19 July 2010

Wineries in Ohio?

Silly me-- I never realized what a luxury it was to live so close to Napa Valley, a wine capital of the world, without a baby to care for. (Gosh, what did i DO with all my time?!?!?) So when my parents came again to watch Lisa's recital, they offered us a chance to take a whole day to ourselves, if we wanted to. We did want to, believe it or not.
We hopped into my car and drove out east to a winery nestled on the bank of the Ohio River, which touches Ohio and Kentucky. It was raining in that very specific way that doesn't happen on the West Coast. It felt more like a monsoon-- hot, heavy, drenching, and sudden rain. The sky must have changed color dramatically at least 3 times while we split our two bottles of wine!

We outlasted the tour buses, the locals, and the folks who ordered the sweet wines. We were in no hurry, and we simply sat and watched the rain, talking and drinking. 

Sometimes I catch myself wishing for things that I don't have, or a place that I am not living in. It's important for me to realize that a lot of these things that are unexpected, unfamiliar, and even difficult to enjoy can be looked at in a few ways. When something is different than what we expect, we can see it as pure disappointment, or inferior to what we thought we originally wanted. But it's a much better idea to see the Unexpected as an adventure. After all, isn't that what adventure is? An encounter with the unknown? The feeling of being totally surprised?

I've decided that any person with no imagination can enjoy a day of wine tasting in Napa. That's easy. But to enjoy a day in a homey winery on the giant and murky Ohio River? Friends, that is what I call "An Adventure."

We split a few bottles of the wine brewed here on site (which used to be a boxing ring at one point!) and had the accompanying food. The wine was, actually, not too bad! The food... well, that was a little more typical Southern Ohio fare. Probably fried. The memory has faded some, so I don't think it was spectacular.

Mostly, a chance to hang out with JUST Lisa, with nothing to do but enjoy each other put us both in a good mood. We really don't get that very often, so when we do, it feels like a dream. AND, the idea of hanging out without a baby, or homework, or chores, or errands? Oh yeah. That's what all you single/unattached people just take for granted. But lemme tell you-- oh ho ho. It's fantastic.
Lisa post-hair cut. Me pre-hair cut. It's like a waterfall of hair!!

Anticipating rain...

During the monsoon...

After the rain! Notice the deep murk. That's what you call a real river.




















From onry to okay!

Riding in a carseat? Not totally fun. It would make anyone grumpy. The thing i love about Soren, though, is that he doesn't always stay grumpy for very long. 

Witness this miraculous progression and you'll see why Soren is one of my favorite people in the world.

First, he's grumpy. No car seat!

Still pouting...

Starting to crack...

Pretending to be grumpy...

Starts to smirk...

Back to laughing...

Back to happy!! What a guy!

23 June 2010

Jokester

Soren is starting to tell jokes now. Yesterday's favorite:

"Woof! Luna?* Nurse?...... Noooooo! Haha!"

*Luna is our neighbor's dog. Soren is her biggest fan. Variations of this joke have included replacing "Luna" with "toes," "record ('geckord')," and "CD," none of which, of course, nurses. This, apparently, is delightfully funny if you are 2.


16 June 2010

Cincinnati Nature Center

Soren got to feed the prehistoric turtles (and feisty fish!) at the Cincinnati Nature Center.  Here in the Ohio River valley, the idea of "nature" is a lot different than the Pacific coast. We're in a swamp. Think: lush, humid, dense, hot, and DENSE. Everything grows everywhere. The rivers and lakes were brown from 2 days of intense downpours. It's definitely a different aesthetic than I grew up with, but I'm getting used to it. Sometimes, I even like it.

We went for a day trip through a series of trais, throwing fish food, looking at plants, walking in the shade of old and tall trees. Soren couldn't have been happier (though, he was a bit tired).


My dad, teaching the ways of the world.
I've said it before, but he has an uncanny connection with his Grandpa. Pretty fascinating!



After throwing in handfuls of turtle food, Soren wondered if the swimming critters would like to taste his hat. Notice that it is conspicuously absent from the following pictures! Here is my dad rescuing said hat.




Soren feeling deep regret. Deep, deep regret.



Of course, Grandma is pretty cool too.



Big guy, little guy.


And my sworn enemy made many an appearance.
I am currently losing to my 3rd batch of poison ivy for the summer.



Look at that crazy hair! Still so light, still so slight.

01 June 2010

Photo shoot

The things that i never thought would happen: doing a photo shoot with a Graduate student on campus with a 2 year old toddler strapped to my back!!

Inevitably, Soren wanted to get down and take a look around at the butane torches, sharp things, technical-looking things, but he did great by eventually deciding to stay put in the Ergo carrier. He was very curious to see what I was doing, though, so he would pose for the camera when i took a picture over my shoulder.

I love seeing him peek around my shoulder.

After acquiring his freedom, he tore off through the campus of University of Cincinnati. I love watching him run. I think he's pretty set on the Electrical Engineer/D.J. career path already, but he definitely has the grace to be a professional dancer, if he ever wanted to be.



The Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

The cake was extra tasty when served with Leif's homemade peach ice cream.



Our spread of TVHC-inspired food.

Prepping the construction paper "fruit" and butterfly wings.

The older kids decorated butterfly wings, then we glued them to the clothespins
to make butterfly magnets.

After all that paper cutting, we forgot to play "pin the fruit on the caterpillar's mouth"...
However, I did remember to move the knife block before the party started.

Soren was in juice heaven.

This kid is crazy for bubbles.

Thank you again to John and Eliasz for expertly tilling our melon-patch-to-be.

Sudhir and Soren are such good buddies.

The sign of a good toddler party... all toys removed from their proper place.

18 May 2010

Happy Birthday, Soren!


May 18, 2008: 3 pounds 10.5 ounces, 15 3/4 inches long


April, 2009: Almost 1! I nearly forgot how bald he was.


April, 2010: Riding the carousel at the zoo


Easter, 2010: Playing with his favorite friend, Mae

It didn't take him long to grasp the whole egg hunting thing
once he figured out that treats ("teets!") were inside...

May, 2010: Sharing a cup of coffee with mama.

Two years and one day ago the neonatologists were in our hospital room talking about the neurological and physical risks that Soren would face if he was born two months early. The next morning we prayed that our baby would be able to breathe when he was born. Today our sweet guy is the happiest, healthiest toddler I've ever met. Other than a handful of colds and the rare fever, he has not been sick. Our early intervention specialist who sees him each month says he exceeds nearly every developmental milestone for two year olds born at term. We couldn't feel luckier.

Happy 2nd birthday, Soren. You are loved.