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…

I woke up about 4 am, and I heard Jack crying. I looked over and Tiffany was already with him. Content that he was in good hands, and knowing that she would let me know when it was time to tag team in, I rolled over to go back to sleep. A couple of minutes later, I hear Tiffany exclaim, “Oh My,” and Jack kicked his crying up a notch. Then, “Kieran Kieran!”

Worried, I shuffled into Jack’s room, where Tiffany had him on the changing table. He was fine, but she needed some help. Normally, changing a baby is not a two person job, but tonight was special.

Try to imagine this from Jack’s perspective. Your sensitive stomach is being invaded by new solid food, and nothing is working like it used to. Things have been building up for about 60 hours. The doctor poked your belly and declared you fine, but it sure is uncomfortable. Your parents have been feeding you warm pureed prunes for two days. Finally, the dam bursts. There’s a feeling of relief, but all sorts of new discomfort. And your parents can’t decide what’s needed more – several warm wet washcloths or a hazmat suit.

While Jack never really got back to sleep last night, we are hopeful that with this explosive episode behind him, the train to slumberville will be back on schedule soon.

Who will he grow up to be? Who do I wish he could grow up to be? Writing out those questions makes me very introspective. Who did I grow up to be? Am I who I wished I’d grow up to be? Do I want Jack to grow up to be like me? Wow, those are big questions, and the best I can do right now is to commit to ruminate on them.

One point of certainity: so far, the bit I’ve found cool/uncool enough to want to pass along to Jack is a little bit of geekdom. (Jack’s seen below in matching geek-to-be outfit with fellow-son-of-geek Dylan.) Does that mean geekiness is the part of my identity that I’m most comfortable with? More to ponder. Who needs therapy – I’ve got a kid.