Do I remember how this works?

I know, I know, you can't believe it. A posting with actual words, thoughts, stories. I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote. Believe me, the stories, pictures, moments have been there begging to be shared, yet somehow the time has been spent, and the blog has been neglected. Have no fear, we are back and ready to retrace our steps a bit. I believe I left you with my thoughts as I returned to work. That's right, I haven't scrolled down past our cutie in the swing picture to read, didn't want to get distracted and not write. I was too busy trying to make sure I remembered how to login and how all this works. Thankfully, it hasn't been "that long" although some of you fisty readers may disagree.

So back to work it was for me. A little rocky at first, but we got the hang of it... now we are on summer break and would rather chat about that, so let's kick it all off with a little picture of summer. Our two boys are more than happy to have us all to themselves, and what screams vacation more than a day outside in the wagon.

Just a Photo

Work Those Abs

In the world of babies there are many things that are different than the adult world. For example, the phrase "back to sleep". For adults this would refer to times like, "The dog howled at top volume when the paper was delivered. Then I tried to go "back to sleep" for a bit before getting up for work." For babies, this is the all too critical position that we as adults are supposed to lay them in for slumber. Sleeping on their back is supposed to help prevent SIDS. It does, however, have some side effects, namely possible bald spots from rubbing baby head around on mattress, "flat head", and instant waking upon transfer to back sleeping from snuggly, stomach sleeping on warm parent or visiting adult. To help reduce these side effects it is recommended that parents give their babies plenty of "Tummy Time" while they are awake. This consists of laying Mason on his belly to help him build up his strength. Typically, Mason enjoys getting his exercise and apparently, would like to have it more often. One day in the not so distant past, Mason and I went to his room to choose an outfit for the day. I laid him on his back in his crib to "play" while I gathered his duds. I turned around moments later to discover that I obviously was slacking on giving him his tummy time, for he had rolled over all on his own. So far this has been a one time show, but I know he is just saving it up for the right momment to impress us again with his strength and finesse. To help celebrate this accomplishment I will share with you a little Tum-Time montage.

Mommy and Me

Everyone says it is amazing how much babies change in the first year of life for a reason...it amazes me how Mason proves this theory each and every day. Earlier this morning he saw his alien puppet hanging out of the basket by his changing pad and reached up to grab its bright, red antennea ball. He grabbed that guy and pulled him off. This may seem like any old, ordinary feat, but just last week he was merely beginning to control his arms and hands. He would swing at the toys we hung from his car seat randomly, every now and then connecting with them. Then he would be distracted by the realization that he was controlling his hand and focus intently on the waving mitt in front of him.

Today marks the start of our final week of maternity leave. Our 24/7 Mommy and Mason time. Mason has decided to show me that he is working on giving me a bit more sleep to prepare for going back to work. On Saturday night he slept 9 hours in a row...a personal record! So this week I dedicate to him. (Not that the other weeks haven't been all about him, or the weeks to come for that matter.) However, with deadlines, our procrastination seems to have a finishline, a boost of adrenaline, a final sprint. So, as I look to the last 250 meters of this maternity leave race, I see Mason, Mason, Mason. How do I wish to maximize my full-time motherhood, my reign as a "SAHM" with you this week? What shall we do to enjoy our time? The answer is simple. Just be you: surprise me, amaze me, snuggle me and I will feel oh so spoiled. I love you Mason, and look forward to the good times that lie ahead.

Gas, Food... Nipples?

When we purchased our new stove this winter, we were unpleasantly unsuprised to find that it did not quite fit into this old, uneven, sloping, mismatched house. It stuck out into the walkway leaving a teeny, tiny space to get in and out of the oven (the island in the center of our kitchen doesn't really help either. The thing is so big that once I swore I spotted Jack and Kate looking for some way off the darned thing). This led to burned knees and a sore back from twisting to get cast iron pans and cookie sheets in and out of the hot box (My right eyebrow is now a bit shorter from a close call with a hot pizza stone). And so, once again, I was called out of "handyman" retirement to replace the gas line with shorter, more accomodating fittings.


When working with gas, it is always important to consult a professional. Luckily, I had one on hand. At first, I wasn't sure if Mason was up to the job. He seemed distracted by the red of the wrenches and the silver backing of the stove.


However, once I got his attention on the nipples, his professionalism came shining through. Mason proved to be an expert when it came to nipples. He gave me the advice and the confidence I needed to get the job done. Together, Mason and I reclaimed over 2 inches of floor space. My knees were thankful for a job well done, and I even think I felt my right eyebrow raise with a regained confidence.

Mason Gets High

In an attempt to involve Mason in our family meal time, we busted out "the chair." It is, as you may have noticed, a strap-on. I am in love with this style due to the fact that we have little space in our home, and this chair alleviates the need for another baby item invading the already scarce floor space (don't get me started on the amount of times I have been detoured by the behemoth that is the swing).


Mason seems to be at home in his wooden tower. He sat with us for lunch, and gawked at the food we consumed. Here, high above the black, dog hair tundra, Mason practices his table conversation (mostly sighs and occasional high-pitched squeals) and works on his tracking skills (Dad's food on plate, Dad's food to Dad's mouth, Dad's food on plate, Dad's food...oh, please come to me...erg! Dad's food to Dad's mouth...).

However, not too long after being seated, Mason begins to wonder, "What is the point of all this sitting? What's in it for me?!" He begins to fuss, and Mom, with her super-human nursing powers, rescues him from his pine lair


But it's a start!

You Can't Help But Smile

Ok, it has been awhile since I posted on this blog. Jen has been pulling double duty as both SAHM and historian. She has kept this torch burning filling your days and nights with pictures of our babe-o. Thanks, Jen.

However, I have been doing my fair share of parenting too. I have been busy MAKING STUFF. Some might call it an obsession, but there are worse things to become obsessed over (like pointing out that I sometimes end my sentences with prepositions).

I have also taken to giving puppet shows. While I must concede the scripts are not very sophisiticated, I work with what I have, and Mason seems to think they are A-1, top notch! Just see for yourself.

Now, tell me that didn't make you smile!

Happy 4 Months!

February 14th ~ Some are celebrating Valentine's Day, but to Mason it is his four month mark. His latest accomplishments: drooling, picking up toys, kicking with great gusto, standing (with a bit of help), observing his hands and feet, finding out that he can suck his thumb-not just his fist, and noises-ah the sounds he makes. He has taken to talking and singing any chance he gets. He loves to chat on the phone when the spirit moves him, so next time you call you might get to hear his favorite story or song.

Here he is Mighty Mason, oh how he is LOVED!

Best In Snow

January brought about many things...inspiration for knitting, soups and stews, cozy quilts, a visit from Val, and a trip to Tahoe. Mason's first trip to the snow. What could be more winter or January than that? Mason, Val, and I arrived in Tahoe expecting freezing cold temperatures, but were pleasantly surprised. It was January 18th and it had been cold, single digit cold. Luckily for us, it was cold, but more of a Sacramento cold, than a Tahoe cold. We unpacked and settled in for an evening of movie watching, a.k.a. Val and Jen's naptime. After sleeping through our movie, it was time for bed.

Friday morning the adventures began. Mason and I walked as Val went for a run. It was such an amazing day out. Warm enough for Mason in his bear suit.


He hung out in the Bjorn as we walked and snuggled in for a nap as Mom misunderstood the directions and took us on an unplanned detour throughout Incline Village. The plan was to walk along the lake and end up meeting Val at Starbucks. Between the beautiful view, the amazing fences (more on that in a moment) and not realizing exactly where I was supposed to turn, I was distracted and lost track of the time.

Ever since the Winnebago fiasco, I notice fences everywhere.



It's like when you are going to buy a car and all you notice on the road is that car you want, or when you are re-roofing your house in the blazing heat of the Sacramento summer and all you see are rooftops and crazy roofers melting on tar papered rooftops as they work during the hottest part of the day. Okay, maybe you relate to the car thing more, but you get the idea. Now, for me, it is fences here, fences there, fences, fences, everywhere!


In Tahoe, the fences are quite a sight to see. Beautiful ones are in abundance so many a photo were taken.



After I snapped out of my fence-nosis, I realized I probably had been gone a while and should maybe think about motoring over to meet Val at the Starbucks. Misunderstanding the directions, I turned back to head to the coffee shop. At the time, I didn't know I was misunderstanding it all. That realization wouldn't come until the next evening's walk...I knew where the coffee shop was, I just didn't know there was a faster way to get there. So we walked and walked and walked. When I arrived I asked if they remembered a "Val" coming in for coffee. They looked at me like I was crazy. I thought, Val is an uncommon name, I didn't think it was that weird of a question until I realized that they didn't ask for your name when you order at that Starbucks. Feeling a bit silly we headed back home to find our "Famous Val".

Friday evening brought Mark, Leslie, Garrett, Abigail, and Josh for dinner. We enjoyed a home cooked meal and a few too many warm, homemade oatmeal cookies. We all headed to bed with full bellies and visions of snowmen dancing in our heads. (Cheerleader snowmen according to Abigail.)

Saturday morning. Snow Day. Well, the warmer temperatures were perfect for outdoor adventures with a 3 month old, yet not so perfect for an abundance of snow. We wished Val well as she went in search of skiing and after many a minute reorganizing and wrestling with all the carseats, set off with The Wriston Clan in search of a snow park. We we all piled in and ended up on the Mount Rose Highway with a beautiful view and a great spot for sledding and snowman building.



The snow was a bit icy, but that would not stop them. They worked as a team to build the snowman.



Mason was more interested in eating than icy snowmen, so we hung out in the car for a bit and watched all the action.




After his lunch, he was ready for the white stuff. Here he is, of course mom thinks he is indeed the winner of the title



"Best in Snow!"



Family Photo







There were a lot of "firsts" for Mason that weekend including his first slide.



We look forward to many more visits to Tahoe in the future. Until then, we shall enjoy its beauty in pictures.

Bjorning

Baby wearing. That is where it's at! Nothing like strapping on your child and heading out into the world. There are so many benefits to wearing your child: the warmth and snuggles,


the glassy eyed looks of hot mom's checking you out (OK, I know they are checking Mason out, but I take what I can get). There is also the great feeling of losing 17lbs. every time you take off the harness. It makes you feel like "The Biggest Loser."

So, for dad and mom, wearing Mason is the best way to travel. I am not so sure Mason shares our sentiments. First of all, there are the multiple clips, straps, and buckles that must be manuvered into place to assure he stays secured to the parent. This takes several minutes of wiggling and cinching. While Mason is usually a good sport for all these safety checks, I am sure it is not his favorite thing.

Another complaint (though he has never really said anything regarding this) is the view. About 90% of the time Mason is being "worn" the scenery is as follows:


The other 10% of the time is filled with leering strangers, bright lights, and horrific shots of this guy.


Finally, after all the buckling, cinching, leering, bouncing and chafing, Mason falls into a peaceful slumber. Moments later, he is being jostled once again as he makes his way back to the icy carseat. He gives me the stink eye, and, since he is unable to verbalize his aggrevation, he farts!

What Goes Down...

Jen has taken to the malls. I guess this is what SAHMs do all day. Go to malls, feed babies, enjoy the scenic view of Winnebagos roaming the prarie...

A recent visit to the mall procured this delightful video. Enjoy.

B.O. (Blanket Ode)

I love my snuggly blanket.
It keeps me safe and warm.
I like to sleep inside with it,
When, outside, there are storms.

It is so soft and furry.
Feels good upon my skin.
Especially when I'm naked
And it's all I'm sleeping in.

I snuggle in my mommy's lap.
I snuggle on the couch.
I snuggle in my blanket,
While Onyx holds me in his mouth.


I love my snuggly blanket.
I hope to see you soon.
To snuggle up with my blanket,
And snuggle up to you.

The Big Brown Lawn sees some action, up close and a little too personal!

So who says stay at home moms have a boring life????

Read on!

Yesterday (Jan.10th) I was on the couch feeding Mason when I heard some howling outside. It seemed like a different howl than Onyx's, but seemed to be close, so I checked outside to see if he was hurt. It ended up just being the dog across the street. Onyx was not out front, so I went to see where he was hanging. He was lounging in the side yard in the sun. All was well, so I went back to my oatmeal and Mason went back to his milk.

Moments later, I heard a helicopter and police sirens...ah something going down in "'da heights". Didn't think much of it until the house began to rumble. Now I have felt our 70+ year old, raised foundation house rumble before, but that is usually when the washer is a bit off-balanced, or Josh decides to "test" the "shaky spots" of the floor. This rumbling was sounding and feeling like that helicopter was right on top of us. The curtains were closed so I pulled one back to peek out front. As I glanced out, I saw a motor home slam through our front fence pulling it out into the middle of mild-mannered Leonard Ave. A police car followed and I was so shocked and confused. Why did they just run through our yard, were they drunk or something? They would have had to have really slammed through the fence to be dragging it out into the street behind them.

My first instinct was to jump up and lock the door. Then I thought, oh no, Onyx! As I thought of him he thought of me and came running in as if to tell me, "Come quick, you've gotta see this!" I raced him to the back door to close his dog door and then there was a knock on the front door. It was our neighbor, Julie and her mom warning me that I might want to bring Onyx in. I told her I already had him and she left to see what was up. I waited inside with Mason and watched as the neighbors poured from their houses in pajamas and robes. They were talking outside and pointing at the backyard. I went to the bedroom and looked out to see the backyard fence down. That's when it became clear, "Oh my gosh they drove right through the side yard!"

That rumbling was the motorhome driving by, not the helicopter.

We waited inside to see the police officer get out of his car a couple of houses down stomping up and down as the guy got away and his tire was torn from the fence (Josh and I imagine he will be greeted back at the station with cans of fix-a-flat and a "Nice Work POP-PY" banner hanging in the doorway). I eventually went out to learn that the man driving the RV had made it all the way to the river and was now swimming in it. BRRRRRRRRR!

The day continued on with the man getting caught; officers, neighbors, Onyx, Mason, and I walking the property to survey the damages;

photos were taken, and Channel 13 news knocked on our door for Mason's first television interview.


"We've been looking for your fence all morning," the reporter said.

That's right folks, at just three months, Mason would be on TV at five o'clock that evening. Since he hasn't quite figured out the English language I handled the speaking parts of the interview. I was looking completely glamorous of course, no shower, crazy hair, Josh's sweatshirt (thrown on as I got Onyx's leash to hide the grubby T-shirt I had been in all morning). Luckily they chopped down my rambling to a short tid-bit to add to their story.

I actually haven't seen this bit yet. We don't have cable and I don't usually watch the news, so our cousin Tivo-ed it for us. We were hoping to catch it on the Channel 13 website, but they only posted this noon news report.

CBS 13 News

KCRA 3 News

Family and friends, however, saw it and were more than flattering about my appearence.

Josh imagines the whole thing to be a little on the trashy side and prefers to imitate me as... breastfeeding mother talkin' 'bout that police chase that just slammed through her yard. I laughed at it all because it just hadn't quite sunk in yet. I was more that grateful that we were safe, the house was safe, and all that was lost was our not so good looking chain link fence. We've talked about one day changing it, we just weren't expecting that day to be so soon.


Onyx is depressed...his free reign of the yard smashed to a streched pile of chain and bent poles. Today the annoying side of it all arrived. Calls to insurance folk, contractors, and the police department all to find out that the waiting game has begun. The silver lining...I will be getting my exercise as I walk Onyx many times a day with Mason in the Baby Bjorn. Good thing we will be having record breaking low temperatures tomorrow. Sarcasm. Sarcasm. I think we need to invent the indoor dog park. They have indoor soccer, where's the indoor dog park? Good in the hot summer, and cold winter. There it is a great idea...if you steal it from me and make millions just be sure to send us $1,000 of it to cover our deductible.