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.