life of leif

change of digs

2008-08-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

We are moving!!!

Since we are graduating from trio to quartet, we needed a little more space. Everything is still the same, and I'll be filling in the holes over the coming weeks.

(and no, sillies, we aren't moving houses. click THIS GIANT LINK for the new website.

Kids & Other Pets

beating the heat

2008-08-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

We spent a lovely Saturday afternoon at the "Raging" river. More like a trickling brook, but it served us well with coolth.

The hike down.

The boys served lunch.

Frolick.

37 weeks, 5 days.

week 37ish update

2008-08-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

With a little foresight and patience I could have NOT been pregnant in August. Alas, when I want a baby I want it NOW and here I am sitting in 95 degrees of dry wall dust, chicken poop, and tears.

Baby simply can't come today, tomorrow, or in the next 6 days or so. Wednesday is our last day of work on the remodel. Period - I don't care if we don't have a toilet. It needs to end. We've currently got a nearly there new upstairs bathroom and refinished bedroom, but the rest of the house is in a state of suffering. Boxes and boxes of new furniture, paperwork and clutter in every corner, and a naked dirty summer version of Leif flitting about. I'm just too hot/miserable/swollen/tired to do all that much, but the nesting instinct is still as strong as ever.

Whoever is in charge, please let this baby stay in, let those worker men finish their work, and let me have at least 2 days of good uninterrupted nesting before it all comes crashing down again.

Today I have also promised to take some very pregnant photos of myself, given that I can find one beam of flattering light and a hairbrush. Stay tuned.

bucket napping

2008-08-13T14:59:00.002-07:00

Sometimes he won't sleep at all. Other times he likes to sleep say, in a bucket strapped to a dolly.

river rat

2008-08-13T14:59:00.001-07:00

tree climber

2008-08-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, a new era has dawned. We now have a tree climber on our hands.

at long last

2008-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Coming home from Boulder were thrilled to find the first 3 eggs from the chickens. Yipee!

They were small and the most divine shade of pale olive green - cracked open they had brilliant orange yolks.

boulder

2008-07-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

We are home from our annual summer trip to Boulder. A week with family, naps, yummy food, and time in the yard.

football stars

2008-07-29T08:17:00.001-07:00

Auntie Gianna brought the cousins some jerseys from Argentina. Cuteness ensued.

little boys

2008-07-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

So, Britton is cleaning the house while I'm slaving away at the printing press. Leif has managed to remove all his clothing, get some blueberries, and fanagle some WonderPets (see fig.1) out of his Dada.

fig.1

Britton comes into the living room where Leif is sitting on the couch with a big wet spot next to him.

"Leif! Did you pee on the couch?"

"No, Dada."

"Why is there this wet spot?"

"I didn't pee on the couch! (momentary silence)...I peed in the blueberry cup and then it spilled. It was an accident!!!"

In case you are wondering, yes, the couch has washable covers. And yes, I am also very excited about the prospect of a neat, clean, tidy little girl. Just like I was.

more nesting

2008-07-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

Just bought a beautiful new poster for baby's room:

summer in the garden

2008-07-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

The garden is where Leif and I mill about for at least 2 hours a day...here's a random collection of pictures from the veggie garden.

Borage flower. You can eat these! Tastes mild, like cucumber.

The unfinished coop (still needs the rest of the siding and trim). Leif's sandbox is the wooden box (the lid is closed). Burlap umbrella to protect his tender skin.

Purple Cabbage

Yay for garlic! Leif helped harvest 2 sets of the 12 we planted last fall. That gives us about 150 heads of garlic for the year - if you want some just let me know. We also dug the first baby potatoes! Purple and Red.

Potatoes were turned into this: butter, garlic, dill, salt. Oh la la.

sun valley

2008-07-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

Leif and I just returned from 6 days in Sun Valley with Papa Jeff and Baba Melody! We joined friends Art, Christine, and 3 year old Nils for a week of hot, dry, and sweaty. Mr. Dada stayed home and worked worked worked on the remodel - thank you. Leif did great on the 10 hour drive each way...watching Robin Hood, eating snacks, looking for radio towers and combines. We were so impressed. By the end we both really needed to be home in the garden and with Britton, but overall it was a fast and fun trip.

The first day was spent going to the 4th of July parade in Hailey, swimming at the pool, and then checking out the rodeo. Day 2 was mountain biking 6 miles up to a lodge for lunch - you've never seen anything more hilarious than a group of bikers consisting of one Grandpa riding with grandson in a trailer eating carrots, one gigantic pregnant lady getting sunburned, one Dad with a 3 year old on the tandem trailer, and 2 normal ladies picking up the rear and helping push up the big hills. At sea level perhaps a normal sight, but at 6800 feet it was more on the comedic side. Leif and Nils got along most of the time (except when there were sticks and rocks involved) and kept each other amazingly entertained.

Day 3 was another bike ride to throw rocks in the creek and check out some swans. Day 4 was a gorgeous hike through aspen groves and wildflowers. I felt really good (although I required a nap in the afternoon) and had less puffy feet than normal so perhaps the altitude and the exertion were just what I needed to get through another week.

We are so happy to be home, this morning we picked raspberries and the last of the strawberries and are getting ready for some hot kitchen canning.

(P.S. Thank you for all the well wishes on Luna's birthday.)

32 weeks

2008-07-01T12:03:00.001-07:00

SAPNW 064, originally uploaded by miya-hime.

Got some henna! Three pregnancies and this is the first I've gotten around to it...Thanks Carolyn!

happy 4th birthday!

2008-06-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

We miss you, big sister.

domestica

2008-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Shelled fava beans from the garden. Parboiled and pureed with ricotta cheese and basil. On grilled bread. *hungry*

Nesting project #1. Finished sewing 18 bamboo prefold diapers. Can't believe I mastered the serger! Thanks Nana!

cousin Sarah's wedding

2008-06-22T15:26:00.001-07:00

Miss Sarah is now a Mrs.! Wishing she and Joseph a relaxing honeymoon and forever after...Leif made his debut as a ring bearer.

New member of the Family! Introducing cousin Jackson with his other cousin Khari.

First row as a married couple.

the deer story

2008-06-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

"Go away deers! Eat your own flowers!"

Good thing Leif was there to scare off the deer, otherwise Nona wouldn't have anything left of her garden.

good morning

2008-06-19T10:13:00.001-07:00

ebey for the day

2008-06-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

It really was a perfect day.

27 weeks

2008-06-09T15:49:00.001-07:00

Here you are:

chit

2008-06-09T15:45:00.001-07:00

hand hand finger thumb

2008-06-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

Third trimester, here we come!

2008-06-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Only 88 days to go! Ha.

Now that I'm 27 weeks we are officially into the really pregnant, somewhat grumpy, slightly uncomfortable, why is 9 months so long stage. According to all those junk sites here is what is going on:

"Welcome to the third trimester! If your baby was born in week 27 of pregnancy, he or she would have a 90 percent chance of surviving. This period of pregnancy from 27 weeks onward is known as within the period of fetal viability.

Keep in mind, though, that there is still a lot of development that will occur during the next 13 weeks. When you're 27 weeks pregnant, your baby measures about 9.6 inches crown to rump, and weighs a little more than 2 pounds. Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 27 weeks pregnant includes the following:

- The network of nerves to the ear is completed
- The baby takes some breaths, and although breathing in water, not air, it is good practice for the lungs
- Eyelids begin to open, and the retinas begin to form
- Your baby may be able to recognize your voice and your partner's voice."

What they fail to mention is that your brain will officially begin to hyperventilate over the lack of cleanliness or organization in your life. So, in the time between now and labor day (Sept 1st - the official "due" date) we need to finish:

- One upstairs bathroom from studs to tile
- One downstairs master bedroom
- One baby sister's room
- One chicken coop
- Etc, Etc.

Leif is getting very excited about "my baby sister!". He tells me about getting her milk, feeding her apples, and being so generous as to give her his bed while he sleeps with us. Thoughtful, that one. He is mostly ready for her arrival, he's been out of diapers for a couple of months and has been sleeping (mostly) in his little "big boy!" bed for the past week. Only a couple of midnight wandering events. He is also starting a pre-school program in September for part of the morning and is already asking why he can't go now.

He also ominously told me "Mama, it's okay. The doctor is going to cut your belly and take the baby out. But that's okay. Then we are happy!". I have no idea where he got this idea - I have yet to even see a doctor for this pregnancy! It still freaked me out a bit. Reading into every little thing would be silly, right? I mean, this is the same kid who told me "At night, I get bat wings and fly to Nona and Granddad's house and you miss me so much but then I get scared and fly home on the airplane". Gotcha.

I suppose I should take some pregnancy pictures. Maybe later.

Wish I'd said it myself.

2008-06-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

In the beginning there was woman.

nobody here

2008-05-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Chicken Update! (and one soon to be lonely rooster)

The chickens have been such a nice addition to the homestead. We have 12 total and they are quickly leaving their adolescence and heading into adulthood. In the morning we let them out of the coop and they spend the day scratching around, fluffing in the shade, chasing each other and keeping a lookout for Leif.

Unfortunately, one of our Ms's turns out to be a Mr. He has a very crackly crow, imagine a twelve year old boy alternating between a tenor and a falsetto. Not quite sure what we are going to do with him. I tried Craigslist, but all I got was some responses that sounded like they were either very excited to A) eat him or B) fight him. Have any ideas? We can't keep him, I like my neighbors too much.

Said Rooster.

Here is the Egyptian Fayoumi almost grown up:

And Chamomile is developing her 'do;

The other chickens find her somewhat hilarious - they love to pick on her. Here she is with a prized worm trying to get away from the mob:

I love watching the chickens mill around, it is almost like staring at a koi pond. Leif, however, prefers a more mischievous approach involving sneak attacks and kung fu kicks. He says "Mama! I'm gonna catch a chicken now. You watch me." He hasn't quite succeeded.

more mustard fields

2008-05-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

springtime

2008-05-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Even though today is drizzly, the change in weather has been such a gift. Rainy cold winters didn't used to faze me so much, but the addition of a housebound and crazy 2 year old changes everything.

Last weekend it was in the mid-to-high 80's. BBQ's, lawn mowing, and lots of weeding. Felt like a different planet.

The river is really high from all the snow melt. Normally on a hot day we would wander down to the river where it is cooler, but there have been sheriffs out keeping us away. For our safety, I suppose.

Here is Snoqualmie Falls:

choice bits from boulder

2008-05-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

"I'm an epiphyte!"

"Hey Granddad.....(yes?).....Hay is for horses!"

"I was at the playground. Using the digger. Moving some rocks. Then I was done. We came to Nonna's house. The deers were eating her flowers. I have a stick. I say "GO AWAY DEERS! GO TO YOUR HOUSE! GO AWAY DEERS!" and they run away to their house and eat their own flowers."

fields abloom

2008-05-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we travel to Boulder. Yipee!

tulip "queen of night"

2008-04-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

worker man

2008-04-25T17:18:00.001-07:00

This boy is good about his "ear tection"

mulch pile

2008-04-22T08:45:00.003-07:00

hours of entertainment:

boring

2008-04-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

mama's birthday

2008-04-18T20:11:00.001-07:00

We spent Tuesday driving out to Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. Did I mention Leif is an excellent traveller? We were so impressed.

It rained, but we stopped at beaches for some poking around and treasure hunting. I found piece of baleen, no joke. How's that for a lucky birthday present?

nana's birthday bash

2008-04-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tea Party Spread

Gorgeous little Petit Fours from Dragonfly Cakes

Leif's Great-Grandmas

Resting after the party (Baba + Nana)

Leif helped blow out the candles.

calling all engines

2008-04-11T18:16:00.001-07:00

Happy 80th Birthday Nana!

conversations

2008-04-10T20:20:00.001-07:00

Today Leif was telling me about all the people who love him.

"Dada loves me. Nats loves me. Tita Lindsey loves me. Bebe Tone loves me...." Etc.

Then, he remembered.

"I have two Papas."

Referring to my Papa (his great grandfather) and his Papa (my Dad).

"One old Papa. One...new Papa."

I guess if one Papa is old the other Papa must be new.

"Well, the new Papa is old, too."

Ouch. Sorry Papa #2.

-------------------------------------------

On seeing some cows out the window on the way to Grandma & Grandpa's house.

"Look! Cows! Milk comes out their butts! You use a bucket! And gloves! There are flies!"

So thoughtful. Followed up by a moment of silence and some serious thinking.

"Where are their meatballs?"

At which point I had to explain that only Mama cows make milk and the Dada cows...well...have meatballs.

downward dog

2008-04-07T16:33:00.001-07:00

daily leif

2008-04-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

suave

2008-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

something's missing...

2008-04-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

baby sister

2008-04-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

As of yesterday, Leif is getting a new baby sister.

Well, more like as of September 1st.

But yesterday we found out it's a girl, and she is just the right size for an 18 weeker. She has all her fingers and toes, and most importantly she has zero signs of anything skeletal or spinal being amiss.

Leif is talking to her. He tells me everyday, "Mama! Your belly is bigger!". Yep, sure enough.

Only 22 long weeks to go, I'm so looking forward to a summer with Leif in the garden. Prepping our nest and savoring this amazing time for our family.

mt si

2008-04-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

It has snowed 5 of the last 6 days. All over our cherry blossoms and daffodils. Please stop.

egg day

2008-03-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the egg hiders! Happy Easter!

(photo credit: Nats)

chick update

2008-03-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

They grow so so fast! Many of the chicks already have little pin feathers, quickly replacing their downy sweetness with speckles and splotches. Personalities are emerging - some bold, others hyper or calm.

One died on day two. Alas, I figure that is why when you order 25 they send you 27. Still, not pleasant. I've sold all but 12, since owning 25 is beyond insane. Our lot is 1/2 an acre, not a farmstead.

Here is Chamomile. She is a mottled houdan. Sweetness. She almost died the first night, but with lots of sugar water she came around. She is still the smallest, but not really phased by those bullish Aracaunas or the flighty Fayoumis.

When she grows up, she'll look something like this.

bloom time

2008-03-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

We all have joy in our hearts -- school is over, spring is sprung, baby is kicking!

clay + fingers

2008-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Leif likes to make "sculptures". These are little twisted bits of clay he arranges on plates, stepping back to admire his work. It's so interesting to me that he likes to make things so micro, maybe it's normal?

A finished work.

special delivery

2008-03-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

The post office called at 6:22 AM. Come get these chicks!

Gotta take a quick peek.

Checking the temp. They need 90!

"Hurry Mama!"

Dipping their beaks in water first.

It's really crowded in there.

Pet gentle!

First portrait of a chicken as a young man.

I think this is a white blue andalusian.

He's already a pro.

Leif likes to "listen" to the chicks. Then he tells if me they are "happy!" or "sad." I'm not sure what he is listening for that tells him this.

the day has come

2008-03-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm home from LA (trust birth conference, more on that later). We all missed each other very very much. We are all very very sick.

and...

They are here! 27 little cheepers, happiest sound I've ever heard. Pictures to follow.

spring fever

2008-02-29T19:13:00.002-08:00

Please forgive. Class is almost over (only that final to worry about!). Excuses, excuses, I know.

It's been busy around here! We have a couple of new projects up our sleeves...the whole garden is all torn up with new plantings, and our new CHICKEN COOP!!! is almost finished. Did you read that correctly? WE ARE GETTING CHICKENS!

As in 25 chickens. On March 10th. 1 day old chicks, of the following breeds:

(8) Araucanas
(2) Golden Laced Wyandottes
(1) Buttercups
(2) Golden Campines
(2) Egyptian Fayoumis
(2) Blue Andalusians
(2) Black Stars
(2) Rhode Island Reds
(1) Crevecoeurs
(1) Golden Polish
(1) Mottled Houdan
(2) Cuckoo Marans

I don't know how in the world I'm going to tell who is who at first, but they should all be pullets (girls) and hopefully no roosters. In preparation we've had the most gorgeous little chicken coop built, I'll dedicate a whole post to its beauty.

Here are some actual photos of Leif playing. Back on topic.

Climbing the mulch pile.

Testing out the new chicken run fence.

Looking for mycorrizhae.

finally, some respite.

2008-02-29T19:13:00.001-08:00

notes

2008-02-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

"Rainbow Poop!" (I'll let you guess on that one)

"I like her. I want her."

"That Mama has a baby! She pushed him out!"

"I miss Auntie Gianna. I miss Granddad. I miss Nona. I miss Santa."

Pointing out a pig driving a limo in Cars and Trucks and Things that Go!:

"That pig is sad...That pig is dangerous...Has a knife." (What? have you been watching the Sopranos or something?)

My name is Leif and I am two years old.

2008-02-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

So...Tantrums.

This is a fun new development, one I knew was coming. I was vaguely hoping that our *superb* (sarcasm! sarcasm!) parenting skills would guide Leif into a calm and complacent toddlerhood. Alas, not to be.

He's always been strong willed and very vocal, but it's nothing compared to the last couple of days. When told "Nope, sorry" for basically anything he launches into this painful shriek. Followed by blowing raspberries while red in the face. Finally flopping himself onto the ground while pumping his fists. It is honestly the most hilarious thing I've ever seen - and I do my best to not laugh out loud.

This morning it happened on three occasions:

1) He wants to eat my waffle. The exact same one he has on his plate. I say "Leif, there is your food. This is my food. Don't touch it." He pushes his plate away and starts screaming. Oy vey.

2) We are getting in the car. He insists on driving. I say "Leif, you can't drive the car. Sorry." More convulsions, screaming, and spitting of raspberries. Hello? I'm arguing with my two year old about him driving the car? Isn't this a bit premature?

3) At the grocery store. He wants to get some cheese. I let him get one and put it in the cart. He wants another one. I say "Leif, just one cheese. Put the other one back." Screaming, fish flopping on the floor, trying to hit me in the face. Onlookers gasp at my lack of parenting skills.

I'm not interested in the "ignore it" philosophy. I think we feel pretty good about being firm with whatever issue is at hand and then helping him learn how to calm down. I try to think of it as an opportunity to explore anger and frustration - God knows I throw tantrums often enough. Being out in public is difficult, but that is nothing new.

Britton said something to me the other day that made me happy:

"I love seeing him throw tantrums. It's like he is really there, actually present, with his willfulness and unwillingness to accept something is out of reach. He isn't broken!".

And it's so true. I know it's going to be a hard phase to survive with our humor and patience intact, but if I can survive 18 months of no more than 3 hours of sleep at a time then I can definitely survive tantrums.

all dressed

2008-02-10T19:04:00.001-08:00

This is Leif's first "outfit! new outfit!" picked out all by himself. He seems very pleased.

(all big and stuff over here).

fun day

2008-02-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Today was fun for two reasons:

1) Somebody took his nap. I don't know what was different, normally I lay him in his little Leif bed and then I sing him some songs and make up some stories and he is out pretty quick. If he doesn't fall asleep right away, then I lay down on my little foamy mattress and we just have quiet time till he eventually (or simply doesn't) fall asleep. Then came the nap chaos of the last few weeks, and today it was back to normal. I wasn't able to have him fall asleep with books, but when I layed down on my bed I told him in my most firm voice: "Leif, NO talking. NO moving. Quiet Time. Close your eyes." Not mean voice, just no nonsense voice. Sure enough, I think he was so shocked he just layed there quietly for 10 minutes till he was snoring. It was heaven. We both slept for 2.5 hours.

2) Then we went to: KiDz BOunCe!!!! Which, in case you didn't know, is the most awesomest place ever. Especially if you are two years old and 21 pounds. And for $6? I wish it was open every day. They had a drop in from 4:00 - 5:00 and Leif played the whole hour at mach 10. All the kids tower over him, but he can't seem to be bothered. Climbing up the giant slide ladder he was a little slow and when the 10 years olds are antsy to pass him he just turns around and stops. Tells them "Back up! Leif's body!". And they do. When we left he was tired and happy, then he ate 8 pieces of salmon sushi & a piece of mochi ice cream for dinner.

Did I mention Survivor is on tonight? H-E-A-V-E-N.

the end is near

2008-02-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

I'm crying just imagining it, but I think Leif is trying to drop his nap. I mean my nap. I need that nap.

For the last couple of weeks he does not want to nap - period. It takes like 2.5 hours for him to fall asleep, if at all. By 7:00 PM he is a little drunkard, walking into things and spewing nonsense. We just put him to bed and he sleeps a full 10 or 11 hours. If, by some strange chance, I got him to nap during the day (stroller, car, strait jacket) he won't sleep a full night. Waking up a couple of times, then getting up around 5:00 or 5:30 AM.

Anyways, here's to hoping it's just a little phase. May the universe love me and keep him napping for at least another year. Please.

Any ideas??

last couple of weeks

2008-01-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Between my class (ahem, 7:30 in the morning 4 days a week), a strange case of fatigue, the endless relentless winter, and the beginning of wedding invitation season...my posts have been less than frequent or spectacular.

Here's some random photos from the last few weeks.

Wet Rosehips from Saltspring.

Baa!

Miss Michele

Tree Delivery

Mr. Finn

goof

2008-01-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Not to be all doom and gloom - staying inside requires us to get silly.

doldrums

2008-01-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's still winter here.

Woke up this morning to more snow. You'd think we'd be excited about this, but keeping your 26 month old entertained for this endless winter is a serious challenge. Leif does like the snow, but the concept of gloves or not stuffing the fluffy stuff down his overalls seems to evade him. Even he has been missing warmer weather - he was just telling me about eating blueberries in the garden.

I know spring is just around the corner, I just know it. I can see the little tulip tips trying to be optimistic. I suppose we should be too.

presenting

2008-01-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

backwards painting.

this special technique involves hiding behind the easel and painting by feel.

skiing

2008-01-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks for documenting Melody!

All dressed.

Papa Jeff hauling Leif.

Getting in Line.

Go Faster, Mama!

Good times had by all.

25 Months or 2.0833 Years

2008-01-05T21:10:00.000-08:00

Bonjour Leif,

Now that you are over 2 years old, I suppose I could stop counting in months. But that would feel unnatural. I remember when you were minutes old, then days, then weeks, then months. Skipping ahead to years would be too much too soon.

On Thursday and Friday we took you skiing, and let me quote:

"I love it!"

And yes, you really did. You rode in the backpack while I or Dada or your Papa Jeff skied. Melody took pictures and cheered us on. The cold was kept at bay with about 6 layers of clothes, helmets, and goggles. We were all so impressed with how much you dug it. You finally fell asleep and I lugged you back to the cabin, and upon waking all you could say is "Do it again!". Don't worry, I think you have lots of skiing in your near future.

Now that you're officially in the "terrible twos" (whatever that means) you are a little more moody. You fluctuate between tender, sweet loving kindness and boyish destruction. Your imagination is also sprouting up here and there - yesterday you told me all about your special fish that was blue and how you put it back in the water. All while holding your hands cupped about some air and whispering.

Later on we were inspecting my newly bloomed amaryllis and you tried to put it in a choke hold. This is what I mean when I say "destructive".

That incident aside, yesterday evening you said something to me that I will always treasure. I'd just taken a shower, blown out my hair, and put on a clean shirt. I walked up to you to scoop you up to go out to dinner and you just stared and stared back at me.

"So beautiful, Mama. You're so beautiful".

Dada and I just cried and cried, we couldn't believe it. Thank you.

Love,

Your Mama

eyelashes

2007-12-31T09:15:00.001-08:00

ice skating

2007-12-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

He loves it!

"Faster!"

christmas in boulder

2007-12-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

We are having a quiet and lovely little holiday.

early christmas

2007-12-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the Washington portion of our Christmas, before we head down to Boulder on Saturday.

The highlight was when Leif got a train set and proceeded to ignore all of us for about an hour. He has never been so absorbed with anything!

Spinning Top. Damn hippy Christmas lights.

Leif would like you to know that opening presents is so exhausting.

hair

2007-12-14T13:23:00.001-08:00

After the all serious TV talk, some lighter fair. I mean hair.

This is Britton when we met. Hopefully Leif will be blessed with such a generous fro.

Mama got a new wig. I mean, haircut.

Leif's is staying put, by popular demand. Democracy is a good thing.

confession

2007-12-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

I just ran across this article and it reminded me to write this post about TV.

When Leif was under 1 year I was so passionate about him not even seeing a flickering, brain rotting, seizure inducing, IQ lowering television. Between the ages of 12 and 24 months I was still firm in my stance: TV has no place in an infant's or toddler's vocabulary. My instincts, research studies, the AAP, and even my neighbors agree on this.

Then when we all three had the flu last month, we let Leif watch a Welsh claymation show called "Fireman Sam". He sat on the couch snuggled between us, with some freshly washed grapes and lots of tissues and was in total heaven. He adores Mr. Sam almost as much as Uncle Nats.

I felt so so confused - why was I letting him watch this? Why did he love it so much? I'm sitting with him and talking about what he is seeing, so it's okay, right? He's going to see it someday anyways, so why not with us? What happened to my iron will? Where are my "natural family living" values?

As a kid, I adored MTV. Starting from when I was about 3 or 4. We had a satellite dish way out in Granite Falls (thanks Dad!) and it allowed me to personally identify with the likes of Ms. Lauper and Def Leppard. Other than a penchant for really tasteless pop music, I don't think it did any real damage. Unless you count seeing every year's MTV VMAs since 1984 as "damage".

But I'm still not sure. Leif *begs* for Fireman Sam when he is bored, and I'm so scared he is going to become attached to it. I can't stand whining for anything! I'm afraid that I won't be able to resist the urge to let him watch when I really need to "get something done" like make dinner or finish my phone call. We are officially in Pandora's territory and there is no turning back.

This sort of touches on a theme that has been running through our parenting discussions lately...By limiting your child's exposure to something (TV, candy, electronic toys, crappy music) are you helping or harming? If you deny these things, you create an unquenchable thirst. What about cultural context? Will Leif be able to relate to his peers later on if he isn't exposed to the same things as everyone else? If you allow access (even limited) you deal with all the natural repercussions. I suppose like most things, the answer is somewhere in the middle.

I'm sure you can tell that we're not settled on this new TV development, and I'll keep you posted about where we land. In the meantime I'm going to try and relax a bit on all these tough decisions (why are there so many!!) and just let things be.

Raccoon in Forest

2007-12-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

On Halloween, Leif's preschool did their class photos. They were considerate enough to bring a set to match Leif's outfit.

Note the socks almost off, the friendly turtle, and those giant shrooms. It's a little bit of a trip.

Hey, Santa.

2007-12-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Since this is Leif's first *real* Christmas (as in, he can at least look forward to it) I am realizing how complex all this Christmas lore is. I've tried explaining it to Leif, and it goes something like this:

"So there's this Santa guy? He has a red suit, white beard, big belly, black boots, red hat, white gloves, and he says "HO! HO! HO!". He lives in the snow, and brings presents on sled pulled by Reindeer (one whom has a red nose and is sort of a loner), slides down the chimney and puts them under the tree and in your socks. We can visit him several times if you'd like to talk to him, but most kids send IM's. Try to be good or you won't get anything at all. Just coal. Jingle Bells! Batman Smells!"

Anyways, Leif just looks at me like I'm totally crazy.

But, he has figured out that this Santa dude brings presents. Yesterday we went to a local mall (that happens to have a Kid's museum) and I warned Leif that Santa would probably be in there. I asked if he'd like to talk to Santa about anything...

"Santa. Bring Presents! Toys!"

"Yep, Santa brings the Christmas Presents. Is there anything you would like?"

"Toys. Trains. Trucks. Leif likes trucks. Mama talk Santa."

So apparently I'm supposed to pass along the message to Santa about the trains and the trucks, but when we get up to Santa Leif has no problems at all telling him all by himself.

Leif says:

"Santa, Leif" (I think he is introducing himself?)

"Presents, Leif. Toys. Trucks. Trains." (Leif speaks of himself in the third person. Not creepy till you're 5 or so.)

"Santa! Black Boots! Belt! Gloves!" (Yes sir, he is the real deal.)

After we take the picture Leif spots the candy in the basket next to Santa.

"Candy Cane! Leif like Candy Cane! Candy Cane! Please! More! Candy Cane!!!!!"

So he gets his Candy Cane and we go happily on our way.

2 years

2007-12-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

weight: 20.75 pounds
height: 31.5 inches
head: 19.25 inches

snowday

2007-12-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday was lovely. We woke up to about 2 inches of snow! Sunday was better, there was about 10 inches. For the birthday, a nice little collection of friends and neighbors came over for beer and cake. Leif got a firetruck! Pure joy.

Outside was a little cold. (this picture reminds me of this one.)

At least it is warm inside.

Leif's first snowman. He insisted on a carrot nose. It fell down, because where we live it likes to rain after it snows.

Candles!

birthday

2007-12-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Leif -

It was two years ago that you slithered into our arms and hearts. Your gaze was intense and hinted at the person you are now - curious, mischievous, focused, and so very very Leif.

Would you like to hear your birth story? I'm sure I will tell you this every year, but on this second birthday it is more poignant than ever since the snow is falling for the first time this year. Just like the morning you were born. This week I also helped 3 other Mama's push out their babies, and in their eyes I remembered so clearly the work I did to bring you here.

The day you were born was the day I officially gave up on being pregnant. It was 5 days before my due date and I stopped all my nesting activities and went for a pedicure with Melody instead. I remember the salon girls just gasping at how big I was - but the pedicurist had children herself and looked at me fondly. She spent most of her time working my calves and pressure points on my foot, I'm convinced she put me into labor. During that day I realized you might be coming
soon, although my only physical clue was that all my Braxton Hicks contractions had stopped.

(right where I'm standing is where you were born)

That night I tried to go to bed around 10:00 PM, but I had trouble sleeping. Finally around 1:00 I managed to doze off, only to be woken at 2:30 AM with a punch-pop sound. Like someone plucking a guitar string deep in my pelvis. Just like with your sister. Same time, same way. I had spent days wondering about how I would react if that happened again, and had even visualized trying to stay calm. For some reason during the pregnancy it was my WORST fear that my water would
break spontaneously while in bed and it would send me back to a terrible place.

It didn't.

Instead, I hopped out of bed and scurried to the toilet to try and keep things neat. Who wants amniotic fluid all over everything? I got my first contraction right away, and I forgot all about being worried. I loved sitting there, knowing that you would soon be born and for a few moments it was a secret only you and I shared. After another mild one 2 minutes later I called for Britton to call the midwife and our doula, Carrie.

Our midwife asked for Britton to take 20 minutes and time some contractions, then call her back. I already knew that they were every 2 minutes, but was afraid of having her come too soon. The funny thing is that your Dada found a second hand watch, handed it to me on the toilet, and walked away. Apparently I was supposed to time them myself. I sort of chuckled and tossed the watch aside, since I knew things were on their way.

The rest is a blur, the tub lady came and set up the birthing tub, Carrie arrived, midwife and her assistant arrived, my parents came. For these 2 hours or so I labored sitting upright on the floor leaning against the wall, at some point Britton slide behind me for support. I was able to use our hypnobirthing work, and I hear that there was awhile where nobody could tell I was having contractions. Contractions were every 2 minutes, lasting one minute, with a minute off for my entire labor. They just gained in strength. I switched how I was coping often, sometimes being totally silent and limp, and other times really letting loose. I found it mentally exhausting to be silent, and physically exhausting to be vocal so I tended to switch between the two.

By around 6:00 the tub was full, and I managed to get on my hands & knees, and then into the tub. I could barely walk the ten feet into the bathroom where we had set up the tub. I can't imagine getting into a car while in active labor. No way. The tub was fantastic for about 10 minutes, then the contractions really started to tumbled over one another. Looking back, it was clearly transition. In about 10 more minutes my body started to push, which really surprised me. I thought for sure I was only half way done with labor, and I thought I should wait to push. Then I got my first internal exam of the entire pregnancy and was informed I could push if I felt like it - complete!

Pushing was a relief, I could finally do something to help move things along. I believe that I pushed through about 8 contractions, then got really serious about getting you out. For some reason I thought that there was a quantifiable amount of pain I needed to get through, so the faster I did it and the more it hurt the faster it would be over. I don't know if this theory is true or not...

While I was pushing I remember seeing your Dada sitting across from me, looking eager and a little shocked. Your Papa Jeff had made a great mix of Indian and ambient music for the iPod, and the midwife was swaying to the music. Carrie just watched me quietly, sometimes asking me to drink a sip of water. I wanted no talking, no moving, just silence and stillness. Pica kept batting at my hand hanging over the tub, and trying to climb in and see what all the fuss was about. Every once and awhile I would look up the big skylight over the tub and I could see that the light was coming, and day was about to break.

You weren't really moving down much, no matter how hard I pushed. Just stayed put. Something happened though in one contraction, I just pushed your head all the way out into my hands. No crowning, no "ring of fire", no stretching. It took everyone by surprise, including myself. Everyone jumped up, Britton reached in the tub to guide your body out, and you were born. So fast! It was 7:00 AM.

You were alert right away, sort of grey, but pushing up on my chest holding your head up and taking a look around. You stared right at me! After a few eternally long moments the MW touched your mouth and you took a breath, and let out a few whimpers. You staying on my chest for the next 30 minutes or so, until the placenta was born and we could move to the bed. We got tucked into bed for your newborn exam and monitoring. You were silent, just looking around with your big eyes and nuzzling on me.

Your apgars were 9 & 10, 7 pounds on the dot. Maybe a little less, it was dark when we did the weighing. Just as everyone was packing up to go home (around 9:00 AM) the snow started falling. It was a beautiful day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Leif Snowcloud! I can't wait to see what you do this year.

thanks, thanks, thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

It was a frosty morning.

Almost turkey time.

Nana working with Mr. Snowcloud.

Granddad Keeping Leif calm.

The feast!

MMmmmm. Poached Pears.

Mama + Grandma digging in.

Dada looking handsome.

Auntie Lisa Entertained Endlessly

Leif managed to run off all the gluttony.

Verdict = In

2007-11-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

Drum roll....

We're not cutting the hair. Clearly, the public has spoken loud and clear.

I think I better get handy with a comb and some product. Leif might need a little more persuading to let us actually wash his hair, but we'll work on it.

Happy Birthday Stone

2007-11-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Toddler + Cat + Sock Monkey Jammies = Good Morning Stone!

Stone is One!

busy

2007-11-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Recap for the last couple of (busy!) days:

Practiced Brushing of the Teeth:

Finn's glamour shot:

Picked some Radishes:

Ate some "Spicy!" Radishes:

Nats gave Leif a good chasing:

Did a little naked painting:

I think that's it.

to cut or not to cut

2007-11-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Leif has an appointment on his birthday (Dec. 1st) to get his first haircut. But we aren't totally sure about this.

See, originally I thought we would never cut his hair. Or at least not till he was around three. I imagined him with lots of curls or thick long hair, but neither of these fantasies have come true.

Instead, Leif has fine wispy hair that almost doesn't grow at all. And instead of being curly, it just tangles and mats up on the back of his head like the softest little mohair throw. He has some long sections that stick out, not quite thick enough to curl. All in all it is just a total messy nest.

So we thought that a little trim might clean things up a bit and at least let his hair grow in more evenly. What do you think?

There is a poll over there >>> for you to tell us what you think. Totally anonymous, so don't be shy. It will be up for a week.

new toy

2007-11-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

Mama got a new toy. As in a new lens. Much excitement and clicking today!

Brace yourself for lots of boring flower shots. (more new stuff at flickr).

friends

2007-11-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

"Leif, are you going to see your friends at school today?"

"Harmon. Pushing. Sit Down!"

"Do you see anyone else?"

"Sam. Running. Around around."

"Anyone else?"

"Madeleine. Kissing. Hugs."

I see. Then he continues.

"No biting. No kicking. No pushing friends. Hugs and Kisses."

Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes.

emotional stuff

2007-11-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

Over the past year our Parenting 101 class has really ramped up. I'm relieved that the hazy days of round the clock nursing and sleep anxiety are fading into the distance, although they have been replaced with a whole new realm of "discipline" and other weighty decisions.

In so many ways I would just like to wing it.

"Leif, this is just how we are and you're stuck with us!".

But I'm not quite that secure. So, in the spirit of self improvement, I've recently finished reading Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman.

The premise of the book is that in addition to teaching your children how to walk, talk, and pick up after themselves you also teach them about their emotions. This involves understanding how you feel about your own emotions and then being able to identify the emotions your child might be having. From there you work to help you child label, understand, and communicate how they are feeling.

At the heart of the concept is empathy. All feelings are acceptable, although all behaviors are not. Watching our children struggle with strong or negative emotions can be really difficult, we might want to help them "get over it" by distracting them, minimizing the situation, belittling them, or telling them to "stop crying". Gottman argues that not teaching our children how to become familiar with their strong emotions (through acknowledgment and comfort) can result in behavioral and emotional problems.

Leif is still on the young side for many of the techniques discussed in the book, but some of the ideas still apply to us. Mostly Gottman reaffirmed that our job is still to "toddler proof" certain tough situations like sharing toys. Keep Leif rested and well fed. Be familiar with normal toddler development and keep our expectations in check. Acknowledge when he is upset by helping him to understand why he is angry, sad, jealous, or frustrated.

In our day to day life I think this means being a little more patient. Not permissive, that's a whole other topic. Listening closer, "Where is this whining coming from? Is he bored/overwhelmed/cold/annoyed? What is really going on?". Just trying to fix the situation without taking the time to understand the source and could give Leif the message that I don't approve of him feeling X, Y, or Z.

Of course, I'm summarizing a whole book in a few paragraphs, so I'm skimming over a lot of the finer points. I think it will take another read or two next year to really sink in, but it was a good place to start. Hopefully I can use what I need from it without double triple checking my every move. I still think that parenting instinctually is our ideal, but supplementing a bit from all those Ph. D's can't hurt.

geez, mom.

2007-11-10T14:53:00.001-08:00

relief

2007-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

Life is back to "normal". Meaning Leif is running around, Mama is chasing, and Dada is back at work. Thank goodness.

sick-O-s

2007-11-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

This household is sick sick sick. Not in that good raunchy way, but in a fever throwup chills influenze type sick.

Leif got it Friday night, Mama on Sunday night, and Dada tonight. Britton stayed home today and hung out with Leif while I rested, at least we seem to be recovering pretty fast. Hopefully Leif can do his normal thing at school tomorrow morning so I can help Britton rest and clean up around here.

Honestly, we haven't had it this rough in a long while. I know it will pass and in a couple days everything will be okay, but this is really hard. It reminds me of when Leif was a newborn and we spent days holed up inside with our distorted sense of time. Considering how fast that went, I'm sure we'll be over this in no time.

more mouth poop

2007-11-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

I think Leif has been sneaking out at night to lick the floor at our local emergency room. How else can you explain the number of random illnesses he has had in the last three weeks?

After we all recovered from the ebola-like Paris nastyness, he caught a doozy of a fall cold. Green gooey snot, crusty eyes, and a rattling cough.

Four days later and he had a painful coxsackie virus in his mouth, which caused him to have like 20 of those inflamed little tastebuds on the end of his tongue. He screamed, and screamed, and screamed.

Now that that subsidded like five days ago, last night he started throwing up and has a sizzling fever. He threw up every 30 minutes from 8:00 PM till 4:00 AM and is now sitting on the couch with his pink cheeks and watery eyes.

Since he is 28ish days from being a whooping 2 years old, I've broken down and let him watch a little TV. The boy is sick people! A little boohbah won't ruin him forever. I know it will rot his brain, and probably make him autistic, but to see him smile even a tiny bit right now is fanstastic. I hope he doesnt' start to ask for it, because that's just not happening.

Hopefully he'll get through this quickly and be back to his normal tiny evil self.

moowahaha

2007-11-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our first halloween in Fall City. Yee-ikes. We handed out close to 400 pieces of candy (or I should clarify - Jeff dressed as scary old warty dude handed out 400 pieces of candy) to the parade of trick-or-treaters.

Leif is almost ready to retire his raccoon costume, considering he has worn it daily for the last week or so. We practiced, first with the makeup, then the hat, then the "raccoon jammies". Our inspiration was "cute but evil" so raccoon fit perfectly. It was my first sewing project since I was maybe 7? I used a lamb pattern, but made up the ears and tail based on my roadside observations.

Someone did, however, have his first candy experience. Short of his eyes rolling back in his head and having ecstatic seizures, he did pretty good. After eating it he told me "I like it". Huh, weird. He even slept through the night for the first time in months.

My parents (Papa & Melody, or Papa & Baba) came over to help make dinner (thank you! thank you!) and help set up. House got some serious lighting, masks were donned, and the festivities started off with some meatloaf.

The House

Raccoon!

The kids had to walk up to this thing:

Mama zombie, Butcher/Pumpkin head Uncle Ian, and a cute raccoon.

Scary? I don't think so.

On the hunt for candy.

Sunday Hike

2007-10-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we joined Chris, Heather, and Gabriel for a hike up Denny Creek. The boys did great, besides the whole no nap thing. They actually play together! And bicker over toys and sometimes hold hands.

They HAD to have sticks of equal size. Of course.

Pumpkin Party!

2007-10-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

The whole set is over at flickr, click here silly.

Photos credits for the party go to Mr. Timothy. I was too busy getting my party on.

Month 22

2007-10-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Sha-Sha,

This past month has been pretty intense. For one, we hauled you half-way around the earth to a land of slides, strollers, trains, and pigeons. You are a great traveller, mostly because you are still managing to exist purely in the moment without looking forward or backwards. You don't get upset when the plane is late, or when the park is closed, or when we run out of money.

However, you do get upset about other things. Just in time for Halloween you have learned about "scary". So far you think two things are scary. 1) Bats. 2) Cat Statues.

Your fear of bats is really all my fault, and I've already embarked you on a bat desensitization program. See, it all started one late night when we were eating dinner outside on the terrace in the medieval town of Beynac. You had lasted through a 2+ hour dinner of Perigord specialties like duck kidneys and fig jam. A bat was flitting about near a street light and you asked if it was a bird. Maybe because I had too much wine, or maybe because I'm a bad mother, I replied, "No, it's a bat. Don't go out there, because the bat might bite you on the neck and suck out your blood".

You screamed and said "Pick me up!", hugged my neck, then yelled "Bats! Scary!".

I don't know what I was thinking. Of course you understand everything I tell you, even more. I explained that, in fact, we really like bats. Bats are like flying mice and they're very very soft and beautiful. We've been drawing bats and looking at pictures, and I think your anxiety is finally subsiding.

As for the cat statue. I've been searching for you a nice gentle night light. I finally found one, an orange glowing life size cat with a lightbulb on the inside. Gorgeous! Except for that it makes you cry to be alone in a room with it, and you refer to it as "scary kitty cat statue". Oops.

What you don't think is scary is skulls. You like them. I even tried to explain to you that skulls are like heads with the skin peeled off, and you just nodded like you already knew that. Today on our way to school you sang about "Skulls! Rainbows! Skulls! Rainbows!".

I think your most brilliant moment this last month is when you had the dreaded sickness we all managed to have when we got home from Paris. After you woke up early in the morning and tried so hard to throw up (only to choke and cough) you said to me "Mama, throw up...mouth poop". Yes, I suppose throwing up is a lot like mouth poop. Only slightly more disgusting.

Love,

Rachel Mama

Pumpkin Harvest

2007-10-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of our pumpkin carving party this coming Saturday Leif and I headed out to the melting garden to pick all the pumpkins. (Click on the pictures for more info).

Leif helps wash.

Inspecting the finger fruit.

Whoo hoo!

Franklinia Tree

first joke

2007-10-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

I know humor doesn't always translate to blog form, but I'll give it a shot anyways.

This morning Leif "got" his first joke. We were all sitting on the couch after breakfast, cuddling and looking at Finn licking himself clean.

Leif says, " Oh no! Pica-Finn hurt!" (Pica-Finn is the universal title for both cats).

Britton says, "No, he's not hurt. He's just cleaning himself. That's how cats do it, they lick and lick till they get all the dirt off."

Leif Blinks.

Britton Continues, "Hey Leif, why don't we do that? Next time you need a bath, we'll just start licking you clean!"

Leif snorts and start chuckling. Even a little eye roll.

shopping confessions

2007-10-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

While in Paris I thought I would conquer the city in terms of shopping. I dreamt of leather patents, wool coats, new tights. However, the crazy prices and strange hours of operation sort of shut me down - I didn't come home with a single new piece of clothing.

I didn't come home empty handed, however. And neither did Leif.

Kids shopping in Paris is utterly fantastic. Near our apartment their were at least 4 little shops with Moms inside, sewing and designing the most amazing wardrobes for enfants. If I had the cash, I would have bought Leif a whole new wardrobe. Instead, he got 1 new shirt, a tie, and two pairs of shoes. And a backpack.

I think I should also take a moment to describe how beyond well dressed the French children are. Wool, silk, leather - not a sweat pant or tee-shirt in sight. Then again, their children are playing in a well coifed park and mine plays in the wood pile and river.

Some of my other favorite kids stores:
Zoa. Tuuli got some vintage tights from here.
Lilli Bulle.
Happy Garden.
Milk on the Rocks.
ieboutique.com.
Coquelicot...Paprika.

Tie from Wowo (www.wowo.fr).
Handmade Shirt from Liza Korn (www.liza-korn.com).
Snail Backpack, I don't know. One of a kind.

My purchases:

Vintage Locust Postcard

Tea Towel

Mushrooms + Pinecone

And my favorite, a rubber vase from Bensimon.

flickr

2007-10-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Added some old photos to the flickr account.

I think I'll try and slowly migrate the shepard family album up there over the next couple of weeks.

*********

edit:

I used to own a Nikon D70 (I was very happy with it, till Leif broke it), then upgraded to a Canon 5D about 3 or 4 months ago. Also invested in a good flash, which has made all the difference!

harvest time

2007-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

The bounty! Leif loved spending the afternoon wandering the woods, finding, picking, cleaning, and sorting the chantrelles. Then he ate them for breakfast with some leeks and eggs. Good boy!

If you'd like to go picking this week, just email me! Afternoons work great for us...

Whew!

2007-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

I just sat down and culled out nice little set of 200 Paris photos from the 500 or so I took. Eek!

I also broke down an started a Flickr account, since I'm just not up for hosting all those pictures myself. I think I figured out how to upload and organize, but if you have some requests on the layout just holler. I'd recommend using the slideshow option for the HD experience. I'm hoping the comments option will be loved :)

And a couple of my favorites, just because.

Click Here for Paris Photos.

Fall City

2007-10-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

We are home!

The trip back to Fall City was fairly straight forward, except for that Leif only slept around 1.5 hours of the 11 hours in the plane. Oh, and right before takeoff I discovered I had some sort of fantastic rotavirus. Lovely.

Seriously though, Leif did great on the plane. Except for a soon to be legendary encounter with customs it was all perfectly boring.

I can't even tell you how beautiful it is here, sunny and full of fall. Today we are taking it easy, doing some small chores and making meals while I rest and Leif jumps on me.

I'll start going though photos to make (hopefully) a not-to-long vacation photo album.

Tuesday in Paris

2007-10-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

We returned from the Perigord yesterday via the train. My parents dropped us off on their way to tour the rest of France and beyond and we headed back to the petit apartment.

It is nice to be back in Paris, the first couple of days were so rough in terms of sleep and being overwhelmed. Now the city feels more normal and approachable. We've got a grip on how to do things that work for all of us.

We woke up around 8:30 and Britton went outside to grab a baguette and new coffee. We all had bread with butter and cassis jam, yogurt for Leif and coffee for us. Then we got dressed and packed for the day. First stop was the covered market, where I did dinner shopping (pork roast, black potatoes, garlic, carrots...all headed for the roasting pot) and Leif and Britton had some slide time at the park.

Then we headed to the 10th arrondismant where I tried to do some shopping and the boys checked out another park. Shopping for me was a failure (most of the shops were closed for lunch) but I found a gorgeous little shirt and a tie (!!) for Leif near Canal St. Martin. I'll have to post some pictures with him modeling...

We met back up two hours later at predetermined café and Leif fell asleep in the stroller just in time for Britton and I to set into some lunch. Croque Madame for him, Perigord salad (foie gras on toast, magret, and extraneous duck bits) for me. Creme bruleé and espresso for desert.

Then we set off for Sacré Coeur with Leif still asleep, but he woke up in some random Tunisian neighborhood. We finished the walk up on the hill - the basilica was beautiful but I had no idea it was such a tourist trap! We escaped into another park for some more slides and pigeon chasing before leaving to go Montmartre cemetary. I found the cemetary beyond chilling, the smells in there were just undescribable. Full of crows, magpies, and feral cats (although really FAT feral cats).

Back into the metro for a ride back to our neighborhood and a quiet dinner inside. Leif likes his bed here and is sleeping well now, I made dinner and Britton did laundry.

Bath in the Apartment

Slide!

Cemetary

Avenue Rachel

in the beginning

2007-10-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who had ideas for the airplane ride. I think we used almost all of them!

We packed a little red suitcase (a Christmas gift from Baba) full of toys, a couple new ones wrapped in newspaper. The biggest hit was a little firetruck which plays some soft songs and has a ladder, which Leif is still enjoying driving around. I think the toy which lasted the longest was the modeling clay packed into a small tupperware container. We make animals that eat each other, roll snakes and soccer balls, and take impressions off things all around. I think I'll add to the set with some "knives" and other molds and the like.

About half way through the flight we did jammies and stories and Leif eventually fell asleep. I didn't sleep a wink however, because he kept needing help staying asleep with some patting and rocking. It was a long flight, but we made it eventually. I'm not looking forward to the flight on Saturday, but knowing we've done it once makes it less intimidating.

pépé

2007-10-09T00:28:00.000-07:00