The Reuland Family

Our Shining Star

2012-01-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

Henry was chosen to be be on of the Shining Stars at his school this week. It is such a cool new thing that they started at his school. They have the kids fill out a form that tells them about the kid -- their favorite food, favorite subject in school, favorite color, etc. Then the principal calls up each kid and highlights things on the sheet and then asks for a round of applause. It is such a lovely way to highlight the unique and wonderful things about the child. I, of course, cried. Henry made sure to point out that he loved football and basketball (the principal noted that throughout his sheet she noted a theme....that he LOVED sports). He also said that Math was his favorite subject. Shocking, right?

Maggie and her Godfather

2012-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

My cousin Jeffrey is Maggie's godfather. He wasn't able to be here for her baptism as he is interviewing for residency programs right now. He was here last weekend to interview at OHSU so they got to bond. Apparently he has already started some lesson plans for her. Amen.

7 Month Old Maggie

2012-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Maggie turned seven months while I was on a business trip in Denver.

Her new things are some incoming top teeth, an unquenchable desire to stand and pull up on things, a LOVE of food (hmm....wonder who that is like) and a whole lot of verbal activity. She also is REALLY in to sticking her tongue...ala Michael Jordan style...which is pretty ironic given her initials are MJ.

She is like walking around with a burst of sunshine...she makes everyone smile and we adore her.

My mom came with me to Denver and the two Joan's (Maggie's middle name is Joan) had fun bonding. Maggie LOVED that Joanie would let her go through her purse and chew on her Kindle. Joanie loved that the hotel had a free wine hour and that Maggie fell in love with her Grandma.

Here is Henry at 7 Months:

And Frances:

Frances Ensures Life is Not Dull

2012-01-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of get up that Frances routinely puts on as part of her imaginative play.

The girl continually cracks me up.

Frances Skiing

2012-01-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Here is the video of Frances's skiing. In typical Frances form...she wanted to "DO IT HERSELF". When Mark tried to help her or guide her, she basically threw it down and did a number of arm flailing, head shaking moves that made me and my sister nearly pee our pants. Hilarious.

Sorry for the video being sideways.

Alaska = Winter Wonderland Bliss

2012-01-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

On Christmas night we joyfully flew up to Alaska. We had a premonition that the trip would be fantastic when all three kids fell asleep on take off....and remained asleep. We had wonderful, unforgettable week. The kids adore their cousins and from the moment they see each other it is fun central. There are many stories to tell....that I have a feeling we will be telling in our golden years...but the thing I loved the most was just having the time to hang out. We didn't necessarily do a lot, which was the best part of the trip, because we were all together. My sister and I can talk for hours...and that is what we did. The snow was beautiful and we got to biking, running and hiking in it. Frances tried skiing for the first time...which was HILARIOUS...and Mark even got some runs in. Overall, it was the perfect way to end 2011.

Christmas

2012-01-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

I know I say this every year, but I LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Christmas as a parent. There is nothing better than the ear to ear joy and the anticipation of running downstairs. Highlights for Frances were that she actually got a Water Buffallo and that Santa remembered to get Maggie the Johnny Jump Up. Henry was elated to get an Itouch.....and he proceeded to check the weather of every city he knew and to time all of his imaginary football games.

We spent the am playing with our toys and then headed to Gertie's house and the rehab hospital to visit Gordon....all before we needed to catch a plane to Alaska. It was a pretty comical Christmas of lots of places to go, all in one day.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

We stuck with our tradition of going to the Christmas Eve - Family mass at Cathedral.The day before my mom had given the kids their presents, so they were busy putting together the Lego set (all 874 pieces) and building mountains. Henry also decided to use Sharpie on face to help "spice up" his pretend football game -- really fun to clean up before mass.

As always, mass was ADORABLE with the kids from the Cathedral school acting out the story of Christmas. The baby Jesus was so cute....and then what was even cuter is how everyone we sat next to told us that Maggie should have been baby Jesus as she was "so cute, you could eat her". Hilarious.

Given my parents were in AK, Gordon was in the hospital, and my grandma had sent me a card in the mail to let me know that she wasn't coming to Christmas Eve dinner (nice direct mode of conversation)-- we decided to go out. Yummy. We ended the night with having Brookie and her family over for Christmas Eve dessert. Frances had the whole crowd laughing pretty hard with her P90X impressions and her bad ass jumping jacks. She also got Aaron - Brookie's brother - to wear the Elf hat....Santa's little helper.

Heart Melting Moment

2011-12-20T22:33:00.000-08:00

We went to see Santa tonight. Henry had his list -- 14 things, almost all had to do with sports -- and Frances said she didn't need a list, she would just tell Santa. Given in the past years she cried and would not actually speak to Santa, I wasn't hopeful about the process. Henry handed Santa his list and a nice long conversation about football and his favorite teams and players. Then Santa asked Frances what she wanted and this was her reply: "A water buffalo, make-up, and a Johnny jump up for my Maggie". I melted. On Monday, I was looking for the Johnny Jump up for Maggie and couldn't find it in storage. Apparently this really saddened Frances and she wanted to make sure Maggie got a present too. So sweet.

Maggie Moo Eats Some Grub

2011-12-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

The 6 month mark is a big one in the Reuland casa as we start solids on their 6-month birthday. Maggie was ready -- she has been putting everything in her mouth and watching intently whenever someone eats around her. Henry and Frances got to feed her. It was HILARIOUS. They overdid it a bit...but she caught up quick...and LOVED It. I think she is going to be tank...and will take after her mother.

Maggie's 1/2 Year Mark!

2011-12-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

Frances at 6 Months:

Henry at 6 Months:

Miss Maggie hit the half-year mark! Go Maggie!!! She continues to be a VERY happy baby. Her babbling has really kicked up and she can now squeal, yell, and let her brother and sister know who is the boss. I am thinking that she may have a lot of Frances in her as the girl is STRONG. She is sitting up and reaching and grabbing for things...and looks adoringly at her brother and sister's ability to run.

Maggie's Baptism

2011-12-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

We are in the clear....Maggie got baptized. Her godparents don't live in Portland. Since her Godmother, Annemarie, lives in Hong Kong, we decided to plan it on a day that she can be there since that is a special treat in itself. Janis filled in for Maggie's godfather as Jeffrey had a medical school interview. Annemarie's parents substituted as grandparents for Maggie, since my parents were out of town, Mark's mom lives in NY and Gordon is still in the hospital. Annemarie's sister was the fake aunt and nanny to the kids....and Brookie (my BFF) rounded out the crowd with her wonderful support (still feel so lucky that she lives in Portland again!!). It was a short, informal ceremony, but still special. Maggie was pretty funny -- listening intently, talking the priest, cracking smiles when he said "satan". I feel very, very honored that Annemarie and Jeffrey have taken on the role of godparents. They will be wonderful role models for her and she is lucky to have them to lean on in the future, just like we are lucky to have them in our lives. Janis was a wonderful "stand in" as I am sure my children will turn to her throughout their lives as she has been and will be instrumental in their growing up. As is typical of our lives with three kids....we forgot out camera. Thank god for Brookie's cell phone.

Afterwards we went to Papa Hayden and had yummy dinner and dessert to celebrate Maggie being cleansed of sin an all...amen.

Janis's Magical Mass

2011-12-11T13:18:00.001-08:00

Our nanny Janis is the choir at her church. Every year they have a SPECTACULAR holiday mass in which members of the Portland Symphony accompany them. It is incredible and the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and the advent season. This morning the whole family went, including my mom and dad. We were in the third row and one of my favorite parts was when Maggie recognized her in the choir and smiled a HUGE smile. Who knew she could see that far? We were SO proud of Janis. It was a magical mass...........followed by a not-so-magical car ride home. Henry baptized the Swagga Wagon with its first puke and Maggie cried a majority of the drive home. Oh holy night.

Morgan the Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T13:14:00.001-08:00

Since we were out of town, we went to get our Christmas tree this weekend. We had a special treat in that Auntie KK was here too. Yahoo! We found Morgan, the name for the tree, in about 10 minutes. Although she is small, she is round and we love her mucho. The swagga wagon was also baptized in carrying a Christmas tree -- holla.

The kids got so hot putting on ornaments that they took their shirts off.

Mornings in the Reuland Casa

2011-12-10T13:12:00.001-08:00

This morning Frances, Maggie and I were up first. I had to go and do something, so I placed Maggie - sitting up -- with the boppy. I came back to this. Priceless.

1st Grader Presentations

2011-12-10T13:10:00.001-08:00

Henry had to give his first presentation this week about his family. It was ADORABLE. I was kind of stressed out getting there as it was in the middle of the day, on a day I work, but SO worth it. My favorite part was when he had to say something special about each family member and he said "And then there is my sweet baby sister Maggie. She is special because she makes my family, she makes everyone she meets, smile everyday.". I mean really....beyond cute.

Final Day in San Francisco

2011-12-07T22:06:00.001-08:00

After the wedding they hosted a brunch at Neiman Marcus, right next to Union Square. This is a great place to go in San Francisco during the holidays as the decorations are awesome and the view of the tree in Union Square is spectacular. True to form with this wedding, it was incredible, and the food was delicious. After that we met up with Auntie KK, Dwayne and Hazel before our flight. Per my contract with Katie, I am not allowed to post pictures of her without written consent....so will have to see if I get any "approved" photos this weekend.

Top Ten Wedding of All Time: Rob and Jessica

2011-12-07T21:57:00.001-08:00

Our friends Rob and Jessica got married in the bay area this weekend. WOW. I probably said that about million times this weekend as it was one of the best weddings I have been to. The ceremony was in Santa Clara, where they met, and it was not only beautiful, but so heartfelt and so touching and so honored the sacrament of marriage. The reception was in San Francisco and the bride created one of the most magical settings I have ever been. Every touch was a personal one and each little aspect of the wedding had such meaning. On top of the honor of celebrating these two incredible people, we got to hang out with a group of friends that we love. IT was so much fun to get back into "our element" ....ripping up the dance floor, singing to starship, and making each other laugh to the point of tears. We had a blast and, I am proud to say, were one of the last people there -- thanks to Auntie KK watching Maggie. Our friend Dan said it perfectly the next day "can we do that whole day again?".

Tale of the Stroller in San Francisco

2011-12-07T21:52:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we got to go San Francisco for a wedding. My parents took care of Frances and Henry and we took Maggie with us. It was INCREDIBLE weather, so we put in a lot of runs. I like to call this series the "Tale of the Bob". No joke, I should work for their marketing department as that jogging stroller is a key factor in why I love travelling with my kids....we can run in great cities while they nap. Win, win. On one of my runs I just happened to run into my dear friend Erin. How small a world is that? It was like opening a Christmas present getting to see her so unexpectantly.

Manzanita Tree Lighting Ceremony

2011-12-07T21:49:00.001-08:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving we headed to Manzanita. It was a great weekend of mostly great weather. Little did we know they had a tree lighting ceremony. It started at one end of the town, where everyone lit their candles, involved a parade through the town, and then ended at the bakery with free hot chocolate, cookies and Santa. We drank the hot chocolate, ate the cookies.....but NO to Santa. Frances said she was scared and Henry said he didn't have his list ready. Classic.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T08:15:00.001-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving at Gerties this year. She didn't want to leave her place and Gordon just got out of the hospital, so it was a nice, laid back holiday. The kids were oohed and aahed over and the clean up was significantly less. I even got to take a nap after turkey brunch....bliss. My favorite part was watching Frances drink her orange juice out of her wine glass --- hilarious -- and slightly scary in that I feel like it might be foreshadowing.

Turkey Trot 2011

2011-11-25T08:12:00.001-08:00

Annual tradition is to run on Thanksgiving morning before the gluttony begins! This year was extra special because 1) It didn't rain, 2) I got to run by myself and not push the stroller up the hills and MOST importantly 3) I got to run with one my favorite friends Annemarie (who is home from Hong Kong). It was awesome.

Then Mark and the kids joined us so that the they could do the Tot Trot. Frances and Henry rocked it and they loved the prizes they received at the end (chocolate turkey and candy cane). Why do they always end athletic events for kids with bad food?

Glowing Greens

2011-11-21T16:54:00.001-08:00

Henry had no school today, so we decided to have a date. We decided to go an indoor mini-golf course....that is in the dark....and pirate themed. Argh. We were both VERY happy that Frances wasn't on the date as she would have been petrified. That said, it was really funny and Henry was in heaven. He did a mean pirate impersonation on top of sinking some balls. Maggie didn't know what to think about it...but attempted to get snot on a skeleton and grab Henry's hair whenever it was within reach.

Power Girls Weekend in Manzanita

2011-11-20T19:14:00.001-08:00

Our lovely friend Erin was in town from Alameda and we had a girls night at the beach.....plus Maggie.The drive alone was a blast, having time to catch up with my friend Sheri. It was an awesome night/day with some incredible women. We ate, drank, and a laughed (requirement of all girls weekends...right?). Today was surreal in terms of the weather at the beach and our morning runs were filled sunlight and incredible views along the coast......I also got hit my a frisbee....seriously, my luck.I love girlfriends. Maggie made sure to put on a good show so that she can continue to go with me places -- she was all smiles all weekend and everyone got their baby fix in for the weekend.

Cinco de Maggie

2011-11-18T16:31:00.001-08:00

Hello drool......

Miss Maggie Moo is five months old. This has been a big month. She is sitting, drooling, teething (she has her first two teeth), and creating a lot of snot. I call it the "No...Sleep...For Mama" stage (hope Beastie Boys is playing in the back of your head right now, as that is what I chant it too). Thankfully she is a joyful baby during the day and as cute as a button, balancing it all out and keeping me head over heels in love with her. She continues to be VERY verbal and loves her birdie mobile -- she and the birds have had some serious girl talk. I can't wait until her babble is converted to words and I understand what they have been talking about all this time.

Henry at five months:

Francie at 5 Months:

Lantern Walk

2011-11-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

Frances's school has an annual tradition of the "Lantern Walk" through the Arboretum to celebrate the beginning of Winter. The kids make the lanterns, learn a song about "light", and you hike through the Arboretum in the dark night. Usually, it is really neat because in the thick darkness all you can see are the scattered lights of the lanterns, each representing a wonderful person in their school.

This year it rained.

We were not prepared for rain.

Three wet kids in the rain = happy times.

Attached are pictures taken...before the rain. The little girl is one of Francie's favorite friends at school.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween....but kind of sucked on the picture front. Henry continued to amaze me with letting me put make up on....if you had told me when he was two years old that he would let me get him "messy" like that, I would have called you a liar. Frances was a bubbly, exuberant lady bug girl and Miss Maggie was a perfect pig.

Lovely Lilly

2011-10-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

In the Arboretum, next to Henry and Frances's school, there is wonderful tree that Henry's class used to hike to. They named her Lilly. They studied her. They drew her. The loved her.

A couple of weeks ago I hiked up there with Maggie and some homeless teens had vandalized her (spray painted horrible, hateful things) and all the other trees in the area. Beer bottles and trash was everywhere -- in this beautiful, idyllic spot. I was so angry.

Today, Frances's class hiked up there. When I asked her about Lilly she said "They cut down Lilly". I literally got a HUGE lump in my throat. I asked the teacher and she said it was true. They did a bunch of work to recreate the area so more people will hike there and less vandalism will happen.

I told Henry today on the way home and when I looked back in the car, he had huge tears streaming down his face, which then made me cry.

Amazing how connected you can be to a tree. I honestly feel heart broken. Above are some pictures taken under the shade of wonderful Lilly.

Big Blue

2011-10-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

We are skeptical that Miss Maggie's eyes can actually stay blue given our genetics,

but for now we are enjoying them immensely!

Last Soccer Game of the Season on a Blissful Fall Day

2011-10-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those perfect fall days....slightly crisp, blue skies, the trees are reaching their peak. Henry had his last soccer game of the Fall season and they did awesome. It has been really neat to see how much the boys have progressed from looking like a swarm of bees around the ball to actually spreading out across the field and passing. It is impossible to not be joyful watching Henry play the soccer - the kid is so intense and so into it. Frances and Maggie have been troopers -- every Saturday going to his games, rain or shine - to support their brother. Today, Frances even tried to join the game and help out his team.... hee hee.

The World Through Henry's Eyes

2011-10-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last night Henry started plotting what he was going to do with all his candy......and it was not about eating it. He need to count and sort it and THEN...he needed to create a bracket and have an imaginary playoff of the candy. No joke.

This is the first thing he did this morning.

He counted each candy.

Then he created the bracket.

He is currently playing the game that is Snickers vs. Milky Way.

KPFF Halloween Party

2011-10-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Let the Halloween festivities begin! Mark's work had their party today and the kids were very excited to go. Henry wanted to be vampire. I feel bad for the kid...he obviously doesn't realize his mom can NOT do make-up....but I gave it my best shot. Frances was Ladybug Girl. Maggie wore the pig outfit that both Henry and Frances wore for their first Halloween.....tradition....or me being cheap.

Heirloom Apple Festival

2011-10-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

We got to go back to Hood River last weekend for the Heirloom Apple Celebration with Brookie and Josh. Thanks to my sister, we also got to stay the night and I was reunited with my favorite brewery...Double Mountain. Hop Heaven. Again.....Hood River is magical. It is seriously one of my favorite places on earth.

Two Year Anniversary

2011-10-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

The 2nd year anniversary of Gordon's heart transplant was October 18th. Pretty amazing how far he has come and how much our family has gained from him getting a new lease on life. He has grown incredibly close in our children, partly because in living here he gets to see them every week. He has met and fallen in love with Maggie -- something that would not have happened without a new heart. In the lovely way that reciprocity seems to flow throughout life, after helping him get through being sick and the transplant, he now helps us immensely. Last year I was able to volunteer in Henry's class because Gordon helped me with Frances and this year I am working from home on Monday afternoon's because he is here to help.

I have to also admit that his anniversary also always makes me incredibly sad and heartbroken for the other family that lost their loved one. It is a surreal dichotomy to be celebrating one's life, while also being devastated for another family that must be reeling from the realization that another year has gone by without their loved one.

This year I took a picture of Gordon with the kids that I plan to send to the family to show them the gift that their son gave to our family. It is my hope that it will be bring them some peace in looking at the picture and seeing the love and special bond their son helped make possible.

4 Month Old Maggie!

2011-10-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Miss Maggie Moo Moo is a whopping four months old. I seriously can't believe it -- it seems to be going so fast. She is 14.6 pounds (60% -- she gained a lot on percentile...go my little piglet) and 25 inches (70%). Balanced. Both physically and mentally. She continues to be a happy and fairly easy going baby. We adore her. She smiles constantly...which then makes us smile. Attached are photos of Henry and Frances at 4 Month too.

Hood River Fall Festival

2011-10-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the Fall festival with the cousins. I swear, we could take those kids to the dump and they would still have fun. Jenny and I got some cool pottery and we all a lot of food that was really bad for you....but really good.

Gang Hits Gertie's Place

2011-10-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Jenny and the kids are in town. We went to visit Gertie.....and took over. That is a whole lot of noise in a very quiet place. It was cute though to see how "ga ga" all the people went over the kids....especially Maggie. Maggie and Gertie seem to have a special bond - really cute. Sorry for the blurry pictures....I used my phone.

Pumpkin Picking in Da Gorge

2011-10-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch in the Gorge this year. I love that place...even on a cloudy day it is magical. The kids took a lot of effort picking their pumpkins....ok Henry was very thoughtful, Frances was just going for the ones she could pick up. We also went through the Corn Maze - which had a story at every turn that Henry read to Frances and me. Maggie slept through the whole thing...maybe next year?

Frances Joins the Timbers Army

2011-10-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

Frances finally got to go to the Timbers Game. After watching Henry go, she finally got her shot. The best thing about Frances is that her excitement is literally palpable and can fill a room...it is contagious. She came home BEAMING and Mark said she was pretty dang adorable. She loved it. Mark bought her a new Timbers jersey (she wore Henry's to the game) and she begged to sleep in it....and then wore it the next day.

Special Sundays

2011-10-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

These are definitely the moments I am going to cherish....this was Sunday morning....and then Sunday night.

Frances's First Field Trip

2011-09-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Frances had her first field trip to Farmers Market. They got to take the Max train from their school downtown to the market and back. It was just one big ball of awesome. The weather was amazing, the colors of the market were incredible, and the kids are spectacular. I remember chaperoning when Henry's class went...with Frances in the Bjorn...and so it was a bit surreal to now be there with Frances and have Maggie in the Bjorn. I love preschoolers. I have been staying late at drop off every day and playing. Today the teacher said "you are going to be so sad to go back to work because you won't get to play as much". Hit the the nail on the head on that one. Sniffle sniffle.

Closer to 40 than I am to 30

2011-09-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

I crossed the line...the one that is closer to 40 than 30. Yes, I turned 36. On my last birthday I was a bit worried that I was now officially "advanced maternal age" and hoping that I could get pregnant and have a healthy child. I am thankful and in awe that a year later I have Miss Maggie in our life...even if I now have the lovely pounds of pregnancy to work off. My parents gave me THE BEST present ever...a weekend in San Diego at their place, while they babysat the kids. We had a great time. Mark kept saying how relaxing it was having just a baby -- oh the perspective you have when you have three. We ran on the waterfront, went to the farmers market, a Padres game, and went to a birthday party for my Aunt Pat. I adore my Aunt Pat's daughters, they are like cousins to me, and it was a hysterical night filled with laughter and stories.

On the way home from the birthday party....at 11:30 at night....Mark declared that he had to satisfy his In and Out craving. So, we found one and drove there. It was us....and the 20 year olds who were just starting their night. I felt old and young all at the same time. A really healthy way to kick off my 36th year. On our flight home today the airplane was completely full. Mark is an MVP so he got first class. In a wonderful act of kindness, he gave me the first class ticket. I wasn't going to bring Maggie with me to the fancy schmancy section...but there was another baby there....so I figured I would go for it. It was sheer bliss. I plan on winning the lottery so that I can travel in that fashion from this point forward.

Timbers!!!

2011-09-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Through Henry's soccer team we got tickets to the Timbers game. The first fourteen parents that responded also got their kids into the "fan tunnel". Since I am still on maternity leave....I was quick...and Henry got in. Holy moly. I had no idea that being in the fan tunnel meant that Henry was going to be on the field!! It was a bit unnerving to have him taken away from me to go on the field (no parents allowed), but after I bought my beer and sat in the stands I felt better (hee hee). I seriously got goose bumps on my neck when I saw my little man walk out on the field. He loved it. In fact, he loved it so much that they put a close up shot of him looking in awe at the players on the big screen. So cool. I wish I had brought a better camera, but you get the gist.

Maggie is 3 Months!

2011-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Frances at 3 months....

Henry at 3 months...

Miss Maggie turned three months......WHAT?? She continues to be a wonderful baby that has learned the art of being the third child -- roll with it. She discovered her hands and feet and how she can use them to move things. Her concentration and focus to hit an object within reach is admirable....perhaps she is training to be able to defend herself against her siblings? I am cherishing and soaking up the many alone moments I have with her now that Frances and Henry are in school.....and starting to get a knot in my stomach when I think about going back to work.

Above are pictures of Henry (rockin the jean overalls) and Frances (hello Blondie).

Five Days of Preschool.....Five Dresses

2011-09-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, prior to September 7th Miss Frances had a long standing boycott on wearing dresses unless forced to wear them for a special holiday.

That said, when we went preschool shopping, she choose a dress to wear the 1st day. I thought it was fluke. Five days later, she has worn a dress everyday to school.

My friend Brooke said it best -- it is like we have a WHOLE new wardrobe of clothes in the closet and we didn't have to go shopping.

Bowling to Escape the Heat

2011-09-11T09:16:00.001-07:00

After a packed day of the festival, the Chinese Garden and Henry's soccer game, we dashed over to Grand Central bowl to escape the heat and get our "bowl" on with friends Anna and Brian and their three kids. In a nod to how old I am getting, Henry scored more points than I in both rounds of bowling. The decline has started...

Under the Harvest Moon

2011-09-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Chinatown had an "Under the Harvest Moon" celebration. The celebration itself was a bit on the cheeseball side...but if you went, the kids got a stamp to get into the Chinese Garden for free...which was MAGICAL. I don't think we brought much "zen" to the garden or to the people that had probably visited it for that reason, but we enjoyed every moment. They had a great guide that walked the kids through the experience and kept them focused on looking out for new things. Wish I could bring a piece of that tranquility home...

Pool Party

2011-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

We went to our friends Dan and Emily's house for dinner. They had received a blow up pool from a neighbor that the packaging showed it to be huge and spacious. After filling it with with her own breath....it was discovered to be a bit smaller...but just as awesome for the kids. It had a basketball hoop...so it was pretty much Henry's (and therefore Frances's) dream. I couldn't get a good picture of my kids because they were running and dunking, but was able to get a great picture of Ellie squealing with joy. It was a lovely summer night.

Frances Goes to Preschool!!

2011-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a very big day in our household. Frances had her first day of preschool. I knew it was going to be a phenomenal day of firsts when she actually wore the dress that SHE had picked out. Yes, a dress. She also wore the sweet jean jacket she picked out...even though it is in the mid 90s here. Joan Jett - eat your heart out. She also insisted on wearing a flower hair clip...and that I wear one too so that we were twins.

When we got to preschool she was a bit nervous and clingy. BUT...then she found the area with the babies in it and the play began. She also felt very comforted because a tree that Henry had made when he was a preschooler is in the classroom and she remembers it fondly and I think it makes her feel like a piece of him is in the room. Finally, I told her that in five minutes I would need to leave. Three minutes later she told me "Mom, it is time for you to go now". Seriously. I swallowed the lump in my throat and walked out with a equal dose of pride at her independence and sadness that my little girl is now more independent and won't be home with me all day.

When I picked her up,she so proud of herself...and EXHAUSTED. Her teachers said she was very talkative (wonder who she takes after?) and told MANY stories. One teacher said that during recess, she took a break and sat down next to her. After a moment or so Frances turned to her and said "I just LOVE everyone". Classic Frances.

Tonight when putting her to bed I hugged and kissed her and told her that I was so proud of her and how brave she was and that I knew she would be so happy in preschool.

As I reached her door she said "Thank you!". I asked her why she was saying Thank You and she said "For getting me preschool".

A top ten day as a parent.

First Day of First Grade

2011-09-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

We officially have a child in grade school -- hello 1st grade! Henry is really excited about the new year and we are excited to see how much more he will grow and all that he will learn. In typical Colleen-fashion, we were running a bit behind, so we had to run up the hill to school -- me pushing the stroller - and so by the time we got to the classroom I, Henry and Frances were all sweating. Lovely first impression.

Labor Day in Manzanita

2011-09-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

We went to Manzanita for Labor Day. On Saturday it was HOT....like a wear a bathing suit in the ocean hot.....which is pretty much unheard of in Oregon. As we were sitting on the beach, while our kids played in the water, Mark looked at me as said "By the way, we have been transported to the Jersey Shore". Brookie and Josh came down, which made it even more fun. We had our friends over on Saturday night that have a son that is going to preschool with Frances. After a bit of warm up time, Frances walked over to him and put her hands on his shoulders....and then his chest....and then she asked him to play upstairs. Oh boy.

Classic Frances

2011-09-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

At the end of summer the Portland Symphony always hosts a free concert on the waterfront. It is a lovely way to close out summer....even if one is sad to see summer go. Frances, Maggie and I went with Brookie (Henry had soccer) and Frances entertained everyone (check out the guy smiling behind us). From chocolate on her face to sweet dancing moves, the girl cracks me up. On the walk down there, she told me that she has decided when she grows up she will be a teacher in the day, dentist at night, and a police officer on the weekend. Shoot high Frances.

Krugers Farm with Brookie & Josh

2011-08-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

The Thursday night concerts at Krugers Farm on Sauvie's Island is another touchstone of summer for our family. This week we got to go with Brookie and Josh, who is visiting from NYC. Josh went to college with me and Mark. He moved to Portland with us after college and then moved to NYC the day after our wedding.I miss him terribly. It is interesting how we were nearly inseparable in college...and now we live very different lives. (Josh co-owns Russ and Daughters in NYC...if you go - it is a MUST visit). It was so fun to have a night out together. The pictures are a little blurry as we tried to not use the flash...but the happiness of the night comes out.

2 Months for Miss Maggie

2011-08-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Maggie turned two months. She is 45th percentile for weight and 85th for height...some would say perfect model materials.....my dad and I say that she is perfect basketball player material. She is really a wonderful baby who makes a wonderful addition to our family. Her smile is the best -- it is crooked and always starts with a big open mouth as if she is saying "Yahoo!". She is really talkative and seems to be most verbal at night with her daddy. Henry and Frances are still her favorite "toys" to look at and listen to. If you are wondering about the ADORABLE dress....present from Grandpa Gordon to Frances when she was little. Again...getting as much dress wearing in as possible before Miss Maggie has an opinion.

Above are pictures of Henry and Frances at 2 months (I wish I could figure out how to have the Maggie pictures at the top...any bloggers with tips?). Henry is with the green 2 and Frances with the blue shirt. It is interesting to see the similarities....and differences.

NY Cousins

2011-08-20T22:30:00.001-07:00

Katie and Brian stayed a couple days after Jenny left and so we got more time with "our NY cousins" as Henry calls them. It was a blast - we went for hikes, to the pool, and the adults even got to go out for a wonderful dinner. I have to say, I feel so blessed that my sisters both married men that I absolutely adore and love hanging out with. Katie and I also were able to take my parents out for their 42nd anniversary while the boys stayed home with the kids. It was nice to have alone time with Joanie and Jimbo and to thank them for the loving family we were raised in.

Cousins Reunited 2011

2011-08-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

We had the best week because both of my sisters were here in Portland and the cousins were reunited. There is just a magical spark that happens when they all get together. I seriously get teary eyed just watching them play.....others get teary eyed (for different reasons) when they see our big brood coming their way. We seriously take over restaurants. Little does Maggie know the fun that she was born into.....fun times are ahead!!

Plate & Pitchfork - Round 2

2011-08-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

We got to go to another Plate & Pitchfork with Brookie and Josh. It was at Viridian Farms and their land and food are magical. So nummers. It was our first night out without Maggie (we figured that between the baby lovers of my sister Katie and my Dad...and the back-up support of my sister Jenny, my brother-in-law Brian and my mom - that they could cover it).

Blazer Camp

2011-08-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Henry went to a Blazer Camp at the MAC. Led by Terry Porter, the camp had a bunch of "old schoolers" who enthusiastically taught the kids. It was awesome. Henry was, by far, one of the kids that was most enthusiastic at the camp. He wore a Blazer jersey everyday. He particularly liked the game of bump out, which he seemed to have a knack for winning. The best part, though, was his post-win celebration....running around the gym with his fist pumping in the air. Hilarious. At the end he got pictures with Terry Porter (he had him sign his shoe) and Chris Dudley. My favorite part of the Dudley picture is how the poor guy,all 7'1 of him, is trying to lean down for the picture and how Henry is bending down too....making the guy do yoga for a photo shoot.

Tyson's Wedding

2011-08-08T14:57:00.001-07:00

Andrew's best friend from high school got married this weekend. As you can imagine, it was a very emotional day for my family. It was such a bittersweet event -- we are so happy for him and the new chapter of his life that he is starting, but at the same time so devastated that Andrew was not there to support him and that there will never be a wedding day for Andrew.We brought Maggie with us (thanks Dana for the awesome dress) and that made the poignancy of the loss even more heartfelt as it still shocks me that my children will never know one of the most important people in my life. Death sucks.

My parents continue to inspire and amaze me with their vulnerability, strength and their ability to really let themselves experience all that is life -- the tough parts and the good. They went to the wedding, even though it was really hard, because they love Tyson. They cried and they laughed....and Joanie even did some serious zumba moves on the dance floor. In some small way, I think getting to hold Maggie throughout the wedding and seeing the awe and excitement people had for her at the wedding helped my parents get through it.

Life is definitely a complex layer of emotions with happiness intertwined with sadness.

Random Hood River

2011-08-07T10:09:00.001-07:00

I found our other camera and there are so cuties of the kids from Hood River, so had to post them.

Hikes from Heaven

2011-08-06T10:45:00.001-07:00

While in Hood River we went on the most amazing hike with incredible views of the Gorge and Mt Hood. Aunt Jenny definitely knows the best places to go! The next day we went on a hike to some beautiful falls and a creek......and half the kids quickly got naked to jump in. Oh to have no shame about your body....

Score on the Hood River Rental

2011-08-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

The house we rented in Hood River was PERFECT for us. It had a yard with a pirate ship fort, a view of Mt Adams, and most importantly, a suite on the bottom floor for Joanie so that she could escape the Reuland clan.

As is the sign of a good summer...the kids were 100% filthy at the end of the day.

Hood River - Blueberry Picking!

2011-08-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

This year we rented a house in Hood River so that we could get some good quality time with our cousins in one of our favorite places. It was pure joy.

One of the highlights was blueberry picking. Henry eats blueberries every morning ( I keep teasing that he is trying to fight off the Peck-cancer gene from the start), so he was a picking maniac!

Lunching Ladies....

2011-07-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Friday was lovely weather, so jumped on the opportunity to go to lunch. Kris and Auntie KK are in town and then Brookie hasn't started her job yet (Monday...boo)-- so we were all ladies with a free afternoon.

The kids LOVED playing with Auntie KK and Aunt Brookie and I loved being able to chill with Maggie under an umbrella. Frances was particularly hilarious at the pool -- the girls is a dare devil in the water. It was an all together awesome time.

Margaret Turns 1 Month!

2011-07-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Miss Maggie turned 1 month. Holy moly. It has been a great month. She is a sweet baby -- very smiley and already talking. Lucky Mark & Henry ....looks like they will have THREE very talkative women in the house. Above Maggie, are pictures of Henry (white onesie with the green "1") and Frances at 1 month (on the play mat).

Frederick, Phil & Jewels

2011-07-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Henry had a camp this week that was put on by the creative, incredible people who founded Opal (his preschool). The camp was focused on creating animal dolls using different mediums. The camp was for children 7 and up, but they agreed to let Henry come if I helped him. We signed up when I pregnant and decided this would be a fun "date week" for he and I to have together. It was AWESOME.

He made three things:

1) Frederick the dog.

2) Phil the dragon

3) Jewels the cat.

Not gonna lie, I learned a lot. The teachers know how craft-challenged I am and congratulated me on my week and what I learned. I told them that I thought I was better person from the week. I adored the time with him in this creative space - he is such a wonderful soul.

Have I mentioned that I love maternity leave?

Grammy Kris Meets Maggie

2011-07-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Grammy Kris is here to meet Maggie and play with the kids. She has already taught Henry soduko (spelling?) and I can tell this will be a shared love between them. She also has had some lovely mornings alone with Frances, spent exploring the neighborhood and doing the puzzles. The kids are happy to have her here!

Plate & Pitchfork 2011

2011-07-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about summer is Plate and Pitchfork (http://www.plateandpitchfork.com/). This year we managed to get tickets for a dinner for which one of the chefs was Leather Storrs...a favorite of mine who I minorly have crush on. The dinner was held at Sun Gold Farm, a lovely family-owned farm in Forest Grove. Mark's mom (who is in town) and my mom babysat, affording us a treasured night on our own (with Maggie in tow). We went with Dan and Emily and had an INCREDIBLE time. Both of us are in "the thick" of having newborns, so we "get each other" nd the phase of life we are in and both treasured the night out. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much and the food was NUMMY. Maggie was awesome....she slept in the Bjorn the whole time and woke for dessert - perfect timing. One of the chefs even proposed to his girlfriend!

Waking up!

2011-07-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had to drop off Henry at a camp at the bottom of a trail, so Frances and I decided to go on a hike with Maggie. Frances on a hike, without Henry, is hilarious (as is Frances on a hike WITH Henry). She was talking to the plants.

Maggie is really a cute little baby - her temperament so far is very sweet. She is VERY alert and seems to love to be outdoors (yahoo!). Her startled face (see above -- this was caused by Frances shouting "LADYBUG GIRL" is really funny and Mark does an awesome impression).

She started smiling a week ago and I forgot how much that instantly makes your heart melt -- I love these moments of falling in love with a new little human being.

Meeting the Peeps

2011-07-10T22:12:00.001-07:00

Now that we are back in town, we have had lots of fun playdates/dinners with our friends to have them meet Maggie. We also got to go the Mississippi Street Fair (one my favorites...no photos though) and squeezed in a hike to Pittock Mansion with Brookie. Have I mentioned I love maternity leaves?

Last night we had dinner with our dear friends Dan and Emily and their daughters Ellie (almost 2) and Josie (3 months). Francie has really taken to Ellie...a bit more than Ellie has taken to her. Frances will tell you - Ellie is her friend. When I told her that Josie and Maggie were almost the same age, she said "So they will be friends like Ellie and me?". Yes, I responded. Her reply, "Like a Hamburger and a Hot Dog". No joke.

Hiking with Maggie

2011-07-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

We decided that at 2.5 weeks old it was time to take Maggie for her first hike. She did great, she said the view of Mark's chest in the Bjorn was gorgeous.

4th of July

2011-07-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July in Manzanita is kind of hilarious as there is nothing more classic than a small town parade. Henry is particularly funny as he feels compelled to yell cheers of support for each parade participant...things like "I like your bike" OR "Nice wheels" are examples of things that he yells out. The key to the Manzanita parade, for the kids, is the candy that everyone throws....90% of which is a choking hazard. I am going to the parade board...watch out. Henry has counted his candy inventory and created a spreadsheet (not joking) of how many he has of each candy.

The fireworks were great this year...but didn't start until 10 PM...which kind of a killer for a parent of newborn. At first Francie was scared of the loud sounds...but then she warmed up and was in heaven. She must have yelled "Happy Fourth of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" about 25 times during the firework show.

Brookie and Joshie in Da House

2011-07-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

We have had another SUPER, SUPER exciting, life changing event in our lives this month...Brookie and Josh moved to Portland. WAHOO!!!!! They came down to the beach for the night and the kids were in heaven. Henry asked Francie last night if she was going to be Joshie's 2nd wife...after Brooke. Maggie is already taken with her Auntie Brookie...she took a very long nap on her and seemed in heaven.

Maggie Meets the Beach

2011-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

We came down to the beach house for the 4th of July weekend.

Packing the car and getting everyone ready was really the first time that it hit me that three kids is going to be a bit harder than two -- holy moly the amount of stuff that needs to be packed. I am quickly realizing that I think we may need a new car....the Pacifica is not cutting it....and I fear a mini-van or suburban may be in our future. That said, we finally got the kids in the car..ready to take a nap...baby fed....and the battery was dead. No joke. After resolving that issue, we finally got the on the freeway only to get stuck in horrific traffic...which made the car stop...which made Maggie and Francie wake up...which forced us to pull over into a farm so I could nurse Maggie...seriously, classic Griswald. The farmer came out and asked if we were ok...only to see me bearing my chest...classy. Mark and I reached the point where we thought everything was hilarious.

That said, when we got here -- it was magical. The sun was out and the kids and we were in heaven. After dinner, we decided it was time for Maggie to meet the beach. We think she liked it. Hopefully so, as we plan to spend a big part of our summer here. Me likie maternity leave....

Check out Joanie's version of "holding the baby" while she checks her Facebook.

Cousins Galore

2011-06-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Jenny being here the first week of Maggie's birth really was heaven because my kids have been nothing but elated to play with the cousins. It also has been a gift to me, because they have had instant entertainment and I have been able to focus on Maggie. This trip, Frances and Kate become best buddies. It is seriously one of the cutest things to watch ever. At the zoo, Francie was trying to keep up with all of the cousins who were running up the hill and fell behind. Katie stopped, walked back, and held Francie's hand. Mark said it was an instant heart melter. The Peck girls may be overpopulating the earth, but I gotta tell you, there are few things as precious as seeing the cousins get together.

Ladybug Girl!!!!

2011-06-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

Francie seriously cracks my sister Jenny up. The fact that Francie won't wear dresses particularly makes Jenny laugh. Francie LOVES the Ladybug Girl books. In fact, when we go hiking, that is how I get her to keep going. I tell her to be Ladybug Girl!!! and then she gets this renewed energy and runs with force. Jenny's daughter Kate has a Ladybug Girl dress that she wears everywhere. I was telling Jenny about Francie and hiking and a lightbulb went off -- maybe Francie would wear the Ladybug Girl dress. Jenny got her one -- ADORABLE. When she gave it to Francie, Francie nervously looked excited. We asked if she wanted to put it on. No. Strike one. Tonight though, Grandpa Gordon came over for dinner and all of a sudden Francie asked to be.......LADYBUG GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Not gonna lie -- we lost it.

She didn't keep it on for long, but it was sheer joy to see her run around the front yard.

Maggie Meets the Cousins and Gertie

2011-06-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

Jenny and the kids came down to visit for a week. I was SO excited for Mary to meet Maggie has she had sent me a list of the reasons why I should have a girl, instead of a boy. Mary was very aware that given this child was the ninth grandchild and there are already four boys and four girls, that this child would be the tie-breaker and she wanted to make sure I was well-informed of the implications. She sent the list when I was four months pregnant and she was honestly one of the first people I thought of when I found out the baby was a girl.

Gertie has been anxiously awaiting this baby's arrival -- teasingly saying it was helping her to "hang on". Mind you, Gertie is 93. She was pretty enamored with her upon arrival and Maggie caused quite a stir in the Active Living Center that Gertie lives in -- I basically had to spend 20 minutes in the lobby while basically the entire place came down and took a peek at the four day old baby. When people asked Francie the name of her big sister, her reply - "Henry". One track mind.

Getting to Know Each Other

2011-06-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

These first few days of the kids getting to know Maggie and our family readjusting have some pretty magical moments. Thankfully these moments help to "win out" the not so fun ones, that involve a lot of whining. Holy moly.

Maggie's Homecoming

2011-06-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

They let us come home on Sunday, which was great because there is nothing like your own bed. My parents had taken the kids to the ZOO, so the house was eerily quiet. Mark and I noted how weird (quiet) it was to have just one child in the house...the irony of which was that when we had Henry we felt like the house felt so much more FULL with our only child.

It was hilarious when the kids did come home as they wanted to take Maggie on a tour of the house. Hearing them describe the rooms was serious comedy. Oh the world she will be shown through their eyes!

Meeting her Portland-Based Grandparents

2011-06-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Margaret is VERY lucky to have three of her grandparents in town. It is always awe-inspiring to watch your parents hold your child...like the world is coming full circle.

My dad is a baby LOVER - so he took the opportunity to hold Maggie as soon as he could. My mom is not necessarily a huge fan of newborns, but since this is her last grandchild, she is all of a sudden very nostalgic and wants to hold the baby. Maybe the strategy of naming Maggie after her was a good one...hee hee.

Gordon came over in the afternoon and gave us another wonderful gift -- sleep! He held Miss Maggie for almost two hours and watched the US OPEN, while Mark and I took a nap.

One side note about the silly flower head band. As you know - Miss Francie REFUSES to wear dresses, headbands, hair clips...basically anything that screams girl. So, my strategy is to get my "fix" in to dress a child like a girly girl NOW...in case Maggie decides to follow in her sister's footsteps. The funny part is that Francie LOVES to see all the girly stuff.....on Maggie.

Magical First Moments

2011-06-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

The anticipation of having Henry and Frances meet Margaret was seriously one of those great moments in your life where you can barely stand to stay in your skin because you are so excited. We told my parents to NOT tell the kids if it was a boy or girl or her name. The hospital puts these signs on the room door that say "It is a Girl".....so unfortunately ....with a child that can read - Henry knew before I could tell them. Henry was happy and excited and Frances was a bit overwhelmed. They were most excited about the big sister and big brother presents that Maggie brought them. Frances had requested (via yelling to my belly daily) a baby with a bottle. She got one and instantly wanted to hold that and play with "that baby" rather her sister, who she also called "that baby". Pretty funny. Henry was incredibly precious holding Maggie - she is SO lucky to have a kind, thoughtful big brother like Henry. Thankfully, the kids thought the whole experience of mom having a baby was pretty awesome mainly because they got to have a sleepover at Grandma and Papa's house and go on adventures to the zoo, bowling and watch cartoons. Pure bliss....for them......and for Mark and me in that we got to spend some precious moments getting to know our little girl.

Welcome to the World Margaret Joan Reuland

2011-06-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Lovely and amazing Margaret Joan Reuland arrived at 12:36 am on 6/18/2011.

6lbs, 14 ounces

20.5 inches long

13.5 (head)

Mark and I feel so incredibly blessed. She has more hair than Henry or Frances had when they were born and she is long and skinny -- longer than Francie, but a whole pound smaller. Her middle name is after my mom - I only hope that she and I can someday be as close as I am to my mom and that she inherits some of my mom's incredible strengths.

Our family of five now feels so complete.

Labor

2011-06-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Good old induction......start out simple and relatively easy.....and then it sucks.

Friday basically involved me having contractions every 3 minutes......for the entire day. For the most part, early AM was doable....so doable, that Mark took at 2 hour nap. No joke. Thus the picture above of me taking a self-portrait, while Mark caught up on lovely z's. Hilarious. This time I got to walk around as they had a portable monitor. Hello freedom. I must have circled L & D about 20 times and totally got into the "stories" of the other rooms. There was teenager in one room and I mentioned to the nurse that with all the teenage visitors I felt like it was prom...she replied "No, this is the sequel to what happen on prom".

Things picked up at night and then seriously sucked. The first epidural failed. But then...........

Morning Before.....

2011-06-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Baby #3's induction didn't start until 9:30, which was a gift from my OB to be able to get the morning with the kids and so that I could go and get pancakes...my pre-game ritual...I mean, my pre-birth ritual.

Kind of crazy when you are going on your third...you can actually say "it is tradition" ....I kind of felt like a Dugger.

Frances turns Three!

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a big day in the Reuland Casa. Francie turned three and Henry has his last day of kindergarten. Big doings.

The week beforehand, Francie was VERY excited to tell everyone that she was a "big girl". On Friday we went to a doctors appointment fand they asked her how old she was going to be and she answered "46". When I said, "Francie...tell them how old". She lowered her shoulders and disappointingly said "6".

Mark and I have a family tradition that one birthday present is unwrapped and waiting in the kitchen for the special birthday child. This year Francie REALLY wanted a big girl bike and that is what she got! Within ten minutes she was proficiently riding it around the house. Watch out world.

Francie is just a phenomenal little girl. At three years old she amazes me every day and has a spunk and enthusiasm for life that strangers notice. The grocery store clerk that we have grown close to said it best last week - "I can't wait to see Francie is going to do with herself, whatever it is going to be, it is going to great and she is going to do it BIG".

Welcome to three years old my big girl.

Last Saturday as a Family of Four

2011-06-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Now that we know that I am being induced next Friday, we realized that today was our last Saturday at as family of four. We had a great one, where I had alone time with Henry at the Mother and Son Timbers (MLS league in town) event at our club and Mark had a date with Francie. Then, later Mark took Henry to the Timbers game and I got to take Francie to the park and for ice cream dessert. A lovely way to spend alone time with each kiddo before the big changes ahead.

Helvetia Half

2011-06-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Mark ran the Helvetia Half Marathon today. He did great. The bummer course is that you can't go out on it to cheer him on. The finish was in the Hillsboro stadium and we got to watch from the astroturf..which Henry loved. After waiting 30 minutes, we had a staff person tap me on the shoulder to let me know food was not allowed on the field. As I frantically turned around to clean up our snacks....Mark ran by and I missed him. Seriously?

Savoring the Moments

2011-06-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

I know I am seriously emotional right now (in a good way) given the fact that six days from now we are slated to have another addition to the family. That said...who couldn't get teary eyes looking at this. I was doing some stuff around the house and heard them say "let's make a boat" and I came downstairs to this. They had made a boat from the puzzle pieces, brought their stuffed animals, and Henry was reading Francie the Giving Tree.

School Carnival

2011-06-11T06:17:00.001-07:00

Henry's school had their carnival to celebrate the end of the year. We found out in the morning that Martell Webster, a former Blazer who now plays for Minnesota but still has a house near us, was going to be in the dunk tank. To say that Henry was excited is a minor understatement. We waited in line to throw a ball to dunk Martell, and then Henry got too nervous. All he wanted to do was just watch him.....the carnival was going on all around Henry and he just stared in awe. It was pretty cute. Finally, we actually went to the other attractions. My favorite was the petting zoo. Francie and Henry went in together, and then Francie was petrified. The only thing she touched....Henry. She clung to his back the whole time. It was kind of hysterical.

Author Celebration

2011-06-11T06:12:00.001-07:00

This last week of school is an eventful one! We had a "authors celebration" where the kids read selections of their work. Amazingly, 90% of Henry's stories had a number in them and about 80% were about basketball. He was VERY proud to his read his work and practiced his "reading voice" the three nights before. The parents also gave his teacher, Mrs Ford, a pear tree to show our appreciate in honor of the pear art the class had done for the school auction. Joanie came too and Henry was very proud. On the way home he said "I think I am the only one with THREE people there!".

D-Day

2011-06-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a three hour appointment with my OB. She has set the induction for Baby #3 on 6/17....as in one week from now. Yee haw!

I called Mark and not gonna lie...he stuttered a bit. Once the shock wears off, I know he will thank me for buying him a day in the hospital to watch the US Open, sans kiddos.

Hike with Big Momma

2011-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Henry has started calling me "Big Momma". At first I was a bit shocked....but I guess at 37 weeks, I am a big....and his momma...so he does have a point. Mark needed to do a long run today because he is doing a half-marathon next week, so I took the kids for a hike. It was really fun...but I am not going to lie...the other hikers had looks of concern when they saw "Big Momma" coming their way. I swear, they worried about the prospect of me going into labor --- could it be the waddle?

Lovely Ladies Night

2011-06-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

My awesome, incredible girlfriends treated me to a lovely night out to celebrate Baby #3. They treated me to nails. nummy dinner, but most importantly -- their company. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I feel so blessed and honored to have each one of them in my life. I have an amazing support network that I know I will tap into when outnumbered by kiddos.

Pug Parade

2011-05-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

There are some annual events in Portland that I always look forward to as they fully represent the eccentric, wonderful side of Portland. The Pug Parade to benefit the Oregon Humane Society is one of those things. Held at a Brewery, it draws the BEST crowd of dog lovers, pug owners to be exact, who dress up their pugs in the name of charity. I lose it every time....like laugh so hard my cheeks hurt...and Mark is baffled by my amusement. Thankfully, the kids are in my camp. It was awesome.

Mary Turns Nine!

2011-05-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Jenny and the kids flew down on Friday because school is out in Alaska. It was also Mary's birthday. Big doings. Henry was VERY excited to get her Shel Silverstein books. He and Mary are pen pals and they both love poetry, so he knew the books would something cool they could write to each other about. Mary is such a sweet girl...it was so fun to celebrate her. She is the kind of girl every mom would want for a daughter. We love our Mimi!

Henry's Dream = Math Fair

2011-05-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Weds night Henry's school had a Math Fair night. Yes, a whole night devoted to games that involved math. Henry's DREAM. He talked about it all week. I normally get home from work at 6:00. I was a little late...when I arrived at 6:08 he had a very nervous look on his face. "MOM! Math fair starts in 22 minutes and we still have to eat". No joke.

Thankfully, we got there in time and he loved it. Even Francie had fun pretending to count.

How I Became a Pirate

2011-05-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

The kids and I made a Spring list of "things to do". One of the ideas they had was to go to a play. So, tonight we went to How I Became a Pirate- the musical. We went with Grandpa Gordon and Aunt Kathy, who has been visiting from Minnesota.

They loved the play...although Miss Francie was scared in a few parts....too much "ARGH" for her.

Afterwards we went to one of our favorite restaurants and then walked on the South Park blocks where there is a wonderful bench in memory of my brother.

A great Sunday night.

One note: I have to say that I have been able to successfully coax Francie into a dress the last three Sundays. Serious triumph.

Dichotomy of Feelings

2011-05-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Henry and I were deciding whether to go to a Mom and Son event at our club. As I was just checking our calendar, I realized the event was on what will probably be our last Saturday together before the baby. I told Henry. His eyes got big. I told him "I can't tell what you are feeling...are you excited? panicked ?" He nervously laughed and then said "BOTH!...but probably more panicked". We instantly giggled and hugged each other. Holy cow, it is coming.

Romeo

2011-05-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

It has started....Henry got his first love poem.....from not one, but two women.

Mark is very proud. When I asked him why they made it for him, his response: "I don't know".

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Good ole mothers day....a day when I get to sleep in. This morning particularly started great because when I finally got up, Brooke & Josh were at our house and we got to hang out. They move to Portland this summer and we are counting down the days. As is Murphy's law...the kids were particularly "trying" today....so....I chose to give myself the mother's day gift of leaving the house and getting a break. Thank you Mark for that best gift of all! We had dinner with my mom and grandma and dad. I have to say, Mother's Day still feels more about my mom to me. The older I get, the more I appreciate her and the unconditional love that she gave me throughout my life. I feel blessed to not only love my mom, but to genuinely like her. I bought her a mug that perfectly summarized how I feel about my mom -- even if she wasn't my mom, I would want to be friends with her.