the birthday cake

When asked what we should do for Grandma's birthday, Thomas was quick to reply "make her a birthday cake!" so that's just what we did. He wanted to make her a white heart cake with candles. Not sure where he came up with this idea, but he's been talking about it all week. So this afternoon we baked her a birthday cake and, later at her house, he put the candles he had picked out on the cake for her. Unfortunately it looked better than it tasted but it's really the thought and effort put into it that matters most, right? He had a great time making it and really wanted it to be special for her. Happy birthday, Grandma!

holiday photos

We had holiday photos taken of the kids last week. The photographer was surprisingly good with young children and took quite a few photos, both of them together and individually. I was pleased with the photos taken and will place the order tomorrow, but in none of the photos is Meredith quite smiling like she is in these. Thomas was laughing hysterically at the comedic photographer and he was interesting-looking-in-a-good-sort-of-way so maybe that explains her "what the heck is going on"-wide-eyed look in most of the photos taken? He reminded me of our fave Dan Zanes minus the guitar but definitely donning a pink-purple shirt with crazy hair...

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today's Firsts

Thomas demonstrated and then helped Meredith sip from her first sippy cup. Not sure how much, if any, she's actually getting but she seems to be enjoying holding it and putting it in her mouth.

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Thomas gives his first peanutbutter & jelly sandwich a thumbs up.

2 years & 6 months

Today Thomas hit the 2 and a 1/2 year mark. I love this age! He's so much fun and a joy to be around. I often find myself watching Thomas do or say something and think to myself wow, he really is just like his dad! People have told us his physical appearance is a perfect blend and he resembles both of us in different ways. I believe this and think his personality is the same. A little of his dad and a little of his mom which seems to be adding up to a really neat little guy. And one who is pretty chatty. Some interesting things we've heard lately...

When asked why he didn't nap one afternoon, he told me he was "cleaning the lint out from his toes". Seriously. And for the record, I have personally witnessed how meticulous he is so I can see how this activity may occupy him for a full two hours.

"Mmmmm. I like yucky sauce." (translation: I like Teriyaki sauce.)

When asked about Christmas gifts, he'll sometimes respond "college money". (We've been practicing this one!)

"I is."

"Thank you. You're welcome." You know, just in case the recipient of the Thank You didn't hear or simply forgot to respond back with You're Welcome. Thomas has you covered.

"Dad, you have a hurt penis... and a Harley!" (explanation: recent vasectomy)

Have you ever...?

...seen a Ghost Dog?

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...seen a cuter baby with no neck?

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...sweat so much during a nap that you woke with wrinkled fingertips?

weekend escape

We returned to the Oregon Coast this weekend for a much-needed breath of fresh air...


our girls


sweet Meredith


snuggles


what a life!


beautiful sunset light


the kids climb the big sand hill


joy


"Mom, don't wink at me. I'm fishing."


T and the Octopus Tree (behind him, to the right)


Cape Meares lighthouse


Can't you just hear her say "Thank you!!"...?

fun photos

Managing these two can be a challenge at times, but special moments like these make it all worthwhile. Watching their relationship develop and grow and seeing how much love they have for one another never gets old. It could never get old...

toddler trick-or-treat

This year our neighborhood playgroup organized a fantastic trick-or-treating experience for the toddlers. Several playgroup members put together special treats for the kids (homemade masks and bookmarks, plastic creepy crawlies, healthy treats, etc.) and we walked the neighborhood as a group, visiting each of their houses. It's a large playgroup and there was a sizeable turnout so I'm sure we were quite the sight! Anyway, given some things that had happened earlier in the week and Thomas' general uneasiness with Halloween costumes and decorations, I had a feeling we may not make it to all the homes and we didn't. We enjoyed trick-or-treating the first half before calling it a night. Perhaps next year he'll find the whole experience a little more enjoyable?

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Since the night ended earlier than planned, we arrived home in time for our own neighborhood's trick-or-treaters. With no candy to give out (I didn't think we'd be home!), we didn't light up the pumpkins, we didn't turn on the front porch light and we turned off all the lights in the front half of our house. Yet, we still had trick-or-treaters come to our door...?! Isn't there some unwritten rule about the front porch light signaling to trick-or-treaters that you are or are not passing out goodies...?? We ended up eating dinner by candlelight and retreating to the back of the house to break out a Thomas the Tank Engine video Thomas received months ago (and play on the floor ~ see below). A perfect end to the evening for Thomas, for sure. By her smiles in the photos below, Meredith would probably agree!

floor play

Meredith adores Thomas. She loves it when he gets down on the floor to talk and play with her. Her whole body wiggles with excitement. I keep expecting to see her crawl away with him when he does turn to leave. I'm sure it won't be long now!

Happy Halloween!

The spider snacks on raisins while waiting for the lightrail.

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CUTE SPIDER SPOTTED DOWNTOWN!

PORTLAND, Oct. 31 - A very cute spider was spotted downtown this morning. He was seen riding the lightrail, shopping at Nordstrom and attending toddler storytime at the Central Library. Onlookers described him as cute, beautiful and generally a pleasure to see. He was overheard greeting people with "Happy Halloween!" as he made his way around town.

Related stories:
Adorable white bunny spotted with spider
Spider and bunny meet a friendly skeleton
Colorful characters around town - Halloween costume or normal attire?

Monster March

This afternoon Thomas and Meredith's cousins joined them for a favorite neighborhood tradition -- the annual Moreland Monster March. Besides the local middle school's band, a fire engine and a police car, the parade is entirely composed of children, parents and dogs in costumes. We always stake out a spot somewhere in the second half of the parade route so we can watch the costumed participants pass before joining in at the end of the parade. There were many great costumes today, but my favorites by far are the ones pictured here!

Cole as a skeleton and Meredith in her bunny suit watch the parade.

Francesca the kangaroo (with her own little roo!), Jeff as his beloved dog who recently passed and Thomas as a spider. Can you believe they all fit in this small wagon?? They rode like this for almost the entire half mile walk home. Silly toddlers...

Fish Hatchery

A gorgeous morning for a visit out to the Fish Hatchery!

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left: Thomas enjoyed feeding the trout

center: adult salmon "climbing" the ladders - fun to watch!

right: Meredith's having a good time watching everything

new things

Pictured above: Meredith and her new playgroup friends this week. The babies in the photo range from the hefty 5 month old boy in the left front corner to the two 8 month old boys in the back. The girl laying down is just three days younger than Meredith. Such fun to have groups of babies together!

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New stats from her six month well-baby appointment today...

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length: 25.25" (45th percentile)

weight: 15lbs, 7ozs (50th percentile)

head: 17 inches (89th percentile)

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And a new sleep record! Last night she was put down in her crib at 9pm and she didn't wake until 5:30am this morning. Yes, my friends, a continuous 8.5 hours of beautiful, solid sleep. This mama was doing a little jig this morning!

Yoga

Thomas demonstrates yoga poses from his new book Little Yoga...

"the butterfly"

"the cat"

"the sleeping mouse"

"the monkey"

"the frog"

"the dog"

six months

Meredith in her bunny costume at the zoo

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I generally don't compare the kids, but every once in awhile it's interesting to see how they compare at a particular age. Here are SIX silly comparisons at six months of age...

• teeth: none yet; Thomas - 4
• sleep: 5 hours last night!; Thomas - 12 hours
• food: not interested; Thomas - loves everything
• sitting: for a few seconds; Thomas - yes
• rolling: yes; Thomas - once
• cuteness: totally; Thomas - not so much (kidding!)