Bridging the Gap

Beautiful house pictures...

2012-02-15T12:52:00.001-08:00

... Postponed by deployment

So I was going to take pictures of my lovely organized house. Yeah maybe next week.

- From my iPhone

The Movers Came and Left a Mess!

2012-02-11T10:17:00.001-08:00

Yep we have a mess.
Pictures...

- From my iPhone

In Our House

2012-02-11T10:15:00.001-08:00

We are out of the hotel and in our house! I would take a bunch of pictures but they would look mostly like this

Stuff spread in piles and large white walls.
I will do pictures once our household goods arrive. Should be Friday.

I really do like the place: it has THREE bathrooms, two small bedrooms, large kitchen with appliances, a master bedroom and and a front room I am not sure how to accessorize.

- From my iPhone

Our Tot Lot

2012-01-28T09:59:00.001-08:00

We went to peak into the windows of our house again today. Could not resist stoping by our personal tot lot again.

- From my iPhone

Day 2 and 3

2012-01-27T17:48:00.001-08:00

Our house from the park!

The park from our house!

Starbucks on base! I got a cold drink it was so hot that day.

Our McDonald's play area

Park by our hotel!
Yep we play a lot, not much to do in our hotel room.

- From my iPhone

Flying to North Carolina

2012-01-25T11:27:00.001-08:00

I am doing this all from my phone so forgive that spacing, it tends to look messy.

Anyway, we are here!
We were in a flight at 6 am Sea-Tac to Texas then Texas to Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Everyone along the way was super nice and helpful. The security people thought I was crazy to be going with two kids and two cats.

This is only the rental car for two days but I love that the kids were so far apart they could not reach each other.
More to come as I have good pictures.

Ps. Jeff met us at the airport and all of us are thrilled to be together! :)

- From my iPhone

The ride ain't over yet

2011-11-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

Well gee golly gosh, its been a while since I put up a post on here, and I can't even entirely blame the army for my lack of blogging.

Well it has been a roller coaster of of ride these past few months, I think space mountain would be the best analogy for the roller coaster metaphor. Because the army loves to keep you in the dark and guessing at when the next turn might hit you.

Well lets see what can I say about the past 8 months, yikes has it really been that long. Here is a quick run down of the timeline.
April 18 - July 1 I ship out to basic training Fort Sill Oklahoma, my first taste of the army life taught to me by a Nigerian drill Sgt. I am taught the basics of being a soldier, shooting, marching, push ups, and most importantly actively waiting (its just like passively waiting but with an army twist). Doing all this in about 110 degree temp. For this segment of the ride we had some decent twist and turns but nothing too extreme.
July 8 - July 24 I am transferred to Golf Company at Fort Sam Houston in the middle of San Antonio TX. For this part the roller coast has come to a complete stop and the announcer is apologizing about technical difficulties. Golf is a reception company where the rest of the battalion comes for their manual labor needs. Very few kind words are spoken of this company, ok no one has a kind work for it. Time passes slowly and the days somehow added a few extra hours to the clock just to spite us.
July 25 - Nov 18 We move up the hill a few buildings to our new home, alpha company. Here the ride starts back up again. Our next 16 weeks will be spent here honing our drinkin..... i mean medical skills. The coarse is divide up into two sections. The first half is the civilian EMT basic certification. Unknown to us, we were selected to try out a new version of the chapter test. It didn't go very well the majority of the company was placed in mandatory study hall. Worked out great for me, much easier to do laundry when 60+% of the soldiers are gone. Overall one might call this the mandatory sobrity half of the coarse since so many folks were struggling very few were allowed to go out on the weekends. After a stessful nailbiting day, most people past the national registery test and become EMT's. In otherwords commence with the mass intoxication.
We now transition to the second half of the coarse, the army medic side. This is where we get to learn nifty little things like how to place a tube down your throat and other methods of hydration that don't require your mouth. Our class time is split between the classroom and the outdoors where we practice our new skills on eachother. It is here I learn something else about TX, flashflood. We didn't have one while i was here but i did notice during a down pour how it could very easily occur and how quickly. It also made me aware that our outdoor practice area was the low point in the drainage of the area and that you never saw the air force or navy practice anywhere close to the area.
As the weeks come and go we come to the end of our medic side of the training, culminating in 10 days spent in the field at the off site training groups called Camp Bullis. Here we rough it in climiate controled tents and hot chow shipped in to us. Here we both froze and sizzled all in the same day, wake up to 30 degree mornings and train in 80 degree afternoons. My favortie part was waving bye as we drove off in our bus.
At this point we are all but done, just waiting for the formality of graduation. Which turns out to be an over-hypte lack luster event. The ride comes to a halt and we unload just to get in line for the next one. And now here i sit waiting (a common theme in military life) for my next trasition, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes just to see if gravity still works. Sorry for the lack of pictures but everything is in camo so it all blends together anyways.

Otter Crest

2011-08-29T17:52:00.001-07:00

Our trip to Otter Crest (a picture is worth a thousand words so I will use very few)

Max and Gwen love the river.

Ice-cream for lunch

A baby show for little Cleatus Rash

More sand

The big party

Max can name all the chess pieces

Gwen rocks ladder golf

More sand

Costume party where Max and Gwen were my evil minions.

We are so tired now!

~ This blog comes to you from iDea (my iPad)

Ill es Finis

2011-08-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Ok it has been a long time since I took any language class but that is what I exclaimed happily so that is the title of the blog.
It is finished.
Max and Gwen's room is actually finally done.

Today I went through the room ruthlessly removing anything which they no longer use or really should have been stored elsewhere.
Now I just have to get all the crap out of the computer room!
Any way here it is...

The art is going to come down, I am hoping to find two bold Dr. Seuss type prints. The mirror is staying on the floor unless it seems unstable then I will create some sort of mounting for it but still keep it low on the wall.
And, the curtains have got to go. Yeah way to baby and not working in the color scheme. Anyway that is all after thoughts.

Beaching it Up

2011-08-05T17:17:00.001-07:00

Max, Gwen and I went to the beach today and it was beautiful. Almost hot, slight breeze, tide way out and even a nifty new spout on the stream.

- From my iPhone

Actually Done for Real!

2011-08-01T21:44:00.001-07:00

Now the furniture is actually really done. The dresser has all the knobs (two were defective and had to be returned). The bed has all its screws (umm oops forgot those but they are in now :)
I did enjoy redoing the furniture. It just took lots of patience and the babies got to watch lots of movies.
Love the red dresser! The original thought was to stain it dark but I had an inspiring moment and chose the color in less then 2 minutes at Lowe's (with two grumpy babies in the cart).
The crib will move out after Otter Crest and there might be some shifting once the change table is gone but the work is done!

Ok I might make some more dignified curtains too.

The mirror is going to live on the floor. How could they see themselves if I put it back on the dresser?

- From my iPhone

Almost there!

2011-07-30T13:54:00.001-07:00

Bed done!

Dresser needs one more coat on the drawers!

- From my iPhone

Summertime!

2011-07-27T16:49:00.001-07:00

- From my iPhone

My Solider

2011-07-02T09:12:00.001-07:00

Jeff's graduation was an interesting, rewarding and educational experience. He graduated from the 1/79th C Battery on Friday.
There was a 5:30am PT we got to watch and then run. It started out as a full brigade run but luckily Jeff's battery broke off so we only had to run a mile.

Later that day we watched a demonstration by the battery. Mostly drills and marching. There was a moving moment when soldiers who are from other countries got their american citizenship for serving.
After that we got to hang out with the soldiers on the battery pad and meet all their buddies.
Incase you did not know the armys ASU (army service uniform) is now blues (not greens anymore). Here he is in his class B ASU.

They did a lot of standing in formation while the Drill sgts. Told them not to be stupid while they had their day pass.

Day of graduation: Jeff in Class A ASU
Note they are big on the hats: you have to wear them at all times outside but never inside. Jeff almost gave me a heart attack when he jumped because a drill sgt. was headed his way (we were outside) and his hat was not on.

At the PX

Leaving the hotel. All the stuff he is holding is his luggage. We had to get an extra army cammo duffle to fit the stuff.

On the bus to the airport.

- From my iPhone

Bubbles!

2011-06-26T12:52:00.001-07:00

This is one of the greatest inventions ever! The bubble cyclone from target.
About the size of a softball it sits on top of a jar of bubble stuff and runs on 3 AAA batteries.
It makes bubble like you would not believe (I bought it and an extra bubble jar for under ten dollars)
I put it on top of the BBQ to give it a chance to actually release the bubbles before they get whacked at by Max and Gwen.

- From my iPhone

Results

2011-06-18T19:17:00.001-07:00

Looks good!

- From my iPhone

This is the life

2011-06-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

Max and Gwen are having the best time drawing all over a wooden table in the backyard with colored chalk. I am knitting from my amazing chair. Good times.

All that is missing is Jeff. He graduates from basic July 1.

- From my iPhone

Gwen's Birthday

2011-06-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Finally loaded the pictures from Gwen's birthday to the computer. Now you know why you see the fuzzy one's from my iphone so often - it takes me forever to load the ones from the camera.
Anyway better late then never.

The event needs no explaining good times had by all.

Max's Last Day of School

2011-06-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

Max's last day of school was a field trip to the zoo. Good times had by all, including the 500 middle and high school kids who were there at the same time. Craziness!

The rest of the day was spent recovering from the trip. We did venture out to get Gwen a haircut and the obligatory good job sitting still ice-cream.

- From my iPhone

The Monster's Tea Party

2011-06-03T15:00:00.001-07:00

- From my iPhone

How is that comfortable!

2011-05-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

I have never been able to relax with my arm behind my head and elbow in air. Jeff does it all the time. Apparently Gwen likes it!

- From my iPhone

The Best Part of a New Water Heater

2011-05-23T22:27:00.001-07:00

Two nights ago I was in the laundry room, you guessed it, doing laundry. I looked over at the hot water heater and noticed the pan under it was full of water! After a late night visit by my favorite handyman, Dad :) I cleaned up the water and kept an eye on it. It only took one load of laundry to start leaking.
(insert swear word of choice here)
After a check up that required emptying it, hauling it outside and peeling the bottom off (again all done by my favorite handyman) it was decided that it knew exactly when the 7 year warranty was up.
A new water heater was purchased and installed and it is humming away dry and happy in my laundry room. I am ecstatic to have hot water but I had hot water before so really it just makes me grumble and wish I could have gotten Jeff an iPad instead.
There is a happy ending to this don't worry. It came in a box!

They love it! It has a door (with a handle) and a double hinged sun roof! It has been decorated since this picture too.

- From my iPhone

On the Deck

2011-05-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

Popi got a new wading pool and water table for the little ones.

Now they look like this!

- From my iPhone

Gwen's Balloons

2011-05-10T20:10:00.001-07:00

Gwen came with me to pick up the balloons for her duck themed birthday party. She was so happy about them when we got home I let her wander around with them, after all they were for her!

And because she was really cute with them...

YouTube Video
- From my iPhone

Popsicles

2011-05-10T20:03:00.001-07:00

Sonja demanded Popsicles

'Nuff Said!

- From my iPhone

My Backyard!

2011-05-06T17:59:00.001-07:00

We have a lovely large untamed backyard. Last year at this time we had a tree removed, the stone fountain removed, two lilacs taken out and half the back yard roto-tilled.
I have been looking forward to spending some nice spring days letting Max and Gwen run around while I sit in my cozy cushioned yard chair and knit.
There have been 3 nice days so far and I have spent all of them doing yardwork! Ok I understand you have to do some clean up in the spring - I am so happy now.
I weeded tons of dandelions, pressure washed the patio and hauled the furniture out.
More pictures when it is sunny!

- From my iPhone

Banana Bread Time

2011-05-02T16:37:00.001-07:00

We had some banana begging to become banana bread.

Max and Gwen waited very nicely while I found the recipe and skimmed over the instructions. Max even helped me read the numbers and get out the ingredients.
Gwen's main job was assistant mixer and smasher.

The instructions say it has to cool for 2 hours before eating. Not likely!

- From my iPhone

You Remember These

2011-04-29T18:48:00.001-07:00

Play it again!

YouTube Video

- From my iPhone

Max and Gwen Almost Live

2011-04-27T12:02:00.001-07:00

What do we do at the Children's Museum? Watch and find out

YouTube Video

- From my iPhone

My Spc. Bridges

2011-04-23T23:10:00.001-07:00

Here is Jeff in his uniform. Looks a little young in his uniform with no facial hair to be seen.

- From my iPhone

Max's Easter Vest Technically

2011-04-22T21:06:00.001-07:00

I have been working on this vest for over a year. I bought the yarn for it at the Madrona Fiber Arts Convention we taught at last year and immediately cast it on. As I designed it there were up and down moments when issues would arise be solved and resurface.

Any way I love it now and actually it works out well that it was not ready last year as it would have been huge on him.

There are four intarsia diamonds on the front but the striping on the front is from the yarn changing color after so many yards. I love this yarn the black is deep and the blues have a variation to them. I think it is called Goth Socks from Rainy Days and Dirty Dogs.

The back is linen stitch with three yarns switching every row; black, cream and medium to dark blue/teal. The edgings are the same medium to dark blue/teal from the back in a stitch pattern I adore called Rick-Rack Ribbing
(I know that was all extremely technical but some people care, I hope)

Anyway here is Max's Easter Vest!

But what about Gwen, you are thinking.......ummmmmm yeah I am going to be up late tonight. (Easter Egg hunt at Fircrest Golf Club at 10 am tomorrow morning)

- From my iPhone

The Hat

2011-04-17T12:37:00.001-07:00

Max loves his Uncle Geoff. Uncles Geoff wears a hat.
Therefore Max wears (and loves) his Uncle Geoff hat.

- From my iPhone

Tot Lot in the Sun!

2011-04-15T01:18:00.001-07:00

- From my iPhone

Sacramento Train Museum = Pretty Sweet

2011-04-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

Trains again. What can I say, we like trains.

Max though this train was just the right size

Jeff read every museum sign possible. That is the historian in him. Have to give him props for wrangling and reading.

Gwen loved pushing the stroller. This is allowed only under close supervision as I hate it when parents let little ones push the stroller and the little one cause havoc racing/running people over.

Don't they look like they are waiting for a train ride?

Chooo Choooo

2011-03-15T15:20:00.001-07:00

- From my iPhone

Gwen's Summer Dresses

2011-03-05T13:20:00.001-08:00

Gwen lived in 4 cotton dresses we got from Costco last summer. When I saw them yesterday I was only a question of how many and which size.

Also they have a tie in the back so if they are a little large you just bow it up and problem solved!

- From my iPhone

At the Museum Again

2011-03-05T08:04:00.001-08:00

I have to say, incase anyone has not heard, that we love the Children's museum! Our membership for the last year has been one of the best gifts, I never knew I wanted (thanks Alex and Maureen)
I renewed our membership the last time we went and they even let me use the military discount even though Jeff does not ship out till the middle of next month!
Cheers to another year of the Children's Museum!

~ This blog comes to you from iDea (my iPad)

Selection of Photos

2011-03-02T23:46:00.001-08:00

Max and Popi playing chess

Gwen at the Childrens's Museum

Max and his Yzma at the park

Max and Gwen in the balls

My lovely knitted snail

~ This blog comes to you from iDea (my iPad)

2011-02-08T14:10:00.001-08:00

Auntie Sonja has taken it upon herself to help Max open his party bag from the Quad birthday. (I will try to get a picture of them)
Max's loot from the party included candy pop ring, mini slinky, crayons, mini basketball, a sticky guy that flips down the window, a plastic ring, gum and a noise maker. He is pretty happy!

- From my iGoblin

Quad Birthday

2011-02-05T21:42:00.001-08:00

Max has an adorable set of quadruplets in his class at school. We went to their birthday party today. It was a little dim but you get the idea.

YouTube Video

- From iGoblin

Sunny Days are Here Again

2011-02-02T18:48:00.001-08:00

All four of us (plus Kirby, Nicole and Franky) went to the Tot Lot today. Good times had by all!

And in the joint and slightly crazed effort to get two of the alpaca blankets done....

....there is success!

- From my iPhone

Bowling

2011-01-31T16:34:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from a bowling trip this Chistmas Break

YouTube Video

Enjoy!

Bunt Cake

2011-01-28T20:59:00.001-08:00

Usually I only use recipes I have a high success rate at when company is coming over.
Today I had brownies planned for some friends who were coming to dinner (the brownies were for dessert) only to find out when Jeff called at lunch that they did not like chocolate! Crazy none chocolate eaters aside, I did not have a dessert.

What I did have was a pumpkin bread with icing (box mix).
As I was looking at the directions I noticed one could use a bunt cake pan to cook it. Guess what I just got for Christmas!

- From my iPhone

Smile!

2011-01-25T11:35:00.001-08:00

- From my iPhone, iGoblin

Max's Birthday and My Birthday

2011-01-23T18:03:00.001-08:00

Max's birthday was the 13th (he turned 4). We went bowling with my parents, Jeff's parents, Sonja and Jordan. Good times were had by all.
Sorry I have no pictures as I was to busy running pizza and bowling.
Sonja and Jordan hosted cupcakes and presents. At my request Max got a lot of clothes. I know it is not super exciting but he needed them! He fits a 4 or a 5T!
Here is Max in the superman nighties he got.

Max had his 4 year doctor appointment and he is practically perfect in every way. He got 6 shots all the usual immunizations; chicken pox, mmr, flu etc (Jeff had to bear hug him but he recovered quickly)
Actually he is quite proud now and will tell you all about his "6 shots in my legs"
Here is Max playing at the doctors office before his appointment.

Then there is my birthday. I am 29, wow that is almost 30 (then I will be old).
Tricked you, you thought this was not going to be a post about the Childrens's Museum, guess where we went the morning of my birthday.

I wanted some place free (we have a year membership) that would keep them entertained so I did not have to break up fights all morning.
Here is Gwen playing.

Max sorting fruit

Gwen playing with a projector

Max and Gwen snacking

Gwen driving a car. She chauffeurs anyone else who wants to play.

- From my iDea

Haircuts

2011-01-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

Max and Gwen got haircuts today.

Gwen mainly got a trim. Not much difference but it did perk up the curls!

Max was not so willing to hold still. If you have seen him recently this should be enough to make you think "Wow, that is short!"
I loved the full look but the mop that would never lay flat was getting to me.

- From my iGoblin

We Have Come to an Accord

2011-01-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

Gwen decided she would let me knit if I let her hold my pinkie finger. It's not a great system but at least it is a system.
I should add to all of this she did not sleep well last night and has an awful cold.
I looked over at her after a few minutes of knitting....

The rocking motion of holding my finger while knitting had knocked her out. Still tightly attached to my finger.
What can you do when a grumpy baby has finally found a peaceful moment wedged in next to you? Other then her death grip on my finger this is actually rather pleasant.

Looking around at the few things I can reach- I traded her a knitting needle for my finger!

Alpaca blanket here we go!

- From iGoblin

Hard to Make Progress

2011-01-11T10:23:00.001-08:00

It is going to take a very long time to finish Sasha's alpaca blanket this way.

Those are Gwen's hands

I think I will have to teach her to knit before she will let go.

- From iGoblin

Tacoma Children's Museum

2011-01-09T19:35:00.001-08:00

We love the Children's museum. We received a year membership last year for Christmas and it has been great. We go at least once a month (more if I can manage it like in the summer).
Anyway we had a great time this Saturday.

They have a farmer's market set up with baskets, vegetables, fruits, a cash register and ground you can "plant" them in. Gwen loves to collect things so she put everything in her basket!

They also have a mini lighting board (you can see why I like this place). There are three theater lights, each with a basic color gel (red, yellow and blue). There are three sliders on the board Gwen is sitting at; you can mix the colors any way you want!

And where is Max you may ask...
He would be anywhere there is balls. Brand new is the ball pit with tubes to put the balls in.

The staff at the Museum is great they are ever present tidying and setting up. I do not know for sure who made it but this was cool. Max could put the ball in one tunnel and it would roller coaster around and come out ten feet away. He and a few other boys (no I am not being sexist that was who was there) played for a while each taking turns rolling.

Gwen enjoys the office phone. Although I think she thinks it is a cell phone, she does not stay near the wall but wandered all over with it.

This is Max's favorite exhibit hands down. There is a magnetic wall and PVC pipes with magnets that one can organize to make mazes for balls to go down. One of the coolest parts is on the far left there is a vacuum tube which one puts the balls in and it sucks them up to the top.
The first day Max saw this he would not do anything else.

- From my iDea

Knitted Gifts

2011-01-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

Max and Gwen both received knitted animals for Christmas from their Yzma (my mom)

Max got a lovely llama; it is actually Llama Llama's stuffed toy llama from the book Llama Llama Red Pajama.
Yzma designed this herself and he is perfect!

Gwen received an adorable knit duck. Ducks are her favorite animal and the only animal allowed on Old McDonald's farm.

They both love them and snuggle with them!

- Posted from iGoblin

Why Did No One Tell Me!

2011-01-03T22:53:00.001-08:00

So you may have noticed that I have been posting a lot more often in the last few days. It is no secret received an iPad for Christmas, which I love, but that is not actually why there are more posts.
While looking up new apps for my iPad I found an app at allows me to both blog and upload pictures from my iPhone.
Big deal you may say.
I am not the greatest writer, mostly as in I do not like re-reading and proofing my work. The difference with this new app is I can put pictures from my iPhone directly on the blog (rather then taking pictures and then having to plug in to the computer, load them in, find them and then find time to sit at my computer and write)
Simply put I can post more pictures easily and don't have to write as much because I have beautiful babies to entertain you!

So here is my favorite picture from this fall of my little ones!
It is at the play area at the Point Defiance Zoo

Actually I am sure this app has been around for a while...why did no one tell me about it!

~ This post Brought to you by iDea (my iPad)

Clean

2011-01-02T18:12:00.001-08:00

I pulled out every toy Max and Gwen own. I organized, sorted, and even packed some up for either the attic or give away.
I know some parents who have small children (usually one child) who say "oh, I will just not let my darling pudding get lots of toys"
Let me tell you it is the gifts that get you! Max and Gwen received many lovely Chistmas gifts, I like them, they are cute and useful and just the kind of things that make them happy.
I have figured out that you can find room for anything worth keeping as long as one is willing to be fluid and negotiable about space.
This was where our kitchen table is was

After a few hours of shifting and rethinking I am so happy!

Look everything in it's place!
P.S. Yes that is a giant flat screen tv. The big boy got a large present that needed a home too

From my iPhone

Football

2011-01-01T19:53:00.001-08:00

How cute is that!

- From iGoblin

Merry Christams

2010-12-29T19:56:00.001-08:00

Good times all around! Max and Gwen got adorable chairs from Grandmother Kanick (kids pottery barn). Max's is brown and Gwen's is pink with small flowers. Next to Max is Gwen's new doll, Chloe, in her matching chair.

Max and Gwen got an adorable kitchen from Santa. They both like to cook and wash the dishes!

Gwen got some cute clothes from her Anuties, pictured here is a velvet leopard print jacket with ears and zebra striped legging. (love it!)

And it snowed (not on Chistmas but shortly after)

Trains, Trains, Trains: Max Loves Trains

2010-12-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

There are few things Max remembers from last year. He vaguely remembers Christmas and Birthday presents, he almost remembers seeing Uncle Geoff's magic show and he does remember cousins and the beach.

There is one thing he talks about often and remembers (I am sure he believes) with perfect clarity: the Santa Train.
He has been talking about it for months, at the first mention of Christmas. He asks when we are going and if the train is leaving soon.

Max loves trains

(Actually, on an ironic note Max is scared to death of trains. Even when this one whistled he almost started to cry. He has always been sensitive to loud noises; chainsaws, motorcycles an revving cars.)

On Sunday we went on the Santa train. He loved it. He glowed the whole time.

Incase only one is interested this is the Santa Train out of Chahalis (the Elbe one we did last year was all booked up)
Actually this one was wonderful for many reasons:
It was all I-5 driving instead of wiggly mountain roads
You stay on the one train in your space the whole time
The trip was 30 min (perfect for a 4 year old)
We all sang Christmas carols!

My Pretty Family

2010-12-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Here are many pictures of us at Salishan! Mostly the parties and Thanksgiving dinner so we look pretty nice.

Max ordered himself a Shirley temple (with the help of Yzma and Aunite)

Anutie Sasha and Uncly Geoff lookin' good

Yes that is an adorable flowered headband in Gwen's hair!

Facebook profile here we come!

Thanksgiving good times all around

I really wanted to get a Christmas card picture out of this session but the only way to get them both to hold still was with food.

We had a great time with everyone their and missed those of you who could not come!

Light it up

2010-11-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

We returned from our annual Salishan trip last night. We had a blast, the 2nd annual Tokola 5K, magic games in the bar, room service, losing money at poker, a great way to start off the holiday season. More on this in a future post.

Back on the home front Sarah and I spent Tuesday getting the house ready for the holiday season. A few trips in the attic to retrieve our decoration boxes got us rolling, the low ceiling clearance also got me a sore back. Now that we were all set, Sarah had the indoor decorations. Max and Gwen had Kung Foo Panda playing on the TV. I was the lucky one outside in the rain testing the strands of lights, and replacing burnt out bulbs. About two viewings of Kung Foo Panda later the house was trimmed with lights, the fence had icicle stands spread across, and our two Japanese maples were wearing our new addition of LED globes hanging on their branches. Topping it off is our penguin Noel sign lighting up the deck.

Please understand the magnitude of this, the house is decorated and it is not even December yet!! Come on folks that is a big deal. Usually we are not at this point until mid-December, and under some sort of death threat from Sarah. I do believe this is a speed record, and the first house decorated among the Kanick clan household. That's right George, I beat ya this year=p

The First Movie of Christmas

2010-11-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

Gwen woke up this morning at 6:30 (she usually wakes up about 8 am). Jeff did not even have to get up that early for work and considering his schedule it was more then slightly unfortunate.

Anyway by 8 am I decided the only thing to do was turn on the Polar Express! Christmas movie cheating I know.

Yoda lives!

2010-11-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

This was Max's costume 2 years ago. We were invited to a Star Wars themed birthday so I had to bust it out.

Pumkin Patch

2010-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was not actually there but the pictures are adorable!

Max's School Halloween

2010-11-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Max was a little nervous about the whole everyone in weird costume thing but overall enjoyed it!

One of the few pictures of Max actually wearing the checkered cap!

Max loved the cake walk. He did it so much he won twice!

They had a local farm bring animals: donkey, goats, pigs and a chicken.

Max trying to catch a pig.

Max lookin' pretty cute

Halloween!

2010-11-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has been wondering what the Kanick/Bridges crew was for Haloween. Well here we are!

Mom and I were Sherwood Forest, Dad was Robin Hood and Jeff was Little John. For some reason Sonja did not want to be Maid Marion, no idea why!

Max was the Peddler from the book "Caps for Sale" and Gwen was the monkey (they steal the caps).

We did the traditional trip to Stabucks

Fircrest Trunk or Treat (notice the decked out van!)

Otter Crest: The Beach!

2010-09-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Truth be told the beach is one of my favorite

parts of "The Beach". There is so much to do!

Jeff packing up or down from the beach.

Max playing in the stream

Max playing in the tidepools

Max in trouble (thanks Uncle Geoff) for running off into the ocean by himself.

Hannah followed by everyone else on the way to the

Devil's Punch Bowl

A heron just chillin' on the rocks

Digging for competitive purposes

Ladder Golf, possibly the best beach game ever!

Sand Art by Geoff

Political statements by Jordan

(It says Vote 4 Troy Kelly)

Otter Crest: Tillamook

2010-09-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is a post about Otter Crest but is is actually about when we left to go to Tillamook.

A group of us (headed by Jeff) ventured off to the Tillamook Air Mueseum and the Tillamook Cheese Factory. The just both happen to be in Tillamook, they are not related.

Here is James and his son Xander in one of the practice cockpits. For Max this was one of the best parts as they had a lot of button and switches to play with.

Here is Max

At the Cheese Factory you basically get to taste cheese, buy ice-cream and get put off into a huge souvenir shop.

Jeff as a cow farmer and Max as a cow.

Quinten the farmer, James as a farmer holder and Xander the cow

There really were more of us but they did not want their picture as a cow or farmer, I cannot imagine why.

Three Stike and I am Out!

2010-08-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

Apologies first: this is not a blog about the amazing Otter Crest trip we just returned from (as soon as I get the pictures off the camera there will be a few!)

This is a blog about my day and it seems to go along with the theme of many recent blogs (mabye it is the time of year?) the concept of a stay at home Mom/working Mom however you prefer. Many other people, Kendra http://600caloriecookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/few-thoughts-on-being-stay-at-home-mom.html, the Yarn Harlot www.yarnharlot.ca and Staci Avison http://yellowhousekids.blogspot.com/2010/08/rant-on-sister.html have all given wonderful essays about this subject. Since I totally agree, here was my day...

I had to sort Max and Gwen's clothes. Empty out every drawer, haul everything out of the closet and dig through the cabinets. Decide which things did not fit kiss them good bye and haul them to the attic.
At the outlet stores near Otter Crest my mom, dad and grandmother bought a whole wardrobe of clothes for each Max and Gwen. Max now wears a 4T especially in pants which tend to sag when he is wearing small ones (crack kills). Gwen was wearing mostly 12 month things and when we went shopping she seems to fit a 2T (wow maybe I have been shoving a bit hard to get her in those jeans!)
I could not just throw all those lovely new fitting clothes in with everything else which really needs to be packed up. Plus they share a room, a dresser and a closet; no space for extras which do not fit on their bodies.
On the way home from working out I hauled us in to Target and purchased 4 large rubbermaid bins; I was committed!

When I got back with my bins for clothes storage...
My brand new 4G iphone I have had for 3 days gave me the evil error 9, basically this means death and a 2 week trip to and from the apple repair shop. I called the local Apple store and they made me an appointment to have someone look at it; right in the middle of Gwen's nap time.
Max, Gwen and I go out to the Apple store in the mall. Gwen is pacified by banana bread and Max is sufficiently happy playing computer games while a tech guy plugs my iphone in. After 10 min he confirms that is it the error 9 of death. By this time I have run out of banana bread and Max want some too. After signing some paperwork (I really don't even know what it said) I got a new 4G iphone. This is really good 2 weeks with no phone had me really worried. Still 1.5 hours wasted, Gwen's nap in jeopardy, Max hungry and empty clothes bins waiting at home.
Strike 1

We return home and Gwen goes off for a mach needed nap, back to the clothes.
I have a really hard time packing up clothes that the babies wore and I loved. Max's matching suit quality pants, vest and cap is beautiful and parts of it work for every occasion. Gwen's brown silky bubble dress which she wears with leggings and looks like a princess. I was ruthless and anything which did not say at least 18 month or 4T went in the boxes.
Along the way I also ran into other things we have been meaning to put in the attic for months; nursing pillows, crib mobiles and Christmas ribbon all got boxed and lugged up the stairs as well.
I am still slightly in process the clothes as some things to be purged are still in the laundry but overall I am freeking over the hump on the clothes.
Strike 2

As I am cooking dinner I notice there are a lot of fruit flies in the kitchen, more then 2 or 3 more like 10 or 15. Alright they came in on some fruit/veggies I bought yesterday, keep cooking. Wow there are a lot of flies in here! Jeff brings in his carnivorous plants which are actually catching some but do not seem to make a dent.
Nicole, Rachel, Kerby (3 1/2) and Franky (1) come over for a playdate dinner and we eat outside because there are so many freaking flies in the kitchen.
As I am tidying up the kitchen I bend down in the pantry to put away the risotto rice and I notice a lot of flies in the pantry. I pull box and see tons of flies! They are all over a small sack of potatoes which I am sure have been there since before we left for the beach (3 weeks at least). I jumped back, screamed a little and shook all over. YUCK!
I am the only one awake. Jeff works early the next morning and I did debate waking him up but it was not spiders so he is safe. I mopped up the potato juice which smelled horrible and dodged the flies. They were everywhere. Lots of them.
There is not much one can do about flies. Swatting at them just ruffles them around and I was not about to spray anything which might kill them in the house. I tried to ignore them. No luck. Walking through small cloud of flies in the kitchen is just to gross for my personal limits.
I got out the vacuum. I love my vacuum. Given the time I would vacuum every few days and walk around in barefooted bliss all the time. I had never really thought of it as a weapon before now.
Using the tube attachment (like you would use to clean under the couch) I pointed it at the flies. Eventually I got a technique down which involved waiting for them to land on smooth shiny surfaces (window, boxes, microwave) and sucking them off. It works well as they are not afraid of the noise of the vacuum and don't fly off as they might if you swatted at them.
I honestly sucked up at least 100 flies.
Strike 3

OUT!

The Dress

2010-07-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

My cousin Staci has been making adorable dresses for her daughter Zoe. When we were in Portland this week Staci, Gwen and I went to a lovely fabric store and I got to pick fabric for a Gwen dress.

Skirt

Apron

Sleeves and Edging

Bodice

Staci said she was going to go home and wash the fabric directly so it would be all preped to cut and sew when she got back from Disneyland.

The next day...

Done! (Apparently the Disneyland packing went well and she got a little obsessed)

Popi offer to hold her for the pictures as he believes they both look adorable.

2G in a 4G World

2010-07-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

While running into the gym, while trying to wrangle the two babies, I did not notice the water dripping out of my backpack until it was running down my back. I open my bag and there was a lake, my iphone in the middle looking like an island in the Pacific!

The apple website forums said to place it in a bag of rice (to draw out the moisture) and leave it there for 3-4 days.

As a stand in I have revived Jeff's old 2G iphone (the original iphone) and am currently on hold with AT&T as they attempt to get this dinosaur activated :(

(The really intelligent people who deal with problems like this have all gone home for the night. They are going to call me back in the morning when they wake up)

Caps for Sale!

2010-07-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, in a knitting capacity, knows I enjoy knitting baby hats.
Here are a few pictures of Gwen modeling the hats I made for Montessori in Motions (Max's School) Auction this May.

This last one is for one of your many friends who just had a baby this summer.

The book "Caps for Sale" is Max and Gwen's favorite for us all to sit down and read together.

Max plays the peddler and Gwen is the monkeys.

Grumpy Max

2010-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Any one who claims girls and boys start out the same and are given their male and female characteristics by society has never (never say never, but I am betting) not raised a child of the opposite gender.
Max is such a boy! I have not realized how physical and tactile boys really are until this last 6 months. He want to throw, flop on to, kick, smack and squish everything he can. I love him dearly but it is driving me nuts.
This charming behavior has resulted in many time outs at the Tot-Lot as he cannot resist the urge to throw the wood chips from the ground. I can see the inner turmoil every time.
Here is the grumpy face I get every time I make him come and sit.

On the happier side of things the potty training is going really well. (Warning: People who have not drug a child through this messy and painful process may not understand) Today, Max actually said he needed to go to the bathroom! And then went without any kicking, flopping or moaning!

Naptime

2010-06-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Jeff has been working early mornings lately (be at work at 5am, yuck)

Although he never admits it some afternoons he could definitely

use a nap!

I think Gwen was worn out from our trip to the mall. She can now drink out of a straw thanks to Jamba Juice.

Both Max and Gwen learned becuse they could not get enough of these tastey smoothies. I almost want to send them a thank you note as it has made my life so much easier.

Random Day

2010-06-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

When we go to the Tot Lot, Max wanders over every once in a while to giggle with Gwen and check for tasty snacks. He wanted me to take a picture of him and his granola bar.

Gwen chilling at the Tot Lot. She can scoot around but really just enjoys sitting on the beach towel watching the kids. (Yes she is wearing Max's hat)

Max has always enjoyed the song "Shook Me All Night Long" by ACDC. A few nights ago it came on the radio in my parents house and everyone was dancing in the kitchen!
(Max calls it the ABCD song)

Gwen really enjoys her birthday cards.

Gwen's Birthday

2010-06-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

It was one of the few beautiful days we have had this May, perfect timing!

Auntie Sonja helped her open her presents.
(Auntie likes opening presents)

The party was fairy themed, Gwen had appropriate accessories.

Gwen enjoyed her cupcake!

Geoff's Gorilla

2010-06-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone one hopes to give a child the stuffed animal that becomes the favorite lovie. Well with no effort of his own Uncle Geoff has done just that...

Gwen adores his Gorilla (he has had it since, I don't even know, forever)
It was living on the baby changing table at my parents and one day Gwen just started snuggling with it.

As Geoff would say "Cheers!"

Easter Morning at the Bridges

2010-04-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Easter morning at our house. Eggs were found, chocolate was eaten and good times had by all!
(Max was a little out of it as we had to wake him up!)

The Fircrest Easter Party

2010-04-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Only a quick second to post.
Popi and Yzma took Max and Gwen to the Fircrest Golf Club Easter Egg Hunt and Party. They were adorable and admired by all.
Gwen's dress is an original Pelagia Fiber Arts design knit by my mom (aka Yzma)

The First Egg Hunt of Easter!

2010-03-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

These two did not so much hunt for eggs as watch everyone else run around.
(Frankie and Gwen)

Max and Kerby enjoyed climbing and sliding until someone mentioned there may be treats in the eggs!

Max would not eat the grapes or even the fruit roll-up all he wanted was the cookies

No toy is better then which ever one Gwen happens to be holding at the time.

I was hoping Gwen would get some crawling tips from Frankie

Max and Kerby up to no good, not sure what they are doing but what good could they be up to down there?

Happy Easter!

Gwen Goes to the Hospital

2010-02-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the whole story of Gwen's trip to the hospital for Bronchilitius

(She is doing great and home now)

Friday evening Jeff noticed she was wheezing. After looking it up on the internet and calling her doctor we decided she need to go to the Mary Bridges Children's Hospital ER.
Jean (Jeff's Mom) sped over to our house and drove Gwen and I to the ER
(Jeff stayed home with Max).

Once at the hospital we were immediately taken back to a room and after much checking of her vitals Dr. Hurt (name makes me laugh a little) told us she had Bronchilitus.

Basically when an infant gets a bad cold it can inflame and make mucus build up in the lung tissues the Bronchili (similar to what Bronchitis does to the bronchial tubes)
It usually runs 10 to 14 days total
For the first 2-3 it seems like a normal cold (no big deal)
For the next 3-4 is miserable and usually includes wheezing and difficulty breathing
From then on she is out of the woods although still ill.

They decided to do an asthma treatment which sometimes helps

Her is Gwen with the breathing mask on, it was actually rather cute with the dragon face and the treatment made it breath smoke. Although this did help a little it a was not as successful as they hoped.

After on and off blow by oxygen (holding it near her face but not masking it over her face) the doctor, Jean and I talked it over and decided she was obviously not well but could go home. She was cheerful and her oxygen saturation was good at 95% and up. She is what is called a happy wheezer. I agreed to go to our doctor the next morning and we went home.

Although she went right to sleep she woke up often during the night. After she nursed badly and refused to eat her yogart and applesauce (she also looked like a limp noodle) I was sure she was worse and called for a morning appt as soon as the doctor opened.

Sonja (who was planning to play with us that day) came over early so Max did not have to come to the doctor appt (turned out to be a good thing he did not come). I had a feeling they might send us back to the ER so I backed some provisions and lots of knitting.

As soon as we were seen at the doctor the RN told me they were concered about how fast she was breathing etc and want to do blow by oxygen and were sending us to Mary Bridge by ambulance (they were shocked the ER had sent us home the night before)

(Gwen stats at this point: Blood/Oxy saturation 85 and 70 breaths a min, should be 30-50 breaths a min)

(Cute picture of Gwen and Max here as I know there is lots of text in this post)

Everyone was extremely nice and calm. I think there were 6 people all hovering in our exam room exchanging information once the ambulance crew came. I am sure one large man was supposed to be distracting me and blocking all the hub-ub. They packed us off into the ambulance (Gwen on oxygen the whole time) and we were off to the hospital (no sirens and lights) I cannot convey how sweet everyone was to both of us and they were especially careful to talk to Gwen in cute and calm voices.

The bonus of coming to the hospital in an ambulance (besides not having to park the car) is you don't have to sit in the waiting room. We went right back to a room where they began monitoring her vitals and put her on oxygen through a nose tube.

After some doctor/me consultation they tried the treatment from last night; it did not change anything. At this point they officially admitted her (about 12 noon Saturday)

Gwen and I were escorted to our room on the 7th floor where we met our nurse and doctor. (Gwen in her crib and a view of all the computers in the room)

The doctor basically agreed with the ER doctors that she had Bronchilitus and need oxygen and treatments to help loosen the mucus in her lungs.

From then on every four hours she had a 3% saline solution vaporized over her nose and mouth (with the dragon face mask) This help her cough more efficiently and break up the mucus.
She slept well after this as it was much easier to breath.

After she had a napped she was more cheerful and smiley (so nice to see).

Jeff came after work and was great moral support (he also brought Taco Bell!)

About 9pm they tried turning off the oxygen and she could hold her oxygen saturation about 90 (step 1 to going home). She coughed a lot (a good thing) and slept fairly well (who could ask for more?)

In the morning the doctor agreed we could go home as the saline treatments had done their business and she did not need oxygen. Gwen was over the worst part and there was nothing else to do but wait out the rest of the disease.

Jean and Max picked us up at 10:30am!

Gwen is doing great now she is cheerful and eating anything I spoon to her. We have a humidifier running in her room but other then that there is nothing else we can do. It really was just a cold that stuck in her lungs.

Blog Slacker

2010-01-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

December has been busy! Everyone's December is busy that is how we seem to like it. End result no blogging time.
Hope to post more adorable pictures soon but here is one to tide you over. Jeff and Gwen at Jeff's birthday dinner.
Yum yum Indian food!

Max Ride Train!

2009-12-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

Max loves trains. I hear many toddler boys go throught this but I did not understand how strong the pull was till Max caught the train bug.

A few weeks before Thanksgiving Max was running around my parents house saying, "Max ride train!" Poppi picked up the idea and booked a Santa Train Ride for us. (Max, Poppi, Yzma, Gwen and I)

When the train started moving he could hardly believe it was real.

Us on the train

Poppi, Gwen and Max (Pretty much as cute as it gets!)

Max and I walking to our train car.

Max was good about seeing Santa and even talked to him.

Just as we were leaving the train began to pull put for the next group and I took a short video of it. Max wanted to watch this over and over after we were home.
Good times had by all!

Day of Halloween

2009-11-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

I know it seems a little late for this but I wanted to put up pictures of the Kings and Queens at the Ficrest Trivia Night.

The White Set

The Black Set

Princess Buttercup and Wesley
(Sorry did not have a better picture but you get the idea.
They were freakin' cute.)

The team who was tied for first and the end of the fifth round.
(There are 6 rounds)

The team who came in second thanks to a lot of questions about Ghost Busters
(which I knew nothing about)

I will have pictures of Gwen the ladybug as soon as I can figure out how to get the ones off my phone on to the computer.

Of Kings and Queens

2009-11-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

It all started when my Mom heard there was a costumes competition at Fircrest Golf Club Trivia Night on Halloween. She came up with chess pieces; white king, black king, white queen and black queen. My Mom and I almost had to give up knitting altogether to get them done in time! But here they are.

Wish the grass was a giant chess board, wouldn't that be cool.

My mom crochet and knit the masks. Many people at the club did not recognize us at all -- were quite surprised when they found out who we were.

Props to my dad who did all the wood working with the staffs. Also for great moral support and baby wrangling while we were engrossed in the costumes!

Next post: The Big Day - Halloween (Pictures of Gwen will be shown!)

The day Max wore his wolf suit........

2009-11-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Since there are a good three blog posts out of Halloween (and I am a blogging slacker and need some strong material) I am going to spread the festivities over a few posts.

The first Halloween outing for Max was the Halloween party at school on Friday. I have been waiting for the perfect moment to make a wolf suit for Max, my family has been talking about it since he was born. Max knows the book "Where the Wild Things Are" very well as his Uncle Jordan has a reading of it on Max's ipod. We bought the book in September and I have read it to Max (by popular demand) everyday since then.

This is Max's favorite picture from the book. He points to it and says "Yzma make Max wolf suit!"
My Mom has lots of technical sewing experience so the two of us make a great team. I do more of the costume designer things ie. "Should we make the suit have four fingers or five" and "The crown changes height, some times you can see his ears and sometimes not". My mother lives a little more in the practical world ie. "Pipe cleaners are going to be to sharp we should starch yarn for the whiskers instead!"
At 1:30 am the crown was done and the wolf suit was ready for its first outing!

Almost every child had a parent there and it was nuts! It was all well organized but herding cats can only get so good and herding preschoolers is harder. Max was a little over whelmed by the insanity so I am really glad I was there with him. I love seeing all the other little ones in costume too.
First each class went around to all the other classes in a costume parade. Here is Max's classroom and classmates. (I particularly like the fairy and the witch)

They had pony rides which thrilled Max. I hear Auntie Sasha is jealous and would like to go to Max's school.

Of course the traditional drawing on a pumpkin with markers. (White suits and paint markers makes the costumer very nervous)

Overall a good time had by all. I recived many compliments on the wolf suit. Someone even asked if I do costumes professionally and that I should make costumes to sell for Halloween. I pointed out that for materials and time I would have to charge $200 at least. She did not seem to think there would be much of a market and I agree.
Max will have to be in a class by himself with a costume designer mother and Yzma who has the skills to realize the renderings!

September Around Here

2009-09-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Max's First Day of School
Yes he does love school but it has taken him the entire month to let me leave without him holding on to my leg and whimpering when I drop him off. (It is early in the morning and I am usually holding Gwen so my sympathy level is low). Today he hardly gave a backward glance as I left. I am so proud.

Gwen had her 4 month doctor appt today and she is perfect. 75% in height, weight and head circumference, extremely proportional. She is doing great pushing herself up but is not to interested in rolling over. Not a major problem but the doctor did recommend we give her more tummy time. Mostly when on her stomach she gets excited about how still her hands are and immediatly sucks on both of them!

Max loves the Mariner's games. I have not really broken it to him that the season is ending, some how I don't think football will have the same attraction. Anyway her he is on the couch at Grandma and Grandpa's house. He loves playing and snuggling with their dogs Maggi and Kiota.

T-Ball (A little late but worth the wait)

2009-09-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

So this was all last month but hey the pictures are cute!

Max loves baseball. He watches the games and yells "Go Mariners" no matter who is batting.
He really like when they throw, catch and hit the ball. He watches so carefully that he now has the entire set up and throw of a major league pitcher down to a tee. (Get it t-ball)

Anyway here is Max pitching.

Max setting up for the swing

And yes he can even hit the ball!

The Beach 2009

2009-09-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures form the big OC (Otter Crest) this year.

The whole OC crew
Gwen chilling in the room, in her new knit kimono

Auntie Sasha and Max and Sasha exploring the rocks and ocean

Max at the playground

Spray Park = Good Times

2009-06-13T21:27:00.001-07:00

I had never even heard of a spray park until a few weeks ago when Sonja said "There is a spray park at Franklin Park near my house, we should take Max."

I have been missing out! It is a 20 by 30ft area with all sort of water squirting things and all the kids in it were have a great time.

Max being the careful person that he is insisted on having Sonja or Yzma hold his hand. He did enjoy it but he was just not to sure about going in all by himself.

Good times had by all and a great way to pass the time on a 90 degree day in Tacoma. Gwen slept the whole time.

Pictures from the Hospital

2009-05-22T22:39:00.001-07:00

Sonja and Jeff all scrubbed up (they were so excited about this part)

Gwen (slightly slimy yet already cute!)

Gwen and Daddy

Gwen and Auntie Sonja

This picture is from later on her first day out in the world, makes me laugh. I would love to know what she was thinking.

Blueberry Transformed!

2009-05-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

It finally happened! (Actually she was early so I am not complaining)

Sarah, Jeff and Sonja drove to the hospital at 3am Mother's Day morning. Shortly after we got there the Midwife discovered Blueberry was breech and a cesarean was the only option.

After a short (about 30 min) and extremely successful surgery....

Gwenneth Marie Bridges

was born at 5:25 am weighing 9 lbs and 3 oz and 20 inches long.

Here are a few more pictures!

Eleven Days to Go....Give or Take

2009-05-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

Eleven days seems like an eternity till I stop to think the baby could be late!

Nothing much to do but wait. Just wanted to let everyone know nothing has happened yet.
Here is a cute picture of Max to tide you over.

Rounding Down

2009-04-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

I have decided that rounding down is the only way to declare how long it is till one is due.
For example I am officially due in 2 weeks and 5 days but when someone asks how long till I am due I get to say 2 weeks.

Since due dates are not exact anyway how much can it really matter and it make me feel like the end is near.
That is how I feel about that.

Blueberry Update:
Everything is normal and on schedule. Blueberry wiggles and dances all the time.
Due Date still May 15th ....... I can't wait!

THIS IS MAX, Not Blueberry
Just thought I would put up a picture of tiny baby Max for those who never saw him this small.(about 3 days old)

Maxwell's Easter in Picture Book Form

2009-04-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Max went to church in his lovely knit outfit. His favorite part was the music; full choir, brass, piano and organ.

Max, Mama and Daddy went to a birthday party where there were new toys he had never played with and the sweetest 9 month old in a puff of a yellow dress.

Max slept through the Easter Egg hunt at Popi and Yzma's but it was for the best as it the family seemed to take the word hunt seriously.

The Easter Bunny brought Max a chocolate bunny, a box of cookies, two construction trucks, a shoes lace book and a basketball hoop. The Aunties also shared their Peeps with him.

The chocolate Easter bunny was the second to be annihilated right after a cookie.

It was a good day!

Toddler Playtime

2009-03-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

Max and I have discovered Toddler Playtime at the Fircrest Rec Center! Every Mon and Wed, in the morning, the basketball court of the Rec Center (2 blocks from our house) puts out balls, hockey sticks, jump ropes and kid's bowling equipment. The kids all run like crazy and it is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Max has made a few fiends, namely two sisters (2 and 4 years old) who like to run with him holding the last jump rope of their train.

Sonja came with us the first time and she taught Max to use a hockey stick which he now adores.

The Tiniest Window Washer

2009-03-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sonja is doing lots of odd jobs around my parents house lately and there is nothing Max likes better then to help. He steam cleans carpets (mostly by watching as it is rather hot), he puts towels away (if you don't mind them going one at a time) and most recently he was washing the windows.

He had a scrub brush and towel and was going to clean anything that would hold still; the window, the ground, the side of the house and Bagheera the cat (who did not hold still and therefore did not get scrubbed).

As one might imagine he was completely soaked by the middle and drenched by the end.

In other news Blueberry is now the size of a giant head of lettuce according to Jeff's iphone baby tracker 3.7lbs and 15.5 inches. The 30 weeks appointment was perfect and I am proud that I am having such a boring pregnancy they are letting me go 3 weeks till the next appointment instead of making me come back in two weeks.

Here are some of the baby name ideas as we are still slacking (I am hoping for an inspirational push at some point, mabye it come with the nesting urges?)

Sarah likes: Gwendolyn, Gweneth (Gwen), Madeline, Elenora, Arianna, Elysia, Edward, Emmerson, Malcomb (Mal), Lawrence, Sullivan

Jeff likes: William, Kayla

Don't even ask about middle names we are not nearly there.

Maxwell the Artist

2009-02-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

Max loves water in any form; baths, pools, sprinklers and rain. Sonja took this to a whole new level by breaking out the watercolors from Popi and Yzma's house (which probably have not seen the light of day for a good 10 years) . Max made three lovely and very wet picture which are now on our fridge for all the admire.

In other news Blueberry is doing well. Although Sarah would rather May 15th came quickly as the baby is getting bigger, lung and stomach space is getting smaller. We are still debating names and none are shining above the rest. There is still time to get all your ideas in if you have not spoken up already. We are waiting till Blueberry is born to see if it is a girl or a boy so names for both appreciated.

The Big Number Two

2009-01-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

Max had a big day on Friday as he had two birthday parties. The first one started at noon. He had three friends (and their Mothers) over and basically it was like having a birthday party for cats. The closest thing to an activity was everyone getting a snack pack which had cheerios and cookies in it. (Sonja's idea and the kids loved it.)

They all had a great time and Max loved opening his presents. And all the little ones were very well behaved considering they all wanted to help open the presents too.

In the evening we had an open house with pizza and cake; tasty, tasty vanilla and chocolate marbled monkey covered cake.

Good times were had by all and Max again received many great presents including Curious George (the theme of the party) books, a giant calculator, two trucks, and wooden truck puzzles. Max stayed up later then usual because he was so cute sitting between Kim and Laura playing with an iphone.
It was a very good day to be two!

Its about time...

2009-01-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

I know, I've been a slacker and neglected the blogging. As a result of my delay I've incurred the wrath of some of the faithful readers.

Well the holiday season has come and gone, whew, but a few key dates of the years are quickly approaching. Jan. 13th Max's 2nd birthday, Jan 22. Sarah's birthday.

For Sarah's b-day we are tag-teaming it with a close friend, Alex G whose b-day is Jan 10th. This should be loads of fun.

Max's b-day events will probably be a little more hectic, given the average age of his party will probably be about 20years lower then the average age at Sarah & Alex's. We are going to have a house swarming with little folks. A number of Max's buddies will be in attendance. Hopefully we will be able to chorale all the wee folks, if we're successful I'm sure the cat ranchers will be calling us for tips.

I know this post is a little on the brief side, I'll sort though some of the recent photos and try to post some pictures of Max with his new toys (hand-made from Yizma, and others have made out living room a little camp site) along with other interesting happening that go on in our little corner of Fircrest.

The Name Board

2008-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember back when Max was still a little bean, the name board. Well it's back. The name board is a bulletin board in our dinning room where we post the name ideas for blueberry. Since we are not going to know the sex of the little one until the big day, there is a side for boy & girl names. The board is open to your suggestions, just e-mail, text, or whatever to Sarah or me and we'll post them on the board.

Since this post is a tad short I'll just throw in some pictures of Max.

Its a lemon

2008-11-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

Roughly 6 months to go until bean makes his/her debue. Actually Sarah has taken to calling it blueberry instead of bean. But this week marks the first week of the second trimester. Sarah swears she can feel it kick already, and according to some web-sites that is possible. To keep track of the progress, on my nifty little iphone (all the cool Tokola's have one) I have a program that keeps track of the gestational age, countdown, what trimester we're in, and it also gives about what it's weights and size are along with a fruit/veggie equivalent. Right now we're a lemon.

Sarah has been prepping Max, telling him he is going to be a big brother soon, the Kanicks also bought him a doll so he can get use to the idea of taking care of a little sibling. Max has been quite proficient at pointing out other babies. If he sees one he point and say "baby" in his own little max way. But I'm not so sure he has quite made the connection to his soon to be little brother/sister. Max is taking Sarah pregnancy in stride, at this point the blueberry belly offers excellent lower lumbar support for max's story time.

And they're off...

2008-11-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

About a week ago our little town of Fircrest held its 3rd annual 5k "watch your speed" fun run. I know, a few of you would debate the terms "5k run" and "fun" being used in the same sentence together. A few others were also quick to point out lacking a certain Uncle John but he'll get heckled for that later. Well aside from the missing Lemming, a few of us did go out and despite the rainy weather completed the race. The participants were Nick Steier (32:39), Reid Benson (31:35), Jenny Bridges (27:03), Jean Bridges & Max Bridges (hey at least they finished), and Jeff Bridges (19:36). Sarah and Alex were there to cheer us on, and as a added bonus Alex makes a handy stretching post. Hey if you have a talent go with it I guess. Since the race was in Fircrest, we just waddled over the our house afterwards where Sarah and I made breakfast for everyone that came over.

Max not really feeling much fatigue after the race took advantage of the extra attention available at the house after the race. Right below we see Max wrangling Nick with a book. It took Max about .5secs to wear Nick down.

All in all, I think all of us had a good time. And hopefully we'll do it again sometime. Maybe a few more will step up to the start line and join us. Cough "uncle John" cough.

Halloween Jedi

2008-11-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

The force is strong with this one. This Halloween we went with a Starwars Theme for our costumes. Max as you can see went as Yoda. Sarah made the hat, robe and feet. If you saw him from the back it was pretty convincing when you add in Max's little waddle walk he does. When he crawls it look very similar to Empire Strikes Back when Yoda was crawling in his little hut.

As you notice Yoda has honed his light saber skills to near perfection. He also has a walking stick he was fond of.

And what would Starwars be without the epic light saber duals. Here we have The dark lord of the Sith himself; Darth Popi. Standing against Darth Popi is Yoda and his padawan. Yoda stepped in just in time with his force powers to save the young Jedi.

Actually what Max is after is the Iphones we each have in our hands as we dual, we each downloaded the light saber web-app to add some sound effects to our battle.

Unfortunately we do not live in that galaxy that is far, far away. Our version of the force, does indeed flows though us, but.... you guessed it is Starbucks. Its where all the cool Jedi and Sith hang out.