"I Not Crying this Time"

Daddy Post: Here are a couple of pictures from our annual trip to see the Macy's Santa in the old downtown Meier & Frank Building. Ruby was in much better spirits this year and was actually excited to see Santa. She is slowly grasping his role though as a gift giver. I think she may have confused him for a christ-like faith healer though because the first thing she told him was that she has an owiie on her shin. Willa took it all in stride and actually became quite bashful which is a new behavior for her. Even though the picture doesn't show it she will tuck her chin down while turning away from eye contact with "strangers". This is followed by a coy smile and glance from the bosom of whomever is holding her. She also gave this treatment to cousin Sue during our monthly family brunch at Elmer's. It's impossible not to melt once you see her do it.

Turkeys

Daddy Post: Here are some pics from our recent(?) trip to Lincoln City for Thanksgiving with Grandpa Bill and Nana Jan. We forgot the camera so these were culled from my iphone. As you can see it is typical Oregon coast weather, but that didn't prevent us and the girls from enjoying great outdoors.

Naughty & Nice

Daddy Post:Ruby and Willa have both been gearing up for Christmas this year. Ruby is still managing her post-Halloween addiction to candy as is clearly represented in the provided photos. Occasional withdrawal symptoms include tantrums and whining. If she keeps it up she may very well get her own TV episode on A&E's Intervention. Her demanding nature aside Ruby has been a real joy to be around as she is rapidly learning and communicating in a variety of new ways. Willa has been a real joy as of late as well. We've finally weaned her off of bottles. This has improved her appetite for real food greatly and she's also sleeping uninterrupted through the night which is a huge plus to ourselves. She isn't fully walking by herself, but she has begun taking those very first steps. Part of me says, "Slow Down!" but in actuality I'm real excited for both of them to become more autonomous.

The Dynamic Duo

Props and accessories courtesy of Uncle John and Aunt Wajma.

It Must Be the Water!!

Daddy Post: During our trip down to ClubMed we were fortunate to spend a few hours with the newlyweds, John & Wajma, in Ashland. While there Ruby had a chance to sample the fabled Lithia Water. After some confusion she ultimately played coy about its less than desirable sulferic taste and convinced John that it was good to go. We also had a good time on the playground where Willa was able to display her loving glow on the swings and monkey bars.

Our Second Home in Southern Oregon

Momma Post: Coming soon. Marty has had a LONG day with the girls.

Birthday - Baby Dolly Drama and No Drama Obama

Momma Post: The night before Willa's 1st birthday, Obama won a landslide and historic election for President of the United States. We're overjoyed on several accounts. Speaking of elections, I wonder which of Willa's birthday will land on an election day (first Tuesday in November) where Willa will be voting for president...I hope the results please her as much as they did her parents in 2008.

Our immediate family celebrated Willa's birthday on Monday, due to Matt's teaching schedule this week. Willa enthusiastically bit into her first birthday treat of the week, Halloween cupcakes baked by our next door neighbor Barbara. On Saturday, GG, Dad & Janet, Amy & Joe and Anne joined us for relaxing 1st birthday party. Both girls enjoyed the company. Willa tore at the thoughtfully wrapped gifts, ate the frosting off her cupcake, and rolled contently on the ground, holding her feet in the air...beaming.

Grandpa Bill and Nana gave Willa her first baby doll, which Ruby took immediate interest in when her doll face was exposed from the packaging. Ruby kept insisting that the doll was "Ruby AND Willa's", which we replied that no it's Willa's, but Ruby may borrow it. The morning after the party, we had a particularly rough moment when Willa tried to reclaim her doll. We had a little stand off with Ruby sobbing, "I want baby. I want baby.", when we were trying to encourage Ruby to ask Willa if she may play with the doll. This only made Ruby fuss harder. Therefore Willa's doll is "night-night" until Christmastime, when Ruby will be receiving her own baby doll and Willa will receive another gift that looks strangly just like the baby doll that's hiding in the pantry. I must say through all of this Willa has been pretty happy-go-lucky, while Ruby was all about the baby dolly drama. Ruby has asked about the baby doll a couple of times, but as of today has shown renewed interest in her dollies, Smile and Baby Jasmine.

Yesterday we rounded out the week long celebration with a trip to the doctor for Willa's 12-month appointment. Willa is 2'-6.5" tall (89%), 18 lb 8 0z (11%) and has a head circumference of 18" (68%). Dr. Lin had no concerns with Willa's height and weight percentile differences, as Willa's growth curve is on track. Willa is meeting all other development benchmarks. Willa received four shots including the flu shot, which was obviously upsetting to her, but she recovered quickly and we've noticed no reaction to the immunizations.

Halloween 2008

Halloween at Childroots

Autumn Afternoon

Momma Post: The Hager Family came over for a play date last Monday. The weather was unbeatable for this late in October, so a stroll to the park was in order. Janet and I visited. Willa and John David rode in the Hager's Bob stroller, while the older girls walked to the Hollyrood playground. The younger kids were perfectly content, looking over at one another and both intently watching their big sisters. At Hollyrood, Willa entertained herself by repeatedly removing her socks, which reminds me how a mother's work is often mundane and full of repitition...sock on right foot, sock on left foot and repeat. Ruby and Bristol played independently on the equipment, both having hot and cold moments when Janet and I gently encouraged a bit of interaction between the two. The girls finally bonded on the walk back home, holding hands, frolicking in the leaves, picking up seed pods...lovely.

Welcome Hayden Cole

Momma Post: We had a sweet visit from my Cousin Leah and her baby boy, Hayden Cole, born on July 23, 2008. Congratulations to Leah and Hayden's dad Shane! Ruby and Willa were very curious about their new cousin. Willa was a little put out when I gave Hayden a bottle and had to crawl into my lap, too. Hayden appears to be very content and moved his head whenever Leah spoke - very endearing. We hope to see Leah, Hayden and the rest of the Beebe's this holiday season. Thanks again to Leah for making the drive from Everett, Washington to Portland with her little one...not the easiest trip when planning around a baby's schedule.

Nightmare on 39th Street...

Japanese Garden with GG

Daddy Post: Marty was out of town this past weekend for her book club retreat. To help pass the time me and the girls met up with grandma for breakfast at the Cadillac Cafe. Following that we thought it would be fun to check out the Japanese Garden since it was only 10 AM and a beautiful time of year. We were not disappointed. As you can tell the girls enjoyed watching the koi fish and examining all of the serene details. The girls might not realize it now, but it's not everyday that one gets to hang out with the 87 year-old great grandmother at the Japanese Garden. We are lucky indeed. The picture at the bottom was taken by Andrew and Tia when they generously watched the girls for us while Marty and I attended a Duck game. Willa became friends with Dice-K, but I'm not sure the feeling was mutual. Actually, Willa is friends with all animals which is demonstrated through her becoming quite animated and trying to say their name. Usually, this is just "dog".