Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good pom pom

Theodore may not let me sleep until 9:15 on Christmas morning ever again. Then again, hopefully I won't wake up multiple times on Christmas eve night to feed him ever again. But no complaining, I spent part of my Christmas day swinging in a hammock with the sun on my face. We had fun watching Theo open toys, and Theo had fun playing with tissue paper. Love that precious little baby man.

Hope you all had a wonderful day full of overeating and pleasantly long naps.

Doppelganger

 

(He has more of a beard now, so trust me. Top picture from Oh My Cavalier)

This print was an early Christmas present to Jon from Kenzie. This print is hanging right next to a picture of Jon, and it is perfect! 

Speaking of Christmas wishes, I am wishing this morning for a huge hand painted family portrait and a huge walk in closet. Because right now I feel like I sleep in a walk in closet. I'm afraid neither will be covered by my budget...

Theo meet Santa! Sorry Santa.

The church party Santa visit is tradition. Most of my childhood Santa encounters feature a picture with me crying, Mom looking stressed with the other crying twin in her arms. So this year I hoped to continue the tradition, and Theo did not disappoint. While he did not reach full blown Santa meltdown like another girl who has actually asked her parents to not have Santa come this year, he was just uncomfortable enough for some good phone photos.

These last two photos are unrelated, but 1) I couldn't help myself and 2) I love baby butts.

I forgot how uncomfortable static-y hair feels

 I told my grandpa that I shot a gun for the first time, and that it was a pellet gun. You would not believe the look of disgust he shot me. Apparently pellet guns are not "real" guns. 

 I spend so much time prying my hair from his little iron claws.

 Sorry, this is the best shot I got of both--Noah happened to have scary eyes.

Dad using his cutting tool of choice--a 30 year old electric knife.

 

 Grandma was loving life.

We had a great Thanksgiving in Boise, which is saying a lot because we almost turned around and came back home when we encountered 10 car pileups and ice sheets on the way. I was a mountain pass away from a complete meltdown. But we were safe and learned that familiarity with tire cables before you leave is worth the effort (we learned that lesson by not making that effort, of course). We ate so much, ran a leisurely family 5k, and saw Harry Potter (so good!). Almost two months younger, Noah has already taken the lead in baby growth against our little baby borne of average-to-smaller-than-average genes. We even came home with some sugar cookies, and beef. My parents bought half a cow, and when the boxes arrived--well, let's just say anyone is always welcome at the Naylor house for some grillin'. And I will actually use beef to make something for the first time in our married life... (it's not that I don't like meat, I just don't like raw meat. It's easier for me to avoid it entirely.)

Mugs instead of medals! Good idea, Eugene.

 My friend Marissa and I made a goal to run a half marathon crazily while we were still pregnant. I had no idea that recovery for me would be so slow and that anemia can make you feel like a blob of unmoving jelly. So when our race was canceled I was ok with it, because I was only prepared to be extremely slow. Then a few other friends found another half marathon--so we were stuck with one, but with an extra month to train. Behold, a window opened to not be extremely slow, but just kind of slow!

So Jon and I rolled into Eugene, found a good pizza place in a city we have never been to before (always a plus--thanks Yelp!), and Jon motivated me by telling me he didn't think I could beat his mom's time (2:12). So of course I was determined. He also said if I did beat that time, I could buy any boots I wanted. (Jon had NO faith I would finish faster than that time. Absolutely none. And if you knew my training times, neither would you.) We were all prepared to run in a downpour, so of course it was sunny, and the course was beautiful. With the help of my faster friends I ran and hurt and ran and never walked and sprinted to the end... 2:11:59! A much better time than I had anticipated from myself. I had done it! Cheers! Hooray! All was well!

Then Jon checked later and told me he was mistaken, and his mom's time was actually 2:11.

So I am still buying a pair of boots. And Jennifer, I will win. Someday.

For those who think I am lame for trying to beat my mother in law, I must inform you she has about 35 extra years of running experience on me and I have at least 25 extra pounds more than this tiny woman. And she always beats me! Extreme competition with your mother-in-law is ALWAYS healthy and normal. Right?

And after on the Smith Homestead I shot a gun for the first time and hit a water bottle. What a great day.

last place still gets a t-shirt

 Two surprises: The rain and Katie's suddenly brown hair

 The race in its entirety--walkers in background, organizers and Rocky theme song singers in the middle, another runner foreground, frozen turkey on the ground.

My friend Katie sent out an email today that basically said "Do you want to run a Turkey Trot today? Show up at 11:30." I take any chance to run without a stroller, and thought it would be good practice for my half marathon Saturday. I haven't been my typical type-A training self--I registered Monday and my training has been made up as I go along.

It was cool yet sunny, and a whole 6 women showed up, 4 runners and 2 walkers. There was a raffle for a turkey at the start. A one in six chance to win a turkey? Never will any race I enter have those odds. Still lost. And of course it started raining as soon as the race started. The two taller girls got away from us at the start but a confused volunteer sent them the wrong way, and so Katie had an asterisk first place finish with me close behind. She won a Lewis and Clark intermural t-shirt, which I was a little jealous of since I never scored one at BYU. But I should do all my runs with her because I ran my fastest pace since pre-Theo times.

After this race on Saturday I am gearing up for the Naylor Turkey Trot. Main goal is to beat my mom.

twin hangover

Top photo taken by Kenz, last photo taken of aftermath, large yarn pile included.

I don't know much about substance related hangovers, but I know about emotional ones. Kenzie's week here was crazily filled with preparing for her show and trying to fit in the stuff we wanted to do--of course we have a list we never got to but are saving for next time. Little Winter was so much fun, and it was a great opportunity to meet so many new people.  I even dorked out once, saying "Hi, [name] right? I read your blog." Kenz was right, all these crafty people are the nicest people ever. So yesterday (and honestly, today too) I have been wearing my robe late, cleaning my room by wearing the clothes on the floor, and doing a lot of baby snuggling. I haven't done anything with the huge pile of garland leftover from the show on my counter, but the smell is taking the edge off the musty old apartment perfume our home can have.

I picked up a few things from the show, like a tiny house ornament from My House Party (tiny is involved--therefore I am involved) and a winter/Christmas print I loved from Shanna Murray*. Having her booth next to Kenz was a highlight--she is so much fun and Theo loved her too.  Of course I am wearing a new scarf around, paid for by hours of hand sewing, staying up late wrapping a branch in yarn (thanks Katie!) and making a bazillion muslin bags. All of which I loved doing. Sigh.

Luckily I have a couple more guests to prepare for this weekend--I am scouring the internet for the best gluten free options Portland has to offer, and I am pleased with the results so far.



*also responsible for making amazing wall decals that don't make me want  to gauge my eyes out, and my favorite quote stated regarding the awesomeness of the show in general--"people are shizzing themselves on Twitter right now." So true, so true.

serious twin faces

Kenz is here (yea!) and we have tried to fit in as much food carting, waffle windowing, Japanese candy eating, and baby holding while doing the finish work on all her wonderful scarves before Little Winter starts tomorrow. (Please come visit!) I'm so excited for her. She also got a new "french little boy" haircut which is very cute, and I got chocolate all over my face while eating a waffle. What a good week.

I gnome you!

He wore his costume last night at our church party, and there was a chili spill that was totally his fault so he is not pictured in his gnome shirt or pants. Happy Halloween!

Shlumbo

Theo in his little bumbo. He slumps forward mostly to start eating the side, and all that bending causes a little heave ho of spit up over the side.

I posted the second picture to show that he inherited my crazy eyes. Probably a good thing I accidentally cut off his head.

p.s. Kenz has introduced her amazing woven scarves to the world! I love them. She will be selling them in her new shop soon, and also here in Portland at Little Winter, a craft show at the beginning of November. I am so excited for her and her new venture.

This makes me nervous

Grandpa and Theo

I will admit I have mother bear syndrome. I flinch at any noise while jogging, worried that a killer dog or squirrel will jump out of nowhere to harm my son. I grimace and squirm at someone who covers Theo's face with kisses, needing to protecting him from microscopic harm. (Air kisses people, it's freaking cold and flu season!) I constantly imagine horrific ways he could fall on the ground. And after almost four months, I still check to see if he is breathing at times. (I recently realized Jon was not going to stop breathing in the middle of the night. I've checked enough to know this.) 

I felt a little better about myself when I saw a dad in a parking lot with his young son on his shoulders, and not too far behind was the mother, with a hand hovering about two inches from the little boy's back. Mother bears unite!

first "swim"

 Arizona is what I like to call, "The Fiery Furnace." But Theo was able to swim, in the evening, when the sun was down. His skin is obviously very sensitive to any and all UV rays. I like that his swim ensemble was a regular diaper and a onesie. That's how we do things...

Niece attack! Theo weirdly looks about as big as my two-year-old niece Paige. She is so tiny!

but they stain your fingers

I like the color of beets. But I don't like eating beets. When I saw these deep purple carrots at the farmer's market, however, I immediately wanted to make purple carrot soup with them. And it turned out a beautiful dark purple. Maybe if I had done half parsnips and half purple carrots, I would have gotten a light purple soup. Is that too unappetizing?

the question is not why...

It's why did I not think of this earlier?

this makes me feel a bit self conscious

I read this Portland street style blog, and admittedly thought it would be fun to be stopped on the street by a style blogger. Well, that did not exactly happen, but Kenz happened to be internet friends with the author when she was here and we met up. Lisa was so nice and actually did not make me feel like a fool when being photographed. She's talented at what she does!

check it out here

(p.s. do some digging from a few months back and find Kenz!)

Boise is Portlandizing

Last week we went to Boise Fry Company, a new restaurant being all hip and green and with it. Four different types of fries, tons of sauces. The yams with vanilla salt were the best. But even better was the fact that my dad applied the vanilla salt to the fries and liked it! The Naylor boys are broadening their horizons. We also got the story about the place from the owner, and given that my dad introduced himself he might just become a regular. My dad loves being able to walk into a place and order "the usual." Which is one of my goals in life. Jon and I tried that at a place in Provo, but the guy who consistently took our order once a week (who may or may not have had an English accent, never could tell) refused to recognize us as regulars. He would avoid eye contact while giving the cool kids free meals.

Also, Theo met his cousin Noah! Don't think they realize each other exist though. Theo is seven weeks older but I already know he is going to be smaller than Noah who has the biggest hands I have ever seen on a baby. My brother breeds his kids to be tall giants--I am assuming mine will be the opposite.

happy labor day

Don't be sad. We will save the "labor in the yard weeding" labor days until you are a bit older.

I kid Mom. Service is a good thing...

the importance of anti-hubris

Blogs are full of narcissism. You know, the my husband loves me the most, check out my awesome new something, my baby is much cuter than your baby, list of 12 million reasons why my wife is the one that makes other women frustrated because she is so awesome...stuff. We all need to be humbled every once in a while. For me, that humility comes every time I open iPhoto. Thus, the first in a series of posts I would like to call "This is Most Unflattering."

Yes, babies too. Cross eyes and a forehead for days does not a flattering picture make. (look at his little Homer hairs...)

Self portraits don't usually turn out as cool as you want them to.

Last but not least (from the pregnancy days...). Do not pose in front of an enormous magnifying glass. Trust me.

Join me if you dare.  Whitney provided me with some inspiration from her sneak attack post.

More than one cute baby can exist!

I have been so excited to meet my new nephew, Noah. I know a baby, though, who was a little reluctant to share the spotlight. (ahem, Theo.) After a little chat, he decided to change his ways and made this video. I generously offered to translate.




(sorry the video is cut off slightly... you can click to view in youtube also.)

8 weeks

Baby survived a weekend of both sets of grandparents! Well, he had no problem turning on the charm for them, but I was worried about a Hall vs. Naylor cage match as to who would get to push the stroller. Turns out it was a needless worry, and the Halls were very hospitable especially when they figured out the Naylors didn't mind sharing their restaurant food (a common Hall tradition). Jon gave Theo a beautiful blessing at church (bonus points for not forgetting his name) and I now owe him a situation in which I am nervous with clammy hands.

What a little baby doll I birthed! I love this little face. Especially the healthy eyebrows.

Motherboy

The first of many matching ensembles.

classic portland

Mackenzie is here! Theo loved meeting his Auntie Kenz. With Kenz and Tyler here, I have gotten out of the house about 12 times more than I have in the past few weeks. Muscles have been sore from doing this thing called walking. We picked 17 pounds of marionberries, ate at good food carts and tried a new restaurant (Pok Pok).

The first full day they were here, Tyler was approached by this couple wanting to take a picture of him and his beard, tourist style. They said it was because it was "so Portland." We didn't have the heart to tell them they were visiting as well, from Pennsylvania. The guy posed next to Tyler like he was a character from Disneyland. Also, last night we had a picnic by the river and got approached by a homeless man who asked us if our child was going to learn the phrase "it is what it is," and I said yes (I do assume he will learn those words in English someday). He also asked for some of our food, which we willingly gave if it was going to make him leave that much quicker. Peaceful, philosophical bums. So Portland.

Thought you would want to see the famous beard. More pictures (Kenz's cute haircut included) on her blog here.

great Sarah Palin's ghost

I did something on Friday that I have been planning long before Theo was born--go berry picking! I'm laughing at the thought that I wanted to do this in the first weeks of his birth. That was a hilarious idea. I took a picture to commemorate the moment, with Theo in his carrier. As I was taking the picture I remembered there are not many things in the world I hate more than taking a picture of myself. But my thumb was halfway there so this is what happened.

I also had a dream last night where I use the word "refudiate" twice in a blog I wrote. Then I find out that Sarah Palin made up that word, and I get super embarrassed. I woke up embarrassed for my dream self. Is Sarah Palin breaking into people's dreams and trying to convince them this word is real?...