Walkway of death

Mitch has taken to calling the space where Vivienne loves to walk, (entering our kitchen from one side between two counters and cabinets), "The Walkway of Death".  I agree.  It's this super narrow, ultra slippery, pointy vortex of razor sharp 2-inch thick counter tops, that we clearly designed BEFORE we had a child.  Also, this child is tall.  It's ok, she doesn't necessarily need both eyes.  You can't tell that well in this video, but she is entering the Walkway of Death here at the end.  Each time she heads for this clearing, we cross our fingers and say our Hail Mary's (or I do) and hold my breath until she reemerges around the other side with both eyes in her head.  I'm not kidding, I may need to refill my Valium to get through this "early walker" stage!

Are you dancing?

Visiting the farm

That's what I like to pretend the Weathers house is -- lots of nature.  This is what Viv was up to when I brought her in to see Grandma and Grandpa at 6 am one morning.  Oh lord, let's hope that toilet seat is clean!  Also, I think I know where Vivi gets her height!

Walking!

Here she is in all of her upright glory.  As excited as I am, it has been a crazy week.   There is NOTHING she can't get into now.  Girl knows no limits!  And oh boy, the head injuries.  She is rather proud of herself though! 

Goat attack!

Carving us some pumpkins!

So, I've been messing around with the blog, as you can probably tell.  It's not quite there, but as everything in my life takes 3 years longer than it did previously, one of these days I'll be happy with it.  The order is off, because blogger insisted on uploading the pictures in this order despite my MANY attempts otherwise.  I'm not irritated AT ALL!  You get the general idea.  We carved and painted Viv's first pumpkins the other day.  It was a blast and she was super into eating paint (her favorite thing despite my horror).  She even stuck her hand into the gooey middle of the pumpkin, and we had ourselves the treat of roasted pumpkin seeds.  Have I mentioned that October is my favorite month!

The sound of my heart breaking

Marley - my beautiful niece.  That sound you hear is my heart EXPLODING at the image of her looking so grown up.  When her mom told her that I said she looked beautiful, she replied, "Ah, that is SO sweet of Auntie Amber!"  She's three.  O. M. G.  Can it get any cuter?  This kid kills me, and that response is not shocking at all.  Not in the slightest.  Oh Marley, can you teach me your ways?  xo

Still working on it

Revamping the blog that is.  Lots of changes in store.  But for now, boring old orange title is all that's up my sleeve.  Instead, here are some pictures of our time last weekend at the Potrero Hill Fall Festival.  I love San Francisco in the Fall.  It was a super relaxing and fun weekend and we even had a little rain on Sunday.  It felt so festive and I spent the day cooking for the rest of the week.  Very productive indeed.  Enjoy.

New Masthead?

So, I'm working on a new Fall Masthead. As you can see. I don't particularly like this one, but the baby just woke up from her BRIEF morning nap, one of the cats just puked right outside her door, and I haven't even showered yet. I decided that I would play around here instead. Fabulous idea! But seriously, this is what you're stuck with until tonight when I can play with it a bit more.

Girls with the golden bracelets

This is so stinking cute.

Pumpkin patch at Roloff Farm

Portland!

This is Viv on one of our many walks around the airport waiting to board the plane to Portland. I gotta say, I've never been so excited to get somewhere. My best friend Danni had never met my baby, and I had only met hers once at 8 weeks old. It was quite a reunion. And even though the first few days were a little rough - with two babies almost the same age but with very different personalities - we couldn't have had a better time. I'm so lucky to have such a friend. I can't wait for Edie and Viv to grow up together...and I already have an idea to run by Danni. I think the girls should become pen pals! We're working on our first package now. More Portland pictures to come!

Month: 13

So, I'm changing up the portraits for Year 2. Bear with me, I need to work on the light big time. But here is my Tootie in my favorite Eames rocker. She is a little more than 13 months, but it's been a rough month. Again. This little dress is from her friend Edie, whom we just visited in Portland. I scored big time some used threads! Thanks Danni...;)

Note to Vivienne:

Dearest Vivi,

You're 13 months! It is quite a ride. You are walking too! You still need a little help from us, but definitely would call you a walker. This is opening up a whole new realm of possibilities for you (and us). You are OFF the charts in everything still. Tall and large! I am sorry I did not do a twelve month portrait so I could explain your ONE year checkup, but everything went swimmingly. Routine stuff, but you were so sad that day when you had to have blood drawn and some vaccines. It breaks my heart to see you so upset. We just took a trip to Portland which I will blog about, so you can see your buddy Edie and all the fun we had there. It was a fabulous time.

Well, Pookie, keep growing and exploring. It's a whole new vertical world out there now!
I love you,

Mommy

Time out

It's my favorite month. I love October. The leaves fall (some of them in SF anyway), pumpkins turn up, and the light changes. It is the most beautiful month is San Francisco. I look forward to it all year. It's when I can finally find candles that smell like spiced cider and I can look forward to harvest at the vineyards, and Halloween is absolutely hands-down my favorite holiday. Viv's going as Yoda. It was between that and an Ewok. LOVE Star Wars! She's almost walking, but not quite enough teeth for candy. Next year, maybe I'll get a costume too.

I have to be honest, days like today, (or weeks like this week), make me want to curl into a ball and hide in my bed until after Christmas. I'm tired. Worn out and beaten down. This girl needs a break. Problem is, I don't know how to get one. I can't help but think that Viv's bad day was a direct correlation to mine. Isn't it true that babies can sense EVERYTHING? She must know that something is up with Momma right now. I'm trying everything I know how to do and NOTHING is working. I mean, even if she doesn't actually know, she knows something is up I'm sure. And my lovely friend Anxiety has been here all week, just hangin' out. It's been real.

It breaks my heart thinking that I cause any sadness to my wee one. I know, I know, life is full of stuff. I know that I am a damn good mother, and that I am allowed to have bad days (or weeks, or months!). But man, am I sick of it!

Things will turn around, they always do. And I know this post is sort of vague. I'm just putting it out there -- who knows, maybe it will help. I want to be able to tell my daughter that it's okay to admit it when things are hard. I want her to be comfortable with herself, no matter what stage of life or situation she is in. I always want her to be able to come to me without feeling any judgment. The thing about kids is that they make you live up to your word. They make you become an example. They make you get out of bed.

Tomorrow is a new day. Let's hope for some smiles!

All my love ----

Coy

We went to a friends art opening over the weekend and saw Peter and Jana! It's been way too long and Vivienne was ALL OVER Jana, and um, kinda flirty and coy with Peter. She was very taken with him, she's practically going crossed eyed to keep her eyes on him!

Upright mobility

It begins! Note: turn down your volume, I couldn't control my nerdy screaming...you've been warned!