For those of you who were around and remember Abby's monkey crawl, you'll be interested to know that Noah seems to be preparing to crawl in a more traditional--all fours--manner. He tucks his knees up underneath his tummy, pushes up and bounces! He mostly goes backwards at this point, but one day soon I bet he will head in a forward direction. He is super curious and tenacious, so I think we will have our hands very full with this soon-to-be-crawler. The other day, I peeked into his room during naptime and spied him PRACTICING! He was experimenting with his bounce moves and seeing what he could do. Oh boy.
October 31, 2007
update on the G's family
Thanks for all of your prayers and calls about the SoCal family. Everyone is alright after the crazy fires and evacuations. All of my family's homes were spared (though my grandmother's place has lots of smoke damage to the carpets and walls--soot and a strongly infused smoke smell, which aggravates her lungs). Here is a pic of Noah meeting two of his cousins, Patrick and Jonathan, on our recent trip to see them.
Nanna and Grandpa
We recently had a visit from G's dad and step-mom. We had a lovely time hanging out with them. This was a funny moment: dad loaded Noah up in the Baby Bjorn and some guy walking by said "You'll get the hang of it!" It was cute.
Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion
Here are our kiddos decked-out for Halloween. Abby decided the theme for the year, and Noah didn't object. She's a looker with dark hair, eh? He's a looker no matter what you do to him!
Hoof-Hearted in Lane 1
We are all signed up to run/walk the Davis Turkey Trot in November (Noah will be in his jogger). Here is Matthew "racing" Abby to the finish line. She won. Actually, she ran a whole MILE out on the track in her brand new New Balance go-fasters (tennies). That kid is a veritable Forest Gump. Matthew and I couldn't believe her stamina. I think she should be my running partner; she runs at my speed and can probably run father than I can at the moment. What a gal, our Abby!
p.s. the post title is from a famous horse race...someone named their horse Hoof-Hearted and the horse won, I think. But it is a gas listening to the commentators say over and over again: "Hoof-Hearted in the lead; hoof-hearted in the winner's circle," etc. (read those quickly, out loud. You'll get it).I know this story because of Matthew, of course. Check it out on you tube.
p.s. the post title is from a famous horse race...someone named their horse Hoof-Hearted and the horse won, I think. But it is a gas listening to the commentators say over and over again: "Hoof-Hearted in the lead; hoof-hearted in the winner's circle," etc. (read those quickly, out loud. You'll get it).I know this story because of Matthew, of course. Check it out on you tube.
October 30, 2007
check-up / check-in
We're all fine here--just busy. I'll write more son, but know that Noah's stats are as follows: he is 2ft 2.25 in. tall (50th percentile) and he weighs 15 lbs. 11oz. (apx.23rd percentile). His doc is pleased with Noah's health, as are we. Noah is a little guy and very sweet! He now has TWO teeth (the front bottom two)! No fever from his puppy shots this time! I'll write in again soon.
October 23, 2007
SoCal Firestorm
Please pray for my family. Most of the members of my mom's side of the famiy have been evacuated from their homes; they are all safe and away from San Diego. My sister is staying in Vista in order to take care of horses and dogs (I wish she would get out, but she's a resourceful girl). If you're watching the national news, you'll see Matt Lauer and others reporting from Rancho Bernardo--that's where my Grandmother lives. I'll post updates in the days to come. G.
October 20, 2007
It's a Small World
After a whirlwind tour of Southern California, Abby, Noah and I are back in Davis. We flew to San Diego last Thursday. Friday was a hang-out day at my mom's. Abby and Alec played cousin Wii challenge 2007 (I think it was a tie). Noah spent as much time as possible hanging out with his Mia. He came up with a new sound just for her: the screech owl. It is a *special* sound. He also discovered blueberry applesauce. Thumbs up.
Saturday we met up with the fam (G's Aunt Pat, cousins, their kiddos, and G's grandmother, Mimi, of course) and we were finally able to introduce little Noah! The kiddos played and it was fun to see how big all the big kids are getting!!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: we made our way to Aneheim, went to the Rainforest Cafe, and then did TWO days at Disneyland! Highlights included Pooh's honey adventure (this, according to Abby and Alec), Splash Mountain (Abby's FAVORITE!!), and the tea cups (which my sister kindly went on a couple of times; I can't handle the spinny rides!).
The most EXPENSIVE ride? Certainly the Nemo submarine ride. While in line, my mom broke a tooth on a mickey-shaped lollipop. After the ride, as I steped off the sub (with Noah in my arms), my cell phone decided it had had enough of me: it took the big dive and is sleeping with the mechanical fishes in the depths of the Nemo ride. We're hoping it will be retrieved by the divers and sent back to us, but the chances of it drying our and working are practically nil. If you want to talk to me, you'll need to use email--I'll send you an interim phone number; or you can call M's cell.
Lunch at Blue Bayou and two trips to Cafe Orleans for beneigts (how do you spell that?) and coffee, cotton candy (as sticky and strangely good and gross as ever), you know the deal. The kids partied like they had their grandmother with them, that's for sure. You know how when you were out with your parents (when you were little), and you begged for the glowing bracelets, the toys, the mickey ears, the treats...you thought you'd just die if you didn't get them, but your young parents blew the budget just to get you in to the park (which you didn't understand)? Well, all of that changes when you go with a grandparent. Suddenly your sweet eyes and batting lashes WORK! Abby and Alec were spoiled rotten. Click on the photo to see more pics from the trip.
Saturday we met up with the fam (G's Aunt Pat, cousins, their kiddos, and G's grandmother, Mimi, of course) and we were finally able to introduce little Noah! The kiddos played and it was fun to see how big all the big kids are getting!!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: we made our way to Aneheim, went to the Rainforest Cafe, and then did TWO days at Disneyland! Highlights included Pooh's honey adventure (this, according to Abby and Alec), Splash Mountain (Abby's FAVORITE!!), and the tea cups (which my sister kindly went on a couple of times; I can't handle the spinny rides!).
The most EXPENSIVE ride? Certainly the Nemo submarine ride. While in line, my mom broke a tooth on a mickey-shaped lollipop. After the ride, as I steped off the sub (with Noah in my arms), my cell phone decided it had had enough of me: it took the big dive and is sleeping with the mechanical fishes in the depths of the Nemo ride. We're hoping it will be retrieved by the divers and sent back to us, but the chances of it drying our and working are practically nil. If you want to talk to me, you'll need to use email--I'll send you an interim phone number; or you can call M's cell.
Lunch at Blue Bayou and two trips to Cafe Orleans for beneigts (how do you spell that?) and coffee, cotton candy (as sticky and strangely good and gross as ever), you know the deal. The kids partied like they had their grandmother with them, that's for sure. You know how when you were out with your parents (when you were little), and you begged for the glowing bracelets, the toys, the mickey ears, the treats...you thought you'd just die if you didn't get them, but your young parents blew the budget just to get you in to the park (which you didn't understand)? Well, all of that changes when you go with a grandparent. Suddenly your sweet eyes and batting lashes WORK! Abby and Alec were spoiled rotten. Click on the photo to see more pics from the trip.
October 4, 2007
Some thoughts from 1927
I picked up "The New Butterick Dressmaker" from the library a couple of weeks ago. It is from 1927 and is fascinating to read for its clues into the social and behavioral trends (or instruction/ideals) of America at that time. Here are a couple of gems:
On Maternity Clothes:
"Maternity clothes have two objects: One is to make your condition unnoticeable, the other is to give you every physical advantage possible. If your clothes make you feel conspicuous and awkward, you will shrink from going out and will suffer from a lack of exercise and legitimate amusement which would keep you in a happy, contented frame of mind..."
"At this time you do not want to be conspicuous in any way. You want to look as much like other women as possible so that there will be nothing to draw notice to you."
On Baby clothes:
"All baby clothes should be white, and as fine and dainty as possible. [...] A little baby must be kept absolutely clean, warm and dry. The layette given below is complete and large enough to keep a baby fresh and dainty if one can have constant laundry work done."
On Maternity Clothes:
"Maternity clothes have two objects: One is to make your condition unnoticeable, the other is to give you every physical advantage possible. If your clothes make you feel conspicuous and awkward, you will shrink from going out and will suffer from a lack of exercise and legitimate amusement which would keep you in a happy, contented frame of mind..."
"At this time you do not want to be conspicuous in any way. You want to look as much like other women as possible so that there will be nothing to draw notice to you."
On Baby clothes:
"All baby clothes should be white, and as fine and dainty as possible. [...] A little baby must be kept absolutely clean, warm and dry. The layette given below is complete and large enough to keep a baby fresh and dainty if one can have constant laundry work done."
October 3, 2007
think PINK
Inspired by pink bismuth and the pink amoxicyllin in our fridge (and NOT in the frosting), this lovely cake is my creation from class last night. It looks delicious, and I've probably eaten my weight in pink frosting already. I've decided that I DO like cake decorating. It should be a handy skill in the years to come--lots of celebrations to have!
October 2, 2007
Strep Tests, Fire Alarms, and Overdue Books
Maybe the title gives it all away. Today has been nutty, and it isn't even 2pm. Well, the morning started out well: All of us up by 6:00 am, Abby and Matthew were out the door for school by 7am (Matthew to teach in Stockton, an hour away); Noah was down for his nap by 8 and I was getting research done while sipping my latte. Noah woke up happy and we went to the UCDavis library and the English department to drop off books for a professor. With intentions to take a large stack of books to the Davis Public library--books due TODAY, or we will owe even more than the ten dollars in overdue fines we've racked up--the day unravelled...
I missed an incoming call from Abby's school (couldn't get the cell out of my purse fast enough, as I was just putting Noah down for his afternoon nap). Upon calling back, I was informed that Abby had a tummy ache, a headache, a throat ache and a low fever. I said I was on my way, hung up, and called to make an appointment with Abby's doc. Abbs has had a tummy ache on and off for 4 days now, and that's long enough!
So with a sleepy Noah packed in the car, we got Abbs to the doc by 12:03pm. Abby has a delicate gag reflex, for those of you who didn't know that. Well, the strep test was enough to send her heaving. Twice. The doc got to hold Noah while I undressed poor Abby. After a positive result on the test, we left the doc's office: Abby in my shirt, me in an undershirt (thank GOD for that!), Noah taking it all in and trying to hang in there despite being super tired by this point. I felt too underdressed to trapse through Rite Aid to get Abby's antibiotics and figured I'd call my friend Bronwyn to see if she could guard the kids for a minute while I ran over. She's in a meeting at the moment, but something will work out.
OK--home at last and feeding Abby a very light lunch (plus her milk from the Starbucks drivethrough we visited on they way home from the doc). Noah fell asleep sometime during all of the hullaballoo, UNTIL the knock on the door from the fire dept. checking fire alarms. I remembered getting the notice on the door about this, but now it became much more inconvenient. One cannot check a fire alarm quietly, and I had already requested that maintenance TRY to be more quiet as they install a new water heater in our upstairs neighbors' place. In the meantime, Abby looks pale green and I grab a wastebasket and hold it as she upchucks her pesto pasta salad and Starbucks milk. My second latte of the day is all of a sudden MUCH less enjoyable, and Abby has now taken out two of my shirts besides her school uniform--all of which are in a pile in the hallway. I WISH WE HAD A WASHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the fire alarm woke Noah up and I decided to wait and see if he could soothe himself back to sleep. He did. Deep breaths. Noah is sleeping in his crib, Abby is asleep in our bed. The fire department guys are beeping their way through the whole apartment complex, though the alarms become fainter as they get further away. Perhaps it was because I told him I was up to my elbows in vomit, or perharps he has kids himself, but the Davis Public Library dude gave me a break and renewed (by phone) all but one of our overdue books: "Baby-proofing Your Marriage" must be returned by 10 am tomorrow. Tee hee.
I'm supposed to frost a cake for my decorating class tonight. What a laugh! Maybe I'll just snuggle up to Abby and nap while the kiddos are napping. It has certainy been a productive day, though not in the way I had anticipated. OH! Bron just called from work and will pick up Abby's meds on her way home. Bless you, oh pregnant one. Things are working out and we will be fine. I think parenting is actually harder than getting a PhD. It definitely smells worse.
I missed an incoming call from Abby's school (couldn't get the cell out of my purse fast enough, as I was just putting Noah down for his afternoon nap). Upon calling back, I was informed that Abby had a tummy ache, a headache, a throat ache and a low fever. I said I was on my way, hung up, and called to make an appointment with Abby's doc. Abbs has had a tummy ache on and off for 4 days now, and that's long enough!
So with a sleepy Noah packed in the car, we got Abbs to the doc by 12:03pm. Abby has a delicate gag reflex, for those of you who didn't know that. Well, the strep test was enough to send her heaving. Twice. The doc got to hold Noah while I undressed poor Abby. After a positive result on the test, we left the doc's office: Abby in my shirt, me in an undershirt (thank GOD for that!), Noah taking it all in and trying to hang in there despite being super tired by this point. I felt too underdressed to trapse through Rite Aid to get Abby's antibiotics and figured I'd call my friend Bronwyn to see if she could guard the kids for a minute while I ran over. She's in a meeting at the moment, but something will work out.
OK--home at last and feeding Abby a very light lunch (plus her milk from the Starbucks drivethrough we visited on they way home from the doc). Noah fell asleep sometime during all of the hullaballoo, UNTIL the knock on the door from the fire dept. checking fire alarms. I remembered getting the notice on the door about this, but now it became much more inconvenient. One cannot check a fire alarm quietly, and I had already requested that maintenance TRY to be more quiet as they install a new water heater in our upstairs neighbors' place. In the meantime, Abby looks pale green and I grab a wastebasket and hold it as she upchucks her pesto pasta salad and Starbucks milk. My second latte of the day is all of a sudden MUCH less enjoyable, and Abby has now taken out two of my shirts besides her school uniform--all of which are in a pile in the hallway. I WISH WE HAD A WASHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the fire alarm woke Noah up and I decided to wait and see if he could soothe himself back to sleep. He did. Deep breaths. Noah is sleeping in his crib, Abby is asleep in our bed. The fire department guys are beeping their way through the whole apartment complex, though the alarms become fainter as they get further away. Perhaps it was because I told him I was up to my elbows in vomit, or perharps he has kids himself, but the Davis Public Library dude gave me a break and renewed (by phone) all but one of our overdue books: "Baby-proofing Your Marriage" must be returned by 10 am tomorrow. Tee hee.
I'm supposed to frost a cake for my decorating class tonight. What a laugh! Maybe I'll just snuggle up to Abby and nap while the kiddos are napping. It has certainy been a productive day, though not in the way I had anticipated. OH! Bron just called from work and will pick up Abby's meds on her way home. Bless you, oh pregnant one. Things are working out and we will be fine. I think parenting is actually harder than getting a PhD. It definitely smells worse.
October 1, 2007
HIS FIRST TOOTH IS COMING IN!
We discovered a budding tooth this morning! Well, actually, I discovered it the hard way in the middle of the night last night, when I felt in Noah's mouth to see if the abrasive and rather shocking feeling while nursing him was just my imagination. It wasn't. I had half forgotten about it by the time I felt it again while he was gnawing on my finger today. Abby felt it too! She seems very excited about it, and she got to tell Matthew about it.
No wonder Noah has been restless. We will dearly miss his toothless grin. We wont miss the buckets of drool, but I have a feeling we've got LOTS more of that coming...
No wonder Noah has been restless. We will dearly miss his toothless grin. We wont miss the buckets of drool, but I have a feeling we've got LOTS more of that coming...
me and my first "real" cake
I'm 30 now.
I woke up on my b-day morning with Abby snuggled on one side and Noah burrowed in between Matty and I on my other side. The queen size bed is really too small for us now. Noah did his morning stretch and toot routine and I said to him : "Oh, is that my present! Thank you!" Abby (half asleep) cried out: "I was supposed to give you your present--I was supposed to give you the earrings as a surprise!" Te cat out of the bag, the rest of the morning was spent trying to console poor Abby, who was convinced she had ruined the day by accident. All worked out though; she and Matty stopped by a cute store in town on the way home from school and got me some gorgeous bird and nest stamps, and some Eiffel tower/Paris stamps. Abby also made some lovely drawings for me!
Before having a wnderful Thai (take out) dinner, I decorated this cute little cake, which is here displayed on an adorable robin's egg blue cake stand--my gift from Nonee (Gwenn), my mom's momma. You can see another pic of the top of the cake on my flickr reel (just click on this picture). I was showered with love and affection from my family and friends--cards, emails, calls, well wishes from across seas...how good it is to be loved so much!
The morning after my birthday, Abby snuggled me on the couch and said: "You're just the same; you still just look like a momma." Well, thank goodness I do! I am so glad to be G and 30.
I woke up on my b-day morning with Abby snuggled on one side and Noah burrowed in between Matty and I on my other side. The queen size bed is really too small for us now. Noah did his morning stretch and toot routine and I said to him : "Oh, is that my present! Thank you!" Abby (half asleep) cried out: "I was supposed to give you your present--I was supposed to give you the earrings as a surprise!" Te cat out of the bag, the rest of the morning was spent trying to console poor Abby, who was convinced she had ruined the day by accident. All worked out though; she and Matty stopped by a cute store in town on the way home from school and got me some gorgeous bird and nest stamps, and some Eiffel tower/Paris stamps. Abby also made some lovely drawings for me!
Before having a wnderful Thai (take out) dinner, I decorated this cute little cake, which is here displayed on an adorable robin's egg blue cake stand--my gift from Nonee (Gwenn), my mom's momma. You can see another pic of the top of the cake on my flickr reel (just click on this picture). I was showered with love and affection from my family and friends--cards, emails, calls, well wishes from across seas...how good it is to be loved so much!
The morning after my birthday, Abby snuggled me on the couch and said: "You're just the same; you still just look like a momma." Well, thank goodness I do! I am so glad to be G and 30.
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