Oregon Holts

Second Year Mom's Group Birthday Party

2012-01-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

I have the good fortune to have a circle of mom's that I have been through thick and thin with, since having Noella. These moms all had babies within a 2 month time frame, and we met every tuesday for at least 5 months. It was AMAZING. I miss it!

Last year, we had a giant baby party to mark a rough one year birthday for the whole group:

This year, one of the moms (my good friend Kate), hosted an awesome animal themed breakfast party at her house. Animal waffles for the kids, mimosas for the parents. Doesn't get better than that. Noella decided to try: she grabbed hold of the redi whip and stuffed it straight into her mouth when no one was looking. I need a picture of that to document.... All the kiddos showed up in their jammies and played the morning away, while using waffles as whipped cream, syrup and sprinkles delivery systems into their mouths (at least Noella did).

I love this group of people, and will greatly miss them when we leave for Bend.

Noella and Annika at the Easel

Olivia

Ries, Carrie and Haven

Rylan

It's MINE.

Isa

Copeland

Liam, the gracious host

Some moms. Meredith, Kyla and Kate.

The waffle station

Davina

The mom's group dads

Mommies, and toddlers and babies - OH MY!

Pictures

Hugs

Gavin

Copeland and Noella

Mommy Says That

2012-01-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

"Oooooohhhhhh shit. Mommy says that."

This is what Noella said to me the other day when I was getting her dressed.

I was (slightly) taken aback. "What? Noooooo....... Mommy doesn't say that".

Noella: "Ooooohhhhhh shit. Mommy says that. Ooooohhhhh shit." She really means it.

Me: "No. That's not a nice word. Mommy says 'shoot'. 'Oh shoot'"

N: "Oooohhhhhh shit"

M: "Oh shoot!"

N: "Ooooohhhh...... shoot. Mommy says that. Golly - Daddy says that.".

Now, first of all I never say "oh shit". I usually just say "shit" in response to something spilling over, breaking, hurting. It's usually whispered very loudly. But, it's never "oh shit". And second of all ---- when have you ever heard your father say "golly". You're painting me in a very bad light here, my dear. And third.... how does just changing one vowel in a word make it so much more moral and good? I just don't get it. Oh shit.

Thank goodness she said it to me first. Now I can continue to keep my sailor's mouth hidden from the rest of the world.

Exactly Two Years Ago Today.....

2012-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

I like this little game.

I can't even believe she was this little once.

Exactly One Year Ago Today.....

Slightly more believable, but still tugs at my heart strings.

Please stop growing.

Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas (and Happy Birthdays)

2012-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Actually, we had such a merry little Christmas, that we forgot to take pictures to remember all the fun we had in Missouri - visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I regret that part about it, but I don't regret for one second spending every last minute soaking up the family time we miss so much the rest of the year. We'll take better pictures next year - right?

We had to fit in lots of fun (as always) over the holiday, as it was Christmas Eve, Christmas, my 30th birthday, Noella's 2nd birthday, Papa Tracy's 60th birthday surprise.... and so on, and so forth.... We couldn't stick around for yet another birthday (Nana Carol's - January 4th), but we should have just snuck that in anyway. I mean, you can't have TOO many celebrations in one week's time - right? Sheesh, maybe we should just have one huge party day: Jesus and the rest of us.

Christmas started December 17th for us. Santa had to come early, of course before we left for Missouri. He just always knows, doesn't he?

"Christmas" morning. Someone got a play kitchen! (it wasn't me)

Thomas the Train craze has entered our home

Now onto Missouri time. Papa Tracy's 60th birthday was earlier in the month. All the kids couldn't be there on the day, so we had a special surprise for him when we were all there. A new guitar.

I like how Noella is standing right up front there, like
"don't you just love it, Papa? I picked it out myself"

I'm ashamed that I don't have ONE single picture from the Noelker side's Christmas Eve. It was a fun time. I guess too fun, if there aren't any pictures. Sorry mom!

Christmas morning at the Holts:

Real Christmas morning. Lucy and Aunt Maggie
being serenaded by Papa, singing Jingle Bells

Serious work.

This is even more serious work.

Lucy at the end of the tunnel.

Snuggle time with Aunt Maggie.

Noella's birthday party was a blur. We had to speed up dinner, as Noella saw her pink and purple cupcakes and wanted one IMMEDIATELY. After that, I can't really remember. A special and HUGE thank you to my sister and brother in law for letting us take over there house for this. It was the perfect place to celebrate. and Noella loves spending time there anyway. I'll just let the pictures do the talking.

Hope's Birthday message to Noella.

She loves it.

Getting that dinner thing out of the way,
so we can move on to cupcakes already!

Cousins Alex and Sam. Gotcha!

Spaghetti lipstick

The moment she's been waiting for...

Everything she hoped it would be...

I can't talk to you Mimi, I'm busy.

Checking out the choo-choo under the tree...

It's awesome.

Let the pink and purple madness begin: gloves and bracelets.

Headbands. As well as countless other trinkets (including pink and purple duck tape) .

Happy second birthday my little (big) pink and purple baby (not a baby anymore). We love you more than you'll ever know!

Christmas Card

2011-12-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Holiday Season my fellow friends, family and blog readers (who are really my friends and family I'm most certain, if not - then happy holidays to you too!)

After going back and forth, trying to decide on a Christmas card theme, picture and note -- I decided to skip the whole thing altogether. While, I love the tradition and excitement of receiving one - to maybe see a new photo or hear some new information - we are never home to receive the bulk of them. By the time we get back home, Christmas is over, and well, so is the spirit. I can't hang them up or lay them out for our guests to see how ~~popular~~ ~~many friends~~ well loved we are. That being said, I feel like I give more information and photos in this blog than I ever could in a Christmas card. Most of my friends and family read this (hopefully... if not, then it's YOUR fault you aren't receiving our most loving holiday wishes). So... excuse me for copping out and using this 'ol blog as our Christmas card cheer. I like saving paper and money. Everything around the holidays is so much in excess, which I fall victim to every year as well. This is one way where I'm scaling back, but still spreading our warm wishes.

I'd like to say what a happy year this oregonholt family has had in 2011. Noella continues to warm our hearts even more every day. She is amazing to watch, listen to and interact with. I can't wait to see what kind of a girl she grows to be. She's known her ABC's for quite some time now and talks our ears off all day long. Noella has made it very clear what kinds of phrases we say on a regular basis, as she begins to say them herself (e.g. "actually, it's a airplane", "daddy wants a red one, I fink (I think)")

Adam and I continue our passion for cycling, exploring trails and the rest of the outdoors. Cyclocross racing was more exciting and involved this year for us. We both took it to another level, which was fun. By another level, I mean moving up categories and attending more races. Noella's imaginary play every night includes bike racing, falling in the mud, crashing and needing a band-aid.

We are finally putting down some roots out here, at least for a little while. We are moving East to Bend, OR and building a house. We are VERY excited about that.

Here's to new beginnings in the upcoming 2012. I hope each and everyone of you can look back on the past year and be thankful and contented in your hearts and minds. Peace, Love and Joy to ALL!

Holiday Parade

2011-12-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

Because I am terrible at things like that, I always forget my camera at the most important events: Noella's first Christmas parade, for example. But, because I am lucky, I have friends who bring their camera and send me pictures that they take of my family. Whew! Thanks Jennie!

I am really late on posting this, and really poor on keeping up with this whole blog thing. Last friday, we headed into downtown Hood River to watch ~~a bunch of trucks advertise their businesses by driving down the main street with Christmas lights strung to their bumpers~~ the Christmas parade. Noella, as this was her first parade, thought it was the coolest thing since candy canes (which she more recently discovered and thinks are pretty cool, to say the least). Adam and I, on the other hand, have seen more impressive parades in our day. But, in it's defense, the whole atmosphere of downtown was truly magical. The whole evening, they close main drag, so everyone can spill over into the streets..... There were beautiful lights all around, the communal lighting of the giant town tree, the live Christmas carols afterwards, the hot cocoa, the CANDY CANES! Noella danced her little heart out - they even played Jingle Bells twice (her favorite holiday song so far). She still asks me when we drive into town at night - "No-yeh-yuh go see the pah-wade? No-yeh-yuh wants a candy cane?" I didn't even know anyone liked candy canes. I surely don't.

Noella and Gavin, one of her very first friends. Nate, his daddy, is holding him

I can't tell you how long its been since we've had a family photo taken. See - I'm horrible! Thanks Jennie for giving me some documentation of a very fun night.

Single Parent for the Week

2011-12-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

This is a reflection about how challenging it is to be with an almost two year old for a whole week by yourself. Now, I know there are so many single parents out there, and I know there are other parents out there who do maybe more than their share with their kids b/c of traveling spouses or whatnot -- I tip my hat to you all. It is a test of patience, stamina, creativity, patience, willpower..... did I say patience??

The little dear was mostly a little dear. We did have some moments, but I think it was more me than her. I think the hardest part is the lack of adult interaction. It's really hard to maintain your sanity when your conversations all revolve around: "mommy, you a big girl?", "does Thomas want a purple cupcake?", "No-yeh-yuh wants bike race music"..... All of these conversation starters make only slightly more sense to me than they do to you. I still haven't, for the life of me, figured out what "bike race music" consists of. So far, "Hey-Ya" by Outkast does the trick. While, I love the fact that she is so verbal and can carry on somewhat of a conversation with me, it is really exhausting trying to remain engaged with her and sound excited about every off the wall comment and question she has (which she usually asks at least 10 times each). But, I do love it. I really do. I just like it better when Adam is here and can answer her the other half of the time, and I can just listen.

Noella, talking to someone who really cares on her cellphone. Obviously, Foxy (the animal she's dining with) and Mama just don't get it.

Speaking off that, thank goodness Dada's back tomorrow evening. Noella is practicing for his homecoming on a tiny trumpet ornament.

Good Morning. The Sun is Gonna Shine

2011-12-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

Noella has been really getting into her pretend play. Her mornings are usually dedicated to teaching her "music class" to all her stuffed animals that she lines up on the floor or the couch. It's pretty adorable, but of course she does the cutest stuff when she knows no one is watching or recording.

I absolutely love this stage she is in and wish I could take advantage of all the busy time she's engaging herself in - but all I can do is try to secretly watch her.

Mama's Not Foolin' Around

2011-11-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

After Noella was slightly (particularly) overactive and a little (or a lot) cantankerous this morning on our fun play date and music class, I couldn't WAIT for nap time. I mean, surely she will sleep off her mood so I can do super fun things (clean).

An HOUR AND A HALF after I laid her down and said sleep tight she's up there fooling around in her bed. I go in twice to "pat you" and cover her up again. The third time, I open the door - she's standing up and about to say something ("No-yeh-yah wants some.....") - and say "go to sleep" (okay for honesty's sake, it was more like "GO TO SLEEP"). She collapses on to her bed like a rag doll. I cover her up and walk out. Silence.

Hopefully I have that effect on her for her whole life.

Inspiring

2011-11-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

"A man who dares to waste an hour of time, has not discovered the value of life"
- Charles Darwin

This was a hike we did across the river in Washington last weekend. We got to the clearing just at a time of evening where the light was perfect. Simple things like this make me happy and thankful for where we live and how we choose to spend our time here. I feel like we hardly waste time. And if this surrounds you on a daily basis, why would you?

Lots of thoughts of holiday cheer around here. Since we will be heading to visit family in Missouri the third week of December, we decided to start the Christmas celebrations. Noella is very into the whole idea of Christmas (even though she really doesn't know what she's talking about - today she asked if Santa could bring her another pocket for her dress that only had one pocket). So far her Christmas list for Santa includes: a pink bell, a purple octopus, a pink bear, pink and purple tape, Thomas the Train, and a football.

Usually I cringe at families that start their holiday decorating and planning way too early, but its just different this year. There's a whole new magic about it now!

Minds of Their Own: A Reflection

2011-11-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Toddlers. My toddler to be specific. Now I know this phase is natural, I know they are trying to gain control of their world, I know we must be empathetic and supportive and understanding, but GOODNESS GRACIOUS PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER CHILD!

Okay, it's not that bad. It seems as though we are going through a particularly independent phase lately and I'm trying desperately (in vain) to be calm and easy-going about it all.

The dancing cowgirl ballerina

Most days these are the arguments we go through:
1) Socks. She wants to pick them out. They must be one foot, one color - the other foot, a different color. Usually it's one pink, one purple or one green, one yellow (this is ridiculous that I'm even repeating this habit). If she can't find those combos either in her drawer or in the dirty clothes hamper, then she just pulls all her socks out of her drawer and pulls them apart and "counts" them. It takes me at least 10 minutes in the morning to get her out of her sock obsession.
2) Changing her diaper. She hates to stop anything she's doing, especially if its to change her diaper (I know, very typical). We are very sensitive lately about all things potty related, even if its just a diaper change.
3) Clothes. When she can't wear her purple ice cream shirt two sizes too small for the third day in a row, she is very hard to persuade to put any other clothes on. If you came to my house and searched the nooks and crannies, you might find purple pants and shirts stashed there. I try and hide them just so we can wear a different color of the rainbow.
4) And lately, healthy food. Namely, vegetables. My fantabulous veggie eater has decided all of a sudden she does not like them (unless its roasted broccoli - but mom and dad need a little more variation okay). She'll eat me out of house and home with fruit, but she'll stick one teensy-weensy corner of green bean in her mouth and hawk a loogie (sp?) onto her plate like she swallowed a fly. Over dramatic much? Although, I must say persistence pays off. I have tried putting several different kinds of veggies on her plate all week, and she ate yellow beets, of all things, like they were doritos. This lack of interest in vegetables has not helped our sensitivity to all things potty related - if you get my drift.....

Ah, the trials and tribulations of toddlerhood. If any of you other parents are having a hard time coming up with something different/fun/healthy-ish for your picky eater, here was a tasty recipe Noella enjoyed for Broccoli and Bowties pasta.

Happy Friday!

Inspiration

2011-11-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

My inspiration for the week:

Zeb, the dog who desperately needs a daily walk/run. We've been slacking because we've been cycling more and he doesn't get to go along on those bike rides. I've decided to "try" to wake up early at least three mornings a week to give him a good, long walk. I've got a head start on getting up earlier with the time change so I'm going for it!

I'm also inspired by this awesome website/program:
Blurb
It is amazing to say the least. You can make your own books. Baby books, cookbooks, blog books, dog books, really any darn thing with which you'd ever want to make a book. Gift ideas perhaps? Now, all I need is a little more inspiration to actually get a project going.

We Like to Move It!

2011-11-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

So, I'm way behind on my aforementioned new blog template. Turns out that you have to actually keep up with that idea for it to work! Hmmm..... we'll see. There's still lots on which to reflect though. For instance, Adam and I have lived in Oregon together for 5+ years now. All the while, enjoying, waiting, wondering, wishing, lingering, exploring, moving, adventuring, and enjoying some more. I guess I should say missing family and friends from the Midwest too. However, recent events have led us to a decision to stick around for a while. We had not bought a house here thinking we wouldn't stay long enough to get our money's worth out of it. While it's nice to be renting and not worry about all those things that go along with owning a house, we were still yearning for that feeling. Especially after Noella and Zeb came along. Both need more space to run and play. And Oregon is a beautiful, fun place. So, why not?

Now, the question was "where"? Our most favorite place in all of Oregon is Bend. We go there several times a year. The climate suits us, as does the lifestyle. The housing market crashed a while ago and is still a buyer's dream. So, it appeared to us that Bend was the answer.

I'll skip ahead to the fun part. We looked and looked and looked at houses (with Noella and Zeb, no doubt). Nothing seemed to jump out at us, until we found a builder who owned a gorgeous lot in the perfect neighborhood. He was selling the lot along with his plans for a new home! He's very flexible and easy going and met our requests, so we are going with it! It should be done by April! Yay!

I have some pictures of the plans, but I'm not sure if that's legit, so I'll just tell you that its a modest yet ample, energy efficient green home. Just enough space for us, on a half acre.

Noella is excited too. There are a lot of parks in Bend.

I think I forgot to mention that this will be our 5th home whilst living in Oregon. Did I mention that we've only lived here for 5+ years? What's wrong with that picture? Anyone willing to help us move will be given copious amounts of delicious Oregon microbrews.

Say "Trick or Treat"

2011-11-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

That's what Noella says. Not "trick or treat", but "say trick or treat". Either that or "No-yeya needs some candy". And then of course "say thank you". She's such a trip!

Wow - I don't even know where to start on our Halloween adventures. We were in Bend from Thursday-Sunday. Both for business and pleasure. Mommy and Daddy needed to participate in the Cross Crusade back to back cyclocross races (including the costumed Sunday race). It was CRAZY! But FUN! Our friends, the McGeeney's came along.

Adam and I were Bert and Ernie for the costumed race.

Confirming that the rumors are true.

Bert and Ernie

Noella was a cowgirl.

Thirsty

Spectating

Bert, mentally preparing himself for his race.

Fun was had by all, of course. The only downside was the extreme dust storms that over one thousand racers riding their bike through inches of powdery dirt inflicted on the whole scene. Everyone had grey dust cemented to their lips and teeth.

And on to the real Halloween. Noella is very fortunate to have awesome friends who live in a great neighborhood. The moms and dads enjoyed a few treats before the kids got their own treats galavanting around the block.

The Rockin' Party Hosts

The Little Goblins

"What are we doing here?" "I have no idea."

Noella got into it real fast when she realized they handed out candy. No fear! In fact, it became a slight issue when she wanted to open and eat every single piece she received, as she received it. Ummmmm..... I don't think so ("say not too much candy").

"Noyeya needs some candy"

"Say thank you"

Satisfied....

2011-10-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely new fall-ish recipe I tried tonight: Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It froze overnight, so it's felt cold all day. Nothing tastes better on days like this than warm soup and fresh baked bread.

LOTS of broccoli and carrotts

LOTS of cheese

Lots of other dairy (butter, milk....)

Even the little one enjoyed. She did not enjoy being so messy from eating it. OCD? Hmmmmm.....

Also satisfying? The woman who knocked me over in the cyclocross race two weekends ago picked me out of this past week's race lineup, tapped me on the shoulder and said: "can I give you a hug?". She felt bad all week and asked her friend what jersey I was wearing. She found me (the huge white bandage on my left arm probably helped her figure it out) and apologized. I told her "oh, it's okay. don't worry about it. I'm fine.....", all the while guiltily remembering the burning anger I had felt. What a difference a simple "I'm sorry" makes. It's all good in the Hood! I should mention we were neck and neck the whole race, passing each other after each lap. She ended up beating me by 10 seconds. I guess she didn't feel bad enough to let me win.... :)

Off to Bend this weekend for the double races (including a costume race). If you don't wear a costume, you will be heckled ruthlessly. We did what had to be done and decided on what to be: Bert and Ernie. Excuse me while I go help my husband paint vertical stripes on to his v-neck shirt.

Bubble, Bubble Toil and Trouble......

2011-10-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Spooooooky pumpkin carving took place this past friday:

Mom's not making it look very enjoyable here....

Going for it.

These pumpkin guts really need stirring...

Really going for it this time....

Couldn't be any more true (notice the drawing on the pumpkin)

It's a good thing these two did all the work.

SLIMEY!

Noella even drew on her own picture!

Finished product

Isn't Halloween fun? I have to admit I took absolutely no part in the drawing or carving. I came up with the picture ideas and then quickly realized I didn't have the skill to follow through to the finished product. Thank you Adam. You are extremely talented :) I did make the mason jar jack-o-lanterns. I found the project on a different blog. A little tissue paper, a little mod podge and "voile"! That's the only kind of jack-o-lantern I can successfully create.

Happy Halloween!

Inspiration

2011-10-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

"Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln.

We went apple picking and farm hopping this past saturday. It's so refreshing to see Noella so happy about the simplest things in life. All it takes is a little fresh air, green space and rainbows. Apples, alpacas, wagon rides and slides help too.

The good life.

Earning her apples.

Notice the sunlight filtering through her epic "flock of seagulls" 'do.

Sharing smiles and apples.

Her favorite.

The gorgeous Mt. Hood Valley.

Carmella

It took Noella a while to stop calling these alpacas sheep.

Reflection: Toileting Troubles

2011-10-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

My reflection for the day (month) is to not move too fast with toddlers. I have a tendency to try and push things too hard, and that is reflected in the emotional, crabby, screaming child that has taken over Noella off and on in the past week.

I'm talking about Potty Training. I thought I'd bypass all the drama and emotionality that goes along with potty training a two year old and start early. Clearly, I'd have an easy-going, superstar pottier. I mean, Noella is advanced (j/k). Why wouldn't she get this down quickly and without heartache? I know all you moms and dads of kids with potty trained children are smirking at me right now.

We were off to a great start. For a whole week, N was getting it. Staying dry, going when we sat her down - even accurately stating she had to go at a hotel several times on one overnight trip. "Great!" I thought to myself. "We did it, just like I had planned". Well, no one told me about regression. No one told me it wouldn't end there. Week two was a disaster: "NO POTTYING!!!" were the words of the day every day. But, damn it, she knew how to do it. She knows how to do it. She's gonna keep doing it. Right?! Wrong. I pushed and I pushed some more and then it was extremely clear I had gone too far and she was winning this situation.

We are backing off. I don't even want to talk or think about it anymore (for at least a WHILE).

So, my reflection is on trying to stay unemotional about all of these milestones that must be learned. It is way harder for her to go through than me, and I just was not thinking about it that way. I even have an early childhood background and couldn't remember that through this whole process.

I'm sorry Noella, mommy is a control freak sometimes. I'm working on it. I won't say that I'm pretty sure you inherited some of that trait from me, we'll just all go ahead assume it :) I love you dearly and I don't care if you don't pee on the potty. At least not right now.

Satisfaction

2011-10-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

I've decided to re-organize the blog (or maybe I should just say "organize", as it's never really had any kind of organization to it whatsoever). Wednesday is the day to reflect on what we've tried that we've liked (recipes, activities.... you know, new stuff).

Like today, I'm satisfied with the fact that I'm finally giving our blog some kind of coherent template. We'll see how it goes.

Noella is satisfied with all her "buddies" sitting with her

As for other satisfying things in the land of the oregonholts, we tried a fantastically delicious meal the other night. I don't know about all of you, but we have squash coming out of our ears here. I love squash, but if you don't have creative ways in which to utilize it, it can get boring very quick. This Pan Fried Butternut Squash Pasta is very delicious, very exciting and --- very satisfying. Adam declared it has entered his Top 10 favorite meals.

Here you go (click on the link below):

Pan Fried Butternut Squash Pasta

Another tid bit of information, I discovered this pasta from a friend's Pinterest Board. If you haven't explored Pinterest, check it out! It's a way to share ideas with others. (Warning: can be very addicting!).

What To Be For Halloween???

2011-10-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

A nude bike racer

A pumpkin

A cowgirl

A cowgirl holding a pumpkin

Or Billy Idol? (Or Tina Turner. Someone cleverly pointed out that Noella's hair also resembles Tina Turner's. I don't think we could find fish net stockings in her size though...)

Stay tuned for which Halloween costume will be chosen!

Portland International Raceway: 2011 Cross Crusade Race # 3

2011-10-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ouch. That one hurt. While Adam and I always love going to these things (aka "cyclo-cross races), sometimes I wonder if I forget that I am a mom and have to care for a small child throughout the week. Because today, not only did I almost have a heart attack, but I was also pushed off the course on a sketchy hair-pin steep downhill turn by some random lady behind me ("you're too inside!" was what I heard behind me before she rammed me and I skidded on the left side of my body down the hill. That and then I heard a muffled "sorry!"). I did not feel pain, only seething anger at that point. Not until I had crossed the finish line did I feel the searing, raw pain on my elbow. I looked at it: YUCK. I don't think I'll post pictures. I forgot to mention in there that after I crossed the finish line I had exactly 38 seconds to get my about-to-vomit-redlining-heart-attacking self over to Adam where he was ready for the stroller hand-off so he could make his race start time. Doesn't this sound fun?

After I trucked Noella and myself to the first aid tent and answered her 1 million questions about "mommy's owie" and answering yes to "mommy needs a bandaid?" about 785,432 times, I did purchase myself a beer. I got a a beer and parked us in the sun and watched the rest of Adam's race. That made it all worth while. That and the awesomeness of the Cross Crusade Sundays.

And yes, we do look forward to this every weekend.

Hair

2011-10-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Who's ever heard of an 18 month old losing their hair? I hadn't either. In the past 6 months or so, Noella has lost her lovely auburn-y blondish curly thick hair. It has grown in as some kind of white baby chick fuzz. Let me take you on a photo journey of the changes that Noella's hair has undergone throughout her short life:

March. I loved her hair.

Very smooth with a touch of wave at the ends.

Even started to get unruly, which prompted a trim in the back.

April. Post trim. Still thick and shiny.

June. It began to thin a little.

June again. Some lighter blond hairs are streaking through.

July. It's totally thinning and looking coarser.

Getting even thinner and blonder. She's a little distraught over what's going on with her hair.

End of July.

August. Thinner and blonder yet.

September.

October. Who is this "towheaded" child?

Oh, that's right, she's mine. This is exactly what my hair looked like.

Just Beachy

2011-10-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Adam had a work thing saturday morning, so N and I decided to truck along with him up to the Washington coast. It had been nearly a year since Noella had seen the ocean (and I'm sure she didn't remember it anyway). She and Zeb frolicked in the sand and had a grand old time:

~~Toe~~ Towhead* with bucket in tow.

Zeb investigates the contents of the bucket

Zeb can dig too!

The shore line was a bit mucky...

Driving home

Sleeping with muddy

*It had really bothered me for years that I never understood the meaning of this term. Hence, misspelling it the first post. So, here is the origination of the term "towhead": Apparently, it comes from colonial times when families grew flax to make clothing. After the fibers were prepared for spinning, the shorter, lesser quality fibers were called "tow". This led to the term "towheads" to describe people, children in particular, whose hair resembled these fibers.

Harmonica Lessons

2011-09-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

ABCs

2011-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I finally caught it on video! She gets a little mixed up at LMNOP, but who doesn't really?

Kansas

2011-09-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

I had to give each state its fair post. I can't be giving all the attention to the Missouri cousins. No, that wouldn't be fair to miss Lucy.

Isn't she the sweetest?

It was her birthday after all. And not just any old birthday. It was her very first birthday. She was the most darling little guest of honor.

Opening her present from her Mama: the dolly that was hers as a little girl

Noella had a bit of hard time understanding that not all of the toys/attention/everything were hers and hers alone. It was definitely a challenge for her to come from being the youngest with all eyes and ears on her, doting on her every motion, obliging her every request. On this side of the family, there's a newer kid in town --- and it was her birthday. Which meant presents. That were not Noella's. That she could not open up. Oh my, these lessons are hard to learn. But I'm getting ahead of myself.....

Prior to the big birthday event, the cousins, Aunt Maggie, Nana Carol, Aunt Amy and I all had a field trip to Deanna Rose's Farm in KC. Even the rainy cold weather couldn't keep us away!

We saw all kinds of animals: pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, cows, owls, peacocks, bobcats, horses......

Discussing the pigs and their dirty feet with Nana

Noella spoke to the turkeys (and they spoke back).

She fed the goats (wasn't so sure about this).

After this fun-filled day, they definitely needed a bath, which meant we definitely needed the "kids in the bath tub" photo.

Kids in the bath

And onto the birthday festivities.

Trying desperately to open one of these gifts

Nana Carol thought ahead: Noella received one present after Lucy had opened up all of her gifts. It was for both of them - different colored tutus. Of course, Noella's is pink and purple.

We tried hard to get her to sing Happy Birthday to Lucy. She wanted to sing it to herself, and everyone else.... but sure enough, when no one was listening, she snuck Lucy's name in there. In fact, she did it today out of nowhere. She's thinking of you Lucy! We miss you guys!

Noella's Inner Diva

2011-09-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

This requires a little explanation. Make sure your volume is turned up loud enough so you can hear the music she's singing to. She's trying real hard to imitate it. And... it's En Vogue singing on Sesame Street. She must be channeling me, as I made up a dance to their song "Free Your Mind" for my dance class approximately 15+ years ago. Hers is much better than mine was....

Missouri

2011-09-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

I think I'll just have to tell this story through pictures. Noella just adored her Missouri cousins. Why wouldn't you if you were the youngest by 5 years and all attention was focused on YOU?!

In a drunken toy stupor.

Noella, do you realize how lucky you are to have such willing older cousins to play with you?

Noella, about to begin her recital.

Whittle Train Station. Outing with Mimi and Aunt Sara.

Aunt Sara and Uncle David's house. Hanging with Hopey and "Wow" (Will)

Uncle Dabid (David)

You can't tell here, but she's in pure heaven.

Unfortunately, I was not able to get many pictures with all the other cousins. Mainly, b/c I was busy watching N enjoy her extended family. Thankfully, most of these were taken by Aunt Sara.

We also were able to spend some time with our friend, Knox. Knox is my great friend from high school, Maureen's, little boy.

He really did like her, I think....

Lunch dates are much less of a commitment

I also did not get pictures of her new friend Roman and his mommy Lesley (also a great friend of high school). When will I learn to be better about this?

Much more to come on Kansas!

Tickling the Ivories

2011-09-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Noella had great fun playing with Hope. And Hope sweetly obliged.... even when Noella orders her to sit on about two inches of piano bench next to her. Oh, Hopey - you are missed!

A Lot to "Bee" Thankful For

2011-09-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Or, it's good to "bee" alive.... I think we could go on all day about the endless puns relating to this story.....

Who recalls this incident?

Adam has some kind of scent in his blood that attracts the most horrible insects: mosquitoes, hornets, yellow jackets.... you know, the ones that bite you. The past few summers, he's been stung by some kind of yellow jacket, and (in my opinion) his reaction to the stings has gotten increasingly worse (but any doctor might tell you that it doesn't happen that way with stings --- it's not a resistance that breaks down over time after repeated bites).

Well, fast forward to saturday morning. All was lovely in the world: our first cyclo-cross race of the season. We woke Noella up (yes, we are insane people who do this ON A SATURDAY to kick our own asses on bikes) and left the parking lot at 7am to make my race start time in Vancouver. We registered me just in the nick of time. Adam had exactly 3 minutes from the time I was crossing the finish line to get to his start position. I barely got to watch him race, as I was trying to change, wrangle a dog and a wild and crazy toddler all at the same time. After cheering for him during one lap, we find him after he's done.

The next 15 minutes are a blur, as he's rushing to load the bikes and the stroller in the car, I'm shoving the dog and Noella in the car. He's breaking out in hives head to toe telling me to google ER's in Vancouver, WA. I calmly get us to the main road and luckily stumble onto a hospital about two minutes away. I tell him he needs to check himself in so I can park and get Noella.

When I walk in, the nurses at the registration area are all huddled together talking seriously about a man who'd been stung and "oh my gosh I've never seen someone react like that" and "he really scared me"...... I blurt out "are you talking about Adam?". The lovely lady at the front desk happened to catch Adam as he passed out at reception. He didn't have trouble breathing, but had some kind of shock or panic attack.

She ushers us into his room, where I'm overwhelmed by a dozen people in the room, Adam hooked up to oxygen, IV's, electrodes ---- looking completely out of it. And not totally aware that we were in the room. Just a tad bit scary. No actually, that moment of me just walking in - no one having said anything to me yet - was definitely one of the top 5 most scary moments of my life. Noella had no clue what was going on. If she did, she probably would have been crying and clinging to me, but she just looked extremely confused and kept saying "Dada, nigh-night?".

Anyway long story, semi-shorter: he is allergic to bee stings. He is fine, other than being slightly itchy still. He will need to see an allergist to receive shots to help with the reactions and he must carry an Epi-pen with him at all times (he already has one for shellfish).

Phew! That was a long story! For those of you who are still with me, here are some pictures of our ER adventure:

Me trying to help Noella wind down so she can take a damn nap already!

Hanging with Dada in his hospital bed watching college football and eating pretzels. Totally normal saturday.

Really Into Colors...

2011-08-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

I think someone might aspire to be a teacher some day....

Lil' Push

2011-08-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Somebody scored at the Bend REI this weekend --- and it wasn't me. Noella got a PINK balance bike for.... for.... for being so dang good on the trip to Bend.

And don't talk to me about reinforcing this pink and purple obsession. I don't know what you're talking about.

Noella, you can't ride a bike an clap for yourself at the same time

When did she stop being a baby?

Still a lot of practicing to be done, but she loves it and is motivated to try! Balance bikes are the best!

Snack Time Conversation

2011-08-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

It often makes us laugh to talk with Noella -- which is most of her waking hours. She's got so much to say. I mean... A LOT to say. Over and over again. And then again. And then, just in case I forgot in the last 3 seconds, again. Holy cow - this is a different level of stamina!

This video gives a little idea of how well she's talking (was taken a week ago).

Can It!

2011-08-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

Yep, I haven't lost my desire for canning. This canning session was for tomatoes! I actually haven't done them before in this way, but decided it was about time. Luckily my neighbor, Chris, who shares my love for local food and preservation, wanted in on the action. Four hands are most definitely better than two in this situation (Noella's hands do not count).

So we bought 50 lbs from the local farmer just up the road and went to town!

Says it right there - "Oregon Grown"

Noella, learning to be a master canner

Preparing the jars

Finished product

"Helping"

Her own version of tomato canning. I don't think I'm interested in canned giraffe though....

Canning is always such a production. You must have EVERYTHING in place before you take the plunge and even then it doesn't ever go as smoothly as you'd hoped. But it was a success! And I'm always so thankful when its done knowing we will have delicious local, healthy food ready for us this winter when nothing is ripe or tasty!

One last tid bid about food preservation: I have found that it is only worth it for us if we choose the foods that we really love and miss during the winter. These foods (for us) include: blueberries, raspberries, peaches, cherries (for Adam), tomatoes, pesto, applesauce and pickles. Luckily, all of the fruit and pesto can be frozen, and works best that way. We still have pickles left over from last year - so tomatoes had to make the cut this year. Applesauce is next on the list for fall --- there's nothing better than homemade applesauce!

"taste a little of the summer, my grandma put it all in.... jars" - Greg Brown

I Believe it's Jogging.... or Yogging, With a Soft "J"

2011-08-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hey, she needs her exercise too.

okay.

2011-08-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Noella has a way of speaking lately that makes me laugh. She'll beg and beg and beg for something (most likely a pink and/or purple something. Like "purple socks? purple socks? " If I don't respond immediately she'll speak a little louder "Purple Socks", still if I'm trying to avoid the whole purple obsession, I'll continue to ignore. She'll then go even louder "PURPLE SOCKS?!?". And then I'll say something like, "oh you want some purple socks?". Finally, she'll respond "okay". Like the idea was mine from the beginning. She's a tricky little devil.....

Don't you even think about not getting my purple socks.

Imagine her delight at the U-Pick berry farm, when we stumbled across these pink and purple chairs.

I-DA-HO!

2011-08-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

That was the chant for this trip. Noella became very good at it (to which, I rebutted "you da ho?")

I don't even know where to start. How about the riding?

Indian Creek to Quigley Creek

Croy Canyon (see the loopy trail behind Adam? that was sure fun to go down!)

Mahoney Creek to Greenhorn Gulch = Awesomeness

At the top of the Greenhorn Gulch Ride

Bee-you-tea-full!

My only setback was the altitude. Hello 7,500 ft.

Next, the grandparent love. Noella soaked up all of the attention she's missed from them over the past several months. She is now in withdrawl.

Nana Carol

Papa Tracy

Three generations

Galena Summit

The top of the hill above the valley where we stayed

And then, of course, there was just the typical Noella silliness. She certainly hammed it up for everyone to keep us all thoroughly entertained.

See what I mean?

This looks completely inappropriate, but was really cute and funny at the time.

In as much "pink and purple?" as she can get her hands on.

Dear Lord! A PINK BIKE!

This was on the car ride home - a last ditch effort by Adam to entertain her. This ended with her breaking his sunglasses....

And so, there it was in a nutshell. I have hundreds more photos and many stories, but I wouldn't want to bore all of you. Let's just say we're trying to figure out a way to go there a couple of times each year :)

"Who da ho? I-da-ho!"

Hailey, Idaho Photo "Teaser"

2011-08-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Nana Carol

Playing in the yard

Mimi and Zeb

Mimi and NoJo

View of the hills behind the guest house

Aspen trees in the side yard of the main cabin

This was the most amazing vacation we've had in a long time.

Sun Valley

2011-07-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

We're headed on a family vacation for a week. Both my mom and Adam's parents will be joining us in Sun Valley, Idaho next week. Adam and I will get in some kick a@! mountain biking (together), while the grandparents get in some serious NoJo time. Everybody wins!

The weather will be perfect 70s-low 80s during the day and 40s-50s at night. Gorgeous mountain views surround our nice little rental on an acre in the valley. We're looking forward to quality family time, lots of good food, conversation, fresh mountain air, and pretty sights. Now, if someone would just pack for me.....

My Whole Family Named Chubby

2011-07-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

This must be explained first to everyone who is outside my immediate family. Who knows the "My whole family named chubby" story? I remember saying it over and over as a child while squishing my cheeks together (to look chubby, of course). It eventually ends towards the chubby child going on a motorcycle ride with their daddy. And she said "faster daddy", and he went faster, then she said "faster daddy", and he went faster, "not that fast daddy!" (this is when you pulled your cheeks apart to give the effect of the fast wind blowing your fat cheeks back. and of course, I'm talking about the cheeks on your face).

Noella was attempting her own version of it today, in between space out moments.

Chatterbox

2011-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my extremely annoying voice. If you can't figure it out, it was supposed to be Noella making the funny sound - not me drowning her sweet little voice out. This video is not anything special - I just realized I haven't posted video in a LONG time. This kid is a talking machine. We think that between her daddy in sales and her mom in speech therapy, she really couldn't have gone any other way (but between you and me, we all know she really gets her chattiness from her dear father :)

Almost 19 months old and speaking in 2-4 word phrases. Some favorites include: "mommy up duh stairs", "jumpin' on nuh bed", "bess you daddy" (bless you daddy - b/c Adam sneezes 100012 times a day) and another one of my favorite phrases is "I pittin' nose" (I picking nose - lovely, thanks for telling me).

She loves animals of all kinds, as documented by this video. We saw some wildlife by the river in The Dalles, OR and she was pretty excited about it. Of course we want to show her new things and share these experiences with her b/c she enjoys it so much. But, anytime we show her anything, she acknowledges it, is excited about it and then says "more ___ please". Like, okay I saw that one, now I want to see MORE. Sheesh.

Kisses!

A Few More Firsts

2011-07-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

First Pub Burger

First Ice Cream Cone

Hiya Uncle Ay-yah!

2011-07-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Uncle Alex came for a visit. We rode bikes.

Safety First.

Alex on the Spring Street Trail high above the Gorge.

We went on hikes.

Starvation Ridge.

Waterfall on Starvation Ridge Trail.

We went to Portland.

We went to the zoo. How about you?

Seeing the bears. "More bears please? Mommy? More please?"

Shuttle bus ride. We could have ended the trip here.

And we saw the local sights in Mosier.

Walking along the railroad tracks.

Windsurfer at Rock Creek.

Rock Creek

Lovely sunset on Alex's last day. We miss you already Uncle Ay-yah!

*photos courtesy of Alex Holt, photographer extraordinaire

Mommy Goes to Whistler

2011-07-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

I have this amazing husband who lets me pick up and take off to Canada for 3 whole nights to go to an all women's mountain biking skills camp. The Trek Women's Dirt Series is highly recommended to any woman who wishes to enhance her riding skills. Many new skills were learned.

I was accompanied by 7 other lovely ladies from Hood River. This is the gang:

Unfortunately, because I was too busy mountain biking, I didn't get to take any pictures. Except of bears which were EVERYWHERE. I spend my whole Northwest existence waiting to see a black bear in the wild and here they are like squirrels. Oh well. Check that one off my list.

"I'm just a loner old bear. Don't like to be bothered by nobody."

Buddy Kate and I on the lift going up. You can sort of see the park behind us.

This was soooooo fun. I wish I'd had at least 3 more days to continue exploring the trails there. I learned so much and the riding was spectacular. Next summer vacation idea -- anyone?? Adam and I tried to go riding there two summers ago, but I got knocked up and the trip was then demoted to a high alpine hiking trip instead. It is a beautiful place to go whatever you do.

Lucy is So Very Big

2011-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Hike: Tamanawas Falls

2011-06-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Noella's gift to her dear father was being a little angel all day, even when we took her on a almost two hour hike.

She sure does love her daddy, and I think that's pretty smart, because it doesn't get any better than him!

Tamanawas Falls, near Mt. Hood (yet another Curious Gorge Guidebook entry checked off our list. Hello Scott Cook if you're reading).

Cinders and Ashes!

2011-06-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is her surprised "train" face (if any of you have seen the show)

Noella got to visit Thomas the Tank Engine today:

Checking out the Hood River from the train window

This rocks. You guys are the best parents ever.

Clapping for Thomas

Being brave and standing outside at the front of the train.

"Woot-woot!"

Imagination Station!

Our little white trash baby with the train tattoo on her forearm. She must have kissed it 20 times tonight...

Cousins

2011-06-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

In their respective "N" and "L" shirts. Thanks Aunt Maggie!

"Weeee Woosie!"

Making something delicious, no doubt.

Nummy.

This is all Lucy did all weekend. Smile.

Way to ruin this awesomely perfect shot, Noella, by picking your nose.

Good times were had by all! Noella needs more cousins to come and visit her. :) Thanks for coming Lucy, Maggie and Hawk-awk (Uncle Matt). Noella is still asking about you all.

Weekend "Bend"er

2011-06-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

We hardly EVER have visitors and the rest of the week and weekend we will be joined by Maggie, Matt and their bundle of joy Lucy (or "Woosie" as Noella likes to say). This is very exciting A) because we never have visitors and B) because we haven't seen Maggie, Matt and Lucy since Christmas and C) both girls have grown so much in the past 5 months and we are so excited to watch them interact with each other. Stay tuned for utter and complete cuteness in the blog following their visit.

Noella five months ago

Lucy five months ago

While they are here, we are heading to good 'ole Bend, OR (our go-to weekend trip). I am racing in the Dirty Half again and we are all going to make a weekend out of it. We rented a house and are going to show The Bleckmans the glories of Bend.

Anyone remember this picture? Last year at the "Dirty Half"

AND..... It is Adam's birthday weekend, so that makes it all the more special. Happy early birthday to the best man I know and love.

Toddler Triathlon

2011-06-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Just some highlights of the toddler triathlon that Noella took part in today.

Here she is heading into the water:

In the transition area:

Now, on to the bike portion of the course:

And last, she still has some juice for the run:

Okay, no - not really. But after I took these pictures today at the Waterfront Park, I realized how much that's what it looked like. She seems to be a true Northwestern Baby bouncing around in bloomers and wading in the Columbia River when it hits a balmy 75 degrees.

Amigos

2011-05-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Noella is learning to be a social butterfly. Her schedule was packed this memorial weekend.

Her friend Davina (or "Bia" as N lovingly calls her)

"Bia, out?" (meaning, Davina do you want to come in?)

Noella was so tickled to have a friend over. She kept running over to her, trying to tell her about things around her house. When she saw a bird out the window, she ran over to her friend, got right in her face and said "Bia, peep-peep-peep!" (meaning, Davina, I just saw a bird out there, you gotta check it out). She said it over and over just to make sure the message got across. Of course, it didn't.

Playdate at the Waterfront Park. IT IS ALMOST JUNE PEOPLE!

Meeting of the minds....

Noella and Liam

Noella and Gavin

It is so fun to see her excited to interact with others. What a fun time!

Noella - isms

2011-05-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thought I should write these down before she's 18 and I forget the funny things she used to say when she was one and a half. Adam and I find ourselves talking like her constantly and I hate that I have to write it out, because it's so much funnier with the rising inflection after every single word (that she repeats 832 times).

Here are some good Noella-isms we especially like:

1. Bobby-jee = Butterfly
2. Mah-moo-mah = motorcycle
3. Boobie = Pirate Booty Snack
4. On-yong = orange
5. Dah-boo-dah = W (how do you even spell that letter?)
6. Zeb-boh = Zeb (which she has now coined the nickname for him "Zebber")
7. Rub-rub-rub = lotion/soap/wiping of the hands
8. Weh-dabby (or red debbies as we like to parody the term) = raspberry
9. Dobby, dobby, dobby = no clue what this means, but she says it all the time
10. She now likes to refer to us as "duh mommy" and "duh daddy"

Here she is with the "beh-dee-bahls" (aka vegetables)

She also looks like a dead head at a Grateful Dead concert when she does the hand motions to itsy-bitsy spider. God, I love her.

Thinking About Making These....

2011-05-22T13:51:00.001-07:00

http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/05/rhubarb-streusel-muffins/

Just bought some fresh rhubarb from the farm up the street from us. I need something else to do with it than make pie. This seemed like a healthier and yummy alternative....

One Year Ago Today.....

2011-05-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

I like looking back at the exact day last year and see how far we've come. Noella seems very surprised to say the least. She's still our favorite little pint, and that's saying a lot, living out here in the microbrew capital of the world.

Adam and I have our first grown up date tonight. We've definitely had nights out away from NoJo, but this is the first time we will pay someone we don't know that well to sit in our house alone while Noella sleeps. It's going to feel very weird, but long overdue and well worth it.

Horsethief Butte: Toddler Rock Climbing 101

2011-05-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured to the lovely hiking/climbing area just east of here on the Washington side: Horsethief Butte. We mainly hiked around and let Noella get out her climbing crazies. It was rainy all morning and early afternoon. I decided, no - DEMANDED! we get out of the house, because she was trying to climb on anything that didn't move. This included our king sized bed, kitchen tables, coffee tables, computer chairs, laundry baskets, activity tables.... you name it. So -- why not take her to a designated rock climbing area? Our thought process was kind of like "What, you want to climb? Try these sharp, steep rocks!" Get 'em started early:

Oooh, Moss....

Pretty Portrait of the Balsam Root Flowers

Tired Puppy.

Turned out to be a pretty good family excursion!

Go Speed Racer

2011-05-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

She's moving pretty fast these days. Both on foot and on her bike. I don't know where the time has gone, or where my baby girl disappeared too....

Scrappy

2011-05-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I wonder why Noella has been getting so many bumps and scrapes lately....?

You Know You Live in the Pacific Northwest When.....

2011-05-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is your ensemble in mid-May:

Let's get to work here!

This really needs some raking...

She wasn't interested in helping me pull weeds.

Complete with a snotty nose!

Spring is Somewhere Around Here....

2011-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so these pictures aren't that pretty, but I wanted to show you that we've been able to get back into gardening a bit. We were lucky enough to score two raised beds in our community garden at the end of the Mosier Creek property. We will soon have way too many greens to eat all at once on our own. Why did we do that? In the next bed over is our tomatoes and peppers that we just put in. Now, if it would just warm up.

Noella dusting off her hands after working hard in the garden

Kate, spinach, lettuce (radishes and beet seedlings not shown)

Comfort Zone

2011-05-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

So, with spring comes me usually trying to train for something. This usually is a half marathon, hopefully on a trail instead of the road. This training is usually the same old boring beginner Hal Higdon training schedule that I've done for the past 7 years. Not this year. Oh no! I've stepped up my game -- this half marathon running gal is doing the Intermediate Hal Higdon training program. I'm so daring. I know - it took me 7 years to try something different, but I'm glad I did. It is a little more running, some days with the notion to run faster than you really want to. But all that aside, I feel like I am benefiting from it. And so, the point of all this is that I think it IS true that if you push yourself slightly outside of your comfort zone, you will reap some benefits. Noella seems like she's pretty good at pushing outside of her comfort zone. I think she is training for being generally crazy.

Part of the aforementioned training program has me running some shorter races in between. The first was a 5K in Stevenson, WA. And, truth be told, it was the fastest I've ever run 3.1 miles. I think it was something like 22 minutes and something.

In Stevenson, there is a neat little museum to which the race's proceeds went to. Here is Noella in front of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, near the "tuh-tuh" (Totem Pole).

This weekend is a "Run Mama Run" 10K in Mt. Tabor Park. It's supposed to rain. Of course. Why is spring dragging it's feet out here? Doesn't it know summer is almost here?

Hippity Hoppity!

2011-04-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, we had our first "real" family Easter, as last year just doesn't count. It was so fun and so very special. We started the day exploring our Easter baskets and finding the eggs (filled with Kix).

Noticing what the Easter Bunny Brought her.

Loved the "aye" (eggs).

Duckies.

Reading her new Easter book "The Golden Egg"

"Hey, there's food in here".

"Moh" (more)

She even found the eggs on the hat and glove shelves.

Then, we ventured to church. Now, sinners that we are, we have not been in a while. And so, we were a little nervous about how NoJo would do. We even had discussed an "exit plan". Little did we know, all she needed was some pirate booty snack ("boobie" to Noella) and some more of the aforementioned Easter "Kix" and she was a perfect angel. At one point, she even told Adam "Daddy, Daddy....shhhhh!". She is getting so grown up!

Easter dress "tah-dah"!

We then had a lovely Easter brunch with our neighbors. Great food, coffee, mimosas and friendly conversation. Noella had a BALL! We just love her.

Best we could do for a family photo. Happy Easter and Spring to all our loved ones back home

How'd Ya Do?!

2011-04-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

It isn't a shocker that Noella loves music and loves to sing and dance. Here's some good footage though. She especially enjoys the songs from her children's music class on wednesdays. This is one of them!

Spring and Other Things

2011-04-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

We welcomed some springtime this weekend. Dad had friday off and we headed straight to the park!

Noella learned to climb on these all by herself.

And go down the slide. Fearless!

Oh yeah, first haircut -- whoops, no "formal" documentation of that.

I don't know what this look says but I love it.

NoJo figuring out her first move on this sick boulder problem.

Just a typical sunny afternoon at Mosier Creek Place.

Dandelions for me, Noella? You shouldn't have! (Side note, she actually calls these and all yellow flowers "dah-dee-dee" or daffodil in layman's terms. And can I point on the headbands adorned around her neck yet again?!)

Hopefully I will get it together enough to get some pictures of our Mosier Creek Garden. We finally have a great gardening spot by our condo and are so excited to grow some food! Noella is "learning" to help. And by learning I mean not stomping on the starts that we just planted in our raised beds.

Crazy Part Deuce

2011-04-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Video footage that she is crazy most of the time. Not just some of the time. But we love her so much!

When in Doubt, Just Run Around and Scream.....

2011-04-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

This is the crazy girl I have bore. Is this what I was like, mom?

Fashionista

2011-04-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

I think most of us (on the Noelker side at least) can remember the days of my constant wardrobe changes, which mainly included swim suits, leotards, knee-highs and sunglasses. Well, it may be that this trait has been passed down. What do you think?

I don't know when or how it started, but it has started and she wants me to put things like this on her all the time. See those purple and pink headbands around her neck? That's how she thinks they are worn. And see that skirt? She found it in her closet and insisted on wearing it wednesday. She also insisted on wearing a pink cardigan with it. At least she can match.... Then, on thursday, she found the complete outfit in the dirty clothes hamper, and insisted on putting it on again. Here we go!

Anyway, its fun and she loves "looking pretty" and being told "oh, Noella you look so PRETTY". I never dreamed I'd have a daughter who would be so into that girly kind of thing, but she seems to be and maybe I am egging it on and maybe I am more girly than I give myself credit for. But then again, she wants to wear her green rubber frog boots with this ensemble, so she's not all girl that's for sure.

In case you were wondering, she's still residing in her box at 23 1/2 Mosier Creek Place.

Bathtime Conversation

2011-03-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Thought you all might like a little bathtime video. Please excuse the extremely bad camera angle through the spotty shower door. It was the best I could do at the time. We are really having fun with the "jibberish" NoJo is exploring these days. Which prompted the bathtime video, as she does this "talking" the most during her bath. Enjoy!!

"Mowtmeen"

2011-03-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Noella is learning new words at a rapid pace. Many of these new words are only understandable by Adam and I. The word in this video, if you cannot catch it is "mountain". And maybe its just because its my kid, but come on! I mean, how cute IS that?!

First Art Project

2011-03-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

I want everyone to know that I'm not forcing Noella to learn the alphabet already. She just really likes letters and recognizes some, so I went with it!

Future Soccer Player

2011-03-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know, I may be biased.....

But we may have a future soccer star on our hands..... move over Martha Jane! There's a new cousin in town :) Just look at that form!

Oh, and she also has tremendous musical talent and dancing abilities. Maybe I am biased....

A Gorge-Us Day!

2011-03-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

You might think from the pun in the title that Adam is writing this blog today. But, no, sadly I have soaked in some of his corny-ness being with the guy for 6+ years. Let me explain what I mean by Gorge-Us:

You see, we live in a wonderful part of the country called the Columbia River Gorge, otherwise known as "The Gorge". And yesterday, we had a family day, hence the "us". Get it?

Tired of yucky weather and being stuck inside for too long, we took full advantage of the partly cloudy, 30% chance of rain forecast (yes, if you live in the PNW, you look forward to days with partly cloudy, <50% chance of rain days. Especially in the late winter. It can sometimes mean you are going to get some SUN and only a few drops of rain if any).

I pulled out my handy-dandy "Curious Gorge" book. We have already completed a good portion of this book, but we had never seen the Bonneville Dam sights. There was an easy and scenic waterfall hike just next to it, so we decided to tackle both, and possibly hit up one of the brewpubs located on the Washington side also close by.

First on our list for the family outing consisted of #7 in the Curious Gorge guidebook: "Wahclella Falls". At only two miles long, with a promising waterfall at the end, we decided Noella could handle this distance in the pack. She's been very into water these days and says it at least 134 times whenever we hike along the rivers, creeks and falls around here. Needless to say, she very impressed with this scenery too:

Wahclella Falls. Or "adah" or "wawah" as Noella likes to say (over and over).

At the end of the trail, picking up rocks and baby pine cones.

I think this last 1/8th of a mile took us the same amount of the time as the rest of the hike (okay, not quite, but GEEZ come on Noella! We're on an agenda!)

Next on our family outing tour was #6 in the Curious Gorge guidebook: The Bonneville Dam. Another thing Noella is into these days is wildlife. She points out every single bird she sees. Loves dogs, cats and anything that closely resembles an animal. One cool thing about the Bonneville Dam is that it has fish ladders to help with the migration of the salmon. At the dam visitor center, you can go downstairs to the underwater fish viewing tanks to see the salmon that are trying to make their way up the Columbia to spawn. Some other cool things were the dam fish hatchery, as well as the the dam sturgeon and trout ponds. Talk about fish galore! We got to see Herman, a 70 year old, 400+lb, 10 foot long sturgeon. These fish have not changed at all in 100-200 million years. They looked like dinosaur fish! Again, I apologize for the cheesy dam jokes inserted above. My husband would be very disappointed if I did not add it in somewhere. Trust me, I heard it over and over as we were viewing all the dam sights.

Herman the Sturgeon

The third and final stop on our family fun day was more for mommy and daddy's enjoyment: Walking Man Brew Pub in Stevenson, WA. We crossed the Bridge of the Gods for some delightful brew and pubfare. I enjoyed the Knuckle Dragger IPA, while Adam had the Homoerectus IPA (coming in at 9% alcohol level). Noella slowly spiraled out of control, refusing to sit in her booster, or anywhere for that matter; and we hurriedly finished our drinks and dinner. We did put her through quite a bit yesterday, so I'll let it slide.....

We look forward to many more outings and the weather turns nice again. I hope spring is close by!

My Funny Valentine

2011-03-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

As you all know last month was Valentine's Day. Yes, it was LAST month already. I think I can honestly say I have no idea where February is, was, or went. While our little family is not real big on these kinds of holidays, I'm finding it much easier to give in to all the buzz. I mean, Noella would just LOVE this and she would have SO MUCH FUN with that! I really need to keep this kind of behavior in check.

Noella went to daycare that day so we had to hand out valentines to all her friends. She helped by assisting with putting stickers on the (extremely discounted, 5 year old) Blue's Clues valentines. NoJo really enjoyed that activity. I can't wait to do more crafts with her. I'm already planning her Easter basket (wait.... didn't I say I needed to keep this kind of behavior in check????)

We did snap a few shots on Valentine's Day, and some others that weren't necessarily taken on V-Day, but go along very appropriately with it.

Adam and I usually cook an extravagant, delicious meal for Valentine's Day and this year was not exception. Now, none of these things really go together, but each one was delicious. Three recipes were from my "The Best of America's Test Kitchen" cookbook. Which, if you enjoy cooking, you must own this. Menu: Wedge Salad, Corn Spoonbread, Pan-fried Barbequed Porkchops and, last but not least, French Silk Pie. I won't discuss the stomach upset that followed, but we didn't think about that when picking out what sounded good to both of us!

There she is, my funny valentine. She loves this red hat Nana Holt gave to her. Insists on wearing it most of the time she is home.

NoJo decided she needed some sexy, frilly underthings for Valentine's Day. She wasn't sure how to wear them though....

Two quotes come to mind here: "There's no place like home" and "She's got legs".

Like the red hat, if these shoes are within eyesight, she MUST have them on her feet, or breakdowns occur.......

I have a whole lot to love this year! Sending lots of that love your way!

The Ocean

2011-02-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Or maybe I should title this blog "The Double Ear Infection". Which really, in all due respect, was the main focus of that week. It wasn't the gorgeous ocean view room we had in Cannon Beach. It wasn't the spectacular sunsets, nor the peaceful walks on the beach, the dog and child frolicking in the sand..... nope, if I were to remember this trip, I would remember the EAR INFECTIONS!

It really wasn't that horrible. She was pretty happy during the day, just lethargic and snotty. But she could not rest, and it broke our hearts. Listening to your little one moan in pain all night is pretty awful. Especially, when you try to help her and give her pain medication, she acts as if you're water-boarding her.

Adam did get some lovely shots on his iPhone. We had some nice meals out, did get to play and walk on the beach and sort of swim in the pool. Not a wasted trip.

New Digs

2011-02-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Thought you might enjoy some recent video!

More Photos:

2011-02-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

I realize I haven't blogged in quite a long time. Noella is doing so many cute new things, and I'm sure she looks a lot different already from when any of you last saw her. Here are some latest and greatest:

She loves anything that has to do with the dog. Even his gross dirty bed.

Cheese.

I swear I didn't do it mom.

Has anyone seen my blue comb? I can't find it anywhere!

Sitting (or "ssss", as Noella calls it) in my new chair.

Now breaking the rules in my new chair.

Uh..... stuck here!

Happy Valentines Day to all!

NoJo's New Digs

2011-02-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

We have a little person living under our steps. And, no, it's not Harry Potter (and just for the record, we do not lock her in here at night).

We decided that since Noella is completely obsessed with the dog's kennel, she needed one of her own. When we received a large box via UPS, we deemed the box "Noella's House".

Here are Dada and NoJo at work:

I'd say she likes it.

Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser

2011-01-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

This could be potentially be a very long, rambling blog. Don't say you weren't warned. I've been trying to think about how to split up the past month into an organized, themed couple of blog posts, but couldn't come up with anything clever. So, please deal with this.....

We've been away in Missouri for 3 weeks (as probably 9/10s of this blog readership knows). Then, Mama started a new job this week, so little else has been done since we've back besides unpacking, cleaning, organizing, and preparing.

So, let's start from the beginning of where we left off: Christmas vacation.......

Noella grew leaps and bounds in the little time we were home; learning names, new words, charming little tricks to woo her fans (which were many in Washington, MO).

It even snowed quite a bit while we were there. How nice to have a White Christmas. Behold, the rare and timid Washington Snow Monkey.....

Our days were chock full of holiday visiting, playing, eating, drinking and partying:

Uncle "Ah-yeh" feeding Noella lunch

Christmas Eve as follows.......

Adam cooked Christmas Eve dinner

The Bob Noelker Family!

Sara with a Christmas Elf

Wow! 12 Noelker Grandkids (ages almost 17-1)

Onto Christmas Day....

Noella's Baptism Morning

Cousins....

Christmas Family Pic with Zeb Stand-in

Noella Bella's First Birthday Morning!

What?

Cake! Yea!

Handmade xylophones!

And for the post-Christmas activities: Helping Dada clean up his bike. This is serious work.

Is this right, Dad?

Test spin.

Noella discovered that this concrete bunny looked hungry for rocks...

And was in dire need of kisses.

All done dad.

So, we are another year older..... perhaps not that much wiser though....

And finally, the joint birthday party with Noella's Hood River friends. How adorable is this picture? They are all within 2 or so months of age. We had such a great time!

Noella checking to see if she had anything stuck in her teeth...

Playing with Mama.

This is basically what Noella did for most of the 2 hour party: pushed a little basketball around in a stroller. I am one year old.... "I do what I want!"

Up on the Solar Rooftop, Reindeer Paws.......

2010-12-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

That's more of the way the song should go around here. We celebrated St. Nick's Day early. And hell, why not just make it our family Christmas while we're at it? Adam's gone all next week, we leave the following Tuesday.... It's Noella's first Christmas, so let's just make it Christmas ALL MONTH LONG!

Noella says "YAY!"

We had such a great day. I think Noella liked her shape sorter the best (but all she really likes to do with it is bang the blocks together).

These are all my presents.

Perusing the new score.

Cool.

Even better.

More perusing.

Yep. All I really want to do is just bang stuff together. But, these are NEW things to bang together. Sweet!

All this present opening makes me hungry!

Thankful For Walking

2010-11-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

(caution: please do not look in the back of our closet)

Welp. She is now officially a walker. She picked Thanksgiving weekend to showcase her skills. And let me tell you, she is proud of herself. When she gets all the way to a landmark/destination, she catches your eye and gets this knowing smirk on her face. It's adorable. Of course, right before we got the camera out (the reason we got it out in the first place), she was flapping her arms and clapping her hands when she noticed herself in the mirror. Again, very proud of that walking baby in the closet!

We had a wonderful holiday with friends in Southern Oregon. Unfortunately, we did not get any family photos! I know! It is preposterous! But Adam did manage to snag a few pictures of Noella with our friends Dave (who hosted us all) and Clarissa. They can be our stand-ins.

We are all very thankful for such wonderful friends who make the holidays still seem very special and warm, even when we have to be away from our family. We are also very thankful for our family, whom we cannot wait to share our baby girl with this Christmas season. And, last but not least, we are truly thankful for Noella Josephine Holt - who has enriched our lives beyond anything we thought possible. Happy Holidays to all!

No Jo's First Snow

2010-11-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

It dumped snow on us today, so Noella, I (and Dean Martin) stayed in and got into the holiday spirit. Yes, it's not even Thanksgiving yet and you can hear Christmas music on the video. So sue me!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Oregon Holts!

Cross Crusading Family

2010-11-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

Most of you probably think we are nuts. We are.... kind of. We have taken our baby and dog with us on most sundays this fall in the rainy mud to ride our bikes, only to get every shred of belongings covered in yuckiness. Let's resort to one of last year's photos:

This isn't even that bad........

Adam and I shuffle our dependents while the other races. Adam begins the day with a 9:40 AM start up. Noella, Zeb and I cheer our hardest for him.

Then, he cleans up as best as possible and we all spend (too long) wasting time until my race. We usually eat lunch, hang out in the car, visit with friends there and cross our fingers that it doesn't rain. We'll watch some of the other races taking place in between ours too.

Our favorite in between race activity: eating and/or playing in the front seat.

The "stuff"

My start time is 2:10 PM. Noella usually crashes during most of this time, while Daddy and Zeb cheer me on.

It is insanity, I'll agree. But it is something out of the ordinary that is good for our bodies, minds and souls AND we can do it as a family.

Can't wait until next sunday!

Trick or Treat!

2010-11-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

There was a fast black cat on the loose in downtown Hood River and in our condo's complex this past Halloween. We could barely get it to stand still long enough to get its photo.

This was how she was able to carry her pumpkin around :)

The kitty cat and her dog sidekick.

Noella enjoyed "trick or treating" in downtown Hood River sunday evening. She kept pointing to all the lights with her mouth open signing "light" (one of the new words in her vocabulary). It's so funny what is amazing to little ones when there is so much excitement and stimulation around them. She kept reaching for the parking meters. Once she could touch one, she just kept smiling and patting it like "this is rrrrrreally cool" :) She wasn't even that fazed when the 8 teenagers in head to toe skin suits of different colors ran by us singing some song at the top of her lungs, but those parking meters.... nothing better!

Someone should have told me how hard it was to try and draw whiskers and a nose on a 10 month old (who turned 10 months on Halloween, thank you very much). Did I tell you she learned to say "kitty" on this VERY day. Of course a kitty is anything with fur and four legs (or an owl).

"More" and "All Done"

2010-10-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Video evidence of Noella's comprehension and use of the signs "more" and "all done". I am a speech-language pathologist by trade, so you understand my pride for her possession of these skills.

Old Friends With a New Game

2010-10-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

Zeb has, for a long time, truly enjoyed sticks. Every walk we take him on, he usually finds a stick. And if it's really good, he'll haul it home with him. We have quite the collection in our "yard". Noella has been observing him coveting his sticks, and therefore, wants them. If she sees it, she goes for it. It drives Zeb bonkers, but he lets her have it every once in a while. Sometimes he makes her crawl in circles for it. It gave me a laugh today. Behold, the play by play:

Zeb tries to move away.

"Hey, wait a minute, I want that"

"Don't mind if I do"

"Got it"

"Oh Zeb... is THIS what you want?"

Zeb goes in for the steal.

"Ha ha! Got it back!"

Maybe I should have just posted the video.

Noella and the Great Pumpkin!

2010-10-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the pumpkin patch. NoJo LOVED every second of it. I had a feeling she would, as she's been obsessing over the one white grocery store pumpkin I purchased a few weeks ago. We dressed her in her halloween kitty sweatshirt and headed outdoors for an afternoon full of sunshine, leaves, pumpkins, apples, pears, carmel and milkshakes!

I want this pumpkin!

Oooh, and this one....

And these two as well...

And this one...

Noella could have crawled around the patch all day and climbed on every pumpkin if we had let her. But, she made it across most of the area I'd say....

Meow!

Purrrrr!

Adam busted out the guitar that evening that we got home from all of our fall excitement. Noella watches in awe while daddy plays her a tune.

That is almost as good as my pear...

Apparently she thinks she can learn guitar by osmosis.

Now that we have all of our pumpkin patch treasures, all that's left is to carve them. I'm sure the wee one will be ecstatic to see the jack-o-lanterns. I don't know how she couldn't, as she squeals with sheer delight anytime we walk by anything remotely colorful. I thought she was going to hyperventilate when we saw a bunch of balloons during one outing. She cried when it was time to go back in the car away from the balloons.

It is so funny what a difference a few weeks makes for babies this age. I swear she went from baby to toddler over night. She is all personality, excitement and fun these days (not to mention "assertive" and "strong-willed"). She is also getting extremely communicative. We've been signing "more" to her when she's eating b/c she's always wanting "MORE". Just a few weeks ago something clicked and now she's signing for "more" of everything. She's starting to get "all done" as well. And the facial expressions! Priceless. I need to get documentation of all of these "latests". Don't fear, I will get there.

Fall is absolutely glorious out here. Crisp, cool mornings. Warm, sunshine-y afternoons. Leaves turning. The fall harvest crops are overflowing the farms around here. We'll be getting our share of apples and pears this week so Noella can have some homemade sauce!

Kisses from the Great Northwest!

Walkin'

2010-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here's our little cruiser!

Walk or Ride?

2010-10-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hi again. It seems we are busy busy busy this fall. We haven't even had time to go to the pumpkin patch yet! But we most definitely can't wait for that. This past weekend we had the fortunate experience to travel to our favorite weekend getaway (Bend, OR) for a friend's 30th birthday celebration. There were 4 couples with babies who shared a rental house. Saturday was divided so moms and dads could take turns riding the fast trails of Bend. And of course, in Oregon, most activities end with a rewarding stop at the brew pub. There were babies and dogs and bikes galore! Everyone had such a great time.

Here are all of the dads doing their job of feeding the little ones well:

Liam and Noella:

Noella even got in some walking practice while we were there. She's getting close to independent walking! This girl has grown up way to fast....

Dog Eating Spagetti

2010-09-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

I know I just posted like three blogs today, but this happened tonight at dinner and it was just too much! It made my day, hope it makes yours!

Homemade Walker

2010-09-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Looks like we may have an early walker on our hands.....

Noella's First (Recorded) Ascent

2010-09-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

She's been crawling up the stairs for a while now. We're in the market for a gate these days.....