Family getaway

We're driving down to Monterey in the morning - just Tom, Leo and me. We've never traveled as a family "just because". It's always to visit relatives or attend an event. Tomorrow we plan to spend the day at the aquarium. We're staying at a hotel in the woods with no TV or phones. It's a lot of work to pack up everything even for just two nights, but it will be worth it. I'm very excited to spend some relaxing, quality time with my men.

"Sprinkle"

My dear friend Katie (Dougie's mom) mentioned a bit ago she wanted to have a little celebration for the upcoming arrival of the baby girl. I told her please not to go to any trouble. She organized an intimate little playdate/party in my honor. Not a baby shower, more like a baby sprinkle. We had a potluck lunch (I brought fruit), some cake and decorated onesies while the kids played. Everyone had a good time and I was so appreciative of the gesture. I'm very blessed to have such a great circle of friends.

Here's Leo breaking in his "Big Brother" shirt. I'm not sure why he looks so melancholy. Maybe he senses his days as the center of the universe are coming to a rapid end.
The beautiful and delicious cake.
Whoever cut me this slice is taking the phrase "eating for two" very literally. Leo helped me eat this and I didn't indulge in the whole thing. No normal human could.
Gathering to start decorating.
The results of our creativity.
After nap time (the whole household - Leo, myself and the cats - all curl up and rest for a couple hours, though not all in the same bed), we headed out for a moms group farm hour.

We stopped to visit the chickens.
Then investigated the bean tee-pee. There were a number of beans to pick.
Leo liked to take a big bite of a bean, and then carry it around without eating any more.
Enjoying a more palette-pleasing snack near the lovely sunflowers.
Doing some weeding. I got down there and did a good amount of digging as well. It was commented that you don't often see a nine-month-pregnant woman working the earth like that. Tom was disappointed to hear that the weeding I did wasn't in our own yard, which could use the attention. Maybe when I'm a little closer to my due date and I'm anxious to induce labor, I'll get out there.
On the walk back to the car, Doug decided to hold Leo's hand.

It was very adorable and Leo tolerated it for quite a while.

The Big Kids

When Tom suggested we move to the suburbs so he could be closer to work and eliminate his commute, I was resistant. We lived in a hip part of Oakland in a little house we both loved, and a few very good friends lived close by. The promise of a pool and more time with my husband since he wouldn't have to drive so far convinced me. I knew it would be better environment to raise our family. I don't think I could have ever guess just how much we like it. Living on the cul-de-sac is great. The neighbor kids are often hanging around outside and they all love to dote on Leo. This weekend, Leo spent a lot of time playing with the "big kids".

On Saturday they entertained him while Tom and I did a little organizing in the garage. They had fun in Tom's car.
Later that day, Colleen and Julia (our direct neighbors) came over for a swim.

We had dinner over at their house last night and it was really great. The girls were so good to Leo and the food was amazing. Leo drew them a picture as a thank you. This family is part of my "emergency labor plan" and I know Leo will be in good hands.

Here's Leo on Sunday morning trying to convince Tom to wake up and read him his favorite book.
As far as the pregnancy is going...well, it's going. I'm surviving it and not getting too anxious about getting this baby out of my belly. She's easier to deal with inside than out, but I'm definitely getting very uncomfortable and my emotions are running high. The heat doesn't help, but the pool does.

Keeping busy

Leo and I are staying busy so I don't get overly fixated on how uncomfortable I'm becoming in this last stretch of the pregnancy. Yesterday he was a real trooper while I ran errands and got a few more essentials in preparation for baby girl's arrival. We've also been spending time with our friends. Leo and his buddies (mostly Dougie) are becoming more and more interactive. Sometimes not so friendly, but all of the moms are working to keep the kids non-violent. Leo is such a little character (I know I'm probably always saying that, but it's really true). He loves to tell me stories about past events. Tonight he talked about how he gave cookies to Doug's dog.

Here he is hanging out at the park on Monday.
Visiting Dougie's house and trying on his hat.
On the teeter-totter today with Addison.

Time flies

We've stayed very busy while Tom is gone, which helps the time past quickly. Friday we went to a playdate and then headed to Cara and Addison's house (their hubby/daddy is also out of town) after nap time for playing and dinner. This morning we headed to the neighborhood park to play before it got too hot and then accomplished some errands. Leo was a good sport. After nap, we went to Dougie's house. Leo and Dougie ran around and had a blast. Katie and her husband made a delicious dinner and before we knew it, it was way past bed time. Tomorrow we're hosting two of my dear friends and at some point Tom will make his appearance (a smell, dirty appearance, but a very appreciated one).

These pictures are from our Thursday playdate.


I received these unusual beans in my CSA and I cooked them up to take to Dougie's house. They were pretty tasty, but lost a lot of their color in the cooking process.

Swimming lessons

Leo and I had our last Parent/Tot swim class today. When I signed us up for this class a few months ago, I didn't fully think about the logistics of attending class over eight months pregnant. I picked a location that under normal circumstances is walking distance from our house. But since it takes me twice as long to get from point A to point B and I feel like collapsing once I arrive, it wasn't an option to walk. Plus, just getting Leo and myself up and out of the house after nap isn't easy, and changing in and out of swim clothes, cleaning up after all the chlorine...well, it's a pain in the ass. It was worth it though. Leo loved the first week of classes and was so excited to go. This week he wasn't as enthusiastic and we actually skipped class yesterday because he told me he didn't want to go and was in a funky mood. But we definitely went today because it was diving board day and he said he wanted to go off the board again. I wasn't sure if he would follow through, but he did and he didn't even cry when he surfaced. It was great. I'm glad the lessons have wrapped up and Leo will still get plenty of pool time at our house.

On Tuesday, Tom came to the last few minutes of our class and took a couple of pictures and a quick video. He's been very busy at work, so I was very touched he made the time to come see us.




Tom left to go backpacking tonight. He looks forward to this yearly trip with his buddies in the great outdoors. Even though I'm an independent, strong woman, I always miss my husband like crazy when he isn't around. Leo and I are going to stay busy while he's gone, so the time should go fast.

A shady park

was the perfect destination today since it was hot out, though not as hot as the last couple of days. My friend April was there and took some great pictures of my beautiful boy.

Once again...

I'm too tired to blog much, but I thought I'd share a picture and a couple of quick videos. I'm dressed up to go a dear friend's bridal shower and Leo is having trouble seeing me go. He was in capable hands (Tom's) and he enjoyed his day and took a big nap. I couldn't ask for more.
Yesterday, we had a very brief, very rare summer rain shower. It literally lasted about five minutes. Leo and I ran outside to enjoy this unique phenomenon (well, unique in California). Here he is taking it in and practicing his new favorite word ("awesome").



In the pool with dad, showing off his swimming skills.

Busy week

It's been a busy week. We've had our usual playdate circuit, including a pool playdate at our house on Wednesday. In addition, we've had swim lessons every afternoon after nap time; right around the time mama bear and her big old belly want to sit on the couch and do very little. But we've made it each time and Leo really loves it. He's getting good at kicking, big arms and blowing bubbles. He's starting to put all three together too. He can even hold on to the side by himself. He also loves to talk about swimming lessons and practice his kicking on the kitchen floor, in the bath tub, where ever. Today was Diving Board Friday and all the classes in the pool (about three) were allowed to have a turn on the diving board. Leo enjoyed watching the big kids jump and when I asked if he wanted to do it, he nodded yes. Waiting in line, shivering a bit, I asked him about seven more times if he was sure and each time he nodded yes. I think I was more apprehensive than he was. I walked him to the end of the board and helped him off the end to the waiting arms of our instructor (who came over from the main pool just to catch Leo). He went under and came up crying. I'm not sure if was because of shock or because I disappeared and he was being held by someone else (he's not a big fan of that). But he recovered very quickly. He was the only one from the parent/tot class who braved the diving board and I was very proud of him. He wasn't interested in getting back into the pool for more kicks and bubbles, so I wrapped him up in a towel and we watched the big kids take their second and third jumps. Did I mention how proud I am of him? Such a brave boy. We have lessons next week and another chance with the diving board on Thursday. We'll see how he feels about it. Hopefully Tom will be able to come to the pool one day next week to take some pictures, but he's super busy at work.

Showing up fashionably late to a playdate and looking cool doing it.
At the park this morning, Leo took two hard falls (if you look closely you can see how dirty and banged up his shins are from one of the tumbles). To cheer him up, I let him hang out in the swing intended for differently-abled kids. He really liked it and got so relaxed I was worried he was going to fall asleep.

Family visit to the farm and big boy undies

We took a spontaneous trip to the farm in the county open preserve. It is a bit of a walk, but Tom pushed the stroller and walked slow so I could waddle along at my preggo-girl pace.

Here's Leo visiting the cow.

Here's the great big mama pig with her piglets. As a woman about to enter the world of tandem nursing, I feel a certain amount of kinship with this mother. Tom said it put him in the mood for bacon.
I pick up some "pull-up" diapers for Leo. These things are way overpriced and probably inspire parents to push the potty training process faster than normal just to avoid forking over the big bucks for these things. I plan to get him some washable training pants very soon. Might as well get use to washing diapers since I hope to have baby girl in cloth diapers at least some of the time. Leo is ahead of the game with using the potty but is still a little guy, so he lacks a certain amount of coordination these require. We'll see how he does. He certainly looks cute in them.
I also bought him some big boy undies. These have trains on them, making them choo-choo "chones". Again, he's a bit little for them, but we're just experimenting.

Happy 4th of July

Happy Independence Day. Yesterday we celebrated by having some friends over for a bbq and pool time. Leo was a great host and did a good job sharing his toys. We had Sheila (our sitter) come to help with the kids and clean up. It really made a big difference. Plus, Leo is always happy to spend time with her.

Today we headed down to our local park for a little parade. It was a quintessential small suburban neighborhood affair. Next year Leo will probably be able to ride his tricycle (most of the kids were on bikes decorated with streamers and such), but this year he cruised in the stroller.


Bringing up the (almost) rear.
He was interested in the new baby's car seat. He tried out his baby in it.
Then he tried it himself.
Showing off his bebo (belly button).
Leo is becoming very consistent on the potty. We haven't had a puddle in a couple of days. I think our next step is to try pull-up diapers, so he can practice taking down his own pants and getting the timing right with that added step. Right now he hangs out naked and just approaches the potty as needed. He's also starting to use "real words" a little more often instead of his own special language. I am going to miss those words once they are phased out completely.

In new baby news, I'm having a lot of strong Braxton Hicks contractions. I'm pretty sure I had them like this with Leo. They are uncomfortable and annoying, but a sign that my uterus is getting ready for the big show. That's important.

Here's a little patriotic video Leo enjoyed watching today.

Crashing the playdate

Tom got home last night after being away for over five days and needed some serious Leo time. We had a playdate scheduled, so Tom tagged along. He had a good time hanging with the moms and kids and proved to be very helpful.

He spent some time handling baby Katie, so Jenn could focus on her older daughter, Sophia.