Birds & Bees!

A couple of days ago Baz approached me with an incredibly sad face.

"What's the matter, Sebastian?"

"Well, I was just wishing that, when I grow up, I could get a seed from a man and grow a baby in my body."

"Ummmmm... oh. Your body can't do that, but you will be able to do something just as special when you are a man." 

"Like what?"

"You will be able to give your magic seed to a woman and she will let the baby grow in her body. Women really can't make babies without help from men."

"Oh. Okay, then. Where do the men get their seeds from?"

"Ummm... When you are a man, you will know just where to find them."

OMG. Are we really having this conversation already?! Little dude isn't even 3 & a half yet. We're totally in for it.

The Show.

I'm back from Sacred Doula Training and easing into my home routine. We're enjoying fantastic weather, daily walks, 'playing baseball' out back, and keeping things low key and gentle. Doula Training was so intense and I think that I will be processing for some time to come. There just aren't words for that experience, so please excuse me for not writing about it quite yet.

Being away from Baz for a week kicked my emotional ass much harder than I expected. I was fine at the workshop, but toward the end of the week I found myself stealing moments to look through his pictures on my iphone. I called just a couple of days after leaving home and was so sad when Baz didn't want to talk to me on the phone. It was bittersweet: On the one hand I was so relieved that he was not too upset about me being away and on the other I was crushed that he didn't seem to care whether or not I was around. I waited a few more days to call again and he talked to me briefly and said that he loved me and missed me. Ben and Terry (his step dad) reported back that all was well and that Baz was having a blast. When I arrived home, Baz acted like I had just come back from the grocery store. It was no big deal for him. That was so odd to me. Terry said that there was one night midweek that Baz woke up crying inconsolably and unable to articulate why.

And then? We went through our nightly bedtime routine and I snuggled him a little closer than usual. We read a book and I sang his favorite song (Hush, Little Baby).

Baz says, "Mama, I really need to go to sleep now. I am tired and I don't want to miss my show."

"What? What show? What do you mean?"

"You know, Mama. The one that comes on when you close your eyes and sleep and it is usually different every night."

"OH! That is called a dream!"

"No, Mom. It's called 'my show'. I usually like them, but I really didn't like the one I had that was about my family not being all together. Dad was with me, but not Mama... and it made me cry a lot."

Suffice it to say, we're pretty sure that he had that dream on the night that he woke up crying. So sweet. I'm so proud of my big kid for being brave and flexible. However did I get so lucky?

30 days of smiles: Day 5!

My sweet boy sleeps.

Thank the funny lords! This surely has been a beast of a week, if ever there were one. We've dealt with some potty backtracking; going from fully trained to marking many spots on his bedroom carpet. GAH! We exorcised some monsters from bathroom and said bedroom, complete with the burning of sage and harsh voices (to scare those monsters into never returning). We implemented a chart to commemorate each successful journey to the toilet with a prize to be had when the chart is covered with colorful stickers. And today? Oi. Today there was an awful, uncooperative day at preschool in which the little guy had to have more than one time out. The primary teacher is out of town on Thursday and gave me the choice of either not bringing Baz to school that day or to bring him and stay to watch/help out. Apparently there is fear that he will be too much work for the helper teacher and sub because he gets the other kids riled up. Teacher recommended we have some testing done to determine what is going on with Baz. She says he is very smart and that may not be a good thing... Hrrrmmm... She also recommended that we opt for co-operative preschool next season so that I can be more involved in the classroom and provide the one on one interaction that a typical school with 2 teachers to 10+ kids cannot provide.

This all sounds rather negative for a '30 days of smiles' post, no? Nah. I did have some tearful moments after talking with the teacher (Okay, okay... so I bursted into tears in the park and cried all over another mama). Now that those tears are out of the way I think I can focus on the positives coming out of our current challenges.

Co-operative preschool was my original choice. I was dazzled by our current school's nature program, but see that I can supplement his preschool experience with nature based home school curriculum and outdoor adventures. We'll stick it out a bit longer at nature preschool and see what comes of that (Yes, I will attend with him on Thursday and get clear on what is happening in the classroom to better determine his needs), but it looks as though we had better begin looking for alternatives.

The testing? Well, that's not such a bad idea. If nothing else, it will confirm Baz's incredible intelligence. Having moved 3 times since he was born & not making many kiddo connections, I happen to feel strongly that he just wigs out in social situations. It seems that if the teachers cannot focus on him or challenge him he gets bored and turns into the class clown, thereby seeking the attention of his peers & resulting in negative attention from his teachers. Needless to say, we have a lot on our plate. We are learning so much & I am finding my inner fire and creativity through all of this. That is something to be super thankful for! For those of you who may think "Maybe your kid is just a hellion", I'm guessing you've never parented a toddler. It's tough, challenging, heart-wrenching, intense, amazing, beautiful, crazy and sometimes fun... and it is SO worth every freaking moment.

The cure for stir craziness...

An indoor picnic! We have been cooped up in the house for far too many days with this nasty sickness and my little guy has been such a trooper. He's feeling much better as he has just one more day to go on his antibiotics, but me and the BenBen were *much* worse today. Baz was ecstatic to be able to eat down low... and who wouldn't be? Cars, robots & tasty treats are about as near to perfection as one can come. That smile says it all:

Nuts, cheese, carrots, tomatoes, pb&j mini bagel & animal crackers. Yum!

It is so simple to please the wee ones. I just have to keep reminding myself of that!

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!

August Break: 9.

My little sea lion. :)

August Break: 6.

Have I mentioned that Baz LOVES cars? At home he plays for endless hours with his Hot Wheels. At McBride house, Baz has nearly unlimited play time in his BFF Kevin's yellow VW Beetle. Oh, did I mention that his very favorite car is any kind of Volkswagen? ;) He is in blissland.

Adventures in Newport-land.

So much has changed in the last few weeks and Sebastian has truly been a trooper. It seems only fitting that I share with you all some of the fun we have been stirring up for him. We are still settling in and unpacking those boxes, so the house photos will have to wait... In the meantime, here's what's up:

I decided to tackle this recipe from happyfoody.com. I used the grain blade on my vitamix to reduce the oats to a warm powder and then soaked it in almond milk in the fridge overnight. On Saturday morning I added the rest of the ingredients and made a couple of pancakes. Honestly, they were good, but the consistency was a little spongy (does that word look really weird to anyone else?). Ben thought it only natural to try the batter out on the waffle iron... and OH MY! It was heaven. That tiny crispy edge of waffle was just what that batter needed. I spread a bit of peanut butter over our waffles, chopped some banana over the top & added a drizzle of pure maple syrup... ahhhhhh, perfection. The pancakes weren't a total loss, though. Sebastian was giddy to receive the plate below and is now adamant that more "boy waffles" arrive on his plate in the future.

So Sunday rolled around and I woke up with the urge to explore. Ben didn't want to go, so I strapped Baz into his stroller and took him out for a mama date. We enjoyed breakfast at Cafe Stephanie in Nye Beach, just a short walk from our place. We then walked across town just to acquaint ourselves with this town so new to us. We found the toy store, much to Sebastian's delight. He scored himself a new toy car (Blue VW bug w/bright flowers and rainbows... damn hippie!) and we found our way back to the beach for some play time.

I swear this kid is growing like a weed!

After soaking in more than enough warmth at the beach, we walked a few blocks over to the playground. One subtle thing that I love about this part of Oregon vs. California or Utah? The lawns are covered in these tiny daisies vs. dandelions. I love dandelions, but these are just so sweet:

Sebastian had a blast chasing the other kids and scaring the crap out of me. He now climbs UP the slide. Yikes! We love that the playground is close to the house meaning that we can go daily in the nice weather months (btw: we have only seen rain 3 times in 2 weeks. So much for all of that rain warning!)...

But what sweetens the deal even more? The walk to and from the playground. A beautiful, 5 acre midtown forest walk!

Here I am soaking in the greenery and sunshine. What could be better than fresh air, beautiful surroundings and time spent with my beloved boy? Nothing. Not one thing.