The Roseola Virus

June 9, 2014 (11 months on Thursday)

Joe left on Tuesday morning to head back home, and Sierra and I went to a playgroup in town to meet up with our mom and baby friends. Unfortunately, Sierra had high temperatures from Wednesday to Friday, and broke out in the typical Roseola rash on Friday night. Luckily, my best friend (doctor in training), Crystal came over on Thursday night and gave me the run down about the virus and said it should blow over pretty quickly. I left work a bit early when we got the call from daycare saying her temperature had spiked to 104! Gus and I were pretty freaked out, since we thought she was doing better that morning.

Friday was pretty mellow, except for the fact that Sierra wouldn't sleep all day long. Sierra did really enjoy having 2 more dogs in the house, which distracted her from the fact she wasn't physically at her best.

Saturday the rash continued, but we were able to get out to Rockville early in the morning.
Sierra danced to the music on the car ride there. Crystal offered to hike around with Sierra, as Gus and I rode our bikes around.We greatly appreciate a chance to get to do that together. Sierra seemed to enjoy the time with her Aunt Crystal too!

Julia and Chris came over with their dog for an early dinner on Sunday after Crystal and her dogs had left. It was a really nice weekend for us all, especially knowing that Sierra was in the clear with her virus.

On other notes, it is very clear that our girl is understanding more and more everyday. Sometimes she will clap when we are signing if you're happy and you know it. She will bring us a book to read to her when we ask her. She is extremely aware of our dogs (actually all dogs) and she loves to dance and wiggle to some good music (no matter how sick she is feeling).

Time with Abuelo

June 2, 2014 (10 days shy of 11 months)

We spent some more quality time with Auntie and Abuelo on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thursday evening I was able to lift with some fellow moms at my place and had a great time. Abuelo, Auntie, and I had some good dinner and talking sessions together on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday Starr's son, Eli, and his wife Lydia came to visit from San Francisco. Gus and I biked down to the Farmers' Market to meet up with them. We hung out on the green as Sierra played with her baby friends, tried to pet every dog that passed her, and ran over to dance to the music. She pulled out maracas, and rattles and beat on the drums they had out for the kids to play with. She loves music; she even dances to it if she is feeling the beat. I really enjoy running everywhere after her; it keeps me on my toes.

 After the market we all went out to lunch at one of our favorite places in town, Katmandu. We biked back home so Sierra could take a nap before heading out to show Eli and Lydia the local brewery in Winters. We all really enjoyed the music and outdoor atmosphere. Aunt Lyn was even able to go wine tasting next door (something for everyone). Sierra has pure confidence. She wanders off and goes up to people and taps on their legs or backs to say hello. It is pretty funny (and we're lucky that the places we bring her the people enjoy her antics)! She is also putting together more sounds. Mah me and uh oh. She is really advancing before our eyes... soon to be a 1 year old...

 I love these pictures with Gus and his dad.

 Lydia loved holding Sierra... so sweet.

 Sunday morning we went to a local coffee shop and then went to one of the many nearby parks to explore. Sierra just walks off on her own... running at times (although the increased speed usually leads to more tumbles).

 After her afternoon nap we went off to the rec pool and hung out for the afternoon. She is quite good at submerging now. She LOVES watermelon too.

Our friend Joe is in town today. Gus is quite happy to have one of his closest friends here for a day. They even were able to get a ride in. Onward to another crazy week!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

May 30, 2014 (10.75 months-ish)

Memorial Day weekend was a great 3 day stretch for us as a family, getting to be at home in Davis was needed. Not only were we able to enjoy more time hanging out and getting home stuff done instead of traveling, but we were also able to take in some Davis "attractions" as a family too. On Saturday we had to get some chores done around the house early in the day so Sierra made sure she helped out as much as she could. She has watched her Dah Dah work on bikes since she was born (but now he has his little girl and birthday gift bike stand to assist him).

Later on in the afternoon, we headed to meet some other families at the UC Davis Rec pool. We biked over on bike paths and pulled Sierra in the trailer, which is always fun for us. Sierra submerged 5 times and was seemingly unfazed by the experience. Almost as if she purely and wholeheartedly trusted whatever Mah Mah and Dah Dah had planned for her. She came above the water completely unshaken! Yes, those free swim classes did do something for her! Marleene and her kids were there, as well as Emily and her crew and Linda and her kiddos. Sierra really enjoys observing all of the kids playing around and doing "big kid" stuff.

Saturday morning we took the bikes out to go by the horse stables and dairy cows for Sierra to meet. We brought carrots along so the horses would come "say hello" to us. Sierra was intrigued by the majestic (not so majestic while they were eating carrots) creatures. Next stop COWS! They were very accustomed to people. We reached out our hands and they immediately started licking us; reaching out their long, scratchy tongues to lap up any salty sweat they could. Gus strongly discouraged my behavior with Sierra, but I wanted her to feel the texture of a cow's tongue when it licks your hand (it was so memorable for me when I was young). After leaving the friendly cow herd, by happen chance we ran into Marleene and Linda as they were crossing the crosswalk in town. What luck!?! We later met up with them at the park. Another friend of ours was there with her family too. Davis is definitely a family town! Sierra expanded her hugging circle to their daughter (who is just a few weeks older than her). Family (check), dogs (check), new best girlfriend (check).

On Memorial Day we took some time to thank some special people (Bill Pieper, Ian Pieper, and Karl Pieper for all they did - as well as all of the others who serve(d)). I took a jog with Sierra and the dogs, Auntie ("Giggles" she is always giggling around Sierra) Lyn stopped by, and Sierra did some more work around the house with Dah Dah (who might I say did a whole butt load of "to-do list items" this weekend).

On Tuesday morning, before I went into work, I went to a play date with some other moms at an indoor "play cafe" and hung out with Sierra for about 1.5 hours. The bike ride over was probably shorter than the car ride would have been. It was great to watch her play with the other kids and it's great to hear about what other moms' thought processes are. Construction began on the 50W so Auntie picked up Sierra from daycare and met me at home. It is so nice to have a social support network of family around.

Grandpa Jeff came to town to visit from Costa Rica!!! Wow what a difference a few months makes. Auntie and Grandpa picked Sierra up early and spent some QT with her before I got home. Auntie was also cooking dinner when I arrived which was so unexpected and overwhelmingly nice (since I literally had no idea what I was going to feed myself tonight). We all talked for quite some time after Sierra went to sleep. It felt really nice to reconnect again, and also to see Lyn so happy with her dad around. It was really warming to me. Both Grandpa and Lyn mentioned how much they appreciated the blog... so when they left I decided to post a mid-week post. What can I say, I am inspired by their compliments.  

Dad's Birthday: Mountain Bike Madness

5.23.14 (10 months 3 weeks)

To round off the trip to Grammy's and Grandpa Jer Bear's Gus and I went mountain biking for 3.5 hours while Auntie Lyn and the fam babysat Sierra. Gus was thrilled to get out and ride! There were beautiful purple and red wildflowers blossoming everywhere. We even got to jump in the river to cool off. We were so tired from the ride that we drove home on Monday morning (Gus' actual birthday).

As for the week, we invited Marleene and her two kiddos over for brunch before we went into work. It was nice to have them over and meet our animals, and hang out. Wednesday morning I brought Sierra to library reading group, and the main book was all about dogs. She was squealing with delight. At one point she wandered to the other side of the circle and was positioned next to people she didn't know. She lifted her arms up and started calling out "Mah Mah" very loudly. Everyone thought it was pretty cute (even though it "interrupted" story time). Wednesday afternoon we took off from our work, and were able to go mountain biking again at Sly Park (hitting up the awesome new trail that had recently been built). Marleene gave Gus a bike gear and chain bottle opener key ring which he was able to use after our ride!

We picked Sierra up early from daycare on Wednesday and were all able to hang out as a family together. Something interesting that Sierra is doing now is fake laughing. She knows when situations are "funny" but she fake laughs at them, if they aren't hilarious. She is testing out her personality all the time these days. Sierra has also been in a hugging stage for the past 2 weeks and it has been sooo endearing. Here she is hugging Mr. Oso.What a gentle boy Oso is. He is truly a perfect family dog.

  That is until she spots Dad taking her picture.

 And makes a direct line over to him!

We took out the bike trailer again today and made a quick loop around Davis stopping at a wonderful little bakery downtown. Sierra is definitely enjoying her rides much more now, and I can't help but enjoy them more too.

Moms' Day

5.16.14 (10 months)

I recently read an article about children's online presence (as in "our" non-consenting children's online presence). Essentially, this is exactly what I am doing here, with this blog, for Sierra. Giving her an online presence, before she can agree or disagree with me doing it. Is this a problem? Well seeing as my blog is pretty much a campy, low-trafficked, non-promotional, family-informing blog I don't see it to be. If it is, oh well (my bad)! I have found that "blogging" about the week-in-the-life of my family and I is cathartic and reflective. While I do not flourish or go into immense depth with my blog, I hit the high points of development and I try to think of the majority of "my side of the family" that doesn't ever get to see us hoping that this is somewhat of a substitute(?).

On the note of blogging and documenting life's changes, I found this hilarious e-article describing how much your life transforms once you do have a child. The most poignant aspect is how the relationship with your friends without kids starts to shift and they begin to wonder why you don't hang out anymore (not that I have too many banging down my door here). I swear I still like you! In a lot of ways there are many truths in this article, and pretty funny too!

Something else that has changed is how I exercise. I lift still (quite often) and I ride my bike(s) still not quite as often and that's about it these days. I don't feel terribly guilty about not doing more either, and when I am doing those things I don't get all "aggro" and OCD about it. I actually enjoy it being less competitive now. I had a long long run at competition (assuming I was competitive from birth, I would say about 30 years worth) in many modalities. Now I am not saying I won't want to jump back on the horse and kick some people's booties again, but for now I am cool just being healthy, strong, balanced, and happy. I love pulling that little girl around in her bike trailer!

Sorry for the tangent there!

On Saturday I went indoor skydiving with my friend, Marleene, and a group of her friends for her birthday. It was great to connect with other moms in the community and have fun as "regular people" for the day (although we did end up talking about mom stuff a lot). After talking to them I decided I should start looking into preschool options for Sierra's future.

Sunday, my first mother's day, we went hiking/biking (trade off like last weekend but this time Gus biked more and I spent time with our little girl).

She loves being outside.

On Wednesday, I biked Sierra down to Marleene's before library time. This was the first time she grabbed onto my leg and seemed attached to me while we were in a group. It was truly endearing. On Friday we bought her first 1st birthday gift off of craigslist, so it was half the regular price (a Strider bike). It's a bike without pedals, (just wheels) that helps kids learn balance so riding is easier later on.

On Saturday we headed down to Grammy and Grandpa's for the weekend. Celebrating Gus's birthday. We met up with Great Grandma, Grammy, Grandpa, and Aunt Lyn and then went to Sequoia Brewery for lunch. Gus was happy with his growler and bike jersey gift from Grammy and Grandpa. We brought their bikes down with us so we all rode around the neighborhood later that evening. Today Gus and I are going to ride and Sierra is going to hang out with her loving relatives before we head back home this afternoon. I think Gus will be satisfied with how the birthday weekend turned out!