be my heart valentine

Came across this on a walk last week and thought it was brave. She busted out the cursive and everything. I would have never done this, but I did give each pre-printed note on my class valentines an extreme amount of thought, matching the appropriate recipients to "I like your smile, Valentine."

For a second I thought it was fake. Shoshi? Do people name their children that? (apologies to the Shoshies) I might have known  Shoshi in my life, or it might have been a dog, I don't remember.

He crawls! He crawls!

A week ago, February 4th, I looked up from folding laundry and realized that Theo was no longer scooting, but crawling! By now he is all over the place. He used to play happily on his little quilt square while I was in the kitchen doing something, but his little face pops around the corner as  he tries to find me wherever I go. Which is pretty cute. About the same time last week he regularly started pulling himself up to standing position, and now is shuffling along the coffee table. And yesterday his second tooth finally (finally!) broke through. I lowered his crib one level, only to realize I should have lowered it all the way. What is happening? Our Theodore is becoming a little man. I'm a little behind on child proofing...tasks for this weekend.

I had to include this clip of Theo standing, because baby bums are so cute. Crawling baby bums are even better but shows too much baby junk for public view. I try to hold my blog to network television standards.

I need a theo manual

It should be no surprise that people blog a lot about their babies. Their perfect, sleep through the night babies that are somehow cuter than all other babies and are doing what no other baby can do (like blink and make noise). At least that is how I feel sometimes. I'll read a blog about some 5 month old who was offered food for the first time and "they absolutely loved it! They are in heaven! Look at my advanced baby eater!" (Just know I am exaggerating basically all points so far, I'm sure all the blogs I've read are perfectly normal.) Theo is over seven months old and refuses basically all solids.  He sat independently so well and acted like he wanted food, but after trying avocado, sweet potato, bananas, applesauce, and going remedial with brown rice cereal (which he ate briefly for a period of two days and then stopped), he he mistrusts any spoon headed his way. The other day he kind of ate a little so I got excited and tried a few other things, and was rewarded by giving Theo a case of junkitis and Jon a shirt full of straight up vomit. So sad. Believe me, I know that babies eat solids in their own time and I'm totally fine with him not being ready if that is what he needs, but it is tiring to try again and again. Can't he just tell me on that magical day when he is ready for all the delicious food I am prepared to hand make him? He has no idea what he is missing.

At the same time, watching his reactions when we feed him are pretty funny. He has this certain type of whine/coo that only comes when he is attempting to eat--his "I'm not sure about this" sound. He also tends to wink his left eye when tasting something strange. See if you can catch it below. (This was taken at a 6.5 months, trying Grandma's homemade applesauce.)





But, he is scooting and half crawling all over the place now, which is fun and gives me proof that he is learning new skills. At least I can tell my pediatrician that--I don't know how to tell her that he's not eating baby meat now, or anything really.

slowly becoming an adult... slowly.

 Oh Altima. You grew mold in your trunk, and attracted deer wherever we went. Your grill ripped off on the freeway and we washed you too infrequently. I get the feeling we might not have sent you to owners you prefer, but please forgive me and know that I will always love you.

Recently Jon and I were discussing how we would love a new car. We also discussed how we shouldn't really buy one right now, but make ours work until whenever. So, yesterday we bought a new car. Well, a new to us car that my mom recently decided to give up. Long story short, our beloved Altima had too many problems and we decided to put it to sleep (or sell it on Craigslist). Our car sells quickly, some drama occurs (heated text messages after we were swindled a bit) and now we have more knowledge about what not to do when you sell your car--but it's done and now we are living the dream, driving a car we could sleep in the back of. A Subaru Outback is my Barbie Dreamhouse.

My mom purchased her own new Outback to replace her old one, and now even my dad--who was convinced that Outback drivers are socialists who live in communes eating only vegetables and wearing homespun hemp--is a fan. And Jon and I really fit in now, as Portland probably has the highest Subaru-to-recycling-bin ratio in the world.

The best part is that my mom drove it over so I was able to assist her, I mean she assisted me (cough), in doing a total reorganization of part of my apartment. My bedroom now looks like a bedroom, and not a walk in closet with a bed in the middle. Storage once lost is storage found. My mom took one look at the disarray under our bed and swore she would not stop until feng shui was restored. (Now the Outback driving mom married to the Glen Beck lover is making more sense, right? Although I can't misrepresent her, I'm sure she's a solid R voter who just lives progressively.)

THEO PHOTOBOMB! More on you later.

3 day weekend plus

Our friends David and Vanessa came to stay this weekend. As per tradition when they come, it rained the whole time and we ate delicious chicken tacos they made for us.  I really have not known Vanessa long, but we bonded over the fact that we are neurotic worriers and our hip bones collide with our ribs when we stand. Actually when I first met her I judged that she would be as cool as her wedding dress, and my prediction has not been wrong. (It's on the front of their blog--amazing!)

We were watching Modern Family one night and she happened to spot this:

That is Vanessa looking over Mitchell's shoulder. She was there for the taping that day and happened to see herself and the .2 seconds she strolled through the shot. Extra ten points for the creepster vibes she's throwing.

We spent part of a rainy day at Cargo checking out the tiny hats, cats and all the other random stuff you find there. I highly recommend this place, especially if you have a need for wooden matching mannequin heads.

Of course right when they left we got a break from the rain, and Jon and I walked around the Pittock Mansion grounds and had some exceptional sandwiches at Bunk. All in all a great weekend.

One last note, Theo also cut himself a tooth last week! I am going to miss all his gums, especially when he bites my finger. And when I am breastfeeding?! How does that work? I'm a little worried.

post holiday goaling

I did this on Saturday. Blame Groupon and its look alikes, and my friends for banding together to buy some classes from a place that also instructs grown women on how to pole dance. I needed to try something new since winter running is just not happening right now (it's too cold, too rainy, I'm too sleep deprived...who forgot to tell me 6 month-old babies morph into teething monsters that forget how great they used to sleep?). So, aerial yoga came into my life. Somewhat awkwardly, but effectively.  There were moments when I thought my liability waiver might become relevant (like when I was upside down with no real plan on how to right myself), but two days later my abs are still painfully sore. I'm looking forward to next Saturday, although the Zumba class this week will probably just remind me of the few shameful hip hop classes I took in college. Which was embarrassing for everyone involved.

While on the subject, with this new year I am going to pretend that a tiny little Jon is listening on my shoulder during all my conversations as to prevent verbal gaffes, find somewhere to play my violin on a regular basis, and to make time for writing and sewing.

One more goal: Make sure I never even think of attending the "Cardio Striptease" class.

sunny christmas

Christmas break went far too fast as usual. Jon is counting down the days of school he has left, but it will be sad when we have no more two week breaks. Here are some pictures--I'll try to tone down my rambling.

 We had a mini Christmas with our mini tree in Portland before we left. Theo loved eating the paper. We secretly love our Christmas-before-Christmas because we have little or no will power when it comes to opening presents.

Christmas day in Arizona, sunny and warm. Kenz made Theo this crazy awesome pom pom hat. Christmas in Arizona also means cinnamon rolls, which also means delicious.

 I got my 2-year old niece the world's first colored bubbles. (That's right--world's first!) I think I should have bought some for myself. The solution is dark (like permanent stain scary dark), but when you get some on your skin you simply rub it and the color disappears magically. So magically that I actually think it is magic. It reminded me of vaPOOrize. (Or am I the only one that watched this lame movie?)

 New matching church attire. Theo has developed a cute habit of sticking out his tongue.

 Climbed a portion of Camelback (mountain? hill? rock? I never am sure).

We went swimming for about 12 minutes. Theo was mostly indifferent and we like to avoid the sun at all costs to keep our vampire-like Oregon complexions. 

The lack of masculine cousin influence on this side of the family mostly gets Theo squeezed and held, which luckily he doesn't mind. (It makes me laugh how Paige is two yet looks the same size as a six month old. Is it me or does her head actually look smaller?) My nieces are so cute and they certainly love their little cousin.


We ended the break in Portland with our all time favorite pizza and a bit of reorganizing. We all got wonderful presents but my favorite thing was having our first Christmas as a new little family. This next year will have so many new experiences, and I am excited for whatever else it brings too. It may not bring me a pair of boots, as my quest seems destined never to end.

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.