This is no longer on the inside.

Chores...

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:15:38 GMT

So there's this camper in our neighborhood parked across the alley right behind our apartment. I have seen no less than FOUR kids on THREE separate occasions cleaning the top of the camper in the last month. I'm not even clockin' the place either! WTF?

It brings me back to my trench-digging days. I understand teaching kids about work ethic and keeping them busy in the summer, but at least I never had to redo my chores. How dirty can the top of a camper parked in a driveway get?

I can't help it.

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:45:51 GMT

Sometimes I inadvertently dress myself and Simon in somewhat similar outfits. Mostly it's an accident. But I won't deny it, I love it!

Rob Etc.

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:52:09 GMT

My brother Robbie (he prefers Rob, of course) came to visit us last weekend! It was really nice to see him and show him around a bit. He was in WA for work and managed to stay a couple extra days with us. He won this sweet pair of dice for Simon at the Fun Forest.

We visited Pike Place Market, Seattle Center (Space Needle, Fun Forest), Kinnear Park (nice park in Queen Anne, but I meant to take him to Kerry Park), Kelly Park (stellar views), The Fremont Troll (always a crowd pleaser), Ballard Locks (I love the locks - we saw salmon in the fish ladder and a huge vessel headed to Alaska), Bick's (where the meat and seafood lovers go, Erik and I had yummy veggie appetizers while Rob enjoyed a steak), and Green Lake (for a picnic)!

Simon loves to jump!

What beautiful facial hair you have.

One day, Simon will be as tall, it not taller, than Rob.

Simon was asleep when we went to see the Troll, so naturally, I just set him down in front.

Zonko.

This should be Rob's facebook picture.

On Sunday we volunteered to work the Diaper Free Baby booth at the Baby Expo. It was interesting. It was a gorgeous day, so there wasn't a huge crowd, but we did talk to a bunch of people about Elimination Communication. Sometimes I felt a little weird talking to people about it because "Diaper Free" doesn't really describe what we do. We practice EC part time at home, but we are not diaper free. Sometimes Simon does enjoy some diaper free time, but mostly we potty him when we're changing his diaper and sometimes we catch a pee. We are most successful in catching his morning poo though, which is VERY exciting! So I definitely know a lot more about it than the average person, but it still felt a little odd to be representing, you know? Bah! I'm thinking about this way too much. It was fun, I'm glad we could do it, and I sure hope we inspired at least one person to just try it. It doesn't have to be all or nothing and that I think is a very good reason why we were the perfect people to volunteer. One less diaper to wash or put in the land fill is something indeed.

In other news, we just joined a CSA, Helsing Junction Farm and picked up our first bounty today. YUMMY! I think I ate a pint of delicious strawberries already. So awesome. I really want to make some freezer jam this year, but I think this first batch will be just for enjoying now.

5 Months Old Already!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:14:55 GMT

Can you believe it? Simon is 5 months old already, where has the time gone?

Look at that drool drop glittering on his chin!

And here he is singing with his Daddy.

I'm off to go pick up my brother. He's here on business and was able to squeeze in a few days with us! Yippee!

Today

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:50:00 GMT

Simon slept like crap last night, like after nursing for the better part of 4 HOURS Erik had to swaddle him up good and tight, bounce him on the exercise ball, and shush him to sleep. Just like the "good old days". My mission today was to tire him out! So, in honor of summer, I took him to the Mount Lake Terrace swimming pool for the first time. He looked so cute in his swimsuit (swim diaper/speedo), I'll have to take a photo another time. Anyway, he LOVED it! I was not too sure how he would react, it was loud and there were tons of kids there, but he was just interested in looking at everyone and swimming in the pool. We mostly hung out in the lazy river and he giggled and swam around. I nursed him before and after swimming and then he crashed hardcore, for most of the afternoon. I sure hope he sleeps well tonight...or maybe he won't. I just felt the tip of a tooth!

Zoo

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:24:28 GMT

I saw a baby gorilla today, and she made my day.

Just two things on my mind.

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:45:59 GMT

1. I know an awful lot of Mamas who have had a cesarean birth...it's interesting and a little too common for my tastes.

2. I want a Kitchen Aid mixer. I've been checking Craigslist for a used one, but most of the listings seem to be about a 45 minute drive for me (one way). It almost makes more sense to buy a new one...

Yeah!

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:55:01 GMT

So, um, Simon really doesn't sleep all that well and against everyone's advice and my own better judgment, I have NOT been sleeping when the baby sleeps. So to celebrate, I made myself a new userpic, instead of taking a nap. That seems rational right? Maybe the lack of sleep is taking a toll...

I went to my favorite record store yesterday and it was the first time I got a CD for everyone in the family! The Futureheads for Erik, Wanda Jackson for me, and Rockabye Baby lullaby renditions of The Cure(!) for Simon. I sure hope he likes it.

My cousin Cindy and her husband Kambrell are here looking at apartments. They'll be moving here in August. Yay! We can always use more family in this neck of the woods.

It's gorgeous outside so we're going on a walk. That needs to be on record since it's been so chilly lately.

Simon is 20 weeks old!

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:14:34 GMT

He recently started scootching. This here video shows a little bit, but he is a little camera shy. Afterwards he scootched about 5 feet! I think of it as crawling on your back. If it's a little too long for ya, you can see his beautiful smile around 2 minutes. He also likes to stick his tongue out a lot. I like to think that he is tasting the world.

And here he is trashing the place:

Here it is!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:36:52 GMT

My breakfast this morning:

This is one of my favorite breakfasts: hot tea, banana, home made muffin, and almond butter.

Morning Glory muffins always make we want to sing, "Rise and shine and give God your glory, glory..."

I'm pretty sure I can't justify spending $100 on yarn.

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:56:07 GMT

I am in love with this blanket.

I really like "The Funky Monkey" color scheme. It would take me HOURS to make (although it would be super easy mindless knitting), but come on! Who spends that kind of money on yarn?!

Simon loves his Daddy

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:37:53 GMT

It's raining. (not men)

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:01:17 GMT

So here's a rainy day activity.

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Weekends are for lovers...er...families

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:04:28 GMT

This past weekend was so much fun! Erik took Simon and I on a Mystery Date to the Squid and Ink for brunch and then to Seward Park for a bit of hiking in the old growth forest and walking along the lake. Then we had gelato at Sweet On You - a new sweet shop in our 'hood. All my favorite date components - good food, fresh air, beautiful scenery, hooray! On Sunday divarenee took us to the Museum of Flight to see their Style in the Aisle exhibit - all about fashion in the air. It was spectacular! Did you know Pucci designed some uniforms too? Amazing! I think I might need something along those lines for Halloween...or just for everyday wear.

Anywho, here's a picture of the family at the Museum of Flight a week before Simon was born:

And here's one from this weekend:

I guess that plane is out to get us!

I'm not ready!

Sat, 31 May 2008 04:56:38 GMT

Simon and I went to visit thesynergizer and her son Ben today! It was fun - we had a picnic, went on a walk, ate wild berries, hung out, and had a great time! In the middle of all this merriment, Suzanne informs me that Simon is too big for his car seat. She read the height limit to me from the sticker on the seat - 26". He's 28" now. Shit, dude! We need a new car seat now!? I mistakenly thought this seat would last at least 6 months...but no. The next one would be a convertible seat, which means I can't take it out of the car...so quick trips to the library and the post office mean I have to take him out of the seat and carry him inside, even if he's asleep. It is so convenient to carry him around in the car seat, ESPECIALLY when he's sleeping. I'm going to call my uncle, the car seat specialist, and see what he thinks. I guess I've become pretty dependent on that car seat.

Rollin' with the homies

Thu, 29 May 2008 18:17:32 GMT

Simon rolled over! He actually rolled back to front when he was only a few weeks old, but that was always on the bed towards the boob, so I don't think that totally counts.

It was a little challenging to get a video of him rolling over, but here's what you get. Maybe I'll manage a better one later.

Also, here is my favorite video response to the last video of Simon from his cousin Jackson. My favorite part is when he calls Simon "Cute Buddy!".

4 Months Already!

Sat, 24 May 2008 03:16:27 GMT

Simon had his 4 month Dr. appointment today. He weighs 16lbs 6oz, he's 28" long and overall he's looking good! He cried so hard after getting the shots, it was horrible. I was finally able to calm him down and the rest of the day was great. We went to Sears to return my Lands End swimsuit and I ended up buying him some new clothes for the summer - complete with pirates, spaceships, and submarines! So much cuter than all the stupid sport and puppy dog (?) themed stuff. I realized that was the first time I really bought a bunch of new clothes for him since he was born!

For the fans

Thu, 22 May 2008 20:40:53 GMT

Simon rockin' out in his Baby Legs.

Pirate Party!

Another Simon video! This time he's doing the majority of the talking.

Videos

Tue, 20 May 2008 22:51:42 GMT

Here's a video of Simon from today. He was super chatty, until I tried to videotape him. Ah well. What can you do?

Also, a local news segment on EC with members from my Diaper Free group: http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=245901

This and then that.

Tue, 20 May 2008 21:13:08 GMT

So, I'm assuming since Erik left me a whole box of cookies that they are all mine, right? I mean, he would have taken some to work if he wanted any, right?

This past weekend was great. We went out to brunch with friends on Saturday and then spent the afternoon lounging in the grass at Volunteer Park. Simon was 1/2 naked and loving it! We did a bit of the EC outside too. We managed to "catch" a few pees and "miss" one pee - and it was pretty funny. He was laying on the blanket and peed - so imagine a nice ark of pee from the center of the blanket onto the grass. It was so nice to just sit outside and relax (especially since 'lil Mister hasn't been sleeping so great and consequently neither have I). It was also 94 degrees outside. Iced tea weather - yum! Sunday was mellow and stressful (largely because of the sleep deprived state I was in), but I got my chores done.

WTF Airlines?

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:59:19 GMT

$1,000 for us to go to MN in July?? Are you kidding me? We've never paid close to that - even during Christmas!

Vacation Photos

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:49:26 GMT

The happy couple, Cindy & Kambrell!

Mom & Simon

Hanging out on the church lawn.

Nan, Jessica & Josephine

Jessica & Papa

Papa

The Family

Cathy & Ed

Ed & Joe

Papa, Joe & Nana

Erik & Simon, sucking on their hands

Jasmine, finishing off the sparkling cider

Cindy & Ed

Missy, Cindy & Jessica

updates...

Mon, 12 May 2008 18:20:19 GMT

There's so much to report, it's a little overwhelming, so I'll just write a little bit...
We just got back from a visit to CA for a cousin's wedding. Simon was absolutely wonderful the entire time. Seriously. I attribute most of this to the fact that I successfully nursed him while riding in the car. He was in his car seat and I was buckled in and I just leaned over and nursed him. It was nothing short of amazing in my eyes. We had two long car rides to and from the airport and they would have been horrible if I wasn't able to nurse him, so yeah! Other than that he was mostly smiley and happy and content to be held by his Nana, Nana Great, and Aunty Cath when not being held by Erik or myself. We also did a bit of EC on the trip too - which was very nice and kind of unexpected. I wasn't sure if he would be into it, but there were many times when he very clearly had to go and would rather not have to go in his diaper. It was sunny and nice so he even had some outdoor naked time! The trip was too short to get in some good visiting time (you know, with a baby around and wedding things to attend to), but it was a long enough time to be away from my bed. I slept pretty good last night and I needed it.

Lazy Sunday

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:57:01 GMT

OK, not really. I was trying to finish a bag for a swap when Erik informed me that he and Simon were wrestling! I had to see it for myself.

Also of note: Simon "slept through the night" last night! Which means he slept for a 5 hour stretch before waking up! Unfortunately, I stayed up late knitting so I really didn't get to fully appreciate it. We're experimenting with nighttime diapering. I believe he's waking up a lot at night because he's wet and in my sleep-deprived stupor I just keep giving him the boob when what he'd really like is a dry diaper. So last night we had him in a Bum-Genius diaper - he woke up less, but his PJs were wet in the morning...so I'm thinking that diaper plus a wool soaker would be awesome. Gotta get knittin', yo.

Diaper Free, Baby!

Sun, 04 May 2008 03:39:30 GMT

Today we went to a Starting with your Newborn meeting with the Diaper Free Baby group. It was really great to meet a couple parents that had just started and to get some tips. I tried it tonight with Simon and I caught two pees!! Yeah!!