr! I kick her out but by this point, I'm really just thinking about things and not feeling sleepy. My body is now so acclimated to getting up early that it's hard to sleep in when given the opportunity. Not every time, but lots of times. I probably enjoy the break from child responsibilities more than the actual sleep.
I came downstairs to find the boys cuddling in front of a nice fire. Ooohh... that's a perfect thing to do on a grey, rainy day. This is the first place we've ever lived with a fireplace and it's fun. Very cozy. Fraser still having a hard time with suburbia and the rain. Not sure how to help him out of all that. I think there has to be a change in mindset and that comes from within. Talking through it is helpful too. It bums me out that he's having a hard time getting past this. I get excited to do stuff together on the weekends but when they come, he's out of sorts most of the time. Sigh... time, I suppose. One of those patience things.
Jacob took a three and a half hour nap!!!! Holy mackeral! Craziness. I don't remember the last time this has ever happened. Amazing.
After this wonderful time period of rest we decided to go to Toys R' Us. I had decided to go and look and maybe get some things for Jacob there. First, it was dark and rainy, it took us a long time to find it due to poor maps and GPS directions, so the bad mood had already set in for Fraser. I was still fine at this point. We walk in to rows and rows of somewhat disorganized, plastic crap. Just shelves of toys, none of which looked very nice. It made Target's toy section look like Santa's workshop. Everything seemed so manufactured. Then there were the buckets of McDonald's play food as well as the cooking station so you could fry your own french fries at home. Hmmm.. one of the most disgusting places with some of the worst food and here it was in miniature for our kids to pretend to eat constantly. Disgusting. I wanted to leave. Fraser actually found a cool basketball hoop for Jacob and a remote control helicopter for himself. There's still a child in most of us.
We stopped for dinner at Juan Colorado, mostly for margaritas. Jacob had a virgin one: "ma ga ta" and a "dee-ya" (quesadilla). The food was tasty and the service nice. It's also close to our house: convenient.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Day 48
November 12, 2010
Morning dilemma (that I only remembered last night). Reminded Fraser of my PT appointment at 9am; he forgot and is unavailable to watch Jacob. Plan B: the gym daycare but Jacob has a runny nose so that's out. Plan C: my neighbour Karen. I call and leave a message. Plan D: bring Jacob with me or cancel. We're hurriedly getting ready. Ten minutes until I'm bringing Jacob with me. He's having a fit because he wants me to go back upstairs, Karen calls, says she can watch him. Great. I calm him as quickly as possible and bring him over. Thank you, universe, for providing me with a good friend and helper mom two doors down!! Charlie is naked and thrilled to see Jacob. Perfect. I'm out.
After PT, I go to get him. He's having a great time, and Karen says he was great. That's the best part of lots of kids; they kind of all just play together and take care of each other. Of course, the worst part about lots of kids is the grabbing, hitting, whining and tattling that also goes on in these same situations. Alas...
Had a bike ride in the chilly late morning. Jacob definitely loves his little bike. He loves going down hills. The bummer for me is that I'd occasionally like to walk a little further with the stroller, maybe get a little of that so-called exercise stuff. Also, he usually asks at some point for me to "cah-wee you" and the bike. I guess this is the exercise part.
Jacob was also asking about his friend, Ander, from Boulder. He wanted to talk to him on the computer. So cute.
New park this afternoon! Magnolia Park, I think. Very fun. Some very neat spinning things. Not merry-go-rounds, exactly, but pieces that you could hold onto and spin. Jacob was attracted to them immediately. Also, the very big, steep slides. Great. He did very well, though. The look on his face was one that started with a smile but ended up being totally freaked out. He'd get off, though, and be screaming and laughing and wanting to do it again. I told him he's gonna love roller coasters.
Whole Foods stop after the park. There's so much to distract me in these stores. I could be in there for hours walking aimlessly up and down aisles finding more things to buy. This time I found a delightful loose tea section. Yum!
Nice evening with the boys tonight. Jacob brought up another old friend, Max. He was playing with a little orange super ball that he thinks was Max's. Very interesting what he remembers. I'd love to know what actually goes on in his brain.
Fraser surprised me by getting The Blind Side to watch tonight, even though he hates Sandra Bullock. He knows I've been wanting to see it for awhile. That's love for you.
Morning dilemma (that I only remembered last night). Reminded Fraser of my PT appointment at 9am; he forgot and is unavailable to watch Jacob. Plan B: the gym daycare but Jacob has a runny nose so that's out. Plan C: my neighbour Karen. I call and leave a message. Plan D: bring Jacob with me or cancel. We're hurriedly getting ready. Ten minutes until I'm bringing Jacob with me. He's having a fit because he wants me to go back upstairs, Karen calls, says she can watch him. Great. I calm him as quickly as possible and bring him over. Thank you, universe, for providing me with a good friend and helper mom two doors down!! Charlie is naked and thrilled to see Jacob. Perfect. I'm out.
After PT, I go to get him. He's having a great time, and Karen says he was great. That's the best part of lots of kids; they kind of all just play together and take care of each other. Of course, the worst part about lots of kids is the grabbing, hitting, whining and tattling that also goes on in these same situations. Alas...
Had a bike ride in the chilly late morning. Jacob definitely loves his little bike. He loves going down hills. The bummer for me is that I'd occasionally like to walk a little further with the stroller, maybe get a little of that so-called exercise stuff. Also, he usually asks at some point for me to "cah-wee you" and the bike. I guess this is the exercise part.
Jacob was also asking about his friend, Ander, from Boulder. He wanted to talk to him on the computer. So cute.
New park this afternoon! Magnolia Park, I think. Very fun. Some very neat spinning things. Not merry-go-rounds, exactly, but pieces that you could hold onto and spin. Jacob was attracted to them immediately. Also, the very big, steep slides. Great. He did very well, though. The look on his face was one that started with a smile but ended up being totally freaked out. He'd get off, though, and be screaming and laughing and wanting to do it again. I told him he's gonna love roller coasters.
Whole Foods stop after the park. There's so much to distract me in these stores. I could be in there for hours walking aimlessly up and down aisles finding more things to buy. This time I found a delightful loose tea section. Yum!
Nice evening with the boys tonight. Jacob brought up another old friend, Max. He was playing with a little orange super ball that he thinks was Max's. Very interesting what he remembers. I'd love to know what actually goes on in his brain.
Fraser surprised me by getting The Blind Side to watch tonight, even though he hates Sandra Bullock. He knows I've been wanting to see it for awhile. That's love for you.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Day 47
November 11, 2010
Only a few days from Jacob's birthday. Weird being in a new place for it. I'd love to be back in Boulder celebrating with all our friends. It makes me sad to not have a bigger celebration for us, and him although he doesn't really know what it all means yet. I'm inviting some other moms and the neighbours and we'll just see what it's like. Hopefully not too awkward :)
Much better day today although I did feel like having some wine around 1:30!! Do I think this is a problem? No, because I didn't actually have a drink. It's just that it always seems like 5 o' clock here because of the clouds or the time change or a combination. It just seems like a good idea to pass the time. But don't worry - I'm not going to become a stay-at-home wino. Not yet.
Talked to my friend Michelle today during Jacob's nap. She's laid up on bed rest back in Boulder. Definitely makes me feel like I have little to complain about when I talk to her who's just waiting day by day to get farther along in her pregnancy and give her baby better and better chances of being healthy when he's born. My life is not bad. I have it really easy compared to most people in this world, I daresay.
Jacob and I looked at some pictures today of our "old friends". How I miss them. He does talk about them still sometimes. He saw a little sand turtle of mine and said, "Windy" which is his word for Cindy, our next door neighbour in Boulder. She'd let him have a little sand turtle before we left. I told him, "Cindy gave you one of these too, didn't she?" "Yes". So we found it together. And we talked about our "old house". He saw himself out in the yard and definitely seemed to recognize it. I know that won't last forever which makes me sad in ways. But it is less sad for him also.
Played in the garage for a bit. That's what we do here when it's kind of rainy out but we still want to get outside. Interesting. Jacob rode his bike a bit.
Fraser came home a little early and we went to look at a new ipod. His old one (six years old makes it look like a dinosaur compared to what they have these days) has gone bonkers on us. Won't respond to the touch and seems to shuffle through songs very quickly without playing any of them. Riiiight. Jacob was in his glory being able to push buttons in the store and touch screens that moved. It'll be hard to use it ourselves without him wanting to help.
Finally, played some Yahtzee tonight with Fraser. My first roll, I get a Yahtzee!! I got three Yahtzees in this game - I think that's a record for me! It was awesome. If only I could pull that off when playing with the rest of the family. How I love my husband, though. He keeps playing this game with me even though he, most oftentimes, loses. Lucky for me really because this is just a thoughtless game that's easy to play when you're already tired. When we play games that take more thought (chess, Scrabble, Monopoly), he kicks my butt.
Only a few days from Jacob's birthday. Weird being in a new place for it. I'd love to be back in Boulder celebrating with all our friends. It makes me sad to not have a bigger celebration for us, and him although he doesn't really know what it all means yet. I'm inviting some other moms and the neighbours and we'll just see what it's like. Hopefully not too awkward :)
Much better day today although I did feel like having some wine around 1:30!! Do I think this is a problem? No, because I didn't actually have a drink. It's just that it always seems like 5 o' clock here because of the clouds or the time change or a combination. It just seems like a good idea to pass the time. But don't worry - I'm not going to become a stay-at-home wino. Not yet.
Talked to my friend Michelle today during Jacob's nap. She's laid up on bed rest back in Boulder. Definitely makes me feel like I have little to complain about when I talk to her who's just waiting day by day to get farther along in her pregnancy and give her baby better and better chances of being healthy when he's born. My life is not bad. I have it really easy compared to most people in this world, I daresay.
Jacob and I looked at some pictures today of our "old friends". How I miss them. He does talk about them still sometimes. He saw a little sand turtle of mine and said, "Windy" which is his word for Cindy, our next door neighbour in Boulder. She'd let him have a little sand turtle before we left. I told him, "Cindy gave you one of these too, didn't she?" "Yes". So we found it together. And we talked about our "old house". He saw himself out in the yard and definitely seemed to recognize it. I know that won't last forever which makes me sad in ways. But it is less sad for him also.
Played in the garage for a bit. That's what we do here when it's kind of rainy out but we still want to get outside. Interesting. Jacob rode his bike a bit.
Fraser came home a little early and we went to look at a new ipod. His old one (six years old makes it look like a dinosaur compared to what they have these days) has gone bonkers on us. Won't respond to the touch and seems to shuffle through songs very quickly without playing any of them. Riiiight. Jacob was in his glory being able to push buttons in the store and touch screens that moved. It'll be hard to use it ourselves without him wanting to help.
Finally, played some Yahtzee tonight with Fraser. My first roll, I get a Yahtzee!! I got three Yahtzees in this game - I think that's a record for me! It was awesome. If only I could pull that off when playing with the rest of the family. How I love my husband, though. He keeps playing this game with me even though he, most oftentimes, loses. Lucky for me really because this is just a thoughtless game that's easy to play when you're already tired. When we play games that take more thought (chess, Scrabble, Monopoly), he kicks my butt.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Day 46
November 10, 2010
Struggling this morning again. Don't know what my deal is. Not raining this morning but started out pretty grey. I think it's supposed to get clear later. Sigh.
Went to Fred Meyer (kind of like a Walmart with way too many things to look at and buy) to try and get Jacob some rain boots. Of course, they had two pair in his size, neither of which he wanted. He walked around in a polka-dot pair for awhile but they were too big. I'm not buying him boots he won't wear. On the way to the checkout, we found another rack with boots and there were the polka dot boots in his size! He'd decided he didn't want them now. Excellent. I love going to the store and not getting what we came for. Grr.... at least we were out of the house.
Had to have some quiet time when we got home. We both had to chill out. Jacob was eating his apple and crying because he wanted the apple to be put back on. He wanted the apple to be whole again. I explained that once you eat it you can't put it back together. Lots of tears. I was at the end of my rope. We had to take a time out together. Much better after that.
Good nap by Jacob. Good time for me to regroup. Afternoon was much better today. It was sunny. We went to the park. Came home and made some dinner together. Now if only I could find this part of me at 5:30 in the morning...
Struggling this morning again. Don't know what my deal is. Not raining this morning but started out pretty grey. I think it's supposed to get clear later. Sigh.
Went to Fred Meyer (kind of like a Walmart with way too many things to look at and buy) to try and get Jacob some rain boots. Of course, they had two pair in his size, neither of which he wanted. He walked around in a polka-dot pair for awhile but they were too big. I'm not buying him boots he won't wear. On the way to the checkout, we found another rack with boots and there were the polka dot boots in his size! He'd decided he didn't want them now. Excellent. I love going to the store and not getting what we came for. Grr.... at least we were out of the house.
Had to have some quiet time when we got home. We both had to chill out. Jacob was eating his apple and crying because he wanted the apple to be put back on. He wanted the apple to be whole again. I explained that once you eat it you can't put it back together. Lots of tears. I was at the end of my rope. We had to take a time out together. Much better after that.
Good nap by Jacob. Good time for me to regroup. Afternoon was much better today. It was sunny. We went to the park. Came home and made some dinner together. Now if only I could find this part of me at 5:30 in the morning...
Day 45
November 9, 2010
Today the rain makes me want to:
sleep
drink tea
scream
go shopping
eat
go crazy!
Really hard to motivate this morning. Jacob up at 5:30. Grey and rainy. I just want to go to Pottery Barn and walk around looking at all the holiday cheer and cozy blankets and furniture. Their advertising is working on me! We went to a toy store this morning instead. Not the best idea, but it had things for Jacob to do. Must get more creative if we're going to be here through the winter.
I'm trying to decide what to get him for his birthday. I know I want to get him more play stuff for his kitchen but this is overwhelmingly difficult once you start looking online at all the oodles of choices. Do I make a cheap decision and get the chintzy, China-made bucket of 101 pieces or do I get fewer, more quality pieces for more (or the same) amount of money? Do I make a moral decision and buy something not made in China? Do I buy wooden or plastic? Do I buy from the local toy store or Toys R' Us? Whoa. I'm really driving myself crazy with too many choices. He's not going to care at all. I could get so much stuff for him, though. This imagination stage is so fun. I'm thinking of going to Toys R' Us this afternoon which is probably the worst idea ever. I just want to be able to make a decision once I get there.
Random Jacob story: Yesterday he had a little spoon and was "licking off some food". I asked him what he was eating. Pause. "Ice cream," he says. Funny because he's never had ice cream. Then I ask what kind of ice cream: "Chocolate."
This pm. Decided that Toys R' Us today was not a good plan. Went to Karen's instead. Much better. Definitely have to find other things to do around here when the weather is crappy.
Today the rain makes me want to:
sleep
drink tea
scream
go shopping
eat
go crazy!
Really hard to motivate this morning. Jacob up at 5:30. Grey and rainy. I just want to go to Pottery Barn and walk around looking at all the holiday cheer and cozy blankets and furniture. Their advertising is working on me! We went to a toy store this morning instead. Not the best idea, but it had things for Jacob to do. Must get more creative if we're going to be here through the winter.
I'm trying to decide what to get him for his birthday. I know I want to get him more play stuff for his kitchen but this is overwhelmingly difficult once you start looking online at all the oodles of choices. Do I make a cheap decision and get the chintzy, China-made bucket of 101 pieces or do I get fewer, more quality pieces for more (or the same) amount of money? Do I make a moral decision and buy something not made in China? Do I buy wooden or plastic? Do I buy from the local toy store or Toys R' Us? Whoa. I'm really driving myself crazy with too many choices. He's not going to care at all. I could get so much stuff for him, though. This imagination stage is so fun. I'm thinking of going to Toys R' Us this afternoon which is probably the worst idea ever. I just want to be able to make a decision once I get there.
Random Jacob story: Yesterday he had a little spoon and was "licking off some food". I asked him what he was eating. Pause. "Ice cream," he says. Funny because he's never had ice cream. Then I ask what kind of ice cream: "Chocolate."
This pm. Decided that Toys R' Us today was not a good plan. Went to Karen's instead. Much better. Definitely have to find other things to do around here when the weather is crappy.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Day 44
November 7, 2010
Monday. Again. This day, it just keeps coming around. Hmm.
Jacob has been crabby this morning. He has a little cold and keeps putting his whole hand in his mouth. Not sure if more teeth are coming in. The kid still has eight to go. Bummer, though. Hard for me too. Not much I can do to help him sometimes. I get stuck between hanging with him and doing the things he wants to do versus getting anything at all accomplished. Some days I just feel like being able to get through one thing on my list completely.
Much better afternoon although with the time change, it definitely had a dragging feel right around old 4:30/new 3:30. Getting dark early is a total bummer.
Jacob and I took a digger, though. He was riding his bike down a steep driveway while I was running next to him trying to avert the inevitable fall. I had a hold of him when the bike tipped but was too tangled up in him and the bike then to extricate myself. We both ended up on the ground. He only ended up with some scraped fingers but it took some of the fun out of that activity for the moment. I had a skinned knee (it's been ages!) and a hole in my favourite pair of jeans!!!!! NOOOOOO!!! That was really the worst part of it for me.
We went to the local library after that mishap. Small but nice. Good kids section. Jacob and I read a bunch of books. Good times.
I went to a pilates class this evening. Now, I've always seen these classes going on and heard great things but they're discouragingly expensive so I've never tried them. This week is the once a year pilates open house at our gym where you can go and try a half hour class for free as well as get discounts on the class prices. Even then I thought, I'll just take a couple free sessions and maybe get some lessons sometime in the future. Right. Half hour and I was sold. Super fun. Feels totally effective. And addictive. You're on these machines that slide and move; they look like torture devises. When the trainer was telling us what to do I was thinking, how is that going to work? Then I'd do it and sure enough, it would but in a totally different way than I'd expected. Parts of the machine were moving in ways that I didn't foresee and sometimes I couldn't tell which part of me was doing the moving until I looked in a mirror. Great! So, I signed up. Three private lessons and then group class for two months. I'm stoked. I think it'll be a great jump start for me. I've been feeling a bit plateaud with my working out and not pleased with parts of my body. I think this is just what I need. It's like changing to tele skiing after alpining for years. Just a shift can make things much more fun. We'll see if I still feel this way after a few 55 minute sessions.
And Fraser got to hang out with Jacob this evening and put him to bed. Good for all of us although something that remains hard for us. Jacob and Daddy bonding time without Mom. We're going to be working more on that because Jacob is not growing out of this Mommy phase easily. I need the break and they need the time together.
Monday. Again. This day, it just keeps coming around. Hmm.
Jacob has been crabby this morning. He has a little cold and keeps putting his whole hand in his mouth. Not sure if more teeth are coming in. The kid still has eight to go. Bummer, though. Hard for me too. Not much I can do to help him sometimes. I get stuck between hanging with him and doing the things he wants to do versus getting anything at all accomplished. Some days I just feel like being able to get through one thing on my list completely.
Much better afternoon although with the time change, it definitely had a dragging feel right around old 4:30/new 3:30. Getting dark early is a total bummer.
Jacob and I took a digger, though. He was riding his bike down a steep driveway while I was running next to him trying to avert the inevitable fall. I had a hold of him when the bike tipped but was too tangled up in him and the bike then to extricate myself. We both ended up on the ground. He only ended up with some scraped fingers but it took some of the fun out of that activity for the moment. I had a skinned knee (it's been ages!) and a hole in my favourite pair of jeans!!!!! NOOOOOO!!! That was really the worst part of it for me.
We went to the local library after that mishap. Small but nice. Good kids section. Jacob and I read a bunch of books. Good times.
I went to a pilates class this evening. Now, I've always seen these classes going on and heard great things but they're discouragingly expensive so I've never tried them. This week is the once a year pilates open house at our gym where you can go and try a half hour class for free as well as get discounts on the class prices. Even then I thought, I'll just take a couple free sessions and maybe get some lessons sometime in the future. Right. Half hour and I was sold. Super fun. Feels totally effective. And addictive. You're on these machines that slide and move; they look like torture devises. When the trainer was telling us what to do I was thinking, how is that going to work? Then I'd do it and sure enough, it would but in a totally different way than I'd expected. Parts of the machine were moving in ways that I didn't foresee and sometimes I couldn't tell which part of me was doing the moving until I looked in a mirror. Great! So, I signed up. Three private lessons and then group class for two months. I'm stoked. I think it'll be a great jump start for me. I've been feeling a bit plateaud with my working out and not pleased with parts of my body. I think this is just what I need. It's like changing to tele skiing after alpining for years. Just a shift can make things much more fun. We'll see if I still feel this way after a few 55 minute sessions.
And Fraser got to hang out with Jacob this evening and put him to bed. Good for all of us although something that remains hard for us. Jacob and Daddy bonding time without Mom. We're going to be working more on that because Jacob is not growing out of this Mommy phase easily. I need the break and they need the time together.
Day 43
November 6, 2010
Jacob really wanted to ride the train so we hopped on the trolley that goes around an area of downtown. Fraser and James went off to have some guy time. Jacob and I only rode for a couple stops and then came back to the car. But it gave him a little fix. That boy likes public transit!
Day 42
November 5, 2010
Target. Christmas is here already apparently. Amazing. It's really no wonder that people get depressed after this holiday. There's a two month build up for one single day. I love this time of year but really, do we have to start right after Halloween?
PT this afternoon. It's been great for the body. Everything feels much better when you take care of it properly. Surprise, surprise. Too bad most of us don't make enough time to take care of ourselves properly.
My neighbour/friend Karen stopped by this afternoon with two of her kids. That was great. They all played really well. Jacob had some moments when he had a hard time sharing but really, it was pretty low maintenance. Which meant Karen and I could talk. Super. It was really nice that she came over to my house, too. I actually had some wine and snacks for the kids. Made me feel like a real hostess. Nice. And a bit weird. I'm usually the one at others' homes. More nice than weird, though. I like it.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Day 41: Collins Sanctuary Nature Trail
November 4, 2010
Another gorgeous day. Supposedly the last one for another 10 days so... we went for a nature hike this morning. Driving over the Tualitan Mountains (I think) when we go from our house to town, I always see these trails. And the forest is just gorgeous: valleys, ravines, streams, tall old fir trees, moss. I've been wanting to check them out but not necessarily in the pouring rain.
Bee-UTE-ee-ful!! Lush, green, moss covered everything. Leaves on the ground, old wooden bridges to cross, the gentle sounds of water falling downhill over smooth, moss-covered stones. Whoa. Jacob wanted to ride in the Ergo, which made my job easier and got me some exercise. He loved looking down into the streams and talking about the moss. He really wanted to see a moose, he told me. I think he gets that from his book. I told him we might have to go up in the mountains more to see a moose but that we could look for deer.
We saw some "teeny, teeny mush rooms". Also, a couple new birds for me: a varied thrush and a winter wren. The thrush is really pretty with a dark blue back and head but with an orange belly and throat. Really cool. The wren is pretty much an LBB - little brown bird. BUT, it was just teeny and the cutest little brown bird I've ever seen.
Like I said, moss everywhere.
And ferns. Maidenhair ferns all over. On the ground, in the trees. Really nice.
Finally Jacob wanted to get down. We were looking at deer tracks and he wanted a better look. He also wanted to touch some of the moss. Of course, like any toddler, he also wanted to run, not walk, down a lot of the path. That's fine when you're on a flatish path, but this path was curved, wet, muddy, downhill and with a steep valley off to one side in many parts. Needless to say, the running stressed me out a bit. He eventually took a little spill, got a bit of leaf in his mouth and held my hand from then on. Experience is the best teacher.
Thankfully, he didn't land on one of these when he fell! Hahaha.... Slugs are groady (grodey?). Not fast like snakes or eight-legged like spiders but startling in their own fat, slimy, sluggish way. Yeack! And of course, they're everywhere out here. I picked up a piece of recylcing at our house the other day that had missed the bin and sure enough, a little slug inside. I dropped that thing faster than if it had burned me.
We both loved looking up at the beautiful canopy. This whole trail system was near the Audubon Society's offices. At least some of their offices. And a little store and discovery center. Really nice area. It smelled so good. Apparently this area is next to Forest Park, the largest forested city park in the U.S. Neato. We'll be sure to take more trips on the other trails.
Also, finally got the starter fixed on my old hunk-a-junk car. At least Fraser won't have to push start it now. That's one thing. We've decided to try and keep using it to avoid car payments. In a year, it's a possibility that we might think about buying so, we'd like to have as much money saved as possible. Even though it will dreamy one day to have a car where all the parts work like they should.
Tons of neighbour kids out this afternoon playing in the leaves. Jacob ended up having a glorious time in the middle of a leaf fight. Adorable. Sadly, I did not have the camera. Damn. I love cute kid, leaf pictures. Maybe we'll have another sunny day when he can play in the leaves. We'll see...
And ferns. Maidenhair ferns all over. On the ground, in the trees. Really nice.
Thankfully, he didn't land on one of these when he fell! Hahaha.... Slugs are groady (grodey?). Not fast like snakes or eight-legged like spiders but startling in their own fat, slimy, sluggish way. Yeack! And of course, they're everywhere out here. I picked up a piece of recylcing at our house the other day that had missed the bin and sure enough, a little slug inside. I dropped that thing faster than if it had burned me.
Also, finally got the starter fixed on my old hunk-a-junk car. At least Fraser won't have to push start it now. That's one thing. We've decided to try and keep using it to avoid car payments. In a year, it's a possibility that we might think about buying so, we'd like to have as much money saved as possible. Even though it will dreamy one day to have a car where all the parts work like they should.
Tons of neighbour kids out this afternoon playing in the leaves. Jacob ended up having a glorious time in the middle of a leaf fight. Adorable. Sadly, I did not have the camera. Damn. I love cute kid, leaf pictures. Maybe we'll have another sunny day when he can play in the leaves. We'll see...
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