To the love of books! (and an escapee in Powells)

Eli does love books.
He got some new ones for his birthday.
And some had flaps.
He looooves flaps.
So I made a little box for his books.
And now he wants to methodically remove the books, look through them, and sit in the box.
And I guess his love of books extends to their source... Powells.
He ran and ran and ran around the same aisle until I was getting dizzy chasing him.
He squealed as he went.
Then he was scooped up and back to the home we went.

Lunch playgroup

I've been really enjoying my involvement in the family network at Ohsu. I've met some awesome moms who are fellow travelers on this medical training journey. And with family in tow. We meet periodically and today was a great little cafe spot that is very kid friendly. Oh, and not photoed because I left my phone in the car, but Eli drove his first trader joes mini cart through the store on a quick errand. It fit him pretty well (bar was at his nose, but he pushed just fine) and we got LOTS of looks and comments from people who thought such a little person doing such a good job steering was cute. Maybe next time with daddy so one person can shop with babe and one person can really shop.

Playdate pdx

Look mom, I can drive for you

I've got this key thing all figured out!

some fall photos

So thankful for a couple of clear, even sunny days.
The daddy around here is on night shifts.
Not so much fun with a noisy 1 year old in a 1 bedroom place.
But he's so patient and can sleep through most of it.
Eli's letting his parents know that with his new 1 year old status came some strong opinions.
About what he likes. And doesn't like.
When he wants it. When he doesn't want it.
And while I'm thinking (hoping!) it's mostly just a rough week for him...
What goes through my mind is "how do I stop the baby from making that shrieking noise?"
But then we go on a long walk in the leaves.
(Notice his scrapes/scratches... it was bound to happen. He is becoming so fearless).
And I realize again how much this parenting thing is about the ups and downs. About patience, love, strength, and consistency to ride it all out. And a heavy (heavy) dose of grace.
We have rough patches. But then we emerge.
And we come home and I put him down in the bedroom next to his sleeping, tired daddy.
But before I lay him down I just sit and rock his limp, sleeping body because I need that. I need that sweet face with closed eyes. I need that little body cuddled next to mine. I need that calm. That peace. And then I lay him down. Phone calls to make and dishes to clean and dinner to prepare...

coffee + a treat

Watching Eli happily play is always a treat. So was my yummy gluten free chocolate cupcake. And my latte. It was a nice way to get out of the house together.

Learning to slow down, to simplify, and to find time for the people that matter most... these two.

Introducing the 4th member of our family...

Bear!
(you thought I was pregnant didn't you?)(smile)
Bear is the size of a human so we count him as one...
And Eli loves him like a brother. Or, well, he loves him when he's in the mood to.
Anyways, clearly the largest, most space consuming birthday present.
And member of the family for that matter.

Happy Halloween!!

From one ferocious bear...

(who won't be getting any candy).

Sleepy head

I love this guy.
When he's all sleepy after a long nap.
And he smiles.
With his sheet lines on his face.
And his messy hair.
And he's all cuddly and sweet.
The best.

Long walks in the rain

Today we confirmed a very important thing: the rain cover works great on the stroller. And the boy seems to like it.

Let the rain walks begin!
(I didn't convince Moon I needed chic rain boots for nothing).

A Korean dinner

We decided that all the gloomy rain and sickness that have been getting us down were reason to get out of the house for dinner. To a favorite Korean spot. Eli loved it. We all ate yummy food. And some of us even got to chew on some bone...

Looking at these pictures makes me see up close just how blessed I am. How I love spending time with my favorite guys.

the first birthday (continued)

there was a slideshow of pictures.

it was fun to see how much our little guy has grown. 

as things were winding down we pulled the balloons for the kids.

eli just wanted to run around holding them.

happy first birthday to you, my love!!