pretty baby

I am trying to get just the right photo for Em's baby announcement. Here are some outakes from our latest photoshoot.

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happy 4th

We had a fantastic 4th of July. We joined the Cedros clan's extended family at the Eastmoreland parade - it's like the sweetest little bit of Americana - this lovely tree canopy neighborhood with hundreds of families getting together to march down the street. Moo and Sam's Auntie Brooke totally decked us out in decorations - I saw few who compared to our get-ups. Thanks Brooke!

E proudly rode his bike and did a bit of waving - the people along the route were so nice and friendly - all waved back. Baby Em rode with Tall House, Double Cup and had her own fringe going on.

After the parade, we had hotdogs and bomb pops and went back to the house for super fun gift bags from Brooke.

I think E's favorite moment of the day came when he learned how to use a red vine as a straw with pop.

We spent the rest of the day back at our house, outside with the slip and slide. The four of us slept in our bedroom with the air conditioner on - blocking out the fireworks and chilling our feet. It was a great day.

pishposh nana

Here is some eye candy from Miss E - post bath and smelling delish!

Nana went back to Wisconsin yesterday so today was my first day on my own with Miss Em in over two weeks - we did just fine but we are all missing Nana. We had such a good visit together - it was such a help to have another set of hands to help with Em and a fabu imagination to play with E - but I miss the opportunity to talk about anything and everything with her. We usually talk nearly every day on the phone but being in person is so much better.

On her last night we went out to see Evening at Cinetopia in those comfy living room chairs (with pillows!) and then went to an adventurous dinner at the current hot spot in town - Le Pigeon. which was fantastic - crab with avocado head cheese, roast quail (not pigeon for us) and beef cheek bourguignon. We tried the signature dessert - cornbread with maple ice cream and bacon bits. I don't need to have it again but it was fun to try. We also had a wine new to both of us - a 100% Malbec from the southwest of France - I hardly ever drink wine not made in OR/WA/CA - with the exception of cheap South African buys from Trader Joe's. It was a great night out - the kind of indulgence Tall House, Double Cup and I used to do almost weekly pre home/kids. It's a must once in a while.

Anyway - we miss you very much Nana!

Baby Em got her Oregon College Savings Plan set up this week thanks to Tall House, Double Cup. He's in charge of long-term financial planning while I'm in charge of fashion. Both are critical to her happiness and success in life. Little Miss slept right through the photo shoot with her paperwork.

Em filled out a lot this week and is starting to look like less of a newborn and more like a baby. She is a long, tall drink of water and likes to be up during the day - and lucky for us, sleeps through the night with just one or two feedings. She will mimic your facial expression if you happen to stick out your tongue or make an "o" shape with your mouth - what a girl!

japanese garden

We had an outing to the Japanese Garden - totally lush and lovely. It is such a peaceful place - even with a four year-old and newborn! We were just in time to help feed the fish. I find koi fish more tranquil when they aren't attacking fish food like piranhas.

austenland

Amid the baby love and visiting with Nana, I am getting some reading done. I am deep into the Annotated Pride and Prejudice. It's so awesome! One page of text from the original novel and one page of annotations - detailing historical context, linking to themes in the novel, and lots of biographical info on Jane Austen. At the same time, I am slowing watching the BBC version along with my reading pace - so ten minutes here and there. It's so fun to be so deeply into Austen's world - next on my reading list is Austenland by Shannon Hale - about a woman who goes to Austen fantasy camp - can that really exist? Sounds like heaven to me.

rose garden

Nana and I took the kidlets to the Rose Garden - followed by a side trip to E's favorite park and gelato shop. Happy day!
Everything was lovely in bloom - and the view was aided by a clear sky so Mt. Hood was perfectly visible from the garden.
Miss Em slept a bit and squirmed her way through the day. Very short naps today and lots of squawks when not being held - so we are hoping for a good night sleep tonight. Em had lots of smiles today for her dad when he got home. I think she saved them up all day for him. She quite happily settled into his arms for a cuddle.

warming up

E is warming up to Em.
He wasn't ever exactly cold - just more indifferent. Lately, he's been playing the role of serious helper - getting nooks, pulling up her blankie, entertaining her. I see him viewing her as a real person more and more. I love seeing them together.

Miss Em is an amazing sleeper. This morning, we all woke up together around 6am - all three of us were yawning and coming to life at the same time. I hadn't even woke up when Tall House, Double Cup did the 2am feeding - thanks Big Papa! Sleep is a sweet thing.

mr. pepper

E went to the Beavers game with his dad and grandpa today and came back totally jazzed on baseball - a thrill for Tall House, Double Cup. He gave us a demo of his new passion. For some reason, he likes to shout, "Show us the pepper" when he gets up to bat. We definitely see the pepper.

summer solstice

E's school had a summer solstice party yesterday. He made jello shapes - moons, stars and two Eiffel towers - they were very popular. All of the kids had worked hard to clean up the yard, make art and snack stations. Nana and E did flower press painting and E and I did the family foot paint walk.
We then ran up to E's first karate class. Parents participate but since I had Little Miss with, Nana joined in. I think I am going to like karate - E's sensei is all about being a good person and being helpful around the house! I like that message being shared from as many people in E's life as possible.
Em's cord has finally come off so we are up for a real bath today. She's still a big love muffin - lots of sleeping and eating and a bit of play time. She likes being outside in the garden for her naps.

our days

Our days are passing by at a lovely slow pace. We usually have an outing or two a day, lots of time spent feeding, changing, admiring Little Miss and lots of time with E in the evening. I've mastered the Baby Bjorn - I got a great lesson from Marfie - I was mystified at all those straps and hooks. This picture has been my view of Little Miss during our outings. I love getting to wear her in the pack. E never cooperated with it so we didn't get that wonderful close time. We took her to the Rembrandt exhibit yesterday and she snuggled the hours away.

We took Little Miss to her first dr. appt with our pediatrician today. Baby Em's 13 days old and has already grown 1/2 an inch and gained 14 ounces. It was an affirming, very positive visit. It's such a relief to hear that everything is fine, every thing's on track. She seems perfect to us, but I like to hear it from other's as well :)

nana's here

Nana arrived for her first visit with Baby Em. She'll be here for two weeks and we have lots of fun stuff planned. Baby Em is bonding with her. At first she kept looking away when Nana would hold her close but now she's up for cooing and gazing.
E is in heaven because Nana is one of his favorite people to play with. I don't think he let her out of his sight yesterday.

hapy father's day

Happy Father's Day to Tall House, Double Cup. This is an extra sweet celebration with the arrival of your daughter. I love to see how she lights up when you hold her and kiss her cheeks - she is definitely your girl. You are such a great dad - infinitely patient and fun to be with. You are gentle and kind and such a good role model for E.
I love you very much!

i'm not here for the broccoli

We teased E that we were heading to the Farmer's Market for the broccoli tasting. "I'm not here for the broccoli" was his reply - though he did locate the Staccato Gelato donuts within five minutes of arriving. It was our first market with the four of us together - and it was so great. To be at the market early on a Saturday with a cardamom donut, iced americano, an armful of peonies, and your kidlets is to feel "so Portland."
We came home with so many berries, flowers and best of all - fava beans! And E had a blast showing off his sister and playing with Moo.

love is in the air

The full blown lovey-doveys have hit pdxpishposh. Not an hour passes without me tearing up over some tiny thing - the way E told me a story before bedtime, the way Baby Em purses her lips, the way Tall House, Double Cup brings me a cafe au lait from Peet's Coffee. I am overwhelmed with emotions - I remember this happening right after I had E as well - it's so wonderful and refreshing and a little vulnerable. I am being reminded about what I care about, what I really value, and what I want to prioritize in my life.

This morning, E gave Baby Em a kiss goodbye on his way to school. He gave me a kiss then and whispered, "I am getting used to her." I like hearing from him what he thinks without us having to ask. He seems so matter of fact about Em but I know what a big change it must be for him. This picture is almost enough to send me over the teary edge.

So if you call to chat and I end up telling you how much I love you, be prepared. Sentimentality reigns at pdxpishposh.

sweet girl

Baby Em had her first little sponge bath yesterday. She didn't mind it too much but did fall into a lovely afternoon sleep afterwards. I am almost scared to put this in print - but she's up to sleeping 4.5 hours straight at night - whoo hoo!
We were back at the doctor's today - Em's jaundice is still around and we have to take her in each day for a blood test. Hopefully, she's on the down slope. It's a gorgeous, sunny day so she had lunch in the sun to help banish the yellow from her skin.

first visitors

Our first visitors with Baby Em were Aunt Jan (I didn't catch a picture), Marfie & Moo, and my in-laws. Moo really wanted to change her diaper and was VERY maternal!

My mil had two boys and always wanted to have a girl so she is over the moon with Baby Em.

We had a quiet day at home yesterday, just figuring out our schedule. E stayed in jammies all day. He was in heaven, getting turns playing with us, watching "Bindi: the Jungle Girl" which has to be the most charming kids' animal show around, and working on his basement club house. He's off at school today so Tall House, Double Cup and I are going to take Baby Em on an outing - maybe shopping, lunch or a movie. I am not up for all three yet. But we are ready for visitors if any friends want to stop by to meet Baby Em!

she's here! she's here!

Proving that being fashionably late can start at birth, Baby Em made her appearance three days late - 6.7.07 at 1:26am - weighing 9 pounds even and 21 and 1/4 inches long.
She had a rough first ten minutes - the nurses rushed her out of the room before I could even see her - Tall House, Double Cup right behind them. I heard a nurse say, "She's still floppy." Floppy? Floppy! After a few minutes of agony, I heard her cry, they got her stabilized, and then we got to meet - pure joy. I've sworn off reading or writing birth stories - but if you want details, I'll tell you in person.
E came to meet her later that day. He was mildly interested in her - gave her a kiss and calls her Sissy Sis. He was most interested in his "big brother" gift - a new LeapPad - and now, being three days into her life, he is going with the flow and seeming to tolerate her.
We are home, happy, and getting used to our new schedule. I can't wait for everyone to meet Baby Em!

kids and parents game

E had his last basketball class today and the big excitement was the kids-parent game. As Coach John told the parents, "The kids have never lost this game. NEVER." The point was well taken.
It was E's first real "game" ever and he caught on quickly and was a super fierce defense player. He made two baskets - including the final basket. By that time, he was exhausted - face totally pink and hair wet with sweat - but once he actually figured out that the kids beat the parents, he was thrilled. I was able to capture his final basket - I get tingles watching it - I totally understand if no one else does. Video link below.

keeping cool with the kidlets

We survived the week of heat and pregnancy. I had several lovely lunch outings with friends, caught a movie with Tall House, Double Cup and generally tried to remember not to get down on the floor (because it requires eventually getting up - no small feat these days).
Tonight the Cedros clan came over for strawberry mojitos, dinner, and play - bringing with them two amazing pies! I wish I had captured them with my camera. But I did get some fun pictures of E and Moo froclicking.