See the Feedgulls

Sunday after the Zoo, we grabbed some bread about to turn into Penicillin and headed to Coyote Point Park to feed whatever we found. Expected to see some ducks or geese, but found instead only Seagulls.

Miles loved the experience. It was fun to watch Miles toss the bread out to the birds, then the birds just stare at the bread which barely clears 1 foot from us. You can see them going through the risk/reward analysis in their heads. "How important is this bread?" "Why would they only throw it 9 inches in front of them?" "Is this a trap?" Their questions were answered when Miles would then shout - "Birds bread! There!"











And then it was off to the swings and slides.

MerWheeeeee! Go Round

While we catch-up on our back log of life experiences, we will have a few posts which are out of sequence and out of date. Posts will date back as far as...(gulp)...Jan.

Amelia got to go on her first Merry-Go-Round ride at the Oakland Zoo. Tucked between her big brother and her father, she was sandwiched by the strongest men in her life; still she was a little unsure of what she was in for.

It was a cold morning, so we apologize for the hats :(

Miles and Daddy went on the train together to see the Kangaroos and Emus.

Think Miles was excited?

Then it was off to the Zoo's playground. Lina bought Miles a pair of sunglasses at the Zoos because it was such a crisp, bright day. For a while, he looked even more like Daddy.

And then it happened. In one of those genuine moments, Miles met Mia where she sat and gave her a tender hug. We are so delighted to have caught this moment. Its one of our favorites because it was spontaneous and all his idea.

Happy Birthday, Amelia

Oh my little baby is 1!!! It's funny to think that at this time last year, we'd gone to breakfast as a family and the little zoo in the Bay in San Mateo. We woke up that morning telling Miles that it was his sister's birthday, and here she is a year later overlooking the same bay where we were.

To my darling daughter:
You amaze me with your spirit and your determination. You've moved so quickly through your infancy I half expect you to be a teenager by next year. You are such a wonderful and happy little girl and I just love spending time with you. Your personality is coming out more and more everyday, and your Daddy and I are so excited that we get to watch you and help you grow up into a wonderful and beautiful young woman. I might be getting ahead of myself, but I see the future in your perfect eyes and I am so grateful that I get to walk this road with you. I love you so much.
Love, Mom.

Good Night Infant, Good Morning Toddler

Amelia turns 1 tomorrow. In the last month, she's transitioned to walking full time, gotten 4 more teeth, and started sleeping through the night. She eats like a trucker (sausage and goldfish!) and is growing like a weed.

Long gone are the days of the little lump of the-cutest-girl-in-the-world and we're headed into a new day of toddler with an opinion.

Tonight, on the eve of when she was born, I can't help thinking about where I was last year which was wistful about taking attention away from my boy. Those feelings stopped about the moment she was born. I can't imagine a world without my Little Bug and am enriched daily by her little (BIG!) presence in our lives.

Really?

Oh man, life went ahead with out us again. It's been a crazy month of illness (lots), work (too much), and wonderful times with our kids. I can't believe it's already getting towards the middle of February. Last I looked, it was new years eve. I've had chaos at the office, new managers, and a wonderful visit from my brother! Trips to the zoo, super bowl parties, jumpy houses and more. I aspire to being able to log all of our fun events, but for now, just know that life is great, we're all happy and healthy, and mostly staying afloat.

Totally unrelated photo, but I love my family!!!

Christmas Afternoon

After a glutinous morning of presents, the cousins came down from Incline Village and there was a glutinous afternoon of presents. Miles was excited about opening more gifts, but more excited about hanging out with Cody & Kylie. Amelia didn't seem to notice the gifts, but was THRILLED to shred tissue paper.

Christmas Morning Recap

"Miles, do you think Santa came?"

"No."

Boy, was he wrong.

We kept Miles in his grandparents room as we made sure that Santa had come and that he had left the Christmas lights on. I fed Amelia and we changed the kids into Christmas pajamas, and then chaos ensued. Miles was blown away by all the presents under the tree and started to go from one to the next saying "what's next?" He got a number of the presents that he was asking Santa for, including a doctor box for our kitchen set-up toy and a whistle. It was his year of musical instruments as he also got a clarinet, a cat-piano called the Meowsic, and actually an accordion. The kids loved all their new toys and had a blast playing with each other. I loved experiencing the magic of Christmas again.