Samuel and I woke up early and I took the opportunity to hold a little photo shoot with the morning light. Look at those cute little feet. I have a bunch more photos but I will post them later. I think they deserve a post all on their own (oh, and I haven’t finished editing them yet).

I also took the opportunity to take some “mug shots” for Samuel’s passport. His birth certificate arrived on the weekend so I have to get moving on it.

Today was a real Mummy day for me. I took Thomas to a birthday party in the morning with a bunch of his daycare friends. Then we had Quinn over to play. He lives a few houses away but is sadly moving soon. OK, only a mile or so, but still… So I kept two toddlers occupied for a while as I looked after Samuel. It wasn’t too difficult – snack time, a couple of activities and then a movie (Toy Story of course). The 100 degree heat meant that we decided to stay indoors. Thomas was a little grouchy. I don’t think he’s used to sharing his own toys with others. Although he’s more than happy to share theirs.

Here they are doing their cheese faces (Thomas threw in a Laser shot as well). Then they both asked to look at the photo immediately. Ahhhh, the instant photo gratification that was missing in my childhood. We were lucky to see photos my Dad had taken within the same year. And that is no exageration.

Friday was a beautiful day in Portland and Kei had the fabulous idea to get dinner down by the waterfront – actually ON the waterfront at a restaurant located on a pontoon. It took a little while to get our sea legs so we could avoid throwing up before dinner was served.

It was so nice just to hang out for a couple of hours as a family. Thomas followed dinner with an ice cream cone that was roughly the size of his head.

Thomas is shooting his laser like Buzz Lightyear. I feel I have to explain this action up front so people know he is not making a rude gesture in their direction. Although I’m not sure shooting someone with a laser is really very polite…

Last week marked my first week alone with two boys. Yes, I am aware that there are some mothers who do this every day without the luxury of childcare but frankly I think they’re nuts. It is exhausting managing a toddler and a newborn – espcially the toddler. The newborn is no trouble at all. He has no opinons or preferences or mind of his own. No, at six weeks you basically feed them, change them and put them down for a nap and you’re good. Thomas, on the other hand, needs to be entertained. If left to his own devices he could destroy the house. You think I’m kidding…

So to keep Thomas occupied for the week I set up some play dates. Wednesday was a trip to the zoo with my friend Laurie and her two kids. That’s Ethan with Thomas in the photo above. I just love how they look so cool while they pose for the photo.

The primary purpose of the visit was to visit the temporary Dinosuar exhibit. Thomas is a little obsessed with Dinosaurs right now so I thought he would love it. Well… he didn’t hate it. He was just pretty much terrified. The dinosaurs were animated and had sound effects. In fact the whole thing was very cool but a little too real for an almost three year old. I think Thomas still enjoyed himself but he stayed very close to me the entire time. In fact this is the only photo I was able to get of him standing “with” the dinosuars. He wouldn’t leave the stroller so I could get a picture.

We then spent a long time hanging out on the lawn while Thomas and Ethan chased each other. They had a great time together and I wish we could all get together more often. Samuel was a dream as always. I just have to feed him and keep the stroller moving and he is content.

If I let myself get carried away (and if I weren’t limited by hard drive space) I would take a million photos of the rose garden near our house. I is breathtakingly beautiful right now in full bloom. And if you think the photo is impressive, you should really experience the divine smell. It is certainly welcome to someone who is changing diapers all day.

Almost there. You are looking at a photo of our beautiful bannister at the top of the stairs. The gateway to Nirvana – or at least more room and closet space, less noise and the return of our privacy. The bannister will be painted white to match the rest of the trim in the house, but for now let’s just bask in the beauty of the wood and all that it represents.

Busy day today.

I took this photo at the end of the day while we sat out on the front porch. I just love the way Samuel is grabbing Kei’s finger and looking at the camera. So cute!

It started with a trip to the Nike employee store courtesy of some friends who set us up with passes. I wanted to get Thomas some sandles but I think we were a little late in teh season. Instead we managed to spend way too much money on other things, constantly justifying it with the mantra that we are saving money in the long run. I was actually more restrained than I have been in past visits. It may have something to do with the fact that I have no income for the next four months and we just spent a few thousand on plane tickets to Australia (don’t even get me started on the renovation). I bought some pants, t-shirts and a hoodie. A great Mummy uniform for the next few months. Kei stocked up on grey t-shirts and a variety of shorts and sports socks. I think we are moving toward middle age.

We got home just in time for me to attend a baby shower for my friend Jennifer who is due in about eight weeks. Her mum hosted the shower and I have honestly never attended one that was more relaxing and fun for the people in attendance. Sure, we played some games but they all had fun prizes and we were encouraged to give ourselves footbaths and hand massages, all while enjoying the views of the surrounding golfcourse from the sunny balcony.

I took Samuel with me and only saw him for a brief period when he needed to be fed. This period when people like to hold the baby is short lived. I definitely have to make the most of it. It disappears quickly when the poops start to smell and baby would rather be played with than fall asleep peacefully in your arms.

Kei spent the afternoon with Thomas at the park. They had a good time but I did get a message on my phone at aout 4pm from a little boy whining “Mummy, I want some mi-i-ilk.” The cute thing wa that he didn’t know he was leaving a message so when Kei told him to say goodbye he said “but she isn’t talking to me yet!”

The evening was a little tougher with a lot of whining and some resistance to bed despite Thomas skipping his nap. Every little thing feels like a struggle right now. I think this is what they call the terrible twos but if this is as bad as it gets then I’ll take. Please let this be as bad as it gets…

Week one of The Ishidas trying to spend more time in nature. We went to the Bybee wetlands again – quick, easy and close to home.

As always we came prepared with snacks and water but unfotunately not prepared for the millions of mosquitos who were enjoying the stagnant water and feeding on sightseers. Mosquitos are usually attracted to Kei which is good for me as I am usually spared. Not this time though. Either there were just too many mossies to enjoy a full meal from just one person or they are attracted to the smell of breast milk, because I was bitten by at least five and caught about 15 others in the act.

Thankfully Samuel was spared and we were able to enjoy at least some of the wildlife on display before heading home. I didn’t take my zoom lens so I’ll spare you my photos of really tiny turtles and waterbirds sitting on logs. Instead I’ll share this picture of Kei unsuccessfully trying to point out a Heron to Thomas. He also couldn’t see the turtle.

Nothing quite as beautiful as rose season in Portland. Apparently the Northwest climate is perfect. Makes me almost appreciate all the rain we’ve been having. Almost.