Happy Halloween!

Year one 2011: A banana baby
Year two 2012: A cheetah.

Seattle!

Last weekend George, Hollis and I took a short, but lovely road trip to Seattle.  What a change it was hitting the road with a driving buddy, caregiver and friend.  Time passed as we took turns entertaining Hollis, switchin' up the tunes, and taking naps.  We arrived in the evening, and we were hungry for city food!  Hollis took his maiden voyage as a long distance walking toddler that night, his eyes were bright with wonder.  It seemed more as though he was in a constant state of falling forward, but it was walking, block after block, and we were proud parents. 

We stayed in the Red Lion, downtown, just blocks from Pike Place Market.  Early the next morning we ate breakfast at the Soundview Cafe, and just beat the rush.  We had a great view of the Puget Sound, the carousel and the nearby highway.  The food was great.  I had the salmon eggs benedict and I sort of shared it with Hollis.

We explore the Pike's Place Market, reading about the history and looking for a dear friend that works in a couple of shops in the cavernous, creeky, but incredibly clean market place.  We had an unusual perspective exploring it at 8am, most of the shops were closed and there was very little traffic. 

Later we went to nearby coffee house to try some slow-brew coffee.  We couldn't chose between the "chemex" or "hario" and both barista preferred the other. 

Road Trip 2012

So last Wednesday, despite all my friends telling me I was crazy alone for thinking of it, I took off in our new car with Hollis and Georgie for true road adventure.  We left Corvallis at 2:45 pm with the destination of the Woodsman in Mt. Shasta.  This 7 hour drive was a true test of my patience and perseverance, and although I threatened to turn the car around twice, we made it safely to our lodging. The boys had been sleeping when we arrived at 10:45pm but they awoke with excitement and we played in the room until they passed out around midnight.  Our visit in Shasta was short, we left early in the morning after a quick bath, headed for Stockton, CA to meet our newest family member Evan Joaquin only 5 days old.
                                                                                   

The trip to Stockton was only 5 hours and much easier for the family to settle into, with hours already logged from the day before both Georgie and Hollis were getting into their road trip groove.   We made only one extended stop to eat, and otherwise we were dropping miles. We arrived to Nena's in the early afternoon to meet little EJ.  He was sleepy at first but spent most of his time fully alert with us, he was always hungry for his momma, but I got some snuggle time in. 



The boys were a little too much for the sacred space of new being.  I had hoped to be helpful, but wasn't surprised when it turned out I needed help keeping my two boys needs met.   Just as I would grab EJ for little auntie love time, Hollis would fall and bang his head, Georgie would run into a wall...  I got to hear Nena's incredible story of EJ's birth into this big world, and watch to two new parents melt into their new life.  I feel so lucky to have joined them even just for a moment.  EJ is alert, bright and strong, holding his head up at only a few days old.  I could brag and brag and brag about just how PERFECT my nephew is.  I am a proud aunt.

I took the boys out of the house early in the morning to buy Juan and Nena some peace and quiet.  I remember how special those first mornings are and how necessary rest is.  Nena directed me to a nice breakfast place.  We returned after a wild goose chase for a park, and spent a little time with the family while they got ready for a doctor's appointment.  We left for Tahoe around 1pm.

The trip on 1-80 is so familiar and welcoming to me.  I remember countless travels from the Lake to the Bay while serving my AmeriCorps year.  Climbing into the Sierras feels so much like home to me.  We arrived to the lake around 4:30pm and we rested on a beach near the North Shore.   The boys threw pebbles into the cobalt blue lake for thirty minutes before I wrestled them into the car. 

After a little exploration we discussed whether we should go to a park or climb Eagle Rock, having never "mountain climbed" before, Georgie was eager to summit his first peak.  The Eagle Rock climb is the perfect first for a six year old, it only takes 20 minutes to get to the summit and if affords some spectacular views of the lake. Georgie insisted that we "backpack it" and carried all of our water, snacks, camera and a cell phone.  I carried Hollis.  When we made it to the top, Georgie requested that I take a picture of his sweat.
That evening we met up Cody and Nate for dinner at the Fat Cat, and slept in Jonas new house.  Cody stayed the night to protect us from the bears.  We were grateful.  I stayed up until 1am reading Cindy Ross PCT book.

In the morning, Cody took us to the Tahoe House for breakfast.  Later we met up Nate for a second breakfast at Syd's Bagels, and we walked to the coolest kid park on the lake.  The boys played without much intervention while Nate and I tried to catch up. 

We picked up some lunch and hiked with the dogs on a trail from Jonas house.  There is nothing like direct access to nature.  When in Tahoe you are always in nature at all times.  Like Nate's fridge sticker brags "My life is better than your vacation - Tahoe Local."  It was another sad good bye as we parted from family.  This was the first time my Hoffman cuzs to meet the Holla-chubba and he was immediately in love with them as I would have predicted.  

The journey continued on from Lake Tahoe to Old Station in Northern California nestled between Mt. Burney, Mt. Shasta and my personal favorite Mt. Lassen.  The full moon started to appear as we entered the mountain trinity.  Memories of my first drive to Burney Falls flooded my mind and heart.  I remember climbing up a tree lined highway to a world never imagined.  The sweet smell of ponderosa pine, the deep blue sky and basaltic fields all speak to my most deepest self.  We arrived just in time for dinner and my dear friend from my park experience in 2000, Joanne had prepared a feast.  She set us up in her cabin the Fish Inn, and I put the kids to sleep by 7pm and spent the night high on silence.   Each night when I finally got them to sleep the sound of nothing was the best medicine I could ask for.  Although tired I absorbed every minute of pure silence and independence until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.  

In the morning we met up with Jo and Ray for breakfast.  They kindly put out an offering of fresh eats, blueberries, raspberries, yogurt, granola, cereal and milk.  After days of eating out and car snacking I found the meal most nourishing.  We spent our last hour together hiking along Hat Creek from the trail that opens up from their backyard.  The last time I was here in 2008, it was winter and the creek was raging.  Snow covered the forest, but now the creek still raged but forest was so dry from a dry winter.  Each step was crunchier than the last.  
 Our great hosts! Jo and Ray were so welcoming, generous and accommodating, we look forward to planning another visit for a longer time with the whole family.    

We left early to head to Burney Falls, the park where I spent my 20th summer as a State Park Naturalist with the Student Conservation Association.  It was my year of many epiphanies, and this park is where I had my first.  I landed in the park from world now so far away, a world with constant TV, nature deprivation, cars, and ignorance.  After many mentors and nights falling asleep to rushing falls, I returned to Pennsylvania a much different person touched by many and much.   Every so often I make a pilgrimage back to this place of rebirth, and this was the first as a mother and with my child.    When I arrived to the park, I was greeted by the park attended.  I scrambled for $8 to pay the cash fee, but I didn't have any money.  I looked the attendant Renee in the eye and gave her my sob story.  "I was a volunteer here in 2000 with SCA, and I don't have any money.   I just want to see the falls with my kid." "What is your name" she asked.  "Rebecka Weinsteiger?" I said as if I wasn't sure.  "Oh I remember that name." and she posted a paid receipt to my window.  I looked at her with disbelief, but excited I could see the falls again. 

I probably have 7 different pictures or so of me at different stages of my life over the last 12 years in front of the falls, this time taken from the perspective of a six year old.  Thank you Georgie.  We stayed and played at the park for a little bit before we geared up for our final leg of our long journey.

We made it full circle to Mt. Shasta in time for lunch.  We stopped at the natural food store deli, and slowly ate while we charged up the DVD player.  This final day will be our longest road day at 7.5 estimated driving hours which easily equates to 9 hours with kids.  Having already completed 1.5 hours, we feasted and replenished our snack attack box.  I got a chocolate milk to keep Georgie always looking forward to something.  The boys were pretty amazing on this last leg, crying and fighting very little.  The last 40 minutes, Hollis cried off and on and than passed out right before we made it home.  We were greeted by a very excited daddy.  Exhausted beyond expectation, I look back incredibly impressed that we made it through all our destinations, many memories made, and we still love each other.                                                                     

Hollis's first tooth!

Goodbye gummy smile!  Well soon anyway.  Hollis got his first tooth, the lower bottom straight in the middle.  I can't tell if it will be the lefty or right.  I suspect lefty, any bets?

I am relieved that my baby has teeth.  I was a little worried when I heard that almost all baby have teeth by 1 year, and when Hollis's birthday came and went... I wondered how long those choppers would stay subterranean.   All is well, 1 tooth and counting. 

Last night was a rough night with the teething, but much better than I had imagined.  I shouldn't say too much as I don't truly know what awaits us. 

Good luck baby boy, we have enjoyed your toothless grin!  Happy chomping.

1st Year! We did it!

Happy Birthday Holla-chub!  We celebrated this great marking of your birth with a great party at the Willamette Shelter in South Town.  50 of our best friends and family joined in to celebrate your life.  Everyone brought a dish to share, Uncle Dave brought some fine Oregon Trail Ales, and Momma baked cupcakes for everyone.  Uncle Sam manned the grill and all the kids played in the park.  Hollis spent his time charming the guests, playing around on the Corn Hole, and loving all of the attention.  Leo-baby!

Momma made him his own birthday smash cake covered in a cream cheese frosting and fresh blueberries they picked from the garden that morning together.  Hollis ate the blueberries, smashed some icing into Auntie Jo's face and threw the cake to Cousin-dog Kentia. 

Happy Birthday beautiful baby boy.  We love you so much.  You are incredibly inspiring and always looking for a good time.  This year has flown by for your momma and I am so amazed by your gentle spirit and fearless sense of adventure.  Thank you for making this year the best year of my life. 

1st Camping Trips! 2012

We made it out of town!  Daddy G, Momma and Holla-chub headed out for two night camping trip to Yellow Bottom on the Quartzville Creek.  The campground is beautiful, nestled under a canopy of old trees.  We spent the morning eating some great camp food and the afternoon in the river, back to camp for dinner, and we enjoyed after-dinner hikes.  Laura, Dan and Theo met up with us on our first night and we had a big party for Momma's 32nd birthday!  The following weekend we experimented with some coast camping and learned quickly to always make reservations first!  We spent our days hiking around Cape Lookout, and our evening camping at a private campground nearby right on the river.  Hollis loved rolling rocks in his mouth and trying to play in the fire pit.  He loved all the hiking on Momma and Daddy's back.  We are looking forward to more adventures with the whole family.  Brother Georgie was in Illinois and was greatly missed.

All About You

I haven't been too good at keeping the blog of your life up to date.  So here is a comprehensive update about your life and who you are.

Tomorrow you turn 11 months!

Feeding
You are eating less and less "momma milk" and more and more table food.  Some days I am scared that you are self weaning, and other days you make up for your minor breastfeeding strike.  There were days that I looked forward to you feeding yourself all on your own, however, each time you refuse the boob I am terrified that our breastfeed days are numbered.  I love holding you close and cherish our sweet moments together.  But you call the shots and I prepared to support your independence.

Table food:  You eat it all big guy.  You love blueberries, egg yolks, hamburger, steamed greens, and mushy veggies.  You are never satisfied from eating blueberries.  I think you could eat them all day.  Each morning I wake up with you and put you in the high chair while make coffee and check email.  When we can keep them on hand I feed you blueberries.  And you sit in the chair until I can't justify giving you another berry.  With all other foods you will sit and eat for about 15 minutes.

Friends
You love playing with other babies!  I love watching you play too.  You favorite friend is big brother Georgie.  You pretty much idolize him.  All he needs to do is walk by and you crack up laughing.  You and Isiah like to crawl chase each other around.  You love spending time with Ezra, who you are going hiking with today, Theodore, Eleanor, Lucy and Ayla. All of us mommies have been bringing you guys together since you were in the wombsies. And of course there are you adopted big brother Eli and Corbin.  You spend one day every week them and you love it!  They are also your Tiny Gym buddies while Susi and I go to Group Power (I gotta keep this momma strong to keep up with you!). 

 Moving
You are moving, climbing, crawling, standing.  You are an active baby and I wouldn't be surprised if you were up and walking any day now.  But take your time kid, I don't know if I am ready to chase you around any more than I do now.

Pooping
You are pretty good at pooping on the potty.  I am not sure if you know how good you are or not.  If I don't catch it on the potty first thing in the morning, I let you run around the house bottomless and I chase you around picking up your deer like droppings.  This is not an ideal arrangement but it is still 100 times better than scraping your poo from a cloth diaper.

Outside
You are so happy outside.  If you fall inside I take you outside to stop you from crying.  You stop as soon as you cross the threshold.  You like to sit in the garden while I weed, and I let you sit as long as you wish as long as you don't eat rocks.  Some days you manage to do well, but mostly in only takes a couple of minutes.  And then you are on my back, which over play you protest.  I try to get on weekly walks and hikes and you get so cozy on my back you fall asleep immediately.  I am taking pictures of our moments so you will know you did spend time in nature.

Care
Most days you are with me all day long.  I couldn't be happier about this arrangement.  When Susi takes you for a four hour stint, I miss you.    I need this time to get work done, and with you here it is impossible.   Susi puts you in the backpack and takes you on all sorts of errands with Eli and Corbin.  A couple of times you have been in the care of Annie, a shared nanny with Lucy's mom, Angela.  You like this arrangement because you get to play with your good buddy Lucy.  This summer you have spent Wednesdays all day long with Poppa and Brother.  You are thrilled to have the time with your boys.  And on Friday we celebrate family day.  Georgie is here and we all make and then eat family breakfast together.  The rest of day is spent gardening and cleaning/fixing the house.  Every other week or so our neighbor Jeanine likes to take you to her house for a couple of hours.  She has been looking over you since you were a really little guy.  She was the first person to watch you!

Water
You are water baby.  You were almost born in the water but you were a little stuck on the home stretch of being born.  Now you love baths!  I could give you a bath every couple of hours and you couldn't get enough.  You especially enjoy bath time with brother and couple of toys.  Your favorite bath toys are shampoo bottles.   Susi, the boys and you and I went the public pool on the 4th of July.  You were pretty amazed at all the people and all the water below and shooting out of sprinklers from above.  You held on tight to momma and spent some time getting comfortable before feeling safe.  It wasn't too long before you thought you could handle it on your own, and then I had to pull you tight.

Mr. Independent
You are incredibly independent.  I often am chasing you around, and less often are you looking for me.  You are not afraid to climb, craw under anything.  At the Wacky Bounce House, I couldn't take my eye off of you for a second.

Teeth
We are still waiting to see you pearly whites.  I guess you are on the late side of budding out.  You got a great gummy smile and no one seems to be bothered by that.  You handle most foods too just fine.

Daddy
You love your daddy.  This morning when he left for work you were calling out for him.  You went to the window to watch him ride his bike off to work.   You fall asleep in Dads arms almost every day,  he has the magic touch to soothe you into dreamland and I am little jealous. 

Sleep
You have always been a good sleeper.  Since you were born you slept and fed through the night with rare wakings when you were sick and there were  a couple of mysterious wakings where you sat up.   You were always incredibly easy to put back to sleep.  You are a crappy napper, no offense.  Sometimes you nap three times a day, sometimes they are long, but you are incredibly unpredictable.   I have no idea what your plan is for a nap schedule and I am terrible at scheduling so sorry about that.

Diapers
I just watch you pull off your cloth diaper.  If it were up to you, you be naked all the time.