Us at 60

This spring I joined a community orchestra, and I am loving it. I get to get out a night a week, play my violin again, and talk nerdy shop with people mostly of retirement age. I lucked out with a great stand partner, Nancy (for those not in the know, that means we share music and sit together--sounds obvious but Jon didn't know what I was talking about). The first night I showed her pictures of Theo, and she showed me pictures of her cat. I found out later she had a daughter. She is also a woman of many talents--she plays the dulcimer, and Native American flute. This week she was playing a gig and I googled it when I went home to see where it was, and I found her website! She and her husband hire themselves out to play anywhere. And they have an outfit for every occasion. Here are a few.

Ok, so I was going to give you a few but these are all of them. I couldn't help myself. So, if you need a dulcimer/bass music ensemble for your for your formal civil war party, I've got their contact info.

blueberry lipstick

I just made Theo a flowery bib. (Jon walked around with a similar lunch bag for a year and I'm pretty sure his testosterone levels are still the same) I'm sad I can't dress him in more plum colors--it really looks exquisite with those blue eyes.

moms!

 Photo by  Lisa Warninger

 Top-me and Theo 6 weeks, Middle-My mom and Theo 5 months, Bottom-Jon's mom and Theo 8 weeks

Being a mother is difficult to comprehend until you actually are one. So this year Mother's Day really hit me, not only because I was looking forward to a holiday where selfishness is welcomed, but really because I realized even more this year just how much my mom has sacrificed, served, and loved me. Being a mom is letting go of your own desires and needs because something has suddenly become much more important than you. And you love this little person so much, even if you have days where you want to lay in bed and cry because you are so tired (not me of course...). But it's worth it. I love Theo so much that I don't care if he has six more months of double digit night waking. Of course I only say that because Jon is the best partner that I could ever ask for, and I really couldn't survive without him.

Jon and I have great examples of women who are amazing at all that they do. My mother in law is a giant of faith and I look up to how strong she has been through adversity. We may compete while running (sigh...I always lose) but I am so glad she has come into my life. I only can hope to become more like my mom. But I never can because she raised twins, something I realize now is like climbing Mount Everest backward without oxygen in a bathing suit. She is super mom to me.

Thanks to Jon for the best mother's day ever. He gave me gifts, made me multiple meals, and took me out for a movie date Saturday. I also have made him get up with Theo so much these past few nights. I think he's just trying to get extra points for Father's Day. Totally worked.

Lifetime supply of jeans in one year. Let's hope jean fashion never changes.

Ok. I have a confession. (not only do I write with a lot of parenthetical references, but) A company I used to work for in Utah once got crazy into the Secret. You know, the book where if you think you will make a million dollars, a lot, you will get a million dollars. And if you don't get a million dollars, then you must have let negative energy creep in, and the Universe then taketh away your dream. Our department had a special meeting at my supervisor's house where we were given the book, watched the accompanying video (where I learned you can always get a prime parking space--if you just think it), and made "dream boards" where we made a collage of our future personal goals. I didn't think this was a bad idea--I presented mine which had things I wanted in life like, "an adult tricycle," "a house shaped like a box," and to write a book (all still being visualized! I will get an adult tricycle!). I think our boss just really wanted to boost revenue, and our department was in charge of selling the company's product. Instead of going through all this magic voodoo, what she really should have done was not leave the company's success to the least paid department that had faulty 15 year old computers and had to work on holidays, while everyone else basked in the gentle glow of their new Macs and took off when it was convenient. We did have amazing Christmas parties though (in the magical time before the 2008 economic crash, of course). But I digress.
 
At the time I was convinced my thoughts had magical powers to change the course of the universe. Mostly because I trained all my thoughts on how we were going to live in Portland and Jon would attend dental school. Then suddenly, he got an interview and he got in. Done and done. I knew that his acceptance must not have been due to his grades, interview, or test scores, but singly controlled by my will, and the Universe. Then I found out that Jon always assumed he wouldn't get in as to lessen disappointment. And with time, and repeated mocking jokes on 30 Rock, I have become disillusioned. 

Until, Saturday. We were at the Gap, looking at baby things, when I noticed some kind of promotion where they were giving away an employee discount for a year (50%, which I know is not the exact employee discount as my sister worked there in high school and begrudgingly let me share in her discount at times when I bugged her constantly to let me use it) a day to each store this week. I actually left the store, thought about it, and went back in and entered. It was a tedious process, involving an app download so I could scan some thing and enter in a bunch of information. It took 10-15 minutes, and I was pretty sure most people wouldn't go through the hassle. I felt annoyed by it too, but I figured it would be worth it if I won.

Actually, I thought of the Secret because I not only thought I might win, I knew I would. I really didn't have a doubt. And Jon thought so too. I'm pretty sure I was the only one who entered that day anyway, but I was still excited the next day when I got my email notifying me that I had won.

The Secret The Secret The secret... (whispered in a mysterious voice for best effect)

High temps, and just lows

I spent too much time trying to photograph Theo's eyelashes. Aren't they pretty?

Saturday was the real first day of Spring, in other words, the one day where it is beautiful and 90% of Portland is outside, because they know it may not come again for two months. You know, when the temperature hits 70 and all the girls are sunbathing in bikinis in the park. I freaked out and thought we were all getting sunburned, but spending a day in the sun felt lovely.

Later that night we went to a food cart festival that we went to last year. I was all big and pregnant and loving it. And I quote, "Already looking forward to 2011 (without a heartburn causing, stomach-shrinking baby in my belly)". And yes, there was less heartburn involved, but that baby in my belly was now outside my belly. And the whole time he was fussy and squirmy and upset and I wished he was back in there for just two hours. And this year the festival's theme apparently was "more!" More people, more carts, more money, more long long long lines, more crazy meats. Less organization. I did have a couple high points--The fact that I tried a whole sardine and liked it. Italian ice at Oregon Ice Works. And for some weird reason, buffalo sloppy joe. Low points--the crazy, crazy long line to get in. When we started feeding Theo macaroni salad and vitamin water to stay happy. Trying to breastfeed next to a garbage can without a cover with a baby who wasn't having it, thereby exposing my nip to thousands.

I was so tired when we got home (we didn't make it to all the carts) that I went to bed at 9:15 and woke up at 12 with a crazy high fever, no doubt caused by all the rich and crazy meats. A meat fever.

Born with a love of clean teeth

The first time I used a Sonicare, I couldn't stop laughing (it feels really weird). Theo, however, was somehow born to brush with sonic waves.

Cake dedicated to Kenzie!

 Cake, I love you.

 Took some pictures in the adjoining Ace Hotel after dinner--pictures are much better with babies. (old pics from Kenz's visit in November, that flash sure did freak Theo out.) And, now you know what Jon's mug shot will look like if he ever decides to become a serial killer.

It was my birthday yesterday! It was a great day. I got some great things, including the same nail polish I gave Kenz from David and Vanessa, and they also gave me a thread holder/organizer, which was something that I had no idea that I wanted and needed so badly until I saw it. Kenz thoughtfully took stock of my lack of sleep and general state and bought me a floating session from Float On. I am very intrigued and excited to try this. It's how Portlanders relax I guess? Sounds awesome to me.

I spent the whole birthday day making a cake. Jon got me some cake pans, and I wanted to make myself a layer cake. I also wanted to use my new cake stand my mom found for the greatest deal ever ($8!). I have made very few layer cakes in my life, so I decided it was only rational to make a four layered lemon cake, filled with lemon curd and marionberry curd, frosted with a Swiss buttercream. All from scratch. I know. It was my idea of an adventurous day. If Kenz was with me she would have been all over this idea. With the two of us together, we get exponentially ridiculous. It would have been something like, five layers, salted caramel frosting, each cake layer different flavors of chocolate, with a hidden  miniature replica of our likenesses hand carved from an almond inside. My whole day made me miss that she wasn't celebrating with me. Twin pains. Anyway, it all went pretty smoothly--but my friend watching Theo for a little bit for the assembly probably saved me from a stress filled disaster. (Thanks Amy!)

David and Vanessa offered to watch Theo (and she washed all my cake dishes while we were gone! Saint!) while Jon and I had a fancy pants dinner at Clyde Common. I dressed up, but forgot to bring Jon a change of clothes, so he was in scrubs. It was so nice to have a little dinner date, eating what Jon deemed our fanciest meal ever. Clyde Common's menu is kind of mysterious--they list the ingredients of the dish but don't really explain how it's cooked or how the ingredients are used. I mean, you can ask the waiter but that takes away all the fun and risk. Trout, copa, greens, mushrooms, fried egg--did I know it was going to be the whole fish, wrapped in copa, stuffed with greens, topped with a fried egg and mushrooms on the side? Nope. But I loved it, and I love the idea of just trusting that they would bring something delicious to you.

Ok, one more bit about the cake. When I assembled it, the frosting was light and fluffy. After it was done, I popped it in the fridge to prevent the layers from sliding off of each other. Side note, seven sticks of butter went into this thing total, 3 in the frosting. So when we cut into it, the buttercream was...buttery. Like a hard, sweet buttery shell. I'm guessing the refrigeration was a mistake. But it looked good. I'm still counting it as a success overall.

winning! mostly

And a store gave me a tiny bag of tiny gummy bears with my purchase. yes please.

Today Theo and I ventured downtown to do a little birthday shopping for my twin sister. After visiting a few stores and making a few purchases (hope you like, Kenz!), I went to my third stop to buy her some ketchup. Yes, ketchup. Before you judge me as a horrible gift giver, let me explain--it's delicious ketchup from Little Big Burger, made with sriracha (which she loves), and is something uniquely from Portland and food related that I can actually send her. I thought it would be a fun little random gift. Turns out they aren't selling any right now until the summer. So, no ketchup. Kenz is probably relieved.

But it was lunchtime and I didn't want a burger/pay for lunch, so I walked to the Noodles and Co. next door. Understand, noodles really isn't a place I eat unless (a) I happen to be in the near vicinity (b) it is lunchtime and I am hungry (c) I have a coupon. All things applied to me today, as I got my free meal email yesterday for my birthday. But, I didn't have it printed out, so I asked if they would let me show them my coupon on my phone. They said no, (strike two!) so I walked away to go home to some PB&J. Suddenly, the girl stopped me by the door and whispered, "We would like to buy you lunch anyway." No catch--I got a straight up free lunch! So I ordered a Thai curry soup, and it was surprisingly really good., especially on a hail-y rainy day like today. It made me think of Kenz--the girl loves a good Asian noodle soup. Don't worry, I won't buy you soup for your birthday. I might have to go back and claim my second free birthday lunch.

I haven't even told you about the best part of my day--I parallel parked successfully on the first try with a guy standing on the sidewalk staring at me. (He totally thought I couldn't do it.) And it was the first time I have parallel parked with our new Subaru alone without Jon. Fist pump!

sleepy sammy

So as I hinted in my last post, Theo's not the best sleeper. In fact, in some reverse sleep bragging (Don't you hate sleep bragging? I do. And for me, sleep bragging occurs whenever anyone else talks about their baby's sleep.), I may be so bold to say that you may not find one much worse. (Well, I know that's not true--I can't tell you how much more normal I felt after reading a sleep book!) But, my doctor may have gasped when I told her how many times a night he woke up. I have to say that last night was his best in a while, and every night it gets better. So he's learning. And we are learning things too, like his preferred bedtime (7:00! Awesome!). I used to think he just needed an evening nap. Not so. I am so lucky to be humbled constantly by the things I don't know about parenting.

One tip offered by the book we are following was to introduce a "lovey," something to take to bed to offer some comfort. They suggest something cheap and easily replaceable, like a metaphorical pet hamster. I made him a lamb out of two tube socks from this book, which has lots of other cute animals, but I thought a lamb/sheep was appropriate for this situation. I loved making him. This will probably doom Sammy (full name--Sleepy Sammy the Lammy) to being ignored, but I will keep my hopes up that Theo will love something I made for him. My mom made me and my sister the most simple fabric dolls--kind of two stuffed fabric triangles with heads, arms, legs and button eyes--but I still remember them fondly. (I also still remember my Barbie doll that had roller blades that made real sparks, but you know what I mean.)

Me and my expectations. I already know I am going to be a weepy mess in the future when Theo deems himself too cool to take me to the mother-son dance. Prepare yourself, Jon!

forays with purees

Thankfully, most of Theo's total food aversion issues have resolved. Unlike most babies, he moved straight from finger food to purees... and I made him a special one yesterday, spinach-pea-pear. And today, he liked it! Ate it all up. I could have not been more happy.

Now that he's eating food like a real boy, we are going to focus on sleeping for more than 2 hours at a time. Actually, 2 hours at a time on a regular basis would be a dream come true. I'm not asking much, little Theodore!                            

san juan san juan

Sigh. Spring break is over. I am a little bit sad Jon has to go back to school. Well, a lot a bit sad. But we had a great week. We had planned on making a trip to Canada but in the end we decided to explore San Juan Island in Washington. We found a half off deal at a really great boutique hotel, as we were a few weeks shy of prime Orca whale watching season. After a scenic ferry ride, we explored the island, went on some nature walks (we Halls dislike "hikes") and checked out places like Smallpox Bay, Deadman Bay, and Smuggler's Cove. We also spent a solid amount of time eating dinners in our suite (so fancy) and enjoying complimentary breakfasts, one of my favorite things in life. This one had homemade scones.

We spent the rest of the week getting haircuts (Jon looks smashing, I got some butchered bangs) and ended with some General Conference. Nothing like some church while eating waffles and wearing sweats. Luxury!

Tomorrow, my twin and I go head to head, as our NCAA bracket scores are tied for first. Victory lies in the final score total--my 139 to her 145. Who will win???? da da da...

Sometimes, you camp just to inform future decisions about camping

We went to the coast this weekend to go camping with some friends. The forecast was rainy, but I was optimistic that everything would still be fine. We had a back up plan of sleeping in the car, but set up the tent as it was sunny when we arrived. We took a little hike to a look out that is the first picture--it was beautiful. Theo was dressed like the little brother from the Christmas Story to stay warm, and even a slight drizzle couldn't dampen the deliciousness of my fire roasted hot dog. The people there, the s'more I ate while lying in the tent feeding Theo to sleep, the constant sound of the waves, having 3G coverage so I could find out that I have a HUGE chance of winning my family March Madness bracket--all great things. Theo even slept well and had a great first camping experience. Things just went downhill after we went to bed.  Some raccoons came to the site, which was no big deal but freaked me out a little. (You have to remember when I am camping, at night every bit of my rational thinking disappears.) Then the wind started blowing (and tons of rain), shaking our tent, but I thought it was a bear, so I kept waking Jon up urgently thinking we were under attack. He even got sucked in, sitting up suddenly, issuing a stern "KA-HISS!" I found out that "ka-hiss" is Jon's go-to defensive noise. Good to know in case we ever do confront a bear, in which I will know that our doom is certain. But if a stray cat is around? We're all good. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much, but the rain stopped long enough in the morning to pack the soggy tent away. Then we went home, skipping our church beach clean up activity as I was afraid of Theo losing a few toes due to cold. I took a delirious 2.5 hour nap and woke up with a fever, my slight cold likely worsened by stress and lack of sleep. I think my jaw is still sore from clenching my teeth all night long.

But don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound all complain-y because there is always a bit of adventure and good storytelling resulting from things not going as planned. I just want to warn my future self--if there is a threat of rain, just sleep in the car, Malorie. Sleep in the car.

.75 years

Theodore was nine months old on Monday. I really can't believe it. I know every mom thinks their baby will stay a little baby forever, and it's obvious I did too and it's also obvious he is no longer one. We went on a walk for about an hour and a half today, and in this park there is this huge hill that one year ago (almost exactly! And Jon has the exact same mustache right now. Mustache March.) Jon and a pregnant me sat in the sun. Today I stopped and stared at it, feeling all nostalgic, thinking about how much can change in a year. I hope I'm not this-close-to-weepy-while-blogging when he's actually a year old, but I probably will be. Gracious goodness I love this little man. He does all the normal things all babies do--Crawl, laugh, giggle, not sleep, sleep, eat messy foods, grow teeth that terrify and hurt me with his crazy bites--but how can each one of these things make me feel such joy? I still need to work on not squeezing him too much. I can't help myself.

(first swing yesterday!)

les bois, les bois! Voyez les bois!

As I was flying into Boise last week, I thought about why it is called "The City of Trees." (Referred also as "les Bois," which french trappers called it when they saw it or something. When I was in France and we made a friend on the train I told him about Boise. I realized just how lame it was when I realized I was just saying "the trees." But anyway.) Coming from an actual city of trees, the area outside of Boise is so dry and void of any vegetation--therefore any traveler coming from the East must have just freaked out and thought "Finally! It's a freaking tree! We are not on the moon!" Therefore, we are forever known as the City of Trees because we have a couple trees around the river. Kind of like when you are traveling in the heat of summer and are so hot and thirsty (and cranky in my case) and you buy a can of Diet Coke and it is the best tasting Diet Coke in the world, when really, it's just a Diet Coke.

What I am meaning to say is, I was in Boise last week. We had such a good time--we celebrated my grandpa's 80th birthday, Theo got to hang with his cousin Noah and I got to see my entire family, toured through my brother's new house that they are moving into today (hooray for you! So jealous of the garage and walk in closet.), got a pedicure with the sisters, bowled a score of 101, ate Cafe Rio, went make up shopping with Kenz, and fixed her Christmas blanket that I constructed horribly the first time around (didn't take any pictures, may have to steal some from her later.). Busy. Didn't even have time to make some super time consuming dessert. (Mom will have to blog about her baby whisperer days of magic...) Here's (too) many pictures, all I got was Theo eating and the babies together, of course.

 Decided that the best way to eat a slippery peach is to not bother with the hands.

 Lemon. The only shot where he looked right at the camera, thinking, "how. could. you."

 Just couldn't resist the crazy eyes or this picture that makes him look like a kewpie doll. I love his eyelashes.

 Noah and Theo mostly just wanted to bite each other...

 Noah has this perma-grin that is so cute. And he could definitely teach Theo a few things about eating...