From basket ball hoop box to who knows! Space ship? Shark? Boat?
Monday, July 23, 2012
Swimming leaps
Eric has moved over to the big pool. His comfort level in the pool has made huge leaps this summer! He is relaxed which us a big change fro last summer's 2x4 stiffness. He is working really hard on floating by himself. He is close. He is in the 4ft deep section and so excited to be strong enough to be in the big pool.
He also had an excellent swimming partner named Tennyson. Perfect match and egged..I mean encouraged each other on.
Noah gets a little off the top...and the back and the front
Noah had is first ever hair cut last week. Momma hasn't e en done a little trim! He is not a fan of me taking a comb to his hair so I knew a haircut could pose difficulties. Eric however has this haircut thing down so I took them both to our in-house hair dresser at CLIF (who is conviently also a photographer) and she gave them both some.style. Eric going first was bound to make Noah anxious to do it too and it did. He sat still and smiled at me, the mirror and Karen Drinkwater ( haircutter to children extrordinare). He did great and she didn't cut too much because of how baby-fine it is but she DID cut his little mullet clean off...phew.
Brother sister duo of Logan and Sabina Simmons also came over from base camp to get in on the action and Sabina's first haircut too. It was a part!
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Freedom
So rare to have freedom from work and school on a Wednesday. God Bless America on this 4th of July for all we have. We let our freedom ring by attending the second longest 4th of July parade in all of America, right here in our hometown. High school marching bands, cheerleaders, city officials, local clubs and business floats, horses, bikers, old cars carrying poet laureates, you name it. We sat curbside for two hours in front of our friend's house.
From there, we expressed our freedom by blocking off our street and joining our neighbors at the annual San Antonio block party. The grills and casseroles came out as did tons of red, white, and blue treats. Our street is also loaded with inspiring musicians who entertained us for hours. Eric was in awe of the teenagers playing guitar, drums, and singing. You could see his mind whirling with the possibilities. He joined in with his drum and Noah followed along with his bongos. Music continued into the early evening. We had a lovely day connecting with our locals and just playing.
Here is a clip of pure freedom and fun. I dare you to strip down yourself while watching and just be free. Let our drummer kick.
From there, we expressed our freedom by blocking off our street and joining our neighbors at the annual San Antonio block party. The grills and casseroles came out as did tons of red, white, and blue treats. Our street is also loaded with inspiring musicians who entertained us for hours. Eric was in awe of the teenagers playing guitar, drums, and singing. You could see his mind whirling with the possibilities. He joined in with his drum and Noah followed along with his bongos. Music continued into the early evening. We had a lovely day connecting with our locals and just playing.
Here is a clip of pure freedom and fun. I dare you to strip down yourself while watching and just be free. Let our drummer kick.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Happy Father's Day
Dear Dads, We tried to get the family together to all wish you a Happy Father's Day on video. After three takes and several near melt downs....as we say to the kids......"you get what you get"
Wishing our Fathers, Opa, Papa, and Grandpa Happy Father's Day: TAKE 1 ERIC VIDEOS
Wishing our Fathers, Opa, Papa, and Grandpa Happy Father's Day: TAKE 2 ERIC VIDEOS
Wishing our Fathers, Opa, Papa, and Grandpa Happy Father's Day: TAKE 3 ERIC VIDEOS
After the attempt at the family video we escaped the confines of "melt-down-city", loaded our bikes and bike trailer and headed for the serenity of the Alameda Beach.
Since the temps were hitting the rare 80 degree mark we decided to break in the tent with our first backyard camp out with boys night out. They were giddy with excitement and talked themselves to sleep as the watched the clouds pass over above. Noah made it all the way to 2:30 AM and then wanted to join Momma back inside in the comforts of her queen bed. Eric on the other hand got a solid sleep and didn't get up until his usual, sunrise.
Being it was Father's Day Momma didn't mind being banned from the tent this time and I am sure Dadda didn't want to sleep in on Father's Day or anything anyway.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Eg-gic
Since Noah began referring to his brother by name over a year ago (he started addressing Eric at age one) he has always replaced the "r" with double "g's" as in Eg-gic. Last week, at our leisurely Sunday morning breakfast, he went with the "w" instead of a double "g" and said "Ewic".
It was such a significant moment that will all paused and took note that he said Ewic. For the last week Eric has pretty much by Ewic. Today, however, I heard the ''w" sort of roll into and "r" . He is working it.Eric on the other hand, has taken special note of his brother's ever-growing ability to state how he feels or what he wants by using his words. Noah was setting up trains and cars right in the doorway to their bedroom and Eric blasts through. Noah quite clearly articulates, "Nooooo stay out of my way." Eric responds with, "Noah, good job using your words." It is so nice for Noah to have such a supportive big brother.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Non-stopable in Boston
In April Eric, Grandma Lorraine, and Momma had a fun filled trip to Boston. We spent time with family, visited Fenway Park for the 100th Anniversary, road the T, Momma went to a conference and Eric and Grandma toured Boston on a trolley.
Little did we know until we arrived that we wiere staying right across the street from the Boston Marathon EXPO! We headed over to soak up the energy and excitement of all the "wicked fast runners"!
Little brother
He also loves to play ball. Theming right now is base ball which is right on target since it tis the season. He says " Pitch me daddy" as he stand ready hit one across the living room. We just have to work on the bat throwing and biting when we miss.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Mattress discounters
Last December we did traded-up on beds for the boys. Momma had a difficult time putting the crib away but, Noah was quite ready for what seemed to be nothing more than a jail to go, bye, bye.
We also had very high hopes and low expectations that this trade-up would excite Noah so much that he might actually want to sleep the entire night in his own bed. Our expectations met the outcome because not even a new big boy bed was more appealing than cuddling next to Momma and hogging Dadda's pillow while simultaneously kicking him in the back.
If you know Momma, then you know that these brothers sleep like kings when it comes to mattresses. Breathing well while sleeping became a primary focus of learning for Momma prior to Eric's home front arrival. AND much like nutrition the more you dig, the more you understand, and the more informed your choices become.
I learned a lot like what terrible materials mattresses are made from. Everything from vinyl/PVC and polyurethane foam, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), questionable fire retardant chemicals, and antibacterial biocides. Many of these compounds are banned in Europe where precaution is favored versus the US approach that compounds are safe until proven harmful. There is not a lot of support for proving something already on the market ISN'T safe. I could go on.
In my research I also found that mattresses made out of healthier materials are REALLY high priced when compared to those made up of cheap, lightweight materials. This can be a hard pill to swallow because we are talking hundreds of dollars difference. Also not to be ignored is that these healthier mattresses are not always the solid fit they are said to be and can leave a gap in the crib. They are also A LOT heavier than the popular polyurethane foam mattresses. What is a Momma to do? Someone has to have seen the opportunity here and designed an affordable, well made, lighter weight, no chemical mattress right?! YES! Naturepedic come to the rescue. The price point was much easier on the credit, but you can bet I am getting every penny out of these healthy mattresses not to mention the time and energy researching and acquiring added to my value.
This brings me to the point. Eric's Naturepedic crib mattress has followed him from crib, to toddeler bed, to twin bed. With each bedsize increase we just stuffed more stuffed animals around the edge to make up the difference (finally a good use for stuffed animals!) until....last week when he fell out the side. He has been avoiding the right side of the bed because the stuffed animals don't hold his weight. So ....time for the Twin...Naturepedic again to the rescue. Since I first discover this awesome company fiver years ago they have much expanded their line to include Twin, Doubles, Queens, Kings, and accessories! SO we invested in a twin...moved Eric's crib mattress to Noah, and will sell Noah's crib mattress that he has hardly slept on anyway.
After all this and weighing the cost benefit analysis and carefully timing our mattress investment, the TWIN arrives special deliver and Eric's says, "Mom, did you get my new mattress at Mattress Discounters?"
As much as I would like to think Mattress Discounters is offering healthier mattresses at affordable prices, I just don't think they are there yet.
Naturepedic is an affordable investment but I guarantee you won't find it at Mattress Discounters.
We also had very high hopes and low expectations that this trade-up would excite Noah so much that he might actually want to sleep the entire night in his own bed. Our expectations met the outcome because not even a new big boy bed was more appealing than cuddling next to Momma and hogging Dadda's pillow while simultaneously kicking him in the back.
If you know Momma, then you know that these brothers sleep like kings when it comes to mattresses. Breathing well while sleeping became a primary focus of learning for Momma prior to Eric's home front arrival. AND much like nutrition the more you dig, the more you understand, and the more informed your choices become.
I learned a lot like what terrible materials mattresses are made from. Everything from vinyl/PVC and polyurethane foam, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), questionable fire retardant chemicals, and antibacterial biocides. Many of these compounds are banned in Europe where precaution is favored versus the US approach that compounds are safe until proven harmful. There is not a lot of support for proving something already on the market ISN'T safe. I could go on.
In my research I also found that mattresses made out of healthier materials are REALLY high priced when compared to those made up of cheap, lightweight materials. This can be a hard pill to swallow because we are talking hundreds of dollars difference. Also not to be ignored is that these healthier mattresses are not always the solid fit they are said to be and can leave a gap in the crib. They are also A LOT heavier than the popular polyurethane foam mattresses. What is a Momma to do? Someone has to have seen the opportunity here and designed an affordable, well made, lighter weight, no chemical mattress right?! YES! Naturepedic come to the rescue. The price point was much easier on the credit, but you can bet I am getting every penny out of these healthy mattresses not to mention the time and energy researching and acquiring added to my value.
This brings me to the point. Eric's Naturepedic crib mattress has followed him from crib, to toddeler bed, to twin bed. With each bedsize increase we just stuffed more stuffed animals around the edge to make up the difference (finally a good use for stuffed animals!) until....last week when he fell out the side. He has been avoiding the right side of the bed because the stuffed animals don't hold his weight. So ....time for the Twin...Naturepedic again to the rescue. Since I first discover this awesome company fiver years ago they have much expanded their line to include Twin, Doubles, Queens, Kings, and accessories! SO we invested in a twin...moved Eric's crib mattress to Noah, and will sell Noah's crib mattress that he has hardly slept on anyway.
After all this and weighing the cost benefit analysis and carefully timing our mattress investment, the TWIN arrives special deliver and Eric's says, "Mom, did you get my new mattress at Mattress Discounters?"
As much as I would like to think Mattress Discounters is offering healthier mattresses at affordable prices, I just don't think they are there yet.
Naturepedic is an affordable investment but I guarantee you won't find it at Mattress Discounters.
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Easter
Easter weekend was celebrated with Oma and Opa. Fishing poles were cast. A hike was taken. Wild flowers were identified. Piggy back rides were had. Naps happened - on the trail.
Hard boiled eggs and little fingers were dyed.
57 colorfully filled eggs with toys and treats were found.
Baskets were bursting and chocolate and jelly beans were eaten at 8am....and all day long.
We had a wonderful time together.
Hard boiled eggs and little fingers were dyed.
57 colorfully filled eggs with toys and treats were found.
Baskets were bursting and chocolate and jelly beans were eaten at 8am....and all day long.
We had a wonderful time together.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
So much to say
Let the pictures do the talking......
Let the pictures do the talking......
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| Rainy Day? Go to the Exploratorium! |
 |
| Chef Eric! Works at "Little Village Cafe" at Clif Base Camp School |
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| Student Prepared "Picnic" at Clif Base Camp School |
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| Bus ride to Park Street and back - cheap entertainment and so fun! |
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| Characters! |
Let the pictures do the talking......
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Happy Birthday Noah
Noah is 2 years old. Since he was born I have been trying to sit down and right about what it was like to be pregnant with Noah. Until now, I have been unable to do it. Maybe it has more to do with having two children with needs greater than my need to write my story. Or, maybe, it just takes that long to reflect on it enough to paint a picture with words. I know it took me that same amount of time to write about Eric’s days prior to his birthday. My sense is that it is the latter, especially since I have found no more time for writing today than I did 2 years ago.
Pregnancy is an uncomfortable life altering gift. I didn’t love being pregnant, but I did appreciate it for its wonder. I spent my second pregnancy cherishing the blessing of a second chance, a second chance to embrace ten months of an unfamiliar body, the necessary means of bringing sweet Noah into our family.
Pregnancy was hard, it was uncomfortable, and cganged the way Aaron, Eric and I functioned. But it was wonderful in so many unexpected ways that today, two years later, when I see a pregnant woman, I smile.
My second pregnancy while full term, was hardly uneventful. What it wasn’t was traumatic and there lies the difference. Instead of wishing away ten months of uncomfortable-ness I choose to embrace it as my chance to assist God in a miracle. This meant embracing the first trimester of unknowing. Every woman experiences the period of pregnancy with the same uneasiness about whether this baby will really result in more than just an embryo. You hope, you wish, you dream, and you are scared. Within the first three months of pregnancy we carry on knowing that nature may intervene when something isn't quite right. I am forever grateful for not having to struggle during this time of pregnancy, the getting pregnant and staying pregnant part that so many of my family and friends, including my mother, persevered through.
The eventfulness of my pregnancy with Noah began first with the understanding that at 13 weeks Dr. Katz (the best in the world right in my “backyard”) would be sewing our little Noah inside me to keep him from “slipping” out too soon before our desired delivery. Between 12 and 13 weeks after we knew the pregnancy “took” it was time for the much anticipated cerclage to be welcomed to the party in my cervix. If it makes you uncomfortable to read the word cervix then you better stop here. A cerclage is a fancy word for a purse string stitch the cinches up those of us with “incompetent” cervix. NOTHING about me is incompetent, that I am confident of, EXCEPT my cervix.
I will leave most of the surgical placement of the cerclage to your imagination. If however you know the yoga pose of happy baby you can get a pretty good visual. Picture happy baby pose on a surgical table in a surgery room under bright lights with a curtain across your waist, a nurse holds your hand, and anesthesiologist at your side, the most talented cerclage surgeon in the world and his medical student with a needle and thread in their hand. Enough said.
I addition to the poor performance history of my cervix I also was told by Dr. Katz that it seemed I have and over-active uterus. This may not only explain WHY Eric arrived so early, but it could also explain a lot about Eric’s personality. An overactive uterus me be a source of multiple, consecutive sensations of pleasure BUT they are not great when you don’t want to have contractions. So to curb the enthusiasm of this womb for the time being, I endured twenty weeks straight of progesterone injections administered by nursing-assistant Aaron (my husband). These shots were given alternating left and right butt cheeks every Sunday. Eric found the whole event fascinating and it always lead to a series of questions and answers. Since the shots lovingly irritated my skin for an entire week Aaron endured me constantly, not very seductively, scratching my bum.
Speaking of seduction, there was to be none until after Noah was born (LONG AFTER). Doc Katz said the uterus would certainly contract and so long as it stopped contracting everything was fine. He said, “If it doesn’t stop contracting call me.”
Aaron and took one look at each other, remembered 96 days of NICU and all the worry that followed, and said, “No way. We are not going there!
There were some minor aches and pains; and as I became larger and larger and less and less mobile I learned to set strong boundaries around my time and physical capabilities. I learned how to ask for help and feel good about it. I learned to accept the help of others with more graciousness, and I learned that the need for rest and water should never be ignored. These lessons I have carried with me even now that Noah is two years old.
We had a few scares along the way that turned out to be nothing more than my body adjusting to the cerclage and my pelvis adjusting to the Noah growing inside me with very long feet. Over the holidays we had an emergency visit to check for a blood clot first in my legs and then in my lungs that turned out to be nothing more than a little pregnancy induced asthma. These were events of the very normal kind that happen throughout many normal pregnancies. Noah was a very normal pregnancy. I have also learned that no pregnancy is without event. It is all an event, and it is something I always want to remember. Many women I meet say they don’t remember being pregnant. I know I will remember always. Maybe it has to do with the gifts that come along with being mother to a very early preemie (of which there are many).
I remember very clearly the births of each of my children. I remember the sequences of events, the emotions, and the physical sensations. This leads me to part 2 of the “Noah is Turning 2 Years Old “ blog.
Pregnancy is an uncomfortable life altering gift. I didn’t love being pregnant, but I did appreciate it for its wonder. I spent my second pregnancy cherishing the blessing of a second chance, a second chance to embrace ten months of an unfamiliar body, the necessary means of bringing sweet Noah into our family.
 |
| February 2010 |
My second pregnancy while full term, was hardly uneventful. What it wasn’t was traumatic and there lies the difference. Instead of wishing away ten months of uncomfortable-ness I choose to embrace it as my chance to assist God in a miracle. This meant embracing the first trimester of unknowing. Every woman experiences the period of pregnancy with the same uneasiness about whether this baby will really result in more than just an embryo. You hope, you wish, you dream, and you are scared. Within the first three months of pregnancy we carry on knowing that nature may intervene when something isn't quite right. I am forever grateful for not having to struggle during this time of pregnancy, the getting pregnant and staying pregnant part that so many of my family and friends, including my mother, persevered through.
The eventfulness of my pregnancy with Noah began first with the understanding that at 13 weeks Dr. Katz (the best in the world right in my “backyard”) would be sewing our little Noah inside me to keep him from “slipping” out too soon before our desired delivery. Between 12 and 13 weeks after we knew the pregnancy “took” it was time for the much anticipated cerclage to be welcomed to the party in my cervix. If it makes you uncomfortable to read the word cervix then you better stop here. A cerclage is a fancy word for a purse string stitch the cinches up those of us with “incompetent” cervix. NOTHING about me is incompetent, that I am confident of, EXCEPT my cervix.
I will leave most of the surgical placement of the cerclage to your imagination. If however you know the yoga pose of happy baby you can get a pretty good visual. Picture happy baby pose on a surgical table in a surgery room under bright lights with a curtain across your waist, a nurse holds your hand, and anesthesiologist at your side, the most talented cerclage surgeon in the world and his medical student with a needle and thread in their hand. Enough said.
I addition to the poor performance history of my cervix I also was told by Dr. Katz that it seemed I have and over-active uterus. This may not only explain WHY Eric arrived so early, but it could also explain a lot about Eric’s personality. An overactive uterus me be a source of multiple, consecutive sensations of pleasure BUT they are not great when you don’t want to have contractions. So to curb the enthusiasm of this womb for the time being, I endured twenty weeks straight of progesterone injections administered by nursing-assistant Aaron (my husband). These shots were given alternating left and right butt cheeks every Sunday. Eric found the whole event fascinating and it always lead to a series of questions and answers. Since the shots lovingly irritated my skin for an entire week Aaron endured me constantly, not very seductively, scratching my bum.
Speaking of seduction, there was to be none until after Noah was born (LONG AFTER). Doc Katz said the uterus would certainly contract and so long as it stopped contracting everything was fine. He said, “If it doesn’t stop contracting call me.”
Aaron and took one look at each other, remembered 96 days of NICU and all the worry that followed, and said, “No way. We are not going there!
There were some minor aches and pains; and as I became larger and larger and less and less mobile I learned to set strong boundaries around my time and physical capabilities. I learned how to ask for help and feel good about it. I learned to accept the help of others with more graciousness, and I learned that the need for rest and water should never be ignored. These lessons I have carried with me even now that Noah is two years old.
We had a few scares along the way that turned out to be nothing more than my body adjusting to the cerclage and my pelvis adjusting to the Noah growing inside me with very long feet. Over the holidays we had an emergency visit to check for a blood clot first in my legs and then in my lungs that turned out to be nothing more than a little pregnancy induced asthma. These were events of the very normal kind that happen throughout many normal pregnancies. Noah was a very normal pregnancy. I have also learned that no pregnancy is without event. It is all an event, and it is something I always want to remember. Many women I meet say they don’t remember being pregnant. I know I will remember always. Maybe it has to do with the gifts that come along with being mother to a very early preemie (of which there are many).
I remember very clearly the births of each of my children. I remember the sequences of events, the emotions, and the physical sensations. This leads me to part 2 of the “Noah is Turning 2 Years Old “ blog.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Sunday morning banana bread
In the shape of a car! Always a fan favorite. He usually eats one car and one truck.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A little workout
Momma pushed this light load (70 pounds of adorable, 1 scooter folded, a bad of snacks, a bundle of reading material) through Golden Gate Park starting at Arguello, down hill to Ocean beach and back up again for a total of 6 miles. We took a few pit stops and our fit friend Amy tried her hand at pushing. We ended this workout with time at the playground and a veggie egg scramble at Velo Rouge. Great time had by all.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Happy New Year and belated Merry Christmas
Momma did some debating over the value of sending the traditional lick'em, post'em, and drop them in the mail box cards this year. In the end we decided to send them, after the holidays because that is just how it works in the house of two full-time working parents of two, adorably, high energy, enthusiastic boys on overdrive.
My late Grandma Bernell was so wonderful at "keeping the cobb-webs" out of my mailbox as she would say. We are so thankful for all the greetings that have delighted in keeping the cobb-webs out of our mail box this season. We are overwhelmingly grateful to have such wonderful family and friends. A card, and this note, is a small way of showing our gratitude and helping to keep the cobb-webs out of your mailbox and spice up you inter-webs.
We are lucky to have rang in 2012 with gusto in Tahoe with horn blowing and streamer throwing (at 8:00pm but it was midnight somewhere) with cousins, in-laws, and moms and dads.
Before 2011 is too far gone I want to review some of the big highlights: Eric goes snow skiing and sledding for the first time; Noah begins walking on his first birthday; Eric learns to ride a bike; Noah begins using words; Dadda turns forty years young; Eric graduates to scrimmage play in soccer; Momma runs Hood to Coast, a half-marathon, and completes 2 marathons both under 4 hours; Eric turns 5; Dadda begins a new job and closes up his in-home shop of ten years; we successfully fit our family of four in our queen-size bed on at least half of the nights of the year - because who doesn't love to snuggle or "nuggle" as Noah says.
In addition to all those BIG moments we have more small moments than I can count that collectively made 2011 another very special year.
(Insert highlights slideshow here when Momma figures out how)
Feel free to add your moments in the comment section!
January
Eric goes skiing with Momma and Dadda for the first time
Noah holds his own cup
February
Noah begins walking on his first birthday
March
Tara is a honored to be a bridesmaid for her dear friend since kindergarten, Meghan Rydell
Tara's dear friend Susanne meets the boys
April
Aaron turns 40 years young
Family visits Monteray for Sea Otter fun
Noah says his first words of "No, hi, and buh (ball)
May
Eric graduates from sneaker hockey to roller hockey
Momma runs a Mother's Day fun run
Mother's Day fun with Oma and the cousins
June
Noah starts to grow some hair
Father's day cookout
Roaring Camp railroad with Montoyas
July
Eric learns to ride his bike
4th of July at Oma & Opa's
August
Noah's first trip to Montana
Fishing trips
Picnic at Aspen Grove
Montana State Fair
We meet Caleigh and Graham of the Varrassee clan
Momma runs Hood to Coast with Team CLIF
September
Eric turns 5
We celebrate Aunt Kathy turning 60
Momma spends time with old-friend Maureen
Williamson's meet-up at Crissy Field
October
Momma runs Nike Women's Marathon in 3:59:32
Aaron "crews" Momma's marathon with cheer squad (Dempseys, Eric,Noah)
Eric and Noah are baptized
Pumpkin patch with Ryan, Spencer, & baby Caleb
Halloween at CLIF Bar and Alameda - Eric in Batman costume made by Grandma and Noah as a Scarecrow inspired by Stephanie Bolstad & Elliott
November
Aaron starts his new job at www.horoscope.com
Tara and her brother Sean run the Chico half-marathon together
We visit Santa
Eric and Noah build tours
Noah says his first sentence "I want a bear"
Dempsey party
December
Tara runs her marathon PR at Cal Internation Marathon 3:51
Holidays with family, friends, and a trip to Tahoe
We are lucky to have rang in 2012 with gusto in Tahoe with horn blowing and streamer throwing (at 8:00pm but it was midnight somewhere) with cousins, in-laws, and moms and dads.
Before 2011 is too far gone I want to review some of the big highlights: Eric goes snow skiing and sledding for the first time; Noah begins walking on his first birthday; Eric learns to ride a bike; Noah begins using words; Dadda turns forty years young; Eric graduates to scrimmage play in soccer; Momma runs Hood to Coast, a half-marathon, and completes 2 marathons both under 4 hours; Eric turns 5; Dadda begins a new job and closes up his in-home shop of ten years; we successfully fit our family of four in our queen-size bed on at least half of the nights of the year - because who doesn't love to snuggle or "nuggle" as Noah says.
In addition to all those BIG moments we have more small moments than I can count that collectively made 2011 another very special year.
(Insert highlights slideshow here when Momma figures out how)
Feel free to add your moments in the comment section!
January
Eric goes skiing with Momma and Dadda for the first time
Noah holds his own cup
February
Noah begins walking on his first birthday
March
Tara is a honored to be a bridesmaid for her dear friend since kindergarten, Meghan Rydell
Tara's dear friend Susanne meets the boys
April
Aaron turns 40 years young
Family visits Monteray for Sea Otter fun
Noah says his first words of "No, hi, and buh (ball)
May
Eric graduates from sneaker hockey to roller hockey
Momma runs a Mother's Day fun run
Mother's Day fun with Oma and the cousins
June
Noah starts to grow some hair
Father's day cookout
Roaring Camp railroad with Montoyas
July
Eric learns to ride his bike
4th of July at Oma & Opa's
August
Noah's first trip to Montana
Fishing trips
Picnic at Aspen Grove
Montana State Fair
We meet Caleigh and Graham of the Varrassee clan
Momma runs Hood to Coast with Team CLIF
September
Eric turns 5
We celebrate Aunt Kathy turning 60
Momma spends time with old-friend Maureen
Williamson's meet-up at Crissy Field
October
Momma runs Nike Women's Marathon in 3:59:32
Aaron "crews" Momma's marathon with cheer squad (Dempseys, Eric,Noah)
Eric and Noah are baptized
Pumpkin patch with Ryan, Spencer, & baby Caleb
Halloween at CLIF Bar and Alameda - Eric in Batman costume made by Grandma and Noah as a Scarecrow inspired by Stephanie Bolstad & Elliott
November
Aaron starts his new job at www.horoscope.com
Tara and her brother Sean run the Chico half-marathon together
We visit Santa
Eric and Noah build tours
Noah says his first sentence "I want a bear"
Dempsey party
December
Tara runs her marathon PR at Cal Internation Marathon 3:51
Holidays with family, friends, and a trip to Tahoe
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Ted the elf, do you see what I see?
I see two children so tender and mild and joyful and beautiful and precious who bring with them so many blessings. And ooooh so much more
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Stationery card
Frames Of Joy Christmas Card
Shop Shutterfly for unique,Christmas card designs.
View the entire collection of cards.
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