You can call me Super Babysitter!

Marie had to go into the office today so she called me up this morning to see if I’d be willing to hang out with Cole for bit. I didn’t have anything planned so I thought, “sure, I’ll give it a try”. I got there around 12:30. Marie fed him before leaving and then it was just me and the baby.

It started out great at first. Cole was in a good mood having a full tummy and lots of energy. He hung out in this little walker/activity thing for about 30 mins while I worked on my website and chatted with Holly on the phone. I thought, “hey, this isn’t so bad”. But I thought too soon. He eventually got a little fussy so I had to hang up the phone and took him out of the walker and tried to entertain him.

Little by little, he got crankier and crankier until he was at a complete state of meltdown with tears and everything. I can tolerate crying like the best of them so I let him cry his poor little heart out for a good 20 minutes while I held him, swung him, bounced him, sang to him, and even changed his diaper. I eventually put him back in the walker to see if he could calm himself down but he was just too angry. He just cried and walked around in circles for a good minute. Then I gave in. I picked him up again and called Marie. I felt bad and thought there might be something wrong but by the time I got on the phone with her, he started to fall asleep on my shoulder. “Ah…all better. Into the crib you go!”

So Marie was able to work another 45 minutes and I got some quiet time to finish up my site until Marie came home. All is right with the world when you can get a good nap in. Gotta love the naps!

By the way, like the new beakatude site?

Let’s go!

With excitement over going to Thailand brewing, my dad and brother have decided to go with us. They booked flights on the same planes and everything! This is going to be awesome. We’ll have someone to help translate (my dad) and someone to drink with (my brother). It’s too bad that my mom can’t get the time off but now we have someone to look after Koa! 🙂

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Preparation for Jes’ 3rd-ieth birthday party is underway. I went to Party City and Target with Marie and Cole yesterday for our weekly shopping excursion and bought lots of cool stuff. I was so surprised how everything starts to add up. But it’s his 30th so we’re going all out. Left on the list…1) order food, 2) buy some prizes, and 3) recruit people help me reserve the spot on Sunday morning. It’s just too bad that a bunch of friends will be out of town this weekend. They’re going to be missing out on a “batty” party! Hee Hee.

Where’s the snow?

We were in Tahoe this weekend for our annual camping trip with the SF melters. Jes and I flew to SacTown on Friday morning and got picked up by the Bangs. We then drove to Ryan’s mom’s ranch in Auburn for a little pool party. That’s where we met up with Ryan, Michelle, Sohail, and Amina who were already there. I met Sunny, a very friendly horse and Ayla, a 12-year-old doggie who still has occasional bursts of energy when she feels like it. The pool was refreshing and Ryan and Sohail chopped enough firewood to last us the weekend and then some.
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On our way to Tahoe, we almost ran out of gas in Vyl’s car but luckily stopped in time to fill-up. When we got to the Tahoe area, it seemed a bit depressing. I couldn’t help asking, “Where’s all the snow?” I also couldn’t help feeling just a bit gypped (yes, that’s how you spell it) because I wasn’t going to be skiing this weekend. So I told myself, “OK. Change gears. You’re camping this weekend. Forget that you’re in Tahoe.”
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Our campsite was at Emerald Bay and the weather couldn’t have been more pleasant for car camping. Our site was HUGE and all 5 tents went up with lots more room to spare. We got set-up by dusk and started the fire. Victor and Susie left the Bay Area after work so they didn’t arrive until about midnight…glad they finally made it.
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The weekend consisted of the usual fare: pork products, Coooors Light, and guac. We also had carne asada one night and even Tandoori chicken and naan another night. The girls went for a short hike on Saturday while the boys drank beer, farted, and played Poker. Later, we all went down to the beach and swam/rinsed off in the lake.
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Highlights and Stats: No one got burned by the fire…however, Bang nearly twisted his ankle while dodging a firey log. Much gas was expelled and shared. Many grapes and rocks were thrown. One tent suffered an unfortunate puncture…booooo. Marshmallows were roasted and chocolate was melted in various ways. Scary stories were told and one Sohail got left in the dark by himself. Overall, it was another great camping trip but I’m glad to be home and showered.

Are we that old already?

Last night we went to The Harp Inn in Newport Beach to watch one of Jes’ co-workers play in his band called “Velicious”. They’re a group of old guys having a good time on stage playing and singing covers all night while we sit around and drink beer. Huy also met up with us and it sounded like he had an awesome month in Peru (he just got back).
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As we watched the band play, we noticed how old the crowd was…I’d say late 30’s, some early 40’s. Although I recognized 75% of the songs they played, I was about done and ready to go home by the first act. It was somewhat entertaining to see a handful of women who looked like former-sorority girls trying to dance and “party on” to covers of Guns and Roses and Iron Maiden. This was not exactly my idea of a good time but they were obviously enjoying themselves. Huy, don’t worry, we’re not that old yet. I’ll let you know when we are.

Phew, shopping is hard work.

I spent the day with Marie and Cole today. Marie picked me up and we went out for lunch and then shopped at IKEA for almost 2 hours. With just some fussiness, one feeding, and a nap, the afternoon went rather smoothly. It’s just funny how everything takes 1.5 times as long when you travel with an infant. There’s just so much to take care of and pay attention to. I don’t know how moms do it. Marie always says that it’s hard work just to get the to grocery store.