Happy Birthday Jonas and Jember

"Babies first leaves. They're crunchy and so colorful...and mmmmm....they don't taste bad either!"


Jonas and Jember turned 9 months old on October 20th! We celebrated over the weekend by spending it with our beloved friends (and adopted aunties) Sue and Shirley. Sue and Shirley live in a little cabin on the edge of a meadow - right on the edge of the foothills. We love being with them. For me, it is like returning home each time we drive out to see them. Its such a wonderful place to be. Sue and Shirley are so loving and kind. I love their home and I really love bringing the babies into the heart of nature. We sat in the sun, enjoying an absolutely stunning autumn afternoon. Ross dug around a little in Sue's garden. Shirley and I split a bowl full of garden fresh garlic. We made a thick pot of autumn soup (broccoli cheese) and had a really warm dinner over soup and wine. Here are some pics from our wonderful afternoon:


Jember shares a secret with Ranger



Sue and Ross decide where to plant next years garden


Playing in the tall grasses


Daddy and Jember
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Jonas loves being outside


Jember helps Sue prepare the oats for the apple crisp


Jonas loves garlic! (Both kids were chewing on garlic stems and LOVING it)



Crawling boy - catch me if you can!



sleepy Jember at the end of the day



In other news its been a week of firsts:



First shoulder ride in the mountains



First week with our new nanny: Lori!! (We looooove Lori!)



First Cheerios!





And finally: First time standing!

October

Its been a very full week for us all. I held auditions for my fall theater production of Jane Eyre. Taking on directing a production (in addition to my class load) feels like an awful lot for me right now, I won't lie. Balancing my role as mother and teacher is proving to be a tiring challenge. My days feel so packed. But, it is also my job to direct 2 productions a year (a job I might add, that I usually love...) The auditions were successful (over 60 kids auditioned) and I have what I believe will be an awesome cast. But the week was draining emotionally and physically (and it was only the audition!) We will rehearse the show for roughly 2 months ~ until in opens in early December.

So what happens when things get busier for me? I'll tell you what. My hard working husband (who is also a teacher) takes up the slack and spends extra time on baby detail while I am at rehearsals. I have to tell you ~ that if it wasn't for the support and love of this beautiful man - I often have wondered if I would simply dry up like the autumn leaves and blow away.
He is truly a kind and gentle soul - a wonderful father and loving best friend.

And now from our past week:

Ross and Jember make a thick autumn soup




Jammin on the piano. The babies give new definition to "Heart and Soul".


Super Daddy


I have taken to bringing my camera with me on my walks. Its been such a pretty autumn that I don't even mind the days when the rains have returned. Today we had a visit from Chris, Anna and Tristan. Visits with these best friends turn our little apartment into a place of happy chaos. We always enjoy a little lunch and a walk down to the boardwalk park. It was such a pretty Saturday. Chris and Ross wore the twins in backpacks while Anna pushed Tristan in his stroller.
It was a perfect day.


Autumn Sunshine


Babies get ready for a ride in the backpacks


Chris and Ross ready for their autumn walk


Anna and Jonas in the park


Anna and Tristan (We love our little Tristan!)




Mommy and Jonas


Daddy and Jember



Happy little ones - ready for another trip down the slide.



Ross and Jember - headin home.


Autumn colors - how I love this time of year

Autumn Greetiings

Hi everyone

First of all - thank you for your understanding and support with our decision to make our blog private. I feel better knowing that our little ol' blog here is a bit more contained.

Autumn has officially descended into the pacific northwest. This year the autumn season has been lovely - treating us all to a brilliant Indian summer. I love these days of crisp sunshine and dazzling colors emerging. We have been taking the babies out to the park every chance we get, taking long walks by the water or just sitting in the grass soaking up the delights of the season. I love autumn. And I really love sharing autumn with my little ones. In fact, when I think of the upcoming winter season - I can only think about how exciting it is to be present with the babies as they experience their first winter and their first holiday season.

Baby Updates: 8-months old now...Jonas is our little "whirling dervish". He will be crawling soon...but right now he rolls, spins, wiggles, and is moving constantly. I look down to see him rolling across the floor...then I barely blink and he has gone again. Zip zooom! He sits...he wants to stand...he loves to jump. His hair is coming in...lovely curls that are so so awesome.

Jember is less interested in zooming and zipping. She's pretty mellow...she sits...lays...and if placed on her tummy will indulge anyone watching with a bit of the "crawl" position...but really and truly is quite happy to sit and play with her toys. Her real love is babbling. Language. "Dadadadadadadada" is her newest one. Her hair is straight and soft and getting thicker all the time. She loves standing and if given an opportunity will give you a "kiss" (bring along a mop...its a pretty soggy experience!)

We've also been dealing with babies first colds...and Jonas has been healing from a recent ear infection. (Thank heavens for our wonderful pediatrician!!)

The best news is that they really have discovered each other. Their relationship is really developing. They seem to enjoy cracking each other up. Our favorite time of day around here is the evening bath. We plop those two in the tub and they just love it. They get each other laughing with their antics...splashing and making funny sounds. Their laughter is infectious. I could watch them for hours!

Here ya go. Pics from the last few weeks:

Bath Time (without hats)



Bath time ...with hats (daddy thinks he is sooo funny...)






Oops...your hat is slipping Jember...



Jember,happy in the sunshine!


Ross and Jonas hike to the grocery store


They love to play together


Happy Autumn everyone!

Changing how I blog.

Hi Everyone

I have recently made a decision. I think I am going to make this blog open to "invitation only" readers.

Maybe its my age, my history or just the general discomfort I can't shake when I think of the vast universe that is the internet. Flashing the babies pictures into that void and hoping for the best is starting to keep me up nights.

Its funny, because when we were in the process of waiting to adopt Jonas and Jember I found much comfort in reading the blogs of families who had their children. In so many ways it helped me feel closer to my own little ones ~ waiting for me across the ocean ~ and a sea of red tape and paperwork.

I also know that we have many family and dear friends who love checking in with our blog and seeing the latest updates on the babes.

I am so happy to offer an invitation to you ~ leave a message (with your email address) so that I can add you to the list of folks who would like to keep reading the occasional updates of Jonas and Jember.

Thanks for understanding everyone. I'll be making the switch to a private blog within the next week.

Yours
Vicki

Sunday. A Chance to Breathe

Well, school has started and Ross and I are back to our teaching jobs. Its been a transitional time for all of us. Jonas and Jember are doing ok ~ though they have regressed a bit in their sleeping habits. They're waking up more at night again an fighting those afternoon naps. I know they sense our absence. Change. As tired as we feel, I try and act from compassion and patience for them. I try to be present when we are home with them...holding them, playing with them, letting them know that we are here. But this is hard. We're all a bit tired. School is going fine for both of us. We both love our students - but are just trying to adjust to being away from our children all day and being back in academia. I gear up for auditions for the fall play. Then life will really get busy...

In the meantime - stolen moments on a restful and happy Sunday:


Babies in the park




A sunset canoe float ~ in the bay a few blocks from our house. Babies were with Elizabeth for an hour - Ross and I enjoyed watching the sunset from our canoe: