You'll know us by our Thunders

Steve and Esperanza

2011-07-30T21:38:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Steve. We got the awesome treat of having Ryan's Uncle Steve and Aunt Esper visit us right before they went out on vacation to Virginia and Glenn and Jamba's. We love this family. It's always nice to have Steve and Esper visit or to visit them. And what a treat to get to share such an infant. I think this was the first or beginning of the second week Finn was with us. He's going to be so very big when we meet again.

Brothers at Home

2011-07-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Oliver wants Finn to sleep with him. We've laid Finn up there a few times at bedtime just to see what it's like and when we take him away Oliver is very upset. Even if Phineas is crying. Brothers!!!!

I catch Phineas staring at Oliver. Maybe he's just looking towards the noise, but if this continues he will have his brother in his eye so often... a blooming relationship. When I point out to Oliver that he's being watched he smiles or laughs and kisses his brother. He loves when Finn talks. And Finn talks a lot. I don't remember Oliver talking this much. He smiles and talks when anyone looks at him and smiles at him. I think this little boy is already more naturally social than Oliver was. Oliver was so independent and didn't need much attention, but Finn blossoms with attention. He sits there alone staring at nothing, at that is so obvious. But when a person enters his vision he moves and looks and talks and smiles. He smiles so often. What a beautiful little soul.

After Church One Sunday

2011-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Soo little. 2 weeks old and almost 2 more pounds and 2 more inches. He started at 7.15lbs and 20 inches at the end of 2 weeks was 10 and 22.5 inches. Such growth.

This is Aimee with one of her foster kids, I think it's Isabella? I know her brother is Manuel. They've been fostering for two months now and have had something like 5 or 6 kids come through their home. Aimee is so good at this and so loving to these kids with their needs to be loved. This was at one week of age for Phineas so after church I just wanted to sit inside on the comfy couch and not in the sun. It was actually really nice. I sat there while the kids ran through. I was like a little light in the middle of a dancing forest.
And after the party we took wonderful naps. That has been the highlight of this summer. Nap time. I don't know if Oliver would agree, but for Ryan and I (Phineas has to side with us right now) that noon til 4 time of day is the best. Even now, I am sitting with the wind blowing through the trees and breeze making it's way through our beach house.
Elliette and Phineas. Both so beautiful.

Ukleas Visit

2011-07-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Those Ukleas are another pair of loving love friends. The brought us amazing food. They always seems to do that, and that Amy ends up washing the dishes too. They came and played and I want more of them in our lives. Ryan and Mark got so into playing with the trains that poor Oliver had to find his way into the outskirts of their games. It was nice for me too because with the boys distracted I got to talk with Amy. We love the Ukleas.

The Parkers in May

2011-07-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

This post is actually out of order. The week before we got Finn, Oliver and I went over to the Parkers and I was just a pregnant maudlin scene of love and awe for the cousins playing together. I am so glad we have the cousins and we have them so close. Ben -3, Oliver -2, Isaac -1.something all played together working on the bus so well. There was barely fighting. I can imagine them working together and playing together in a few years out on their own. With Sydney the oldest and wisest cousin directing them, probably.

May and Angie visits

2011-07-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Emmett loves this litte guy too. Emmett is soo old now. I remember how small he was when Oliver was born. He's a man now.
And Angie is amazing. She has so much love for our boys because we are family together. Angie knows how to make sure that we have everything we need. She has been so nurturing to us, looking out for us around every corner. I don't know how she gets this love and keeps it going, but she and I were talking today about the family plates that Ryan and I bought one trip to Virginia for our closest friends so that we could all eat together some time on the same plates. And I was looking at a picture of Angie at our wedding. I am so thankful for friends like these. The kind that mirror God's love and grace. The ones that made me humble knowing that I don't deserve but gladly welcome such love.

And that Elliette is soo old now. She's about to go into kindergarden. She draws wonderful flags when she comes over. She was our first friend-baby. I remember laying on the floor or on the bed with her for lots of time admiring her life. She still loves me like she can somehow remember that. I got her to fall asleep at probably the age Finn is in these pictures by singing Happy Birthday quietly on repeat. Ryan and I picked her up from her school the other day and when she stood I saw Angie and started crying quietly right then and there.

I didn't realize it then, but this little man might be praying. He looks like an old pope.

Picking up Oliver from the Parkers

2011-07-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Oliver had a great time. He always has a good time with the Parkers. Even though all the other kids in the house didn't get good sleep that night, poor Stephen and Koryn, Oliver slept til 7 or 8, I forget which. And even though our whole lives of a family of four was ahead of him, all he could say when it was time to go was "more" more of the Parkers. More of his wonderful cousins.Koryn, as always is wonderful and loving and knows how to hold the babies, at least mine, so they won't cry. What a loving woman.
This is Isaac, although it's so dark it looks like Ben. Those two look so alike. Sydney loved seeing baby Finn, although she is more of a leader and director and helper and teacher of Oliver. It was Ben who was the most interested in his little cousin. Ben sat for twice as long as Oliver did in the hospital. He just looked at him and starred and loved him. He was holding his so quietly and happily that Koryn and I forgot, left the room, and we had to be called back to come pick up Finn when Ben was finally done. What a sweet and loving little man. I do not know any time when I have seen a three year old show so much gentleness. And Isaac was excited and made comments but was also too busy enjoying life to be slowed down.
When we finally got home and put such a tired Oliver to bed for a nap, Ryan and I realized that we hadn't changed Phineas' diaper in a long time about the same moment when we were taking him out of his car seat and found this. The biggest poop any boy has done at such a young age. He pooped on the blankets, car seat, everything. It was a mess. And right at that moment Melinda Moen stopped by to drop off a baby carrier. Ryan and I were in such a high from company at the hospital that I forced her to come in and wanted to talk at such a traumatic moment. What a hilarious homecoming. What a strong boy. We are so proud of what he can do already. And he is so handsome in his complaint face.

Oliver and Phineas Meet

2011-07-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Finn was born at 8:30 and around 10:00am Oliver met him. We had then new room to ourselves, our big birthing party, and we all staged the scene just right. I was holding Phineas on the bed and screaming for Oliver as he ran down the hallway with James. James was our night watchman and took care of Oliver in the morning. In fact, Laurie, James, and Koryn took the day off work to be involved in this Tuesday morning affair.
We asked Oliver who this baby was and he said "Ffaa" and pointed to my belly. He totally understood that I didn't have a baby in my belly, but he was here now to hold. He asked to hold Phineas right away and wanted his brother's blanket off to admire his toes and feet. He just wanted to hold those little feet.

There's Koryn!

When I thought that Oliver had enough I moved to take Phineas off his lap and he looked at me and said "no" "more" (well, really "moooooowr"). He continued to hold his brother for longer and when he was ready told me it was okay to take Finn.

After the first few minutes of hanging out with the baby and admiring his beautiful feet and hands, Oliver had a wonderful time figuring out how the hospital beds moved up and down. I know it's only been two months since this happened but I realize as I remember back to those moments that Oliver has grown and learned so much since then. I feel like the way I remember talking to him was like talking to a baby and he is capable of understanding and responding to so much more reason now.

We hung out for about two hours. Our wonderful hospital team, including James now, ate sooo well thanks to Aimee Churchill who brought us Stonefire Grill macaroni and cheese and ceasar salad. ooooohhh, so yummy. We lived it up in that room with our friends. When things were dying down, Oliver took Koryn's hand and started walking to the door. We told him he would get to go sleep over with the Parkers and he was ready for a change, it seems. It was such a good ending to a huge first meeting. These boys are brothers!

Our Hospital Team

2011-07-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

I do have one regret from the hospital delivery. That we didn't get a before and after picture with our team. Ryan, Jacquie, (Phineas), Koryn, Laurie, and Aimee. We'll have to get a one year picture together.
We have a picture like this of Ryan and Oliver but the second time around we got it much earlier because of the added benefits of our hospital team. We have so many pictures and perspectives.
I don't have a picture of Koryn holding the baby but here is Aimee and Laurie... Koryn must have been taking the pictures.

What an amazing experience to share this with close friends. I feel like throughout his whole life Phineas could walk around with the knowledge that there are three ladies out there, besides his parents, who love him since the absolute moment of his birth.

Censored but still so gritty delivery

2011-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Only look at the following pictures if you have a strong stomach.This little man came out of the womb with his arm smashed against his head and the umbilical chord wrapped around that arm. The midwife who delivered him couldn't pull it off because the chord has no elasticity and so we all had to hold while she figured it out. And she did. The nurses and midwife were so loving and helpful and encouraging. We were in good hands.
And they delivered this nugget. All gorgeous with a barely pointy head that went away quickly.
We nursed right away after the tests to see if he was okay which they performed while I was holding him. Things have changed in the hospital since Oliver. I didn't have to ask or think of insisting on any rights to keep him with me. I was asked about every test or procedure. I mentioned a birth plan and the midwife perked up and wanted to see it but I was being listened to so much it was unnecessary. My last experience had a few hospital procedures I had to insist against and I was told by a nurse that I didn't know what I wanted... but this time it was so different.

We all arrived around 6 to the hospital and around 6:30am I got the epidural. Laurie took a picture! There were two nurses there when we arrived that helped me move in. I was having hard contractions and was wheeled in while I was contracting... in the parking lot I was screaming "help" resting on my exercise ball while ryan propped my back up from behind. So, when we made it to the delivery room the sweetest nurse said to ryan that he needed help "skinning the squirrel." She held my hands during the contractions and we joked when I had a break. They asked if I wanted the drugs in a way that made me wonder if they thought I needed them. The meaner nurse said that I wouldn't have harder contractions but they would continue and I didn't need the drugs if I could control myself. I don't think she liked my screams. The other nurse held my arms and soothed my contractions by saying I was doing so well, 'good girl' 'breathe honey'. I wanted to hug her and ask her to be my mom forever. I remember those emotions so well.
And... not long after these little feet came out, after the body, and came to rest on me.
And after Phineas came his placenta. Soo red.
We asked my midwife to take a picture with it.
And the stitches. Those hurt so much. I had to hold Ryan's hand again and I kept reminding myself I had just delivered an almost 8 pounder and I could do it.
This picture was taken behind the curtain right before I got my hair brushed for the pictures :). I was sooo elated.

All went well.

Baby - May 24th, 2011

2011-07-21T14:55:00.001-07:00

May 23rd, 9 days after Phineas' due date, Ryan and I decided to get an appointment and check to make sure no one would be mad at us for not being on time. It was uneventful, as all of our appointments have been (which is awesome!) and we left being told to come in on the weekend if nothing had happened. The problem was that on the weekend both The Bush's and the Parker's would be out of town and there would go most of our delivery team. So we decided in the hallway to do some sort of gel induction. Long start to story led to contractions around 8pm, restless sleep and major contractions around 2:30am with screaming for help, from who I don't know around 5:30am when we left for the hospital on our way to get the medicine so it wouldn't hurt so much. We called our people - Laurie, Koryn, and Aimee and they met us at the hospital... and then our baby just appeared!

Well, more than that, but it was pretty great, and to have our family of ladies around made it such a memorable and loved experience. I think it was 8:30 am when Phineas Mick Deane Bryant was born weighing 7lbs 15 oz, 20 inches long. He came out looking a little purple in the first moment, but after that actually quite handsome. His head was even circular, born with eyelashes and everything.
He ate right away and I was soo soo happy. I couldn't stop smiling. It really was so nice to have the girls around, and Ryan. He is so wonderful. I love that we could create a baby together and be there together to see his first breath.

The whole hospital experience was wonderful. We had really nice people helping us and they gave me a huge cup of cranberry juice right after delivery. What a good reward. And then... we moved to a room with a shower and I got to take a shower only a few hours after Finn was born. It felt so good to get out of the bed and Ryan helped me take that wonderful hot shower.

Pre-baby

2011-07-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's hard to remember pre-baby but I do know that pre-baby Ryan and Oliver had this awesome relationship where Ryan showed Oliver how to do everything and made an effort to include him in all the work. I also know that with baby, as we are now, nothing has changed. Actually, now when I see them working together I think more about how much Phineas will love this too. Can you imagine three working together, and Oliver teaching his little brother. So- cheers to this little cement stoop that Ryan and Oliver made just days before Finn arrived.

May: The House Pictures

2011-06-29T15:33:00.001-07:00

James and Laurie live so close. I love that they come over. We have family!!!!

See the beautiful lighting. It's the roof off. Ryan and Oliver are working hard.

May and Knott's Berry Farm

2011-06-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

Before Finn was born we made a jaunt to Knott's (Koryn bought me a pass and I forced Ryan into it also). Oliver loooooves the semi-trucks and honks that horn the entire time around. I wasn't allowed on this dangerous ride because of the pregancy but I got to take pictures. Oliver loves the trucks, trains, hot air balloons... The kids area of this theme park are so much fun for him. Normally I would try to stay away from this mass consumerism, but they've got what kids like pegged.

After this adventurous day Oliver couldn't stop talking about going back. He would swing his arm wide in a circle and say "tuk." So, we explained we could go back once his brother was born in the hospital and we could hold him in our arms. After that, any time we brought up Phineas, Oliver would start talking about the trucks. Possibly a dangerous combination, but he didn't bring it up in the hospital and when we said we'd have to wait a week he seemed consoled with that answer.

Tribute to Grandpa

2011-06-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

From left to right - adults: Larry-Dad Terry-Lynn-Mum, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Sandy. Kids: Stephen, Becca (holding Grandpa's hand), Jacquie (me), Sarah (holding Sandy's hand).
Grandpa Bobby, Cousin Danny, Great-grandpa Ralph, Uncle David.
Jacquie, Sarah, Laurie, Becca.

Grandpa Robert Dean Parker died this year. He lived to be 81 and was about to celebrate his and Grandma's 60th wedding anniversary. Our family is so blessed to have gotten to spend time with Grandpa. The last time we spent together, without the rest of the huge family, so our last personal time was last summer at the Blesse's cabin in Hume Lake. I'm so glad we went up there. Grandpa's last year of life was full of hospital visits and a very keen awareness of his time on earth ending. I have always known him to be level-headed, and his reaction to this time in his life was full of peace and quiet expectation. He led a bible study on heaven in his last months. He made sure to contact family and used all of his time thoughtfully.

But, I think he used his life thoughtfully. The wisdom and listening ear that I value in my dad so much was from Grandpa. He and grandma made a point to call us and invite us to eat together when Ryan and I were in town. How could grandparents of 4 kids and their 4 spouses, 19 grandchildren, and 22 (last count) and still growing great grandchildren find the time to pay attention to each individual? But, they did. And they prayed for us every morning, each individual by name. I want to be the child of God that grandpa demonstrated. I want our family to live up to the legacy that grandpa and grandma developed over a lifetime. I want to request hymns and the doxology instead of a prayer before a meal. I want to tell Oliver and Phineas stories of their Parker grandparents and how they changed lives.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

When Grandpa died our cousin Becca posted pictures that I had never seen before onto facebook. I think these are from a time when we lived with them. At one point it seems all of their kids families lived with them. This picture also looks like a traditional Thanksgiving walk through Woodward Park. I do wish I knew more about Grandpa's life.

May - Potty training a little more and lots more work

2011-06-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

The month of May brought us maternity leave and Phineas... but Finn decided to stay in longer than the due date. And, it was fine by me. I had a whole week and a bit of maternity leave just like Oliver's. I got to sit around and clean the house and play with Oliver. It seems like we did sooo much in those 9 days. I did a lot of sitting around so Oliver sat with me in the living room and instead of just sitting on the couch he sat on his toilet. That week before Phineas we stopped using our diapers so often and went pretty much naked. The week Finn came home from the hospital and we did more sitting around Oliver only wore a diaper at night and for a nap and went naked.

Week 3 of potty training was more sitting around, but a little more activity and so we went out of the house and wore underwear. Oliver successfully mastered the sitting down and peeing and graduated to standing and peeing. He made this move on his own, just decided to stand one day. Pooping is still a problem. Oliver says "oweee" and "huerrrts" while he runs to the toilet to poop but wont stay seated. We have one accident a day. Either in his pants or on the ground. Week 4, Oliver, after 3 hours (1 before church and 2 after) of sitting on the toilet Oliver finally went poop in the toilet.

Now that I think back. We started with a lollypop for every pee, and two for each poop, and after a week of such success we have forgotten those rewards. Now it's just a fun celebration. And, to switch things up a bit we taught Oliver to pee on trees. He loves peeing outside.

One more story. We were at church (ok, two more stories) the other week. This would be 4 or 5 weeks of this casual potty training. At church I was hanging out and talking to people after church, Oliver was sort of standing nearby and playing, eating, watching. He suddenly walked away, and I didn't think anything of it for a second, then realized that's his classic -heading towards the toilet move. I turned around and he was climbing a large planter/seat, pulling his underwear and shorts down just enough to stick out his penis and, whoallla peeing into the dark, tree covered planter area. I screamed "Ryan, look" and Ryan looking, along with everyone else around us responded by calling out "I am so proud of you". What a success.

The other story. Oliver has gone two sundays in the toddler room with just underwear on. I'm overdoing the preparation a little with three pairs of shorts and underwear as a replacement. These proved unnecessary. Last week, he just didn't pee. This week, he told Amy Uklea (who was working in the room) "pee" and headed towards the toilet... they have two sweet little toilets in the room. And he did it! Peed with someone else when we weren't around!!

Next steps: comfortable pooping. We're also talking a lot about peeing on an airplane and how fun that would be. We'll see. We're going to try underwear for the air travel. But... that's super getting ahead of what has happened in these pictures.

Ryan's nesting during maternity leave was to tear down the roof over the stairs and fix the leak. Our house has leaked since the first home-ownership rain. So while we waited for the baby Ryan opened up the roof and figured it all out, got it closed up beautifully again before Finn. To switch things up Oliver and I sat on the roof helping Ryan. During the demolition, Ryan tore down drywall and beams and roof and Oliver stood by the trash can and picked up large pieces to throw them in. He filled up a whole big trash can. After demolition Oliver learned how to sweep up after Ryan and to screw in screws using the battery powered driver. He could screw them into a piece of wood, flip the switch, and bring the screw back out. He was pretty good with a hammer too.

This busy boy didn't stop with construction, but took breaks to sit with me and fish off the roof. A few weeks before we met Eric and Aimee at the Belmont Pier and actually fished, we even saw a sea lion and threw fish to him. Since then, Oliver has wanted to fish everywhere... off the roof, out the car window, in the living room. He catches yellow fish, sometime purple fish. And after the sea lion, I found Disney's Oceans on Netflicks and we've been watching the sea lions and other underwater creatures.
This is us fishing. Oh, so scary off the roof, but we kept reasonable regulations of distance.
Oliver has only snuck up onto the roof once on his own. Just joking about casually saying that. It scared us soo badly. We teach him too well how to open doors, locks, and other dangerous independent access points. Thank goodness he listens to us and is mostly obedient about following directions. No major casualties so far.

And, now that we love all nature, Oliver can't wait to find another snail like this one. He has no fear of picking up bugs or snails. I guess disgust at slime is a learned response.

I don't know where April went this year. Since these blog posts are all guesses of the right date somehow April got squeezed out. What we missed wa

March and mood swings at church

2011-06-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is how it started out. All sweet and wonderful. Laurie kissing Oliver. But. This was after church, we have learned since then that we need to bring snacks for Oliver because right around 11:15 he gets a little crazy, a little moody. You can see how quickly everything fell apart. Even with Auntie Laurie. Oliver turned into some crazy animal that wouldn't listen to reason. This seems to happen when he is wearing either shirts that say "Play nice" "Mr. Happy" or just this happy monster. It's irony. Mr. Happy turns not so happy and monsters are just monsters. And being two holds a lot more meaning for me now than it did before I was so intimately acquainted with it.

He looks so sweet, but, just below the surface.... his blood glucose level is dropping.

March brings an amazing poop

2011-06-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

March brings lots of things. One of Oliver's constant favorites is watering the lawn. And then one morning, when watering, Oliver created a mud hole that was just as much fun. Ryan found Oliver here like this, just standing, and ran to get his camera. Just standing.

And later that weekend when we went surfing, I know this was back in March because the poop came in the diaper instead of in underwear, Oliver had an amazing poop that we had to examine. A large ball of something was there. Oliver was a bit concerned but we explained that it would be fun and educational to examine this poop. Nothing to worry about, poop is natural.

March and Grandpa Glenn Bryant Visits

2011-06-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

Glenn Bryant. Grandfather. Electrician. and on and on the list goes. We were so lucky to get the visit when Glenn came out to work on Brad's mom's house. What a good friend Brad is. He's made family even more possible, at least for us all in this moment of our lives.
These pictures are from just a day of Glenn's visit. We forgot to take tons of pictures, but also Glenn was busy with the house, I was working, and Ryan and Oliver were still on the day and Delve effort.
But, one day we got to sit in the front yard. Laurie came over to visit, then James, before we knew it it was a real party. We sat in the front and talked and played. Glenn and Oliver came up with this strange dance thing. It was some bonding.

The rest of this blog is all mixed up between daytime scenes and our night time photo shoots. The visit was wonderful and it was over too soon. The only consolation to this is that we would go to visit for a long extended time this summer in Virginia. And actually. I am typing this two days before we go. We're all looking forward to it so much!!!

March at Dog Beach with Aimee and Elliot

2011-06-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

A few times this year Aimee has called and initiated a day at dog beach. This year, this spring, has been so beautiful and it's amazing how many times we forget to get out and do something as simple as visit the beach. It was easier to actually do it when the Churchills had a dog, Doug. But, we still will visit again.

It is amazing how well Oliver and Elliot get along. They actually play together. Oliver is two and Elliot just turned 6. So, the Churchills and we Bryant's have a different way of being friends than 6 years ago, but we're still friends and I think what we have is going to continue.

March and Easter

2011-06-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

We woke up early early one morning at the beginning of March and decided to go on a bike ride. After all, it's probably easier to bike without an infant (we thought, more on that later). It was a beautiful overcast morning so we biked to the beachwalk and down to Los Alamitos Bay. It was beautiful to see the sun rise from the bay. Later that day we went over to holiday-saver's the Churchills. Easter Egg Hunt! I want to start doing events like this, especially for Oliver, but I still can't find myself organizing them. I did have the excuse of being super pregnant. Maybe next year.

All the Churchills and their family friends were there which means us too. And laurpour.
The day before the big hunt Aimee made eggs with Elliot and friends.
See, eggs!

After a good long day of hunting we packed up and headed home. Thankful for having family and friends, we celebrated and spent time out of the house enjoying front yard.
See, good friends.

Oliver suddenly gets sick.

2011-06-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

One night when we were getting ready to put Oliver to bed he was as boisterous as always and Ryan and I were talking and suddenly we realized Oliver fell asleep. He was crazy and raging one minute and out cold the next. Oliver keeps surprising us around every corner.
Ryan was enamored. Sometimes we need these moments even if they come at the expense of sickness.

Sierra visits in February

2011-06-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sierra was on a short vacation and spent the night with Laurie. We heard about the event and it was one of those nights that Ryan had to work so I needed a destination. I think this was about the distance of a walk that was almost too much for me at this pregnant. We walked from Laurie's to Belmont Brewery and back. I'm so glad Sierra and Laurie were there because I couldn't handle Oliver, keeping him focused on the destination and the occasional carrying, by myself. It was super nice to see Sierra and get to catch up a little and always always nice to see Auntie Laurie.
Here's a picture I think that is very appropriately framed. Oliver with Laurie's hand and her phone. Laur said that the other day she came over and the first thing Oliver asked was where is the phone. Odtb has this relationship with Laurie's phone. He can find all the games he likes to play and learned how to unlock the phone. So if James and Laurie are over I'm sure there will be a moment when Oliver, James and Ryan are on their phones with Laurie and I just sitting there like women left behind to a new love.

This is us at the fish bike rack down by Belmont Pier. Kids really are perfect for finding something to talk about or watch or run after.

February - prep for Finn

2011-06-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

To help prepare Oliver for his brother coming we talked a lot about Phineas in my belly. He sat with me and nursed (still nursing) and felt his brother move. I told Oliver that Finn was kicking him and that his brother said things like "I love you Oliver"
And in return Oliver would hug Finn in my tummy and give him the nooshie blanket. He always wanted me to pull up my shirt to show my belly and watch the baby move.

Sometimes instead of talking or acting he just laid there and cuddled. I don't really know if Oliver understood exactly what was happening. We looked at videos of babies inside the womb, he responded like he understood. We talked about going to the hospital and how Phineas would come out of my belly and live with us. I told Oliver that Finn would cry and sleep and poop and live upstairs with Ryan and I. And that later on Finn would live in the room with Oliver.

And I didn't know for sure if it was working until Oliver arrived at the hospital and was introduced to his brother and knew Finn wasn't in my tummy anymore. No one had to explain it to him, he didn't look for Finn there. He accepted that he now got to hold onto his brother and still share his blanket, but not for so long anymore.

January begins potty training

2011-06-26T08:12:00.001-07:00

Look!!! Pee in the toilet. And, for those scared of germs, see how the nooshie blanket is on the ground and you might notice my coffee cup in the right corner next to the toilet. This is a genuine adventure.

Potty training begins with reading books in bed and cuddling and all sorts of other events like this throughout the days that signify trust. This is what I think now looking back on the last few months of potty training and still in June not quite having that complete trust when it comes to poop. Why is poop so difficult?
Potty training began with this awesome bonding time in a small space. It also began with open bathroom door policies. "See, we poop too"

Pooping was also a great time to read a book in a new environment. But, even from the very beginning when Oliver pooped on the toilet like it was no problem we knew there would be a learning curve. And now, 6 months later of no too tough potty training - by that I mean that the toilet was there and we would hang out a few times a week back then, to the big jump and focus on potty training the week Phineas came home with us from the hospital and we decided to just start wearing underwear, keeping the toilet in the living room, and last week we started to go out of the house with underwear. We're easing into it but it seems like we're almost there!

Yesterday, I went with the boys to Target to get a suitcase for Oliver to have on the plane trip to Virginia. We were halfway across the store from the restroom when I decided to ask underwear-clad ODTB if he wanted to go to the toilet with me. He said yes. I asked him three more times because I didn't believe it. I clarified that it was on an adult toilet, and still he said yes. So, we carted to the bathroom, Phineas asleep in the baby bjorn, parked the cart and headed for the big stall. Pants down, underwear down, standing next to the porcelain, aim and.... after the first second of pee stream on the bathroom wall, he successfully peed in the toilet. Then we even washed hands. I don't know how Oliver felt but I felt sooo accomplished.

So, besides the daily poop in the underwear, this is going so well.

January Rainy Days

2011-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

January: Bike Ride, and Tractors, and Delve

2011-06-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

How could so many things happen in such a short amount of time... well, Ryan has learned to go on walks and bike rides to pass the time, get out of the house, and show Oliver something exciting - like the tractors working down the street from us in the greenbelt - like cute street bombing graffiti, but cute with little men who give encouragements at stop lights - and the development of delve out on the streets, all grassrootsy.

This adventure includes Carl and his peanut feeding work with the local blue birds in the neighborhood.
The bird in the picture was swooping down to get the peanut. It never landed, but Ryan captured the moment at just the right moment. What sort of education does Oliver need besides these mornings with his dad and the bicycle.

January and Ryan makes Art

2011-06-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan Bryant knows how to work with wood and knows how to reuse wood too. This man took pieces of grape (great, grate, ?) stake and smashed them together using tools (as seen in the photo) and probably wood glue and he's making art out of it.

This is the real life inspiration for the art.
And this is the tiny model. I think there are a few tiny models out there. Ryan sent one to Jennifer Rose Bryant as a gift on a piece of wood that she picked up off the beach, loved, and left with us when she moved out of town.

The artwork was so beautiful and simple and looked lovely in our room where Ryan was storing it until the art show he was in.
And, sadly, it sold for 250 and the show was raising money for charity so Ryan let it go and our bedroom walls are sad.
I wasn't able to go to the show, we decided it would be easier to keep Oliver at home, but look at our friends - these Ballou's know how to party still and let the kids catch up.
And the Churchills represented... Oh, yeah. I remember. The show was in Pomona and took an hour to drive out. I think that I was just not as dedicated as I should be... that's why I didn't take Oliver out for the show. How could I?
Aimee and Eric bought this, I don't know why but I do know that the Churchills bought this painting and that they also thought the cat had a strong resemblance to the vampire cat.
Madeline woke up and partied.

What good friends.

January - another photo shoot

2011-06-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Every day turns into a photo shoot when the camera comes out.

Ryan and Oliver went on a walk and came back with a bouquet of flowers from the green belt for me. So sweet. This man is teaching his son to be loving to a mother. And then to take pictures afterwards for another awesome photo shoot.

And while they were cuddling and picking me flowers and being generally wonderful they let me sit on the couch and read my teen fiction without any expectations. I know that Ryan would do this at any time, but that it happened when I was pregnant makes me just want to be pregnant all the time, except for the whole another kid to take care of issue.

January and the Popsicle Photo Shoot

2011-06-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

the next 12 photos capture not just the spirit of

Olivers Illumnance but also his popcycle. From brilliant translucent ambers to mundain light blacks. These photos truly express how much we LOVE Oliver cause he's cute.

Actually, what these photos really say is we have a really nice camera and a great kid that happens to be really cute.

During some intense gardening I got this baby

named her Melissa and we gardened.
and grew these.

this is ryan bryant in a photo shoot entitled 'delve shirt'. Hot.

January with family and family and the lawn mower

2011-06-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here's another day when we all piled together in the van - those Parkers make everything possible. "Let's all just go there together" How do they have so much energy to just add on another cousin and two hungry Aunt and Uncle mouths. Somehow, every time we go to visit we are there for a meal or two. How does this happen? The Parkers are the epitome of 'family' for us.

Oliver likes to play trains. She likes to play by himself and he likes to ask for us to play with him. He comes over to where we are sitting or working on the computer and grabs our hand and says "help"

So, Oliver also likes to work with us mowing the lawn and for Christmas got a lawn mower from Great-Auntie Linda. Another excellent choice. Now we can mow in a little bit of peace while Oliver mows his section. Too bad it doesn't work for real - the little rake does and ODTB does such a good job raking the piles of grass into new piles just a little bit away.

December: On a Walk

2011-06-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

We walk as a family. Sometimes we don't bring enough diapers and we have to walk home with wet soaking pants, but we're still out there in the mornings. This was a sunday morning out early when we just kept walking and ended up out by the Potholder cafe, our old house. Oliver didn't understand about Ryan and I living the young married lifestyle in a studio. It might have been too early.

One thing that Ryan loves the most is when Oliver leans on his head in a hug.
Besides walks, Oliver loves to water the lawn. Or anything that a water hose can reach. When he is watering I hear Ryan repeat over and again, "remember only on the grass Oliver" "The sidewalk doesn't need to be watered" etc. Soo water-wise 2010.
One free evening took us to the bookstore, we were trying it out as a family of three. Visiting the bookstore used to be a good "What should we do tonight" activity for Ryan and I and... it does work for a little 18 month older too. Oliver especially likes the escalator, which he can ride over and again, but look at this scene I came across when I set off to look for the two boys. Cuddling on a iron fence reading a book in a corner. Such a sweet scene.

And. Oliver spent some time reading by himself too. This book, serendipitously enough, was later given to Oliver by Elliot Churchill and is one that he reads quietly in the backseat on road trips and trips to church. Any time we drive together.

December: Front Yard and Handsome Showerer

2011-06-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

When Oliver and I get to spend time together I end up getting really productive - because it would be boring to sit around and play trains all day. So - at this break from school I did some gardening, did a lot of reading the Hunger Games trilogy, and made sure that Oliver was well bathed.On this day we did some gardening and while I was out in the front half gardening and half reading my dystopian teen novel, Oliver decided to come out and line up all of his books. I don't know why I was impressed, but I was impressed enough to take two videos of this event.
We discovered that Oliver's little towel fits him like our big towels fit us. And he looks so handsome in these towels. I try to get him to walk around but it takes enough effort to walk from the bathtub to the couch for cuddling without the towel falling off.

And. Best end to the day. Oliver's bedtime is 7 but when he and Ryan get to bed they end up reading for sometimes 45 minutes. They are so sweet together. This was back in December when Oliver slept on the bottom bunk. It wasn't long after that he moved up to the top. A boy of a year and a half climbing up a bunk bed and climbing down himself. Soo impressive.

After friends and family gave Oliver gifts for Christmas and his birthday, we decided that we should give him a gift too. So we wrapped up his blanket and sang him Happy Birthday. I think he was humoring us with his interest. He was excited to open the gift and when he realized it was his blanket he nooshied with it something good and then moved along.

December: Steve and Esperanza visit

2011-06-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Steve and Esper are the best gift givers for Oliver! I don't know how they know exactly what he would want!!! They came for a visit and brought Christmas presents - Oliver got a tunnel and house to play in which he and Ryan spend good time in our living room investigating.

I love these two. They have such loving and giving hearts and are interested in their great nephew sooo much. We are always blessed to have them visit. And just blessed to have them.

December: Laurie Gives a Bath

2011-06-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Auntie Laurie here. One of my most favorite things to do with Oliver Deane is bath time. (Besides this one time when he swallowed some extra water and scared the you-know-what out of both of us... ) He is so snuggly and calm and squishy fresh out of the bath and it makes me feel so happy. I know that when kids come out of the bath, they should be dried off and then dressed but it's so much more fun to just sit and cuddle for a great, long while. I keep thinking about how I love this little boy so much that it kind of freaks me out sometimes.
Jacquie here: Laurie and Oliver are in Love!!! He loves his "laur-laur" which sounds a lot like his word for yellow "leeh-llo"

Surfing in December

2011-06-18T22:23:00.001-07:00

This was one of the last times we all went as a family to the beach before Phineas. And we loved it and we are meant to be at the beach together. The entire part of going to the beach, being at the beach, and coming home are all adventures. In this video Oliver was practicing driving while Ryan checked out Sunset beach. Oliver and I had a great time and I think that Ryan is proud of us being at the beach while he surfs. On this day I remember I was so tired that I slept off and on and kept waking up to make sure Oliver wasn't too far away.
This was an early morning, the kind where we wake up Oliver to get into the car early.
Here is the trio: Oliver, Satchel, and the blankets. Oliver still gets the nooshies for his blankets.

Oliver is such a big boy who insisted in carrying his own pail and shovel to the beach. This was at Bolsa Chica and the walk out to the beach is long. We all leave the van at the same time but Ryan quickly gets ahead of us and sort of points us to where he'll be going out down the beach so we can find him.

This was a picture I took when I woke up and was relieved that the tracks Oliver were following went straight down the beach instead of towards the water or the parking lot.

Even when we were getting ready to leave, Oliver wanted to spend more time in the sand. He loves the sand. He can play for an hour or longer out in the back yard with the sand. What is it about sand?
I felt like Oliver was trying to be the Karate Kid in this picture, but since we haven't watched that movie yet ... I don't know, maybe he was just playing with his stick. He was definitely checking out his shadow. Oliver loves his shadow, always a good laugh. When Ryan and I were in the hospital checking to see that Phineas, 9 days overdue, was okay - we had to sit in the hospital for hours - we figured out that we could play 21 questions. Ryan's first creation was a shadow and the clue that made me get it was 'It's something that Oliver loves'.... we mixed up the rules of the game.
And... speaking of a shadow. here are Oliver, Phineas (although at this point I thought he was a she), myself, and Satchel from right to left. Oliver was pointing out colors. At this point in life he knew red, yellow, and green because of the stoplights.

December and Lazy Around the House

2011-06-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

After the whirl-wind of Christmas and visits and vacations we spent the rest of our vacation time sitting around the house.

We rested.

November in Fresno - a make-up for no summertime visit

2011-06-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Fresno during Thanksgiving and walked and visited the Art Museum and spent time with JR and Little Bit while Dad and Mom went on a vacation together. It worked out for all of us. We even made a list and tried to get out of the house but it really is easier to do that during the summer. We did end up going to Millerton Lake and hike around there a bit. We had a super time. I don't know where those pictures are.

This was our best winter jacket. It was the warmest jacket we had and it was cute too. Oliver liked being a giraffe.

December 2010 - Grumpy Boy, Bike, and Laurie!

2011-06-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

One day, Oliver was grumpy. Let's be honest. It wasn't just one day. It's not every day, that's for sure, but those random days that he is grumpy it just doesn't seem to end. Here he is grumpy and wanted to stay in his stroller and grump instead of getting out. Instead of forcing him to get out and play I got him a book and that individual time he got gave me about an hour of silence. I kept going to check on him and he was still there.

And then, one day, Laurie watched Oliver for us and we decided to go and meet her half way as she walked back. We met her on Termino and hung out in front of someone's house for about a half hour. Again, it was a beautiful day and this Oliver is so lucky to have these people around him that love him soo much - Laurie is one of the most obvious ones.

And Ryan took Oliver home on the bike while Laurie and I walked. Perfect. And, what a lucky boy to have a dad bike him around in his arms.

December 2010 at Hillcrest Park

2011-06-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

We went back to the site of our wedding. Was this in December or was it in spring because the place looks beautiful! It actually looks so much like when we got married which was in March... so maybe this is March.
We were sitting around on vacation, maybe spring break, and decided to make a real day of it. Actually, I "forced" Ryan who would probably rather work on the house or on Delve. I might have cried and used all my pregnancy know-how to make this happen, but it was such a beautiful day, beautiful. For all of us! Ryan just confirmed that he liked this day. Although, he did mention that the park is dirty in the kid play area.

Ryan had bad alergies that day but we hiked around and played and relaxed and climbed steep hills and saved rocks and sticks to take home. A very wonderful park day at a park with multiple levels, not some flat park with safe blue squishy ground and that's it. It was almost like hiking or going into nature.

We even spent some time digging spiders and spider webs out of cracks in the old wall. Super super day!!!

I'm actually so proud of how adventurous Oliver is. And constantly surprised at how he charges up steep hills and laughs at things we laugh at. I guess it makes sense when we push him towards the hills, but I'm still amazed. I love this little boy!!!

December 2010: Koryn and Laurie Come to Visit

2011-06-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful Saturday in December Koryn packed up her 3 kids and came to visit. It saved me from a day at home with Oliver feeling tired and pregnant and wondering what to do to pass the time until I could put Oliver to bed. How sad that I felt that way and felt that way so often.

But, Koryn, who is somehow connected to all of my needs and emotions arrived and Oliver was soooo happy to play with his cousins. He always is. The Parker's house is the first place we left when Oliver did his, now classic, "more" "more" speech which includes sign language and a very sad, pleading face. Any time we leave their house we hear it again. He never wants to say goodbye, I think so somehow stave off having to leave. It's pathetic and lovely at the same time. Oliver loves his cousins - and I equally love Koryn.

And then, to our wonderful surprise, Laurie stopped by - which would have been my rescue anyway - so I had two rescues. The most wonderful Saturday!

We had popcorn out in the back and sat in the cool of the shade. We chatted while the kids ran back and forth and when it was time to leave Koryn gave me the best month of December gift ever - She took Oliver home with her. I had lots of papers to grade and Koryn suggested that I could grade some papers in peace.

I remember our conversation exactly. I said "What if I don't want to grade papers?" and Koryn said "You do whatever you want, Jacquie" And, again I knew that I was in love. Ryan knows, he's very aware of it.

And, although I don't have pictures of it. I know what I did with the rest of my day! I made about 3 servings of pesto pasta and at them one after another. I watched romantic comedies on Netflicks instant streaming and I slept. In all, I had a wonderful time and then went to go pick up Oliver Deane Thunders.

This sort of rescue is what I want to remember from these sisters of mine during this last half of a year. Not that it was a bad time, but I was more tired than I wanted to be - and as much as Oliver is dramatically growing and learning and exploring - I was tired.

This day was also the first day that the boys Ben and Isaac got to watch a popcorn popper make popcorn. What a day, what a day.

November 2010 - Walking and Staying Home

2011-06-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Update Update Update: From November - when our lives were three. We did simple things like going on a walk and staying home and it all fit into place so easily :).

Well, who am I kidding. When we were three, every day was a learning experience. Every breakfast together in the morning was new. And, but, we were getting pretty regular at having breakfast together - mostly due to Ryan Bryant - super husband/dad/man/cute. In the mornings, when I wake up at 5:30am to get ready for school, I inevitably wake up Oliver with my shower and Ryan has to come down to change a diaper and welcome our boy to the morning.

And then, while this is happening I yell from the bathroom, or upstairs, "I'm a little late" (because I probably actually woke up at 6am and need to leave in 30 minutes) and I add "would you please put on the coffee, and make breakfast for us.... and there is probably more I ask for but I have to be in the stressed out -I need to leave - moment to remember all my requests. And Ryan does. And then when I leave the house at 6:30, probably closer to 7, sometimes Oliver and he walk me to my car, carry my coffee, get the cell phone I forgot and wave goodbye. I love our mornings together.
And on the weekends, walks and walks and walks. And we might not even eat breakfast.

And by the time the end of the night comes and we get ready for bed, it's been a good day!

Oliver is a good actor. 11/3/10

2011-03-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

I came out side and saw Oliver was tipping over his car for some reason, The car settled on the door so I asked Oliver to lay down next to it so I could take a picture. making it look like he crashed. I think he knew exactly what I was talking about cause he actually crawled under the car, laid down and closed his eyes.

Led paint and the good old days 11/3/10 (not a true story)

2011-03-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

At a local hardware store Oliver found 2, 1 gallon buckets of paint and got a least a hand full of each color in his mouth before I could shake my finger in disapproval.

Not really but we did find cotton candy ice cream at Rite Aid Last summer.

Practice made perfect. 11/2/10

2011-03-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

I built this great bench in our front yard over a year ago and right away Oliver started climbing it and calling us over so he could jump off.

After a few practice runs he learned he could jump with out our help. Its very cute. He jumps off and just crumbles and giggles and screams.

Did you hear the one about a giraffe walking a panda bear?

2011-03-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

At the market Oliver found this panda ballon and was walking it around like a dog on a leash. He was so proud of how well it followed him around.

We're Back! Ryan and Jacquie together, catching up on the blog.

2011-01-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

After a few months of a break, it's time to get caught up. At this point I am 6 months pregnant with a little boy moving around inside. We're working on naming him and getting Oliver ready for a baby brother while in the outside world of Oliver we're getting to know a whiney, complaining, violent, new little almost two year old. In the last few weeks this sweet young man has been changing and pushing boundaries, and pushing strangers too. Just pushing. His play has moved from being independent and imaginative to involving others, but only to push them over. He still plays tractor, but now he picks up other people to move them... and it's probably not that dramatic of a shift but it is especially today. I'm staying home from work because Ryan is sick and Oliver is too and it would have been too much! Thank goodness that the boy is sleeping because I was losing my patience.

So. that's where we are and it's time to take us back a few months to where we've come from to get to this point. ... much of what we do involves machines... this was right at the end of the summer, newly pregnant, exploring Signal Hill, I think while the eurovan was being rescued.

Look at the little barely pregnant momma who is showing baby already. I'm so happy to have a second baby growing inside. I didn't remember how much I missed having all the movement and uncomfortable constant reminders of growing life. I think it's easy to forget when there is a crying infant around, but I remember now.

Last summer we planted 2 1/2 inch brussels sprout plants and we just pulled them up after harvesting 8 meals from them. They are 6 feet tall now and so so yummy.
Here's our lady in the garden... she's looking after our plant and harvesting.

What a beautiful end of summer picture.
In the back yard checking out a box we found.

Race car baby

2010-11-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

O.D.T.B.

The Driving giraffe

Missing tools

2010-11-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

I think this is a nail he is chewing on. Or a drill bit.

I am missing a drill bit.

A rare occasion to see Satchel playing with Oliver.

usually Satchel just runs away and only wants to play with

Me (dad).

Oliver is very good at having his picture taken.

Here's proof of that during a morning photoshoot.

Gardening and the BO

2010-11-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

I get to do all the gardening at our house with Oliver.

Here we are watering the baby avocado tree.

I had an event up at the Bo late last summer.

It was a great day for us. Oliver and Jacquie came along.

Here we are giving and taking some sort of leg ride

in front of the judges tour at the malibu Classic.

Older pictures I found

2010-11-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

The color looks weird in this photo cause it was taken at night, in the dark,

on our roof.

Oliver feel asleep on JCB in the hammock and I took this picture

at a 15 sec exp.

It looks like daytime but its dark out.

I was jealous Oliver was not sleeping on me.

Oliver loves him some tractors and we want to make sure

he gets him some.

Taking Oliver to the old shop

2010-10-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'll take Oliver to my old shop once and awhile to see if he still likes to sit on cans of ink.

He does.

Jacquie, being the good teacher that she is, taught Oliver to keep his hands behind his back while in certain situations (stores, my shop, wine glass storage areas) that he could find himself in trouble. Here he is displaying his sweet, sweet, utmost respect for his parents and others.
Notice the drool coming down ODTB's face in this one. I captured this photo perfectly and it really speaks for itself about how much Oliver like squash. Actually, I think he really did like the squash. I'm not sure what is upset about. But he is drooling for sure and that makes it okay.
Happy super scary day! Oliver tried to grow out his mustache for Halloween but it didn't come in too thick so we had to shave it off. Perhaps he can dress up as some sort of animal found in Africa. Or the LA County Zoo. More on that later.

Giraffe for the winter

2010-10-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

Oliver is a giraffe, he is a monkey - - according to his Halloween costumes/winter coats, he is both. But, I'd say he's also our bucket, our baby, our crazy boy, our little man, our little friend, and whatever else we call him when we call him. But, right now he is really into being a giraffe. In fact, he loves seeing himself as a giraffe. He'll wear the jacket even when he's too hot for the warm giraffe-head. Also, amazingly, I asked him if I could take a picture with his giraffe when he was holding it. I didn't think he'd know what I meant but I guess he did. He held up the head and put it's head and his together, looked into the camera and waited.

Ryan says that the caption for these photos is that he's almost a good dad. I guess

Random pictures...

2010-10-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I love when we haven't fully dressed the boy and he walks around grabbing his belly, all proud of the feel or something. This night he was more into the snake than into his belly.

We had just come from the bath. Each night when we have a bath I ask Oliver to get a toy to go into the bath with him. Tonight it was the snake but he didn't leave it behind in the tub when he was done. I think he even wanted to go to bed with the snake too.

loves the glasses
on a walk
this is where Oliver's food ends up quite often. I think he really likes sauces in his hair. We probably don't give him enough product in the first place.
I thought it was important to record that Oliver doesn't use his blanket at the table when he eats, but there is always a blanket in view.

Close up, blurry picture, all curvy and little baby.

Front porch from the past... and the beach

2010-10-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Aimee Churchill doesn't like this jumper. I don't know why. He looks amazing. And. this scene looks like it is from another time. Maybe the same century, maybe the same the same decade, but another time. Oliver loves watering the front yard with his dad. Sitting on the porch in the morning watering has been something that Ryan loves to water and I think he's found a partner. In fact, if Oliver knows he's watering Ryan is lucky to get to do this on his own. Oliver insists they water together.

The following is Ryan's story transcripted by Jacquie. Some of the hottest days of summer came after fall started. There was one day when it got to 113 in LA, a record. This might have been that day. But the water was still in the low 60's, still cold. Ryan and Oliver had a fun day at Marine Stadium. They biked, looking for a beach, and strolled across this one.

What is this funny picture about?

Rain the Front Yard!

2010-10-26T21:57:00.001-07:00

Wonderful, wonderful rain. Oliver had just awoken from a nap, got his diaper changed, said hello to Uncle Bill, and met the rain in the front yard. What a beautiful-natural scene.

Satchel got a bath in the tub! What a lucky girl.

First Try, Silly Early

2010-10-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

We took off the side of Oliver's crib! We were so excited and so was he. He climbed in and climbed out. He took one successful nap and was happy to wake up after a good sleep and play with his books.

A bed without a side means that we can all lay together and cuddle.
Which is another awesome thing we can do together.

A little too early though. The side went back on that night when he wouldn't stay in bed. It was a late night and so different from these bright-happy pictures. Funny early try. Funny now that it's not that night. I was out that night too. I came back later to find out it did not work.

Morning Beach - The Quintessential Weekend Requirement

2010-10-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ryan preparing for the surf by posing with this board. I know I shouldn't point it out, but look at his tiny little belly. So cute, in a mid-thirties kind of way.

Amy Uklea!!! Every once in awhile when we go to the beach we get to sit with Amy. It is always enlightening.

Mark and Ryan really got into digging in the sand when they got back from surfing.

Oliver loved climbing in and out of the hole. I think he was a little confused when we filled it in.

Bath Tub Photo Shoot

2010-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Oliver has really been focusing on pouring water from cup to cup. He also likes filling up the cup my hand makes when I hold them together. Then, when the water does not pour out he smashes the water in my hand with his fist. He's also been focused on turning his hand into the bucket on the end of an arm on the end of an escavator-tractor. He really acts like a tractor well. Too bad he can't be a tractor for Halloween.
Look how much he concentrates.

Here's what the bath scene looks like under the water.
A steamy shot but clearly Oliver has a clean butt crack.

And, when we don't force Oliver to be in the bath because he likes it so much, we encourage him to climb. I actually haven't seen it, but Ryan says Oliver climbs into his . He can also climb up on the drawers in the kitchen to see what's on the counter. We're working on making up up the drawers to sit on the kitchen counter, which is Oliver's favorite place when I'm washing the dishes. I love that when it's time to get town he really jumps into my arms. We're building up to the trust fall. Just joking, but maybe not a bad idea. Just so you know, it's not all sitting around and pouring.

A Photo Shoots - Just Men

2010-10-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

What do these boys do during the day? I think this set of pictures answers all of my questions. They compare feet. They drink water. They climb. They examine. They are learning and growing and loving.

Dinner with Rob - again!

2010-10-26T20:42:00.001-07:00

Laurie drove over there with us and James met us there. Actually, I remember that day. We spent the day in Manhattan Beach checking out a surf shop and watching skating at Venice Beach. Then we realized that we'd be there for dinner and headed out to go get night clothes and pick up Laurie.

These pictures are crazy fuzzy and bad but we have nothing else to mark for the night. We had dinner with Rob the second time. The first was right after Ben was born, he came as a newborn in an infant car seat. The second was at the beginning of September almost 2 years later. It was so good to see Rob again. He was all proud and grandfatherly. I love that Rob does business in town.

There were times at the meal that we were all over the place, each of us took turns to chase Oliver down. It was a little chaotic but a very nice night.

Malibu Surf Contest

2010-10-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Sunday before the first day of school Ryan had a silkscreen event at the Malibu Surf Contest event. We got there sooo early. Before the sun rose and we got to watch it rise at 6am. Oliver and I sat on a blanket wrapped in a blanket on the sand while Ryan and Chris and Eden set up the machine and the event started to get into order. We got to watch surfing all day and wandered from the beach to the van to nap and back to the beach again. It was a slow day and so peaceful. I got to read for hours next to sleeping Oliver.

See. all warm and cuddly on the beach.

here is Oliver playing with a train of his. It was the first time I watched him use a train toy like a train. He kept driving the train back and forth over Ryan's surf bag. I was impressed.

Griffith Park and the Big Train Day

2010-10-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Oliver just started getting into trains and Uncle Bill suggested we go for a train ride. We found the trains at Griffith park and even though it was my last week before school started, which meant that it was the week that Ryan got to work on Delve the whole time. But, right at the last minute he said he would go with us and it made me so happy. It felt like summer vacation. Train rides and car rides.

The whole day!!! We checked out one set of trains and then moved to the other set. The trains at Griffith park are better over by the pony rides. It seems like you're really off on a train ride. But with your shoulders exposed... and in a tiny tiny train with no room for luggage.
Oliver couldn't get enough of walking on the tracks. The most interesting train was the one with a big crane on it to pick up the other trains. I just, this moment realized!!! He's been pointing out the break-down train, the one with the crane on it, furiously pointing it out and wanting to hear about how it picks up other trains. I really don't know if he's making that connection, but he continues to make connections that I can't believe are possible. It's got to be true.
I always wondered why people would spend time and money to take kids to see things when they wouldn't even remember those moments. It's amazing how a moment can't be remembered but it's still developing who you are, what your interests are, and relationships.
So, we made a whole day of trains and went to Sunset Blvd. to get lunch at Carney's. Another train and hot dogs.
He loved it. As I remember, he also had a hard time remaining focused and not whining because he wanted to walk around the train the whole time and we needed to sit and eat. He barely ate. He was too excited. And... to top it off, there was a man in a cage and boom working on some lights above the parking lot. We couldn't have planned it better.

Picking up Sydney at School

2010-10-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

So as they drove and slept in the car Ben and Isaac acted like perfect little brothers. Every time I turned back to them their heads were turned to the same side and Oliver was on the opposite side. Maybe it had to do with gravity in the car but I couldn't get over it. You know how sleeping babies are the cutest babies... three sleeping babies, two of them brothers and another a cousin are super cute babies.

At the beginning of the school year. Before I started at work but when others were already started, Oliver and I got to go hang out with Koryn and the boys. And at the end of the day we got to go pick up Sydney from her pre-school. What a good day. see.

Night Shopping

2010-10-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

We took a late night to go out to Urban Outfitters. I forget what brought us there but it was a late night. Oliver was having such a good time. And, night shopping is another good time to practice his good behavior walk in the stores. I taught him to walk with his hands behind his back so he won't touch anything in the stores. He thinks it's a game and has a really good time strolling through the aisles with both his hands behind his back. The form ends up making him seem thoughtful. So cute.

Big Steps

2010-10-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

Oliver has gotten better at sitting on the toilet when he's in the mood, when we are in the mood, or I guess, when he's eating on the run. It's a good start.
And... in the car I was so impressed the other day when Oliver was able to hold up his book with his shoes. This is some active reading he was doing. Like a work-out. Legs, brain, arms, everything was needed to get this reading done.
I love that Oliver spends time in the car just flipping through his book. We sometimes forget that he's back there until he laughs a little. I don't know what's going on in his little head, but something is.

See... I got it on video. The leg-action book reading.

Scooters, Cuddles, and Other Things

2010-10-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

At the rebs house Oliver loves watching the older kids play and somehow they can all play together. I do think that Oliver prefers to play on his own, or maybe it's what he's good at because he does it the most often. But, it's good to go to friends' houses to play and learn how to do bigger plays.

We took a walk, and for the first time Oliver, sitting on Ryan's shoulders, he cuddled. What happened was: "I said, Oliver, I'm taking a picture of you and your dad. Can you give him a hug?" And then, he did.

And our walk took us to BJ's and we shared dinner and discovered that Oliver absolutely loves mashed potatoes. He likes to taste our beer but prefers water, and he's getting good at coloring circles and then inside the circle. We discovered a lot that day.
Also... Oliver likes wearing sun glasses. I think mostly because he gets a lot of attention from us and from anyone walking by. He's an attention getter.

We're Pregnant!

2010-10-24T01:42:00.000-07:00

No pictures, yet. I've put off announcing this on our blog because wanted to update our pictures to put the announcement of our pregnancy in chronological order, but I decided, that's just going to take too long.

I am 11 weeks pregnant now and we have known since week 4. I need this to be official on the blog because we're printing this blog annually and it counts as all the records of birth, life, and everything.

Ryan and I have been talking about whether we should have another (what I call 'love child') or adopt. This has been an ongoing conversation since before Oliver. It actually took a lot of talking, crying on my part... not because I was being manipulative but because that's what I do when I talk... a lot of praying, frustration, and time to get an agreement to have our first child. This one was on track for the same time frame of discussion - about 3 years - and I think I was getting the 'a year from now' approval signs from Ryan when we got pregnant. This might have been wishful thinking, another one of my successful manipulative methods of communication. Now, I don't know if Ryan would agree that he was heading in the direction of love child #2 because he's so ethically and morally focused on adopting, which I completely respect. But, in an admittedly manipulative manner, I think I was wearing him down. I was able to make our #2 discussion one that all friends knew about and, upon request, weighed in on. I had gotten Ryan to agree the we should have a second child for Oliver's sake in whatever form that child would take. And, the timeline... I think I was getting Ryan to be convinced that having kids closer together was better than a spread.

Anyway, after all this hard work, we just got pregnant. And, with a clear conscience directly confessed to Angie Rebennack, I did not sneak this one by under the table so to speak. This one really is maybe more of a love child than Oliver because I was tracking temperature and everything to have him at just the right time for maternity leave and summer vacation. And... this one has better timing than me. She (we've named her Margaret, maybe Deane, maybe Piper as a middle name after Ryan and my friend Sharon's daughter respectively) oh, we don't know if she's a she yet. We can't find out for weeks still, but we've named her!

She... is due on May 14th, which, serendipitously is my dad's birthday, about 5 weeks before school is out, and a two years and about month after Oliver's birthday. All of this is good.

My pregnancy has been amazing. I have felt more often almost like I might be sick than I did with Oliver, but not sick. I'm hungry and tired, and I'm so excited. I don't know who I am most excited for. I don't know.

With another kid comes more responsibility most important to address is Ryan watching the babies at home.... and we have to figure something out for this. But, Oliver is so independent. He's growing up so fast, which I guess is what happens. This little house and family we have, which I've never felt real about - it still feels like we're playing house, playing marriage, playing parents, when does it become real? This little family is expanding. Thank you our dear God for everything, everything. I am so grateful. To be cliche... my cup runneth over, and over, and over... makes me cry, but that's what I do.

So, this will be that last year Oliver gets an annual blog book with just him... his sister, maybe sister, will already be creeping into his life with my growing belly and insistence on talking about babies and how fun it would be to have one in our house. But, who needs their own blog book, it's way to luxurious. We're not raising a sissy.

I wonder if our baby turns out to be a boy, if naming him Margaret anyway will build character? We have time to figure this one out.

And so, at 2:02 in the morning, because I fell asleep at 7:30pm again and woke up for this time of night, I finally get to announce this big movement in our lives.

Oliver and Jacquie Bryant have breakfast together.

2010-10-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Oliver and I took off to breakfast together when Ryan had a meeting. We've done this a few times now and I am really really into it especially considering it won't always be the two or three of us around. We biked to breakfast after splitting off from Ryan and headed to the Coffee Cup. We shared a breakfast and took our time. This was at the beginning of September and I was still impressed by how Oliver could feed himself with a spoon and eat almost anything without complaint. Now, I realize, I take it for granted.

get ready to read words fin-ed-ick-ly real soon.

2010-10-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

In an agreement with my half canadian whole wife half I am now going to start taking on blog responsibilities. In trade I get to use my spray pant in the garage with all the doors and windows closed. So here we go. I'll only apologize once for all the misspelled words and run on sentences.

Back yard time. Oliver is very good at playing by himself while I mow the lawn, paint, build clothing racks for Delve, and some good old fashioned man time in the tool shed.

He also is kow to pick up a tool and start helping. He loves to help.

We all took a bike to a construction site around the corner from our house.

Oliver, like any good man baby, loves tractors, trucks, wheel loaders, wheeled excavators, skid sters (which Uncle bill used to drive) backhoe loaders, bull dozer, concrete mixers...etc...etc...etc...

He just points and grunts.

Blast from the Beautiful Past

2010-10-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

But the past is not so long ago. Jennifer Bryant sent me these pictures from her phone. Beautiful,

Wy do these pictures look like they are soft-lighted from the old-timey movies. So so pretty... and summer-time. Today in October it's raining... the walls are bubbling - we are not waterproof. It's a strange dark lining on what Ryan and I love with rainy days. There were thunderclouds... I'm so excited for this next year when Oliver will run through the rain and scream at the thunders.

Fingerpainting and Bathing

2010-09-27T22:33:00.001-07:00

I read something somewhere about making fingerpaints out of flour and food coloring. And the thing said to put down wax paper to keep things clean. Really? That wax paper got all soggy so fast. And then I realized that the floor wipes off just as easily. And then things got really really messy, but contained.

and here's a picture of oliver and his beautiful auntie. all cleaned up after the bath and happy playing 'going fishing'.

Parker Dinner at Home

2010-09-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

This is lots of us in, or wandering through the kitchen. Making a full, multi-coursed meal. And I didn't make a part of the meal. How amazing to have a family in the house working together... and I don't have to do a thing. Why am I constantly served? We have such good people in our lives and I'm proud that they are also family.

Dinner!
We had dinner on the roof! On the roof! It was sunny, but the weather was very nice.

After dinner conversation and time. Hang out time. This was the week before everyone went back to school.

After dinner, good sister Laurie did the dishes. What a good sister.
Oliver did something fast and active in the kitchen.
And then.... amazing, amazing mom helped me grade papers!!!! What?! What a gift! I was right at the busy time of grading for summer school. It made all the difference for my night and my week.
And to top it all off, scrabble for the family. We talked and hung out and played (and graded together) for the night. And to think, I suggested we go out for dinner. What a mess that would have been, compared to a great family time in. I am thankful for good family time in.