Happy Birthday, Star Prince!

Once upon a time, specifically on December 20th 2006, a young married woman went to the sea and stripped her clothes off before dipping in & praying for a child. The prayers were fervent, but realistic. "When the time is right", she pleaded. But she knew... just KNEW with every fiber of her being that the prayer would be answered, not in HER time, but in due time. And, of course, as fate (or whoever else) would have it: the child was born 1 year to the day (though it took the woman a few months to find herself at that magical realization). A year TO THE DAY! Seriously? How much more magical could it be?

Mama & little Sebastian Fox just hours after his perfect entry into our realm:

Is it just me? Or do you see how aware he was, even at his debut?

Happy Birthday, little one!

It is a shock to me how fast time is flying... and I find myself crying (waaaaaay prematurely) at the thought of you leaving the nest while, simultaneously, cherishing every freakin' moment. You are so beautiful, amazing, smart, aware. I can't get enough and can't wait to see what you do next.

In the meantime... I am just so happy that *you* are happy. You'll have that brother or sister you want (when the time is right)... I wish I could guarantee you those 2 twins you keep asking about... but we will leave that up to fate, or Aphrodite, or whomever... This has been a magical birthday and I am so happy to know you. You make me a better person... and I am forever in your debt for making me Mama (the one thing I KNOW I am good at).

So, smile that impish smile. Grin like there is no tomorrow. Keep touching hearts... and just be *you*. Your smiles make it all worthwhile.

I love you, my star prince.

Before & After!

Before:

AFTER:

Looks like a different kid, no? Baz has been wanting to keep the hair long for some time... but finally gave in to trying a new look. We didn't push hard, just gave him the choice. I guess today was a good day for a change. I can't believe how much older (& taller!) he looks. So so so so sweet. :)

Rain & puddles & creeks, Oh my!

The rain sure has been coming down the past few days. Nothing we can't handle, it's just constant. That will not deter us from getting outside to enjoy sloshing around in the puddles, however. Check out the creek! It was not much more than a trickle a week ago...

Baz brought along his goodie basket for collecting natural treasures during our walk.

Enjoying the puddles! When we made it back inside Baz had 2 boots full of water.

But he is still committed to (reluctatly) bringing us all a little bit o' sunshine.

Introducing: SUPER KID!

First request this morning: "Mama! I need a cape!" Okaaaaay... I dug out a silk wall hanging that has been collecting dust and tied it around his neck. He then donned an old pair of our magic rainbow glasses that he poked the lenses out of. Insert one tiny bike into the mix and you have SUPER KID (sometimes also known as SUPER BAT BOY!) Whatever you choose to call him, he has made it clear that he is a fierce one to be reckoned with. He'll crash through your garden!

If you ask sweetly, he will stop and pose for a brief pic!

No time for autographs, though. After adjusting his glasses he is off again!

This is his "fierce" face. He has been calling himself fierce ever since watching Project Runway season 4 with Mama. A big Christian Siriano fan...

Super Kid says that his super powers include saving kitties from trees, making sure no trees are cut down & getting to where he needs to be with lightning speed. I think he forgot to add in that he specializes in melting hearts. Just look at that face:

Sweeeeeet! I am thankful to Super Kid for getting us outside for a bit today. I noticed that the roses are a bit confused about what season we are experiencing. So pretty, though!

Oh! Here is the tiny playground just outside of our yard. Baz is in love! Lots of trails and trees back there to enjoy.

We're loving these sporadic sunny moments that occasionally grace a stretch of cloudy/rainy days. And loving the greeeeeeeen! Super Kid is hoping to capture the attention of some local kids that he can play with out on the playground. Looking forward to Spring when the children are spending more time outside and his little wish will come true.

Back in action!

It has been a wild and crazy ride the past few months. We left off with a promise to post a pic of Baz's Halloween costume...

Better late than never? ;) Okay, my apologies. I have a whole pile of excuses, surely none of which anyone is interested in. On an up note: We moved! Loved the coast, but opportunities for work are slim to none in the off season (basically October through May) and Ben is ready to pursue some educational goals. We settled inland about 50 miles in a tiny town called Philomath. We are literally on the border of Corvallis, so best of both small town and college town worlds. Oh! Plus, Corvallis is so much like the positive parts of Davis that we are truly feeling at home here. Pics of the new place to come in the next few weeks!

Naturally, we couldn't stay away from the coast for long. We ventured on over to Newport last night for their community holiday celebration. We slipped into our old neighborhood haunt Savory Cafe and enjoyed ridiculously good pizza & salad before heading on over to the bay for the lighted boat parade. I had a tough time capturing photos of the lighted boats. Don't be fooled... they weren't whizzing by or anything. I was just verrrrry cold and shakey. Also, not sure if 7 boats counts as a parade... but it truly was a sweet idea and fun to warm our hands with hot beverages while we braved the crisp air.

Then, the meat of our visit! Holiday evening visit to Oregon Coast Aquarium! We arrived early and were some of the first in line which meant an hour long wait for the doors to open and one crazy wild Baz running around and talking to anyone who would listen.

Luckily, I was able to get him to stand still long enough to ensure that his photos weren't whizzy like the poor lighted boats' were.

Also, there is a RAD (and maybe a little sad) art display currently at the aquarium. All materials used are found objects/garbage from local beaches. This fish was incredible!

The ceiling to floor jellyfish is made entirely of plastic bottles! There was even a giant coral reef modeled out of styrofoam!

And then there was Santa! Baz climbed up and asked immediately for a blue wooden race car, much to my surprise. Now it is all he talks about. Thank goodness Mama was able to find one and let Santa know which one to bring for Solstice. ;) Honestly, Baz was so thrilled with the candy cane that I think he doesn't much care what Santa brings so long as he leaves behind some candy canes.

We had a good giggle over these fish sculptures getting into the holiday spirit:

Wondering why we had to be at the aquarium so early? Ben was part of the entertainment! He wanted to be a part of the caroling put on by his barbershop chorus, The Coastalaires. Since we moved he has been missing meeting with his guys weekly, but he still plans to study the music and meet back with them for performances until he can find a group he gels with in the valley.

Baz loved watching Daddy sing and wanted to join in, but he had a mouthful of candy cane, so he listened with quiet intent.

...and occasionally Baz would get the attention of the chorus and elicit some cheer from them.

It was a good time and a great kickoff to our holiday season. Looking forward to some snuggles by the fire, much hot cocoa & our annual Christmas Day enchilada feast. Ooooh! And a certain little one's approaching birthday (it's a hot topic in our house right now that he is not going to let us forget). We hope you are all enjoying the season as the dark approaches the light. May good cheer and gentleness fill you and may your December be the merriest!