When it Rains

...make a pinecone bird feeder.

March has been a wet and sick month. I feel like it's been raining forever! Sure we get one good month of rain per year in this area, while many other parts of the country get much soggier. But it still seems like it's never going to end.

And with the bad weather came the under the weather. Seriously, someone in this household has been sick for the past 25 days. We've all taken turns, multiple turns. It feels like it's never going to end.

So during this season of hibernation, we have tried to keep ourselves busy with inside activities. Low key, keep-from-going-crazy activities.

One such activity is looking out the window. We spend a lot of time parked in front of a pane, watching things happen. Mostly we see garbage trucks and mailmen coming and going. Yard maintenance and repairmen making their stops. Even the occasional neighbor braving the rain to walk their dog.

And then there's the pinecone bird feeder. Owen found an awesome pinecone which we slathered with peanut butter and rolled in bird seed. Initially we put it close to the ground and sat back to watch. No birds all day. But the next day it was cleaned off. Not a speck of butter or seed. Must be the rain, we thought. So we made another and hung it from a small branch. Next day it looked touched but still no sight of any birds. Then a few days later there was a break in the rain and we caught this on camera:


We watched proudly as our bird feeder was doing its job.

Then the next thing we knew the bird had flown off only to be replaced with this:

That daredevil squirrel was hanging by his toes to reach the snack! Hungry? Yes. Impressive? Double yes.

In the days since then we've seen the occasional bird stop by, but mostly it's that gutty squirrel who's has been licking the pinecone clean.

Como Se Dice "Chubby"

I was doing some grocery shopping in Trader Joes a few days ago with Gavin. While in the dairy section I stopped to inspect some eggs and noticed two older Hispanic ladies looking at Gavin and smiling. One mumbled to the other in Spanish and they both giggled. Then she pointed toward Gavin and said, "gordito". The other nodded and agreed, "Ah, gordito." Then they smiled and spoke a few more words (in Spanish) before giving him a wink and heading down the next aisle.

I could tell they were enamored by him, so I was amused. I just wasn't sure what it was about him that made them stop and take special notice. In my mind he's not the chubby baby he used to be. Maybe it was the bag of snacks in his lap I had given him to keep him happy. Or maybe it was his round cheeks, chomping on the bits of snacks. Or perhaps it was the cart buckle that I strapped tightly around his middle (causing his belly to hang out). Come to think of it, he did look a little bit like a toad sitting there in the cart.

No matter. I like gorditos.




*By the way, I was in Joes again this evening with both Owen and Gavin. Have you noticed evening shoppers are not nearly as pleasant as morning shoppers? Sure I would be a little put off by a couple of boys that are bouncing around the aisles. But sheesh, I was the one who had to do the shopping with them.

Four Eyes No More

Gone are the days of waking up and reaching for my glasses in the morning. I still do it sometimes out of habit, but these old lenses are now obsolete. They will be making their way to Thailand (by way of an Eagle Scout project) for others to use.

My contact lenses and solution no longer take up space in my bathroom drawer. They were nice while they lasted. But come allergy season, they were sandpaper on my eyeballs. Pure torture.

I finally bit the bullet and had LASIK done about a month ago. It was the best surgery I've ever had...hands-down. And I couldn't be happier with the results. In fact, I went to a followup appointment and learned that my vision is even better than 20/20. Amazing. Life-changing.

Farewell to you, eyewear.

Laundry

Doing my husband's laundry is so enthralling.

Gav Look-Alikes

When I'm out and about with Gavin I get comments about his round cheeks or his bruiser physique. He's been called cute and handsome a time or two. But I also get told fairly often that he looks like someone famous. He's a bit of a look-alike I guess. I've done a quick comparison to show just who he's been compared to.

William Moseley. You may recognize him as "Peter" from the Narnia movies. I guess I can see it.


Prince Harry. I'm thinking the hair color and the teeth are the comparisons. I wouldn't mind if Gavin grew up to look like Harry. Very handsome.


Barney Rubble. Now this one came as a surprise. A cartoon with beady eyes? Kind of a stretch. But it could be worse I guess.


Matt Damon (in The Informant). I have to give Mark credit for this comparison. When we dressed Gavin up as Nacho for Halloween he strangely resembled the heavier version of Matt Damon. Just picture some glasses with that mustache on Gavin and I'd say the look-alike is pretty true. In fact Mark now nicknames Gavin "Fat Damon". So endearing, don't you think?

I guess I should also add the most recent comment - a comparison of Gav to the late Chris Farley (from the back side). Again, maybe it's his hair? His curves? Either way it's safe to say Gavin looks like a little man. Part handsome, somewhat quirky, and a bit round.

Gav 1.5

Gavin is eighteen months old. And that feels just about right. As much as time flies, it seems like Gavin has been part of our family forever. He is such a lovable little boy. His personality is fun and cheerful. His body is round and cuddly. His cheeks are rosy. His hair is swirly and awesome. And that little gap between his teeth is no longer there. In fact, he's almost got a mouth full of teeth. It seems each time he opens his mouth I see a couple more coming through.


He now weighs 29 lbs and is 33 inches tall. He is getting pickier with foods, but still manages to pack on the pounds. He regularly goes to the fridge and helps himself to his cup of milk or any other item on the lower shelf. And he's learned to pull a chair up to access the pantry or countertop. Scary!


He likes to help around the house and gets excited at the sight of a vacuum or broom. He loves to throw things in the garbage (Owen's clothes and random toys included). And he follows me everywhere. Eve-ry-where. My little shadow.


He is learning to mimic everything. If he hears Owen making vroom sounds with cars, he makes the same sounds. If he sees us laughing, he automatically begins to laugh. And he's acquiring more words in his vocabulary. He's mastered mom, dad, and Owen. Then there's the classic hi and bye (he LOVES those). And he's got animal sounds down. Plus he knows grandma, grandpa, ball, bath, backpack, wow, uh-oh, and a new favorite - dogpile.


He's pretty attached to his blanket. He loves to be naked (what little boy doesn't?) He is always up for bike rides, playing at the park, chasing or being chased, and snacking on crackers. He's starting to scribble (on and off paper), do puzzles, kick, throw, and roll a ball, stack and destroy...typical toddler tasks.

The kid is healthy, happy and loved.

A Christmas to Remember

There's been a lot of holiday action going on around here. And by action I don't mean baking and shopping and caroling. Action of a very different sort. I'm talking hospital visits. This Christmas season has already proven to be one I won't soon forget.

SATURDAY
You see, we're spending the holiday in Utah with Mark's family. And on Saturday night Mark's pregnant sister (who has been in the hospital on bed rest for several weeks now) went into labor. The problem is she is only 26 weeks along in her pregnancy. We waited and wondered and hoped things would stabilize. And they did.

SUNDAY
So on Sunday morning we decided we should go to church. It was the Christmas program afterall. Yet not more than 30 minutes into the meeting we found ourselves abruptly leaving and heading to the hospital. But not for Mark's sister this time.

Gavin had gotten wiggly and Mark took him out to the hallway to wander a bit. Gavin busied himself with opening and closing a classroom door, and in the process caught his middle finger in the door. This heavy wooden door didn't just pinch his skin. It nearly severed the tip of this finger. So off to the ER we went. Not long after that we found ourselves at Primary Children's Hospital getting an x-ray of the finger for bone damage. Luckily the laceration did not fracture the bone, but they needed to stitch the finger back together. So they decided to put our little Gavin under for the surgery.

Mark and I sat in the room while the doctors gave him oxygen and worked to repair the damaged finger. It was all so surreal. I'll never forget seeing his little body on that large hospital bed. Limp and hurt. And then sitting by his bed after surgery and waiting for him to wake. He looked like a little doll.

We spent nearly half the day in the ER. But we had a remarkably good experience there. The staff quickly brought activities to entertain Owen during the ordeal. We were served food and drinks. And the doctors and nurses were so sweet with Gavin. We felt very well cared for.

MONDAY
However the action was not over yet. Early Monday morning we got word that Mark's sister was delivering her baby, ready or not. Pins and needles! She delivered a 1 lb 15 oz baby boy. T-I-N-Y but breathing on his own.

TUESDAY
Today we headed back to Primary Children's Hospital for our first follow-up on Gavin's finger. Everything looks really good and the finger is healing well. Then this afternoon we headed to the hospital again to meet our newest nephew, lying in an incubator in the NICU. He is the tiniest human being I've ever seen. He is beautiful and precious. And I love him.

All these holiday happenings have kept us busy and left us a bit tired. But I can't think of a more perfect way to remember this season than seeing my happy boy with a healing finger and a newborn baby boy making his way into the world.

(Gavin's hospital souvenirs: a soft reindeer blanket, a plush dog, wristband and medical supplies)

(Owen's souvenirs: Hospital Buddies he decorated and cared for during our stay)

Handmade Gifts

It is a tradition in my family to do a gift giving swap each Christmas where we draw names and give to three different people. This year we incorporated a new rule that one of the items must be handmade. And I happened to draw my sister's husband for that one. So...what, what, what to do? I think it'd be a whole lot easier to make something for my sister or sisters-in-law. But no. I had to get creative. Since my brother-in-law is in a band, I decided to make him a guitar strap cover. And because he isn't a reader of this blog I won't spoil anything by sharing the finished product:



I also spent some time creating a few handmade crafts to sell at a holiday boutique my friend hosts in the area. These are the countdown blocks I made:


And while looking around the boutique I met a grandmother who hand knits these lovely little baby sweaters. They were so cute! I just couldn't resist. I had to buy this adorably festive one (for only $8 I might add). It is just tiny and sparkly and I love it.


One other thing I should share is a fun kit we put together this year for our neighbors. We gave them an assortment of goodies to make gingerbread houses. I like the idea of giving them something they can do together as a family. And who doesn't love to eat the leftover sweets!

'Tis the Season

It's gift giving season already! I can hardly believe it! And as part of our annual church craft fair I put together a table of gift ideas. Simple ones to give to friends and neighbors. I found a lot of cute ideas online so I thought I'd share.


1. Candy Cane Mint Milanos - Milano cookies are great as is, but this idea makes them even more festive and delicious.




2.S'mores Kit - I love this idea for a cozy winter evening!




3. Produce from Santa's Orchard - What a lovely little way to give fresh fruit!




4. Reindeer and Snowman Pops - I took this idea and altered it to be even easier. I dipped Oreos in chocolate and made both reindeer and snowmen.




5.Caramel Apples and Granola - A perfect holiday snack. I used a can of sweetened condensed milk as the caramel (turns to caramel when microwaved)




6.Donut Snowmen - This couldn't be simpler...or more tempting.




7. Hot Chocolate on a Stick - A tad tedious, but it turns out absolutely delicious!



8. Drink Toppers - Break out the bubbly! Dress it up and drink it down.


See? Cute AND easy. Now go get your giving on!

Soccer...

...or "How we've spent our Saturdays for the last three months"


We just finished up our first season of soccer with Owen. And I count it as a success. Not because of our winning record, I might add. (We lost every single game.) But because we started the season like this:


And ended like this:


Our little #6 once again approached things on his own terms. He refused to play for the first month of practices and games. It was pure torture. Mark would coax and lead, beg and plead. But to no avail. Then slowly Owen warmed up to his coaches and teammates and at least stayed on the field for the whole game. By season's end, he was kicking the ball right along with the rest of them...and enjoying it.

Last week we celebrated the season with a team party. Pizza was eaten, trophies were handed out, and we got a piece of this amazing cake:


Now that soccer's through I wonder if we should attempt baseball in the spring...

Evolution of a Costume

I bought the most adorable costume after Halloween last year. And I fully intended for Gavin to wear it this year. It was going to be the perfect size, the perfect cuteness. A little lion. I even made him try it on weeks ago just to see how it would look.


Then one day he had a nasty encounter with the corner of a wall. And I thought maybe a Frankenstein costume would suit him better. Poor baby. It was bad.




But it healed. And I realized he could be neither lion nor Frankenstein. With his age and girth he needed to be something more...religious. It was settled. He would be Nacho Libre for Halloween.




Nachooooooooo!

Halloween Extravaganza

Picking out pumpkins:



Stopping to pat the bunnies:








Carving (perhaps my best year yet):



Parading at preschool:



Trick-or-treating as gorilla and Nacho Libre:

If Nautical Nonsense Be Something You Wish

About 33 years ago my mom made the most adorable sailor suit for my older brother. He had his picture taken in it, as did my other three younger brothers. It was one of those keepsake outfits that got passed around, with hints of maritime and nostalgia.

Then when my older brother had a son, the sailor suit reemerged and took its place in another seafaring photo. In fact, all the nephews have had their picture taken in the outfit. So when my two boys came along I knew I had to keep up the tradition.

Here is Owen in the suit:


And I almost forgot to get Gavin's pictures taken. My mom remembered the suit and sent it to me just in the knick of time. It barely fit. Here's Gavin sporting the stripes:


Now both times I've pulled out the sailor suit to get the boys photographed, Mark has put up a fit. He says, "Please Bridge. Don't make them wear that." He is not a fan of anything nautical, it's safe to say. But I wasn't going to let that take the wind out of my sails. That outfit is adorable!

And I'll have you know every woman in the mall would agree. After getting Gavin's pictures taken I ran into a couple more stores to do some shopping. You would not believe how many "ohhhhs" and "how cutes" I got. Little boys just don't dress like they used to.

The sailor suit lives on.

Cookie Class

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the most wonderful cookie decorating class with my friend Kim. It was held at a Parisian-inspired pastry shop called Miette and taught by a true cookie artist. Wearing crisp white aprons, we worked in the confectionary kitchen and used all the bake shop tools. It was so, so exciting!

We learned how to make a great sugar cookie. The base of the sweet treat is very important, you know. But most of the time was spent learning how to perfect the art of royal icing (mixing it, thinning it, coloring it). We then practiced different techniques in decorating. My goodness, I could have stayed there all day. There is something so comforting about working with fresh-baked goods. Being in the kitchen with good company, creating something delectable!

I think I would really like to work in a pastry shop someday. I have so much more to learn, but I loved getting just a taste of it. I'm sure the only drawback of decorating cookies with royal icing is they are too cute to eat.

That Doggie in the Window

Owen's wanting a dog has been a reoccurring theme for awhile now. For as long as I can remember, he's been fascinated with dogs. He loves everything about them. He is convinced he needs one. Remember this? And Gavin is right alongside him. He takes notice of every dog everywhere we go. Even the faintest bark sets him in search of a hound.

There's just one problem. I am NOT a dog person. Well...I do like them at a distance. I think it would be great for the boys to have a dog. I had a dog for a short time growing up and I loved it. But the thought of taking care of it, cleaning up after it, getting attached to it. I feel like I'd be taking on another half child. Not sure I'm up for that.

Yet Owen is relentless. Everyday he talks about getting a dog. I feel myself slowly wearing down. About a week ago on our trip to the library I suggested we check out some books on dogs. That way we could learn more about different kinds and how much work it is to take care of a pet. In a way I was hoping it would distract him from the daily debate. Instead, I found this hanging above his bed the next day:


He had looked through that piddly library book like it was a catalogue. And he ordered up the one he wanted. Total backfire. After a frank reminder about how to treat library books I asked him why he hung the page up. And his response was, "When Santa comes to my house he'll think this boy wants a pug for Christmas."

The question of whether or not we're getting a dog remains to be seen. But what's certain is we'll be checking out this event again this year. It's too cute (weird) to be missed.

First Day of Preschool

So I know this post is a tad tardy. Owen actually began preschool three weeks ago. But I haven't dared write about it until now. I wasn't altogether sure preschool would happen this year. You see, the picture above tells a very different story than what happened on the first day of school. Let me fill you in.

The morning began normally. We had spent the previous days and weeks prepping Owen for his first day of preschool. He had visited his classroom, even met his teachers. He expressed excitement about all of it. To an outsider, it would seem Owen was well-prepared for this new experience. But as his parents, we knew Owen had a track record of not welcoming change. Transition, he does not. Yet with all the cheering and prepping, he seemed to be handling everything really well. We took a picture of our proud preschooler just before heading out the door to drop him off.

It was a big day, so we all piled in the car to give Owen the big send off. Gavin and I were still in our pj's so Mark walked Owen in to school, hand in hand. Things were looking good.

45 minutes later....

Gavin and I were still sitting in the car outside of preschool, waiting for Mark to return. Things were looking a little grim now.

When Mark finally returned to the car he confirmed my suspicions. Owen refused to stay at school. As you can imagine, there was a lot of talking, arguing, reassuring, threatening, pleading and the like going on. But Owen would not let Mark leave the classroom without him. He kept following him out, disregarding his teachers and fellow classmates. Now I'm not sure how it all went down. But Mark was late for work and just needed to leave. So the way Mark explained it to me was something like:

The teacher grabbed hold of Owen and held him down while I ran out of there. All the while Owen was screaming, "Let go of me PLEASE!"

Upon hearing this story, I felt awful. I felt a whole range of emotions.
I knew we shouldn't have done this.
What a terrible and traumatic first day.
He'll never want to go back.
Poor Owen.
Poor teachers.
What could we have done differently?
What's wrong with my kid?
I'm a terrible mother!

The rest of the day was pretty awful. And the next few days of school were also kind of awful. (AND, this was all happening during my "be a carrot, not an egg" phase). It was a mess. I was a mess.

And that brings us to today. Owen got up for school. We cheerfully loaded the car. He said, "I'll wave to you Mom!" We waved goodbye and I dropped him off like nothing had ever happened. I think I'll pretend like today was the REAL first day of school.

Be a Carrot, Not an Egg

I've been going through something lately. A rough patch. A hard time. It's a natural cycle I suppose; a period of stretching and growth. But man, it's taken a toll on me.

The last few weeks have been just plain hard. It's one of those times when the balls are flying and I can't seem to keep control of them. (And yes, I have control issues). Mark is super busy with work and outside-of-work work. He has responsibilities that occupy his weeknights and weekends. And it will be this way for awhile. So I'm willing myself to get used to it. Owen is going through what I'll call "the terrible fours". We experienced the terrible twos and threes, so why not keep it going? Only difference is, he is pushing and resisting on a whole new 4-yr-old level. I guess I should be prepared for this by now, but I'm not. He breaks me down. And Gavin. Sweet Gavin. He is my shadow. I cannot make a move around here without Gavin attached to me. And while it's nice to be loved, I find it quite suffocating lately. Plus, he's decided it's time to assert himself and make his wants known. So his newest tricks involve high-pitched screams, dropping to the floor in agony, and banging his head on the closest object in sight (a trick Owen used to do) when he doesn't get what he wants.

So it's a culmination of things really. The aforementioned factors mixed with the daily duties of trying to keep the house in order, fulfill other responsibilities, and have some time (ANY time) for myself has just been exhausting.

I was recently reminded of a phrase. "The same boiling water that softens the carrot also hardens the egg." In other words, I can choose to react positively or negatively to these circumstances. And while I think I've reacted rather negatively thus far (read: wicked witch of the west), I am making a renewed effort to see the positive. I plan to slow down and enjoy this stage as much as possible. I plan to have renewed patience. I plan to not give up. And for goodness sake, I plan to be a carrot.