Bear with me...

I used to make fun of girls I knew in college who were in the "mommy" classes.  I think their major was called Human Development and Family Science.  I was taking REAL science courses.  Right!  Isn't it nice when stuff like that comes back to bite you in the butt (you'll learn about that soon enough I'm sure).  I wish now that I had taken a child development class or two!

Your father and I are still learning everyday.  You provide us with ample opportunities.  Neither one of us wants to see you struggle too much.  And, I hate cleaning up huge messes.  Needless to say, we haven't let you feed yourself as much as we should.  I've been trying to let go of those things.  As I type this, you are "eating" rice Chex and yogurt out of a bowl yourself.  It's probably a good thing I gave you a lot...there is probably half of the yogurt on your face, hands, and high chair.  But darn it, you're doing it yourself!

It only went downhill after I took these photos :)

Needless to say, you enjoyed tub time soon after breakfast!

Christmas at the Coast - 2011

This was a fun-filled Christmas weekend.  We drove to Bandon on Friday to stay with Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Bud.  Grandma made us venison stew and corn bread.  Then, you, your Dad and I and Grandpa went to Shore Acres to look at the lights.  I forgot to charge my camera battery so I only got a couple pictures.  It was beautiful...both the night and the lights.

Then, on Christmas Eve, we went for a walk with Grandpa at the mouth of Sixes River.  What an amazing day!  The wind usually is screaming out there.  That day there was almost no wind, the sun was shining, and it was warm.  The ocean was rough and the waves were pretty crazy crashing on the beach.  You kept pointing at the waves and looked like you were thoroughly enjoying yourself.

That night we had Mexican food with Gordon and Carolyn...pork carnitas that Grandma made, tamales we brought from a bakery here in Salem, avocado salad (which you ate almost all of), beans, rice, tortillas, and salsa.  After we ate dinner, we opened presents.  You finally have this opening presents thing down.  Grandma and Grandpa Jones got you a rescue truck (they brought it over early so we could take it down with us and open it in Bandon).  You were literally vibrating with excitement waiting for your dad to get it out of the box for you.  I have never seen you so excited about something.  It was pretty crazy!

For Christmas Day, we went to Bob and Jerene's to spend time with the Shaffar family.  I fell down on the job there and didn't get any pictures.  Maybe Jerene will send me some!  Anyway, you had fun interacting with everyone and it's always fun to see you together with Ellie.  You got a billion clothes, a pop-up tent thing, and a few other things.  

Today, we came home.  On the way, we stopped in Florence at our favorite coffee shop.  You love the whipped cream they put on the top of my drink!  Then, we put you in the Ergo pack and walked around downtown.  We didn't buy anything but had fun looking at the toy store and all of the art galleries.  We came home through Corvallis and had waffles for dinner.  Seems like a lot for such a short weekend!  I'm glad I only have to go to work for three days this week.  Then, we get to have another long weekend for New Year's!  

By the way, you are the best Christmas present a mother could hope for!  Thank you so much for being my son and for showing me the joy there is in the little things in life.

Fun with Auntie K and Annie

Today, Aunt K and Annie came over to play with you so your dad and I could go out and celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary.  We can hardly believe we've been together this long.

They were feeding you dinner when we left.  Apparently, you had fun knocking towers down.  One would build a new one while you were knocking the other one's tower down.  When we got home, all three of you were snuggled together on the couch watching A Christmas Carol on my laptop.  Auntie K sent me a picture of you throwing a fit on the floor but I think I deleted it.  Other than that you were pretty darn good.

I think, perhaps, you had more fun than your dad and I.  We went to Northern Lights and had dinner and watched a movie.

Thanksgiving with the Lougees

We spent Thanksgiving at Grandma Lougee's this year.  Your Grandma and Grandpa Jones, Uncle Donald, Dennis and Cheri's family, David and Shelley's family, and Bettie Rae and Scott's family were there too.  Your Dad gets nervous about driving over the pass in the snow but this year was perfect for it.  We had a great time.  Of course, you were well loved there!  Holly was sweet enough to watch you Friday night so we could go to dinner at the Ranchero with the "adults".  Not sure how we became adults but it was fun.

Family comes first...or does it?

This weekend you and I went to visit Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Bud.  Grandpa Bud was in the hospital for the 2nd time this week...he had fluid taken off of his knee about three weeks ago and it got infected.  Sunday night they did surgery and cleaned out the infection.  But, they apparently didn't get it all and Grandpa Bud had to go back Thursday and they did another surgery to get more infection.  We mostly went down because I wanted to make sure, for myself, that Grandpa Bud was okay.  We aren't used to him being in the hospital!

As we were driving there and back I had some time to think.  I want you to know and hope that you will learn how important family is and just how wonderful your family is.  But, does family always come first?  I used to think so but now I don't.   You have to love and respect yourself and being willing to take care of yourself before you can love, respect and take care of your family.  Always remember that Dylan.  Love, respect and care for yourself first.  It's not selfish.  It's making sure you are all right so you are there to love, respect and care for your family!

Buffalo at the O'Neill's

We finally made it out to Tim and Margo O'Neill's house today.  They have buffalo and one of them had a baby about two and a half weeks ago.  I don't remember seeing buffalo up close and personal before.  Your Dad saw them when he lived in Wyoming and at Yellowstone National Park.  They are huge, especially, the male.  We didn't get in the field with them or anything but Tim got them to come up by feeding them apples and pears off of his trees.  The baby is already so big.  I had a hard time getting a decent picture because the Mom kept stepping between us and the baby.  The Dad came up to the fence but you weren't too interested.  He breathed really loud and I think it was a little overwhelming for you.  We'll go back out some time when you're older and can remember!

Beaver Football

Uncle Matt and Aunt Kristina stayed with us last night; they are going to the OSU football game today.  Uncle Matt "needed" a Beaver hat to keep him warm since it's going to be cold and wet.  Kristina decided to let you try it on since you followed her into the bedroom.  It definitely appears to be one size fits all...and the right colors for you!

Making Cider With Mike and Kathleen

We participated in one of my favorite harvest activities today...making fresh apple cider.  Mike and Kathleen bought a cider press from Don Wolf but hadn't used it yet.  I kept offering to "help" so they finally decided to take us up on the offer.  It was a gorgeous day and the cider (from Melrose apples) was so nice.  We had leftover soups in the fridge so we provided dinner.  All in all, not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

Photos provided by Kathleen Thorpe

You Melt My Heart

I don't have a great picture for you today...just a sweet thought.  You are at an age where you are willing/understanding of giving hugs.  Many times in the morning before I go to work or when I get home, you sit in my lap for a little snuggle.  When I ask you for a hug, you lean your head to my chest and stay there for a bit, then sit up and look at me and smile.  I have to say, it just melts my heart.  I love you so much!

Fall Harvest Potluck

You and Daddy joined me today at the Fall Harvest Potluck at work.  Afterward, we went upstairs and you played office with Aunt Christy.  Not sure what you were pointing out but it was pretty cute!

Picture of the two of us camping from Sky

Hail Mary Camping Trip at Waldo Lake

It's always a fine line between going late enough in the season to avoid the mosquitoes and still getting decent weather but we made it.  We just got home from three days of camping at Waldo Lake with Don and Laura and a bunch of other folks.  It turned out to be pretty decent weather, got two days of kayaking in, and very few mosquitoes. 

You, however, have decided you have a mind of your own.  Imagine that!  We really should have gotten a pack and play for you but you slept with me for so long and we didn't really go anywhere we would need it that I put it off; boy do I wish we had one on this trip.  I think you and the rest of us would have slept better.  Oh well, guess it's all about growing up.  I'm not ready for you to be so grown up but I don't really have much of a say do I!

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Today was my first furlough for this biennium.  While I'm grateful for a job, it really sucks!  I decided to try and make the best of it.  You and I took Rebecca and Destiny to the Oregon Coast Aquarium using a Groupon.  Rebecca treated us to lunch at a Thai restaurant.  We stopped at Central Park in Corvallis on our way home and you ate half of an avocado all by yourself! 

Things Don't Always Go As Planned...Or Your First Haircut

Sometimes Mommy and Daddy don't communicate as well as we wish we did.  Your first haircut was definitely one of those times. 

Your Dad had mentioned in passing that your hair was getting a little long.  I said something about you not needing a haircut.  To be honest, I've had a hard time with how quickly you are growing.  You look like a little person already rather than a baby.  I know that's how it works but as your Mommy, it takes a little getting used to. 

I came home from work last Thursday and instantly knew something was off.  Your Dad had given you a haircut and I missed it.  That's how I viewed it...he saw it a little differently.  Like that I'm a control freak and wanted to control your haircut.  He probably has a grain of truth there but I honestly just want to be involved.  I'm also a bit jealous that he gets to be home with you.  Since I was a little kid, I've always been afraid of missing out on something. 

It's humorous now but wasn't so humorous at the time.  He did do a good job. And, no we decided not to stage a photo session just so we could have photos of your first haircut!

State Fair

We went to the State Fair tonight.  We took you to the petting zoo and the 4-H/FFA animal exhibits and then went to watch the Chinese acrobats and a hypnotist.  You loved the acrobats and feel asleep during the hypnotist.  I didn't take my camera so these pictures from my cell are not good but give you an idea of how it was.

 

My Thoughts on Our Year Together

For some reason, I've had a really hard time putting into words what I feel.  Perhaps, I feel like I'm supposed to have some great words to share with you now that you are a year old.  But, words just seem so insignificant compared to how I feel.  


As Grandma Colleen said in her letter, you have brought so much joy into everyone's lives.  But it's so much more than that for me.  You have been an amazing teacher as well.  I have learned so much from you about myself, about how to interact with the world, and about life.  


Life is much simpler than we try and make it out to be. Thank you for showing that to me.  Thank you for showing me to slow down, to appreciate the highs and the lows.  Thank you for bringing your joy into my life.  


I realized today as your Grandma Bonnie and I were walking in the Tri-Your-Best triathlon, regardless of what you choose to do with your life, I know that you are meant to continue to bring great joy into the lives of those around you.  Thank you.


And, my great words to you?  I LOVE YOU!

Twelve Month Check-up

I can't believe it was already time for your twelve month check-up...stop growing so quickly!  Your Dad and I rode with you on our bikes to your check-up this morning.  I really enjoy having Kim as your pediatrician.  And, she enjoys having you as her patient.  Your stats are as follows: 24.2 lbs (75th percentile), 31 inches long (75 percentile) and a 47.8 cm head circumference (90th percentile).  The worst part was you had to get five shots.  I hate watching the nurse do this; so much so that your Dad is the one that helps hold you still.  You seemed surprised by the first shot but after the second one you really started screaming.  Luckily, you pretty much stopped as soon as we let you sit up and I walked around with you.  By the time we got out to the bikes, you were doing pretty well.

Birthday Letter from Grandma Colleen

Dear Dylan
Your Mom has asked us to write you a letter for your first birthday. I'm not much of a writer, but here goes.
 

You have brought so much joy and fun to all the lives you have touched this year. I have been honored to get to watch you grow, learn and explore the world. You have explored it so much at our house, I had to put up a few road blocks. Like putting a mattress in front of the food shelves, or putting the shoe basket in the way so you couldn't get stuck behind a chair. Just little things like that. Even put a few fragile things up out of reach.
 

Some of the things we have enjoyed doing together includes rocking, snuggling, trying to roll a ball and banging on things with your very own set of measuring cups and spoons. Kristy gave them to you and me when we found out you were on your way. Soon enough we will be using them to make some sugar cookies. Grandpa Bud really likes them. He especially likes them with frosting on them. Hopefully you will too.
 

This year has gone by so fast, especially compared to last year. Seemed like forever, from the time your mom and dad told us they were expecting you and your arrival. I had been wanting a grandchild for a long time. To know there was one in the works was almost torture. But Honey, you were well worth the wait. You have exceeded any expectations I might have had.
 

We've had a few conversations about some of the things we can do together. I know you aren't talking yet. They were a bit one-sided, but you appeared to enjoy them. Things like baking cookies and decorating them, collecting eggs, picking fruit, making cider, going clamming and fishing. Just to name a few of them.
 

Hope you are looking forward to our time together as much as I am.
 

Lots of Love,
Grandma Colleen

A Birthday Celebration

What a fun weekend!  We had your birthday party yesterday so that your Grandparent's could be here.  Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Bud came up and brought Great-grandma Abbie and Great-grandpa Keith.  They stayed the weekend and went home this morning.  You really seemed to enjoy having them here...I guess a few extra snuggles never hurts.  


For the big party, Grandma Colleen made you a teddy bear cake.  My first birthday cake was a teddy bear cake so I thought it would be fun.  We closed off the alley between our house and Gertrude's   Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Loren came, as well as Uncle Donald.  John and Mary from across the street, Nancy Murphy, Toby, Danielle and Ivan Primbs, Rebecca, Hans and Destiny Magnusson, and of course Mike and Kathleen. You have such a great circle of people who love you.  And it's even bigger than those who could make it.

You were pretty spoiled in the gifts department as well.

Rebecca and I had been talking about pinatas and birthday parties.  I thought it would be fun to start a tradition of pinatas at your birthday parties, so Rebecca got a pinata and made it fit the teddy bear idea.  She did a beautiful job!

And, then there was cake!  You weren't too terribly excited.  But you had fun smearing your cupcake around on your tray.

I have lots of thoughts about how special it was for you to have all of your grandparent's here and how lucky we are to have you in our lives, but I think I'll save that for another post.  I'm really a bit overwhelmed by it all right now!

Your Birthday Invitation

As you've probably figured out by now, I do a lot of stuff online if I can...your birthday invitation for tonight's party was done online through Evite. 

I thought I'd put a copy here for you to look at when you're older.

Hiking at Blacklock Point

Today we went hiking with Uncle George, Ben and Brooke out to Blacklock Point.  It is just north of Cape Blanco.  Basically, it's the most westerly point on contiguous 48 states.  The wild strawberries were ripe too.  Turned out to be yet another great day!

Visiting the KOA

This evening all three of us went and visited my friend from high school, Katrina.  Her parents own the KOA just south of Langlois.  They have a playground so we thought we would try you in a swing.  You weren't terribly excited.  I'm not sure it if was the swing or the annoying little boy that kept grabbing the rope and making you careen around like crazy.  Hopefully, next time you will like it a little better!

Nice Walk on the Beach

I love when we get to visit Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Bud...it gives us the opportunity to go for a walk on the beach.  Today was yet another great day to take that opportunity!

Campout Weekend 2011

As a kid, I used to go to Campout with my grandparents at Fred and Vera Virtue's.  Campout is a bunch of people who get together, play fiddle music and eat. Grandma always makes pancakes in the mornings.  We swim at Laverne Park and hunt for crawdads.  

When Fred and Vera passed away, they gave the property to our family knowing we would continue the tradition.  It has become a de facto family reunion.  

This year everyone but your cousin Will was able to be there.  The family picture we took ended up missing Chris too. Otherwise, we're all there!

 

First Time Away at Night

I'm really having a hard time tonight; it's my second night away from you.  Yesterday,  I left at 3 o'clock in the morning and flew to Savannah, Georgia for work.  I miss you terribly.  I was pretty anxious about this trip and while the trip itself is great, being away from you is awful.  You have become such an integral part of my day to day life that I don't know what to do without you.  I ended up calling your Dad at midnight (in Savannah) because I couldn't sleep.  I love you so much and can't wait to get home!

You and Grandpa Bud Have At Least One Thing In Common...

You were both adorable little guys!

Fourth of July with Grandma and Grandpa Jones

Wow, was this a busy weekend or what!  Today, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Jones' house.  Your Dad helped Grandpa work on the roof of the garage.  You, Grandma and I took our bikes up Agency Rd. for about 6 miles.  It was a beautiful ride.  You didn't seem to mind the bumpy road.

Later in the evening, Grandma and Grandpa had friends over and we had a barbecue in their front yard.

Your Dad and I got Uncle Donald some fireworks as a late birthday present.  So, he lit them off before we headed home.  It was a nice day.  Now, I have to go back to work to rest up!

Kayaking for Fourth of July Weekend

Well, I guess it's kind of become a tradition, this kayaking on Fourth of July weekend.  Two years ago, we did from Buena Vista to Independence.  Last year, we did from Independence to Salem.  And, this year, you joined us as we did Albany to Buena Vista.  We went with Mike and Kathleen, Emily and William, and Erin Zysett.  What a great group of people!  It was a nice day and you did pretty well.  I'm not sure your totally excited about being in the kayak that long.  I got you to take a little bit of a nap but not really enough!  You were pretty stoked to be done though :)  I ended up getting a little sunburned.  You, however, are just turning into a tan baby.


PS. It's a good thing Uncle Mike likes Bailey as much as he does.  He had her in his kayak and got close to shore...she jumped out and wouldn't get back in.  He had to go after her and then wade back into the water to get back in the boat.  He was pretty wet.

Volcanoes Baseball and Fireworks

John and Mary got free tickets to the Volcanoes baseball game tonight so we went with them.  It was just about the most perfect evening for watching a ball game; the weather was great.  And, the seats were amazing.  Right behind the catcher.  Too bad the team did so poorly.  After the game, they had a fireworks show.  Your first.  You loved it!  I was holding you and you kept looking at Mary like, "Are you seeing this?"  You weren't afraid at all.

Father's Day Weekend and Don and Laura

We went to Bandon this weekend.  Partially, because it's Father's Day Weekend and partially because there was a great minus tide for clam digging.  We had a barbecue with Great-grandma and Great-grandpa Shaffar at Grandma and Grandpa's Friday night.  On Saturday, you stayed with Grandma so Grandpa, Dad and I could go clam digging with Don and Laura.  I think you and Grandma had a great time!  Then, today, we stopped at Don and Laura's on the way home so they could see you.  You had fun laughing at Don.

Schreiner's Iris Gardens

You and I went to the Iris Gardens today.  Of course I forgot my camera but I still got a few of you with my cell phone.  It was just beautiful there today!

Japanese Gardens

Today, your Dad and I took you to the Japanese Garden in Portland.  Your Dad has been wanting to go for years.  I got a Groupon for it back in February and it was about to expire.  What a beautiful place.  Not exactly stroller friendly but that's okay.  We also looked at the Rose Garden but because the weather has been terrible this spring they weren't hardly blooming yet.


We ended up having dinner at Red Robin in Beaverton.  Traffic was awful and I almost committed some road rage!

Getting Stung

You got stung by a honeybee this morning.  The weather has been nicer so we've been leaving the back door open in the evening.  Your Dad said he saw some bees flying around the light over the kitchen table last night but didn't think anything of it.  Anyway, this morning he had you in your highchair and was feeding you breakfast.  I left the room and you screamed.  We thought maybe it was because I left the room so I came back.  When I went to take you out of the chair, I saw the bee right where your left knee bends.  The poor bee was still stuck in you.  I took it out and you seemed fine.  It swelled a little but other than the initial scream you were fine.  Scared us a little though!

Nine Month Check-up

Today was your nine month check-up.  It was a pretty easy one...no shots this time!  You continue to be a big boy.  You are about 22 pounds 2.5 oz, 29.5 inches long and your head circumference is 46.5 cm.  That puts you in the 80th percentile for everything but weight which is in the 75th percentile.  The only yucky thing today was that Kim saw you had an ear infection so we're going to start you on an antibiotic.  Makes sense.  You kept me up a lot the last two nights and you haven't really been your normal happy self.


Update: The antibiotic hit the spot.  Within a couple of days you were feeling so much better!  

Memorial Weekend

We rode down to Coos Bay with Matt this weekend and then borrowed Steve and Mandy's car and went to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Shaffar.  

We went for a walk on the beach and had coffee during the day on Saturday.  What a nice day...the sun actually came out and we got to drink our coffee's outside!  Grandma and Grandpa watched you Saturday so your Dad and I could go to Steve's birthday barbecue at Steve and Mandy's.  It's always a little weird when we don't have you in the car.  We're never quite sure what to do with ourselves.  


On Sunday, we went to Great-grandma and great-grandpa's and got to see Ryan, Kelli, Jamison and Elliana.  We hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving.  You crawled over and took a toy away from Ellie but she's not crawling so she couldn't really go after you.  You just chewed on the toy on the floor while she smacked you in the head.

Helping Daddy Mow the Backyard

I came home from dragon boat practice to find you "helping" Daddy mow the lawn.  You were in the backpack with one of your bears and fell asleep.  


You make my heart sing Dylan.  Thank you so much!

Just Lookin' Cute and Your First Non-Womb Kayak Trip

You are starting to pull yourself up on things like the window sill in the living room, the coffee table, and the couch.  You looked so cute this morning I thought I'd take a few pictures.  It's hard to limit the number I take or post...you are just too darn adorable!

Then, this afternoon when I got home from dragon boat practice, your Dad and I decided to take you kayaking.  Oddly enough, it was 9 months to the day since you last went...two days before you were born.  You probably would have been more excited about it if it wasn't right about time for you to take a nap!  You did great though, especially once I turned you so you could see me. 

We put in at Riverfront Park and took you up the slough. I gave you some cereal and you took it all in stride.  Thanks so much for being my kayak partner!  I hope we have many more trips.

Rainier Dragon Boat Race

You and Dad went to Tacoma with me this weekend.  You cheered the Peace Dragon Warriors Womens team on while we raced in the Rainier Dragon Boat Festival.  Turned out to be a beautiful day!  We expected rain and it was actually sunny; did start raining on the way home in the afternoon.  We took 5th place overall in the women's division and helped rescue a boat that got swamped and went over!

Girl's Weekend

While you're not a girl, you got to spend Girl's Weekend with Aunt Mandy and Aunt Rachel.  Your Dad got a guys weekend and went hiking with Roland, Michael, and another guy they know named Tim.  He took Bailey too!

The three girls took you to Corvallis Saturday morning and we all did Sophie's Run.  We came back to Salem and took you shopping with us.  Then, Kathleen watched you so the three of us could go out to dinner.  The next morning you ran to Safeway with Aunt Mandy, for bacon, while I made coffee cake.  Then the four of us walked down to Riverfront Park so I could show them the dragon boat before they headed home.  You feel asleep in the pack on the way home.

It was such a nice weekend.  I haven't laughed that much in a long time.  Your Dad and Bailey had a good time even though they had to hike in snow!

Your First Easter Card - From Great-Grandma and Grandpa Shaffar

This card was waiting in the mail for us when we returned home after Easter weekend.

Your First Easter

We went to Bandon this weekend to help Grandpa Shaffar tear the back room off of the house.  Turns out it was also Easter weekend, so we went up to Fairview to have Easter dinner with the Shaffars.  Grandma Abbie has a tradition of making "bunny" cakes.  They are pretty darn cute.  It's always nice to spend time with the family.  You were pretty good in the car except for on the way home.  From around the on-ramp to the freeway to almost Eugene you were very upset and screamed.  You finally screamed yourself to sleep.  Your Dad was driving and I was sitting with you in the back.  After that, I feel asleep with you until we got back to Salem.  Not sure what the problem was.  You were making it clear though that you were done with the car-seat!

Lunch with Gma Lougee and Gma Jones

What a Ride!

I think life with you will never be dull.  I'm not complaining but the last couple of weeks have been quite eventful.  You got, wait for it, three teeth!  The two on the top between your front teeth and your eye teeth, and one in the same spot on the bottom.  You got the first one on top and I saw the other one getting close.  Boy have you been fussy.  Well, I thought you were just working on that second top one when I reached in there and realized you had gotten that third bottom one.

Teething is not our thing.  There's lots of spit involved and biting.  You bit me on the shoulder and used your Dad as a teething ring as well.  We went to dinner at Don and Steph's last night and you got the heel of Don's hand in your mouth and bit that as well!

As if teething wasn't enough, you have figured out how to crawl.  I am not sure I'm ready for you to be mobile.  You, however, are completely happy with your new found skill and use it regularly to get to shoes and computer cables.  Did I mention life will never be dull?  Oh, Dylan, your Dad and I love you so much!  Please be patient as we navigate this parenting thing.

Walking at Lunch

You Are Getting So Big!

You Are Seven Months Today!