Just been busy

Not too much to report, but just have some new photos to share.





We went to a great music class this morning at a church, part of the library series. By the way, thanks to Randi for finding this link.... Riley and I go to these free library activities every week!. Chris Molla was doing a class, and it was really fun. I liked his music and style even better than Charity Khan! And she was fun... but I think it was probably because Chris's program was more tailored for little kids. Riley was running around, jumping and dancing, clapping... she really loved it.

This photo was taken by the photographer at Juliet's birthday party. Glad I didn't see this happening... Oh my God, daddy would have been in SO much trouble. But after the fact, I suppose it is a cute photo.



We've been busy getting ready for the grammy/gramps visit and the grand opening of Riley's show, and the big partay Sunday. Grammy/gramps come tomorrow night... yay!!

Our little human noisemaker

Here is Riley. Walkin' and talkin'. Kinda. (by the way, these sound effects are all Riley, un-edited, un-modified)



We had a nice day off with dad today... he got to stay home cause his office was moving to a new location. Fisherman's Wharf. Yuck for him... tourist country, bad commute, bad lunches. But at least he'll have an office with a door! And... now, he gets to DRIVE to work! Mucho gracias to Marcus, who is lending Russell his 2nd car to drive to work every day. Now I believe him when he says he wants to be Riley's first husband when she turns 18. He's trying to get in good with me, his future mother-in-law. (Marcus, really, you're a nice guy and all, but that's just WRONG.) Here's Marcus at work:



This weekend is Emilia's birthday. She was born just about the time I thought I should be going into labor. Gina, Emilia's mom, and I went through childbirth classes together (with the dads, of course), and compared symptoms throughout the ordeal... it was fun to go through it together. We even shared an order of baby hangers. And now we get to celebrate the one-year mark together. Good stuff. Maybe now, we'll even get to hang out a bit, since Gina's not working any longer.

Here are Gina and I when we were preggers. At our house, at a BBQ. About 2 days before Emilia was born, and about 2 weeks before Riley was born. We were brave. Oh yeah, and there's Marcus, waiting in the background with baited breath. Where's goldbug?



Swimming: bad news, and good news. The bad news: our favorite instructor, Lindsay, is leaving next week. The good news: she offered to babysit Riley! Riley LOVES her, and I think she'll be a great babysitter. And good timing, since our current sitter, Carrie, is moving back to the LA area. Good night, and good luck!

Events and walking babies

Riley has been walking everywhere! We went to a playdate yesterday at Siobhan and Rohan's house, and riley was showing off her new skill. Check out this concentration! She's very funny.



Today we went to see the Dana Smith, the goofy juggler and his dog, Lacey. It was a fun show. Riley was kinda uninterested, though, I think because she was hungry. She would NOT eat her breakfast before we went. Plus, there were tons of kids there, and we were way in the back. I know she normally would have loved it.



One week from today is the opening of Riley's big show! The rest of the paintings will be for sale on the site soon, I'm sure. Here's Erik's bio. He's amazing.

That's about it for today. I have some new video to edit, which I hope to get to tomorrow... her walking is getting silly, with her sound effects and all.... including grinding her teeth, believe it or not. She's really driving me nuts with that; it's like nails on a chalkboard. I hope she stops, and doesn't have to wear night guards, like I do.

A mobile miniature Bongard

Here she is! I would officially call her a walker. What would you say?

Wow, what a sleeper!

So, last night and tonite were complete opposites. Last night, here's what happened:




So, she was asleep by 7:15, and I put her right in bed. She woke at midnight to nurse a little. Then again at 5 to nurse a little. Then up for the day at 9am. Not bad! But.... the outcome was bad. I mean, the 'tonite' outcome. She was up, and hyper as can be, until about 9:15pm. She got out every toy and chased every animal and person she could. Now, we're all exhausted, just kinda lying around staring at each other.

This afternoon should have worn her out. We had Chelsea's first birthday party after lunch. We were late because she had a late nap since she slept in. Here are some shots from the party. It was really nice. And great to see those guys again! It's been a while...







Then, we went to Erik's studio to check out the rest of the paintings he's done of Riley. In case you didn't read the previous blog, here is it (scroll to the bottom), and here is the show info. Opening night is First Thursday, Aug. 1, from 6-8 at Hang Art Annex, 567 Sutter. Please come! It's gonna be a great opening.



Whoa!! What amazing work. We're buying at least one of his paintings. I'd love to have all of them, because they're so beautiful. He's really captured her. Here's our favorite:



I also love these two:




Not to mention all the others. I can't decide! Help!

Oh, and here's a little video, just for the fun of it....

Playdate in the sun

Yesterday was gorgeous! So is today... we're having a heatwave here in SF: it's been about 70˚ for several days. Nice!



We went to the playground in St. Frances Wood. It was nice, but the sand was surprisingly dirty. I mean, lots of twigs and leaves and stones and stuff. I'm surprised that in a neighborhood like that, the playground isn't better maintained! But we had a grand 'ol time, anyhow. Riley liked the big-kid swings:




She also liked Coral (what's new?!):





Here's Coral, with Jasper:



And this is little Isaac. He has the BEST red hair! He and mom Ani are new to the group. Welcome!



And here is Riley on her new toy. It was supposed to be a birthday present, but now that she's starting to walk, we gave it to her early. She loves to push it around the house. And put her toys in the storage compartment under the seat. Too cute!



We're supposed to be swimming right now, but Riley decided to sleep right through it. Guess we'll go this afternoon instead.

Goin' mobile

Well, it's happening! Quickly. Right before our eyes. And fortunately, before the camera.

This is all I have to report today. And damned proud of it....

Another babysitter evening...

She loves to stand! She goes from sitting to standing now, with no help, in the middle of the floor. And then she takes a step or two. And this is without any encouragement. She loves to walk around the house while holding my hands, but now, she hardly puts any weight on me. Any time now!



Her new favorite food... casseroles! She likes a lot of different things all mixed together, so she can pick out what she wants. This one is pasta, pork, spinach, peas, and basil. And she separates things. Puts all the pork in one compartment, all the pasta in another... what a little organizer! She should be a virgo, like her mommy....



Today, she had pasta, ground sirloin, spinach, cheese, and sundried tomatoes. Yum!

Russell and I decided to go out for dinner tonite... a short one, and I met him halfway between work and home. Went to Cafe Gratitude, because I like it there. Shows what a great hubby he is, since he really doesn't like all the hippie-schtick business they put on.

Riley decided to throw a mini-tantrum as soon as Carrie got here. But as soon as I walked out, Carrie put her in the stroller, went for a walk, and she fell right asleep! What a little darling. Then they came home, had dinner, a bath, and then played. I'd say it was a success... funny, how people have always told me, 'you'd better get her used to being without you soon! she's going to freak when you leave!'. She's almost a year old, and she could care less whether I'm here or not. Bad for me, good for her!

Here's a cute series in the high chair. The grabbing the hair thing is her new thing. She's very animated.



Tomorrow morning is storytime at the bookstore with some of Riley's friends. Should be fun! Gettin' outta jail!

Anyone want a cat?

SWM seeks QSPH ASAP.

Oh, that middle one is Quiet Single Pet Home. Mr. B has to go, I'm afraid. Or, at least, that last claw the vet missed has to go. I always knew that he knew he had it, and knew how to use it, but I just convinced myself he'd never use it on little Riley. Well, I was wrong. He got her today with a quick little one... but big enough to really piss me off. B is not that important to me to train not to do that. Yeah, right, train a cat... he's just not that important to me!



Aside from that, we had a great day. And... a babysitter! Our friend Sarah, from Russell's work, offered to barter for help with her website/resume layout, and tonite was the nite. She was wonderful! She and Riley had so much fun, and apparently read every baby book in the house! I guess that's what happens when you get two bookworms together... I love it!

Russell and I went to EOS for dinner. One of our old haunts from our previous neighborhood. What a yummy restaurant. Not cheap, but well worth it for the food, service, and the atmosphere. We love it there. And when we were one block from the house, Sarah called and basically reported that Riley's trying to go to sleep and trying to stay awake, all at the same time! Perfect timing! Mom's boobs to the rescue.... Riley was out in 7 minutes.

And Sarah, thank you so much for babysitting our little doll! And for dealing with a super-poopy diaper that was out of control. I know how those can be, and I'm so sorry that happened on your watch! We'll make up for it...

Oh! And I forgot... I got all these photos from Russell's work. Here's what happened. There was a pro photographer at Russell's work to take photos of the staff for some company promo. Riley and I happened to show up after a lunch date with a friend, and the photographer couldn't resist Riley! Imagine that... I can't! Here are the shots. What to do with these! We'll order some, for sure. Let me know which one(s) you want.

A movie from way back...

OK, so I finally got around to editing this monster of a video. This came out of an hour of footage! It was shot at the playdate I hosted here, while my mom was in town. Let's see, that would have been on June 4th. Don't forget the comments button... let me know what you think of it!



Oh, and even though I haven't written any new blogs lately, I did post all my long-lost blogs from before December of last year. I'd say that was almost 50 blogs! So, if you're having withdrawl, then go catch up!! My mom's been having fun seeing how little she was back then...

: )

Relaxation

Last nite, we went to Kezar for happy hour. Our two favorite gals, Elyse and Joanna, were working the bar. What luck! Joanna took some nice photos of us.




We had a very quiet day today. Breakfast at the Bull, and then Russell went to Haight St. to do his old-style crawl. Riley has a bit of a sore throat (I think, cause she's a little hoarse), so she and I just played chase and other things around the house. Then when Russell got back, he took a nap and Riley and I went for a walk. Not too much doin'!

Here is Riley, running around the house like the little maniac she is.



Oh, and we got a box of Cheerios. Whaddya think, a big box, or a little baby? Maybe a bit of both.



Oh, and here is her new thing. Instead of putting her finger in her mouth after taking a bite, it goes right into her nose. Go figure....



Oh, and be sure to check out Russell's blog today, he's posted some good photos of Riley.