Adios Mommy...Viva México!

Viva México!

I had the privilege of heading to Mexico to celebrate Courtney's upcoming nuptials with her and a fabulous group of ladies. It did take Court some time to convince me that I was not going to have my head cut off by a drug cartel...but she got the job done and we were off over Memorial Day weekend. Acapulco was the destination...the beautiful Fairmont Acapulco Princess Resort, where aside from celebrating with Court I got some much needed R&R.

We spent our days by the pool sipping Coco Locos and at the spa...oh the spa - I was there three days in a row! And our nights out were spent with tour guides Jose and Jose Dos, practicing our Spanglish, eating guac and drinking micheladas (our staples). We all came back with a tan, some new catch phrases that we will not soon forget, and a stomach bug :) But we all survived that...

Thanks for some great times girls, see you at the wedding!

Scooting Along

While Daddy was away in Asia I perfected my crawling skills so I could show off for him when he got home. I have been crawling around for a few days, but today's showing was the most impressive so far.

I Eat Trees!

This is one of my favorite videos of Barrett to date. It was his first run in with the infamous 'trees.' To my delight, my baby likes vegetables...especially broccoli! I steamed the broccoli so it was really soft and he loved it.
I don't know why but I get such a kick out of watching him eat, I think he is so cute. I find it amazing that my little baby, who was so helpless not that long ago, can pick up his trees and feed himself.

Two Weeks Without Daddy

Daddy had to leave us for a few days and travel around, places I can't name, in China for work. It was almost two full weeks, but I am happy to report...we survived!!!
I was curious if Barrett would really be able to tell Jeff was gone. I think at this age their concept of time is still a little skewed. It didn't appear to him that anything was abnormal or missing, but he was sure excited to see Daddy when he got home. I wonder if it really just clicks in his head after he saw Jeff, 'yeah, hey, where have you been?'

Being on my own wasn't bad at all, but I do appreciate more the things that Jeff does when he is here and the short breaks that having another parent provides. I really have a new respect for single moms. And even more for those women who were married and had another person right in front of them but still had to do it on their own (I thank the men of my generation).

Now it's Jeff's turn...I'm off to Mexico in two days!!!

New Neighbors

It's official, the Archer family has moved in to their new house in Tracy, and we are trying to take advantage of their closer location. It is hard to coordinate schedules with work, kids, errands, etc, but we really hope that this summer will allow us more time to spend with them. Kylie and Jake have grown up so fast and we have missed a lot. I hope we can make up for it now.

I know that when Doug-E and Jeff were two punk kids growing up they weren't thinking about raising their kids together. But, as they have gotten OLD and SOFT, I know that it is really important to Jeff to be able to have Barrett around Doug, Holly, and to grow up with Kylie and Jake. Kylie and Jake are so good to Barrett. They really love hanging with him and are so helpful and fun! Barrett is a very lucky boy - look at these three healthy, happy, gorgeous kids...

What License?

Yeah, for my 9 month birthday my parents got me a new car. They are so awesome, look at my ride! Huh, I need a license...what license?

Amendment to this post: About two weeks after this Barrett had his first car crash. He reached for something on the floor and tipped his car over. It was the first 'ouchie' with blood because he hit his cheek and chin on something. I was really upset and 'parked' the car for a few days, but we have resumed driving since.

9 Months Old

Mr. B has passed the 9 month milestone. He is on his way to his first birthday...and fast! Listen up people - I'm growing up and I have a new big boy image...I can sit on the couch by myself, I'm wearing t-shirts and shorts (shed the onesies, those are for babies), shoes (although I'm not too sure about these yet), and of course ownership of the remote control. Isn't it funny how much babies pick up. He actually picks up the remote and he knows to point it to the TV like we do. Scary!

Dr. visit went well. No shots this time, mommy was relieved. Here are the stats...

• Weight - 21lbs, 13oz (69%), up from 19lbs, 2oz (75%)
  
• Height - 29 5/8" (89%) up from 27" (68%)
  
• Noggin' - 18 7/8" (96%), thankfully not that much bigger than last time which was 18 1/4" (97%). The Dr. assured us nothing to be worried about, the guy just genetically has a big head. And of course a big brain!!!
  

America's Favorite Pastime

What a lucky boy...Opening Day 2010 for the Giants, and Barrett was there. The Giants beat the Braves 5-4 in extra innings. An amazing day in the city, in April... 70s? and sunny? What did we do to deserve such a day?

When we first arrived Barrett wasn't too sure about all the people. We were crossing the street in a herd and I think it freaked him out a little. He was really quiet taking it all in. Our seats were Club Level, thanks to our friend Mark, and we were sitting right under a speaker. It was a bit loud for Mr. B, so we weren't sure if this was going to work. After pregame though, when the conversation on the loud speaker died...all was well. He had a really great time. He lasted 7 innings, then needed a nap in the Ergo.

Easter at the Park

The Saturday before Easter we walked down to San Ramon's Central Park. I was glad we got out when we did because Easter Sunday was miserable. It was pouring rain and really cold...brrrrr! We made the best of Saturday though and tried out Central Park's new playground that just opened. We can't wait until Barrett gets bigger because we know he is going to love this park.

Love this shot, the look on Barrett's face makes me think he wants to say...'yo mom, wassup'

Did I Tell You I'm Going on Vacation

The Rosenlunds' are gearing up for a family vacation! We are headed to Yosemite the first weekend in May for our first 'official' family vacation. Sad, Jeff has lived in California his whole life and I have been here 10 years and neither one of us have been to Yosemite yet. In preparation for our trip we have purchased a new backpack for Barrett and we took it out for a test drive the other day. I think Mr. Man is very content in it. What a great view from up top for him. Now Mommy and Daddy just need to break in our backs to carry 'the load.'

Bea-u-tiful Day At The Beach

Maybe one of the best days I have had at any beach in Northern California, 72 degrees, slight breeze, not a cloud in the sky, Jeff, Baby B, and the Sanchez family taking it all in.

We dug in our new beach umbrella, sun screened up our beach babies, and made camp for the day. Barrett was lovin' it. He loves being outside, combine that with a ton of things to watch - people, kids, dogs, waves...he was in heaven. He had his first experience with sand in his toes and fingers, but luckily not in the mouth.
Tatum enjoyed all of the above as well, but was probably more excited about her incredibly large lunch...man that girl loves to eat.
And Landon, well I barely saw his face all day. He was so busy, head down, diggin in the sand. What an awesome day for him!

I'm praying for more days like this over the summer. I will be watching the forecast and forsaking all other plans for the weekend if I see another day like this coming.

Mr. Talkative

This was Barrett eating his lunch at Half Moon Bay. He was really trying to tell us how much he loves the beach...my little beach bum!

Caleb's First Trip to the Zoo

We had another playdate with Caleb and this time we took him on his first trip to the zoo. Since Barrett loves the zoo so much we thought Caleb might too...and we are pretty sure he did. Another gorgeous, sunny day...but not too hot so perfect to walk around the zoo. The boys got quite a show this time from the river otters. Usually they are sleeping or swimming in the pool, but this time they were dancing around on the ground so Barrett and Caleb could really see them. Cute little rascals (which Holly and I now know are not related to ferrets thanks to a strange man that tried to strike up a conversation with two mommies and their kids...seriously?).

As you all know, Barrett and I are the Oaktown Zoo's biggest fans. We always try to convince our friends to join us, we are always up for the zoo...call us!

Uncle Kevin Says I Do

It's official... Uncle Kevin is off the market. Kevin and Patty tied the knot on Saturday night at Wente in Livermore, CA. We took over the private room and had an amazing dinner, as expected from Wente. Sharon watched her first born take the next step....and Patty's Dad gave away their only daughter, as I watched Patty's mom tear up. It was a nice ceremony, performed by the one and only 'Hank' who also married Jeff and I almost five years ago as well as one of Patty's friends in attendance, I think she said 12 years ago.

We are very happy for Kevin and Patty and wish them a life for of love, laughter, and happiness. Congratulations!

Are Those Curls I See?

Now that Mr. B is getting a full head of hair fresh out of the bath is such a sight...look at my little blondie all curled up!

Daddy Time

Boy, oh boy, oh boy, do I LOVE hanging out with my Daddy!

I just love the shot of the two of them looking at each other. He will be playing in Jeff's lap and then look up and look around for him like 'hey are you still here.' It's too cute!

Do you think we look alike?

A Banana Just My Size

Miss Reyna, Mommy's friend from work, is always asking about my little 'bambino.' Today she sent me home with a Chiquita Mini for Barrett. She said, 'they are so sweet, I bet he will like it.' She was right, Thanks Reyna!

Landon's 3rd Birthday

Hello Birthday Boy!

There is our little Landon who is officially 3! It is so amazing to me that time can go by so fast. I remember when Landon was first born, so tiny and helpless. Now we have Mr. Independent carrying on 'big boy' conversations with us. Unbelievable!

We celebrated in San Francisco at the SF Gym down by Chrissy Field. The kids loved it. The older ones were all over the place, it was an obstacle course of fun. Barrett was probably a little over stimulated. Colors, noises, new experiences....what fun. The parachute is always a favorite for him. He waves his arms and basically pants with excitement while he watches it. Top that off with some new friends, Graham and Scarlette, and little Miss Raleigh. A good time had by all.

And The Beat Goes On

Barrett and I went to our first music class in San Francisco. We met up with CC and Henry, and Melissa and Tatum to sing some tunes. There were a lot of kiddies there, of all ages and stages! I was almost intimidated by the numbers, but Mr. B loved it! He watched the other kids sit, roll, and crawl around.

The teacher, quite interesting...young guy trained in classical music at Northwestern (hmmm... do you think this is where he thought his degree would get him?) Regardless, Barrett loved watching him play his guitar and sing. The big hit was the drum. Barrett and Tatum got quite a kick out of banging on it at the end of class. And the beat goes on...

Can't Keep Up

It has been so hard to keep up with the blog lately. I am busy at work, we have been busy on the weekends, and with the weather turning I just want to be outside instead of in front of this computer. Promise to catch up soon...

Meow

Barrett is getting very interested in his three kitties. He gets so excited when he sees one of them come toward him, and he smiles and starts talking to them. It is really cute! The cats are still cautious around him but they are curious and do hang around where he is playing. Puddy will enter the room he is in, and that is about it. Stinker and Tyler will occasionally approach him and let him 'pet' them. Barrett's 'pet' is more grabbing their hair and pulling HARD. I'm trying to teach him gently. Stinker will tolerate, but we really have to supervise with Tyler. Surprisingly, we have yet to have an attack. I say yet, because I know it will happen eventually...

It's My Friend Caleb

It's Barrett and his friend Caleb!

Jeff and I met Holly and Mike at the John Muir birthing classes preparing for Baby B's arrival. Holly and Mike we a couple of weeks behind us, and if I remember correctly, we didn't know if they would be welcoming a little boy or a little girl. Obviously, it was a little boy...meet Caleb. Their family came to visit Saturday night so we could all catch up and the boys could play around. They are still too young though to really care about each other. I think there were a few awkward glances but for the most part both boys are more interested in their toys. Although, Barrett did have quite an eye for Holly, Caleb's mommy. I am telling you this kid has something for the blondes, loved flirting with Holly, and he is always loving him some Lorraine and Julia (both blondes). Mommy better dye her hair back soon.

Caleb is growing like a weed. He is a stretching out, of course it is to be expected since his mom is 6' tall. Caleb is yet another baby with a healthy appetite for solid foods. We watched, green with envy, as he devoured his dinner. I thought Barrett might see and decide it's the cool thing to do, eating solids...everyone is doing it. But no...he just shrugged it off and blew raspberries at me while I tried to cram the spoon in his mouth. Raspberries are his new thing, twice as fun when he can also shower you with sweet potatoes.