Matthew James

I made my bed this morning for the first time in two weeks. It looks great, although I know I will be climbing in – and making a mess of it- as soon as I get a chance, maybe even within the next 5 minutes.

Have you ever had trouble getting your infant away from your spouse on a repeated, basis? Me neither, till now. When Matthew James was born Sept 26th we officially became veteran parents. The second time around brings surprising amount cluelessness but also the confidence in one little nugget of truth: babies cry. Swaddle them, feed them, bounce them, change a diaper, offer a binky and “shhh” them and still sometimes they will cry. This realization brings comfort, freedom, and just a dash of sanity during these sleepless times. With this epiphany, my Jared has become smitten by the little guy. ‘Fear of the cry’ can paralyze a parent, but once accepted, you are free to love on the little corker lavishly and not worry about whether or not your efforts actually produce a sleeping baby. If they do – glory to God, but if not, it’s okay – there is still a chance the boy will become a well adjusted member of our dysfunctional society. Babies Cry.

Life is so good right now my friends. Admittingly, I am dreadfully fearful of what will happen when the little dude comes out of his infant sleepy-coma (and Jared returns to work) in the next few weeks. But for now, each night is an adventure and each day riddled with blessings. I am satisfied with the moment but cognizant that keeping a positive attitude over the next several weeks will be a challenge at times. I’ve started a new tradition with Maggie Jane in this regard. After she noticed how everyone in her picture bible kneels when they pray we tried it out ourselves before bed. We take turns saying one thing we are thankful for. I say thank you for Daddy, she says thank you for pink blankie. I say thank you for our home and the food on our table, she says thank you for polka dots, which pepper her wall. Even following a long exhausting day, it is hard to be in a bad mood after that.

We ventured to the coast yesturday taking advantage of the last glimpse of sun before fall in Portand really sets in.

Watercolor Pencils

Every once in a while I discover a toy that every parent should have. This week, that "toy" is the watercolor pencil. Maggie Jane loves them. At first it was the first thing she'd say after waking from her naps: "I want watercolor pencils." Soon drawing on paper turned to hand painting. The one rule has been that she cannot paint her own face - I'm too afraid she'll poke her eyes out. Her next request was to paint MY face. So now we have lengthy sessions, and even Dada has sat for the occasional face painting, what a good sport. Tonight was our most elaborate attempt of doing butterflies after Maggie Jane spotted children with full-face butterflies at the zoo. My favorite part of this is her utmost serious demeanor when at work as she cradles my chin in one hand to steady her "canvas" while she draws with the other hand. How I adore my little artist!

Maggie Jane and the sunflowers she helped plant.

The latest belly pictures - just 2 weeks left!

Swim Lessons

I say a prayer every time I take Maggie Jane down the water slide at the pool. The further I get into my pregnancy, the more awkward the adventure is and the longer the prayer. I’m not so scared of doing it by myself but holding her on my lap keeps me up at night. I’m not kidding. We recently finished two weeks of swim lessons, and I knew all along that the last day was “slide day.” Leading up to it I really was kept awake at night telling myself it would be fine. Unfortunately she LOVES the slide. Sure enough, at the end of the last lesson everyone got SO excited because it was slide-time, and I couldn’t be the only mamma not willing, no matter how pregnant I am. I’ll save you the details and just say that I’ve never gotten so nauseous so fast. I’ll add that for the first time my rear-end actually hit the bottom of the pool when we landed, and that it was some sort of super-mama feat that I was able to keep Maggie Jane’s head above water while holding her with only one hand. I'm not actually sure what happened to my other hand.

"Western" Day at the pool

Aside from the loathed slide, swim lessons were a blast and Jared even got to take her one day. I think he did a superb job considering he didn’t know any of the corny songs we sing.

Maggie Jane getting pulled in the wagon at Sauvie Island Farm - fruit picking

Summer Fun

The summer has been flying by - which is good because it makes my pregnancy go a little faster as well. We've enjoyed camping, time with our families, and weekly trips to either the Zoo or Children's museum. With the action I have to admit my favorite times are snuggling with my girl - when she allows it - which is usually only if I have one of her favorite books in hand. Seems like a fair compromise to me. Her current favorites are Daisy and the Egg (Daisy the duck gets a baby brother), The Cuddle Book, and David and Goliath. After finding a large bow of curly gift package ribbon on the floor last week she started running around with it, saying something that was unintelligible. In these situations I try my best to understand her but often end up just nodding and saying "uh-huh." After hearing her reapeat it 20 or so times I finally figured out she was yelling: "Goliath Hair! Goliath Hair!" She apparently really appreciates that in her picture bible Goliath has really curly, wild hair. Needless to say - our summer has been full of laughter and fun.

Here is a quick slide show of Maggie Jane's recent adventures.

Outdoor Adventures

Maggie Jane's First Fish

Last weekend, with Jared's stealhead-fishing plans canceleld, we went fishing instead on Oregon's "Free Family Fishing Weekend." We headed straight for one of our favorite hangouts- Trillium Lake near Mt Hood- but not without one stop in Welches for the world's best Maple Bar Donuts.

The weather was cool but the rain held off and we caught two trout. Daddy caught the first one and despite much practice on the front lawn with him, she did not want to reel it in. I don't think she knew exactly what was on the end of the line. Once she figured out how "squiggly" and fun it was to touch, carry, and talk to the dead fish- she was ready to reel when I got one on.

Jared cooked up the fish in his cornbread recipe and we celebrated the fish over dinner that night. Maggie Jane was willing to try a bite and was just thrilled that fish had made another appearance on our plates of all places.

Maggie Jane and Mama Conquer the Tent

I'm so proud to announce we slept in the tent! Let me explain why such an adventure makes me proud. Maggie Jane's never been able to sleep next to me since I stopped nursing, whether it is in our bed or anywhere. What starts as a typical "night-night" routine ends with unstoppable chatter, jumping on the bed, or kicking Mama in the face. It is just too exciting for her.

The timing was perfect as I've been craving a little adventure in my life (yes sleeping in the backyard is adventure) and I've regretfully become too dictator-like in my parenting. The tent had been set up in the backyard and Jared had gone fishing/camping with a friend. Maggie Jane and I were in good moods (yet worn out) after spending the afternoon with friends. I saw the window of opportunity and took it - good moods and exhaustion is a rare combination for either a 2 year old or a pregnant lady entering her third trimester!

We hauled all our camping gear (stuffed animals, blankies, and books) out to the tent. I knew she wouldn't be going to sleep till it was dark so I told her mommy was having quiet time and proceeded to read a book myself. She was so excited about being in the tent (and not having a "rules") that she entertained herself for nearly an hour - with the exception of interrupting mama every 1-2 minutes with a question or observation. "Ants in tent Mama! - Ants in Tent!"... "Maggie Jane there is an ant ON the tent - but he's on the outside and we're inside". The second hour was passed with Maggie being thrilled to "read" books in/on/around her sleeping bag while I pretended to sleep (actually I did doze off!). She eventually got the hint and settled in. At 11:00pm I woke up holding my baby girl's hand as she slept next to me. Precious.

Bird House

Maggie Jane and I just arrived from the library and grocery store. I opened the garage and house door so that I could easily run back and forth with my loads while Maggie Jane played outside. Once finished I picked her up and headed inside. Just as we entered Maggie Jane yells “Bird!”. T hat’s a funny thing to yell I thought, right before I noticed the blue bird sitting on the window sill – INSIDE my house. In case you are ever in this situation, here’s what to do…

First, don’t freak out. I’ve realized that our children’s fears often are a result of how we react to spiders- I mean how we react to the world- or in this case the bird. It helps to say something softly like “Oh look there IS a birdie in our house…silly birdie!” Then take your child to safety. In my case the safest place was just outside the door to the garage – which has a cat door for distant observation.

Next, try not to pee your pants while closing ALL the window shades and opening all the doors – except the one your child is hiding behind. I learned that blue birds don’t make mistakes just once; they will repetitively fly into the window trying to get out. Don’t get the bird stuck between the blinds and the window – yes I’m speaking from experience.

Now it’s time to address the bird. Grab something large like a sheet or beach towel. It will help direct the bird but it is more for protection. I know from growing up with my own parrot that birds poop when frightened. Inevitable the bird is going to poop in your house. It gives you a sense of accomplishment if you can get the bird to poop on the diaper changing table before tweety gets stuck behind it – yes still speaking from experience.

Finally – use your best bird corralling skills to get the thing out the door. Despite how much you wish your husband was around to take care of this, with some patience and guts, you can do it. As for your toddler, they will be left unharmed and repeating “Mama chase bird!” all afternoon.

Maggie Jane peaking through the cat door: "Mama Catch Birdie?!"

This and That

This

Lately friends have asked if this preganancy is much different from the first. Yes, it's felt a lot different. Fortunetly, I can also honestly reply "This is the best I've felt so far" with this pregnancy. Below are the most noticable differences. I've edited out about half of the content after thinking about what mature, wise, and respectable folks may read this blog.

This one enjoys the sounds of a two year old knocking on it’s “door” (my belly button) and yelling “Hi Baby!” through the same entrance. Just for fun I ask Maggie Jane if she can see baby to which she replys "foot!" - now that is some belly button.

Despite the bad economy, Portland Water Bureau has little to fear- I’m single-handedly keeping them in business between all the water I drink and consequently flush the toilet every 5 minutes.

With Maggie Jane I scarfed orange juice and french fries. With this one- my staples include popcorn, celery, wheat bran cereal, and cream of wheat. Hmm.

What is not so different is the life in side of me and the marvel of such a creation. This little one already has fingerprints. Fingerprints!

That

Someone recently showed me how to use the "color accent" feature on my little cannon camera. (Thanks Mallory!) You can highlight just one color. It's rad. This knowledge has flared my addiction to taking pictures of Maggie Jane.

Annie Oakley- with a bubble blower. I'm pretty sure she is aiming at something very serious and that if she moves at all she may spook it.

















Ask a 2 year old to smile and this is what you get.
Hmm, Interesting