JAB blab

…and the in-laws.

Headed up to the Russian River Valley for a relaxing week in the “country.” Our extremely kid friendly and cozy cabin was nestled among the redwoods with only a quick ten minute drive into town (Guerneville) and the beach on the river. Overall, we fell in love with the area. It’s gorgeous and tons of stuff to do (both with kids and without). While we basically stuck with the river and low key swimming, there’s boating, hiking, wining and dining, and its only a 15 minute ride to the coast.  

Ok, so we’ll admit, you’ve got to have just a teensy bit of “country” running in your veins to appreciate it. I mean you have to be ok with swimming with the fishies and all. It’s also definitely got the aging hippie vibe. So if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan vacation, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a beautiful spot to relax, be real, and entertain the kidlets, it’s spot on AND so close to the Bay Area.

A couple of pics…

Yeah, yeah, I know. We got back something like 2 and 1/2 weeks ago. I can’t help it. I try and try to get to the blog but so many things get in the way. Here’s a Hawaii re-cap.

Jack was a first class traveler…literally. We used our miles and scored seats in first class making our final flight without a seat for Jack an absolute luxury. It’s an entirely different world up their, ladies and gents, and I like it. Jack was rather accomodating as well and slept half of the flight out there and was otherwise entertained by his airline surprise toys: Mr. Potato Head, a host of little wild animal creatures (elephants are especially exciting these days), a toy train (trains are really, really big these days), stickers, and of course the DVD player. Jack has dismissed his once favorite, Jack’s Big Music Show, and is head over heels in love with that furry red monster, also known as Elmo. He is Elmo obsessed. If Elmo drove a train with an elephant in the back, I imagine it would be all over for him.

We arrived in Hawaii and picked up our rental. Trying to recapture some never before lived glory days, we rented a convertible only to find that they have VERY small trunk space. We did, however, manage to squeeze ourselves in with Jack buckled into his car seat amidst a pile of luggage. This proved to be a very bad idea because about half way to our beach house (and right before we hit a major traffic jam), Jack got car sick…multiple times. We think it was becasue the poor kid had no visuals since he was fine the rest of the trip…once we took out the luggage and moved him to the middle seat rather than the bucket seat behind the driver’s seat.

Our beach house was awesome (one of four) that we shared with the brother of the bride and his wife. You certainly couldn’t beat the view:

That’s a photo from the deck. And that crazy looking tree to the right is a Banyan tree. It’s a smaller version of the one featured in Lost during the first couple of seasons. Remember they hid from the dark smoke thing and polar bear in it?  THAT Banyan tree, by the way was just a hop skip and a jump down the road from where we stayed as was the beach where they film the main shipwreck scenes, but we never managed to get ourselves down to see it. All in all we spent a great deal of time hanging out at “home” and the beach down below.

This is the beach we had access to…the morning after we arrived. Jack was still on California time and woke up at 2:30 that morning so we were out “playing” at sunrise. It took him a full week to adjust to the time…making the re-adjustment to California all the more fun.

As I said, we stuck pretty close to “home.” We were staying on the North Shore which is about an hour from Waikiki and Honolulu so we were off the beaten path. There was a small town nearby where we could venture out for our daily dose of shaved ice:

(so yummy!) and Jack’s playground fix:

(you can’t beat the view).

And of course, Jack LOVED the water. He spent the entire week in some form of wetness (both clothed and unclothed). We even had a couple of beach bum moments:

giving me the hope that he will someday learn the art of relaxing by the waves (unlike his father). Generally, however, we were throwing rocks and shells in the “wa wa” for what felt like hours.

Of course the big highlight of the week was the sunset wedding of our good friends, Kent and Cassie.

Unfortunately, I was not good with the camera that night so this is the only shot I have of them. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception right on site…I even danced the hula!

We’re off to Hawaii tomorrow morning for a (hopefully) blissful week of relaxation. We’re going for our friends’ wedding and are lucky enough to be counted among family so we are staying in a cottage on the North Shore. This will help tremendously with Jack…access to a kitchen is a prized vacationing commodity. Anyhow, we head to the airport early tomorrow morning so I don’t know why I am sitting here on the computer. I must get myself to bed. Will have a very exciting post when we return. I promise.

I finally got some photos from the past two months up on muchado. It features photos from K’s mom’s recent trip. We went down to Santa Cruz for a few days of beachy fun. It was cold, but that didn’t keep Jack from running pell mell tumble bumble into the “wa wa.” The mini vacation culminated with a side trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which if you have never visited is well worth the trip). Jack had a grand time hanging out with grandma, who he has dubbed “Gi Gi” both away and back home.

Spent a lovely weekend in the mountains with Special K. We have the pleasure of occasionally escaping to their fantastic cabin retreat…an even more generous offer now that ”The Lope” is in the picture.  K finally got to test drive his Christmas present, a new snowboard while Jack and I did a little sledding in the backyard. Jack was lukewarm on the snow given its frigid temp and the fact that I kept trying to make him eat it:

We also had lots of quality time with Special K and super pup, Gobi. Before this weekend Jack was cautious with dogs (dubbed “woof woofs”), but the day after we returned from Tahoe he was running up to pups in the park assuming they are all as accomodating as his newfound best friend:

Future babysitter, perhaps?

Over MLK JR weekend, we celebrated K’s mom’s 60th birthday with a surprise visit to Colorado where she was visiting his brother and kids. K’s sister also flew in to complete the surprise. K’s mom had no idea it was happening (that, or she is a very good actress) and I think it was a most enjoyable treat…for all of us. It had been a while since we had all gotten together; the last time being Sarah’s graduation. It was hectic as college graduations go and there wasn’t a whole lot of quality visiting time, so this long weekend felt luxurious. Jack and his cousins met for the first time and despite the age difference (or perhaps because of it!) they got along swimmingly. The Cousins were very accomodating with their video game consoles and Jack was happy to give out hugs and giggles. K’s mom’s new digial camera captured this image that I just love:

I love it because they all look happy and not posed, but also because I know they are all looking slyly at the rather large flat panel TV screen featuring one of the many rounds of PacMan played that weekend. We hadn’t been to Colorado since Ryan and the kids moved out there so it was equally nice to check out their surroundings and new digs (in addition to that TV!).

As some of you know, we recently contemplated a move to Colorado; one very major reason being to move closer to family. “Contemplated” may not be the right word given that when we headed out for this visit I was pretty much convinced this move was going to happen in the near future. We even went as far as to check out potential neighborhoods in Denver while K investigated a couple of job possibilites. The jobs weren’t a good fit and though we had been excited about the potential move, we returned home with an equal amount of excitement about staying here. It was then that I realized we already do live near family. They may not be related to us, but the network of close friends we have here is as supportive and generous as any of our “kin” (no disrespect meant to those kin of course!). When you have a baby (or at least when I had a baby) you begin to wish that the grandparents and aunts and uncles were closer. I would be lying if I said I still don’t wish that could be true, but at the same time I am so thankful that these other “family” members are present in our lives to celebrate joyful times, endure troubled times, and just plain live through the normal times.

It’s been a while. You would think the holidays would offer up the perfect time for writing what with all of the extra sets of hands willing to entertain Jack, but then where’s the fun in that? I like to relax and visit with friends and relatives as well. That included a much appreciated vacation from the laptop.

The Christmas season started out with this mama’s first overnight outing sans baby. Cassoulete turned the big 3-0 this year and I took her to Sonoma for a mini retreat. We had massages, took a cooking class, and stayed at a nice inn. It felt luxurious and very, very relaxing. I love giving birthday gifts from which I can also benefit. Everyone asked me how I felt about leaving Jack for the first time…so much so that I considered calling upon my acting skills and releasing a tear or two whilst saying that it would be hard but that I thought it was a good thing for both of us. The truth of the matter was that I had been looking forward to this for a long time; Jack was in more than capable and very loving hands; and I was excited. Perhaps I am a selfish mama, but if that means an indulgent night or two, I can live with that distinction!

Back in Oakland on Thursday, K and I put the finishing touches on the packing of holiday gear for the trip to Alabama. On Friday morning we endured a hellish two hour check-in line at the Oakland airport that left us sprinting to our gate. Jack gleefully giggled in my arms as we raced through the airport, Kieran and I both laden with more bags than two people should carry on an airplane. Yes, we were the stereotypical holiday family travelers. By sheer luck we got on our flight despite the open hostility and contempt of a very pregnant traveler and her companion who really wanted our seats on stand-by. Sorry lady, I have been in your position too and I feel your pain, but trust me, the screaming one year old stuck in an airport on stand-by all day is worse than the swelling of your ankles. You shall see what I mean.

Two flights later, we touched down in Alabama, epicenter of the Auburn Tigers (War Eagle!) and Bama (Roll Tide!) rivalry, heart of the Civil Rights Movement, land of sweet tea and lilting southern accents, and home to both my sister and brother. We were in Birmingham to be specific and descended upon my sister’s house for a Cothran family Christmas. It was the year of the “sweet baby boys” as my mom would say. Graham, seven months, and Jack, the big boy at 13 months, took center stage. My sister’s house was about as child friendly and accomodating as we could wish for…between the multiple play areas, multiple Christmas trees, and multiple adults on hand to entertain him, Jack was in toddler heaven. He even decided to try and teach Graham his new words, getting up in Graham’s face and clearly articulating his limited vocabulary as if to say, “repeat after me!” He enjoyed some hugs with Granna and lots of fun peek-a-boo games with Grandpa. He took a particular liking to his soon to be Aunt Sassy (Uncle Rob’s fiance). We seem to be witnessing a trend in which Jack eagerly attaches himself to the slight brunettes.

Though this was supposed to be the low key Christmas with fewer gifts (the adults had picked names in a not-so-secret-Santa like way and we had instructed everyone to take it easy with the boys), there were presents a plenty. Two trees-ful to be exact. What with the Christmas booty and purchases made in the day after sales, we had to buy an extra suitcase to haul everything back home. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Once back in California we learned that someone had taught Jack how to find his nose. This discovery was made after a confusing day of Jack pointing to his nose every time one of us said “NO!” to him. Clever little sucker. Not only is he smart enough to master that skill, he is also smart enough to use it in such a cute way as to make us forget he is engaging in some sort of forbidden activity such as maming the cat or sticking his finger in an electrical socket.

Though most of you cool cats are ringing in the New Year this evening (how old school of you), we celebrated last night. Oh yeah, it was a crazy night with two other sets of parents…family Sabenfass and family Shiso. We went to dinner and a concert. Truth be told, I enjoyed dinner the most since I was still awake and slightly coherent. The concert was fun, but the main act didn’t appear until 11:00 and sadly that is just too late for me these days. It wasn’t just me…in looking around at my party I could tell we were all feeling it. As we rung in the “new year” all I could think was that Jack might be getting up in four hours and it was my turn to get up with him. Shortly thereafter we left…the concert still a rockin, I am sorry to say. Happy New Year to me, though! When the five o’clock wake up call came, K took my spot and let me sleep in. Have I mentioned that I have the BEST husband in the world? I am a seriously lucky girl.

So here we are sliding into 2007. I’m contemplating this New Year’s resolutions…drink more water, eat better, exercise, cut down on caffeine…the usuals. We’ll see. All in all, I’m pretty content in my skin, thankful for my friends and family, and looking forward to more adventures. Wishing you the same.

We’ve been to the island and back again, mon. K’s firm had its annual meeting/firm holiday dinner in which they include the family. We’re supposed to foget all those billable hours as they ply us with liqour at a fancy resort. It’s a flawed plan, but still a perk worth taking advantage of!

This time around, Jack gave the whole beach experience a thumbs up, much to his mama’s relief.

Here’s the Family Shiso enjoying the sun:

Though we rarely get the kids on the same schedule here in California, we managed some quality Jack and Otis time together in the Carribean. The boys shared their sand toys by day and rocked it in the nursery at night while the adults endured the casual cocktail chatter and business schmoozing.

Jack proved once again to be a fantastic traveler. We managed to stay on California time so the transition back home is going well so far.

I know you are waiting with baited breath to hear about our travels. Since I last posted Jack and I journeyed to Alabama and met his cousin, Graham. 4131

I attempted to watch both Jack and Graham while my sister started back to work. Despite some few and far between moments of pure childcare genius, overall I was a failure and we had to call in some reinforcements. And yes, this does make me feel like an inferior being especially since I am typing this as my nanny watches two kids in the next room (and will watch three tomorrow). I wonder if this is a sign that I should have only one.

Upon returning from Alabama, we more or less caught our breath, caught a cold, and caught a plane to Missouri for K’s family reunion. Luckily K Dog Super Daddy was able to go with us. We all enjoyed a weekend of family fun. K’s extended family is just lovely and I swear every single one of them is a natural storyteller. K has informed me that this will likely be the last weekend where he is not completely submerged in work for perhaps the remainder of the year SO we really tried to enjoy ourselves. Among others, Jack got to meet his other namesake, Jackson Heavin. 4308

Now we are back and desperately craving a routine. Pictures are up. I would write more but work calls and the hours with the nanny are precious!

Jack and I made it out to the east coast last Friday. Jack did surprisingly well on the trip over considering we were stuck in the window seat (next to an 80 year old woman who had been wheeled onto the plane) and also considering our connecting flight was delayed. The timing of the travels would have been PERFECT if not for that, but I have to say he took it in stride…much better than me.

We flew into Norfolk, VA where our friends met us at the airport and helped us get our luggage and rental car then headed to their house on the Bay. A million thank you’s to Linda and Bud for all of their help and their wonderful accomodations! Jack got to meet my high school pals, Amber

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and Chicago Jen. Jack also got his first taste of a warm beach. We’re now down at my aunt’s beach house on Hatteras Island in NC so he is getting daily doses of his mama’s favorite place to relax and recupe. He seems to be luke warm on the water, a definite negative on the wind, but pretty pleased with the sand…and sun hats, well you tell me….

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Sorry, Jack, but you are one white boy and I am afraid you will fry in the hot, hot sun out here.

The best water activity thus far is “swimming” in the hot tub.

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Nobody else is using it in this heat so we turned it down and made it into a glorified baby pool. Jack also initiated it right away with his own little version of a water fountain.

And of course Jack is basking in all of the attention from friends and family. He is a happy, happy baby and seemingly very flexible. It has totally thrown me for a loop. No complaints.  I just didn’t expect it. We have lots more people to see and a couple of more stops on our trip before we head back home, so I am thrilled he seems able to go with the flow.

We do, of course, miss K terribly. Life’s a beach down here, but it’s just not quite as much fun without Super Daddy.