Our Little Pear - 14 Weeks

Pregnancy with toddlers is certainly different. For one, I don't have my dog-eared copy of "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" at the side of my bed nor am I guaranteed that I can get 20-minutes to lay down during the day to rest anymore. Bettina is now skipping naps, even if I wait until 3pm to start them (this used to work like a charm, but only half the time now). Often, I forget completely what week we're in with Baby #3; there are just too many other important things going on at the same time. Usually, I have to wait until Sundays, when I get my email reminder from babycenter.com that tells me how many weeks the little life is. It tells me that, despite my big tummy, about the size of a large cantaloupe, our baby is about the size of a pear and about 3-inches long. S/He is complete with fingerprints now. Somehow, that seemed to sneak up fast.

This week, I had my monthly visit with my OB/GYN and got to hear the heartbeat. I had one complaint: how come I'm so big so fast this time when there's only one? I seem to be as big as I was this time with two! Normal, she responds. Good ole' pregnancy hormones send out a message to let all my tummy and stomach muscles to relax and the big tummy just falls out. I don't need maternity pants (but am on the verge), but the tops are essential. Regular tops are just too short in lenght. I still have morning sickness - something I suffered with until week 18 with the girls. I've asked for meds to help as I'm snappy and my parenting skills are compromised. They have given me something strong enough to use with cancer patients' nausea. It helps a lot - I didn't actually realize how sick I was feeling until the pills made me remember what "normal" is like.

The girls are getting ready to start pre-school next month. It is suggested that they start so that, when the baby comes, they are already comfortable in their routine and don't see school as a punishment or another change that the baby has brought. Along with all the Christmas cards we got in the mail yesterday, a postcard from their teacher, Andrea, came. It had her picture on it. The girls recognized her right away and got excited to hear from her at home. We decided on a Reggio Emilia school, and I'm really pleased to have found 2-spots in the middle of the year. Another of their friends, Nathan, will be taking the last spot in their group of 6 kids. Nathan has identical twin sisters who are 5 years old. I have been buddying up with their mom, Julie, since she has a lot of insight to kids after twins. The spacing between her twins and Nathan is the same as what ours will be. She's been a great resource for questions such as car configurations and the like. We look forward to maintaining this friendship at school as well.

We All Love Baby Braxton...

Isn't this just the cutest picture? Talk about kissing cousins.... One to cherish!

Ava Joins the Ranks - The Cat Walk at GAP

Sometimes you've got the right size, but not the right attitude. That's what we've always had when it came to Ava's fit-modeling career. However, we got a call from our manager last week asking if Ava was still wearing a size 7 shoe. "Yeah, she is," I answer. "Now, which one has the better temperment?" Michelle asks. I know what she means -- Bettina doesn't really have a "better" temperment, per-say, but has more curiousity and willingness to try on new things in front of a room of complete strangers. "Bettina," I answer. "Does she wear a size 7?" she asks hopefully. "No. She's an 8." "Well, how do you think Ava will do?" I can't promise anything other than we could practice at home beforehand.

So, in the morning, just before our appointment with Baby GAP, Ava and I practice putting on different types of shoes: some too big, some too small, and some in colors I know she hates. Every time she does what is asked without complaining, she gets a Skittle and gets to choose the color as well. I'm still a bit nervous since the last time we went to a shoe gig, she absolutely refused; we got black-listed from that client.

With fingers crossed, we walk in to meet our contact at Baby GAP. The fitting goes great - she tries on the shoes and walks the "cat walk" observed by a team of designers, returning to ask for "a yellow one". We have found Ava's current currency. We're called back again before the week's done, and again, she gets her pick of colored candies. Good job, Ava!!

Little Parasite

'Tis the season to be thankful for all the little things... There are many obvious things: cute little girls who insist on doing things themselves, who delight in seeing Christmas lights, get shy around Santa, and relish in hot chocolate and ice cream. However, I must admit that I'm feeling a bit annoyed with a little parasite which has been silently leaching off my body, sucking all my energy as well as any appetite or satisfaction from food. And, with the holiday season, what a time to be turned off by food!

And, poor Paul! Since I'm not turned on by food, I'm certainly not excited about shopping for or preparing it for him. He usually gets the short-end of that stick. I am thankful he's understanding and not pouty about that. And, the poor girls! They want to play and jump on my tummy and be launched into the air on Mommy's feet like an airplane. Sorry - not in the mood. I'm grouchy that I have to tell them "no" and "that gives Mommy an owie."

Since we are to practice being thankful, I only have to do two things to set myself straight again: look at the refrigerator where a picture of the grape-sized parasite resides, proving it's little heartbeat, fingers and toes exist and, remember back 3-years ago when I was so sick, I spent nearly all day for 13-weeks in bed. So, it has been worse. It's just different now that more little beings, no longer legitimate parasites, but dependants none-the-less, vie for my energy and attention.

That's right - my parasite isn't something I picked up during some exotic travels, but is something Paul and I hoped to create. We're having Baby #3!!! Are we excited? Absolutely!! And I will be a lot more thankful in a couple more weeks once I'm able to regain my stomach and energy level.

Watching Ainsley and Patrick these last couple of days with their new baby is inspiring -- sort of a look at what's to come. And, spending the holidays with the girls, who "get" Christmas and all the magic that it encompasses for them, #3, who should arrive late-June, will be another treat and a true blessing! We are thankful - even for a parasite!

Baby Braxton is Here!

Braxton Raymond was born at 7:12 pm today, Wednesday Nov. 21st. He is 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches (if memory serves) and has a loud set of lungs!! Ainsley is doing great and did it all al natural!!

Patrick describes little Braxton as having "10 fingers, 10 toes, no tail and looks like a chicken with no hair."

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

This Is How It Should Be

They decided not to force her to take the medication once they figured out that she didn't want to take it anymore. Phone calls went out: "Grandma's coming home. Come when you can - she's not expected to make it past the weekend."

So, family began to gather, filling up her and my Aunt's bedrooms as well as the neigboring hotel. Food was brought over from members of the church congregation. We took turns holding her hand, reading to her from the Bible, checking her meds and comfort level. Three or four of us would help turn her every couple of hours to help her skin stay intact. We learned how to bath her, style her hair, and move her, strategically propping her pillows to avoid pressure points. We journaled anything pertainant so we could all participate in her care. Grandma was surrounded by familiar things, smells and noises. Calming recordings of her church choir ran softly from a CD player in her room as well as the filtered noise of the televised football games the guys were watching. Things are relaxed and "normal." The visiting nurse came to check on her. After watching us, she looked approvingly at us and said, "This is how it should be." Everyone participating, loving and protecting Grandma's dignity. Her comment made me cry as I realize just how beautiful this all is.
Saturday afternoon, there was a marked progression, so we gathered in the family room where she was placed and sung hymns for nearly 2-hours. We whispered in her ear and allowed others to say last words via a cell phone to her ear. She'd acknowledge with a slight lift of the hand or facial twitch. Her breathing was much labored now.

We were assisted in the evening by Anita, a nursing assistant I liken to a doula for death. Extremely compassionate and educational, she'd prepare us for and teach us to recognize the next stage. When Grandma's last moments came, she awakened those not already with her. It wasn't 15 minutes after she woke me up that Grandma passed. Surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and filled with the hope and promise of joining God and her high school sweetheart and husband of over 63 years, she made a peaceful and graceful transition into the Kingdom of Heaven. Grandma passed this morning at 4:55am. That nurse was right: This is how it should be. If only everyone had the same blessed opportunity.

Ainsley's Shower

Ainsley and Patrick had a flurry of baby-readiness activities this week. Two showers (pictures can be seen here) and a giant baby furniture warehouse sale. They should have everything they need, for Baby Braxton. It's just the waiting game now.

Halloween - a Bit Remiss

The Halloween pictures, the Halloween pictures... I'm finally getting around to posting the Halloween pictures.


A few days before Halloween, we tried to spread cheer through the neighborhood as we meet with a couple other kids from church to do a costume parade at a retirement house. The girls were shy at first, but then quickly visited people around the circle handing out little gifts of oranges and flowers. In hindsight, apples may be a better choice to give as most of the residents did not have the dexterity to peel the oranges. But after some help, they enjoyed them with us.


Our Ladybug and Butterfly enjoyed a nice time trick-or-treating. Here with Grandma, we hit up the retail shopping center during their hosted event. We later dined with friends casually then headed down the hill at nightfall for some trick-or-treating candy. The girls loved process, although they have yet to remember to say "trick or treat" for their treats.

Ava was scared of one costume: Jack the Pumpkin, who she called The Baseball Monster since the stitches on his head reminded her of a baseball. She's still talks about the Baseball Monster with fear and even started screaming one time as I was listening to the radio. I realized it was the "sports minute" and they were talking about Barry Bonds, the baseball player. She doesn't even like to hear about baseball in general; it's all too closely related to Jack the Pumpkin.

Jack the Pumpkin didn't bother Bettina at all. As Ava screamed and refused to approach the door where the "monster" was receiving his candy, Bettina passed us all and boldly asked for two candies! There's Bettina. We should have dressed her as a bull rather than a dainty butterfly!

Momma says, "Pimp My Ride!"

What's it like to be me? Watch this little movie, and you'll have some insight...

And Paul asks me why it's necessary to take my car to the car wash once every 6-weeks....

Tired of Watching Videos

Although we're still feeling awful, I am tired of being stuck sick at home watching videos. The girls don't feel like playing with their toys so much and to prevent agitating my own headache, I've allowed the videos to roll.

However, the weather is so nice, that despite feeling "poopy," we pack everyone up for a quick visit to the pumpkin patch. Couldn't get too many large smiles - or even a grin, but there was lots to see and it probably improved our mood.

We brought Hayden for a picture, too!

Happy Birthday, Daddy

The girls had so much fun making cupcakes for Daddy's birthday! It was our first attempt at baking....it went well enough, I think we could try something else soon.

We then got dressed up, in what Ava refers to as "ballerinas" (aka skirts) and took Dad to our favorite family restaurant: Fresh Choice (or aka "ice cream" ever since Daddy shared the secrets of the dessert bar with the girls).

After presents and singing, it wrapped up to be a beautiful day!

Pile of Tissues by the Bed

We've been sick. Bettina got it first, about a week ago. Her fever started Wednesday night, perhaps early Thursday morning. It finally broke on Friday. I'm glad, however, that she got it first. Bettina is a needy, whiney barnicle when she's not herself and demands to be carried everywhere. So, since Tuesday last week, I've been using my Chinese sling like a regular pack horse.

Saturday, Paul and I got away to have an anniversary dinner at The Ritz in Half Moon Bay. Nonna, who watched the kids for us, had a hard time getting the girls down. That night, Ava's fever came and I was up all night with not just one, but two whiney kids. Paul and I soon realized that it was divide and conquer night: Ava sleeps with me in our bed and Daddy with Bettina in their room, since 4 in a bed is ridiculous and Tina wouldn't sleep with so much "freedom" anyhow. By Sunday, I knew exactly that the moaning came from body aches rather than the sore throat I suspected - I had it, too. And, since then, we've had to keep the same sleep arrangments, gratis a Ava.

Ava, too congested to breathe, wakes up every 45-minutes to an hour crying, "Mommy, I's sick!" or "Mommy, I's need to blow my nose." She and I shared a box of Kleenex and I bottle of water to combat the cotton-mouth.

This morning, as Daddy came into the room to get ready for work, Ava defensively stretched out on her newly claimed turf: "Ava's bed! Go away! Daddy cuddle Tina!" Poor Daddy! However, my sympathy is short-lived as I know that Bettina, who's on the upswing, is now able to sleep through the night and Daddy got a full-night's sleep. As I swing my feet down to the floor, I find a pile of Kleenexes scattered all about evidencing our long, miserable night. Then I think, "He probably wouldn't want to spend the night with us anyway!"

Finally Home with Baby

Now here are a group of pictures that tell the whole story...

Emily called Jon in Bahrain, half-way across the world, and says, "Honey, I think it's time." He's able to coach her through her delivery while waiting to board his flight home. He even gets this clever sign made up just before boarding.



Someone lets the cabin crew know that another soldier is coming home to yet another new baby and they bake him up a little surprise. Their cake reads, "Congrats, Dad."


Meanwhile, Emily and Ella cuddle with Baby Rudy, knowing that Daddy's coming home soon.


And, finally, Jon walks into the hospital the following afternoon, ready to take his son, bride and little Ella back home - as one proud family (along with his mother, my aunt MaryAnn, who's out to help).

Makes you get all choked up and teary, doesn't it?

Still Coming Home to Baby

Well, word came today: Jon's on his way home from Iraq, expected to land at home tomorrow afternoon. Both he and his wife, Emily, were hoping he'd be there to see his baby, due the following day, come into to world. However, Rudy James, born this morning at 9:30am at 8lbs. 6 oz. and 19 3/4 long, and God had other plans.

Ironically, I was emailing Emily asking how she was last night after one of the girls woke up requiring a diaper change and I couldn't sleep right away. She emailed back that she was up with back pain that wouldn't let her sleep either. After she signed off, it must have progressed quite rapidly!!

The good news is that they were able to hail Jonathan somehow in Navy-land and, via telephone, he coached Emily through her pushing. I'm sure that I'll have some photos to share soon, but in the meantime, welcome to the world, Rudy James and welcome home, Jonathan!!

First Carousel Ride

Just look at the glee in those little eyes! Could we just bottle up some of this happiness and save it for a rainy day? The label on the outside would read "The Feeling Of My First Carousel Ride."

Dr. Snoopy Gives Out Teeth

Bettina gets comfortable while waiting for Dr. Snoopy

Bettina opens wide and shows Dr. Snoopy her broken teeth

We don't know how it happened or even when. Little Bettina is so stoic and tough, that she just appeared one evening with two broken teeth.

Of course, I was on the internet all night asking other moms for "emergency" pediatric dentist referrals and panicked about how quickly I could call Dr. Snoopy's (who received his nickname from the decor of his office and was referred by 80% of the mom's who responded) office. Two-minutes after his office opened, I was assured that Bettina's teeth were not an emergency, but that the doctor would like to see her anyhow, just to make sure. At least the sense of urgency was placated.

The visit was very much like the rest of my week: manic and out-of-control. Both girls (I had to take Ava with me) were "in a mood" (partially my fault since I took an appointment near their nap time) and weren't listening to me in the waiting room (partially their fault since they only have one toy in the entire waiting room!!!). Somehow, I don't have a copy of the insurance card and my cell phone was also forgotten at home so I can't even call Paul to get the information from him. Then I watch Ava sneek into a corner and get very quiet. This means one thing: poop-time. I pulled out all my supplies and realize that Paul had taken out the wipes the night before to deal with something and forgot to put them back. No wipes!!

I asked the front desk for some Kleenex and they could only give me 3 sheets for some reason. So I take out my changing pad, have Ava lay down, and pull down her pants. Stuff OOZES ALL OVER - total diaper failure!!! It's all over her pants and during her wiggle-fest, gets onto her shirt. The recpetion finally sees I'm needing a whole lot more that 3-sheets and rescues me with a garbage bag and some wet paper towels. Needless to say, Ava went the rest of the visit naked wearing only shoes and a diaper. Bettina did great for the doctor (who gave her and me a compliment for being so obliging), and he reassured me that the teeth are fine. Nothing's loose or seemingly cracked (an x-ray during their regular cleaning with confirm it) and when she's older - 3 years or so - and can sit still for half an hour, he can bond them so they look whole again. Whew! I thought I'd have to deal with the guilt of seeing all her pictures until she's 8-years old be with her showing off her two-front broken teeth!!

Getting out the door was an ordeal again. Reception took about 7-9 minutes to even get to me to schedule their regular appointments. Meanwhile, both girls were a handful wandering in and out of the exam areas, laying on the floor whining like crankypots and for their balloons - which they continue to release, and keep trading their toys from Snoopy's doghouse which all seem to be those plastic vampire teeth, (I guess we are close to Halloween) but they think is candy and become frustrated when they can't eat them. I was a little miffed at how long it took them to get me my appointments, but definatley relieved that Bettina's broken teeth will eventually get better. I hope for the strenght to get through such a manic day and hope that their impending baths (thanks to Ava's failed diaper) will wash away much of the chaos.

My Kid's Got FOMO!

I was enjoying a lovely cup of coffee out with a friend of mine when we ran into another mom, who just had her second child. We were chatting and I was asking about how the second one was doing. "Well, she's got FOMO. My first one was so easy, I guess I had it easy." She went on and on, ending with, "I'm just exhausted dealing with all this FOMO syndrome stuff!"

Gosh! What is this awful thing called FOMO. I'll have to ask my doctor about it. I'd never heard of it, but it sounded devastating and horribly exhausting for both baby and mommy. "What's FOMO?" my girlfriend asked. "It sounds like another one of your well-known acronyms."

"Oh, it is," answered the new mom..."FOMO is 'Fear Of Missing Out' syndrome. The new one just never wants to miss out on anything. If she hears a noise of any kind or sees something unsual, she won't nap or sleep and fights the urge off so she becomes a sleep-depraved crankypot!"

Well, I love a mom with a sense of humor. Not only did I had to admit it was kind of funny, but I quickly empathized, "I've got one with FOMO as well!" It frustrates me to no end! She can't sleep in the car, has a tough time in new places, can't handle her freedom should she not be locked in with a sleep-sack and a crib-tent, and has never once transitioned from sleeping one place to another. If she wakes slightly, she jolts herself awake just in case there's something she should know about.

The nasty thing about FOMO is that it doesn't seem to be something they just grow out of. So, good luck to all of you moms of FOMO kids. It's nice to acknowledge and share empathy with each other, and, the best thing is to have a sense of humor about it. It just adds more depth to the wrinkles we're suppossed to get!

Coming Home to Baby

Jon's C2-Greyhound

We got word that my cousin Jonathon will be coming home from Iraq to see his baby a day before he is due. He is set to come home next week and his very pregnant wife is very anxious (as is the rest of the family). Hurray!!

Along with this news came more photos from him. There were also some interesting photos from the air of the bland, sand-colored countryside - the buildings the same color as the land and everything else. A couple more of some sand storms and of them on the base with masks over their mouths to assist in keeping the sand out of lungs, I suppose.

Although it took him a month or more to get there, he's coming home in 2-days along with 2 other men of his squadron. All three men are coming home, early perhaps, to their very pregnant wives and/or brand new kidlets. Should make for a wonderful reunion!

Mommy, I Want a Pony....

Ava and little Sparky

She couldn't have said anything closer to my heart. Bettina likes ponies -- she likes to get on and then get off....get on, get off, etc. She likes to ride because we're at the barn. Ava, on the other hand, asks for a pony or to ride a pony even when there's not one around to be seen. It's on her mind all the time, like Peter Pan or the Kitty-Cat Movie (Aristocats). The only reason she came down from the saddle on this day was that Dean was at the barn also and he was playing with the goats and the piggies. Ava's got a thing for Dean and it's almost stronger than her thing for ponies. I'm not sure that Daddy is comforted by that for long....

Too bad that my camera ran out of batteries before Bettina's ride. Dean was more interested in the goat, bunnies and pigs too take time to ride the pony.

Oh, What a Night!

At the football game with many Class of 87'ers - we got whooped by the rivals, btw.
Thank goodness these things only come once every ten-years!

Our high school reunion - our 20th - was this last weekend. We had all sorts of activities to choose from: a football game, a bar, a golf tourney, a dinner, and a picnic, with other impromptu sideshows and specticles.

Somehow, I found myself on the planning committee. I swore I'd never do it again after the 10th-year, but eventually agreed assured that the financial responsibility was elsewhere. I'm really glad I did it. And, I think that planning now-a-days - with the help of cyberspace - really assisted 1) financially, 2) in tracking people down and 3) in promoting the hype and the inersia to get the party started with lots of icebreakers and opportunities to see what's in store.

The weekend was more than I could have imagined and still, over the course of 3-days, I didn't seem to catch up properly with everyone I hoped to. But, we had a lot of fun, sometimes acting as we did 20-years ago (but, isn't that part of the fun?). Boarders on cliques and pigeon-holes melted away and everyone had a smile on their face. It was a great opportunity to see people and I wish we could do it again -- just as soon as I can recover from this weekend!

Welcome, Mason David!

Two down, two to go....

So, did I mention that I'm the only cousin on my mother's side who ISN'T pregnant? Cousin Holly gave birth to Brody Roman this summer and yesterday afternoon, cousin Jenny gave birth to (formerly secretly named) Mason David (pictured here with my aunt and uncle, now grandparents for the 2nd time)!! I was beat out by half a day and 2-1/2 ounces in the baby pool!! Shucks!

Next month, cousin Jonathon should come home from Iraq to see his second, a son still unnamed, born. We get a month's rest before my sister Ainsley gives birth to baby Braxton. All boys - all this year. Five cousins - four pregnancies - four baby boys.

Congrats to the new parents, Jenny & Tim!! We can't wait to meet your new boy!

Happy Birthday, Emma & Chase

The girls really understand this birthday party thing now. When I told them that Emma and Chase, good playmate friends of theirs, were having a birthday party this week, they spent the rest of the day talking about birthday cake and ice cream. The next day, they sung the "happy birthday" song to them 8-different ways (sometimes to Emma & Chase, others to Chase & Emma, a couple just to Emma, etc., etc.). Then, they had to decide which dress to wear and took turns guarding the birthday presents (placed way out of reach on the mantle). How excited they were to jump out of the car, after seeing the balloons on Chase & Emma's house, and bring their presents to the front door. They have also learned to ring the doorbell and proceeded to ring it repeatedly until Mommy could catch up with them and usher them past the sign that said, "Door open, come on in!"
They get it: amid all the chaos of tons of toddlers (some pairs of twins and a set of triplet boys) climbing slides, pushing carts and strollers, going in and out of play houses and whining to parents about scratches, they question when is it time for cake? Is it time yet for ice cream? When the singing starts, they know just where to jump in and belt out their song enthusiastically. Four days later, they are still talking about the party and wondering when it's their turn for a party again. No wonder birthdays seem to come every 4-years when you're a kid!

Nice Day For Ducks

San Francisco is notorious for having cold, yucky weather in the summertime. Granted it wasn't raining, but it still made a nice day for ducks: cool, foggy, and our household had 3-loaves of leftover heels perfect for bringing to Stow Lake. The girls enjoyed watching the ducks and geese vie for their attention (and bread) and learned how to throw the bread crumbs into the water so their feathered friends could eat.

Change Orders

There's the Original Contract (the dinghy) and then the Change Order (the big yacht/speedboat).

Do you think that home improvement dreams can way out of control.... I girlfriend of mine sent me this photo to poke fun at Paul, who insists that without change orders, the construction industry just couldn't make any money.

You never realize how big the Change Order is while living in the dinghy until the two are side-by-side!

Jon's Deployment - A Traveling Soldier

Jon's been sending some photos home of where he's been since he was deployed 6-weeks ago. It seems that getting there really is half the fun!

He had a stop in France, Spain, Greece, Djibouti and Oman before he came to his "home" in Bahrain. There were some nice photos of Greece and it looks as if he spent some time in an Irish pub in Spain (weird). Djibouti looked very 3rd world and poor. The picture I've posted is of him in Omar. There are very few photos he can share online of the base/s, but promises that the curious can see the hard copies when he gets back. I guess with the internet, the photos could get in the wrong hands quite seemlessly.

He's got 7-more weeks left of his deployment and I'm looking forward to hearing more about his trip. Jon was really nice and sent us an email after hearing of Nonno's passing. Thanks, Jon!

Nonno Can Hear Us Singing Now

Along with the whole "twin speak" thing, my girls have created a few of their own rituals. Last winter, I realized that Ava kept singing the same tune with non-sense words. Pretty soon, Bettina caught on and then they both would sing this made up tune with made up words (since their vocabulary was quite small then, it made sense they just created these words). It seemed a lullaby of sorts that, typically, Ava would sing to her "Ee-aw", her favorite donkey-shaped lovie.

It was only natural that I'd want to participate in and recognize their unspoken world, so, soon, I also would start singing the song and learned to articulate their made up words as well as they did. They seemed pleased that I wanted to sing their song too, and allowed me sing with them about things that they valued: beloved Ee-aw and cherished Moo (Bettina's cow-shaped lovie).

Ah-la-lo-le (fill in the blank),
Ah-la-lo-le (fill in the blank),
Ah-la-lo-le (fill in the blank),
Ah-la-lo-le (fill in the blank).

That ritual morphed into an evening quiet-time song that marked the transition from bath/pajama time to bed time - a time when we would recount all that we'd done and all we'd seen during the day and acknowledge the blessings of having seen or done them:

Ah-la-lo-le swimming,
Ah-la-lo-le Daddy,
Ah-la-lo-le Ee-Aw,
Ah-la-lo-le Moo.

One by one, we'd recount all the loved things/ones and Mommy would pause between each stanza waiting for one of the girls to think of something/one for which to be thankful.

This week, we lost Daddy's daddy, Nonno, to cancer. We'd sung to Nonno in the past, almost nightly, but Tuesday night, I told the kids that this time, Nonno (who's been hard of hearing for a long time) could hear us singing; he was listening to us from heaven and for the first time, he could hear our nightly ritual and was smiling as he heard his name.

The girls did pretty well during the rosary and funeral, which were both, according the Italian Catholic tradition, open casket. During the rosary service, Ava walked over to him, climbed up on the kneeling chair and pointed to Nonno saying, "Nonno's sleeping in the bed." "Does he look cozy?" I asked. "Uh-huh,' she answered. Tina, clearly interested now, came over too. "Night, night, Nonno," she added and instantly started singing the Ah-la song: "Ah-la-lo-le Nonno...." I motioned to Paul who I think caught his breath and teared up as he looked lovingly to his little girls.

Night, night, Nonno. Love and memories last forever; we love you and will keep you in our memories.

We are Family

Last week, we traveled to our annual Family Reunion. We're a big and loyal group, clearing our calendars well in advance so that the 50+ of us can get together for a week's worth of activities.

On our way up, we stopped in Ashland to visit long-time friend Kathy. We've been friends with her whole family in fact for 20+ years. We caravaned up with Ains and Patrick and met the rest of Kathy's family for dinner at her house. Her brother Jim also has twins - boys Zach and Henry who are 4 years old. Her other brother John also has 2 little ones, so the girls had a blast running around the back yard with all the "older" kids. It was so much fun to see them blend into all the activity, and a special treat with the 7-hour car trip behind them!

We spent all night eating, drinking and catching up -- it's both Kathy and my 20th high school reunion this year, so we ended up looking through old yearbooks and talking about the impending activities. The next morning, a little groggy, while we were packing up to get back on the road, the girls gave us a little surprise. Needless to say, Kathy now refers to them as her little Picassos. They had somehow got a hold of Kathy's office supplies (she works from home) and colored the walls, the mattress, pillow and comforter with their highlighter and dry-erase marker.... any ideas how to get that out?? We did get it off the walls, but worry that the expensive trip to the dry cleaners won't get it all out.... shucks and very embarrassing!!!

At the reunion, we had lots of fun. Even though we've been to Sunriver 8+ times, it seems there's things that we still haven't done. This year, we added a softball game (organized by 10-year old cousin MacKenzie), a trip to the observatory (really great, btw), the hayride (nice for little ones and great for spotting deer), the concerts on the fairway, and for the first time, we didn't have time to shop at the mall or nearby Bend. The girls' naps do seem to chop the day in the useless brackets of time. Also, we ended up celebrating some great impromptu events: Jessica's baptism (in the hot tub by Uncle Gary, the preacher), Jack & Peg's 40th wedding anniversary and a surprise baby shower for Ains and Patrick.

Paul and I really enjoyed spending such a great amount of time together and with family. It was a fun-filled week and we were sad to go back home to "reality." To see the whole week's activities, click here.

Generations

Bettina poses with my Grandma - the oldest and the youngest (separated by 86 years) at the annual family reunion.

Every year we have a family reunion. We're in Sunriver this year - a tradition we'll likely continue for a number of years as there is no elevation issue for our aging grandmother and it's an easy drive for her as well.

The girls are having a ball with all the activity: second cousins, aged 15 to 6, rally around them and escort them from house to house. It actually makes life easier for me having so many pairs of eyes - most with far more energy than me - herding and entertaining the girls.

This year is the last year that Bettina will be the youngest to pose with Grandma, the oldest. Next year, Ainsley's little boy Braxton will take her spot and the generations continue.

You Are the Mother of a Devil-Child!

I put my kids down for a nap at Grandma's house.... Grandma agrees to watch them while I run a quick errand; "Be back in half-an-hour," I call behind me....

I get back and Tina, not surprisingly, is not asleep and chatting away in the other room. As I enter the front door, my mother tells me, "You are the mother of a devil-child." Oh, no... what's she done now?

Not only has she figured out how to disrobe and take off her diaper (we knew that part already), she's also found out how to unzip the crib-tents that are suppossed to keep her from climbing out and creating additional mischief. Appartently, when my mother found her, she had tried to release her sister (she got Ava's tent unzipped - she just wouldn't climb out like Tina does) and was sitting on the floor playing with the electric fan -- plugging it in to and out of the wall. Tina looked a Grandma, peed on the floor and ran out the open door, giggling. The devil child for sure!

"How long since you put her back in?" "Five-minutes." "Well, you know she's got to be out again." Crash!! I go in this time. Tina's out, diaper-less again. Her smile turns to a solemn face as she sees me over the electric fan she's tipped over onto the floor. Wordlessly, I put her back in, strap on another diaper and look for a safety pin and lock the zipper closed. "That will do it," I think.

Ten-minutes later, more footsteps can be heard in the room.... "Couldn't be Ava," I think. I open the door -- it's Tina again. She's found a hole between tie-downs and has somehow squeezed through them.

Nap-time isn't working today. So, we go outside to express some of this creative energy in another way. You think we got that accomplished??

Jon Leaves for His Deployment

My cousin, Jon, left for Iraq this weekend. He flies a C-2 (nicknamed the "Greyhound") airplane for the Navy. He will, fortunatley, have shorter deployments and will live off the ship, but still within what is considered a war zone. We're still hoping he will come home when scheduled so he can see the birth of his second child, a son this time. Above, Jon stands with his wife (far right and preggo) and daughter, the curly strawberry blonde directly under him in the wagon.

We saw his mother (my Aunt) Saturday, and she told us that he's outfitted his house, his mom's house and the laptop he will take to war with him with webcams and everything they would need to communicate with each other and see them as often as possible. She also said that his aircraft also has some communication systems that will allow extra opportunities to chat, gratis. I hope to keep in touch via email to hear about his adventures and views about life abroad and at war.

His wife sent this email out to friends and family:
"At least he has started his 2.5 month Detachment/deployment and now it's just a matter of time before it's OVER! I took him to base this morning at 5:30. Ella in her pjs and Rudder excited to go for a ride in the car but concerned because Daddy had suitcases and he knows what those mean.

He should be on the ship as I write this, where he will stay for 3 days. Not sure what time his plane left but the carrier was a 2-3 hour flight off the coast. I'm not expecting to hear from him until Monday or Tuesday when they get to Roda, Spain. The rest of July he will be traveling the Med. in places like Roda, Sicily, Italy, and Souda Bay, Greece.......yeah, google that one......
Also recently and "possibly" thrown into the mix is Cairo, Egypt. During the first couple days of Aug. they will arrive in Bahrain where he will stay until October 1st when his current orders say he'll be returning to me! As Jon's job does not usually require him to fly missions that put him the middle of warfare, his job flying much needed cargo (such as parts for other air crafts, and other equipment that breaks) as well as high ranking dignitaries of military branches around the world, he certainly doesn't leave him out of harms way all together. Not to mention Bahrain is considered a war zone and he will be living there for 2 months. With that said I ask you to please keep him along with the other 5 COD pilots and their 35 or so crew in your thoughts and prayers.

His leaving hit me a little harder today than I thought it would. I'm used to him working all the time and being gone on weekends but I can at least look forward to seeing him some. The house feels very empty today and I realized it's not going to be full again until he comes home in October. Other than that I'm perfectly fine, we've got fabulous neighbors and friends and Aunt Judy and Lee so close by. I am nervous about this baby wanting to come too early and him not being home in time. I do know that if I do start labor before October 1st the guys taking Jon's place will already have arrived in Bahrain and the skipper will likely get Jon on the first flight to the states to be with us. I can do labor without him, I just don't want him to miss it. "

Our prayers will always include him (and Emily, Ella and baby) and all our hopes of a quick return at the end of his deployment.

Ainsley & Patrick's Bundle News

In case you weren't convinced before by everyone's (Aunt Linda, Grandma Dent, our Mom, my, and Ainsley herself) premonition....

IT'S A BOY!!

Ainsley and Patrick should receive their little boy on or around December 4th. We're so excited and are already thinking of nicknames should they decide to name him Braxton, after our paternal grandfather. I say Jack, the same nickname our grandfather had. We'll see if they decide that the name they had in mind at the beginning of their pregnancy seems to fit him and them come December.

Be careful, though, Ainsley....the story we heard growing up is that Grandpa weighed 14-pounds at birth!! (as seen below)

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Montana Pictures & the 4th of July

We arrived back from Montana safe and sound (although there were a few times we almost lost our sanity!) and had a great trip. Here are some pictures to share: click here.

On our way home, we decided to meet Paul at my sister's house in Tahoe. Her husband is a fireman and it's always fun to stay for their Pancake Breakfast, tour of the firehouse and of course, the 4th of July parade. Ava and Bettina get the choice position sitting next to Uncle Patrick as he drives the Fire Engine to start the parade. This year, however, Ava decided she didn't want to go last minute. So, Grandma got to ride with Bettina who really loved this annual ride. She took her hostess job seriously and waved to the crowd from the fire engine with a beaming smile!! We took a chance with the kids' bedtime and brought them with us to see their first set of "real" fireworks at King's Beach. They watched with wonder, commenting on the colors as they exploded in the air and slept all the way home! The 4th of July photos can be seen here!

This is What It's All About

We've been taking turns watching kids so that two of us can go out kidlet-less for an extended activity. Liz and Lisa went out mountain biking a couple times and I watched the 7 kids (aged 9, 7, 5, 3, 2, 2, and 2). Yesterday, Lisa watched all the kids while Liz and I went on a horseback ride. We went out the dirt road and took a right at the last fence-post at the end of the road and, following a deer trail, climbed the hill up toward the mountain. Sagebrush, juniper trees and lupine dominate the rocky terrain and, from the hillside, we see the entire Ruby Valley from Virginia City all the way toward Twin Bridges with the pine-laden mountains growing from the drier hills. We pause at the top of our hill and take in the view amid our conversation. Snow-capped peaks can be seen and the well-irrigated grass field sway in the afternoon wind. I can see how Lizzie can spend her entire summers here without missing the Bay Area a bit.

We lead the kids double (and sometimes triple) on Jay and Woody around the driveway when we get home. Ava just comes running when she sees a saddled horse. She loves to put on Brynn's riding helmet and cries when it's time to share a horse or put him back. She knows the horses by name and always says goodnight to them (as well as the rabbits) individually when we walk from the main house to the guest house where we're staying. She likes her new routine and there's much hope on my end that she'll follow directly in her mother's footsteps.

With all the little kids asleep and the bigger kids watching a movie in the house, Liz, Lisa and I retreat to the back of the porch that overlooks the rushing creek and each of us plops down in a log rocking chair, cushioned, of course, with a Pendleton southwestern pillow and blanket, with a beer each and finish our easy conversation. We are amazed the week has just flown by and acknowledge with dread that tomorrow is our last day here together. We plan for next summer - this time with husbands. However, knowing it would be different with men, we also plan that we should arrive a few days in advance of our husbands so that we can get our "girl time" in.

So, today we will go to the swimming hole or try some fly-fishing (the rivers here are actually reknown for their fly-fishing). It's sort of a lazy day in which we will have to work out opportunities to clean out the car, repack our stuff and get organized for the 1,000-mile drive back home.

Road Trip - Old Faithful

We're on the road - a girls' weekend while the men stay home, impossibly embedded in "real life."

We traveled 4-hours Friday, after stopping by to visit newest cousin, Brody, in Sacramento for a couple hours and to visit Ainsley and Patrick in Tahoe, to Reno where we stayed with soon-to-be road-trippers, Lisa, Brooke and Brynn. The next day, we traveled 7-hours through Nevada to Twin Falls, Idaho. The kids did fairly well, considering, and we rewarded them with swimming in the indoor pool until all were justly exhausted. All feel asleep well (whew!). Sunday, we traveled 4-hours to West Yellowstone, Montana. Lisa and I have discovered that we'd created a bit of a groove finding that the 3rd row carseat, which we first thought would be a separation anxiety problem, is proving to be a great place for the little ones to rotate to take naps. Ava takes the morning shift as she can always fall asleep shortly after 9am. Brynn follows after lunch and, usually, Bettina gets the last afternoon shift. Today, however, there was no late afternoon shift with our shorter drive. So, when we arrived in West Yellowstone at around 1pm, we wandered the touristy streets a little bit to stretch all our legs until Bettina (who didn't get a chance to sleep during the day) convinced us it was time to do some more swimming. We are quickly realizing swimming pools have huge advantages for travelers with small kids.

Monday morning, we packed up and drove into Yellowstone park. Not 10 miles into the park, and we had already seen a herd of elk grazing 150-yards off the road, a young moose who crossed the street just in front of us and a herd of 150+ bison (buffalo) lazily enjoying the sunshine right next to the street. We made it to Old Faithful around noon-ish and watched the amazing natural geysers. Again, we ended up timing everything just right, before a sleep-depraved tantrum from Bettina. As we headed out of Yellowstone and Montana, Lisa and I peered through the read-view mirror to the most amazing site of all: four children all fast asleep at the same time! This was a first in our 1,100 mile excursion! We enjoyed our grown-up-girl time during the rest of the 2-hour drive to Aunt Lizzie's.

As we were coasting down Aunt Lizzie's driveway Lizzie was coming up, leading Blake and Katherine on Jay for a quick ride around their 14-acre property. After some visiting, dinner, and a few beers for the moms, we settled the kids down for the night. We look forward to showing you more of the house nestled in a grassy valley between two mountain ranges later on in the week.

Raising Cain & Cowgirls

The girls and I went to see Misty this week. The intention was to meet a friend who was going to watch them as I got in a quick ride, but she'd forgotten to tell me she couldn't make it. Well, let's take Misty out for a nice brushing...

The intention was to see if Ava was nervous in the saddle by herself or if Mommy could get a cute picture before she wanted down....she never did want down.

The intention was to see if both girls could share a saddle and take a cute picture before one of them wanted to get down....neither wanted to get down.

We ended up walking around the barn for 1/2-hour and the girls singing, laughing and chatting excitedly about the whole thing. Seems we've got ourselves some confident little riders who need some riding helmets now. Was that my intention?? Perhaps...(wink, wink).

Oh, Give Me a Home!

One week and counting...

In one week, the girls and I will pack our bags, and the minivan, and head out in search of buffalo. We're taking a quick stop in Reno to pick up my long-time friend Lisa and her 2 girls. Six of us, four five-and-under, making our way across the buffalo plains to Yellowstone (with plenty of DVDs and VHS's!). A cowgirl trip with kidlets!

After Yellowstone, we drive north a couple hours to our other friend's "ranch" in Sheridan, MT (most locals don't call a patch of land a "ranch" unless its 5,000 acres+. Us Californians, however, like to call their 14-acre spread a "ranch" - they must mock us so!) . She'll be there with her rabbits, horses and her 3 kids.

We're so excited to sit our bandana'ed little bodies down on the river bank with our feet hanging in the water, watching the horses graze and making all kinds of wonderful western summer fun. Montana, here we come!!

Ainsley adds #11

Great-Grandma Dent came down for a visit last week and gave us an opportunity to take some pictures with her two youngest great-grandchildren. Ava & Tina are the youngest by about 6 years, which is one of the largest gaps in the geneology. The same day we went to take this picture, we got a call from my sister, Ainsley, who was just back from the doctor and finally confident enough to make the *big* announcement (which I forced her to do over speaker-phone while we were all sitting down for lunch)....

AINSLEY'S PREGNANT!!

She and her husband, Patrick, should expect little newborn sounds sometime around December 4th (which puts her at a little over 12 weeks now). And, yes, she made sure there was only one baby in the sonogram (this will be Great-Grandma's 11th great-grandchild). This is great timing for me as I now have an excuse to have her store all my little baby things while Paul and I still scramble to figure out where to store everything during our house transition.

Funny story -- I'd bought her some maternity clothes at the last twins sale I went to and sent them up as pre-mother's day presents. Her comment [paraphrased]: "Thanks, but I'm never going to get that big. Those clothes must be made for mothers expecting twins. Besides, they're short-sleeved and it will be too cold to use them."

Didn't we all think that we weren't ever going to get "that big" when trying on clothes (and as much as we might have liked, they don't make maternity clothes in 'twin' sizes -- you will get that big!)? How long will it take Ainsley to figure out that pregnant women never get cold! In fact, they're always too hot, forever suffering from hot flashes! Layering works well with soon-to-be Moms. Well, she still "doesn't feel pregnant," but don't worry, Ainsley, the ride, and learning curb, is only beginning! Congrats!!

Two Turn Two! Butterflies & Bees

Yesterday was the girls' second birthday party. Today is the actual day. Here's montage of all the fun and festivities... (now to write some thank yous!)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ramping up and Practicing for the "Big Day"...

The girls are really getting ready.... Here's Ava practicing her singing, accompanied by her musical Birthday Bear....Bettina's decided to be like her Mom and capture it all on her toy stuffed camera. "Cheese!" Two more days until the big day!

Bettina Also Goes Pee-Pee in the Pee-Pee Chair

Pee-pee in the Potty

We've had a couple of the Bijoin training potties for the girls around for awhile. They know what they're for. They call them "pee-pee chairs."

The girls have been very interested in Mommy's pee-pee for awhile: "Mommy pee-pee?" as they spread my legs to watch it fall. (It never ceases to amaze me how little they understand about privacy and personal space!) They like to say bye-bye to the pee-pee before I flush as well. I just need to make sure that the public restrooms I use are singles and don't have stalls in them...could cause some public embarrassment!! Up until today, we've used the pee-pee chair as a toy of sorts. I've always been under the impression that toilet training doesn't start until they are 2-1/2 or 3 years old.

This morning, however, Ava was wandering around outside diaperless (a bit of rash we're trying to let breathe). She started talking about the pee-pee chair. I just changed her diaper 5 minutes ago and don't think she needs it, but, what the heck, I think. Let's bring it out for kicks.

I warn her, "Your pee-pee may not be ready to come out yet, but that's OK. You can wait or try again later." She sits down, repeating "pee-pee," then stands up and runs away. It wasn't until 2-3 minutes had gone by that I bothered to stand up from my chair where I watched her "practice" her potty. "My God," I think, "There's pee-pee in there! She actually did it!"

I'm so excited I call both girls, and Grandma, over to see the pee-pee sitting in the potty chair. All sorts of pomp and circumstance follow as well as Ava being able to call Daddy on the cell-phone to tell him herself that she went pee-pee on the potty. We call Grandpa too, just for good measure.

After our celebration around the pee-pee chair, we take the pee-pee to the toilet and tell it "bye-bye." The ritual is complete. Ava has gone pee-pee in the potty, and just before she's turned 2! Could it be that they'll be trained before the end of the summer? How ideal would that be! I'm thinking again that May babies are the way to go. Potty training during summer is just another benefit.

Yee-haw! Cowgirl up!

I've been looking forward to this weekend for 2 years....

One of the only drawbacks about getting pregnant was that I'd have to miss out on my favorite annual event for a couple of years. A number of my close girlfriends - girls I've grown up with - and I have been going horse camping with a group of women on different California ranches, and it's my absolute favorite thing. Playing with horses, cows, and girls friends with gourmet meals, open bar, commemorative gift, riding on guided trails, Calcutta, team penning, barrel racing timed events, live and silent auctions...even massages and facials -- everything a sophisticated cowgirl could ever want. Las Estrellas del Valle is a 3-day event benefiting the Salinas Valley Medical Hospital's Level III NICU (a cause close to any twin-mom's heart).

My dad - a saint among saints - gives this to me as a Christmas gift, but being pregnant and a new mom, I couldn't go the last 2 years. This year, I got it again and he flew down from Seattle to watch the girls to ensure I had a really great time.

You always meet more fabulous, funny and exciting people and it always renews my love for cow-chasing and country living. We have yet to see (and buy) the professional photos, but here are a couple snapshots and rough videos taken on my camera.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mommy and the Terrible, Horrible, No good, Very Bad Weekend

Alexander had it easy. His day only lasted a day.

Mine started Friday after I packed up all the things for the Twin Valley Mothers of Twins Consignment Sale and the girls into the minivan bound for Grandma's house. We were in a rush... I still needed to tag all the toys at Grandma's house that the girls have outgrown/ignored as well as feed them and have them ready for a nap by 12:30pm. Cruising at 65mph, I all the sudden heard a "POP!" As the minivan started to float a little, I heard a different sound like I was driving on the outside of the lane - the sound that's intended to wake up drivers who may be sleepy and wandered off the road a bit. "I bet I've got a flat," I think, merging right while neither using the brake or the accelerator. "Great!" I'm only a mile and a half to Grandma's, but with two kids - feisty ones at that - in the car with me, walking to the nearest exit - less than 1 mile - isn't an option in my book.

Thank goodness for cell phones! I call my husband first, who is unfortunately in a meeting for the next 3 hours and won't hear my pleas. I call Grandma next who is supposed to be at a class rather than her house. Cell phone's off. Already in class. Hummm... Insurance agent (Paul had me cancel AAA since the roadside assistance was cheaper through our car insurance) is next....apparently I'm not covered....Paul told them to cancel it since I had AAA. Miscommunication #1,452. Nearer to tears, they assure me they'll send someone out for an additional $50. A bargain. I'm told to wait an hour. I'm no woozy, but it's really scary being on the side of the road --- each time a big car or truck comes by, it shakes the whole car. I pray that they girls don't find it intimidating.

Time passes - thank goodness I packed a lunch for these two. They are relatively calm and finally, 15 minutes late, help arrives. I look in my rear-view mirror and know that doom is short-coming. It's not a tow-truck. It's a locksmith who does tire changes on the side. He tells me to open the middle trap door so he can get my spare out. I know it's not there - that's where we store extra toys and my Ergo carrier. After looking for 10 minutes, my help tells me that I have no spare and that he can't help me. I sense stupidity in his face and I scan the owner's manual to prove him wrong. However, they don't tell me where to find the spare, just that it's there and how to change it. The girls are starting to act up. Every time I leave the car, they panic and scream. We've been on the side of the freeway now for 2 hours. I'm pissed my "savior" is unqualified and I call my insurance hotline to tell them so. They will send out a proper tow truck, but it will take another hour. Unacceptable. A CHP car drives up behind me and quickly my locksmith guy is driving away. The CHP tell me 3 options: hitch a ride with them and abandon the car, they're call for a tow truck will come within 15-minutes (and will cost an arm and a leg), or they will follow me low-speed to the exit and ensure I'm safe. Screw the alloy rim -- it will cost as much as the tow truck anyways! I am flustered and an emotional mess for the rest of the night. Yuck! However, lessons learned: 1) the spare is in the back side-compartment, shaped like a wheel, on the drivers' side. Had my van not been full of stuff for the sale, I may have seen it in my rear-view mirror. 2) always check your insurance policy for coverage even though someone says they've already done it.

Saturday: Paul leaves to work saying he'll be home early so that we can go to this wedding. "Good," I answer. "I need to take a shower before we go." Girls wake up on the wrong side of the bed and I load the screaming pair into the car after breakfast to pick up Paul's pants from the tailor. The challenging part is that I have to get there using backroads as you're not supposed to travel more than 50 mph with a spare. I don't know these backroads of inner-Oakland, but actually navigate them relatively well even though there are some tough neighborhoods. I get there and they don't have Paul's pants. Could it be that he actually remembered to pick them up himself? Nah - look again, please. I realize I left my cell phone at home and go home empty handed after their second and third look. Now I realize I'm going to be late getting back for my very important date with the shower!! But, as I come home, I find Paul not there, but his pants in the closet. I wait 2-more hours with still-cranky kids who won't let me put them down without crying. I'm stuck on the sofa one on each knee. One-half hour before we need to leave, Paul comes in late for his own shower. I throw on a dress, fuming that I don't have the time to clean the kids' snot out of my hair or eat something myself.

Sunday: Bettina's been up since 11:30 last night. She can't sleep and won't let me either. Finally at 4:30am, she starts to drift off. Ava wakes up, I enter and see that she's covered in puke. I change her sheets and draw a bath and clean both kids when Tina wakes. I think I know why Ava got sick - I'm starting to feel it too and it explains why everyone was in such a foul mood yesterday. With all these distractions, there's no time for church. Neither is there food or milk in the fridge, so I put the kids in the car again and drudge out to the store. I have to start the laundry before we go otherwise Ava will have nothing to sleep on or with (both "moos" got hit with puke). They're both shrieking by the time we get back and I throw on the clean sheets and put the kids on top of them. "Night-night," I say, looking heaven-bound, praying they will sleep even though it's an hour before their regular nap time. It's quiet. I head for my own bed after putting in earplugs (just in case) and we all sleep for 3 hours. I just have to endure 4 more hours of "playtime" with a bad headache, a stomach that is about ready to hurl and a sore throat until I get to put the kids in bed again. I watch with contempt as my husband comes in to shower and then out again, after asking if I'm feeling OK and hearing "no", so he can watch the basketball playoffs in a box seat with free food and beer. Can you tell I'm still fuming?

Well, that's my rant. Mommy and her Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad weekend. Lord be praised that tomorrow is Monday and blessed Rocio will be here at 9am. All I'll have to worry about for 5-hours is myself and my work.

23 Months

I was just reviewing the last couple of months and found this entry about the girls' vocabulary 5 months ago. Wow! A lot has changed since then! Back then, they could say 25 words. I made a list the other day and stopped when I got to 200!! I also stopped counting animal noises as words as well (the list is obviously too long to list here, but I've kept an electronic copy as a keep-sake). They have also added to their sign language vocabulary as well; they've outgrown what I know. I contemplated going to Barnes and Noble to buy a sign language picture dictionary so all of us could learn more. Ava in particular is more interested in it than Bettina. Waffling on the "why now that they can talk" argument, I've found there still is some use for it as sometimes a number of words, especially if I'm not right next to them, sound similar in their not-yet-precise diction. Often, when I can't make out what they're saying, they will also sign the word and I understand immediately. It helps a lot.

Butterfly Town, USA

Last year, we went to Sea Ranch. This year, our all-women's retreat (Grandma, my sister Ainsley, my girls and me) was at Asilomar in Pacific Grove (aka Butterfly Town, USA for their flocks of migrating monarchs). We had a fantastic time, visiting the monarch butterflies, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the ocean.

The girls are picking up so many words, now... just over the weekend, Ava added squirrel, blue jay, waves, ocean, otter, and jellyfish, among others. While being approached by some pretty aggressive begging-squirrels on 17-Mile Drive, Ava, after finding that just backing away wouldn't deter the fiesty squirrel, shook her finger and said, "Out, squirrel!"

The girls were very excited to see all the waterlife at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Word to the wise: they have a 2-day pass that can be purchased from hotels for the same price as a normal ticket at the door. Not only do you get twice the opportunity to visit, but you can beat the line at the counter and walk right in. Tickets are now $25/per person. Kids under 3 are free!

We rented the Director's Cottage, one of the cottages on the Asilomar property. It, like many of the buildings here, was designed and built by the infamous Julia Morgan. Asilomar was the stereo-typical UC Berkeley brain-child. Crunchy, functional, and geared toward connecting with nature. The rooms, on top of it, are very reasonably priced! We enjoyed it so much, we looked into having a Dent reunion and at least another all-women's retreat here sometime next year. Leisure guests (most rooms are occupied by various groups and conferences) can make reservations 6-months in advance. You have to be in-the-know to get a cottage. They don't do reservations for them online; you need to call and ask.

All the groovey photographs of the whole 3-day trip can be seen here.

Home Updates

Hurray! Look at the front of our house!!

It looks finished - the scaffolding's gone, the plywood's gone from the windows, it's painted, new windows installed, the gargage floor is poured and, hey, a new low-profile carriage-style garage door is attached.

Inside, we're still down to studs. Paul's passed the electrical rough inspection and still working on the plumbing. We need to install the water heater, HVAC, floors and handrails on the stairs, pass the plumbing inspection, and hang and tape the 150+ sheets of sheetrock before we move in, but it should start moving faster, especially since we're hiring a sheetrocker and a floor guy.

After we move in, there will still be a lot of work to do: finishing the 2 new bathrooms, building the stairs outside between the decks and putting the balcony railings, painting the interior. Plus other things that I'm sure aren't even on my radar yet but will surely rear their heads.