Milwaukie Weekend

 

This weekend we went to Milwaukie on our bikes -- something Barb has been hankering to do for a long time. We bought some produce at the farmer's market (and some non-produce, such a sack of fresh-made mini-donuts), visited our former residence, The Pond House (now owned by Milwaukie's library), and discovered the awesome playgrounds on the Waldorf School campus. The first playground is super cool, but aimed at kids much older than Elizabeth. Beyond that, though, is Walnut Hill, their kiddie playground. It's fantastic -- besides a play house with slide and monkey bars it's got a barn, garden, and lots of stumps for climbing and sitting. Elizabeth was totally thrilled by the slide; it is short but fast, and the ladder that leads up to it is easy to climb without assistance.

This picture is Elizabeth Rose at the top of said slide, preparing for another daring descent.

Sleep

 

This is what Elizabeth looks like asleep.

Everyone Poops

 

Elizabeth loves books and reading. I hope that's a trait she keeps her entire life, as I think reading may be second only to music as a fundamental human joy.

The book she's enjoying above is Taro Gomi's Everyone Poops. It's a great book, but Elizabeth is really only interested in the pages that depict humans pooping -- including a daddy-aged gentleman smoking a pipe and reading the paper. Talk about leisurely!

Her interest in the human pooping ritual seems to indicate she may be ready to stop pooping in a diaper soon. We shall see.

The Raggedy Ann who is sharing Elizabeth's avidity for the book was a gift from our neighbor Amy. She is a sort of third grandmother to Elizabeth, not too hands-on, but she's got a dog that Elizabeth loves and has showered our baby with gifts.

I thought Ann was kind of big & creepy when Amy gave her to us, but Elizabeth took to her immediately and they've been fast friends every since.

Pirates of the Willamette

Elizabeth and I (Barb) went to a pirate festival today. We met Jen, Joshi and Billi. The girls make very cute pirates.

Luxury Accomodations

 

When Barb and Elizabeth came out to visit me in Baltimore, the hotel was kind enough to provide us with this crib. Elizabeth slept with us, but played in the crib when Barb was occupied (e.g., showering) and I was at work.

I like this picture.

Eat!

 

This picture was taken during our trip to Manzanita with Aaron, Wendy, and Lily in February 2009. Elizabeth is a hit-or-miss eater. On this day, apparently, she was liking her food.

Take Five

'Take five' in the movie-sense, as in this is the fifth time we've tried to get this right. Amazing how hard it is to get video on the blog.

Anyway, I think I've got it down, now. Blog-video isn't as good quality as YouTube, but it's better than nothing, right?

This video was taken on August 8, 2009 at our friend Keoni's first birthday party. He has some Hawaiian heritage, and I believe in that culture the first birthday is the most important due to historically high infant mortality rates. Meaning: it was a blow-out; lots of kids, adults, toys, games... and food. Elizabeth enjoyed playing on the play structure, climbing, sliding, bouncing, etc.

Best Friends!

I hope Elizabeth Rose and Lily Joy become best friends. Wouldn't that be great? They're neighbors, their parents are great friends, and they're only six months apart in age. So, yes, (to answer my own question), it would be great. But as with everything else child-related: no expectations!

This video was taken August 26, 2009. Later that evening 'Uncle' Pat Gaughan babysat Elizabeth for the first time so we could go see Anson's band, which was touring from Seattle to Portland and points south.

We had a fun time while it lasted. Pat called while Anson's band was tuning up to tell us that Elizabeth was inconsolable.

I'm Working On It!

OK, so it's not perfect. But who even has time to create an adorable, babycentric blog full of videos and pictures and witty writing? Especially if the darn "c" button on your laptop is broken and the perfectly good desktop computer is in your basement, which might as well be on the moon when you have a toddler.

But enough of my yappin' -- enjoy the video!

Washington Park Play

September 5, 2009.

Grandma, Barb, Baby E, and Andrew explored the very elaborate and cool play structure in Washington Park. Right next door is The Elephant House, a covered area with picnic tables that once was the home of Portland's very first elephant, Rosy. It is the only part of the original zoo left.

As you can see from the photo, Elizabeth is nowadays very interested in leading the way.