My Christmas Present

You and your brother gave me a Christmas present this year...a mug and homemade hot cocoa with this adorable card.  Just loved it!

A Christmas Wish...

Religion is a hard subject.  Some people are very dogmatic in their beliefs, others are more flexible.  Your brother is already starting to question and wonder - he is open to the possibilities.

Grandma Bonnie has certain beliefs and feels compelled to share them with you.  I respect that.  Mama Laura has other beliefs and wants to share them with you but is still unsure of how to best approach that.  I respect that as well.  I don't necessarily share the same beliefs as either one.  That's okay too.  I expect your dad doesn't either.

The world is full of different beliefs.  I don't care if you are Christian, Buddhist, Agnostic, or Atheist, or anything else.  I just wish for you and Dylan to grow up to be kind, loving people who are open to the world around you.  People who are grateful and realize that not everyone has what you have.  People who help those around you.  Inclusive of others, not closed off.  People who value community and the natural world.  This is my wish for you. 

I and others around you are going to stumble as we navigate this process.  Please be forgiving people too.  I love you and your brother so very, very much.  You two are absolutely amazing spirits.  Thank you for sharing this journey.

Dylan's B-day Party

Today we had Dylan's birthday party at Englewood Park.  Everyone seemed to have a pretty good day.  Grandma Bonnie helped you chow down the wonderful chocolate cake Annie Potter made. Afterwards, you and Dylan got to go to McDonalds with Daddy and Grandma Bonnie for a bit.

Tio and Dori's Engagement

Today, Tio held a surprise engagement party for Dori and him.  Dori didn't know anything about it and her daughter's even flew in.  Boy was it crazy. We were asked to wear purple so you and Dylan both had awesome tie-dyed shirts on.  Tio approved for sure!

Later we received this nice note on Facebook!

Young at Art

Crystal and Eames joined the three of us at a place in Keizer called Young at Art.  For a flat fee, you get to do whatever art project your little heart can think of.  You and I made a bracelet with pipe cleaner and beads, you painted, you played with playdough and we made a rattle drum together.  All in all, I think it was a hit!

Hawaiian Festival

We all went to Vancouver, WA for the Hawaiian Festival today with Jawea.  It was fun and we had a wonderful picnic lunch in the park where it was held.  But boy howdy was I glad Jawea drove.  It was so darn hot.  We would have all melted in our car without AC!!!!

Mommy and Riley Time

After campout, Dylan stayed at Grandma Colleen's and Papa Bud's.  So, you and I got some one on one time together!

Last night, I picked you up from daycare and we had dinner at the tacqueria.  After that, we went to a concert at Riverfront Park. Tonight, you and I cooked dinner together and hung out!  I so appreciate getting to spend time with you.

I worry sometimes that you might feel short-changed so I like being able to make you feel special.

Virtue Rendezvous 2014

Since I was about 8 or 9 I have gone almost every year to camp up Fairview.  Until I was 18, it was owned by Fred and Vera Virtue and they had at least one music campout a year.  After Fred and Vera passed away, they left the property to your great-grandparents and our family.

This year, we drove down with Ethan and Uncle Matt.  Laura was here visiting again from WY so she came with us too.  We got a late start but you, Dylan and Ethan did great in the truck.  Its good to see you all together.

Lazy Saturday

The three of us were lazy today.  We did end up making it to the library to hang out for a bit.  And, we got a short walk in after your baths...in your pjs.  You and Dylan didn't seem to mind!

At Riverfront Park with Laura

You and Dylan "decided"...I know it was really me but anyway...you two decided to show Laura the playground and carousel at Riverfront Park.  You were adorable today!

Laura's First Visit

Laura came to visit this week from Wyoming.  So, we took her to the beach in Bandon and camping at Grandma and Grandpa Shaffar's up Fairview.  She loved it and was thrilled to hang out with you and your brother.

Ice Cream Thieves

Sitting on the back deck eating ice cream...or rather Dori was.  You and Dylan kept stealing bites.  Not sure how much of the bowl she actually got to eat!

Rapini Baby

Not sure if it was the bacon or what but you gobbled down the rapini and homemade mac and cheese tonight!!!

Meeting Your Cousin Cole

Not sure what happened here but you and Cole were both fussing like crazy!  Brooke did end up getting an adorable picture of you, Dylan and Cole together. 

Wished they lived closer, I think you boys would have a lot of fun together!  At least you all get to hang out a bit this weekend together at the family get-together.

Eighteen Month Check-up

You are healthy, healthy, healthy!!!  Kim had no concerns and neither did I.  Your stats are as follows: 26 lbs 5.5 oz, and 33.25 in tall.  This puts you in about the 75th and 85th percentiles...just like your brother was at this age.  Love you so much little man!

Easter 2014

Last night you and your brother dyed Easter eggs.  Irmgard came over and watched.  It was pretty darn cute.  Then, today we went to church and then over to Eames' house for lunch and an egg hunt.  The three of you were so handsome and adorable looking for eggs!  It was extremely great of Crystal and Aaron to plan such a fun activity for all of you!!!

Easter Card from Great-gma and gpa Shaffar

Hanging with Jawea

Jawea joined us today and we wandered around the Saturday Market and then had lunch at the taqueria on Union St.  You and your brother devoured a burrito.  After that, we took the two of you to the Carousel...fun was had by all!

Photos from Jawea

Morning Playing with Ethan and Aunt Mandy

Uncle Matt and Ethan and Aunt Mandy stayed the night with us.  While I was making breakfast, she read to you, Ethan and your brother.  Then, you all made a fort with the kitchen chairs and a big blanket.  Not too bad a day.  Plus, we got our car back today!

A Walk to the Park

Tonight, your brother and I walked to Englewood Park with Morgan.  It was so nice and there were other little boys there that you two ran around with!

Two Little Monkeys Not Jumping on the Bed

Somehow the two of you ended up in bed with me last night.  When I got up to take a shower, you both were completely happy to just stay in bed as long as you could!

Another Superb Day

Today was magical.  We all ran around the house this morning in our superhero capes and killed monsters.  Then, still in our superhero capes, we went for a walk to what I like to call the secret bridge.  Eames and Ella came over in the afternoon and we eventually moved the party back outside after baking some chocolate chip cookies.   You were very unsure as to why I was carrying Ella around and then you were very concerned about her playing with your toys.  I think you warmed up to the idea after a bit though.

Marnie did a watercolor of one of our tulips...after dumping the treasures you or your brother stored there. 

 

 

 

First Saturday of Spring

We lucked out today.  It's the first Saturday of Spring and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Capitol.  The three of us walked down to take a look.  Everything is just beautiful right now!  Afterwards we stopped at Safeway so you and Dylan could each get a cookie. 

We also stopped at the softball field and checked out the Canada geese that have been hanging out there.  You didn't appear to be too impressed by the birds.  Later in the day, after you got up from your nap, it was still nice and we played out in the yard.

Make the Ordinary Come Alive

This has honestly been my goal for both of you boys from day one!  I just was never able to put it into such eloquent words.

from 'The Parent’s Tao Te Ching' by William Martin

Adventures in Boyland

Tio took this picture tonight.  Your nose is scraped because you feel off of the sidewalk the other day when we met Grandma Colleen and Papa Bud in Elkton for lunch.  I felt so bad...but you seem to have recovered okay.

Dinner Fun

Snowmageddon

We got the most snow I've ever seen in Salem this weekend.  It was a weekend you were supposed to go out to your Dad's but the roads were really terrible so you stayed with me.  I ended up getting sent home early on Friday because they actually closed state offices in Salem...that never happens.  Might have only been the 2nd time in the 8 years I've worked there!

We made the most of it - cookies, play dough, lots of Spiderman, and some playing in the snow!

Poop!

Fifteen Month Check-Up and a Selfie

Today was your fifteen month check-up.  They added this one since your brother was 15 months.  Anyway, it was an easy one - no shots!

You are 23.5 lbs (58th percentile), 32 inches tall (77th percentile), and have a 49 cm head circumference (95th percentile).

And, you are walking!!!  And, climbing and pushing chairs and falling flat on your face :) And you have molars and got us all sick over the last couple of weeks working on those molars.  But, despite or because of it all I LOVE you so much!!!

Sweet Sleeping Baby

You are so beautiful when you sleep.  I love you itty bitty boo boo!!!!

That's MISTER Trouble-maker!

This morning's pictures from Tio showing what a trouble-maker you are!  You are walking and climbing up a storm.  And, working on molars.  Gave your brother, myself, your Dad, and possibly Lori the crude!

 

Cheeky Monkey Part Duex

The Boys are Back in Town...Happy 2014!!!