Day 277

June 30, 2011

And so ends another month. 
We did some house cleaning (finally) this morning and took a trip to the park; something fun for both of us... hahaha...

In the bath tonight, we went over letters. We have some foam ones for the walls. He knew almost all of them. I think he needed help with 4 - the U, V, W and Y. It was cute to hear him name them all when I lifted them up for him: "D for Daddy. R for rabbit." Or if he didn't know one, "I do not know that one." Now, we have to move on to numbers. He knows several and sometimes can count to 6 or so. More practice - he must know his multiplication tables before preschool! Just kidding!

Day 276

June 29, 2011

 Grocery stores this morning and gym. Regular stuff. 

Jacob and I made some delicious strawberry jam this afternoon. And a homemade veggie pizza for dinner that was "delishy"! At the table, Jacob says to me, "Thanks for making dis yummy pizza and strawberry jam." Adorable!

Day 275

June 28, 2011

Berry picking this morning with everyone was very fun. It was out on Sauvie Island which is just gorgeous farmland. It was a coolish, occasionally misty morning which, actually, I thought was fantastic for strawberry picking. The kids had such a good time! Eating strawberries, picking them (in order to eat them), playing in the mud and sprinklers. It was great. I actually was able to collect a couple pounds of berries too. I would've liked to get more but it was definitely some work to be bending down picking plus dealing with Jacob. Still... very fun. And so much fun doing it with my neighbour friends!

Skyped with my mom and brother, Nick. Always nice. Makes me wish we lived closer, always, but it's the next best thing.
More laundry. Laundry doesn't bother me, though. It's the one house chore that I like to do. Maybe it's taking something that's so disorganized and putting it in order, feeling like I accomplished something worthwhile, it has a beginning and an end. I don't know. I just like it.

In the bath tonight we were playing with little finger puppets. One is a hammerhead shark and the other, a killer whale. Jacob is really into imagining things these days so we had to pretend that they went to a whole bunch of different museums: the ones out here, the one in Michigan he went to, made up ones. The shark and whale even got stuck in a spider web! It's really funny and cute. I'm glad his imagination is so.... healthy.

Day 274

June 27, 2011

Laundry day! Relaxing home day.

 Walked over to the library to pick up some books. One the way home we stopped by this big fountain they have over in the strip mall area. It's a nice area that gets totally packed with kids on the hot days here. Jacob had a fun time running around it until he got drenched when the wind shifted the water. It was funny and sad at the same time. He was just paralyzed in the water. He recovered well, though, and kept having fun. 

On the walk home we stopped to talk to some neighbours who we know from the gym. They have two kids, the older one is just a bit younger than Jacob. They played together for awhile and I chatted with Sarah, the mom. Then along came another neighbour and friend of Sarah's with her almost two year old. So we all chatted for a bit and planned to go pick strawberries tomorrow. How fun! Slowly, slowly, I'm meeting more people in this actual neighbourhood.

And book club meeting tonight. The book had been Omnivore's Dilemma so the conversation was focused around food and eating and even into school lunches (which was highly disturbing as well). Very fascinating stuff. And sometimes stressful when you learn more about what happens with food. It really makes me buy different things. It can be such an overwhelming topic, though. I think that's why I'm sometimes not into cooking; there's so much stress sometimes in deciding what to buy, from where and for how much. It can really get crazy. I had a very nice time with all the book club gals, though.

Day 273: Return from camping

June 26, 2011

Jacob and I went on a nice nature walk around the campground this morning finding pine cone treasures and looking at ground squirrels. Actually got him to take a nap before we left which was key. He was going to be one major cranky pants if not. 

On the way home, we stopped in Hood River for some food. Jacob had his first ice cream. Well, he shared mine actually. At first he didn't want to try it but after he did, he said he "loved dat caulk-a-lit one best". That's my boy.

  Stopped at Multnomah Falls also which was beautiful. Jacob thought the water (and how it came down into a pool then followed a stream to the big river) was very fascinating. 

Another nice trip.

Day 272: Memaloose State Park

June 25, 2011

 We got to our campsite last night. This one, Memaloose State Park, is an interesting one. It's in the Columbia River Gorge which is a beautiful area, for sure. There is only a narrow area (in some areas) for camping, however. This park was situated between the interstate and a railroad right next to the river. Still, it had lots of nice trees, a pretty view of the Columbia River and a playground. We also happened to be camped right between two other kids Jacob's age, which was so nice.

One neighbour had a little boy, and the two of them hit it off right away. On the other side was a little girl who Jacob was a little more shy around at first. Again, just so cute to see him interacting with other kids. And wonderful for giving me a little bit of time without my little magnet (as much as I love him). 

A favourite camping pastime

Fraser and Jacob had the most hilarious time rolling down the grassy hills together. I'm glad Fraser can still do that because I think I might vomit if I did.

The bouquet Jacob gave me

 

 

Then Fraser got out the old hammock...

We adventured over to an area where there was a little dock and boat launch by the river. Fraser jumped into the river which scared Jacob. He had fun throwing rocks in and getting his feet wet. Also fun for me. I wish I could just jump in but I freak myself out with what's below me. Something I'd like to work on.... at some point.

 

Jacob really liked it when the bats came out in the evening and were flying around. Then, "Dere's a star!" He has sharp eyes, that kid. We got to see lots come out before bedtime. Fraser and I even got to see a few shooting stars.

Day 271

June 24, 2011

Finished preparing for another camping trip. We're going to head out after Fraser gets home from work this evening.

Jacobisms:

As I'm measuring his waist with a piece of elastic for some pants I'm making him, he shouts at me, "I'm naked! I'm naked right now!"

When I ask him if he wants a certain type of food or when I tell him this is something he's liked before, he'll say, "Sometimes Gacob like it, sometimes Gacob not."

"Bummer."

"Phew"

If he/we are having a hard time, he'll ask for some "quiet out time" which means snuggling together and regrouping.

"Gacob don't like those mandolin people," meaning mannequin people. "Mommy says, don't worry about it. Dat's okay. Dey're just pretend."

Day 270: Rhododendron Garden

June 23, 2011

Jacob and I met up with our friends at the rhododendron garden this morning. First, it was a really pretty place. Most of the rhododendrons were done blooming but there were still some flowering. We fed some ducks and walked around. Finally, we found a little grassy spot for a picnic. This was the best because it was surrounded by rhododendrons, which were very bushy, so we were virtually fenced in except for a small little entrance. The kids had a blast playing together. 

Jacob went off with his buddy Isaac for awhile. They were playing their own games for awhile. Then Jacob played some kickball with Preston. One of the moms started a game of hide-and-seek which all the kids thought was fabulous. And they finished with a rousing game of ring around the rosie. Jacob was really just in heaven. 

It's really great to see Jacob doing so much actual interacting with other kids. He's really social in situations like this. It does make me feel like I should either be looking harder at the preschool situation (my baby!) or making more of an effort to have these types of outings with lots of kids. Sigh... he's growing up and even though he's still a baby in so many ways, he's also not. That makes me happy and sad; one of the many bittersweet aspects of parenthood.

Day 269

June 22, 2011

This morning I'm in my bathroom (which backs up to Jacob's) getting ready. Jacob is running around upstairs half naked doing whatever. All of a sudden I hear noise from his bathroom and the sound of water running, like the toilet flushing. 
"What's going on in there?" I say as I quickly make my way over.
"Gacob go pee by yourself," he says. 
Sure enough, he'd peed, taken out the little bowl and flushed the pee down the big toilet. Very few drops on the toilet seat, even. 
"Wow," I say. "You did that all by yourself. I'm actually really impressed. You knew what to do and you did it. Nice work."

Day 268

June 21, 2011

Summer solstice and Shilo's birthday! 

It actually felt a lot like summer today. It was around 80 degrees. Amazing. Jacob and I biked to the gym this morning. On the way back, my bike chain broke so we walked the rest of the way. The bike used to be my older brother's back when he was in college, and I acquired it for free. After lots of exposure to the elements, I'm not surprised that the chain broke. Good thing we weren't that far from home.

We went back to the gym in the afternoon for some pool time! So much fun - minus the fact that the pool was super duper packed. Alas, I guess that's what happens here in Portland where nice weather is pretty much a state holiday. Jacob loved it, though. And so did I. 

Day 267

June 20, 2011

Jacobism:

Me: "What do you think you want for a snack?"
Jacob: Sigh. "I just like chocolate."

Sometimes, I feel the same.

Day 266: Father's Day

June 19, 2011

We are within 100 days of beginning this interesting journey. Hard to believe it's been that long. And sometimes hard to believe it's been that short. Who knows where this path will take us. Just as I felt when we chose this, I know it was the right decision. It has not always been easy, but ease does not have much to do with something being purposeful. One does not find her path usually by only easy paths. There have to be challenges so there can be learnings; that is the point.

 We're mostly just hanging out together for Father's Day. The camping last weekend was part of the celebration as well. Jacob has been having a good time playing with Daddy today which is really, the most important part.

Day 265

June 18, 2011

Grey, rainy morning. It's totally opposite of Colorado. There, the thunderstorms would come in in the afternoon, you'd go to bed with clouds hanging about it the sky and wake up to clear, blue skies. Here, we go to bed with clear skies and wake up totally socked it. Definitely not used to that.
We headed to the farmer's market, anyway. I felt very "Portland". We found some lovely looking vegetables: artichokes, tomatoes, carrots, zucchini. And got a pork shoulder for smoking some day. Yum.
Jacob helped me do some quilting. My t-shirt quilt is really coming along. It's been a very thoughtful process in the sense that in order to piece all my odds and ends together, I've had to really think about it. I've only had to rip out stitches once, though, so that's something. A lot of measuring and pinning and repinning and repinning before sewing. 
Sun in the evening. I'm sure tomorrow morning will be grey skies again. Lol... and sigh.

Day 264

June 17, 2011

We've been painting pots the past couple days. We got some tomato plants from the Farmer's Market that need bigger pots. We got regular clay pots and have painted them. They look great!

This morning we also took a nature hike. Here's the crazy thing about the weather - well, another crazy thing about it. The days often start off chilly and damp. Then around midmorning things start to warm up a bit and by afternoon it's really like a summer day. You have to have a whole wardrobe with you for one day. Definitely a drag with a small child. This morning was sunny when we woke up but chilly. It was getting kind of overcast but I already had the momentum going for the hiking so we went out to Forest Park. Very cold and shadowy in there of course because of all the trees. Beautiful but damp.

One word: slugs. They were everywhere. I mean, really, all over the place. I had to watch the ground constantly in order to not step on any. Tell me I'm going to get used to those things. Yeah, right.

We also saw a red-breasted sapsucker which is a new one for me. Very pretty bird. A bright red head and throat, black wings with white striping. Really cool. Unfortunately I was not quick enough to get my own picture.  

  Once out again from under the trees, I realized it was actually warm out. The sun came out and it turned into a lovely day.

Day 263

June 16, 2011

Thursday...  playing catch up today so I really can't remember what we did. Stuff. We did make a delicious dinner, though. Glazed pork tenderloin with sauteed green beans with bacon and an "apple crips" (as Jacob calls it) for dessert. Tasty.

Day 262

June 15, 2011

Met up with our friends Danna and Harley Rose at the Children's Museum today. That was nice. The place was a bit of a madhouse and we were separated at times by the kids' different desires. But we managed a bit of time to hang out and talk, which was really nice. Sometimes, especially after some blah days, it really helps to get some friend energy in there. The kids have a nice time together too.

Day 261

June 14, 2011

A bit better of a day today. Still trying to shake off the blues. Made it to the gym, Skyped with the family. Finally around dinner time, my energy shifted and my good spirits came back. 

Day 260

June 13, 2011

Oh, the Monday after a vacation can be a little tough. Jacob and I tried to find some things to do around the house. I was not feeling very motivated. Some days I want to do lots of craft projects and science experiments with him, let him explore the world around us and help his little brain get the exercise it really loves. In reality, I feel like there is never enough time or organization or energy for me to do all the things I want. I find it very hard to focus on anything with a 2.5 year old running around me, asking for different things every two minutes, pulling on my legs, and just generally having more energy than I know what to do with. On my good days, it all rolls over and around me just fine. On my grumpy days, I just get impatient and frustrated. Sigh... the lessons from being a parent....

Day 259

June 12, 2011

We woke up this morning to a windless day. Jacob and I went off to the beach and, no joke, there was no wind. It was amazing. We had an enjoyable time hanging out without sand hitting us in our faces or without being chilled. 

Packing up made Jacob sad and frustrated. I feel the same way when we have to end a fun vacation, even such a short one. We told him we would definitely go camping again soon.

Jacob and Fraser slept the whole way home after Tillamook. At home I went upstairs with a sleepy boy and laid down with him. We were both out for the next two hours. It felt wonderful! 

Tried to relax and gear up for the new week.

Day 258: Camping, Day 2

June 11, 2011

A good night's sleep had by all and some yummy oatmeal for breakfast. I know, that may not sound the best, but to me, one of the things I always remember about camping is waking up in the cool morning and smelling flavoured oatmeal. It just takes me back, especially to one particular time I was camping in Oregon, actually, with my aunt and uncle. We made eggs also, for Fraser. 

The beach was windy and cold again, but sunny this time. We all braved the water this morning, the boys more so than me. VERY cold. 

This is an intentional position on his part.

One of Jacob's favourite things to do, of course, was to be one with the sand: lay on it, roll around in it, slide on it. When going to the beach I've learned to expect to get dirty, namely, sandy. To be fair, to the sand was really soft. I couldn't really blame him for wanting to be next to it. At one point, he did end up with a faceful of sand. Even that did not deter him. Well, everything washes. 

They had a nice playground at this campground too which was wonderful. We had some playtime there, a short walk around the campground and some lunch, and we were all fading quickly. A family nap was just what we needed.

After a long nap from the boy, we refreshed ourselves and headed back to the beach. Gorgeous, alive with sparkling sunlight, all the colours so crisp against one another. We didn't last long in the wind, however. This was our shortest trip.

Good thing hanging out at the campsite is so much fun. We played frisbee, people-watched, cooked some hot dogs over an open fire. Lovely. Just lovely.

It had been such an awesomely clear day all day, we went to the beach to try to see the sunset. There was a low bank of clouds coming in but we got there in time to see some of that glorious burnt orange glow of the sinking sun that makes you feel that, somehow, everything is right in the world. Especially when the two people I love the most are with me. What a great day.

Me wearing my five layer blubber suit in an attempt to keep warm.