Snap! Click! Baby!

You're Driving My Nuts! and other cute things my 2 year old says

2012-01-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

We were preparing dinner and Cash wanted to help but was really just getting in the way. I really wasn't at the end of my patience, but I jokingly said, "Cash, You are driving me nuts!" and he responded, "You are driving my nuts!" Which in honestly, I do every day!

Whenever Matt and I are talking to each other and not to Cash, he says, "Talka me." (Talk to me).

We made something (I can't remember what it was) and Cash exclaimed, "It's delicious mama!" Which is incredibly precious coming from that little mouth.

Cash can properly pronounce (and use the following words): rhinoceros, elephant, delicious, cooperate, gross, frustrated and a bunch of others that I'll add here as I think of them.

I love 2 year olds!

Best Date Night Ever (with a 2 year old)!

2012-01-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Cash and I had a little date night. Matt went over to a friends house to watch a football game so I told Cash that we were going on a date. To start off, we walked (he triked, I pushed) to the school park and toodled around looking at the creek and monster equipment that is set up right now (they are installing solar panels at the school). He slid down the slide once but went through a puddle of water, so we headed back. It was adorable because I asked "Donde esta la luna?" and he pointed right at it, though I asked again and I don't think he thought he actually understood what I was saying.

Then we went to Panera for dinner. On the way there, out of no where, he said "I love you so much." Tears, I tell you and the highlight of my day. At Panera, he was generally well-behaved, especially for a two year old and especially after drinking a very sweet hot chocolate (my little treat for him).

We read book in Mama's bed and sang two songs and he went down to bed. Just after I left, he said "Where are you mama and prite (Sprite)?" and I just couldn't help but go in and tell him that we were right here and would see him in the morning. It's now 8:15 and I still hear him tossing and turning but he's been quiet ever since.

Matt reported the best day with him too. 2 is sooooo much fun. I love it!

A Fun Day in the City and home

2012-01-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

What a fun day! (With no photos to prove it).

3rd day of vacation after 2 days of working on home projects with Matt led us to a day in the city. We had intentions of spending the entire day in the city but plans changed.... Here's a rundown of the day:

Cash to School
Home to Ready
Out of the door at 9:45, in the city by 10:30. Parked at Guerrero, rockstar style, near Tartine.
Awesome breakfast- croque monsieur, croissant with ham and a morning bun
Walk around the Mission, stopped in a thrift store (no finds)
Walked through Dolored Park
Pit Stop at Bi-rite creamery
Then we decided to head home!

Nap time!
Got my toe nails did!
Picked up Cash
Baby shower
Now Matt, Ron and Jimmy are just finishing up a jam session in the living room!

What an awesome day!

My Man, My Outdoor Shower!

2012-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

Matt worked on this project (his dream project) all over winter break. I got to enjoy a nice soak yesterday. Here are some shots:

Struggling in 2012...

2012-01-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about 2012 and all that it entails to ring in a new year and I am struggling with a word. A word in inspire me through the new year, to focus on improvement/betterment/etc.

Here's the current struggles:
Finance: I struggle because we make enough money to live and enjoy life, but not enough to not worry. In 2012, I'd like to relax a bit more about our monthly expenses but also be looking forward to saving for bigger plans (not in 2012- like a kitchen renovation)

Family: I have really enjoyed living in the moment in 2011 and will continue to do so. I struggle with balancing time to myself and time with family and time at work.

Self: I love to blog, facebook, read, design, dream but I struggle with balancing that with family and productivity time.

Organization: Part of me says "Organization!" It's the way to go and part of me says "Who cares!" I think more organization will take a lot of effort on my part but would alleviate some struggles on a daily basis (what to do with dinner, where to find that, storage/house stuff, etc).

Memories: I struggle with living in the moment, and capturing it all and getting it down. I love to look back on the year, but haven't found a project to stick with throughout the year.

Job: I struggle with balance on getting projects done, keeping caught up with my daily work, asking for what I need and being detailed enough. Also struggle with leaving work at work. Yet, I really enjoy my job most days, which means checking in from home is actually something I look forward to nearly each day.

The words that I've tossed around so far are "peace "(it was on a candle I was gifted and it seems like a sign, but I have yet to make sense of that sign), "organize" and "live." Perhaps another word will come to me. Perhaps I'll start to jot things down here so they stop swirling in my head.

House Project update

2011-12-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR. Need to finalize.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money-researched-no savings to be found :(
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage-Made Book instead
* Scrapbook projects
* Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar ~~Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!~~
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      * Things to add: ~~paint wainscotting~~, ~~touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor (decided not to), paint trim/pieces~~, ~~install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower,~~ hang shower curtain rod,
      * New additions: ~~Hang Medicine cabinet~~, ~~install~~ final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath (none for now)
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road. Progress! We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate. Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* ~~Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut! Hang Chalkboard!~~ ~~Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!~~
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed. Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers
* Rebuild/replace fence!
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

23 Months

2011-10-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

We are approaching your 2nd birthday! Wowzer!

You are an incredible little boy and I'm so grateful that you are my kid!

A few fun memories:
* Yesterday, we woke up together and you watched some videos while we all got the energy to get out of bed. We watched a Sesame Street video about things being "fragile" and then later in the day, your Grandma asked you to be careful with something and you said "fragile." Holy Cow! You really connect things!
* Speaking of "Be Careful"... You told me to "Be Careful (it sounds like Car-full) Mama" when I got up on the step ladder the other day.
* You talk up a storm. Most of the time we can totally figure out what you are saying but last weekend you started saying what sounded like a full on sentence of gibberish that ended with "up in the sky." We have no clue what you were saying.
* You love to sing. You sing "Twinkle, Twinkle lill tar,""Pat Cake,""Humpty Dumpty sat wall,""ABCEFGLMNOP," and other little songs.
* You started to go pee on the potty! We've had numerous successes this past weekend! Every time we ask if you want to go potty, you exclaim "Jeyye Bean, Mama?" (Translation: Jelly Bean, Mama?). Yes, you get 2 jelly beans if you "make a 'posit" (Make a Deposit) in the potty. Yesterday, you wore big boy underpants for the first time. You wore them for about 45 minutes and you didn't have one accident!

I'm gonna post this now, and then add some photos in a bit.

I Love You SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Much!

Mama

22 months

2011-09-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You are a whole lot closer to 23 months now but this is your 22 month letter.

It seems like life is just speeding by sometimes. I can hardly remember what happened yesterday let alone the last month.

A few funny thoughts from our last month together:
* I've got you saying "Please Mama Dear" and it's super cute. We were at a party and another guest commented on your manners. Apparently you asked some one for "more water, please". Good job, buzz! You say "no, please" instead of "no, thank you" :)
* You mimic just about anything we say, which is hilarious. You'll say "awesome", "dude", and all sorts of other things.
* You love our neighbors, especially Megan. To hear you say "Hi Megan" is about the cutest thing. You also want to hug, hive five or kiss her or Don (her grandpa). They've started to watch you a bit and you love it over there.
* You love tools. Drills, Saws, Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Weed Wackers, Garbage Trucks... you know the names of all of them and you still love to "blow".
* You love the skateboard that you helped Daddy build. You love to help daddy with projects, like the ramp you built.
* Dad reports that you planted your first bean! Yeah! You are still scared of the chickens, but you love to collect the eggs. We are batting about .75 for making it into the house without breaking the egg. You know all the names of the chickens!
* We went to a U-Pick farm and you picked and ate plenty of peaches and plums. You were a complete beast as we tried to eat our lunch and you didn't fall asleep the entire way home :(
*You started a new daycare at Miss Karen's and you seem to love it! You love Miriam and James and Cameron and talk about them often. Apparently, they even have you practicing on the potty!
* You like to do a lot of things yourself "my do it" and you often want "whole fing" and not a piece of anything.
* Just the past few days you started to enjoy "being a baby" so that I'll hold you and sing to you. It's pretty darn cute. You started singing quite a few words to "itsy" and also to "Happy Birthday".
* When you wake up in the morning, your little voice says "Mama! Come here!" so sweetly it melts my heart every morning, even if I don't really want to get up.

Despite the semi-frequent meltdowns, you are so fun to spend time with. I love being your mama!

Love you Cashi!

Mama Dear

Another House Project list!

2011-08-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

It feels like we are constantly working on this list but only a little, little bit gets to be marked off. Such is life:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests (for Matt, mine are done, then results).
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR. Paperwork filled out, just need to call.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
* Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar ~~Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!~~
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      * Things to add: ~~paint wainscotting~~, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, ~~paint trim/pieces~~, ~~install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower,~~ hang shower curtain rod,
      * New additions: ~~Hang Medicine cabinet~~, ~~install~~ final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road. Progress! We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate. Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* ~~Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut! Hang Chalkboard!~~ ~~Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!~~
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed. Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers
* Rebuild/replace fence!
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

House Project List update again

2011-08-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Cuz we've made some progress!!

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests. Waiting on the guy.
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR. Paperwork filled out, just need to call.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
* Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      * Things to add: ~~paint wainscotting~~, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, ~~paint trim/pieces~~, ~~install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower,~~ hang shower curtain rod,
      * New additions: ~~Hang Medicine cabinet~~, install moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road. Progress! We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate. Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* ~~Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!~~ Hand Chalkboard! ~~Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!~~
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed. Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers
* Rebuild/replace fence!

21 months

2011-08-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

Wow! Time is flying by! We've done a lot since my last letter and I'm eeking this in just before you turn 22 months!

We had a great trip to Witch Lake and you L.O.V.E.D. it! Every waking moment of it. You had so much fun playing "boo" with Andy and Georgie. You weed wacked every day. You played in the water (a bit) with your Gramma and you loved to watch the saws and tools while Papa and Keith worked (tool are sharp- you remind us!). A few highlights from the trip:
* You got to see Uncle Brett cut down a tree, with a chainsaw! You still talk about this!
* You got to see your other Uncle Brett, Aunt Mikki and cousins Kinley and Karsyn.
* You had a blast with Andy and Georgie doing all sorts of things.
* You flew with mom on the way out and dad on the way back and you did pretty well... it wasn't easy but we made it!
* You got to sleep with us a few nights in the last month or so. It seems that in a new place, you just like to snuggle. I kinda like it!

Speaking of snuggle... you learned to say the word "nuggle" and will often request it, especially in the morning. Your vocab expands every day and you are stringing words and thoughts together all the time. A couple of days ago you said "uncle" "picture" "raccoon" "phone" "white car"... because the day (or two) prior, Jeremy (aka Uncle Jeremy) came over and showed you a picture of a raccoon on his phone. I can't really remember, but I think the raccoon was near a white car! Holy moly!

I can't remember if this is new or not, but you know all your colors! and you are learning to count. You've got 1, 2, 3 down (especially since we frequently use that to prepare you for what's to come next) and can count aloud to get Daddy to run through the "spinklers" with you.

You love to play with the big kids and can easily get into what ever game they are playing, be it hide and seek, duck duck goose or red light, green light.

It's been a big month for us as we decided to make the switch with your daycare...so August 15th, you start up at a new daycare. I hope you love the learning, and I think you will.

Oh... I almost forgot. The temper tantrums have officially started. Your first true tantrum was hilarious (to us). You were S.O. upset because you couldn't hold the package of graham crackers. You kept wailing "brown" (as in brown graham crackers) and "package". Kicking, screaming, flailing, limp body, screaming and screaming for a good 20 minutes. Then you got up, asked for a peach (and I gave it to you) and all was okay with the world. Silly boy!

I know I say this every month, but you are the love of my life and a joy to watch. I get excited for the times we share because you are just hilarious.

I love you,

Mama

20 months

2011-06-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You are one incredibly smart little dude! It's so much fun figuring out what you've figured out! Here's a snapshot:
- You started to sing songs. Robot Parade was the first... it's so darn cute "obot arade". You also like/sing Twinkle (Twinkle Little Stars) and (Wheels on the) Bus. You ask dada to sing Monkey (and the Engineer).
- You like to count, or rather, when we count. Your favorite is counting the chickens!
- You wake up with mama!mama!mama!mama! or dada!dada!dada!dada! every morning now. No crying or whining like you used to... you use your words!
- You seem to like timeouts or the "corner". Always keeping us on our toes. You only try to bite and hit me... and no one else. I guess that is good.
- You love "more ketchens (questions)". What does a cow say? What does a donkey say? This one is my favorite as your "heehaw" is so cute!)
- You know all your colors (blue, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown and black). Just this week the answer is not automatically "lellow" (you would get it right on the second ask) but you're offering the color now and often with the object (white truck). You are even getting two color combos!
-You love to help in the kitchen- from making food to washing dishes. You love to be a part of the action.
-Your little voice is so cute. Your intonation is so cute when you say "good girl" to Sibley or when you say "HONEY!" (as in Honey, I'm Home).

A few exciting things happened in May/June...
We went camping in the BUS! and we all had a great time. You were hilarious with your saw, saw, saw, saw, saw!

Your dad picked up a bunch of lumber. As usual, you were game to help!

We had a foster kitten in the house. Her name was Diana but you called her nanny. It's been almost 3 weeks and you still talk about her. You were scared of her when she would come near you, but you loved to watch her! I also had to bring a cat to the local shelter. It's name was Toga and you still ask about "yogie" even though you spent all of 5 minutes with that cat!

You are one special little boy. I am so proud you are mine and I am yours!

Love,
Mama

More updates on project

2011-06-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

Some {very small, but still!} progress has been made, new projects have been added to the list. Here's an update:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests.
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
* Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      * Things to add: ~~paint wainscotting~~, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, ~~install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower,~~ hang shower curtain rod
      * New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install moulding/trim,
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed
* Hang House Numbers

19 months

2011-05-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You said "I love you" unprompted for the first time this month. I think my heart nearly exploded as I put you to bed and you said, so sweetly, "la laaaa lo mama."

You went to the doctor for your 18 month check up and you haven't changed a whole lot since your last appointment. 33.25 inches (or so) and 26lbs 5 oz (or so). The doctor isn't too worried that you supposedly haven't changed much, especially since it's probably due to the fact that you aren't too thrilled about being weighed and measured, hence some kinda wonky measurements (PS. That is a horrible run on sentence with lots of useless words).

You started to put sentences together this month. Hello Dada was your first and the vocab just keeps coming. Today you said "wawa on (water on)". You are getting pretty good about playing by yourself. You still play relatively well with others. You love to help your dad in the garden and you helped me bake cookies for the first time. It was quite a mess and you only helped for about 30 seconds, but you did help. We made cookies for all the neighbors who have so warmly greeted us since our move. You had fun handing out the cookies too, even though you weren't feeling well that day. A few days after handing out the cookies, you point to the houses where we dropped them off and say "coooookies".

This last month you went to 2 zoo's: Happy Hollow and the Oakland Zoo. You really love looking at the animals (and running around) but you're not fond of the carousel!

Speaking of under the weather, you seem to have taken on your father's drama queen moments while ill. Granted, you did vomit once, but the rest of the time, you were whiny and full of drama. Now that you are on the mend, it seems to be residing. Yeah!

You had two cousins born this month, Chloe (Chris and Melissa) and Lucas (Bob and Sarah)!

We booked our trip to Witch Lake this month! I can't wait. You'll be flying up with me and back with your dad. It should be a blast!

Not sure there is a whole lot more to report. I love you so much. Thanks for being an awesome kid!

Love,

Mama

To Do List 5/5/11

2011-05-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Some {very small, but still!} progress has been made, new projects have been added to the list. Here's an update:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
* Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      * Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed
* Hang House Numbers

An email from my hubby...

2011-04-30T15:18:00.001-07:00

Hey babe, we're having a great time. Let's see...

Cash is hitting the ball off the tee and running around the bases.

The chickens got out to free range and ran back in when I called them

The new window looks great.

I got a grape planted.

We went to three garage sales with in 1 mile

I figured a way to stop the curtains from blowing in the wind

Cash and I are cleaning out the fridge for lunch

and....best of all....it's already 12:30, that means you'll be home soon to join us.

Love ya,

Dadda and Cash

18 months

2011-04-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You are officially 1.5 years old! Wowza! The last few months have been so much fun. Perhaps this is a little weird, but I'm glad you stil have 6 months before you are two. Two is just too old, so another six months at one suits me just fine. I have to say this IS the best age. You are so inquisitive and you learn so much every day. You are like a sponge and soak up all kinds of things... which reminds us daily that we have to watch what we have to say.

Your vocabuary has exploded and is astounding. You try to say everything... and you do a pretty good job. You definitely have the syllables down and you mostly get the sounds right. Some of the more impressive words (to me) are: broccoli, your name (it's sooo incredibly cute), hoop, apple, orange, pineapple, belly button.

You love bike rides with your dada and the new swing in the backyard under our beautiful oak tree. We got the swing for a steal at the P. Hill City Garage Sale, so we feel like rockstars. You probably have already picked up on this but your parents are huge dorks for free and recycled stuff... so this swing was and continues to be a feel good piece to our little abode. You rocked the slide, thanks to your dad. You used to be a tad afraid of the darn thing, only choosing the very small slides to go down by yourself, but your dad helped you go down a bigger one at the playground next door and you continued to go down it, by yourself! Way to go Buzz!

You actually celebrated your 18 month anniversary in Iowa. We visited your Mimi, Vic, Elle, Mikki, Brett, Karsyn and Kinley and you had a great time. Your auntie Mikkie bought you a little lawnmower which was just perfect as you just had become obsessed with the one your dad uses a week prior. You loved pushing that thing around, but you actually loved pushing Kinley's pink stroller around more. Occasionally there was something in the stroller, but you just really like to push it around. You traveled like a real trooper and slept soundly through the night for the entire trip.

Another super smart and cute thing you do is "two." As in more than one of something. If you see two birds, you say two, if you see 10 birds, you say two... but you know when there is more than one of something! You would love to have two loveys with you at all times, but we are working on that. Speaking of working on things... you are d-u-n with the bottle. We left it at Mimi's in Iowa and we were left with no choice and you've adjusted pretty well. The first morning back you screamed for about 15 minutes, but after we explained to you that we left it at Mimi's you relaxed and were able to move on with your day. It's kinda funny that you wanted your bottle the first morning home when you didn't use it at all in Iowa. I will miss you requesting "joos" or "melk" in the morning but I'm glad to be done with the bottle and the cleaning of it!

Cassius, you are such a joy. I am so happy you are my kid. I love you!

Love,

Mama

17 Months

2011-03-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

Time is flying by! We are pretty much settled into the new house and the bathroom is in the middle of a remodel. I'm pretty sure you'd love to help with all the projects but we do those after you've gone to bed. You love to help out whenever possible, or just hang around. This morning your dad and I worked on various projects and you just wandered around with random tools. You inspect things but you mostly just bang stuff around. You love hearing the saw run, but from a safe distance and in mama's lap.

While we were playing today, you walked a ways down the court pushing your little cart. It was so cute but scary too. You are growing so much and your confidence grows every day. Sounds are not as scary now, but you are a sensitive guy.

The other day at daycare, Lisa said that you totally understood the concept of musical chairs! How kid? How? You are doing great when I leave you at daycare now. You were crying for a bit there, but now I put you in Lisa's lap and you wave good-bye to me. She and I are both astounded at how cuddly you have become. You even cuddled with me the other day to watch Supernanny!

Hmmmm.... Anything else fun?
* You helped Grandpa clean up his fence project the other day. I guess you guys were cleaning for 1.5 hours and you just hung out, picking up nails the entire time. Grandma says you need a drill of your own.

* Your dad took you to Buchanan Field where you got to see planes take off and land while playing with a few other kids. How cool!

* You can throw quite the tantrums when you don't get your way.

* You still LOVE your lovey. You squeal when you get to see it/hold it.

* You started singing the "Vowel Song" from They Might Be Giants DVD. A- I- Y!

* You are obsessed with balls and bunnies... especially the neighbor's.

* We jumped in puddles when it was raining and had a blast!

* You sign and say "help" and it's the cutest thing ever! "Hewp, Hewp"

* You still insist on your bottle of milk in the morning. I would like to be a tough parent and take it away, your dad insists we keep it as it makes for a happier you and an easier morning. For now, I'm conceding.

You continue to be the light of my life. Keep up the growing kid! I love you!

Mama

New! New!

2011-03-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

I've been torn and unhappy since I started this blog. I never felt like a blogger template really reflected me. Tonight, through Trailer Gypsy's blog, I found a website with free! cute! templates! Yeah! Thanks Brooke's sister!

To Do List 2/23/11

2011-02-23T22:10:00.000-08:00

I've had this to-do list running around in my head for quite some time... and I just realized that I could put it on my blog and not loose it! Genius!

Maybe having in one spot will actually allow me the satisfaction of crossing things off.... (and I'm not actually sure how to cross it off).... anyone?

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
* Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed

Whew! Let's see where this goes...

16 months

2011-02-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

I'm not sure I can come up with anything creative to begin your letter this month as all the usual expressions that come to mind seem redundant. Of course, you continue to grow and amaze your dad and I and sometimes yourself too.

The best that I can usually do is remember little things about the past few days, so here goes....

Yesterday, a Sunday, we woke up (at 7am) and headed to Home Depot and you were cute. Then we stopped for donuts and you were cute. Then we came home and we ate our donuts but you didn't eat yours (we got you donut holes) but you were still cute. Your dad was working on a chicken coop project with Manoa so you and I went to The Jungle in Concord. You fell asleep on the way there and were cute as you slept. We went inside and you were overwhelmed. At first, you were interested in the big kid stuff but then you headed to the toddler section instead and cautiously explored. We watched kids on the token machines (like the motorcycle and the car) and you sat on the motorcylce with out it moving and were loving it. We went to go get you some tokens so you could ride the things in motion, but you preceded to freak out. We left and came home and you hung out in your room by yourself for almost an hour before falling asleep. I guess you just needed some down time. After your long nap, you played and played and played outside and were cute. You love to throw balls. You enjoyed pushing your little cart around but got SO frustrated when it would get stuck on something. You eventually figured out how to manuever it but not after much whining. You enjoyed many of your morning donuts. We all went for a walk down to the sushi restaurant while you looked really cute where you preceded to be a wild man which was not so cute! I guess the donuts caught up to you because you were crazy! You didn't like anything we ordered and threw everything on the ground-not cute. We got home, gave you a bath and you went to bed and were adorably cute while sleeping.

Here's things of note:
You are a sensitive soul.
You like to throw things.
You like to bang loudly on tables and floors and just about anything inappropriate.
You like being sent to the naughty step (clearly it's not working).
You are cute and I'm pretty sure you know it... as you smirk as you do the above naughty things.

You had your check up today and the doctor said that only thing we need to do is keep you safe. I have to say, we actually do a pretty good job at that, but sometimes its a bit challenging.

You weighed in at 25 lbs (We had to weigh you and me together and then just me... you screamed on the scale and then screamed while the nurse held you while I weighed myself). You measured in at 33 inches.

You say and sign new things all the time. On Saturday, your dad and I saw you sign "guitar" while making little sounds (and looking at the guitars at work). You learned how to flick your tongue when we ask you what an iguana says. You kiss babies whenever you see them but you tend to hit other kids when they are in your space. You love balls and balloons and can say each clearly. You are fairly good about your thank you's and semi consistent with signing please.

I think I'll let the pictures say the rest... with the caption of CUTE!

Love you,
Mama

15 months

2011-01-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

You have now been "around" for 2 years for you were conceived on January 8th. I'm sure you'll be glad to know that when you are 16. :)

This month has been a fun one but also an incredibly stressful one for your parents. A move is always tough but a move with a very active, very needy child is even more so. We haven't always kept our cool but we're almost there. You are actually really cool to hang out with right now, but time keeps on ticking and its tough to hang out with you and get stuff packed, fixed and cleaned.

Your vocabulary keeps expanding. You've added bakbak while waving your arms appropriately for chicken. Tonight you said cat. Today your grandma taught you how to roar like a lion. It's so stinkin' cute! You can point to mama, dada, grandma, grandpa and yourself. Your bottle/any liquid is "jooose". You are obsessed with the chickens next door and airplanes. You like choo-choos. You adore vroom-vrooms (motorcycles). You turn your head and any truck or loud car. You are all boy.

You are walking just fine and quickly too. It's almost a run but you stumble a bit. You try to jump. You bend your knees but you can't get any air (there is a joke in here somewhere about Peters boys not being able to jump). You climb anything and everything. Judy, our stepladder, is not match for you.

This month you had your first sit on the naughty step for touching the stove's knobs. I had to put you there twice but you got it the third time. You tried again the next morning and when you got set on the naughty step you moved your attention elsewhere. You made me realize it's time to get some kind of parenting book- stat!

You love being rocked when/if you wake in the middle of the night. It doesn't happen a lot so I cherish those middle of the night snuggles.

You love to read! Well, you love to point out things you know in books...Elephants, dogs, cats, birds, airplanes, trains, pumpkins, Santa Claus, sheep, chickens, ducks, trees.... I'm so happy. I didn't think you would like them, ever. You're not big on the story persay but you do love the pictures. Hopefully those words will intrigue you someday.

I better get to packing so I'm wrapping up this letter (good one, huh?).

Love you,

Mama

14 months...

2010-12-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

So much has happened in the last month!

You started walking! So cute! It started with 2-3 steps, but now you are up to 10 steps or so.

You keep adding words to your repertoire! You now say affe (giraffe), fant (elephant), eat/at (eat), shuuuz (shoes), dada, ish (fish), ease (please), aseeas (gracias), caca, duh or guh (dog), guh guh or some version of it (Sibley). You try to repeat many things... such as light, fan, and just about whatever else you can point at but we haven't figured out what you are saying just yet.

You keep adding signs to go along with those words. You now sign: giraffe, elephant (kinda), eat, please, more, all done, kitty, and bird.

You started singing! Just yesterday, Eliza said that you started signing and singing "Twinkle Twinkle" with Lynn at music time. My gosh you are cute!

You love craft time and get so excited to do crafts with Eliza. You loved our Thanksgiving trip to the aquarium.

Some thoughts from your dad (with added notes from mama):

We really appreciate your new night time diapers. We appreciate that you do not soak through them in the night and that as a result, you sleep longer.

We are glad you know how to point, if only you knew what you really wanted with the object at the end of that finger. Everything is "at" (as in: what's that?)

Today, your parents loan got funded for our new house! We are moving to Pleasant Hill so that you can have a yard to run around in, a street/court to ride your bike in and a school to attend that is safe and will challenge you to go to college. We are sad to leave Oakland and our house (afterall, you were born in the dining room) but we are ready to move on. We hope to see all that Downtown Pleasant Hill has to offer and we hope you enjoy it!

You are more and more our little boy everyday. You continue to amaze us and make our hearts melt each and every day. We hope you can kick your stubborn cough soon.

We love you.

Mama and Dada

13 months

2010-11-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

13 months! Holy wow! I can't believe we are already at 13 months. Now I have to tell people that you are 13 months, you are not just 1 year. You are growing every day, learning, becoming more brave and more stubborn too!

Your words are picking up like crazy. Today you said "ish" (fish). Yesterday you repeated "zoo" but I don't thnk you knew what it meant. You officially call dada by name. You love to point out cats and pumpkins and scarecrows. In the morning, when you wake super early, we pull you into bed with us. You love to look at the book about not getting out of bed (ironic, really) and point out the "woof-woofs". You've also just added on the cats and the birds.

Last night we were at your Oma and Opa's (Opa asked to be called that last night) and you got to open your present from them for your birthday. It was a cool ride-on firetruck and you loved it! You love pushing the buttons to make sounds/lights and you love when your Oma pushes you around.

It's so fun watching you grow and add on new words and see you understand more and more about life.

I love you.

Mama

No photos for you!

2010-11-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

Your mom has been a lazy mom lately and all your photos from the last 4 months are on the cameras and not on the computer. One day, I'll upload them but not right now.

Thanks for understanding.

Love,

Mama

1 year! (and 1 month)

2010-11-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

You are officially 1 year old (and have been for a month, but who's counting?). I can't believe it's been a year.

You change and grow every day. Hmmmmm... Where are you now?

At your 1 year appointment, you weighed 23 lbs, 9 oz (63rd percentile) and measured 31 inches (86th percentile). You got one shot and screamed at the doctor.

You are communicating more and more every day. As of today, you sign: more, all-done, cat, and bird. You point to indicate where you want to go. You wave bye-bye. You blow kisses on cue. You will give a fish a kiss on cue (but you've only given me a kiss like 5 times, you little stinker!). You say: woof-woof and dog (sounds like "doh" or "og") reliably. You call Sibley "guh guh (good girl)." You'll occasionally said dada for your dad but no mama yet. Your first word (dog) came just a few days shy of your first birthday as you saw a dog walk by the house.

Just this week, you basically communicated in sentence form. You signed more, pointed at the door and waved bye-bye. I asked you if you wanted to go to Eliza's and you said yes.

You are still crawling and show very little interest in walking. You are standing more and more on your own each day. It's so cool to see that you are adding seconds to your solo stand time each day. You will occasionally walk with me if I'm holding your hand but most time you just drop to your knees as if to say "this is so much faster."

You are obsessed with feeding the dog treats. You say "guh guh" the second we walk into your room in the morning (and after naps) and point towards the door (or the cup with treats on your dresser). Then you direct us to the laundry room door and then to the treats. You love to have her "touch" your hand. This week I showed you the dog door and we got Sibley to go through it together, so now you are obsessed with having her go through the door.

You are quite the whiner. If you don't get your way, you throw quite the tantrum.

You loved to be chased. You love "I'ma gonna getchu!". You love "1! 2! 3!" You love to be tickled, especially when I squeeze your little thighs.

You still love to eat. You still love to be out and about. You still love Here Come the 1, 2, 3's.

Your birthday party was small and perfect. You didn't really know what to do with the cupcake that your grandma made you. I think you were just happy that all those that you love were there, even Mimi and Karsyn!

This first year of your life has been absolutely amazing. I love being your mom and look forward to future years together.

I love you.

Mama

11 months

2010-10-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

I wrote this letter back in September but didn't post because I wanted the photos to coincide. Well, I still haven't got the pictures (I have to get more memory for my computer) but I wanted to post the letter

Dear Cassius,

Less than a month left before you are 1... HOLY COW! Time sure has flown by fast. I can hardly remember those itty bitty days because these days, well, they are just fun. Every day I get to spend with you is fun. It's fun watching you grow and learn. It's fun watching your demands and signs. It's even fun watching you poop! Did I really just type that???

Since I'm actually writing this (mostly) on time, I'm only going to recall the last few days and pick out some of my favorite moments.

On Friday, I picked you up from Eliza's and your dad came home shortly after. We raced up and down the block towards each other and you laughed such hearty laughs. Saturday you spent the day with your dad. He taught you to motorboat onto your arm. You are pretty good at it, but your dad is the best. Sunday was a family day and the day you actually decided to start the day darn early... like around 6:15am early. We had a lazy morning of hanging around the house and we took a little trip to our local park. You proceeded to eat the plastic little thingies on the ground when you dove face first into the grass, so I made us leave. You took a nice nap, we had some snacks and then headed out to Top of the World with Sibley. I wore you out to the view in the backpack and your dad wore you on the way back. You were a happy little clam, just taking it all in. Your dad spotted a fox and managed to get a few photos... so cool! Your dad watched football and I took a nap while you napped... All in all, it was a great day.

Today, at Trader Joe's you squealed in delight and a guy working there said "Whoah!" but I just gave you a kiss... it was just a happy little squeal! You loved the chocolate covered blueberries at Peet's (I ate off most of the chocolate- sorry!) but didn't so much like the candied ginger...

We also went to a park to play with Brooke (who's about to have a baby, anyday) and Kara and Maddie. You are so stinkin' cute- eating your plum, cruising around, giving me hugs and hanging out. You did try to steal several of Maddie's toys, but you did your share of sharing too. Right now, you're just snoozing in your crib. You are such a great sleeper and really make my life pretty easy in that regard.

Let's see... anything new with you??

You sign more and up and potty/poop (occasionally). You pooped on the potty today (first time in several weeks- but yeah!). You eat just about anything. You give great hugs. You are starting to bite which is not cool. Apparently you left some nice "oh's" on Sam's shirt on Friday. You love to take the DVD's and Atari games from under the TV. You are obsessed with the refridgerator. One time we even found you trying to drink directly from the Hershey's syrup bottle!

Spending time with you is so much fun. Haven't I said that a million times already?? But it is. I look forward to each day with you, even if we don't get to spend a lot of time together. I know I tell you about a hundred times each day, but I love you.

Love,

Mama

10 months

2010-09-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

I wrote this about 2 weeks ago.... forgive me for not publishing until now.

Just yesterday, you transformed... from a baby to a I-don't-know-what-this-next-stage-is-called-before-Toddler. When I went to pick you up from Eliza's you crawled to me a different boy. You looked older, you've started to communicate, you're huge! Your dad called me at work the day before and told me that you signed "More" as in more yogurt and it melted my heart just hearing that you are learning but then yesterday, I saw it. You signed more as we were laughing and giggling. I was bouncing you around and asked if you wanted more. You put your sweet little hands together and made the sign. Oh how my heart melted!! Eliza also said that you saying "no" and "aya" as in all done with her. As we walked home, we saw the airplane in the sky and as I signed airplane and said "avion" you tried to say it too. You are starting to communicate! That's not to say that you don't still do your fair share of whining, but it's getting better, I see the light at at end of the "whining because I can't tell you what I want" tunnel. Holy Cow!!

You are ever so sure of yourself crawling. In fact, you prefer to crawl. When I try to walk with you, you just push me away and get on the ground and crawl. You can get there much faster that way apparently and you know it. You have the cutest peg-leg crawl. Your right knee doesn't touch the ground, yet you push yourself forward perfectly.

You are quite adventurous with your food. In the last week, you tried sauerkraut, hot and sour soup and carnitas. You seem to love it all.

You are still a rockstar sleeper when you are at home. You're like clockwork. Down at 7pm-ish and up at 7:02am. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

That's not to say that you aren't thrown off when we travel. We got to experience Lake Tahoe in your last month and I got to experience walking to Nevada at 6am. That's because you decided to wake up at 5:30am and we were with a whole bunch of other people. So you and I and our new handy backpack made the trek down to the local Starbucks and over the Nevada line. We went to another state and back by 7am! I have to say.... it was actually pretty cool and you were a happy baby once we were out and about.

I'm pretty sure I end my letters with my adoring love for you but I can't help it. You teach me so much every day, baby boy. You teach me to have fun. You teach me to laugh and go with the flow. You teach me a love even greater than I could have ever imagined.

I love you.

Mama

9 months...

2010-07-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You've officially been out as long as you were in and I'm uber late in writing you this letter.

You got to spend your 9 month birthday at Witch Lake! We spent 3 awesome weeks at the lake with family. You giggled and screamed and scooted and learned to crawl at Witch Lake. You didn't really like the water in the lake, but loved playing in your little pool on the deck.

Before that, you got to meet your cousins down state. I have to say that I think Andy is your favorite. He visited Witch Lake and is all kinds of goofy! He made you squeal with laughter. Once you got a bit of attention from Andy, you would scream at him if he left the room or stopped paying attention to you. He greeted you every morning and wanted to say good night every night!

You weigh close to 21 lbs and are 29.5 inches long. You still have 2 teeth on the bottom and 0 on top, but that top right tooth is just about to come through.

You love to eat, most of the time. You especially love chicken and turkey and will eat a ton! You still feed yourself most of the time and prefer that to being spoonfed, especially when you are tired.

You just started day care with our neighbor down the street. You seem to love it and barely noticed that we even left you on your first day there. On days you aren't in day care, you are spending it with your dad. He likes to keep you busy (and you are much more pleasant to be with when you are out and about) so you guys have a constant stream of activities.

You are sleeping like a champ now that you are home. The last few nights you have slept from 7pm until at least 7am, sometimes almost until 8am! Rockstar!

You still love music of any kind. You still love clapping and know what to do when we sing the clapping song or when we ask you to clap. You are also waving hi and bye though sometimes it's a few minutes after we ask.

You are sort of giving hugs and those are the best. Sometimes, when I pick you up, you'll give me a quick squeeze around the neck and it's so cute!

It's been a challenge and joy these first 9 months but you remain the light of my life.

Love you little man,

Mama

8 Months!

2010-06-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

Time if flying by! I'm actually closer to your actual month birthday this time, or maybe it just seems like it because I've been so busy. But it's not about me, this is about you!

You are now 8 months old and, for all intents and purposes, mobile. Just today, you learned how to push yourself back into sitting after you've reached forward and landed on your belly. You are really, really rocking on your hands and knees. You have just started to lift one hand and then the other (though you don't go anywhere). The knees are next and I'm expecting it anyday.

This morning, before I left for work, I left you in one place on the rug and when I walked back in the room, you had moved over to the drum, then to the books and then were heading off somewhere else. Watch out!

You are still eating like a rockstar. Tonight you had your first taste of Uncle Yu's and your first bite of beef. Of course, it was your father's favorite: Mongolian Beef. You loved the fried rice, you even liked the mushrooms and asparagus. You power down pretty much anything.

You still sleep like a rockstar though earlier in the week you were waking at 5:30 ready to party. Not cool, kid, not cool.

Your smile is contagious, your clapping hands are adorable. You are the light of my life.

Mama

and just for the record... 1 year ago, you were:

7 months

2010-05-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You are now over 7 months old and you change everyday. Just today you slept for over 2.5 hours for a nap. That's a first! I took advantage and squeezed 2 hours in there as well. Thanks little man.

You officially have 2 teeth (bottom front). You got your first one 2 days shy of turning 7 months and the second one creeped in there about a week later. Maybe it's because you have always been a little fussy, but we didn't notice any difference when the teeth were coming in. You are still a super drooler and continue to drool like crazy, even though it appears that those two teeth are the only ones coming in right now.

Your dad has been taking care of you all day on Saturdays recently as I started my soon to be full time job and work on Saturdays now. You guys do all kinds of things. For his/your first true Saturday together, you went to your second Giants baseball game with Jeff and Haven. The Giants won and you were a rockstart.

You sit like a champ and are starting, just starting, to scoot with your butt. Just this morning I sat you on your toosh in the crib and you were bouncing up and down. You didn't get anywhere, but it was damn cute. You have also started to move over your legs as you are sitting. You haven't gotten anywhere but occasionally you'll topple over onto your belly. You can lift your belly off the ground when you are on your belly but haven't figured out the leg thing yet.

You are a regular morning pooper. You go to sleep like a champ. You just started to sleep until 6am but then you are up... but only for about 1 hr and then it's back to sleep. Just last weekend, your dad and I took you to a party at Chuck and Marby's for Casey's 30th birthday and you were great! You were a real charmer and then you charmed your mom! You fell asleep in their office, on the floor and transfered just fine to and from your carseat and into your crib.

You eat like a champion. You even feed yourself those puff thingies and the teething biscuits. You've now tried cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken, turkey, and today, you tried some bread for the first time. Generally on the first try you make a funny face, but by the second or third time it's served, you are all game. Your favorite right now appears to be kale and rice. Grandma Miller would be proud! You also tried a lime the other day and made the cutest face! It was a bit tart, but you kept wanting more.

You and I are just about done breastfeeding. It makes me a bit sad, but you are happy bottle baby. You squeal in delight when I bring you a bottle.

You weighed 19lbs the other day but we'll get your official weight next week. You surprisingly still fit into some 6 month clothes.

You still love music. Your dad plays the guitar to you almost every day. You've started to experiment with playing the drum and the tamborine.

You love to sit on the kitchen floor as your dad is getting ready. You chew on all kinds of things, but your favorite is the spatula.

Your dad took you to the park and you got your first swinging session in. You loved it! You also go to the Berkeley Warm Pool on many Fridays. Your dad is more patient with the silly songs than I am, so he usually takes you. You love to splash in the water.

You are quite the flirt and smile huge smiles for some women (and some men too) but for others it's a straight face. You are too funny. You love to be out and about and you elicit smiles from just about everyone.

Your hands and feet are constantly going. You open and close your fists and your feet are often twirling in circles. It makes me smile just thinking about it. You also just started to clap. You've always loved it when we clap for you and now you can clap for yourself. It's too cute!

You also whine. A Lot. In fact you are whining now... so I must end your letter.

Love you,

Mama

Mom Swim Suit

2010-05-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

We've been taking Cash to the Berkeley Warm Pool for the past couple of weeks. The first week I went I just threw on my swimsuit (that I have had for ages... I'm too embarassed to tell the story on the internet) and then I realized.... it really has no support.

So I went on a hunt for acute non Grandma but decent for a mom with some deflated boob suit (for under $75 none the less!). I looked at a bunch of places, but found one at TJ Maxx. Here it is:

http://base0.googlehosted.com/base_media?q=http://www.actionoutdoors.net/images/products/1122282.jpg&size=17&dhm=e2715ac7&hl=en

But, I really wanted something cute. The above is functional, and not half bad, but it's far from cute. Simple is giving away a suit from Lime Ricki Swimsuit- and they are cute!!!! I think I want this one:

http://www.limericki.com/graphics/LR-071-1PC-SAMANTHA_FULL.jpg

6 months

2010-04-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

You are 6 months old! 1/2 a year! Holy shit! Your parents survived an entire six months!

You keep getting bigger and better and cuter and more loveable and more squishy and more, more, more! every day! You are shrinking in your height/weight/head percentiles but Dr. Bean says that's normal. You've gone from being ginormous to being middle of the road. It's kinda nice not having to explain that you look like a 6 month old when you are only a month. Now, you just look a 6 month old. Kinda nice!

Just for posterity... you were 27. 75 inches tall, 17lbs 14oz with a head circumference of 43 at your 6 month checkup.

Let's see what else is new: You sit up like a champ. You do fall occasionally but not very often anymore. You can even kareen your neck around to find either me or your dad (or grandma or the cat) without falling. You still love to stand on your feet with our support.

You've also started to snuggle. It's the best. Just yesterday, you were getting kinda sleepy (read: cranky) so I picked you up and snuggled you. You just put your little head on my shoulder and settled in while I sang to you. It was pure heaven for me. And then last night, you fell asleep on the bottle tucked up into my arms. You looked so peaceful and content.

Let's see...what else happened: You went to a San Francisco Giant's game with your dad while he was on Spring Break (you guys had a blast!). You went to your first swim class at the Berkeley Pool (you loved it!) You've expanded your food repetoire 10 fold. You have now tried the following: bananas, avacados, artichokes, watermelon, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, celery, kale, sorrel, pears, apples, oatmeal, rice cereal, peas, broccoli, papaya, orange, and pineapple. You definitely prefer the vegetables over the fruit (weird- you must take after your father). The sorrel is the funniest! Your dad grows sorrel in our garden. He was pulling it out the other day and you just grabbed a piece and started to eat it. It's so sour, but you were just chomping on the stalk. Apparently, you squealed in delight at the sight of food yesterday. That was previously reserved for my boobs, so I'm a little sad, but also glad that they are becoming less and less of interest to you.

Alas, I'm typing this as you are napping. You have become a great napper for the most part and your sleep at night is quite rock star...so Thank You!

I need to get ready for work. It's your dad's 31st birthday today! Happy Birthday Daddy!

Love you,

Mama

Drool Bucket

2010-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I felt inspired to post a picture of you, but I really don't know what to write...

You drool, a lot.

Love,
Mama

Visitor...

2010-04-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Aunt Flo arrived this week for a visit. I hadn't seen her in about a year. I also hadn't seen her accomplice Tammy in over a year. Can't say that I really missed them but I guess those are the ropes. It also means Connie will be always be ready and waiting in our bedroom because we are not ready for another Cassius.

A Gardner Says...

2010-03-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

"If I go at this right now, I think I can desimate this population!"

Matt Peters, at 10:07 on Monday night, with not one by two headlamps on his head. He's referring to the snails.

A few fun facts for you, Cassius

2010-03-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

* You peed on the potty twice yesterday! (You've pooped a couple of times in the past, but peed for the first time!)
* I think I saw that you can roll your tongue yesterday. Your dad and I both can roll our tongues but Mimi Tanner can not. It's so much cooler to be able to roll your tongue.
* You almost rolled over the bathtub today and got a whole face full of water. You didn't freak out too bad!
* You are starting to love to eat and look forward to it (new in the last week or so!)

You are so incredibly cool (and cranky on occasion!). Love you!

Mama

5 months

2010-03-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Cassius,

Five months! Really? Already? Yep. Sure thing. You are now over 5 months old and you continue to amaze me. Let's see.. where are you now....

Right now you are sleeping, so we'll start with that. You are starting to sleep like a champ (atta boy!!!). You wake up at least once during the night to eat, but that's slowly going away. You wake up a few other times too and sometimes (but not every time) you can get yourself back to sleep. Your dad has been playing the part of "HeroDaddy" and going up to check on you. He's doing a great job. You are pretty darn consistent with a 6am wake up to feed. That's one of my favorite times of the day because your dad brings you into our bed, you nurse and then we both fall back to sleep together. We've been known to sleep past 9am if your dad is really quiet!

You are also starting to nap in your crib. It all started with the intro of the lovey and it led to 2 long naps today! You seem to prefer napping in there to the stroller or carseat now, which I think is a good thing. You still love to be worn but you seem to prefer to look out. Just today I wore you on my back on our walk and you seemed to dig it, until you fell asleep.

You still love being outside. It will soothe you almost every time. You've been hanging out on our newly sodded lawn and with your dad outfront. You guys check out all the plants together. Today you watched Sibley play with her ball in the grass and were completely blowing your dad off. He was trying to sing to you, to tap your toes, anything... but you were fixated watching the dog.

You also love music. Your Papa Ron loves to sing to you and you love to listen to him. His newest song is "Shake, Rattle and Roll". It sent you into giggles and Grandma caught it on video. I can usually get you to giggle by flying you in the air and twisting you back down.

A couple of weeks ago, your dad was feeding you some solids (sweet potatoes, I think) and he got the giggles because you were trying to put the spoon in your mouth but were getting it everywhere but in your mouth. He couldn't stop himself and you started to giggle too. It was so freaking cute!

You kinda stopped rolling over from your belly to your back but you are almost rolling from your back to your belly. You just haven't figured out how to move that last arm. You are grabbing anything and everything. We really have to watch you when you sit in your chair because you'll grab anything within reach (and your reach is bigger than I'd expect). You are almost sitting. You can sit for a couple of seconds, but then you topple over. You do sit for quite awhile but you're all hunched over.

Your new food faves are sweet potatoes. We have started to use that to mix with other foods. We're on to squash now which you seem to like most days.

Your Mimi came to visit you this past weekend. She didn't want to put you down. I'm not sure Vic got a chance to hold you much. We walked at Top of the World and a reporter took our picture. I'll let you know if we make the headlines :)

You continue to light up my life everyday. That first morning smile melts my heart.

Love you little man,

Your Mama

Job Drama

2010-03-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

I stink at writing things as they are/were happening. I'm always a week behind, after the shit has hit the fan and dried up on the floor. But I don't want to forget what life was all about for just a short period of time... so here goes the job drama that ensued last week and will continue this week (I think).

My dream job came up in January- the Animal Care and Adoptions Manager at the shelter where I work. It's a great combo of my loves- supervising, working with animals, working with volunteers and instituting change.

But the drama comes in the timing. Cash is just 5 months old and I've got a sweet gig going on right now with my dog training business and my work at the shelter. Combined with watching Cash (and a neighbor baby in trade for daycare), I kinda have the best of both worlds. I get to work, but I get to spend a lot of time with my kid and my hubby.

Lots of dramatic conversation with mom's group members, with my mom and sister and with Matt ended with my application. But once the interviews start (if they do), then the drama will continue.

If this was even 1 year in the future, I would snap it up... but what to do, what to do??

Sleep, Glorious Sleep!

2010-03-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

In the past two days, you've figured out how to sleep. THANK YOU! (and yes, that's screaming, and hooting, and hollering and jumping up and down!)

On Saturday, we went to a sleep class and apparently it was just what we needed to get the job done. That night, you slept for 10 hours. You woke up once and "Hero Daddy" went up to check on you just a few times before you put yourself back to sleep. You completely skipped your typical 1:30 am feeding and you skipped your 4:30 am feeding! Holy Shit Batman!

Then, last night, you did it again! But this time, you slept until 5:30, ate a bite and then slept in until 7:30. That's 12 hours! "Hero Daddy" went in once around 12:30 and didn't have to go back in... you are that good!

We've also started some nap training with you. You are too funny since right at the 10 minute mark, you crash. You've got your new little lovie and you crash. We're right about at the 45 minute mark, which is quite impressive. Your previous clock was set to wake you at 30 minutes... no make that 32 minutes, give or take 30 seconds. This 45 minute business rocks!

Keep it up baby boy! Keep it up!

Love you more and more (especially when I can sleep a bit!),

Mama

A great weekend

2010-03-07T21:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend was awesome! A bunch of little things but the best was tonight. Matt was feeding Cash some sweet potatoes and Cash wanted to feed himself, so Matt let him have the spoon. He couldn't quite get the spoon in his mouth on every try, so he would hit his eye, his chin, etc. Matt started cracking up- a serious case of the giggles- and then Cash started to laugh too! It's the first time he's laughed in relation to someone else laughing.

My kid is so freakin' cute!

4 months

2010-02-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

Just this Tuesday you turned four months. This last month has been a bit of a whirlwind.. you see, you are actually becoming a great little baby and not some terrible infant.

You smile more and more, you cry less and less (for the most part), you eat more and more, you sleep more and more, you move more and more and I love you more and more each and every day. I didn't know that was possible since I've loved you from before you were born, but I actually really like you. You are neat, spiffy, groovy and rad!

Let's see.. some specifics.

We just got back from the doctor. You weigh in at 16 lbs, 12.2 oz (90th percentile). You are 26.5 inches long (96th) and your head measures in at 42cm (51st). You are slowly coming down in the charts, which I have to say I'm quite happy about. From your measurements in the beginning, I was starting to think you'd be a giant...or that you'd grow up too fast. But you are slowing down just a bit... (though 90th percentile is still HUGE!) and I thank you for that. I kinda wanna keep you this size for awhile.

You are standing a ton now for several seconds, if not minutes, in my lap. You still love to watch Sibley where ever she goes/is. If you are unhappy and she comes into the room, you immediately stop crying and watch her. Unfortunately, I don't think she shares the same admiration just yet (but I'm betting when you start eating Cheerios, you'll win her heart). You rolled over from front to back a few weeks ago and just yesterday morning you started to twist while on your back so back to front rolls are not too far off. You sit really well when assisted and you love to sit in anyone's lap- it must make for a better vantage point. You love to suck on your fingers- specifically your right hand's thumb and your left hands pointer finger. You love to look at yourself in the mirror after you take a bath and have the towel around your head- you smile, beaming, at yourself. You love being out and about- walks, shopping, strolling. You tried rice cereal for the first time in the last month and I think I even snuck in avocados and a teeny bit of a coconut popsicle. You see, I thought you were ready since you intently watch us eat, but it turns out, you really just like our fingers in your mouth. We are off to buy you your own spoon soon. Oh, and you started a bit of formula this month too. It's still mixed with mama's mil, but it's helping you get full before bed because you just want to eat so damn much before you hit the sack!

This past week you started going to our neighbor's house one day a week. Her name is Lyndsie too, so I hope we don't confuse you. She has a little girl Haven who is just one day older than you. You two seem to get along pretty well and seem to enjoy your time together. She comes to your house for a few hours a couple days, so you get to see each other often.

We have started to call you Cashy Pupu Tray for no apparent reason, but this weekend we hope you get to experience your first Flaming PuPu Tray from Uncle Yu's. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cassius D, you are the joy in my life. I can't stop snuggling you (or cleaning out your ears). I can't stop melting when you smile. I love you.

Love,
Mama

PS. You were quite serious for your 4 month photo shoot.

Snippets of my life...

2010-02-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

*Cash is asleep right now, in his crib. He fell asleep completely on his own. I just put him in there, watched him smile at me for a bit, then left the room. 15 minutes later, I'm guessing he is asleep because I hear nothing.

Yup, just checked. He's conked out, with his little sheep nearby. My god, he's cute!

*Changing the sheets on the crib sucks. He's been in his crib for almost 3 weeks now (maybe longer) and I've kept meaning to change his sheets but I would only remember at nighttime, just as he was about to be put in the crib- not the ideal time to change the sheets. So I did it just before nap above and it sucks.

*If you aren't supposed to use bumpers, then why do they make them? Why do they come in sets with sheets? What if they get their hands/feet caught in the bars? I'm so annoyed.

*My kid wakes up to eat a full meal every 3-4 hours (sometimes 5) at night. Shouldn't he be sleeping longer?

*Cash is more fun, more smiley every day. It's awesome to start a new day with him.

*There is more to my life than the baby, but right now, I can't think of much outside of him. sigh

Roll Over Beethoven!

2010-01-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Cash rolled over! From tummy to back! My God he's CUTE!

A Follow Up to Ferber

2010-01-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

We caved. We are not true Ferber advocates. The first few days were okay, not horrible and they seemed to work. Then the crying continued, and continued and it didn't get better. Scratch the Ferber method- it wasn't working. Or maybe it was, but I couldn't stand the crying for days on end. I was willing to try it for a few hours for a few days... but then, no more, that's too much for a 3 month old.

So, we went to a more gentle method and it's working like a charm. I think the increase in crying might have been due to a growth spurt but none the less, the gentleness is working better for us.

He still goes down like a rockstar. We change him into pajamas, we read a book (if he's not demanding the boob) and then he nurses. He nurses until he falls asleep or fusses to be done and then in the crib he goes (with a smooch on the forehead). Tonight, he went into his crib wide awake (but sleepy) and he went to sleep in less than 5 minutes. The last few nights he's been waking between 1-3 times a night for full feeds and then back to sleep with barely a whimper.

The "rule" is that he's allowed into our bed after 6am- to snuggle aka feed and fall back asleep. We love it. We are getting decent sleep. We love our little man (not that we didn't, but man, that sleep craziness is maddening!)

Giggle...

2010-01-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to pinpoint many of your first because they sneak up on me. You started to smile around 5 weeks, but it was a half smile and it wasn't consistent... then 6 weeks came along and you started smiling all the time, but there wasn't really a first. Same thing happened with your laugh. You started to coo and make noises and a laugh was in there somewhere, but it wasn't necessarily elicited... but....

Yesterday, January 16th, you giggled for the first time. The first occasion was on the changing table when I was tickling your belly and shaking your legs. The second was playing peek-a-boo. Your dad was holding you, facing out. He'd turn you around so that you would see me and you'd giggle. It was too cute!

The photo above is of Cash not giggling. I woke him up from a nap in his crib because I was trying to take a picture of him reeeallly close up. Bad mama.

Looking to feel guilty...a new mom's new worry?

2010-01-12T21:58:00.000-08:00

Read Ask Moxie today and someone commented that they were glad they documented via a blog so they could remember those tough times (and the dates/times they happened).

Since last Friday, we've been working on sleep training with Cash (13 weeks/3 months). Before then, we were starting to see patterns in the co-sleeper and in bed with us. Matt was also starting to get concerned with space in the bed and that Cash might fall out/off when he was on the outside in order to feed on that side. I was concerned because he would sleep for 5 hours, then wake every 1 or 2 after that to nurse back to sleep (even though I knew he didn't "need" the feeding). Although I didn't mind sharing my space in bed, my back was starting to hurt from arching it when he kicked my legs (I hate my legs/feet being touched at night).

Friday was his first night in the crib and right now (it's Tuesday), the details are blurry (already). I started to read Ferber on Sunday and on Monday night we started the "cry it out" method and actually followed it (and didn't cave and bring him to bed, or bounce him, or try to soothe him back to sleep).

Since I can actually remember the details of the night... here goes:
He wanted to go to sleep around 7:30, so we read a book (Good Night Gorilla) and he nursed. I put him down asleep but he woke/stirred when I put him in the crib. He stirred/whimpered for about 3-4 minutes and was asleep. Score! He slept like a champ- until about 11:30pm. We let him cry, in his crib, only going in to comfort him on the progressive waiting approach (it ended up being up to about 20 minutes between comforting attempts because he would often quiet down for 3-4 minutes and then start back up again). He cried (off and on) until 1pm. Then I fed him (per his "normal" routine pre sleep training) and he put him back in his bed (he was passed out). He slept until 4:20 or so and then woke crying. Again, progressive waiting to comfort and he was back asleep by 5:10. He woke (no crying, just a little whimper) at 7:15. I went up to get him- and got the. biggest. smile. Good Morning!

Tonight's the second night of hard core Ferber method, and it's going well. I put him down (totally not asleep tonight, but we went through our night time routine, but he was being feisty with the boob) and he cried for about 6 minutes, and then he passed out. It's now been 2 hours, and he's still asleep.

The funny thing is that I feel great. I keep thinking I should feel guilt, I should be looking for or seeing signs that I am breaking trust with my child, that he is going to hate me or not want to be near me or something. But I don't. I feel like a new mom- invogorated and excited to be with my kid. Excited for bedtime. Excited for morning. Even looking forward to that middle of the night feeding.

I never thought I would be that parent who would let their child cry it out, let alone at 3 months old. It's still too early to shout from the rooftops, but damn, I feel great about this. Naptime is a different story, but I feel confident that we can work on that too.... when he/we are ready.

Here's to many good nights and good mornings and good days.

3 months

2010-01-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

3 months seems like forever now. You are growing more and more each day. New movements, new laughs, and new cries (but they are still incredibly loud).

You survived your first plane ride and your first visit to Iowa in December and you did great! The plane trips were a piece of cake for you, but you aren't going to fit on my lap much longer. You loved up on your Mimi Tanner and you were carried around a ton by Karsyn and Elle.

You are now sitting up a lot more. You love to sit on my lap after eating and watch the world around you- especially if there are babies nearby. You can sit up almost unassisted for a few seconds before you fall forward or to the side. You just tried your Jonny Jump-up the other day and I think you really dig the new vantage point. From there, you can watch your parents' crazy dances and your dog.

You are also moving your hands more and sucking on them. You squeal in delight, you squeal to talk, and you babble a ton. You had a doctor's appointment this morning and you rolled over when I put you on your tummy. I'm not sure if it was because the table was slanted or what, but you did it with ease from both sides. I'm putting you to the test when you get home.

Speaking of getting home, you are now spending a few hours with Lyndsie and Haven each week in preparation for February when you are hopefully going to be spending a whole day there while I go to work. You seem to like it. I just hope you don't give Lyndsie too much trouble.

Your smiles are as big as ever. You really, really love your mama right now... and for some reason, you seem to scream at your dad when your mom is around. But if you are with him solo, you two have a great time together.

OH.... and big news!!!! You started to sleep in your crib, in your room, all by yourself. I'm not convinced we are there 100%, but you slept for most of the night last night in your room. I hooked up the ipod and you listened to the likes of Norah Jones, Jerry Garcia and David Gray as you snoozed. Your dad insisted we hang the 100 Dead Songs poster above your bed, so we did that last night. Maybe you'll start having some psycadelic dreams soon?

Cassius, you are a joy in my life. I love you more and more each day. I think I can say that will be true for a long time to come.

With hugs and smooches to the cheeks,

Mama

PS. 15 lbs, 6 oz as of today- you are huge!

Babies 1st Holiday Season

2010-01-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

So it's offcially the 3 month anniversary of your birth, and although I should be writing you your 3 month letter, I'm going to try to get caught up and recap the holidays, before they get a little blurry (and boy do things get blurry past 20 minutes (or 5 minutes) ago).

Your first holiday season is one to remember (and you won't and I don't remember it all), but it was jam-packed.

We ventured to Iowa on your first airplane ride to see your Mimi and had all kinds of plans to see other people in your life, but the weather didn't cooperate. So you got to meet your cousins Karsyn and Kinley and you got to spend some time with Mimi, Vic an Elle. You did manage to see Boots and Charlee but you slept through most of that. You were carried around by just about everyone, including Karsyn (though you are practically half her size). You trampled through the snow to walk the crazy dogs, you got your picture taken outside while huge, white, fluffy snowflakes danced around us, you fell asleep in your cousin's swing with your arms gripping the sides (it was too cute), you slept on an air mattress for the first time, and you opened your first presents (and you weren't interested in the slightest).

Our trip back to California was fantastically uneventful after all kinds of delays and issues, but we made it back and your schedule finally got back on track. Brett and Jody arrived and the whirlwind of time with the family began. You spent a full day with your Grandma Peters and Great Aunt Sheryl and a full day with your dad (and he loved every minute of it and raved how fun it was!) while I worked. You went on a crazy hike (it was crazy long for your mom, at least) at Briones, you visited Uncle Yu's for the first time and you made it to Course #4 of New Year's Eve before your dad insisited that we go home.

You did get a few cool toys to play with and your toy "box" is nearly full... and that's about all I can remember. Here's to a great 2010!

Grandparents and Good Byes

2009-12-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

My grandparents had always been a part of my life. I had all four of my grandparents when Matt and I met, at the age of 23, which was awesome. With my Grandma Miller's passing last week, they are now all gone.

While Good Bye's are hard for most, the good byes of my grandparents have all been "easy". They were all at the end of their lives (all over 80, and all after failing health) and saying good bye really was a relief to end the suffering.

Cassius never got to "meet" his grandparents but he did get to Skype with his great grandma Miller in early December. Maybe Skype will be old news when he is old enough to ask about them, but I still think its a cool memory.

I think I'll try to write about each one so he can know of them through my memories.

2 months

2009-12-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

You are now 2 months old. You are growing so much and are more fun each and every day. You smile at both me and your dad on a regular basis... though your dad thinks you smile at me more (which I have to agree and it pleases me to no end!)

I can't lie- this newborn stuff is tough. I think most people write all the positive things about their babies lives, but I'm going to be straight with you... and give you the good and bad, so that one day when you have kids, you can tell them about how difficult of a baby you were and will know that it's payback. (PS. Your dad was a needy/fussy child too, so we're getting the payback too!)

Things about you that generally drive us batty:

* You cry, really, really loud. You are by far the highest decibel crier in any room with crying babies.

* You have a very narrow comfort zone and are not afraid to let us know when we've stepped out of it.

* You will only sleep in my arms (not your dads for the most part), in a wrap/carrier, in the car or in the stroller during the day. You often have to cry through my showers, because, sorry- mama needs a shower sometimes.

* You are a bit difficult to get to bed at night. You like to fall asleep on the boob, but the second you are moved, you jolt awake with smiles and wide eyes. That's so not cool. You have to be put down to sleep multiple times. In fact, I'm writing this between those times. It's a bit frustrating.

* You seem to have some acid reflux/gas/inner issues. You writhe and moan after many feedings and often wake up after a short period of time due to these issues.

But now... on to the flip side of all those things.

* You smile the biggest, cutest smiles. You coo. You even laugh or chuckle sometimes (we think). The chuckle comes as some pretty funny times too.

* You enjoy music. Your dad sings to you. Your grandpa sings to you. Your mom kinda sings to you while making up verses/words that don't rhyme. When people sign to you, you are generally content.

* You are starting to "sit" in our laps and watch the world. You hold your head up and look around for longer and longer each day. Today, we caught video of you in your Bumbo chair. You actually seemed to enjoy it.

* You love the outdoors. If/When you are fussy, once we go outside, you generally stop.

* You pet your dog. When Sibley comes near you, I take your hand and pet her. You both seem to like this.

* You love to be out and about. Most of the time you crash and go to sleep, but you seem to be much more settled when we are out and about. You have many people around us fooled... they think you are so quiet and chill... but you let us know differently at home.

Since my last letter, we celebrated Thanksgiving with the Peters family. Uncle Brett and Aunt Jody came from South Bend. They are a little weary of babies (I think) but you still got a little cuddle time in with them (while you were quiet). You went out on your first disc golf outing on Thanksgiving Day. I wore you in a carrier and we worked with Sibley while your dad, Brett and Jody played disc. You were sleeping throughout much of social hour, but the second (literally, the second) I sat down at the Thanksgiving Dinner table, you started to wail... so your dad and I ate dinner at the kitchen counter while I swayed back and forth to keep you quiet.

Just an FYI... Your stats at your 2 month appointment:

13 lbs. 9 oz- 96th percentile (PS. I think these percentiles are stupid, but whatever)

24.5 inches long- 98th percentile

Your head circumference was 40 cm- 66th percentile.

I guess you are going to be one big boy with your mama's peanut head. Good Lord!

Even though you are fickle thing, we love you dearly. Your soft chubby cheeks are perfect for nuzzling. Your big hands and feet are perfect lint traps. Your smile lights my world.

Love,

Your mama

Booty

2009-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

Does this picture make my butt look big??

Oh, just adorable??? That's what I thought.

Peace out,

Cassius

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

There is so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday because it's all about family and food... two of my favorites. It turned out to be one of my favorite weekends ever. Here's a rundown:

The weekend began on Tuesday for me when Cassius and I went over to Moraga to make some desserts for the weekend. Sue and I made a Caramel Apple Pie and Pumpkin Ice Cream pie. Cash was in the wrap the entire time- sleeping, of course.

Brett and Jody arrived that night.

Wednesday, Brett, Jody and Sue picked Cash and I up and we all went to Berkeley. First stop was Cultured- the Pickle Shop. Brett and Jody (and Sue) love exotic food, so they enjoyed all the fermented stuff. I tried a dill pickle, but that was it. Cash slept through the entire thing. After the pickle shop, we headed to my kind of shop- Ici, the ice cream shop!

I had one of the best ice creams ever- Brown Sugar Oatmeal Raisin. So delicious! Cash slept and ate in the sling the entire time!

Matt met us in Moraga for lamb meatballs (can you see a food theme here?) while I enjoyed my Mango sausage since lamb is not on my favorite list. Still, it was a great time and enjoyed the Caramel Apple Pie a day early- yummy!

Thursday we enjoyed a morning together, and then headed back over to Moraga for a round of disc golf and Thanksgiving with the Bennetts and the Robbins. Chuck and Marby's son is engaged and Beth and Collin are pregnant with a boy! Yeah! The food was delicious but Cash didn't really want to cooperate at the table! He woke up just as we were sitting down, so Matt and I ate in the kitchen and I swayed and walked to keep Cash quiet. After some Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream (amazing!), we headed home.

Friday, Matt and Brett went into the city with Bacony to play disc golf at Golden Gate Park while Jody and I went up to the Glenview to get pedicures! We both got variations of red- which is a rarity for me, but festive none the less. Sue stayed at home with Cash, where he proceeded to sleep in her arms the entire time! We went back over to Moraga for leftovers and then came home and crashed.

On Saturday, we went to Pacifica to the beach and the pier. It was Cash's 2nd trip to the beach since his birth and his first to the pier and he, again, slept the entire time. We finished off the evening with Sushi at Samurai Sushi Boat. Cash was actually awake for the entire time and content looking at the lights. At Samurai, they sing dim the lights and play some funky music to celebrate people's birthday.... after the 1st celebration, the waitress came by and was worried about him, but he did just fine.

Sunday was a lazy day at home filled with sleeping in, a bit of shopping and putzing around the house.... A perfect and busy weekend, in deed.

Cash's Coos

2009-11-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

Cash started cooing just the other day and he has quite the repetoire already. I was able to capture a few of the sounds on video... of course he was on his changing table thingy... his go-to happy place.

It just melts my heart :)

1 month

2009-11-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Cassius,

It is my intention to write you a little letter each month... a love letter of sorts and to document your life.

You are now 1 month old. It's been a great month getting to know you. It seems like a distant memory that you were in my belly. It doesn't seem that you've established any kind of schedule that I can tell but we are getting to know what you like. Here goes:

* Being nudey on the changing table. It seems you like to look around without your pants on. In the last week, you've decided that you don't like a dirty or wet diaper- which is a change from the first few weeks. Maybe you are just trying to get undressed?

* Eating. You are now 11 lbs. You love boobs (or at least mine). If all else fails to calm you, the boobs will usually do the trick. You also tried the bottle for the first time in the last week. Once you realized there was food inside, you seemed more into it. You drank 2 oz for your dad last night and he was more than tickled.

* Being worn in various carriers. This might have something to do with boobs, but I don't think so as you like to be worn by your dad too (and he doesn't have boobs, just FYI). Thus far you've been worn by many people including Brooke, Abby, Grandma Peters, Grandpa Peters and of course, Dad and Mom. You like to face out and look at the world but you also love facing inward and falling asleep. In fact, you are asleep in the wrap as I type.

* Being outside. Maybe it's the fresh air or all the new sites and sounds (and smells) but you seem to like it outside. We've gone on many walks as a family but perhaps the most special is the mornings that you walk with your Dad. He takes you out on a daily basis so that your Mom can get a few more minutes of sleep. You guys walk all around the neighborhood... My guess is that he's talking or singing to you the entire time.

Speaking of sleeping... you are just starting to sleep more during the night. Last night we had our first 5 hour stretch of time followed by a 3 hour stretch. Thanks Cassius! I seem to have a hard time getting you to go to sleep and stay asleep but your Dad is a pro. He has the sleepy touch in that way.

It seems that gas gets in your way a lot. It gets in our way too since we don't really know how to get it out of you. We're trying gripe water and other things. Bicycling your legs seems to help... or it helps push the farts out anyway.

Speaking of farts... although you do that a lot, farting hasn't made you smile, but we have. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom and Dad have each gotten 1 smile from you so far... and we can't wait to see some more from those chubby little cheeks and cute little lips.

And finally... speaking of body parts... You've got your Mom's chin (actually your Great-Grandpa Dohlman's chin) and your Dad's eyes. So far, your eyes are a dark steel grey/blue and we are just waiting to see what color they will be!

Cassius D., you are the love of my life (along with your dad and your dog, Sibley). I can't wait to watch you grow up to be a little boy. Welcome baby!

Love,

Your Mama

Back to "Normal"

2009-11-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

It's been just over 3 weeks since Cassius was born and things "down under" are just getting back to normal. Not having sex normal, but not alien feeling anymore.

I went on a few walks in the first week after having him, which left me feeling "heavy" to say the least. It felt like a giant weight was pulling down on my vagina/uterus/?? and it was not a nice feeling.

The bleeding is finally down to "not much" which is an improvement from marble (and sometimes bigger) clots and regular bleeding.

I can finally walk and sit down and stand up and lie down with normal feeling.

I was finally able to do some trimming without being frightened.

These are things that no one told me about. So I'm telling whomever is going to listen. Here's my advice for new moms in the vagina department.

1) 2 weeks or so before your due date: Trim. If you are at all used to being trimmed below, have someone help you now for you certainly won't want anyone (even yourself) touching anything in the general vicinity for quite some time. This becomes a problem because of a fore mentioned bleeding. It's gets cakey and gooey and gross if there is excess.... so recruit someone to help you. Also, holy cow, batman... this area now seems ginormous after not seeing it for so long. Much bigger area then I remembered!

2) Don't get out of bed/off the couch/up from the chair except to go to the bathroom for the first week... no matter how good you feel, the farthest you should travel is 30 feet. If you need to get outside, sit on the front step or on the back porch or whatever... but dont' travel far. The more you rest now, the better you'll feel later and the sooner you'll be able to resume "normal" activity (of walking across the street and through a parking lot).

3) Sitz baths are your friend. You can buy the fancy ones or use epsom salts... but do what you need to do (ask for help) to sit in the tub for 10 minutes a day. This helped tremendously and wasn't that big of a pain. I read a magazine and was able to leave my shirt on half the time (undressing is such a hassle!). I even was able to breastfeed while sitting in the tub all for the sake of healing the va-jay-jay.

4) Not sure if this is recommended, but if you get itchy/red/rawish... use your baby's diaper rash cream. It feels good.

It's Mimi Time aka Cassius' First Week

2009-10-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

More labor story to come, but wanted to get something up about Cassius' first week at home. My mom (Mimi Tanner to my niece, Karsyn thus will be known as Mimi until Cassius decides what to call her) arrived on Monday evening, just after our midwife appointment. Cassius was back up to 8 lbs, 7 oz and gaining after his initial weight loss (down to 8 lbs, 4 oz on Sunday morning).

Some milestones/activities:

* He slept in his papasan chair as we enjoyed lasagna on Mimi's first night. He's been joining us for dinner on the dining room table in his papasan every night since.

* He watched his first MLB game at his Mimi Mo's house (that's Mimi Moraga, aka Sue)

* He got his first sponge bath with Sibley supervising- he did not like it.

* He went on his first walk at Lake Merritt and slept in his Beco carrier the entire time.
* He went to the doctor and met Dr. Bean who said he is just perfect! (We agree).
* He went on his first stroller ride to get to the doctor.
* He woke up to his Mimi every morning so that we could get an extra hour (or two) of sleep.

Cassius loves his Mimi (Tanner)!

Thanks Mom!

Labor Day, continued...

2009-10-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

So I'm feeling really amazing today, on Cassius' 3 week birthday/anniversary, so I thought I'd write the story from the happy, happy, joy, joy perspective (with a ton of honesty thrown in too!) and from my somewhat sketchy memory.

We left off here.

Contractions were mildly intense but not so bad that I couldn't talk in between. Sue came over and hung out a bit. Matt and Sue went to Triple A to get the car seats adjusted in the car. Up until about 2 minutes before they left, I was going to go with them, but then I had another contraction and decided I didn't really want to go through that in a AAA parking lot, so I stayed home. Sue went to get Brett from BART and they came over for a bit. I think Brett was a little floored that I was having contractions with him at the house. Around 11:00am or so, Matt started timing them again and they were getting closer and closer together- about 4-5 minutes apart so we called Tenaya. She came over around noon and just hung out. Brett and Sue went to China Town to get out for awhile. Matt stayed with me and was an amazing support (figuratively and literally) the entire time. Around 4pm or so, the contractions started to get more intense- so much so that I wasn't able to talk much in between. Brett and Sue left around this time, I think.

Around 7pm or so, I started to go through transition. Of course, I didn't really know it at the time but the contractions shifted. During the prior contractions, I was able to moan deeply (with Matt's coaching) and really turn inward. During transition, I just couldn't get my voice to deepen and was screaming more and more. The pain was more intense and I could feel it/him move down my back/pelvis. That part was "kinda" cool. I had to keep repeating to myself...."My body was meant to do this. My body is strong" just to make it through the next contraction without giving up completely. I wanted to shut down and shut it off! At one point I said "I just want to curl up and die!" and I truly did. I have never had pain so intense and not be able to turn it off. I often thought my migraines would prepare me for birth... and they did- for the first part... but during this time, it was so different. When I have a migraine, it's intense, I want to die- but the pain waxes and wanes. I often can go to sleep and feel a reprieve. Not so much with labor. It's constant with a 10 second reprieve before it starts up again. By 8 or 9 pm, I was really, really tired and just wanted a little break- but no such luck.

Tenaya had suggested that I get in the tub- and I did- 3 different times throughout labor. Around 9:15pm, I got in the tub for the last time. It was immediate relief, but the pain came right back within a minute or so in the tub.

Tenaya had checked me around 9:30 or so and I was 8 cm on one side and 9/10 on the other side, so I still had a bit of cervix in the way that needed to go away before I could push but the pushing contractions were there and they were strong. It took me a good 10-15 minutes to get up the nerve/energy/stamina to try to get out of the tub so that she could check me and/or push that last bit out of the way. Just as I was getting ready to get out of the tub so that could happen, she asked if I wanted her to check me in the tub and I agreed. Hallelujah! I was 10cm all around. Good thing too, because the contractions to push were nearly impossible to stop. To me, they felt like you had to take the biggest poop in the world and oh, shit! you aren't on the toilet, so you try to stop it, it doesn't really work and it hurts like hell to actually let it push out. Nice picture, huh?

After about an hour of pushing, I felt his head crown and let me tell you- it's one weird feeling. Like you are pushing a giant cantelope sized tampon out of your vagina.... and then it goes back in... and comes back out....and goes back in. He crowned and went back in about 4 or 5 times and by this point I was D.O.N.E. I wanted the little fucker out.. and that's what I kept saying to myself. I had told myself... this time he'll come, but in reality it was 3 or 4 more times but on the last push, I pushed with all my might and his head came out. Tenaya wasn't quite ready for that but alas, I wanted the little fucker OUT! Once his head was out, I wanted to be done (see a theme here?) and pushed his shoulders out without a huge contractions but it needed to be OVER!

After all was said and done, Matt joked that he hadn't seen my eyes in over 8 hours because I was so internally focused I didn't even look at him!

Cassius was born at 11:07pm in the birth tub in our dining room. He weighed 8lbs, 14 oz about an hour after he was born (She also weighed him in a 9lbs, 2 oz 30 seconds earlier but declaired his weight the lower one so that weight loss in the first week would not send him to the hospital). He was 21" long and I believe his head was 13" around. His second APGAR score was a 9 and was/is beautiful! He has a Dohlman "butt" chin and lots of dark hair!

And out he came, perfectly healthy and perfectly pink. You might remember the little heartrate scare that had us (and Tenaya) a bit worried... Well, it was all for naught. He was perfect. He got a 9 on his APGAR and they put him in my arms. Right after I delivered him, I was bleeding quite a bit (the photo of us in the tub is not a pretty one) and so Tenaya pushed on my stomach to encourage the placenta to deliver. I didn't really have a contraction (or at least it was about .00001% of the intensity of what I just went through) so when I felt a slight twinge, I pushed to deliver it. Then Michelle (the baby midwife) handed Cassius and the placenta to Matt and off they went to the couch to hang out (and let the cord go limp) while I got on the floor to try to stop the bleeding (pic above it me hanging out on the floor, holding him after the cord was cut). I hung out there for awhile, then went to the bathroom to try to pee (a full bladder does not allow your uterus to contract) to no avail, and then ended up in the bed.

Tenay and Michelle did an exam on Cassius and determined all was well (I remember her specifically saying both his testicles had descended!). At this point I was too weak to hold him much or care about much, so after an attempted catheter and some contracting drugs and more clotting/bleeding, the ambulance was called around 3 am and off to the hospital I went.

Meanwhile, Michelle got Cassius dressed and ready. (I managed to have the energy to tell her that he had a matching hat that went with his outfit!) and he and Matt followed the ambulance. His first car ride into Berkeley at only 3 hours old! Ron and Sue met us (and Cassius) at the hospital.

At the hospital, they gave me a few drugs via IV and monitored me (aka I sat in bed and they came by every few hours) and I was discharged around 8am. The best part of the hospital visit (other than that they didn't have to do an ultrasound) was that I got two amazing cotton blankets out of the ordeal! Cassius was able to be in bed with me the entire time, even though he wasn't interested in nursing.

As I write this 3 weeks to the day after he was born, I'm finally feeling mostly "healed" down below after a rough couple of weeks and since he slept for a 4 hour and then a 3 hour stretch last night, I feel I can conquer the world (or at least our little world).

So glad to get this down in writing.... Welcome to the world little Monkey! We love you!

Our Labor Day

2009-10-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

It seems that this little one is finally going to make it's arrival sometime in the next 48 hours or so. Contractions started last night but weren't really regular, then around 4am I woke up with some discomfort. I started timing the contractions and they started to get more regular - 5-7 minutes apart - and had lasted for about 2 hours. The most bizarre feeling is that everything is completely normal between contractions. The best way to describe these contractions vs. "the previous ones" is that these contractions include back pain/intensity along with front cramps. The previous ones were more tightening/twitching in the front.

I watched the newest episodes of Glee and Gray's Anatomy. I woke Matt up around 6:30am and we called the midwife around 7. She is on her way over here now to check on things before we start our own version of Labor Day.

More to come....

Wasting Time

2009-10-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Finding ways to pass the time this past week was ummmmm... fun. I need to figure out what to do in the coming week though since the baby doesn't seem to want to exit the womb.

Here's a run down of my final week(s) of pregnancy:
Monday, 9/28- Met Brooke for a drink
Tuesday, 9/29- Shopped around Berkeley's 4th street
Wednesday, 9/30- Chiropractor
Thursday, 10/1- Hiked almost to Top of The World (approx. 1.75 miles), got a purple pedicure
and walked home from the Glenview (another .75 miles)
Friday, 10/2- Massage from Amy, watched first half of Baby Momma
Saturday, 10/3- Farmer's Market, Walgreens and Trader Joes, watched the rest of Baby Momma, another walk, scrapbooking, dinner with Sue, tub time
Sunday, 10/4- Walk at Pacifica beach with Matt and Sibs, nap with Sibs
Monday, 10/5- Shop at Target and Alameda, hanging curtains in the bedroom
Tuesday, 10/6- Washed the car, washed the dog

Your Room Awaits, Sir (or Ma'am)

2009-10-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Baby,

Today is your due date and unless you and my uterus are are planning a quick exit, you will arrive late. Your room has been ready for weeks if not months. I'm not really a planner, but things just started showing up and before we knew it, the room was pretty much done thanks to garage sales, freecycle and repurposing some existing items.

Your friend Marby made you an amazing quilt with a subtle chicken pattern on it to appease your father (and your feathered friends in the backyard- Ali and Zona). I am not too crafty, but I do like to dabble here and there in easy projects. While watching Martha Stewart one day, I was inspired to create your mobile with extra quilt fabric (hopefully a growth chart will follow one day once we know your name).

In case this helps motivate you to make your arrival.... here are photos of your room:

Your mobile, baby....

Your dresser and your clothes, cloth diapers, blankets and all that jazz live up in here... your dog awaits your arrival too... I think she is most excited about your dirty diapers and you dropping Cheerios on the floor.

Your map of the world, albeit slightly outdated.... We'll take you on adventures and we'll show you how the worlds borders have changed since... deal?

Hope to see you soon!

Mama

Wrapping up at the Shelter... Starting a new life

2009-09-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my last day at the shelter before Maternity Leave. Those two words seem so daunting- like they need an echo or something. While work was mostly productive, I can't believe I'm not going into my office for the next 2 months, I can't believe I won't know who is adopted that weekend, I can't believe I'm not creating training plans for dogs for awhile, I can't believe that when I come back, I'll be a MOM!

All the thoughts and changes coming about caused a bit of a panic last night around bedtime. I was getting ready for bed as usual and whew! I just started to freak out! Life is about to change, seriously!

I've been excited for the day to come for 9 months now but now that it's here (or will be here soon), yowzaa! A little cold feet, a little holy cow, a lot of changes. I'm excited for so many things about being a parent (from breastfeeding, to delivering naturally, to raising our child in Oakland, to shopping at the market with them, to watching them interact with Matt, to sending them off to Kindergarten) but also a little nervous about the changes (like no more sleeping in until 10am just because, managing a dog and baby, more laundry, more time to get ready and get out the door).

In the end (or is should that be.... in the beginning), it's going to be all worth it... just a mild little panic. It's probably the same thing that will happen the first time this child has a cold.

Little Bean, Why Does Your Heart Slow?

2009-09-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest Little Bean,

You gave your mom and dad a bit of a scare on Monday night. Tenaya, the midwife, came over and all was going well. My vitals were great and you are measuring right on track at 37.5 (is it centimeters or millimeters?). But then she listened to your hear rate and it was in the low range.

Because it's a bit out of the normal range, she sent us to Alta Bates for some monitoring. You were quite the slow one on the monitor- between 102-120 but mostly hanging around the 112 range. Perhaps you were sleeping or needing more ice cream??

We went in for an ultrasound and the tech said you were perfect. It was your first perfect score of your life (that we know of anyway). You got an 8/8. We got to see your heart beat, your chest rise and fall and your legs and hands move a bit. It seems that after a few minutes though, you were a lazy one and didn't want to move any more, even with repeated attempts of me poking you.

Your dad says it was just the beginning of perfect scores... so prepare yourself for some high expectations from your father. I, on the other hand, would love some perfect scores, but I'll settle for happiness.

The nurse at the hospital said, although your hear rate is on the lower range of normal, it looks good. She sent us home with happy wishes for your arrival.

Since Monday night, you have been moving and kicking like gangbusters at certain times. Other times, you are just quiet. Your dad was amazed at your movements while we watched tv.

I'll wrap up this letter by saying "We're ready for you! We cant' wait to meet you! Get out of my belly!"

Love,

Your Mama

"I Can't Find Our Baby"

2009-09-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

That's what I heard when I woke up to pee around 5:00 this morning. Matt typically wakes up, asks if I'm okay and we all go back to bed. But this morning he said "I can't find our baby" or so I thought... he actually said "Koepp's had her baby" and the baby news has started to flow in.

After we found out we were pregnant, the news hasn't stopped pouring in from all over the country. Here's a short list people that we know that are pregnant with approx. due dates.

Chris (Matt's cousin) and Melissa- due in July- Check! Welcome Chase!
Stephanie (friend from High School) and Josh- due in Sept.- Check! Welcome Hadley!
Karen (Matt's co-worker) and Manoa- due Sept. 11th- Check! Welcome Jax!
Melissa (my friend from High School)- due Sept 25th- A girl- Check! Welcome Evelyn!
Lyndsie and Jeff (neighbors)- due Sept. 30th- A girl! Welcome Haven Patrece!
Lindsey and Matt- due Oct. 1- Welcome Cassius D!
April (Matt's friend from the UP) and Billy- sometime around me- Check! Welcome Brody William!
Wendy and Darren (second cousin)- due Oct. 11th- Check! Welcome Ava!
Julie (Matt's cousin) and Frankie- due Oct. 18th - A boy- Welcome Frankie IV!
Mikki (my sister) and Brett- due Nov. 4th- A girl- Welcome Kinley Grace
Sara and Richard Lew (Matt's co-workers)- due November 15th- A girl, Tessa Jane.
Karaliese (friend from ACS) and Leland- due Nov. 27th- A girl
Jason (Matt's UP friend) and Kerry- due Dec 23rd- A girl
Dr. Heather and hubby (vet at work)- due in January- A boy
Christina and Alexander (neighbors)- due in Feb. (I think)
Jen (my bestest friend from college) and Dave- due March 25th- a girl
Heather and Billy (Jen's sister)- due March 25th- a boy
Lyndsay (my friend from college) and Matt- due in April

Hopefully I'm not missing anyone.

That's a lot of babies making their way into the world in the next few months!

Contractions

2009-09-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I had some kinda cool contractions. The belly was super taut- no poking at the baby possible- with slight twitches/twinges of something, but not painful. It lasted about 45 minutes but was so cool to feel the belly and my body do it's job. Go Uterus Go!

Trying to get back in the swing of things- blogging things that is....

2009-09-09T11:29:00.001-07:00

I really want this blog to be a little recollection of my life. I want to blog to document my child's life and my family's life and well, things. I love to scrapbook, but I still seem to be daunted by the task of getting things out and getting started. Not to mention the clean up that is required along with the picture printing. I may just go digital, but why? when there are little photo boxes on picasa and I can just go in there??

So here's a written determination to be better at blogging- about the (boring) things that go on in my life.

Almost there.... 36+ weeks

2009-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm 36.5 weeks pregnant. Any day now (or most likely in about 3-4 weeks). Last night the baby was moving a ton, kicking out my right side- all during Six Feet Under.

Matt made chili today with homegrown, fresh tomatoes- Yummy!

The midwife is on her way here- we'll see what she says.

Music to my ears

2009-07-17T21:02:00.001-07:00

I've been hanging out at home, while Matt golfs, cleaning, playing on the computer and just hanging out. I've got my ipod on with a whole 96 songs, but it's quite the variety. A few of the songs/genres/etc coming through the speakers in no particular order:
Oh, Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack, including Allison Krauss
Music from Cabaret
Grateful Dead
Ben Harper
Dave Matthews
Elton John and George Michael
Eric Clapton
Meiko

Rounding out the rest of the trip....

2009-06-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Wanted to get the rest of the trip and a few photos up before I forget...

Matt's posted a bit of a slideshow on Picasa

From the California Redwoods, we headed up the coast of Oregon, staying in Newport and having dinner at Sylvia's Beach House. It's listed in 1,000 Places to See (I didn't know that before hand) but it was a great time and excellent, if not amazing, food.

Saw a gorgeous sunset over the beach from our hotel room (thank god for hotel rooms! and real beds and real showers that don't run on quarters).

Headed up to Seattle and stopped in Portland to Nathan and Penelope (and get the good news!). We arrived to see Rebecca and Maya and grab some grub at Matador (a cool bar/restaurant with awesome seating and decor) before Jeff got home.

Next day we spent with Jeff, getting delicious coffee and pastries (double baked almond croissant!) and I picked up a Lavender cupcake along the way. Went into Pike's Place Market but alas, Matt forgot the camera that day, so no photos.

Next day, we went to Alki and got more coffee and walked around the beach like neighborhood and by the time we were done, I was done with walking! We stopped at Lincoln Park and sat on a bench, chatting and relaxing before Jeff had to go to work. Matt and I then headed out on our on downtown to REI (the original store aka the mothership) and the the EMP (where we got in free because Matt's so darned cute!). Then back to West Seattle for some amazing pizza and ice cream (cupcakes were sold out dammit!).

Then headed to Crater Lake or more precisely, our campsite at Joseph Stewart. A stop for gas had me gloating that I got to use my Safeway points to save $.10 a gallon on gas! Yipppeee!!!!! That night we went to a "presentation" on civil war guns, etc as they were having a reinactment the next day.

Crater Lake the next day was amazing! I had a tough time walking at such high elevation but we managed to walk a bit and get some great shots and great views (from a rocking chair! too). The fog/wind/coldness started to come in, so we took a short drive and then headed back towards camp, stopping at a natural bridge and a little cafe for amazing pie!

We thought we might stay for a battle (civil war reinactment) on Sunday morning, but we were ready to head home...

All in all a great trip!

A little Road Trip to Seattle

2009-06-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Day 1:
Left the house by 8:30am, with car re-positioning complete! Only left-behind item thus far is my SIGG bottle full of apple juice/water.

Turned off the 101 to get to the 1 around Cloverdale at which point Matt suggested we keep going until Boonville to get gas. Also around said time, he asked what my maximum mileage was on a tank of gas. I responded 305 last time I filled up and we were on, oh, about 325.

Matt swears he saw a fake horse, to which I debated heavily, resulting in a turn around to verify, by golly, that the horse had moved and was indeed real.

Coasted into Boonville thanks to 8% grade for next 2 miles. First pregnancy comment the minute I stepped out of the car.

Stopped by the Farmer's Market where they were giving away free kittens! Kittens!!!

Continued up the 1, stopped at a beach and saw a guy bring 3 large fish, of which one was a really red snapper, to his car. Also saw a girl put her dog on a boogie board and push him around- so cute!

As we were almost to the 101, we spotted the Drive Thru Tree!! Yeah! I couldn't believe it! It's still open. We drove through, we made it, we loved it!

Stopped in Arcata for dinner and had some yummy, yummy organic ice cream. One scoop of vanilla honey lavendar and one scoop of mint chip. Delish!

Saw a few elk, including a huge bull elk, in a meadow!

Got to our campsite, which rocks and backs up to a little babbling brook/creek. Started to put our tent up and a tent pole broke. We rigged it with 2 pens, a tent stake and duct tape. Thank goodness for duct tape.

Took a walk around camp, then played cribbage (Matt won) and then off to bed!

First Mother's Day (Pre-Baby of course)

2009-05-12T16:32:00.001-07:00

Although I received many Happy Mother's Day thoughts/wishes, it's still a bit surreal. I am Sibley's mom, and that feels real, so I was able to feel genuine through my dog. The baby is moving about some (more and more each day) but it's still light stuff.

Just wanted to record my doings on my first "Mother's Day:
* Went on a hike with Karaliese and Amy. Talked for a couple of hours, ate some great breakfast with Lelands new egg mcmuffin maker and then talked with Karaliese some more!
* Hung out at Ron and Sue's, drinking water in the shade, just relaxing- it was so fabulous!
* Watched Matt and Sue plant Sue's tomatoes in her brand new raised bed garden
* Watched American Idol from last week. I'm bummed Allison left.
* Ate London Broil for the first time
* Came home and watched an episode of Weeds
* Crashed!

It's Just Delicate

2009-05-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Matt is a gardener. A crazy gardener. But a lovely gardener at that.

Just two seconds ago, he walked into the house, Sweet Peas in hand and said "This is the greatest flower smell. It's just so delicate."

He has filled 7 vases and put them on our bedroom dresser. He claims he's responsible for the flower arrangements around the house. Just this morning, before 8am, he'd cleared 2 "old" bouquets and refilled them with new, fresh flowers, all from our garden.

So sweet.

Oh the blog world....

2009-04-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Internet, I've got a confession. I'm addicted to blogs... a lot of them. I had a New Year's Resolution to spend max 30 minutes, 4x per week reading blogs, but well, that went down the toilet around January 17th.

I read some creative blogs, some kid/mommy blogs and some ?? blogs.... mostly because they post on a regular basis. It's like a constant story that I get to follow. I occasionally comment and give my 2 cents but mostly I just read and enjoy.

With the pregnancy and awaiting babe, I find myself going from one blog to the next to get some perspective on parenthood and all the stuff out there. Because of the bloggers I follow, I've been on to some really great stuff- like wraps and cloth diapers and making your own baby food and taking photos to documenting life to good recipes.

Also, I've been entering in a lot more contests.... I haven't won anything just yet, but I hope to someday! Simple hosts many giveaways (it's a review site) and it's currently giving away a Kyliewrap. I'd love to win a wrap. With so many options, I'd love to get my hands on a few (made by small businesses, mostly SAHM's too!) to try them out!

An old post from a now defunct blog attempt... what else is new?

2009-04-06T09:30:00.001-07:00

I went all out and bought a used version of What to Eat When You're Expecting. You see, it was part of a package- 4 pregnancy/kid books for $4! A great bargain! I love craigslist! But I don't really like reading it, or really have a desire to follow it. When we first found out we were pregnant Matt decided he really wanted us to eat healthy, really healthy, for the baby. Yeah sure, I did too, but I know that I'm not great at changing my eating habits- plus my eating wasn't/isn't that bad to begin with. As I browse through the book they talk about the Best Odds diet... a diet to give you and your baby the best odds at a health pregnancy. Only I think that if I follow the best odds diet, I would be one very unhappy, cranky pregnant lady, and that cant' be good for the baby, the lady or the husband, right? Doughnuts are on the no-no list- not even once a month. Cookies, fruit filled ones, are on the once a month list. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Fig Newtons (or Fig Newmans in my case- see organic!) but I need me some cookies on a regular basis. I have always eaten ice cream on a semi-daily basis. I only skip about 2 days a week, and sometimes that's because I've substituted something else that's equally yummy (like creme brulee). Sometimes I'll have both! I've started juicing so that I can get more leafy green vegetables hidden inside my carrot/apple/orange juice- the greenish tint doesn't even bother me! See I'm trying! Don't even get me started on the foods that are off limits- raw eggs, deli meat, raw fish, alcohol, blue cheese, etc. I can abide by some of these quite easily, just because I don't really care for them (alcohol and raw fish) but damn, that blue cheese is calling my name! But I've resisted so far- willpower!- but not so much with the raw eggs (a little cupcake batter never hurt anyone, right?). Ok, enough of the rant... My diet thus far today as consisted of: peanut butter on english muffin (a fine balance of carbs/protein in my book- Best Odds diet would say no-no to the white flour english muffin, though), some dried berries (yeah!), 4 Cadbury eggs (yummy!), Macaroni and Cheese, a glass of juice and some bubbly water (doctor says watch for bloating- with water, really?). Moderation people, that's what I'm talking about... can't we just live with moderation?

A Perfect Sunday during the Holidays...

2008-12-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today Matt and I went over to Ron and Sue's to make Spritz cookies. She actually did all the prep work but we got to push the cookies through the tube into fun shapes- wreaths, trees, poinsettas, flowers, dogs and butterflies. It was great times!

Sibs and I chilled in the chair, in front of the big screen, reading newspaper ads under a blanket for about an hour while Matt watched football. Perfect! Oh, and we rolled over to Moraga in Ellamae- the new Toyota Corolla Stationwagon! We love her!

Then we went to Alameda with Jesse and Kristen. We got to taste some great wines at Rosenblum and then headed over to Hangar One. What a great day! I can't wait to take Jon, RedLin, and Russ there!!!

To top it all off, we went to a great Thai Restaurant on Park Street. The weird cleaner smell really put us off, but the food was great!!!!

We're watching The Simpsons by the fire and getting ready for bed, the electric blanket is waiting! Happy Kids!

Thankful

2008-11-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

So many things to be thankful for....
Family
Friends
Our power going out last night... and Jeremy's computer to save Movie Night
Starting a small business with success
Being able to follow my dreams
Blogs... really!
Pandora radio
Our Fireplace
My Dog
Our House
Our Neighborhood
Making Cookies
Tea
Family
Our Chickens

Cupcakes make people happy...

2008-11-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

but my husband bringing me tea in the cupcake mug makes me even happier. I love tea!

We are drinking Otea Santorini. Heaven!

Imagination Vacation

2008-11-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

Someone I know (a fellow Kappa and someone I've networked with a bit to get technical) has started a great organization. Even being away from the "cancer world," I still feel very connected to the cause (and I should, I've know too many people affected by the disease). This seems like a great cause.

It's an Imagination Vacation partners with area hospitals to host special events for pediatric cancer patients and other seriously ill children. We believe that every child deserves the chance to enjoy family vacations and create memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many of these special patients spend much of their time in and out of the hospital, undergoing treatments and testing, not playing and vacationing like many of the other kids their age. During our special events, patients simply travel down the hall to arrive at a dreamland destination without leaving the hospital. The possible vacation destinations, ranging from Zoo Light Safaris to Hawaiian Holidays, and Winter Wonderlands to Spring Soirees, are as endless as a child's imagination.

Slanket... Everyone loves a slanket!

2008-11-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

It's so funny that a conversation regarding a Slanket has come up twice in less than two weeks. I can't remember who I was talking to, but I was telling him (I seem to remember it being a him) that I really wanted a Slanket for the holidays... and low and behold Simple is hosting a give away. I can't afford one of these right now and my family thinks I'm nuts for wanting one, so maybe I'll win one!!! And then I'll read, read, read... and blog while comfy and warm! I wanna a chocolate one!

On a Paws and Praise Day

2008-11-18T11:59:00.001-08:00

Dear Mr. Peters,

As I sit here, in my office at my fabulously cubbied desk, a small creature, whose name is Joonbug walks past the Toyota Matrix sitting in our hilly driveway. Sibleybear aka Bibbers is at my feet, under said desk, curled up sleeping, barely waking to get the treat I place in front of her nose before dosing off again.

You, my dearest husband, are probably talking in a funny voice to 45 teenaged, hormonal, sometimes wonderful, sometimes annoying kids, making our family the money to survive. You are thinking about a million things, including the basketball game tonight. #2 of many, hoping for that 1st win of the season.

Thus far today, I have not unloaded the dishwasher, but I did check on the chickens. They are rooting around on the ground and actually came nearer to me when I approached. Your dog was a good dog and did not cross the white line, but sat nicely in the shade with her paws crossed.

Thus far today, I have created labels for my folders for which I would like your professional feedback before continuing. I also made myself some coffee and put in lots of vanilla syrup, snickering too myself that the coffee is perfect for me, but you, Mr. Peters, would not like it.

Thus far today, I have re-made our bed for I found when I woke the sheets were completely crooked and that I have pulled those on my side of the bed out from underneath the mattress, while those on your side are neatly tucked.

Thus far today, I have counted my blessing 2 or 3 times for I am one lucky gal. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband, friend, coach, gardener, tea maker, chicken farmer, bibbers daddy, and cook. I look forward to your return late this evening, after said win #1 where a cup of tea will be waiting for you so that you can hunker down in your chair and we can flip between Biggest Loser and House while you pretend to watch TV.

Te Amo,
Cita aka Mamacita

My job rocks

2008-11-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

I just want it down on "paper" that on Monday I thought to myself... I love my job!

This is what life is about people.

Above photo of Samson, my friend Amy's dog... and my "bomb-proof" dog for dog training.

Iowa roots

2008-10-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

So often, I find myself connected to my Iowa roots. From the maid-rites we had for dinner tonight to the blogs I read. One I recently found is Elizabeth Williams. She's not an Iowan by birth, but teaches school and currently resides there. Her jewelry is lovely and I love her "look" on her website. I find myself often hanging out on the page just to listen to the music she has posted. I have to switch it back to Pandora when I realize I've gone over the playlist two or three times. She's got a great giveaway for her birthday going on now.... I love giveaways!

I'm a dog trainer!

2008-09-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Officially graduated from the SF SPCA Academy from Dog Trainers and I'm doing it!!!!!

I started my business, Paws and Praise Dog Training, (well, technically speaking- the license is done, FBN -done, zoning clearane- done) now I just need some clients! I'll be working on the website and marketing materials in the weeks/months to come. My goal is to work with new parents and new parents-to-be to prepare them for life with dog after baby.

It's really taken up all of my time, between school and starting the business and working part time at Citizen Canine, so my photo opportunities have lessened. I'm determined to get back out there, even if it means a lot of dog photos!!!!

2 years- 75 more to come

2008-08-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

We've been married for 2 years and Matt said something that I thought was super sweet.

2 down, 75 to go. We joke about growing old together and dying peacefully in our sleep when we are in our 90's....

Maybe that's a pessimistic way to think about it or maybe it's just for fun.

Happy anniversary honey!

Wedding Shots in Switzerland

2008-07-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

We're back from Europe and we had a great time! I had so much fun working with Matt and taking photographs, it's something I'd like to consider dipping my feet into. I've got a great camera and found myself editing late into the night this week.

Sonoma Coast...

2008-03-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Matt and I went to the Sonoma Coast and hung out together all day, with our dog. It feels so good to be married to someone I love to intensely when we are together. I sometimes forget that when we're feeling distant or at odds with one another, just some time together brings us right back to where we need to be. Doesn't hurt that he's got a fantastic back end.

And this weekend, we didn't really hang out but that's okay- the patio is getting closer to done and I got a nap. 'nough said 'bout a good weekend.

This one goes out to the one who started it all

2008-03-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

Shutter Sisters had a post this week about the blogger who started it all. For me it was Andrea at Superhero Journal. I came upon her blog when googling Superhero while looking for decorations for a training I was helping with at work. I became mesmerized, I read for a few hours, found myself going back for the pictures and then started to look at the comments to find other bloggers. Today, I frequent about 15 different blogs and when I'm done checking in on them, my day feels complete. On many of them I'm still lurking, a few I've commented on and a few are people I think I might be able to be friends with in real life, but that just seems freaky to me. So thank you to Andrea for her blog which brought me to blogs and thank you to Through My Lens, Fina Drea, Knit Purl Mama, Quarter Life Crisis, Inevitable Keely, and a few others for making my day complete

If you don't like something I'm doing, you need to tell me..

2008-02-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

Work is super frustrating right now and I am feeling like my boss treats me unfairly. I talked to the HR person today and she gave me some great pointers about approaching my boss about her attitude and the way she is speaking to me.

I cried so hard about it last night that I got a huge headache and felt nauseous. Life is too short to feel like that. Still no word about other jobs I've applied for- which stinks.

This weekend I'm dedicating myself to getting some work done and getting caught up- even though I'm dreading it.

Saturday...

2008-02-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

A quite nice Saturday- We got up kinda early and headed to the farmers market. Only picked up Kiwi's but I got my Starbucks :) Putzed around the rest of the morning, prepped the walls with plaster for painting- color undecided- and hung out with Amy. I took the idea from "A"'s blog about a word for the year. Mine is creativity. It's something I really want to focus on, so I'm making a scrapbook for my creative endeavors- mostly photography- for the year. As dog training because a higher priority I hope that I can keep up with the creativity as well. Does dog training count as creativity?

We booked out tickets to Witch Lake (photo above) tonight for Memorial Day weekend! I can't wait!

I'm off to bed to try to get through a few more chapters/pages in The History of the World in 6 Glasses. I'm not a huge fan, but I'd like to at least get a little farther along so I can participate for tomorrows book club.

My husbands a grump

2008-02-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

So Hubby has the week off for snow week and he's been nothing but a grump. It's raining, he has to take the cat to the vet (1st time ever), he can't get work done in the backyard because "they" aren't getting back to him, it's cold, he's tired, yada yada yada. Shut the F*** up!

I got to work from home today which was sooo nice, except for the whining husband part. I got a ton done and I got to see my pictures from shutterfly like two seconds after they arrived at my door- yippee!

I'll be able to finish off the month of January in the 2008- The Year of Creativity scrapbook.

Love Thursday- Pancakes

2008-02-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! What did the hubby get me? A subscription to Dog World Journal. Yep, I told him and although he scoffed at my idea, he is "trying" to support me. He is hoping that DWJ brings me as much pleasure and excitement that Hobby Farms brings for him.

The real treat was Matt's pancakes on Sunday morning. The best pancakes I've ever had in my entire life. I love them!

A Dog Trainer..

2008-02-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Sure, I can be a dog trainer! See what I can do? A shout out to Dooce- Sibley might not be as good as Chuck, but we're going to practice and practice and we'll kick some ass, especially since Coco is now around to distract the mighty one. Just wait!

Presenting- Sibley with Carrot Greens

So you wanna be a dog trainer?

2008-02-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

I think I might have it! A career path and one that I'm super excited about. I've been struggling with what I want to do for about 1 year now- since I got this new job and really don't enjoy it all that much. I think I want to be a dog trainer. Sad thing is, I can't share my excitement with my husband. You see, he thinks I'm always chasing some dream and that it never really sticks... so I'm writing this here and in 2 months, if the excitement is still there, I'll share. I'm trying to get a dog at the SPCA to attend classes with and I'm looking into shadowing a dog trainer or two. We'll see.... It's a big, big leap!

Wish me luck!

Shudder

2008-02-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

So I have a big interview tomorrow. I'm trembling a bit at the thought of performing well, of being that passionate presenter as I present my information tomorrow. All the mind chattter- is it good enough? is this what they are looking for? am i fidgeting? do i sound confident?

it's a bit daunting. i'm going to practice, practice, practice tonight. and i'm going to kick some ass tomorrow!

passing on love thursday this week

Yes, I can... Make a Change

2008-02-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

There's no heading back...

I got an interesting call at work today. A colleague called to offer feedback that I had requested about 3 weeks ago. She started by asking if I was happy, if I liked my job and I had to tell her "no" I don't feel like it's a right fit. It doesn't play to my strengths, only my weaknesses. It doesn't help the organization. I want a new job, one where I can feel successful and like I am moving us forward. But it isn't easy. I applied for a new job today, only a few days after being rejected for a different one. I was feeling very hopeful last week, I had 3 possibilities on the line and now I feel like I'm at nothing. I still have 1 interview this week with a new organization but I feel like I'm going to bomb. I feel like I can't do anything right because I suck at this job. So here goes- to hunkering down and making an effort with my interview on Friday, to being the best that I can be in my current position and to believing that the universe will bring me what I need, when I need it. Here's to making a change.

Speaking of change- did you vote today??

Home Sick...

2008-02-04T17:49:00.001-08:00

I loved the Superhero Challenge from yesterday and love my shot, but I've been home sick today- a migraine. No fun. This one was a bit different from the rest in that is has lasted all day. I feel great when I'm laying down, or my head stays in the exact same position, but if I stand up, move, or heaven forbid- go downstairs to go pee- OUCH!

Hubby brought home Chicken Pot Pies from Bakesale Betty's! Yumm-o! These things are to die for. No ginger cookies is a bummer, but I think the goodness of the pies makes up for it!

Shutter Sisters requesting a macro shot. These are my favorite shots- though they always seem inferior to others.

I'm trying :)

Playing Hooky

2008-02-01T23:38:00.000-08:00

Today was a GREAT! day! I slept in until 9:40 or so, did a little work and went out and took pictures with Amy and the Sibs. After a short "hang up on the hubby", we went to get stuff for her new dog and met Karaliese for dinner. PF Changs' is such a chain, but I LOVE it! Came home, read some blogs and now am typing this just before I hit the bed.

No pictures today- I'll upload tomorrow.

The desire to be perfect

2008-01-31T20:03:00.001-08:00

I can slowly sense that this blog is going to be a bit of therapy for me. As I re-read some of my posts from earlier this week, I think to myself "that was silly, dumb, spelled wrong, not interesting, imperfect." I am not perfect, I've never claimed to be- yet the blogs I read seem so calculated, so precise, so perfect.

I find myself drawn to other's blogs for many reasons- mommas, completely different lifestyles and choices than me, great photography, the little drama in our lives. One in particular is of a mom.... I enjoy her blog, and she misspells many, many words. I've been tempted to comment to her in a constructive sort of way, since it effects that way I feel about her... and then I start this blog and think- wow. Blogging is a brave new world. One that anyone can see, anyone can comment on, anyone can suggest edits. Yikes.

So here goes something... to blogging and being imperfect... to living in the moment and putting myself out there (and hitting spellcheck before I publish!)

Love Thursday

2008-01-31T19:18:00.001-08:00

Things I love:
New episodes of Grey's Anatomy- too bad no new one tonight
Crockpot dinners- Dinner was ready when we walked in the door!
Reading my blogs in peace
My boss being out of town for 2 weeks!
Coffee with a friend/co-worker
Getting excited for our Europe trip

Things I miss:
Tre- our big black mutt

Babies in the future

2008-01-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

I started reading blogs about 2 years ago, but just about 1 year ago, I started my diligent daily reads. Most of the blogs are by moms... who would have thought that I'd be interested but it's intriguing to me. I can't wait to be a mom. I can't wait to be a babywearing momma. One blog that I read, Fina Drea, does reviews and she is giving away different baby wearing slings. Well, I am a mom- to a great dog and a cat - hence a photo of our animal.