Resolution Relapse

Momma Post: Wow time flies...here it is mid-January, I haven't posted (slacking on my resolution keep this site current) and already so much as happened. Usually I like to focus on one particular event, but this post will just be a quick summary on the last couple of weeks. First Matt and I had a rare date out on New Years Eve. We went to one of our favorite restaurants, Fife, and because we didn't have reservations, we sat at the bar for dinner, which was kind of cool actually. The girls partied at GG's house with GG (naturally), their grandparents, and Amyjoe (Ruby has combined her great aunt and uncle into one entity). We joined the party later for a rowdy game for Sequence.

On January 3rd, Billie and I were at hand for her namesake and Grandpa Bill's "retirement" party. I put retirement in quotes, because Dad still plans on teaching two to three classes a term at Portland Community College. After 30-some years with the Bonneville Power Administration, Dad decided it was time to focus on the finer things in life. We're extremely proud of him and amazed at the longevity one can have with a single employer - very rare in this day and age. Congrats on a job well done!

Grandma Joan had an extended stay in Portland after the holidays to work the Portland Gift Show. We were able to squeeze in extra visiting with her during this time, including a ladies' tea at The Heathman thanks to Nana Jan who came up with the lovely idea. GG, Joan, Amy, Janet and I enjoyed the atmosphere, scones with marscapone cream and other goodies. Willa also took part as we concluded that an infant was an appropriate age to join, but Ruby will have to wait until she's four (that means no Willa next year).

Last weekend we spend a morning at the Oregon Zoo, using our family pass for the first time (thanks to Grandpa Bill and Nana Jan). Going early is perfect. We missed the crowds and got the girls home before nap time. On Saturday Ruby started her first art class at the Multnomah Art Community Center. Our friends Tom and Kristin have their daughter Karen enrolled too. Ruby dove right into the various stations, spending time painting with brushes, marbles and plastic model dogs' feet. At the clay station she enjoyed it when Kristin squeezed clay out of a spaghetti maker for "hair".

At home, we've brought out all of baby equipment for Willa. She's been enjoying the swing in the morning as we make the bed and get ready for the day. Ruby loves to "help" her sister in the swing, which means I have to be ever vigilant. Willa also likes the play mat for short periods of time, kicking her legs and cooing at the star. This is good for about ten minutes, before she tires of it. It's amazing what I can get done in those ten minutes, though. We've really been having fun with our conversations with Willa in the early morning and early evening. She's definitely more of a talker than Ruby was and likes to string two to three sentences worth of cooing together. I told Janet the other night, I hate to interrupt her and try to make sure she done saying her peace before I get in a word. I'm glad she has so many important things to share.

Doctor's Appointment Summary (Ruby's two year and Willa's two month) - What a better way to start off the New Year than with immunization shots!!! I have read and listened to other parents share in their concern over the possible link to immunizations and autism. Other parents spread out the immunizations, as to not have it be so traumatic for their kids. Kudos to these other parents, but between toys made in China, rising obesity in children, violence on television...we gave ourselves immunity on this topic and had the nurse load the girls up. The aftermath was angry screaming and un-fun had by all (but, hey, the dirty deed's done). Ruby conversation of choice for a couple days afterwards was "doctor", "arm", "hurt".

At two years, Ruby weighs 27 lbs. 9 oz. and is 3'-3" tall. Dr. Lin said Ruby's height was impressive and one predictor of height would put Ruby at nearly 6' when fully grown. Matt and I just shook our heads in puzzlement. Ruby won't be back to see Dr. Lin until her three year appointment (hopefully). At two months, Willa is 11 lbs. 9 oz. and is 2' tall.