A weekend in wine country. Oh shit.

Literally.

Well, last Monday, Riley woke up with some not-so-pleasant behaviours (aka. tossing her cookies). About 6 full hours of it. Then, weakness for a few days. Tuesday, Russell and I woke up with some not-so-pleasant behaviours (aka. I won't get into it). Then, weakness for a few days. By the weekend, I decided we all were good-to-go for the surprise trip I planned last month. We deserved a trip to wine country. I had the itinerary. And the mucho-discounted hotel (through travelzoo, where, if you're not a member, shame on you!). We would be good as gold. Except...



My two companions did not hold up as well as I thought they may have. Friday and Saturday were a repeat of Monday and Tuesday for them. I was fine. The only thing on my itinerary everyone felt up to was a visit to the Charles Schultz museum. It was fun, but not perfect... check out the low-energy in these photos.




They had a fun little education center where Riley and I made an Origami doghouse, with Snoopy and Woodstock on top.




As we were leaving, there were some live musicians playing some beautiful Peanuts jazz under the amazing mural of Charlie and Lucy (composed of Peanuts comics). I wish we could have stayed longer.



We decided to check out the ice rink across the street. But on the way there, we discovered a beautiful Labyrinth, where we got to chase daddy around. I have been fascinated by labyrinths for about 10 years now, and hope to build one someday in my yard. The beauty of labyrinths is that, opposed to mazes, you cannot get lost. Basically, labyrinths, as complex as they may be, have no dead-ends, only exits. I love them.



The Snoopy Ice Rink was just as I had pictured it. One of the most perfect ice rinks in the world. If everyone was feeling better, ice skating would have been in our near future (see below).

My friend Meghan informed me that "You need a wife". I believe her. Don't we all? But, I'll tell you. Russell said the nicest things to me this weekend that I remember him having ever said to me. This, specifically. I will quote an email he sent to me and all the important ladies in our lives (sorry to be mushy here, but I really want to share his wonderful side):

"Our weekend was horrible. But not for lack of trying.

Nicole planned a beautiful weekend away, full of surprises and excitement. However, Riley and I were still under the weather and pretty much ruined everything. Aside from going to the Peanuts Museum, we were pretty much contained to our room. Riley needed to be by a bathroom and I had no energy for anything besides collapsing in a chair by the window. The valuable lesson we learned is: when the kid is not 100%, all plans must be cancelled. Cancellation fees be damned. It is simply not worth it. This was a lesson learned the (very) hard way.

I usually don't write when I send out my weekend photo updates, but I really wanted everyone to know how thoughtful and loving Nicole is with her family. She trooped through the whole thing and never lost her cool. And when I don't feel well, she has two babies on her hands as I can be an impossible little shit.

So to sum it up: Riley is beautiful, awesome and still sick. I am a wreck, bordering on professional asshole status. And finally, Nicole is a saint and I can't express how sad it makes me to see her well-intentioned plans dashed.

Now don't say I never say anything nice about anyone.

-R"

Well, thank you, honey, you are the best husband, ever. But... first of all, we would be nothing without what you do for us. And no, you did not ruin a single thing, you just made it more memorable (and of course, more challenging, as usual...). Thank you for the compliment, but really, this is what I live for: making my family comfortable and as happy as they can be, and getting on to the next thing. That is all. Nothing has been dashed, but has become an experience. We grow stronger as a family because of things like this. No? Does anyone disagree? Comments are welcome, below.

On happier, and healthier, notes (continued from above), we took Riley ice skating last weekend! It was the last day for skating in Union Square, so we couldn't miss it. Plus, it was 70˚. Gorgeous. Riley was a true natural. No kidding! Check this out.












The day before ice skating, one of Riley's boyfriends, Anthony, turned two! Here she is at his birthday party, with him and Ollie (Ollie is blonde, and Anthony is Italian). Priceless!



Here's Russell with Riley and the birthday boy, himself:



Oh! And not to overlook... there was a huge accomplishment this weekend. With all the yuckiness involved, Riley decided to take a full plunge onto the potty while we were there. She used it more often than not this weekend, and tonite, insisted on going to bed without a diaper. So, we'll see what tomorrow morning brings, since she's wearing her big-girl panties. I have all the faith in the world (but, I'll check her in a little while, and give you an update ASAP).





Oh, BTW: Not only did TravelZoo give us a $350 room for $80, but they also gave us free breakfast via room service, $25% off the bar tab, and a box of 20 truffles (which happens to be what Riley's face is covered with in the first photo on this page). Mmmmmm!! A lady of good taste! Uh, how come you're not a member?

Here's gym class.

Today was great... went to the gym, then home for lunch and a nap (I just soaked in the sun in the yard). Then, we hit the beach for sunset. I think that as long as the weather is nice, sunset on the beach will be a regular thing for us. Not a bad addition to our way of life....

Riley loves her gym class at AcroSports. We go every Tuesday, and so do Juliet and Lisa (and baby Addy, but she still just kinda lays there). Not much more needed to say about it, other than it's an AMAZING way to tire out her unstoppable energy. So here's the video:



Oh, and I discovered that I had video of Riley with the Barbies (and other critters, but this is how she treats them all). Priceless!

Hot child in the city

Today, Riley and I rode the Muni downtown, and had a splendid day together. I thought for sure she was going to fall asleep on the way there, but alas, as soon as we hit our stop, her energy levels went through the roof. Thank goodness, too, because I opted to not bring the stroller.

We started at my old Apple store, to say hi. Riley loved the store, and wanted the red iPod most of all. Funny, I think there are about 5 people still around (out of a staff of approximately 120) from when I worked there. I guess that's how retail goes. Good news is, one of the young guys I personally trained is in line to become manager of a new store in SF. Yay, Zach!

Then we trekked over to Powell St. and headed north on the trolley. She's never been on one, but screams at the top of her lungs every time she sees one, so I thought it was time. She completely zoned out. Layed back on me, and watched it all go by. I met a nice bloke on the trolley, touring the world on his own. He was video-taping his experience on the trolley, so I offered to tape some for him, of him. He loved that idea, and then I had to tell him why, and how crazy I am with video on my blog. A good conversation.



We got off at Pacific, and had lunch at Brandy Ho's, a Chinatown staple. We had shrimp lo mein and peanut noodles with chicken. She scoffed it down. Jenny Craig would not approve, but that's OK. I've been good all week. And, I forgot our leftovers. As I always do.

We proceeded down Grant St., through the heart of Chinatown. We had so much fun, and I don't think Riley has ever popped out of nap mode so quickly and completely. She got some super-cute gifts on our little shopping excursion, and I don't think I spent more than $50 all day. Check out these awesome little outfits. Again, with the friggin' supermodel business!




I'm pretty sure I can convince Russell we have a good reason to hit the Chinese New Year's parade this year. We've lived here 4 years now, and we have not seen one yet. If he won't take us, then I bet I can find some other moms to partake in the festivities... And dress up the goddesses for the occasion.

Aside from today's events, I've decided to start catching up on past blogs. And as I mentioned yesterday, I really do have to start with Halloween '08. This one was quite hysterical on many levels. Enjoy!

Amazing weather

We have had 70˚ weather all week. And, apparently, it's supposed to be like this through the weekend! Yay!! Makes me sad for my folks in PA and my inlaws in Toronto, who have -20 on the thermometer. Time for you guys to come visit!!



Today, Riley and I hosted a mini-playdate. Just because everyone eats lunch and everyone wants to be outside... I said hey, bring your lunches here and let's sit in the yard! The kids loved it, and so did we! Even our new friend from the zoo, Pinder, brought her son Aiden. Good times! I only got a few photos, cause we moms were too busy catching up about the holidays and travel and grumpy people without kids on airplanes. But we won't talk about them. Let's instead enjoy Coral's wonderful Jackie-O sunglasses!




This weekend, Russell and Riley spent some good quality time together. He let her dress up in her bathing suits, as she always likes to, and also let her hang out on our bed, as she's never allowed to. Still, she's a supermodel.




Riley is TOTALLY into Barbies. Funny, because I don't believe I ever owned a single one. I'm just not a dolly-kinda-gal. But wow, this one loves all the clothes and shoes... dresses and undresses and redresses again. I think that a great trait she picked up from the Bongard ladies! She does the same thing with herself... clothes and shoes, at least 5 pairs out at a time, on and off, dancing around the house. I'd say she spent an hour and a half the other day doing that. Oh, and then another hour and a half with the Barbies. Without distraction. I immediately went out and bought more Barbie clothes! Ken's on the list for our next trip to Target.



And here is video proof:



We are in the midst of potty training. I know, we started a good while ago, but this week, we're really focusing on it. She's gone #2 a few times on her own on the potty, and she goes #1 all the time. It's just about keeping her pant-less when we're at home. I'm hoping to have it mostly conquered by the end of this weekend. I know, it's ambitious, but I know it's been done. And I think she's ready. I'll keep ya posted.

A friend of mine asked me today if I have any photos from our big Halloween playdate Riley and I hosted. I immediately came to the blog to forward the link, and realized that I've never even put those photos up. Wow. I'm more behind than I thought. Once Riley starts going to bed consistently at 8pm again (and not 10pm like she has been), I will work on catching up. I promise! Until then, there are loads of archives for you to enjoy. : )

...my kid could paint that

Welcome back... so yes, I've finally found enough time and energy after the crazy holidays to update! I'm as happy as you are, trust me. What's new? Not a whole lot, but some stuff.

Riley's tantrums including hitting me have tapered off. And she doesn't shout "GO AWAY!!!" at the top of her lungs 20 times a day anymore. So, we're finally getting somewhere with the T-2s. I hope.

Russell started a new job this week, and it's going to take a little getting used to. He's moved to a much smaller company, and now he's the boss of the creative department. A wonderful opportunity, and he will take names, for sure, once he gets used to the environment. He had a great first week, in terms of client work (not surprising), so that will help out! Here's his new work space (nobody has offices at this company!). He's starting to decorate a little, and thank God he has a bookcase ordered...



They've written a press release about his hire, so I'll include a link once it's published.

Today we spent a good bit of quality time as a family. I could not believe that as soon as we woke up, Russell suggested we go to the Exploratorium. We've never been there before, so we didn't know what to expect, and I couldn't believe he wanted to go somewhere public on the weekend, since he hates crowds so much. Fortunately, the weather was gorgeous, so it wasn't too busy. But, 95% of the exhibits were way too old for Riley to appreciate. We'll take her back in 5 years, and she'll go hog-wild, I'm sure.







Then we had lunch in Russian Hill, at La Boulange. We love the one in Cole Valley, but I had no idea it was a chain. I'm not so sure I like it as much now that I know that... but the food was great, and Riley ate her entire plate of food. Which was monsterous.

As I said, our weather has been amazing. Here we are, last weekend, at Park Chalet, a favorite good-weather spot. Always loads of kids and dogs running around out there.






Here's Riley playing with one of her many favorite presents from Santa, her art table. She LOVES to paint. Everything. Including herself and the curtains (don't even ask).





And for tonite's closer: In my family, it's believed that one should eat pork and sauerkraut and kielbasa and hot dogs and mashed potatoes on New Year's Day in order to have good luck in the following year (oh, and I also found this link and thought I'd post it, in honor of my mom's and Kathy's favorite local restaurant, Atria's). I love the meal, but since I have a vegetarian as a husband, I always get to invite people over to share in the yummies and good fortune. Here it is:







Riley and Russell love to help me cook, in their own particular get-up:





You can see my two are not used to this kind of action. Good night!



Oh, sorry... one more silly note to end on. This. Curse or cure? Well, it surely mesmerizes "The Tornado" (a recent nickname Russell has dedicated to Riley-Belle) and lets me get lots of stuff done, but is it brainwashing my daughter at the same time? What are the undertones here? Hmmm... I guess I'm glad it's not on TV anymore. Just a special treat on YouTube now and then.



UNLESS! On that note... I totally forgot... I was desparately seeking Teletubbies one day, at the wailing request of Riley, and thought I found a good one on YouTube. And as you'll learn, I'm actually quite a novice with it. Well, I can't find the video now for the life of me, to link for you (thank Gawd they took it off), but it went something like this: Po was happily dancing, and then all of a sudden, got shot 4 times, and someone yelled, "Shut the F*!# up!" I guess it would have been really funny to me if Riley wasn't watching, because there was no blood or anything. She just looked at me, frowned and said, "What happened, mommy?" I'm glad she's young enough to believe it was just thunder and rain. Be careful to preview everything you let your kids watch on YouTube!

But just for my own amusement, this one is pretty funny. Much more like what we parents feel when we watch those retarded characters, I think!