So I haven't been the most faithful Friday I'm in Love blogger this summer, but I'm stopping by today with some love!
ONE: Charlotte's Good News
I was overjoyed to learn this week that Misha's beautiful and brave niece, Charlotte, is making great progress towards beating her cancer...and all before age 2. Keep going, fierce one!
TWO: Schick Intuition
I know that a razor is a weird thing to love, but I am lovin' the Schick Intuition. I first read about this when Meg blogged about it while I was pregnant with Elliott. I bought one and loved it during pregnancy, but I figured that I'd go back to a regular ol' razor + shaving gel once I could reach my ankles again. My feet are well within my reach these days, but I still love the simplicity of this razor and cream in one and the added nick resistance it gives a clumsy-with-a-razor girl like me.
THREE: No means no.
Consent has been a big topic in our house lately. Madeleine loves to love on Elliott, but he is getting to an age where he has sometimes had enough of her hugs. We're constantly telling her that his cries are his way of saying "no" right now and that we have to respect his wishes and stop when he says "no." I love how this video sums it up.
Admittedly, I was pretty oblivious about this whole notion until I saw the video, and I now try my best to respect Madeleine's wishes regarding her body (easier said than done, especially with a strong-willed potty-training toddler) and remind her to do the same for others (for example, telling her to ask her friends if they want a hug before she goes in for the cuddle). I'm certainly a work in progress, but I hope that this foundation will serve our kids well as they get older and face more difficult situations where they have to be confident in their right to say "no" and in respecting others' right to do the same.
FOUR: Nordstrom Sale
On a lighter note, I've been loving the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, which opens to the public today. I have so far resisted these adorable dresses (this and this). I was thrilled to see the Zella Live In collection in the sale. They are the only bottoms I've ever found that allow me to work out without needing a single adjustment. I can't wait to see the tops I ordered because I get a little giddy thinking about wearing clothes that don't have to be nursing-accessible. I can't wait to see my fall capsule shape up after my purchases arrive!
Be sure to check out what the other Friday gals are loving: Misha, Kendra, Mary Beth, Laura, Aileen, Jessica, and Ashley. What are you loving?
Showing posts with label Raising Kiddos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raising Kiddos. Show all posts
17 July 2015
08 June 2015
May 2015 Recap
May - phew - what a month! It was fast and full!
Once we got back from Hawaii, I finished my prep for the Mother's Day 5K. We wrapped up Mother's Day with a picnic in our backyard with some good friends.
Am I the only one who is in a little bit of denial that it's already June? Is that just because my first born is about to turn THREE years old (and reminds me of it several times a day)?
Once we got back from Hawaii, I finished my prep for the Mother's Day 5K. We wrapped up Mother's Day with a picnic in our backyard with some good friends.
George and Madeleine have started playing a new game in which they are co-pilots.
In George's car, the kids can now hold hands across the back seat. *Heart melts.*
Misha and Eloise came over for a playdate, and the littles "got acquainted."
Madeleine has been working on setting the table. This particular day, not at meal time, she sat a friend at each seat with a cookie on his/her plate. Pretty stinkin' cute.
This was the day I discovered that Elliott can remove our vent covers. Joy.
And he can crawl up/down a single step. Look at the pride in his eyes!
I hate bubbles. They are sticky and messy and don't work half the time. But I've told myself that I need to let go of some of my particularities so that my kiddos can experience some of the messier aspects of childhood. They both loved the afternoon when I broke out the bubbles.
Speaking of messy, Madeleine likes to get into Elliott's cabinets to find supplies for her babies' diaper changes, bedtimes, baths, etc. After finding this mess, I both cleaned out the infant supplies from his nursery and activated the childproofing already installed on the cabinets. You'd think that this child doesn't have half a dozen baby blankets waiting in her room.
We've continued to do a fair bit of hiking with our PEPS group, and I think that we all agree that the best trails are the ones that end with a playground.
For Memorial Day weekend, we headed to Dallas via this gorgeous PNW scene. Stay tuned for a photo summary.
No particular story with this one; I just love this moment in time.
Girlfriend can walk more naturally in my heels than I can.
We ended the month with another PEPS hike. Good company, good trail.
Am I the only one who is in a little bit of denial that it's already June? Is that just because my first born is about to turn THREE years old (and reminds me of it several times a day)?
29 May 2015
Friday I'm in Love
Helloooooooo, Friday. This is a big week for me because I had my last day of work. I'm trying to live my priorities and convictions, and that means guarding my time for what is really important to me. After noticing that my 60-mile round trip commute was taking close to three hours most days, I had to make a change. I don't know what is next on the professional front, but I do know that I'm looking forward to spending the summer with my little babes, who are less little with each passing day, and spending less time in my car.
Completely unrelated, here's what I'm loving (besides this glorious sunny weather) today.
ONE: Yumbox Bento Box
A friend gifted a Yumbox to Madeleine a year or two ago, and it is a big hit with all of us. I'd say that I use it to pack her lunches about a quarter of the time, and she considers it a real treat. Meanwhile, I love that it makes lunch packing easy and generally pretty healthy. And, despite all that use, it's still in perfect condition.
TWO: Modern Twist Bib
I've previously mentioned that we love their placemats, and I had my eye on their bib. When we were in Hawaii, I stopped a family who had one on their child and asked for their review...and then promptly ordered one. I love our Modern Twist bib! We took it on our trip last weekend to Dallas, and it was so nice to be able to easily wash the bib after each meal and fold it up for meals on the go.
THREE: iHeart Organizing's Quick Tip Tuesday
One of my favorite organizational blogs is iHeart Organizing. So many of the projects featured seem daunting, but her Quick Tip Tuesday projects tend to be so easy to implement. I'm particularly a fan of this packing method, which worked wonders for keeping the kids' clothes separate on our trips to Maui and Dallas.
Check out what the rest of the ladies are loving! Misha, Kendra, Mary Beth, Laura, Aileen, and Jessica. What are you loving today?
Completely unrelated, here's what I'm loving (besides this glorious sunny weather) today.
ONE: Yumbox Bento Box
A friend gifted a Yumbox to Madeleine a year or two ago, and it is a big hit with all of us. I'd say that I use it to pack her lunches about a quarter of the time, and she considers it a real treat. Meanwhile, I love that it makes lunch packing easy and generally pretty healthy. And, despite all that use, it's still in perfect condition.
TWO: Modern Twist Bib
I've previously mentioned that we love their placemats, and I had my eye on their bib. When we were in Hawaii, I stopped a family who had one on their child and asked for their review...and then promptly ordered one. I love our Modern Twist bib! We took it on our trip last weekend to Dallas, and it was so nice to be able to easily wash the bib after each meal and fold it up for meals on the go.
THREE: iHeart Organizing's Quick Tip Tuesday
One of my favorite organizational blogs is iHeart Organizing. So many of the projects featured seem daunting, but her Quick Tip Tuesday projects tend to be so easy to implement. I'm particularly a fan of this packing method, which worked wonders for keeping the kids' clothes separate on our trips to Maui and Dallas.
Check out what the rest of the ladies are loving! Misha, Kendra, Mary Beth, Laura, Aileen, and Jessica. What are you loving today?
11 February 2015
Baby Gear Favorites
As Elliott creeps closer and closer to six months, I find myself putting more and more baby gear away. What better time to share some of our favorite baby items for those of you expecting a little one or looking for the perfect gift for a wee one?
Fisher-Price Rock N Play
I don't know how we lived without this for Madeleine because it allowed us to get some sleep when Elliott was a restless newborn who didn't love sleeping in his big, flat crib. I think this is an absolute must-have for second (and third, fourth, etc.) kids because it provides a safe place for baby out of the reach of well intentioned siblings. I caught Madeleine climbing up both the short and long sides, and she never managed to tip out Elliott!
Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad
I bought this on the recommendation of a friend when I was putting together Elliott's nursery, and I am so very glad that I did! Not only did I not have to make changing pad covers, I also don't have to change changing pad covers when they get soiled. Even the most neon yellow baby poo hasn't managed to stain this baby. There are only two down sides: Elliott isn't always thrilled to be laid on a chilly pad (that may have more to do with a diaper change standing between him and a feeding) and the price - ouch.
Love to Dream Swaddle Up 50/50
I've previously mentioned how much I love the Swaddle Up, and I think the 50/50 is the best possible version of this because it allows for swaddle weaning and a long life as a sleepsack once swaddling days are over.
Diaper Dekor
We decided to get a diaper pail rather than use a trashcan this time around. Even though we cloth diaper, having the pail for overnight disposables, wipes, and (soon) diaper liners really cuts down on nursery odors. This particular pail will be repurposed for ordinary trash in another room once we're past diapers. Anyone using more than the occasional disposable will be happier with a higher capacity one than the classic, but this one gets us through 5 to 7 days between changes.
aiden + anais Hooded Towel
This towel has made it through two kids and is the only baby towel that has made it to six months with Elliott. This gem really does the trick with soaking up the water and wrapping all the way around a growing baby.
NoseFrida
This is one of those things you're glad to have when the baby gets congested at 3am. I've also learned that the real trick of the NoseFrida is also having saline drops to put in the nose to loosen things for (much) more effective snotsucking, so buy them together. Isn't parenting glamorous?!
Chicco Keyfit 30
Admittedly, I don't have experience with any other infant seat, but this carseat has done the job with both of our kiddos. Madeleine used this until about a year old, but I'm expecting Elliott to max out with his height around six to seven months. This seat is highly safety rated and incredibly easy to use. Given that 90% of car seats are installed improperly, having a seat that's easy to use means a lot for making it truly safe for precious cargo. In case you're wondering, the Diono Radian RXT is our favorite convertible seat.
Dr. Brown's Bottles
I expected to have to try several different types of bottles, but both of our kids were offered these ones and took them without a problem. This system is supposed to simulate the effort required with breastfeeding. I don't love having the extra pieces to wash, but I can't complain about totally drama-free bottle feeding intermixed with nursing.
Sophie
Sophie was popular the first time around and is even more popular with Mister E. There's something about this toy that makes it easy for little hands to grip and satisfying for them to chew. I also happen to love that it washes easily. And, yes, it does have over 3,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
What would you add to my list?
Fisher-Price Rock N Play
I don't know how we lived without this for Madeleine because it allowed us to get some sleep when Elliott was a restless newborn who didn't love sleeping in his big, flat crib. I think this is an absolute must-have for second (and third, fourth, etc.) kids because it provides a safe place for baby out of the reach of well intentioned siblings. I caught Madeleine climbing up both the short and long sides, and she never managed to tip out Elliott!
Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad
I bought this on the recommendation of a friend when I was putting together Elliott's nursery, and I am so very glad that I did! Not only did I not have to make changing pad covers, I also don't have to change changing pad covers when they get soiled. Even the most neon yellow baby poo hasn't managed to stain this baby. There are only two down sides: Elliott isn't always thrilled to be laid on a chilly pad (that may have more to do with a diaper change standing between him and a feeding) and the price - ouch.
Love to Dream Swaddle Up 50/50
I've previously mentioned how much I love the Swaddle Up, and I think the 50/50 is the best possible version of this because it allows for swaddle weaning and a long life as a sleepsack once swaddling days are over.
Diaper Dekor
We decided to get a diaper pail rather than use a trashcan this time around. Even though we cloth diaper, having the pail for overnight disposables, wipes, and (soon) diaper liners really cuts down on nursery odors. This particular pail will be repurposed for ordinary trash in another room once we're past diapers. Anyone using more than the occasional disposable will be happier with a higher capacity one than the classic, but this one gets us through 5 to 7 days between changes.
aiden + anais Hooded Towel
This towel has made it through two kids and is the only baby towel that has made it to six months with Elliott. This gem really does the trick with soaking up the water and wrapping all the way around a growing baby.
NoseFrida
This is one of those things you're glad to have when the baby gets congested at 3am. I've also learned that the real trick of the NoseFrida is also having saline drops to put in the nose to loosen things for (much) more effective snotsucking, so buy them together. Isn't parenting glamorous?!
Chicco Keyfit 30
Admittedly, I don't have experience with any other infant seat, but this carseat has done the job with both of our kiddos. Madeleine used this until about a year old, but I'm expecting Elliott to max out with his height around six to seven months. This seat is highly safety rated and incredibly easy to use. Given that 90% of car seats are installed improperly, having a seat that's easy to use means a lot for making it truly safe for precious cargo. In case you're wondering, the Diono Radian RXT is our favorite convertible seat.
Dr. Brown's Bottles
I expected to have to try several different types of bottles, but both of our kids were offered these ones and took them without a problem. This system is supposed to simulate the effort required with breastfeeding. I don't love having the extra pieces to wash, but I can't complain about totally drama-free bottle feeding intermixed with nursing.
Sophie
Sophie was popular the first time around and is even more popular with Mister E. There's something about this toy that makes it easy for little hands to grip and satisfying for them to chew. I also happen to love that it washes easily. And, yes, it does have over 3,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
What would you add to my list?
05 January 2015
New Year...
At the end of most years (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009), I sit down and reflect upon the year and set goals for the coming new year. As you can see, I didn't exactly get to this project in a timely fashion this year! And, frankly, this post is more about me and the process of writing it than for you lovely readers. :-)
I must admit that my aspirations for 2015 aren't too far off of my aspirations for 2014. Time is our most precious commodity, and I continue to struggle with exactly how to spend it. This feels even more real to me now as I watch Elliott grow at an unprecedented rate and Madeleine blossom into a little girl.
As a parent, I'm not in the business of entertaining, but I don't want to be so wrapped up in the day-to-day that we don't take a chance to stop and really play on occasion. Our summer bucket list was so successful at keeping me inspired to do new and exciting (to toddler) things that I may try more seasonal lists this year. I don't want to be busy just for the sake of being busy, but I do want to get out of the house a little more (tough when kiddos' naps overlap very little) and have a few more memories to show for my days at home. The same goes for our family time at the weekends: I aspire to get a good mix of "doing nothing" at home with going out and exploring. It's easy to plan things around our (adorable) squeaky wheel, but I also want to honor Elliott's development and plan activities around him, too.
This week marks my post-partum return to work, and I feel good about it. In the past, my part-time schedule has allowed me several days at home with the kids mixed with a couple of days at the office, which gives me professional satisfaction, adult interaction, and sets the example I want to show for my kids. I know that it will be harder with two, but I really hope that we can make this work.
George and I do a pretty good job of putting our relationship at the top of our priorities. We have every intention of continuing our standing date nights as well as taking our first weekend away. In some ways, we do a great job of turning the mundane into quality time (hanging out and chatting during long bedtime nursing sessions, for example), but we can definitely improve on how technology gets in the way of spending our evenings together. I also want to do a better job of making sure that George knows exactly how much I love an appreciate him. He's such a fantastic husband, father, and life partner!
Like pretty much every year, fitness and smaller waistlines are on the radar. We're going to schedule workout time into our new weekly routine to keep/put it in our lives. This is particularly a struggle with my return to work because I have typically worked out on the days when I would otherwise be working. I've met a lovely personal trainer through the mother's nursing/pumping room at our gym, so I'm hoping she can help! I'm also planning to rely heavily on our rowing machine, which I have enjoyed using so far in my post-partum journey. Finally, I have fantasies of returning to distance running though, if I'm being honest, I suspect this is more likely to happen once I'm done nursing because it is seriously high impact and uncomfortable unless I've just finished nursing/pumping.
I want this to be the year that I figure out how to make technology work for me and ditch what doesn't. A new phone should be arriving for me any day (goodbye, cracked screen!), and I've already decided that I am not going to put shortcuts to social media on my home screen. I want to limit my time on social media to primarily times when I am sitting down at a (personal) computer, which is lucky to happen once a day. Hopefully eliminating all of those three-minute "breaks" will add up to more truly usable time. I want to continue blogging with the motto of less obligation and more desire. I feel drawn to blog more about parenting, so stick around to see how that plays out. And this has to be the year that I figure out how to get ahold of my email; it is out of control, and I hate it.
Basically, I'm saying that I want our time to be spent meaningfully and with purpose. I don't want to be busy for the sake of being busy, but I also don't want us to be idle. I want to find the right balance of working toward long term goals and dealing with immediate needs. A friend and I were recently discussing the myth of doing it all, and I hope that this year I can come closer to deciding which things I want to do and letting go of the others.
Oh, the hope that comes with a new year!
I must admit that my aspirations for 2015 aren't too far off of my aspirations for 2014. Time is our most precious commodity, and I continue to struggle with exactly how to spend it. This feels even more real to me now as I watch Elliott grow at an unprecedented rate and Madeleine blossom into a little girl.
As a parent, I'm not in the business of entertaining, but I don't want to be so wrapped up in the day-to-day that we don't take a chance to stop and really play on occasion. Our summer bucket list was so successful at keeping me inspired to do new and exciting (to toddler) things that I may try more seasonal lists this year. I don't want to be busy just for the sake of being busy, but I do want to get out of the house a little more (tough when kiddos' naps overlap very little) and have a few more memories to show for my days at home. The same goes for our family time at the weekends: I aspire to get a good mix of "doing nothing" at home with going out and exploring. It's easy to plan things around our (adorable) squeaky wheel, but I also want to honor Elliott's development and plan activities around him, too.
This week marks my post-partum return to work, and I feel good about it. In the past, my part-time schedule has allowed me several days at home with the kids mixed with a couple of days at the office, which gives me professional satisfaction, adult interaction, and sets the example I want to show for my kids. I know that it will be harder with two, but I really hope that we can make this work.
George and I do a pretty good job of putting our relationship at the top of our priorities. We have every intention of continuing our standing date nights as well as taking our first weekend away. In some ways, we do a great job of turning the mundane into quality time (hanging out and chatting during long bedtime nursing sessions, for example), but we can definitely improve on how technology gets in the way of spending our evenings together. I also want to do a better job of making sure that George knows exactly how much I love an appreciate him. He's such a fantastic husband, father, and life partner!
Like pretty much every year, fitness and smaller waistlines are on the radar. We're going to schedule workout time into our new weekly routine to keep/put it in our lives. This is particularly a struggle with my return to work because I have typically worked out on the days when I would otherwise be working. I've met a lovely personal trainer through the mother's nursing/pumping room at our gym, so I'm hoping she can help! I'm also planning to rely heavily on our rowing machine, which I have enjoyed using so far in my post-partum journey. Finally, I have fantasies of returning to distance running though, if I'm being honest, I suspect this is more likely to happen once I'm done nursing because it is seriously high impact and uncomfortable unless I've just finished nursing/pumping.
I want this to be the year that I figure out how to make technology work for me and ditch what doesn't. A new phone should be arriving for me any day (goodbye, cracked screen!), and I've already decided that I am not going to put shortcuts to social media on my home screen. I want to limit my time on social media to primarily times when I am sitting down at a (personal) computer, which is lucky to happen once a day. Hopefully eliminating all of those three-minute "breaks" will add up to more truly usable time. I want to continue blogging with the motto of less obligation and more desire. I feel drawn to blog more about parenting, so stick around to see how that plays out. And this has to be the year that I figure out how to get ahold of my email; it is out of control, and I hate it.
Basically, I'm saying that I want our time to be spent meaningfully and with purpose. I don't want to be busy for the sake of being busy, but I also don't want us to be idle. I want to find the right balance of working toward long term goals and dealing with immediate needs. A friend and I were recently discussing the myth of doing it all, and I hope that this year I can come closer to deciding which things I want to do and letting go of the others.
Oh, the hope that comes with a new year!
25 December 2014
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from us and ours to you and yours!
Today I'm stopping by to share a few of the many special things we've done to celebrate the Christmas season (besides keeping the radio tuned to the 24-hour Christmas music station...much to George's dismay).
Visited Santa:
Posed for professional family photos:
Picked out Elliott's first Christmas tree:
Decorated the tree:
Redirected Madeleine to decorate her tree (much more successful this year):
Celebrated with our PEPS Group (2.5 years and counting):
Dressed the kiddos in matching Christmas jammies:
Visited a Christmas light display with some of our friends:
Enjoyed our out-of-town friends:
Hope your holiday season has been as fulfilling!
In lieu of tomorrow's Friday I'm in Love, picture me loving on the precious faces featured above.
In lieu of tomorrow's Friday I'm in Love, picture me loving on the precious faces featured above.
19 December 2014
Friday I'm in Love
My week has been all about wrapping gifts and quilting. Hopefully I'll be ready to share more details of the latter next week. Until then, I want to share some loves relating to the former.
ONE: Photo Wrapping Paper
On a whim, upon seeing a major sale, I ordered some custom photo wrapping paper, and I've been really happy with it. I wish I'd known about it in time to wrap our gifts that had to be shipped. Next year, I'm going to be all over this!
TWO: Green Toys
I love Madeleine's Green Toys (and so does she), and I was reminded this week just how much when they were 50% off on Amazon. They are made from recycled plastic, sturdy, and easy to wash...not to mention super fun for kiddos. What's not to love? Hopefully Madeleine and Elliott will love both the gifts wrapped for this Christmas as well as the ones I bought on sale for birthdays/holidays in the future.
Head over to see what the Friday Gals - Misha, Kendra, Mary Beth, and Laura - are loving this week, too.
ONE: Photo Wrapping Paper
On a whim, upon seeing a major sale, I ordered some custom photo wrapping paper, and I've been really happy with it. I wish I'd known about it in time to wrap our gifts that had to be shipped. Next year, I'm going to be all over this!
TWO: Green Toys
I love Madeleine's Green Toys (and so does she), and I was reminded this week just how much when they were 50% off on Amazon. They are made from recycled plastic, sturdy, and easy to wash...not to mention super fun for kiddos. What's not to love? Hopefully Madeleine and Elliott will love both the gifts wrapped for this Christmas as well as the ones I bought on sale for birthdays/holidays in the future.
Head over to see what the Friday Gals - Misha, Kendra, Mary Beth, and Laura - are loving this week, too.
09 November 2014
Weekend in Photos
Our weekend started on Friday. George took the day off work so that we could have all hands on deck for our big 3-day potty training adventure. We knew that Madeleine was (really, really) ready for this when she started playing potty a few weeks ago.
We're bracing for a busy week and much colder temperatures. How was your weekend, and what's on your agenda for the week?
She did a great job telling us when she needed to go to the toilet (sometimes even when she didn't) and is in underwear full time now. Hopefully the sleep wets will resolve themselves over time.
Grandma and Papa's package with firefighter hats, a new book, and stacking logs arrived at the perfect time!
Madeleine's not the only one who got to enjoy extra Daddy time!
When the kids were sleeping, I started an overhaul of my craft storage, including uniformly folding all 52 yards of Madeleine's fabric (that big one in the middle is fabric from Hawaii that will be the back of a quilt for her).
This morning, Elliott and I joined a friend for a cruise around a local quilt show. I soaked up lots of inspiration, including this original design.
As we try to do most weekends, we took the kids to the pool. Madeleine is a water maniac while Elliott happily floats along.
After his swim, Elliott was exhausted. He connected with his hand for just long enough to put himself solidly to sleep.
Once we were home and he was fed, Elliott allowed me to capture his beautiful smile. He's very content but rather stingy with his big, toothless grin, so I'm especially happy to have finally captured it.
We're bracing for a busy week and much colder temperatures. How was your weekend, and what's on your agenda for the week?
30 October 2014
San Jose, California
We visited the San Jose area last week. Our flight down was full of firsts: first flight as a family of four, Elliott's first flight ever, Madeleine's first flight in her own seat, and Madeleine's first time being responsible for carrying her own little backpack. We had lots of success and a smooth adventure. We seem to have mastered our routines for the tough parts - unloading the car, checking the bags, getting through security, boarding, and deplaning - so that really cuts down on the overall stress.
In Silicon Valley, we rented a condo, and it made a huge difference. We had plenty of space and didn't have to worry about noise during naps or eating out with grumpy kids. Madeleine did great adapting to a different big girl bed than her own. Because we had an actual place rather than just a hotel room, we were able to entertain some friends, which meant more time visiting and less time trying to entertain a fidgeting toddler at a restaurant table. The location was in the heart of a downtown area, which had perks like walking to sushi and story hour at the local library.
This was primarily a business trip for George, so the kids and I kept ourselves busy during business hours. One morning, I took the kids to downtown San Jose to explore the Children's Discovery Museum, and it was a big hit. Actually, it probably would have been a big hit even if we didn't go inside because it has a giant inflated rubber ducky on the roof, train tracks beside it, and the SJC approach path right above. What more could a transportation-obsessed toddler want?
We did go inside, though, and Madeleine spent about a third of our time there playing on and around an old fire truck. This was rather convenient given that Elliott decided he needed to eat as soon as we got there.
Even so, Madeleine decided that her favorite part of the museum was the bubble exhibit. Who wouldn't love playing in tables full of bubble solution and a machine constantly dropping huge bubbles from the floor above?
Of course, my favorite part about visiting Silicon Valley iseating at La Villa catching up with our friends in the area. In addition to a fun and delicious but unphotographed Sunday brunch with Mike and Tracy, we had several play dates with the Midglets and some time to hang out with their parents.
At two months old, Elliott was mostly just along for the ride but seemed to enjoy the new scenery. We're lucky to have such a happy baby and (by all appearances so far) another good traveler.
In Silicon Valley, we rented a condo, and it made a huge difference. We had plenty of space and didn't have to worry about noise during naps or eating out with grumpy kids. Madeleine did great adapting to a different big girl bed than her own. Because we had an actual place rather than just a hotel room, we were able to entertain some friends, which meant more time visiting and less time trying to entertain a fidgeting toddler at a restaurant table. The location was in the heart of a downtown area, which had perks like walking to sushi and story hour at the local library.
This was primarily a business trip for George, so the kids and I kept ourselves busy during business hours. One morning, I took the kids to downtown San Jose to explore the Children's Discovery Museum, and it was a big hit. Actually, it probably would have been a big hit even if we didn't go inside because it has a giant inflated rubber ducky on the roof, train tracks beside it, and the SJC approach path right above. What more could a transportation-obsessed toddler want?
We did go inside, though, and Madeleine spent about a third of our time there playing on and around an old fire truck. This was rather convenient given that Elliott decided he needed to eat as soon as we got there.
 |
| This is serious business. |
Even so, Madeleine decided that her favorite part of the museum was the bubble exhibit. Who wouldn't love playing in tables full of bubble solution and a machine constantly dropping huge bubbles from the floor above?
Of course, my favorite part about visiting Silicon Valley is
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| Of course Madeleine's favorite part of the art class was reading books. |
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| I can't help but think back to when the toddlers were closer to Elliott's age. |
At two months old, Elliott was mostly just along for the ride but seemed to enjoy the new scenery. We're lucky to have such a happy baby and (by all appearances so far) another good traveler.
After so much fun with our friends and exploring some new places in the sunny 70-degree weather, it was a bit tough to return to rainy, 50-degree Seattle...but there is no place like home!
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