Dating Again

We went out on a "date" on Wednesday while Bubbe & Granddad babysat. Sushi then played at the beach. It felt a bit like putting on a pair of jeans from high school. They were very familiar but a little tight. Which is not to say that we didn't have a lot of fun. We had a great time but we're both aware that we are not now who we were then. It takes a little getting used to. But we're happy and stronger now then we have ever been. We've created a family together which blows my mind every day. It is my greatest accomplishment and the thing I am most proud of. Not just Taeya but that I created my family with such an amazing man.



I love the "strongman" shadow!

The Multitasker

A Girl's Gotta Do What A Girl's Gotta Do

My girl likes to accessorize. It started with a pair of sunglasses I bought her...

...and now she is all about hats. It helps that she can sign for a hat but the combination has resulted in, what appears to be, her first fetish. Hats are to be worn at all times: while playing, while eating, while getting ready for bed. So far I've convinced her that she doesn't need to sleep in her hat or bathe in her hat but, between you and I, I think this obsession is only going to grow.

On top of everything else, the kid wants teeth...

Teething sucks. I would love to be writing more often but I can't because teething sucks and it has consumed my life. I have eight million pictures to upload but I can't because...yep, you got it...teething sucks. Apparently my daughter has inherited my pain tolerance which means she is miserable and not sleeping and I hope she never has to give birth (those who have not yet given birth...just ignore me, it's not that bad). Anyway, I am off to prepare myself for my no-sleep marathon and hopefully by tomorrow Taeya will have gained a tooth and I will have regained my sanity.

What Goes Around....

Yesterday, Steve, Taeya & I went to UTC (shopping mall in La Jolla) to run some errands. Taeya was desperately needing a nap and I was holding her in my arms doing the native sway (hmmm....still sounds very unPC. I was going to say Indian dance or tribal jig but didn't want to offend anyone). Anyway, I'm swaying and chewing gum and she sticks her pinky in my mouth and I inadvertently chomp down on her pinky finger. She starts howling and crying these big, hot tears and looks at me with such hurt and bewilderment. I immediately sit down and start to nurse her. As soon as she latches on, she bites down as hard as she possibly can then pulls off and looks at me. She hasn't bitten me since but then either have I so I guess we're even.

Little Drummer Girl

Wow, time flies! In the week since we got back from L.A., she is almost walking, almost talking and has joined a local drum circle.

How do they change so quickly?! She has also learned fifteen more signs (sign language). Now she can not only tell me what she wants but she has also figured out how to tell me if something hurts (in this case, gums...she just cut her fourth tooth...may it be the last for a while!). Some mother told me that after they cut the first one or two teeth, it doesn't bother them any more. This woman is obviously genetically linked to the same woman who told me that childbirth doesn't hurt.

Steve was off in Vegas with cousin Parker this weekend and he missed out on all our adventures. Saturday, Taeya and I went to a birthday party in the park. Hosted by a lovely woman that Steve and I stalked out at our local drugstore. Yes, I said stalked. Several weeks ago, Steve went into our local Longs drugstore while I sat in the car with a sleeping Taeya. He ran into a woman there who has a little boy Taeya's age who is already walking! He comes back to the car to tell me about this woman and her amazing little boy who started walking at 81/2 months (OMG...poor woman). To my utter shock and horror, the first words out of my mouth were "Does she live in the area? Does she seem nice? Did you get her phone number?" (DID YOU GET HER PHONE NUMBER? Did I really just ask my husband that?) Steve then says "Yeah, she seems really nice. I think you would like her. Maybe she's still here."
I Am Canadian. I should have sat back in my seat, gufawed and said "Don't be silly! Now turn on NPR." Instead I shouted "Let's go!" and we sped through the parking lot hoping to find her before she left. We pull up next to her as she is exiting the parking lot (on foot) and I roll down my window and beg her to be my friend*. She says sure and invites my to join her playgroup and subsequently invites me to her son's first birthday party. Who says I'm not an American (or desperate).
* okay so I'm simplifying a bit but after explaining our move down from L.A. etc. etc. she did give me her email address and we emailed back and forth for a bit and she's actually a really lovely woman with a wonderful family and group of friends. I never knew stalking could be so rewarding :-)

Saturday evening, Bubbe came to spend the night and to help with Taeya. I was in the process of making dinner for us while she and Taeya played together in the family room. Taeya did something absolutely brilliant and I, of course, went in to admire the genius that is my daughter. The three of us were having a fabulous time hanging out on the rug playing with toys and talking when all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I saw something red...and flickering. I had completely forgotten about the toast that I was making for Taeya in the toaster oven and now we had a problem. We had moved waaaaay past the point of oops burnt toast and we were now dealing with flames licking the cupboard doors. Fortunately Bubbe grabbed the flour then the baking soda and managed to put the fire out. Who needs Vegas?

I've Already Applied For The Patent....

There is nothing quite as refreshing as a prune popsicle on a hot summer day!

L.A. or bust

Well, we made it to L.A. and back - Taeya and I lugging our sorry, sniviling, snot-filled, mucus-y selves behind Steve as he got our 'cottage' in order. It was great to be back in L.A. and we are very excited about our little home up there. We have filled it with furniture (which, because it's so small, didn't take much) and it's ready to go. We're going to head back up in a couple of weeks.

Taeya is working diligently on standing, sign language and developing a relationship with this cute little girl in the mirror that she discovered (and has the most animated conversations with!)


I also discovered her sitting up in her crib the other night, still asleep, slapping away at her leg furiously while saying da over and over again (the sign for dog). Those little wheels forever furiously churning...

Bubbe & Grandad came over yesterday to visit and play in our park...everyone's inner child deserves some swing time :-) Fortunately, theirs is fully developed!























































I, however, am currently undergoing a crisis of self-identity and am contemplating converting to the way of the Amish (but only if I look good in the uniform)...or is that the flying nun? My mother would be so proud!

Although, I am currently experiencing a now-what moment. Not surprisingly (although I'm somewhat surprised!), your perspective changes when you have children and all the things that were exceptionally important the day before you gave birth, don't look the same is this new, sleep deprived, way too bright light of new motherhood. Am I really asking myself what I want to do when I grow up? No, I guess not - more, how do I do all this now that I'm grown up and it can't just be all about me all the time.

yo, mama!