The Garrison: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Sunday

This posting is just a random photo op. Natalie is so busy I have nothing to say. My mind is mom blank.

However, I do have to say that we started coloring today. Big stuff. Ok. Maybe she just ate them.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Swing Swing and Swing Some More

Natalie has become a huge fan of the swing. She loves it so much she will likely take a nap in it some day soon. It is like a mini tranquilizer to her. We had done some shopping online and all over Roseburg while visiting for a plastic kiddo swing. Found that they only exist online. However, Natalie and I were on a random quest at Target and I decided to cruise through the toys section. Poof! A perfectly inexpensive swing appeared out of nowhere and we threw it in the cart. I then remembered that I had pushed her in her umbrella stroller and it would be fun getting it back home. We didn't care.

Since that day, Natalie spends lots of time at the window saying "sssssssshhhhhsssss" and pointing at the swing. Of course it is raining all week, but we try and make an effort to run out there when the sun peeks out. Oh, and cousin Brinley needed one too. So glad she was able to snag one too. She is a lucky girl and has a swing on her covered porch now.

The swing slipped right on the umbrella stroller and we trucked home!

The non-engineer mom in me had to put it up right away. I literally snapped it on above the existing ancient swing that was already there. Could our shed in the background look any more ugly? I think not. As soon as it dries out, that baby is getting a mini-make-over. Shhh. Don't tell Ryan. :)

Friday, March 28, 2014

Not a Baby Anymore

Nearly 14 months have passed and although I try my best to not dwell on the fact that Natalie is growing so fast, I can't help but notice that changes from baby to toddler. It seems as if overnight, she became incredibly smart, beyond coordinated and soon we will have to scrape enough money to send her to a university at the young age of 3 because she has a comparable IQ as Sheldon Cooper off Big Bang. Not sure who he is? Sit com actor. Sorry, couldn't help it.

Okay, I don't think she is beyond brilliant and wouldn't want to let that go to her head, however, I am sure all proud parents think these things now and again. Her personality is developing into...basically a goofy kid. Are all kids goofy? I know some are serious. Some are happy all the time, but Natalie is a goofy little girl. She is nearly always happy and if she isn't, its probably a problem her mother struggles with...hunger. She continues to breastfeed. Often. I am letting her self ween from breast milk, but not before I reach Platinum status: August 1st. There are some people out there that like to judge "extended" breastfeeding, but I don't really care. I cover up. She is now on the huge side and spills out the sides of the hooter-hider, but we do most public feedings, well, not in public. Rather in the comfort of our tiny car or huge van. I bump her head on the ceiling of our car each and everytime I put her in our get her out of her seat. :) She doesn't notice luckily.

While awake, she is going strong. Running. Not walking. If strangers guess her age they ask if she is walking yet. We often reply with, no running.

One thing I am very much enjoying is watching her ability to understand us and many words grow. She is able to go get most things we ask her to get and to take them to Mom or Dad. She loves the challenge. Putting things away and understanding 'No' is yet to be developed, but may never be. I hear teenagers still don't know either of those.

Who lets their toddler eat in the car? I said I never would. I did and still do. This was messy. I was in a bind.

Random pic...love this time of year. So green.

Monday, March 24, 2014

12 Year Anniversary

We had a big weekend. Ryan had a Patent Banquet and received three awards for patents he filed this year. Natalie stayed with Grandma/pa for the evening while we went to Ryan's event. That was our first time without Natalie...ever. She did really well until it was bedtime. No mama, no bedtime. Luckily we were home 20 minutes later.

Sunday we celebrated 12 years of marriage. It is crazy how fast the time has gone and yet, 2002 seems like a long time ago. We have had a lot of fun together, seen many things and accomplished quite a few goals in the last decade together. Now we get to make new memories as a family of three (plus two chihuahua's).

On Sunday, we took the most difficult hike in Portland. From NW PDX, we walked up the hill to the Pittock Mansion. Whew. I am still sore. Steep staircases, weaving in and out of mini mansions as we worked our way up the hill.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Dad's Back, Let's Play

Natalie was excited when she saw Dad roll up to the front door. She was ready to play. He was probably ready to sleep, but she had a better idea.

We walked to the park to wear her out. It worked. :)

We watched Dad play a few holes of disk golf.

Super Sunny Day in Roseburg

Today was a busy day. Okay, maybe not a super busy day, but Natalie and Brinley were beyond busy. Calmly playing when alone, but running like wild monkeys while together. Super cute too.

We hit the park. Everyone was there. We had to knock a couple kids of the swings to have our turn. It was worth it.

Yes, Natalie and I were in the handicap chair. She was nearly falling asleep.

Swing swing swing!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Two Busy Ladies

Brinley and Natalie were up to no good today. Helping unload groceries. By unload I mean unload the groceries from the crisper that was loaded just before that. Super helpers. Also unloading drawers and running around crazilike.

Here is a sample.

Notice how Brinley is so focused, she doesn't look back?!

We had some semi naked baby time

Wrestle mania!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Dad to Japan - Mum & Babe to Roseburg

It's not easy to compare Japan to Roseburg. I am feeling pretty lucky to get to go to Roseburg with a toddler rather than spend 12+ hours to get to a foriegn country. I am sure Ryan is glad I am not going too. I think I would starve to death and drive him crazy on a long flight like that. Not quite ready for that with Natalie either.

Ryan headed to Japan for work and Natalie and I headed south. We had a great, fast trip to the Burg. So many fun things have happened since we arrived. She is swarmed with love of family and Brinley is the coolest! They are big time buds.

Our first day/night in town, Brinley and Natalie partied late. They were pumped up while playing in their "Sweet House." This party like atmosphere caused Natalie to keep partying till far too late. Our first night in a new place is always a hoot. Lots of moving and shaking at night and the cloth diaper blow out is always my favorite. The other fun part is when Lilo wants to sleep on my pillow. Uhg. For us to be sharing a queen bed, I have run out of room. Doesn't make any sense.

On day two, we dined for lunch at a vegetarian favorite, The Lighthouse Bakery. No, it is not on the beach or even close, rather in a far out country road in a region called Umpqua. It is fantastic. All vegetarian and always fresh. Not to mention they have lots of goodies in bulk. They focus a lot on charity. http://lighthousecenterbakery.com/community-charity/ Even every tip given goes to charity.

Tonight we met second cousin Violet. Sweety-pa-teety! She weighs at 11 weeks what Nat weighed when she was born (she was born at 31 weeks). Natalie thought Violet was special too. Aunt Joyce and Uncle Jim hosted dinner at their home and we enjoyed the Reaney Sr.'s, Perham's Jr. and Sr. and Starnes. Sounds like a lot of old people, huh? Nothing but a house full of happy grandparents.

Although this is a random note, I have to say how nice it is to hear the crickets and frogs outside my window right now. They have quite the chorus going and then all of a sudden they stop. One frog will start with a quiet ribbit, and then they all start up again. Ahhh, the pleasures of living in the boonies.