Thankful for family and friends

The weeks whiz by and I finally get around to checking and replying to email after Cody's asleep and the Eagles are winning and realize its been two weeks since my last post. Two weekends ago was rough. Let's just say passing out at Babies R Us was not one of my cooler moments. Our friends came over Friday night to watch Cody and Greg and I went to hear Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea author) speak. Greg started not feeling well during GM's presentation. So Saturday I thought I should take Cody out of the house and let Greg just try to sleep it off in peace. So I went to Babies R Us and right at the check out I went down, not completely out, as I've done before, but down to the ground as Cody and other customers patiently waited for me to get help, up, and get out of the way. After a water, Coke, chair and phone call to Paige I felt better and went home. So some strange reason I felt the need to go take Cody to Gymboree where we did have a good time playing with bubbles, parachutes, even scary clown puppets. But later that night I came home and felt exhausted and had a 102 fever! Poor Cody was looking at Greg and I like, "Come on people, get it together!" Thankfully by Sunday we both did. Yikes. Wednesday, Brooke and Mike came into town for Thanksgiving. We had a great time going out to Dim Sum, then Cold Stone, deep frying a turkey and eating lots of good yummy catered food from AG(J) Ferraris and then going to Half Moon Bay for Greg's birthday. It was awesome to hang with them and as always, it makes me miss those Denver days when we did that every weekend. We laid low this past weekend since we've entered into our rainy season and I was feeling tired with yet another mastitis blight. Then crazy craziness occurred. So last night, Wednesday, Greg and I were eating some burgers and I told him I saw a yellow flashing light outside in the back. So Greg went to the front of the house to check it out and saw that our two door down neighbor's house was completely on fire and it was moving towards our house quickly. So the three of us just ran out of the house, down the street and looked back and saw huge flames. I quickly got our car, pulled it around the corner and Greg gave me Cody and went back to check it out. No one was hurt thankfully, but sadly our neighbor lost her house. Its crazy that in a moment that everything can be gone but as Greg, Cody and I sat in the car waiting we realized we didn't need any stuff really in the house, just each other, our family and friends. For that I'm very grateful this year and look forward to seeing family this Christmas!

Halloween and Daycare: Both Scary :)

Wow. Five weeks of family help have come and gone so fast. It was so awesome to have extra helping, loving hands around as I completed my first month back. Nana, aka my mom, left on Saturday before Halloween right after Greg's Uncle Tom and Aunt Rita arrived from Hawaii. We enjoyed a nice breakfast all together then headed up to Napa. Man, nine months off the wine and I sign up for the first wine club we tasted it, (doesn't take much!) We tasted at Signorello and their neighbor. Signorello is located on top of a hill with a beautiful infinity pool looking out into the valley. We just had to join! Then we went to the Richardson's family friend's, Carol & Roger's house in Napa and had a great dinner and conversation. I think we were all in bed by 9:30. In the morning, after a nice breakfast, we went to V Sattuti's newest winery, a medieval castle. Tom, Greg and I got the tour through this amazing castle and did the tasting, and ended up joining their club, while Rita and Cody toured the outside grounds. We came back home and had a nice Halloween party with friends. Charleen and Joe brought over baby Gordan and Kristen and Eric brought over Everett. We all enjoyed baked ziti and passed out about 6 pieces of candy to trick or treaters and ate the rest. What a weekend!! Rita and Tom took Cody everywhere during their week: they went to the city, explored around town, even some jellybean factory in the east bay. Saturday we had a great last dinner complete with lime margaritas (straight from the Richardson's tree, she brought a ton of frozen lime juice!) then played a new game she bought us called mancala. Then Sunday, it was quiet. Just us, our little family. Greg made a huge batch of minestrone soup and we got ready for his first day of daycare. There were tears from both of us, Cody was fine. So far he's enjoying daycare and making friends and each day Greg and I are getting better about bringing him there. Greg has been dropping me, then him off in the morning and playing with him for a bit before biking to work. Then I pick him up, the first day he was sitting in his own poop, but didn't seem to mind too much. (In there defense he had just previously been changed, its just funny...or not :))I've had Thursday and Friday off. We brought him in on Thursday so I could get caught up with school in the morning and he slept the whole time. Needless to say, like everyone else, they love him. Friday, Cody and I were back to being best buds and hung and did errands and walks all day. Our Subbie got some love too: keyless entry and a new stereo with Ipod adapter. Today Greg is at a softball tourney, we're going to cheer him on in a little bit. It's a gorgeous, crisp fall day. Tomorrow might be his first bike ride.

Nana teaches Cody "up" & "ba"

Wow how time flies when you go back to work! I can't believe my last post was October 8th. Everything has been going so super well and we've been soooooooo lucky that John aka Pops was able to stay and watch Cody for two weeks and now Nana aka my mom has been here for also two weeks. John and Cody had a great time talking economic theory, singing, walking and cooking. He took excellent notes about Cody's pretty predictable schedule and a funny narrative that aided in the smooth hand-off to my mom. John left on a red eye on Friday night and my mom arrived Saturday morning. Even though my mom packed light, she managed to bring the east coast weather with her! Sunday was rainy but we made the best of it. She helped me make over 5 dozen yummy oatmeal raisin cookies for my students (and some for us) and a great baked ziti dinner. Then she too was on her own with Cody, following the schedule, going on nice long walks to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, the mall and CVS. As John wrote, he'll sleep as long as you can walk. I had some late nights with Parent Teacher Conferences, but Friday I got a half day. So even though it was rainy, we drove to Half Moon Bay and got a family of pumpkins for Cody's first Halloween. Mom bought him a Halloween outfit for every day of the week plus two costumes that you'll see soon here: a monster and skeleton. Saturday morning Greg and I finally went back to Planet Granite and did some rock climbing. We actually weren't as bad as we thought considering we'd taken 8 months off. It was great to be back, I ended up going back later for a really hard yoga class. I have only three lbs to go to be back at my BC (Before Cody) weight. Nursing is the best exercise. It allows me to eat constantly and continue to shed the weight. Yay! Unfortunately that night, the Phillies were eliminated from the World Series. Tonight, Wednesday, the Giants won their first game of the World Series and Matt P. and Bree came over to see Cody. Sunday mom and I went to Grace Cathedral for mass. It's a giant Cathedral right in the heart of San Fran that Barb and I went to when I was pregnant. It was really nice, Cody loved the music. Then in the pouring rain we went to the Ferry Building for lunch and onto Lullaby Lane the nice baby store to buy the woombie in mega baby size. Mom had suggested we try a sleep sack instead of the swaddle contraption known as the woombie so we did Saturday, but Cody woke often. Maybe it was his four month growth spurt so maybe his missed his woombie, either way the mega baby size is back in action and he has been sleep good. He still wakes just once during the night around 3 to feed. Thankfully Monday it was back to the sunshine, but also back to work. Tuesday was his 4 month appointment and shots. He did great. He's 17lbs 8 oz! He's now in the 75% for height, but 95% for weight! This weekend is the final transition: Nana leaves and Aunt Rita and Uncle Tom arrive. We're going up to Napa and come home Sunday for Halloween. It's supposed to rain some more, but it'll still be fun I'm sure. Having John and then my mom here while going back to work has been amazing. Its a hard transition, but knowing Cody is so happy and loved here at home as been the best gift ever. We'll be sad when family leaves but we'll only have to wait another couple of weeks for more people we love to come; Brooke and Mike will be spending Thanksgiving with us. So let the good times continue and Go Giants!

Cody's Naming Ceremony

So it's official, Cody is named! We had a beautiful naming ceremony for him last Saturday October 2nd on top of Wildcat Peak at the Rotary Peace Grove in Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills. I love this place. There's something really special about it and I'm happy we brought Cody up to one of its highest points to have his ceremony. Barb, Grammy, helped to perform the beautiful ceremony with me. I had read about naming ceremonies online and put together a little script. We'll continue this ceremony with all of family and friends over the next year until everyone that wants to gets to say something special to him and "honor him" just like we did. I filmed it and will eventually make a little movie for him. This first portion consisted of different blessings and words from the heart, plus a nice champagne toast in his honor. Afterward, we hiked back down the 2 mile trail and went out for a nice lunch in Berkeley. Then Greg and I continued the celebration by going out, our first night out alone since BC (before Cody.) We went to a wine bar and a nice dinner in San Carlos while Barb and John, Grammy and Pops, babysat the Codsters. Then on Sunday we laid low since I was about to start my first week back at work. Barb, Cody and I went to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Mateo and did some work while the boys went to our neighborhood dive bar to watch the Eagles. So the first week of work went really well overall. The kids and lessons have been great, the pumping okay. I love being able to provide for him but its hard to do at work with the limited time. I go to bed pretty early but Cody is still doing his same good sleep routine. I nurse him around 8, he goes into his crib around 8:30 and sleeps until around 3, then a quick night time feed, and sleeps again to around 7. John and Cody have been having fun during the day, going on walks, prepping dinner, and doing lots of playing. We're so lucky to have family during this transition back to work. Its so nice to be able to leave him at home, with family, when I leave for work in the morning. OMG. I forgot to mention that last Saturday, on his special day, he did something else really special: he rolled over! Today is Saturday and we just got back from a little picnic in the park with two other new families. Its so nice out. We're going back out in an hour. Greg got me into a friend's soccer game. It's been awhile, I hope I can hang.

We love you SF!

Wow. three months has flown by and Cody and I made the most of every day! This past Saturday we really packed it in. We woke up early, (wait, we do that everyday now :)) and hit the road to San Fran. Its beautiful here this time of year. We actually had gone up Friday too. Friday we drove through Pac Heights neighborhood, admiring the mansions, then parked at the Palace of Fine Arts and walked along the water to a wave organ. The sun was shining, the temp hot and the Golden Gate bridge was looking pretty awesome. Then we had lunch with Barb's friend Jill and her family. So Saturday we went back up the city and boarded a ferry to Angel Island. Little did we know, it was "The Pilgrimage," the 100 year anniversary of Asian immigrants coming through Angel Island. So there were a lot of people, but we quickly got out of the crowd and strolled about 4 miles around the island. We took the ferry back, taking in the beautiful bridge again and numerous sailboats. Then we went to a bbq in the Mission at Greg's friend's house and then my friend came over at night. Needless to say, Sunday was spent recovering from such a busy day. This week, our last week together for a little while, we strolled 5 miles at Crystal Springs Reservoir, went to our last nursing group meeting, and today went back up to SF to the De Young Museum's special Impressionist Masterpiece exhibit. We saw amazing paintings from the greats including Van Gough's Starry Night. Cody was a good critic with our friends from the mother's group. Tonight Grammy and Pops come into town and tomorrow is Grammy's birthday. Time to celebrate! Then back to school. It was been so awesome hangin' with the Codster a la Codylicious these past three months, although I'm sad to go back to work, I'm excited about teaching which I love and confident that Cody will be in the loving hands of Grammy and Pops, Nana, and Aunt Rita.

Cody's Three Months Old and Sleeping in his Nursery

Happy Three Month Birthday to Cody! We celebrated by going on a 3 mile dirt hike at Waterdog Lake Park. Last weekend we finished the nursery and we all love it. About 3 weeks ago, so when Cody was a little over two months we had started putting Cody down in his nursery around 8:30 and sitting in there with them and talking to him and each other. This I think got him used to his new room. Then at 10 I'd nurse him and put him in the bassinet all swaddled next to our bed. But this weekend with his new crib and changing table we started putting him down at 8:30 in his crib and be able to walk out as he drifted off to happy dreamland. We kicked off this event Saturday night by doing a family sleep over with our sleeping bags in his room. Then Sunday after his first Giants baseball game, we installed a video monitor so we can check in on him without disrupting him. He's been a pretty awesome sleeper. Like I said, he'll go to bed around 8:30 and sleep until 3ish then I feed him that once and he sleeps until 6-7ish. Greg often gets him in the morning and he happily lays on daddy's stomach and wakes up. Then I nurse him and we start another new, exciting day. Monday we met lots of baby friends at our mother's club meeting, Tuesday we went to one of our last nursing group meetings and today we went to a new mom meeting. I had to get them all in before I go back to work next week. We also made two huge eggplant parm batches using Aunt Chris' recipe from Mangia and tonight we're making Sesame Tofu and Veggie Spring Rolls. Right now he is sleeping but yesterday he fed about every hour, I think he was growing before my eyes. Right now he weighs 14.12! Us Gaynor girls make our babies BIG. Tomorrow I'm going up to the city to meet Jill Reyes, Barb's good friend and do another walk around the city. Then this weekend we're going to explore Santa Cruz mountains and then have dinner at Sabrina's new digs. Then Grammie and Pops come out, then Nana, then Aunt Rita!! We're so excited for familypalooza!

Cody bags his first peak and helps dad catch 3 trout!

So last Monday was Labor Day, yay another day to spend with our whole family together. Tuesday Cody and I attended our weekly nursing group and a back to work group followed. It was really helpful getting info about going back to work and how to pump and prepare. Wednesday we walked along the Bay Trail in the morning then made a fresh summer soup and did a little schoolwork. Then starting Thursday, it was all about the camping trip. So we packed and prepared. We left for the Lakes Basin Region, which is northwest of Lake Tahoe, after breakfast Friday morning. Thursday night there was a huge explosion in San Bruno, destroying 50 homes. A gas line had exploded. The news was crazy, it was a good time to get out of town and get away from TV and phones. So we started driving and listening to the third book in the Girl With A Dragon Tattoo series. We stopped every couple of hours to nurse and play with Cody and pick up some fresh almonds and pistachios. Yum yum! When we got to the Gold Lake Lodge we were informed that we had been upgraded from a tent cabin to a real cabin complete with bed, bathroom with shower and a space heater. This was awesome since we had packed our car full of stuff for Cody and there's no way it would have all fit in a tent. Someone above was looking out for us and hooked us up. This place was awesome. We took a short hike to a couple of lakes then returned for dinner. Food at this place was awesome. You order your entree off the menu but then soup, salad, and sides were served family style. We probably ingested 4000 calories a meal. It was outta control and we all fell into a food coma and went to bed right after dinner. Did I mention there was dessert too? Well we needed the calories since the next day after a HUGE breakfast we set out for our ten mile loop of pure mountain beauty. We left at 9:30 and hiked until 4:30. We passed 8-9 beautiful lakes, we hiked to the top of Mt. Elwell and played to Cody along the way. Greg jumped in the frigid waters and fished a little too. It is sooooooo beautiful, we already are planning our next visit. Saturday night we had good conversation at dinner, great eats and went to bed full and tired. Cody was awesome all day and night, he loves this style of camping. Sunday after breakfast Greg went on a solo row boat fishing mission. He was unsuccessful, he needed Cody's hands on the rod. So I packed up and we left and explored several other lodges and camping sites in the area. One was reserved until 2020! Lots of people love it up here. At one lodge we decided as a family to take out a row boat and that's when Cody helped Greg catch three good size trout. It was so beautiful. On our way home we passed through Sierra City and Downieville, both cool old mining towns. We went to their museum, fished some more and then headed home. It was an overall AWESOME family trip. Back home we ordered pizza and went to bed. Monday Cody and I met another woman from the mother's club and hiked 5 miles up a Crystal Springs Reservoir. Tuesday we went up to San Francisco and strolled part of the Land's End Trail. This trail had beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and you passed a really cool museum I want to check out, its called the Legion of Honor. Then yesterday we met Greg for a windy lunch by the bay and did some Back to School shopping. We also made awesome salsa from ingredients from our garden. Today was busy, we reserved our house for our Pres Day Utah ski trip, we completed our nursery getting a Pali Crib and Dresser/Changing Table, and I participated in a webinar about PBS (Positive Behavior Support) which I'm the new point person at my school. Cody enjoyed listening to the webinar too! We always look forward to Greg coming home. Tonight we'll have the last of the lasagna John made us back in June. It has been awesome. I'm going to make a huge eggplant parm double recipe sometime soon. Oh, Greg is back on brewing and last Sunday we made a Octoberfest beer that's in the second stage right now. I need to plan an Octoberfest brewparty for its release. Tomorrow we're going back up to the city to explore North Beach, the Italian neighborhood and Chinatown. My friend gave me these great little walking cards that map out each neighborhood and cool places to stop and shop. I want to get yummy ingredients for a nice Italian meal.

Back to School....kind of

Hmmm..that's weird last time I wrote was August 19th and now its September 2nd, what happened to the last two weeks? Let me try to remember. I believe that following weekend we laid low and just did a little weekend hike up along Skyline Blvd. Then last week was getting ready for the start of school. On Tuesday August 24th, Cody was a trooper and got his first set of shots. Greg came for support. Its scary for the mommy, they had me hold him down and boom the shots went right in the kashi (thigh for those of you not in the know) he screamed, I froze, then I picked him up and nursed him and all was well..we went to Target and he slept. That Saturday Cody hosted his first backyard party. We bbqed and made Sangria. My friends from work all have something in common with us. Two couples are from back east, one lived in NYC when we did too and my other friend lived in Denver. We're the transplant teachers and like to hang out together. We went to the NYC couples house yesterday for a pool party, BBQ and Cody had fun playing with their daughter who started 6th grade. Last Sunday we went to the Palo Alto Art and Wine Festival. Greg bought me a beautiful green jasper and amethyst necklace. There was amazing chalk drawings on the streets, it was a fun time. I tell ya, one glass of wine in the summer's heat is enough for me after 9 months of not drinking. So this week was back to school. I met my sub Monday and Greg took off with Cody. They had a fun time walking around Crystal Springs Reservoir and seeing girls from my nursing group. Then Tuesday Cody came to school with me and was totally awesome all day. I had a car full of Cody stuff to keep him having fun all day. Then Wednesday, well Wednesday worked out. We were supposed to have a Gilead babysitter come to the house but when we didn't call to confirm or actually show up Greg stayed home again which made the whole family happy. I met my students for the 1st day and then met the parents at Back To School Night. I'm glad I went in, but even happier that I have a month with the Codster or Codylicious or just Lish. So to celebrate Friday Cody and I hoped on the CalTrain to San Jose and went to the Tech Museum which had a special Genghis Khan exhibit. We learned a lot and then met up with Greg who was down in the area for a fun company outing. We continued having fun all together on Saturday when we drove over the Golden Gate through the fog, back into the sun in Marin County. We went to Sam Marshall Park and did a hike then Greg jumped off a couple boulders into deep watering holes in the river. It was a Sunset Magazine recommendation. I love that magazine!! Yesterday we did that pool BBQ and today, Monday, Labor Day, we walked around our neighborhood for two hours after a big pancake breakfast and True Blood morning episode. Now we're on the front porch relaxing. Greg is making beer and we're going to have a good dinner with lots of fresh ingredients from the ever expanding garden. Tomorrow starts another week of Cody and I enjoying each other and exploring different neighborhoods in San Fran. Then we go camping!!

Codypalooza

We've had a nice week so far. This past weekend we went for a 6 mile hike at Berkeley's Tilden Park. It was so beautiful and Cody loved being carried in the Ergobaby. Then Sunday we prepared yummy food. Greg made plum rum sorbet with plums from our neighbor's yard and I made homemade salsa and polenta casserole. I also made corn bread and corn chowder this week. We've been using ingredients from our garden and supplement with the farmer's market. You gotta love the fresh, local, organic Cali food. This week we have been perfecting our routine which is entitled, "We don't really have a routine routine." Well, let's not totally true, we try to get up around 6:30-7 and have breakfast with Greg. Then we watch a whole lot of the Today show. I'm trying to get in a little morning yoga and have been successful twice this week. Cody is trying to get in a longer morning nap just like older kids. Then we run errands, have lunch, and go for a long walk. I end up walking to Whole Foods almost every day. I love that place and its a great walk too. We work together to prepare dinner ingredients so when Greg gets home we can just spend time together. Greg gives him a bottle of breast milk around 7 then a bath and Cody chills and we eat dinner. We just started last night putting him down in his room around 8. He did good. We stayed in there with him and talked about what crib to buy and I think he liked hearing our voices. On Tuesdays we attend a wicked helpful nursing group at the hospital, its amazing the stuff I have learned. Its helped me a lot since there have been some major and minor complications with breastfeeding, but I'm happy to write that currently everything is all good. Cody loves playing under his playmat as seen in the picture. It was nice the other day to catch up with Laura. Cody will have a new friend in baby Nicholas scheduled to arrived on October 1st. He'll also have a second cousin, a baby Dudley girl in October too. Well we're excited for this weekend. We're going to the rock gym for real, putting together our Compost Bin, and going to his 1st birthday party for Everett, I believe he is turning 2. We're also trying to plan some fun trips: a upcoming camping trip, a ski trip to Utah in February, a spring break trip to Oregon, and possibly a Hawaii, Japan, or Mexico, something fun trip for summer. This baby likes to move it move it so we'll try to keep him busy.

From Pottstown to Paigeville

Wow, time is FLYING! So let's see the last entry we had arrived in Pottstown, PA. That Saturday the Nottes hosted a really cute Welcome to the World Cody party for family and friends. It was so nice seeing everyone, Cody worked the room pretty well. Oma, Greg's grandmother spent the night and the next day we went on a short hike in Warwick Park then drove her back to Philly before getting on our plane. The plane ride back was easy! He was super. I actually woke him up so I could change him preventively otherwise he would have slept the entire way. It was nice to be back in our Cali home, but we already missed people from our home home. Since we were back in Cali it was time to show Cody the ocean, so we did a four mile hike around a reservoir and then had lunch overlooking the ocean at Half Moon Bay. It was awesome, Cody's dolphin talk summoned real dolphins and as we ate, dolphins played right in front of us! Then, sadly, Greg had to go back to work and mommy and Cody back to their errands. We went to the OB and the baby doc and all is well with both of us. Cody needed an ultrasound to make sure his legs were okay since he was breached and he is perfect. I even went to the dentist and Cody just slept on my stomach while my teeth were cleaned. He rocks! Saturday we went on our first hike with the Ergobaby. Greg carried him and we hiked for about 5 miles. We love being outside! Then on Sunday Paige arrived! We went to the Burlingame Arts Festival for the day. Monday we met other moms at my mom group in San Mateo then went for a little walk. Tuesday we went to the nursing group at the hospital and met Greg for lunch. Wednesday we walked 6 miles around Stanford's Dish (where they look for aliens!!) Thursday we went to Freemont and saw my friend, Andrea. She is in town for a family wedding. We got to meet her new babies, twins Ben and Tristen. We also found time to interview a great home daycare for Cody. This loving family who loves trains is going to start watching the Codster in December. We are so lucky to have such loving and caring friends and family hang out with us this summer. This weekend its back to just us, I think we'll go to the rock gym, its been a long time. Then its back to school, no wait I have another month with Cody! Yay!!! Oh one more thing, we entered Cody in the hospital's breast fed baby photo contest. The picture of him here is our entry. He is definitely already a winner. He smiles and does tummy time and will be rolling any day now. He's also a good sleeper, going for five hours then three, thank you Cody!

The Big Back East Trip

Whoa, the Big Back East trip isn't over yet, but there's been so much going on, I thought I should do the first installment. Let's see, it took me two full days to pack. I made a Google Spreadsheet to use in future trips (hopefully Japan!) The flight was great, Cody slept and we got the whole row. We arrived in Philly, had a great diner breakfast with Greg's dad then drove on to Utica to introduce Cody to my family. Friday festivities started for Paige's wedding at the nail salon, then rehearsal, then rehearsal dinner. Saturday was the big day. Paige took a gamble (get it, she was at the casino) and went for the outside wedding. She was totally calm and super psyched and it all worked out, the Hot and Steamy wedding went off without a hitch. Cody's tuxedo onesie was a huge hit. I was proud of partying (well, staying up) until 1AM, but Paige and Kyle kept the party going until 430. It was so great to see everyone, especially my family and Brooke and Mike! Sunday we all recouped and Paige and Kyle took off for their St. Lucia honeymoon. Monday we chilled in Utica was Mom and Dad who were babysitting Asa and Sabi. Its amazing to see 1 month, 1 year and 3 years in the same room, amazing and tiring :) We went to the Utica Zoo and Papa Charlie's where I used to work. Tuesday was the nice shower my mom hosted for Utica people and more walks around the neighborhood. Wednesday was a driving day. We drove through Oneonta and as you can see stopped at our famous rugby house at 17 Cedar Street. Oh, college daaazzzzzeeee. We got to Pottstown by dinner and enjoyed Philly Cheesesteaks (mine mushroom, of course.) Cody's been doing a good job sleeping 4 plus hours at night then another 3. We're lucky. Thursday we relaxed and ran some errands at the shops in Exon. At night we went to the Kimberton Fair which was AWESOME! Cody chilled in the Maya wrap while Barb won a giant pig, went on the ferris wheel and we all ate the most amazing doughnuts. Today we hiked around the creek in St. Peter's Village and enjoyed a nice lunch at the bakery with Aquila (Greg's family dog) Now we're chillin' its so nice today, no crazy hot humidity. Tomorrow is his last big event, the Notte meet and greet. It should be a good time. Cody is lucky to have so much loving family and friends.

Big Day Out in SF!

We had the best Sunday. We woke up early and had banana pancakes. Then went to an Italian deli that Barb and John scoped out while they were here and got awesome sandwiches for our picnic in the park. We went to Yerba Buena Vista park in San Francisco and there was a music festival there. So we enjoyed some wine and our sandwiches and listened to awesome live music. Then I left Cody with Greg to go to Bliss Spa. It was the best ever!!! I had the rookie mom rubdown which included a belly wrap, parafin on the feet and full body massage. It was 75 minutes of pure bliss! We came home and cooked a yummy pasta meal with fresh veggies from Saturday's farmer's market. Then gave Cody a bath and went to bed. Today, I started packing for our big trip home! We're so excited for Paige's wedding and to see everyone!

Three Weeks Old: Out and About, Gettin Big, and Getting Wet

Wow, days are flying by, its almost Paige's wedding! We fly home next Wednesday night! This week was a busy one on our own. Monday Greg took off and we chilled with Cody. Tuesday, Cody and I went to four different doc related appointments. He is back up to birth weight and I'm doing pretty well nursing him! Wednesday we chilled at home and went for a long walk. Thursday we went for two long walks and got together our packing list for going home. Then today, today we took Cal Train by ourselves to San Mateo and went to a nursing group, only I was the only one there! Oh well, I got lots of individual attention, then instead of taking the train back, we walked. It was almost 3 miles. Cody was great, he loves sleeping in the stroller while I walk and talk on the phone to Paige, Andrea, my mom, or Barb. At night we started a bedtime routine while includes a bath on the green sponge frog in the kitchen sink. He likes that too! It's been hot so its good to get the baby sweat wiped off and to relax him for a good night's sleep. Greg has been doing a great job at night changing him and then bringing him to me to feed. A good night is when Cody sleeps for 4 hours, then 3, 2, and 2. Then during the day I try to take a nap with him. Today we got in almost an hour. Well it's the weekend. Tomorrow we're going to walk to 25th street to check out the restaurants nearby and Sunday I have a Bliss Spa appointment. Whooohooo! Then I have to actually pack everything I've included on the list and get ready for the family, friends, and humidity of the east coast!!

On our own..just for a bit

Today is Sunday and Cody is two and a half weeks old. Barb left on Saturday and John on Thursday. Their help, love and support was amazing and critical to our new family's well being. Yesterday, Barb showed us how to give Cody his first real bath. I filmed it so I wouldn't forget anything. Overall he liked it and we are going to make it part of his bedtime routine. The week days and nights and weekends for that matter have definitely blurred together. I can't believe he'll be three weeks old Wednesday and we'll go back east one week after that. We got him the cutest tuxedo onesie and shoes for Paige's and Kyle's wedding. Paige just finished the Boilermaker this morning. We're waiting for our friends Shawn and Jessica to come over right now then we're having dinner with Megan Murphy tonight. He's already met Sabrina and this coming week he'll meet Susan. He's a popular dude.

Cody's two weeks old!

Wow, days are blurring together. Cody is two weeks old today. We've been both busy yet relaxing and resting. Let's backtrack...We came home from the hospital on Sunday, then Monday Barb (Greg's mom) arrived. Tuesday, Greg's dad, John, arrived. They have been so amazing: doing tons of laundry, cooking fabulous meals and giving oodles of love to Cody. One of the pics attached is the decal Greg and John put up in the nursery. Cody is already fascinated with his tree. He had a good pedi appointment last week and today, he is almost back at birth weight. Greg and I shared a great 4th anniversary on July 1st. We had a great meal complete with cake and champagne! For the 4th of July Greg and John bbq-ed using our grill and we sat outside. Its been so nice here, unlike the crazy heat of back east. Cody has had some great nights (where he sleeps in four hour chunks) and a couple cluster feeding nights (where he's up feeding every 1.5 to 2 hours, but Greg and I have gotten a good night time routine. Greg gets him when he cries, changes him and brings him to me in bed. Usually I'm a sweating mess (hopefully that will flush out soon, but I've already lost 15 lbs) I nurse the little man and put him back in bed. Today Cody and I went for our first solo walk for an hour. It felt great to be outside. I got his birth certificate today so he is official. I went to a lactation consultant yesterday which was really helpful, knowing exactly the right position to nurse is essential to feeling good about nursing. So far, so good. Well I'm starving, Greg biking home and we're going to give Cody a sponge bath. He lost the rest of his umbilical cord last night. So we'll clean him up, eat, and watch the World Cup.