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.
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.
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.
E is warming up to Em.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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