Sydney, Australia

Scott has added another continent to his travel list, he has officially landed in Sydney, Australia.  After flying from Portland to LA and then for another 15 hours and 20 minutes to Sydney, I imagine he is a bit out of sorts.  We are hoping this is his last international business trip for the summer so we can book some fun family trips.  Let the countdown begin for his return...

Home Project: Adirondack Chairs

Our neighbors moved to Amsterdam a few weeks ago and they gave us their adirondack chairs for free.  I love that price!  They are a little beat up after sitting outside in the rain for a few years, but they just need some tlc.  Silly us, we thought we could take both of them apart, sand them, repaint them and put them both back together in one weekend.  WRONG!  Scott and I put the chair on the right back together this afternoon before he flew out for his next work trip that requires him to be away for 11 long days.  I hope to find some fabric to make pillows to brighten them up and then we will work on the second chair upon his return.  I can't wait to sit back in them, drink a gin and tonic and enjoy the warm weather this summer.

Meeting Montse

Another baby girl has been born and a future friend of Belle's, Montse Huerta arrived on May 8th and we had a chance to meet her this past weekend.  Man, I don't even remember Belle being a small newborn.  Montse is a sweet baby and Belle was very intrigued by her.  I love watching her watch other people and study them.  Congratulations to Jesus and Hilary!  Welcome to the club of parenthood, it is the most rewarding job in the world.

Photo by Jesus Huerta

Eight Months

Photo by Jesus Huerta

At eight months you are simply awesome.  We laugh with you more and more.  You have full belly laughs now that give you the hiccups.  You have this absolutely contagious, gummy grin that makes us smile ear to ear back at you.  Everyone that meets you comments that you are such a happy baby girl and it makes us so proud.  Still no teeth and still no crawling, but man do you have a lot to say.  You babble from the morning you wake up until we are able to get you to go down to bed.  You are learning that happy screams get our immediate attention.  You also love to eat.  The only food you don't enjoy are peas and I understand because I don't like peas either.  At night when you are tired you rest your head on my shoulder and I don't want to let you go.  

Belle, will you please not grow up too fast?  I am trying to fully experience every moment I have with you and remember it all and then I catch myself planning for your first birthday at the same time.  We love, love, love YOU.

Storage!

Even though I am trying really hard, I am finding that I have a collection of baby related items stashed in various parts of our home.  After looking at some homes on the market in our neighborhood for storage ideas, I decided my best option would be to add some type of wall with cabinet doors for the full length of Belle's room.  After receiving various quotes and trying to explain my vision to several contractors, I met Jeff and Bobbi and everything clicked.  Not only did they understand my goal, they also understood my price range.  Fast forward two weeks later, we have storage in Belle's room!  I love the end result!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

One happy baby girl in her new and improved room.  The long skinny room appears to be even skinnier, but I know we will get use to the look and it is still the perfect room for our little girl.

Vancouver, BC

Last weekend we drove up to Vancouver, BC for Scott to run the half marathon, this is a tradition for him and the first time I have been invited to join (not to run, just cheer).  I had not visited Vancouver for at least ten years, it is more beautiful that I remember and had so many European characteristics that I appreciate.  It appears to be very family friendly, as you stroll along the water you hear many languages being spoken, there are lots of parks for lounging, recycling is promoted and bars and restaurants with patios to enjoy the sunshine and a beer.  This was also Belle's first international trip!  The border patrol even stamped her passport for us.  With each trip, we are getting more comfortable traveling with our munchkin and figuring out how to balance her needs and ours.  It is time to book some family summer vacations for this clan!

Look at the gummy grin!  She was so patient while we waited to find Scott in the sea of runners.

The finish line was a little busy, so we had to hustle to find a place to look for Scott

There he is!  My only photo of him running by.  I was able to spot him from across the street and two lanes of traffic.

Scott and our friend Sam, who completed his first half marathon, way to go!

What do you crave after a race?  Scott craved dim sum, so we walked around Chinatown until we found one that looked just right.  It was really good and very filling.  Later that night we had some mouth watering sushi that I should have taken photos of, the rolls were huge!

And this is what I craved while sitting in the sunshine.  It was a perfect day together.

Family Photos

Happy Friday!  I am playing catch up here on the blog.  I forgot to share more of our family photos from last month.  I am now trying to decide which ones to order and there are so many to choose from.  Here are some favorites and darn right funny faces made by Belle.

Here we are walking down NE 42nd with all of the flowers in bloom.  Even though this photo has lots of color, I prefer the black and white version.

I love Belle's face in this one

My Mom made a pink tutu and Belle decided she did NOT like it.  I think I will try using it again with her one year photos.

Big smile!  Playing with one of her very favorite toys!

Big girl sitting up with the cutest little smirk.