Sunny, or not-so-sunny California

Barry had a business trip planned for Southern California this week. I originally was going to meet Cory and Billy in Bend, OR to take Michelle on her first camping trip, but as the weather forecast became ickier and ickier for Bend, Barry invited us along on his business trip. Spent Sunday night in San Diego at the Sheraton with a fabulous view and awesome pool. I was able to sneak away yesterday morning for a 1/2 mile swim followed by a climb up the stairs to our room on the 12th floor. We drove up to Huntington Beach yesterday where Barry scored us another great hotel spot right on the beach, and yes, he got us the beach-view, top-floor jacuzzi suite where Michelle and I took advantage of the jacuzzi last night. We tried getting out for a walk this morning on the beach but two things happened: one, it started to rain. Two, our hotel door won't close. One of the hinges broke so we are stuck in our room until someone fixes it. I am glad we came on this trip with Barry because it has certainly given me appreciation for the annoyances of travel that he has to deal with when he travels for work. You are always waiting for something; a line to get your car, a line to check into your hotel, a line to get on the plane, the maintenance guy to fix the damn door on your hotel room so you can get out enjoy the day! Yes, I do have new found appreciation. But most of all, it is nice that we are all together as a family this week. A very nice way to spend the week, despite the travel hiccups.

Because you can never have too many dog/baby pictures...

Truly, Io is an opportunist. Michelle the champion puker, and Io being the champion puke eater, make a good team. Io knows if he simply waits patiently, there is plenty of good puke go around for everyone.

Now, a few words on the reality of being a stay-home mom. This is a hard job. I am starting to see why people pay other people to watch the little people they bore into this world. But at the same time, I can't fathom it! Every day, she smiles more or looks at me longer or reaches out for something that she didn't care about the day before; and I am there to see it happen! I am literally watching her brain grow and connect ganglia and dendrites, making connections to how she sees her world. And yet, it looks terribly mundane from the outside. For example, mopping the floor in my redicilous PJ's (which Michelle now finds simply fascinating) turns Michelle into super-baby. Looks terribly mundane. But her neck is stronger because of that little game. And now that she is sleeping these awesome 10 hour straight stretches at night, I see the change in the morning. Doing her morning yoga the changing table, she smiles at me as if to say "Look mom! My brain grew overnight and now we can do so much more together. Isn't it just wonderful?" Yes, my love. It is wonderful. Every single minute of it.

Check out those JUGS!

This is what I pumped at 3 AM while Michelle slept 9 hours straight. That's 8oz of boob juice in one shot! No wonder they call them "jugs".

This was her last night brfore bed. I thought her look was priceless.

And a smile for everyone...