What do you do on a very rainy Saturday in Portland? Why head to Powells of course – where, inevitably, you end up buying a bunch of new kids books (all on sale) and spend a lot of time following your baby around so you can replace books as he pulls them off the shelves.

I remember browsing the children’s section at Powells when I was pregnant with Thomas. I stocked up on Aussie children’s books like this one and this one in the hope that I would share at least a small part of my culture with my American children.

Fast forward nearly four years and I find myself listening to another Aussie mother talking to her two pre-teenage children while they respond with thick American accents and I realize that this is my future. But then I get home and Thomas says “bath” with a soft “a” like a true Aussie. It’s just one word but it gives me a smidgen of hope.

There was a period last year when, thanks to a spinach e-coli situation, we could not buy Veggie Booty. Yes, the little snacks that boasted spinach and kale in bite sized puffs, and were endorsed by my pediatrician (really), were gone from grocery store shelves. It was a tough few months but we made it through and now Thomas has a healthy addiction to cashews and peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches.

I am incredibly thankful that Veggie booty was returned to the shelves by the time this little guy was old enough for solids. Sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps Samuel happy while I frantically make dinner – and he inhales them like there’s no tomorrow. So, thank you makers of Veggie booty. You have preserved my sanity on more than one occasion.

Spring break means juggling children while daycare is closed. This time we decided to do a little house swap with some fellow daycare parents. Wednesday was my turn and I got off easy with just one extra child in tow. We had a fun day with some painting (while Samuel was asleep) aquick trip to the park and a little craft project. The rest of the day was spent with quiet play, a two-hour nap (yes, they all napped at the same time!) and a lot of playing “keep the baby away from the toddlers toys”.

And I had a fabulous opportunity to take some photos of a little girl. Yes, I now have some pink in my portfolio. These are just a few of my favourites

My boys were there too. Just not as pretty.

But still pretty darn cute

He still has a few rolls left, but photos like this make me realize how fast he’s growing from baby to infant… and soon to toddler. I don’t think I’m ready to let go of baby yet. I don’t think I have much choice.

We took a trip to Ikea last weekend. I love Ikea. I could spend hours there just browsing and imagine myself in rooms with symmetrical furniture and ample storage. Of course my dreams don’t include assembling everything and they definitely don’t include trying to keep track of two children in a crowded cafeteria.

We left for Ikea straight after Samuel woke up from his nap but alas, time disappears in that giant cavernous building and before we knew it, it was 30 minutes past naptime and then 60 minutes past naptime. As we finally went through the checkout Samuel had found a comfortable spot to sleep on Daddy’s shoulder and Thomas curled up in the bottom of the shopping cart. Hey, it’s better than an overtired meltdown.

I just love the story behind this photo -Thomas trying to stop Samuel from climbing the stairs… or more likely trying to keep him away from his toys.