If I Had A Hammer

photograph by Christopher Felver

Last night Ian and I watched an inspiring and touching documentary about Pete Seeger. I think my eyes were damp the whole time I was watching it. I also heard him interviewed on Bob Edwards Weekend on NPR over the weekend and was literally moved to tears by his simple message of peace through song. I love to sing, and don't do enough of it. There is nothing that lifts the spirit more than singing in a group. I'm adding make time for singin' to my 2008 to-do list.

Nine Months

, originally uploaded by maelid.

Max, I both cannot believe you are already 9 months old and that I haven't always known you. This photo perfectly captures your personality -- sparkling & sunny, engaging & personable. You are always ready for a new adventure and you have no time anymore for idle snuggling. Your favorite food is smashed avocado (baby guacamole) and you hate wearing hats even though we love putting them on you to take a quick picture. You also cannot abide having your diaper changed or getting dressed. Your favorite toy is whatever is most dangerous within a five foot radius and like both of your parents, you seem to have a special connection to soft blankies. None has emerged a clear favorite but I anticipate one will. You are crawling at a clip now, and love to pull up on the furniture and are tentatively beginning to move from side to side while holding on. I try to remember to slow down with you and really take in each special moment, to savor your babyhood but I will admit that I don't always do enough of that. You have filled my heart hundreds of times over and even when you wake up at 4 am and demand that its time to play, your sweet, open, smiling face makes it really hard to be mad. I love you, Max.

HomeVisions

As our little family begins gearing up to make the big move back west, I find myself spending lots of time ogling real estate listings in Portland & surrounding areas. Here are some photos of one that caught my eye recently. It is a little small but man is it ever cute. I think our family of 3 could live in an 1100 sf home, but I worry about when the time comes to add Harris #4 (NOT thinking about this now, believe me!) and would like to have a little more room than that. Still, these photos have me salivating:

Max & His Waffle Box on Vimeo

Max & His Waffle Box on Vimeo, originally uploaded by maelid.

testing!

Grab Bag

, originally uploaded by maelid.

Some things on my mind:

1. I didn't like Juno. There. I said it. Juno the character bugged me. I don't think I could be a high school teacher because I find teenagers to be pretty annoying. Also I resented the treatment of Jennifer Garner's character. It was kind of like a bad meal: I liked it while I was watching it but when I really stopped and thought about it I decided I didn't like it after all. My $0.02.

2. I heard a rumor that NBC is thinking of cancelling Friday Night Lights. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

3. 2 of my favorite ladies are preggo and I'm sad I'm not in Oregon to witness the transformation.

4. I saw Cat Power last night and it was great. I want some white leather loafers. She has a great effortless style that I really like.