Woods Family Blog

G saying hello

2011-09-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw2A3E1JUSA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Fly

2011-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

P: The fly was just running his hands. Why do they do that?

J: I don't know.

P: Maybe they've got soap on their hands.

J: Maybe

P: That's why they like to come in our homes.

J: To wash their hands?

P: Ya!

Hungry

2011-08-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

"all that hot macaroni in my tummy made me feel better"

Teaching Gretchen to smell the eucalyptus leaves

2011-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Cruisin'

2011-07-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

The kids both slept in today past 7:30 (thank goodness) and we also finally have cooler weather. The breeze made it a nice morning for breaking out the shop vac so we could clean our dirty dirty car.

After a lunch of delicious chicken salad that nobody ate but me we piled in the car for a drive from Carlsbad to La Jolla while Gretchen took her nap.

We went to UTC and found that they did not have Patrick's favorite pretzels and yellow sauce. Bummer. We opted for a smoothie and See's chocolate suckers.

We played at the outdoor climbing area by Sears, and saw that ladies were walking out of the store with Land's End bags.

Apparently there's a huge partnership with the two and we decided to check it out. We left with a turquoise kids backpack that will be used for tomorrow's picnic lunch.

We'll share pics of where we went tomorrow!

The rest of the week

2011-07-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

So we had so much fun at Legoland. Promptly that evening Gretchen started to vomit and has continued to do so until last night.

Sean came into town for the weekend on Friday (volunteering to get bumped and earning a $400 voucher to come back in 2 weeks for free). We took the kids to the beach Friday and they loved it. Gretchen was able to pause her sickness while we were out. Except, she was not able to be calmed down post beach for almost an hour. Sean and I waited in the Scripps emergency parking lot until we decided she was going to be okay. Saturday got to see Jenny. She and I went to a raw vegan restaurant (my crazy idea) and then sated our hunger at Pannikin with 2 unbelievably good mochas. We met up with the rest of us and took the kids to the park and my dad made an awesome rib dinner. So much for meat free.

Today, we did nothing. And it's been great. Well, not nothing. I tried to get another mocha from Pannikin but San Diego has been so crowded this weekend the line was waaaay too long. Patrick, Dad and I decided to check out the Leucadia farmers market. We're sitting in the backyard listening to the wind, watching Patrick run in circles, Patrick somersault and Gretchen follow.

She's finally better (we think) and our regularly scheduled vacation can commence as planned. We're cooking up some farmers market burger meat, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms and fleur de sel caramel sauce on our ice cream. Yum.

Legoland w/The Dinoffrias

2011-06-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Snacking on fried eggolant

2011-05-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

He saw one at Safeway and has been begging me to eat it today. He cut it up an even asked me to open the pantry for something to add. Guess what he chose? Remember, he can't read...Italian seasoning. I swear he's going to be a chef someday. We fried it up with garlic and now we're eating it out of the pan with our fingers.

Married 9 years!

2011-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was telling Patrick about what it means to get married yesterday. You know...when you find the person you love sooo much that you want to live with them forever.

Patrick: I'm going to get married

Me: You are?

Patrick: Yes

Me: To who?

Patrick: You

Pretty weekend hike pic

2011-04-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Say hi

2011-04-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

Gretchen and I were playing quietly on the bed. She rolls on her back and looks at me, shakes her hand up and down and says "say hi."

So sweet

We taught her

2011-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

How to use the "more" sign. She pretty much uses it for sweets, strawberries, blackberries and this morning...pears.

Gretchen at 9 months

2011-03-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

her favorite toy is a toss up between her stuffed monkeys and her stuffed babies or water play or her brother.

her favorite food is anything. she likes sweet things. she especially likes spreadable cheese.

her favorite animal is calorie. he plays really well with her.

she sleeps through the night, sometimes.

she has 4 teeth.

she loves watching curious george on the tv.

she is trying to stand up from sitting and doing very well at it.

she gets very very dirty all day long, every day.

in case you're interested, here was Patrick at 9 months.

Do you see what I see?

2011-03-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

She did this at Patrick's first soccer class. Yay!

She stood up all by herself. Lots of times. :)

Two more teeth!

2011-03-04T13:38:00.001-07:00

But she won't show you.

He's on the earth

2011-02-07T18:32:00.001-07:00

He's in outer space. - Patrick

Love this kid

2011-01-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

I was just called over to the bathroom to sit with Patrick while he went #2. We got to talking about how Gretchen is going to be his sister until he was as old as Nano. He asked if Nano was his sister. I said no. I asked if he remembered visiting Nano in Tucson and eating fried steak fingers and livers. He asked where Nano lived. I said that that was her home. I explained that she needed more help and so she moved there. He said that if there's nobody able to take care of Nano, that he would do it.

Love this kid.

Dr. Daddy-o

2010-12-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of you.

We had a great post grad meal at The Original Hamburger Works, some homemade cake with marshmallow frosting and boys night out to see the new Tron in 3D. I would say he had a great day. :)

Gretchen crawling

2010-12-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

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We have a crawler

2010-12-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning she decided to do some actual crawling. Yipee!!

Thanksgiving Weekend by the numbers

2010-11-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

4 great Grandparents

3 turkeys, a whole lot of peanut oil

2 sick kids - 1 fevery boogery pinkeye-y and 1 just boogery

1 most delicious Turkey lunch/dinner I've ever had

Several football games on TV

1 movie and popcorn at an actual theater

Lots of lovely leftovers

1 postponed tree cutting trip

Many hugs and kisses

1 long word read aloud by Patrick, all by hisself - "Garfield"

1 wonderful 4 day weekend

G now says mama...

2010-11-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

And dada. A lot. So cute!! She knows what she wants and how to get it. ;)

Check out my HipstaPrint

2010-11-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Flash: RedEye Gel
Film: Ina's 1969

Woods Family Photo

2010-10-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

While today was all about Halloween, we did carve out a few minutes to try to take a family photo. We got some dog butts, some tongues sticking out and and such but we got a few cute ones too. For more of these and the rest of the Halloween pics, go to our photo album.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

We had a gigantic Stay Puft Mashmallow Man, an adorable and not-scary-at-all ghost and yellow braided yarn hair Heidi this year. So so cute.

Sean won a crisp $100 bill for first prize at his office's Halloween costume contest. He pulled another all nighter using my sewing machine and supplies from Home Depot and Walmart. It certainly paid off.

Sean also made Patrick and Gretchen's costumes this year. Like my dad said tonight, "if law doesn't work out for Sean, he could always be a tailor." They turned out really spectacular and everyone really loved seeing our little ghost "boo" at them as he skipped up to each of our neighbor's doors.

Patrick's cousins Ryan and Emily came by to carve pumpkins and trick-or-treat with us. We had a really fun time tonight.

We got lots of loot and completely tuckered out.

The Great Pumpkin is coming tonight to take Patrick's leftover candy and leave him a present in return. So. Much. Sugar.

Happy Halloween!

Such a happy little girl

2010-10-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

I know it sorta looks like she's in front of a movie curtain, she's actually just on the floor on top of a U of A blanket. She has a slightly crusty nose from some sniffles, but adorable all the same.

Look Mama..

2010-10-12T19:25:00.001-07:00

...I'm Wall-E!

Snuggled up

2010-10-10T07:25:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning with his stuffed friends and some hot chocolate. We'll record CBS' Sunday Morning and watch Winnie the Pooh instead.

Something new every day

2010-10-09T09:06:00.001-07:00

We made these baked french doughnuts today for the first time. Boy are they good.

And I used "go ask dad" for the first time. I thought Patrick was trying to use me to get him the thing that Sean had already told him no for. I was right. ;)

I'll post the recipe soon. These are too good.

Farm day

2010-10-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

Sean spent the day with us on Tuesday. We had fun roaming around the farm, it was a beautiful day.

Halloween Decorating

2010-10-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

I don't know if some of you know, but I have a little blog that I started a few months ago - just for me and things I like {croissantsandrootbeer.blogspot.com}. I have a handful of readers {but not many :)} and I just wrote this post for that blog. I though it should go here too:

Before we get to the creepy stuff, here's the new wreath and door mat we found at the Smith and Hawkin section of Tarjay a few months ago. I just love the rosewood wreath. And the suzani-style mat is just so cheery.

Here's more of what we did today. I brought out our spooky tree so that Patrick and I could load it up with our mini Halloween colored and pumpkin ornaments.

I also made my first bunting {ever} with darling orange and black plaid ribbon and a cobweb adorned napkin found at our local Hobby Lobby. We also picked up the monogrammed pumpkin for the front door at HL. We'd never been before today. It was our outing for the day and Gretchen's midday nap.

Our red-dyed sunflowers from Trader Joe's {originally purchased for Sean's birthday} have started to droop and I thought they looked fitting for this creepy holiday.

I bundled up our first Fall rose blooms and plunked them in one of my favorite glass cups. They're hanging out next to one of Frank's turban squash.

We made two strands of bunting. This is the one we hung in the living room.

Lastly, {and unrelated to Halloween} here's a little peek at my latest craigslist find. A soft and cozy recliner wingback where we slip on our shoes - and pull over to the living room for movie viewing. I know, Summer is over and that little spot looks a bit beachy. But, having grown up by the beach, I feel like it's Summer all year long. And the beach really is that direction {about 400 miles ahead} as is our swimming pool, which will continue to get some use if our weather keeps topping out in the 90's.

Solids

2010-10-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Our first attempt at solids about 2 weeks ago. She likes it!

Happy Birthday Sean/Dad/Dada

2010-10-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

We love you!

these days

2010-10-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

We've finally gotten our lives back since we got both kids to go to bed by 7/7:30. I've been able to catch up on Mad Med and Sean's been able to play some games. We haven't been able to do this for months and months and months. No kidding. It's nice right now.

Patrick is a little ham. He loves to sing and we're a little sad that his go-to chorus of "I don't have...." has been replaced with whatever he's thinking about at the moment.

The ove 100 degree days should be over this week. Finally. I'm anxious to start thinking jeans boots and hot soups.

Gretchen is so sweet. She smiles all day long (if she's not sleeping or teething).

Mama

2010-09-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

She's a pro roller and even has said "mama" on purpose (I think) at least 3 times now.

Growing like a weed.

We even tried rice cereal tastes this week and she kept most if it in her mouth.

She's also grabbing everything in sight.

She's so much fun!

Drool factory

2010-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

And in our backyard...

2010-09-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Mushrooms growing like weeds. We have a forest!

Growing like a weed

2010-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

She decided to roll from back to front today.

Patrick told me

2010-08-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

He drew a big M that has wind :)

Sleep over

2010-08-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

Patrol had his first overnight sleepover at Aunt Katy's with Nana and his cousins. We're not sure if much sleeping went on. Here's how we found him before dinner this evening.

Wild imagination

2010-08-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

Patrick "made a sweater" for his monster truck out of a piece of yarn the other day.

Yesterday he took care of his baby raisin named "Fruity." Fruity cried (just like Gretchen), he needed water because he was thirsty and he watched tv inside Patrick's mouth (Patrick being careful not to eat it for several hours).

She just rolled over! Yay!

2010-08-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Front to back. On the tile...ouch! :)

Going to the office with Mama

2010-08-26T15:02:00.001-07:00

Means you get to ride a fancy tractor with a farmer. Awesome.

Happy Gretchen

2010-08-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Family Circus

2010-08-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is was today's comic. I love it!

So long swing

2010-08-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

It appears that today she's really not liking the swing and would rather nap on the floor.

Matchy matchy

2010-08-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

We like to match his lunch to his toys

So sweet

2010-08-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Mmmm

2010-08-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Friday: last restful day

2010-08-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Gretchen napped well yesterday, Patrick even took a midday nap, yay!

We grabbed Roberto's for lunch and swung by this great thrift shop in Del Mar at St. Peters Episcopal Church. Tons of kids vintage clothes. I got several things but one was this cute dress. G is going to be Heidi for Halloween. :)

Patrick the photographer

2010-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

He's really gotten into taking pictures lately. I have a lot of these now...I love it! It really shows you what they focus on. :)

Thursday: winding down

2010-08-13T08:15:00.001-07:00

We're starting to realize that our time here is just about over. I will miss the cool breezes but I will always miss Sean more. Patrick has even mentioned that he needed his backpack and he thinks it might be time to go to his home in Arizona. :)

Patrick found his first potato bug today and it was quickly lost and probably eaten by the big bad vacuum cleaner.

We went and ate lunch al fresco at St. Tropez Cafe in Encinitas. Talk about yummy food. Check out that custard filled brioche cake thing. Wow.

We visited a cute little park in Encinitas called Cottonwood Creek Park so Patrick could play and I could feed Gretchen.

Then we cruised around Leo Carillo Park and found a white peacock. Sorry for the teeny picture.

Last day tomorrow!

Patrick's first roly poly/potato bug

2010-08-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

He named him "Buggy"

Wednesday: Cardiff Oggis & Legoland {again}

2010-08-11T21:14:00.002-07:00

The kids slept in and Patrick made a magic wand with his tinker toys this morning.

We grabbed some {Stuft Stix} at Oggis and brought it with us to Cardiff Beach for a quick late lunch visit. It was my first time there and it was great...a true locals beach. The first time I'd seen board racks at a beach too.

We had another great evening at Legoland. We tried a new ride and hit all the favorites. The shortest lines yet!!

Monday: legoland evening part 2

2010-08-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Top left: Patrick and I watch movies on the iPad in the bedroom at night in the dark while Gretchen sleeps

Top right: the flowers we got at the SB farmers market. They do a good job perfuming the house. Bringing them home, I had to open the windows. Powerful!

Bottom left: Papa and Patrick last night on the helicopters at Legoland {again}.

Bottom right: Patrick holding the strap skipping and jumping back to the car. I think he could live at Legoland. We're sure making use of the membership. I think we're going again tonight. We've already mapped put our plan.

Sunday: breakfast alfresco & farmers market

2010-08-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

The weather is just gorgeous right now. Patrick and I went and picked up Honey's doughnuts in Encinitas this morning to add to our beautiful breakfast on the back patio.

Sean was able to get his errands done here before he left to go back to Phx. He didn't want to have too much to do tonight at home since he leaves for Chicago tomorrow.

I was able to get both kids to nap in the car this afternoon. I parked us right next to the Solana Beach Farmers Market so the when they woke up we could just run over before they closed. We found a new citrus fruit from the Philippines, a calamondin. It's like a small sour mandarin orange.

We're attempting an early(er) bedtime tonight to see how it goes...we've been staying up way too late having too much fun.

As I write this, the strong scent of skunk wafts through the room. PeeeeeUuuuuuu! That's the California I remember too. I wish I'd put the farmers market flowers in the bedroom tonight. :)

Saturday: great eats, late day Legoland

2010-08-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

This morning was slow with a yummy breakfast (including danishes - my favorite are the cheese ones). We played with Tinkertoys and watched cable cooking shows.

We had a totally yummy lunch at Pelly's in Carlsbad. I did a taste test of the crab sandwich (comparing Point Loma) and this was better!!

Patrick napped in the car while we cruised the coast and Del Mar.

We ate (again) dinner at Tip Top Meats - yummy! Great chicken cordon bleu and the best carrot cake!!

We spent the evening at Legoland running from ride to ride. We still think the Coastersaurus is the most fun.

What a fun day!

Friday: Dada and a movie

2010-08-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Sean (plus doggies) is here for the second weekend in a row and we couldn't be happier. Patrick and he are at the movie Cats and Dogs. I just put Gretchen down and we are all going to have fun this weekend!

Thursday: Legoland & cruise thru Rancho

2010-08-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Now that we're members, we'll be at Legoland a whole lot in the next year. We met up with Becky and Annie and their kids today at Legoland. They are high school friends of mine. I haven't really seen them since hs except for our reunion. We brought ham sammies (Patrick took the picture onout meal - he really loves taking pictures) and rode the helicopter ride.

Then we attempted car nap as we cruised through Rancho Santa Fe. Patrick finally fell asleep in Carmel Valley and we drove up the coast home, stopping at fun beachy kids shops along the way.

Tonight we're having Alexis' chicken and hanging at the house. We're so excited for Sean to come out again tomorrow.

Wednesday: Chinese and Mexican

2010-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

After having the best experience at a sit-down Chinese lunch at Chin's in Carlsbad, we cruised around with napping kids. During the nap, my mom got to run errands and I got to stroll the outlet mall. The whole day was full of lots of hugs and compliments from strangers about how cute the kids are. Handsome and a doll. Ya, we think so.

Patrick is learning to take pictures on my camera. There are lots of pics of "the remote control on the coffee table" now on my phone but he did take the top left of Gretchen and the middle of Papa. We love the hipstamatic app for the iPhone.

Grandma Kimmy is making tacos and we're watching Wheel (of fortune).

Tuesday: Keena and Connor at Las Olas

2010-08-04T09:09:00.002-07:00

Yesterday we went and grabbed lunch with my old friend Keena who still lives in Cardiff-by-the-sea. She's doing great and her 7 month old son Connor is absolutely adorable! The lunch special at Las Olas was unbeatable. 5 bucks for ocean breeze, enchilada, taco, rice and beans. Awesome!

Monday: Legoland Water Park

2010-08-02T10:41:00.007-07:00

Patrick wasn't thrilled about the water. He just didn't think it was for him that day. Oh well, I really enjoyed it. :)

Sunday: Dinosaur bones and seafood sammies

2010-08-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the San Diego Natural History Museum. Awesome!!

Then before Sean hit the road we had to get lunch at Point Loma. Perfect!

Saturday: Legoland

2010-07-31T18:57:00.001-07:00

Sean rode his stroller. Gretchen slept the whole time (almost). Patrick hated then jumped with the performers of the Jumpitz show, P drove a car, P played legos, we toured the new water park, we rode the spinny pirate boat, we rode the bouncy ride and finished with the roller coaster. We'll keep our eyes peeled across the lagoon for this evenings fireworks (at home).

Friday: Lazy bones

2010-07-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Couch potatoes in the AM.

Car nap in the afternoon for Patrick.

Dad's office, Golden Spoon, Trader Joes, Rite Aid and Major Market visits during that nap.

Sean drove in in the evening. Yay!

PS: sprinkles at the bottom of the cup too are key!!

Thursday: Lovely ladies lunch (w/kids)

2010-07-29T15:43:00.001-07:00

Sarah came down for work today and got the rest of the girls together (including moms and kids) for lunch at the Stratford Court Cafe on 13th St. In DM. It was super-delish and a perfect casual place for kiddos who want to run around.
Patrick loved chasing Rori and Kai. He even picked a flower, gave it to Rori and ran after her, lips puckered. I think she managed to dodge him...so cute!!!

Wednesday: mall & beach

2010-07-28T18:44:00.001-07:00

This morning we took it easy and I played dress up with Gretchen's new purple dress. Thanks Jenny!

We went up to he mall in Oceanside for a veggie sandwich at Pat and Oscars, merry-go-round ride and shop for more sand toys.

We cruised down the coast, stopping by the Leucadia Pannikin for a coffee and a sit in one of their yellow adirondack chairs.

We ended up at Moonlight beach for some sun and sand castles.

Patrick fell asleep on the way home, again. ;) Another fun day!

Tuesday: happy birthday dinner

2010-07-27T20:59:00.001-07:00

Cake from a local French bakery to go with surf n turf dinner with Keenan.

Happy Birthday Grandma Kimmy!

We love you soooo much!

Tuesday: Chillaxin'

2010-07-27T20:56:00.001-07:00

Leucadia Roberto's for lunch @ Moonlight beach

Thrifting

Pretzels with yellow sauce

Monday: Del Mar

2010-07-27T07:06:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we packed up the double stroller and walked all over Del Mar...the old stomping grounds.

We brought Board and Brew to Powerhouse Park where we met up with Dad and Keenan. We played at the park, ran in circles, checked out the L'Auberge, walked The Plaza, shared ice cream/gelato/a pb cookie and petit four, saw former mayor of DM Tom Pearson and did some window shopping. So fun. P crashed again (this time in the stroller on the way to the car). Tired boy!

Sunday: Sarah's wedding party, Jenny

2010-07-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a big day. Gretchen and I went up to Long Beach to attend the party of my friend Sarah's wedding to Ginger. We had such a nice time out in the sun (under an umbrella) hanging out with old friends. Lance (Ash's hubby) took the top picture of me, Gabi (out from DC), Sarah and Ashleigh.

Then after the party I met up with another dear friend, Jenny. She drove down from LA and we both got yummy crepes at a creperie close to the wedding location. She got to meet Gretchen for the first time too!

Yay for girls' day!

Patrick went to the races with the rest of the family (Keenan and Nicole too). They had so much fun that he crashed in the car on the way home. He's done that every day so far this trip. So much fun to be had!!

July 25 morning

2010-07-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

A little cartoons, setting up our home away from home, and some play dough.

July 25 afternoon - Gretchen's first trip to the beach

2010-07-24T20:46:00.001-07:00

She slept most of the day and most of the time at Torrey Pines beach. Patrick "surfed" on his boogie board (picked up for $1 at a yard sale) and played with sand crabs. The water was a bit chilly and the sun didn't stay out but we had chocolate dipped strawberries for a snack. Yum!!

Patrick missed dinner...he's still sleeping on the couch. Mom made caprese salad with Frank's tomatoes that I smuggled over, marmalade salmon, corn and asparagus. Deeelish!!

Our big Summer trip. Travel day.

2010-07-24T09:37:00.001-07:00

I'm going to attempt to blog throughout our trip this Summer. We have lots of fun things planned. We just wish Sean/Dada were here with us the whole time. We can't wait to see him this weekend. Yesterday was a travel day. It took us 8 hours with 5 stops. Uncannily, (is that a word?) both kids needed to stop at the exact same times to eat/go potty. So we did, at:
1. Gila Bend McD's
2. Sidewinder Rd. Outside of Yuma
3a. Gas in El Centro
3b. Just outside of El Centro (can't remember that exit name) to nurse/poop
4. Alpine
5. Lakeside

Then we drove all the way in to Shelter Island to meet up with everybody on the huge rented sailboat.

The evening cruise - part ll

2010-07-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

The sunset, moon and skyline lights were beautiful. We listened to bands playing along the harbor and Gretchen crying for much if it. It was her time if night.

We ate a dinner consisting of veggie plate, flax crackers, Utz cracker mix, and sodas/coconut water.

We thought we'd see fireworks at The Pops but when we heard they didn't start 'til 9:45, we decided to head back.

We made it up to Carlsbad at 10:15. We unloaded, set up the pack n play and went to bed. No fussing. (Sean: Did you hear that sweetie? No fussing. Yay)

It's 7:36, they're both still sleeping. I think I might shut my eyes again. I'll tell ya what happens today later. :)

The evening cruise - part 1

2010-07-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

I can't figure out how to post two pics in one email yet. So, here's part 1. Patrick was so excited to see Papa. I grabbed the kids (sans baby bag) and went straight to the water...they were ready to get out. Patrick ran to Papa and I handed the kids over to the folks on the boat so I could prep for the next stage of our day. We'd gone from 90 and rainy, to 111 and dry, to 60something and windy. Wow!

We got ready and changed and took off into the harbor.

We can't wait for our trip to SD

2010-07-21T19:57:00.002-07:00

Loving iPhone photo apps

2010-07-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

They make you look like a professional!!

Teaching Chocolate the bear to go potty

2010-07-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Cheery

2010-07-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

We love it when Eddie comes to clean the yard

2010-07-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Bugs are fun

2010-07-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

This is what we did today. He had to put in the dinosaur one in so that he could take really good pictures.

Fluffy cheese

2010-07-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Patrick just asked me for some fluffy cheese.

I said I didn't know what that was.

He said fluffy cheese, the kind that goes on a tortilla.

Ahhhh.

Shredded cheese. :)

Kisses

2010-07-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Walk run

2010-07-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Suburban Snapshots: Why Having a Toddler is Like Being at a Frat Party*

2010-07-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.suburbansnapshots.com/2010/06/10-reasons-having-toddler-is-like-being.html

I've gotta use my imagination more

2010-07-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

P just walked up to me with a pad lock and foamy packing paper and said

"Look! A dragonfly!"

Tell me that doesn't look like a dragonfly. Wow!

Bored?

2010-07-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

1. I look up and he's sitting upside down on the couch with his legs up. The backwards way. The way the body shouldn't bend.

2. He was complaining about not having pockets in his outfit earlier. Just now, while we're watching a movie (in just undies), he looks down and says

"hey! I do have a pocket!"

Happy 3rd Birthday Patrick!!

2010-06-30T18:17:00.001-07:00

We love you so much!

We did pool party last weekend with friends and family. Today we did donut holes at preschool summer camp and dinner and a movie tonight. Patrick chose "tofood" tofu from Pei Wei and Frosty the Snowman. Nice choice little dude! It was 109 today! :)

Tummy time

2010-06-30T15:29:00.001-07:00

It always ends up with a little snooze.

Patrick's friend ant

2010-06-22T14:29:00.001-07:00

::happy fathers day::

2010-06-20T21:35:00.001-07:00

best. dada. ever.

we love you!!

My birthday present. I love it!!

2010-06-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Post nap hairdo

2010-06-18T18:08:00.001-07:00

Well, she finally made it!!

2010-06-12T15:12:00.016-07:00

The back story and birth story (back story first):

My mom had come out weeks ahead of Gretchen's birthday since we really didn't know when she was coming. My mom (aka Grandma Kimmy) came out at the end of April and helped us get Gretchen's room and house ready for her arrival. We hadn't done a thing other than pile all her stuff in the extra bedroom. We had fun with her and Grandma Jo finding fun furniture, going out to eat, playing, painting the room and generally waiting around. This is us below at The Parlor restaurant on Camelback.

Then finally on May 13th (Thursday evening) around 7:45pm I was watching an episode of Fringe - it was a really good one - in the living room while Sean and Patrick were playing in our bedroom, I noticed something. Those darn Braxton Hicks contractions. But wait, there was something different. They were coming regularly. I downloaded an iphone app to track the contractions. Hmm, 20 of them in a row. Ok, maybe this is happening?

We all went to bed thinking that it might happen but we weren't worrying too much about it at the time. By midnight, I was still wide awake. I mean WIDE AWAKE. I decided to call the overnight doc and hospital and see if it might be a good idea to come in. They all said yes and by that time, I was starting to hurt and OMG what are we doing with Patrick? Ok, I know we should have thought about the middle of the night labor but I didn't. I called my mom who was staying at Grandma Jo's and said "what do we do?" She said, "I don't know." Oh great.

Well, I begged her to get over to our house fast fast fast to stay over with Patrick while he slept and Sean and I would go to the hospital, just in case. Ha!

I had forgotten how much that contractions hurt.

I was really wishing by this time that we'd gotten there earlier. We calmly and quicky drove to Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and checked in around 1:30am. They initially thought that they'd tell us to walk around (only dialated to 1) but after seeing that I was contracting regularly (and painfully) anyway and the baby's heart rate was a little funny...they let us stay in the room. We watched some Cosby Show and started asking for the anestesiologist.

We got to the labor and delivery room around 3 and I had dialated to 5 or 6 and I finally got the needle. I told the guy how Patrick's drugs didn't work all that well and maybe he wanted to make sure this one worked or something but I ended up with absolutely no pain and a wet noodle left leg.

Then we waited. We turned on the movie Earth and listened and half watched animals from all over the world. It was calming but never let us get any sleep.

Things were progressing well and we thought that something would happen around 6 or 7am but it didn't.

Dr. Snell came in around 7:30 and started having me lay in and around some exercise balls of various shapes to help turn Gretchen. She wasn't exactly at dead center. An hour of funny positions and the nurses laughing a little with me. We quit trying and so did my contractions. Darn. A little pitocin later and it was time to push. She straightened out just fine during the pushing.

With all the heavy drugs being pumped into my body I was so pain free that itfelt like I was sitting on my couch at home and having a friend look over and say "ok, time to push." Just like someone coming into the room while you're reading this and saying "ok, are you ready." Uh, what...like, now? I didn't have that urge to push really but Iwas sure going to try.

I guess I did OK because I made it through 9 or 10 pushes over 3 contractions and we finally had our 9lb 5 oz little girl!! 21.25" long and she came right at 9:15 in the morning on Friday May 14th.

Just as I gave that last push and Gretchen was placed on my tummy and started to cry, Patrick Grandma Kimmy and Grandma Jo walked into the room. Perfect timing!!

They couldn't quite fit into the room since we had lots of extra nurses from the NICU there just in case Gretchen injested any of the meconium she'd pooped while inside my tummy. She didn't. :)

Others who came to meet her that weekend at the hospital were Uncle Keenan and Papa from San Diego, Nana Cyndy from Flagstaff and Uncle Connor from Tucson. Aunt Katy, Uncle Todd and cousins Ryan and Emily drove over from the West side of town. Finally, our friends Beth and Chris came over to give her a great big hello.

While our hospital had great amenities (like in room manicures and room service style dining) I was lucky to get meals from my favorite places. Nana Cyndy brought Wildflower Bread sandwiches for the Woods family for lunch and Papa Dada and the uncles brought a feast from the Whole Foods prepared food department. Delish!

Nursing was a cinch. Yay!

Walking wasn't so much. My dead leg took a while to come back to life but mainly I was sore from pushing out a great big baby! Because I wasn't a great walker, the nurses didn't let me take out my catheter for several hours. I was on a mission to pee into their little bucket "hat" as fast and as much as I could so I could get that "thing" out. I was a champ and downed all the water and juice that I could and we were on our way home the next morning.

Papa, Grandma Kimmy and Keenan came to help get us home that morning. Keenan drove my car with Sean, Gretchen and me - he'd chosen Jamiroquai as the soundtrack. Papa and Gma Kimmy took Patrick to grab us some food (mainly I wanted my turkey and avocado sandwich on sourdough that I'd been craving my whole pregnancy) and meet us at home. Ah, we were glad to be home!

I set up my nursing "spot" on the far side of the dark brown leather couch - just like I'd done when Patrick came home. Here's an old picture of just that - from July 7th 2007:

I look just like that too...same glasses, same water jug, just a new kid. :)

And I've been there ever since.

Ha, just kidding.

But not really.

We were really lucky to have Grandma Kimmy stay another week and a half to keep us fed and from living in filth. So, I was able to stay in my spot and stare at Gretchen all day.

Since Grandma Kimmy has gone, we've tended to have meals together in and around the "spot" so that I could nurse in comfort and the rest of us be close. It's been a month and we're still eating in the living room a lot but not for every meal. Only when nursing time is happening right at our mealtime. :) I'm sure we'll return to normal sometime in the next few months. More pictures and stories to come.

Patrick's first time using chopsticks

2010-05-11T12:45:00.001-07:00

...and this is my favorite.

2010-05-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Oh what the heck, here are a few more...

2010-05-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

New Family Pics at the RR Park

2010-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Our friend Beth took some great pictures of all of us at the park a few weeks ago. Here are some of them below. To see them all...click here.

Dancing like a rockette to the Sugar Hill Gang at Chipotle

2010-04-23T19:28:00.001-07:00