Pics from Bend

Eyes on the road, kid!

Back seat tyrant, who just discovered the joys of asking "Are we there yet?" ad nauseum.

Mizz loved the pink clouds.

Our very own OCD hippie.

No comment.

We're back from Bend

And as they say, I need a vacation from my vacation. After too many nights on a too small bed, with not enough naps, and a loud and long trek home, I could use about three more hours of sleep. But despite the weariness, the change of scenery was wonderful, the weather was sensational, and the family time was really sweet. As for the loudness on the way home, I fully expect D to sprout three new teeth today becuase serious teething is the only acceptable excuse for that amount of crying. Who knows though? It could have been the winding road, the drop in altitude, or the simple fact that he couldn't see me...the peak moment was when Mizz started his "hey, pay attention to ME" screaming to accompany the baby is out of control screaming. In any case, we swam, grilled some awesome burgers, deer watched, and scoped out the High Desert Museum, which was really Mizz's real museum experience. He did awesome once we explained in no uncertain terms that he could not crawl into the exhibits.

He eats food!

On a complete whim, we just fed D his first meal of rice gruel. Actually the whole thing was prompted by Mizz who asked if we could feed Baby D something. He did a fantastic job and aside from a few questionable expressions seemed to enjoy the cuisine. I am both thrilled and a little sad about this next stage. Thrilled because he is growing so well (he even sat for a second today unassisted), and sad because he is no longer my little bitty baby anymore.

It's time for class

After three years of eschewing formal, scheduled, paid for classes for Mizz, I have finally caved and signed him up for not one, but two classes for the next four weeks. He just had his first trampoline class today and had a great time "popcorning" and jumping SO HIGH! Tomorrow we will introduce him to soccer. I can't wait to check out his skills on the field!

A Halloween side note

Mizz walked three blocks trick or treating with only one shoe. It seems that the other had fallen off in the car and because he was so excited he neglected to tell us about it. We only caught it once we noticed he was limping--not from injury but because his sock was soaking wet.

Two Week Recap

It's been an emotional last two weeks.

Chloe the cat got suddenly and violently very sick and we weren't sure she was going to make it. As the bills grew larger and we were weighing the potential outcomes and costs of diagnostic tests, Dave made the observation that some families are forced to consider those same variables with people. Bluh. In any case, she has recovered nicely perhaps due to a large dose of antibiotics. Thankfully she is back to her normal self once again and I can go back to be irritated at her.


Dave's work sent him to Bend for another week, so I got to play Wonder Woman again. I realize that taking care of your own children is not really super hero material but it feels that way sometimes... When I can get through the majority of the day without too many mishaps and tantrums (on either my part or the kids) I can't help but feel pretty proud of myself. Becasue while I consider myself a very patient and giving person, I am willing to bet that Mother Theresa herself would be taxed by a three foot tall person barking orders at her all day (CLOSE THE COFFEE MAKER! I WANT MORE MILK! TWO HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL!), all the while, said three footer is still insisting on pooping in his pants. In fact, according to Mizz, he is going to start pooping in the potty when he is ten years old. At least he has a plan. And apparently no shame.


Speaking of shame, while we were shoe shopping the other day, Mizz selected an adorable red pair of Mary Janes, complete with a shiny red bow after refusing to try a pair of, um, more masculine Pumas. I had a moment of doubt because I like to consider myself open minded and generally in favor of challenging gender stereotypes. Yet, society won out and I gently told him that those were little girl shoes and helped him find a pair of sneakers. He was fine with the suggestion but I feel a little sad and guilty. A friend suggested getting a cheap pair somewhere to add to his dress up collection, which I think is a great idea. Most of the little boys at school love wearing the dresses, hats, and purses provided for dress up. Not surprising how fun girls clothes are.


And of course, there was the election. Mizz and I watched the election results together, with Mizz chanting Obama! Obama! Obama! every time he heard a reporter mention his name. After eight long years of feeling disenfranchised and worrying about the future, I can finally breathe again. Or to put it another way, I am thrilled about Obama's win on so many different levels. The night before the election someone made the observation that Mizz and D would never know a country where it didn't seem possible that a Black person could be elected. That makes me happy. As does Obama's thougtfulness, eloquence, "non traditional" background, and the powerful symbol that he can be to this country and the world.