Like Death Warmed Over

Things in the Harris household took a turn for the worse over the weekend with poor Max coming down with hand/foot/mouth disease. Essentially it is a common childhood virus that entails a mouth full of painful sores, a mad diaper rash, and often blisters on the hands & feet. Poor baby can't really eat or drink and is utterly miserable. It is these moments of helplessness when I really feel what it means to be a parent. To bear witness to the suffering, even if I can't make it go away. To hold him and stroke his hot little head and sing songs to him. There is absolutely nothing worse than seeing your child in pain, and I am amazed to find wells of patience and empathy I never thought I was capable of.

We just need to make it through this week -- we are flying home on Friday and there is so much to be done before then. I am terrified, and tired, but mostly really really excited.

Another Reason I'm Glad We're Moving to Portland

The Modern Economy Sample Sale at the Ace Hotel on July 19th!
visit Modern Economy for more details & to get your heart racing!

I Always Suspected My Superiority

Did you know that sarcasm is an evolutionary survival skill? Sarcasm is also very funny.

Drugstore Beauty

I am a total sucker for beauty products. It seems like every time I go to the store to buy something I actually need (diapers) I come out with something I really don't need (more lotion or soap or...). I always like to mix it up and switch a product before I am done with it, which is why I am really not looking forward to cleaning out my linen closet/toiletry boneyard this weekend in anticipation of the move. In honor of my newfound (and most likely short-lived) dedication to simplification of my beauty routine, I thought I would catalog my favorite skin & haircare items here -- if only to remind myself next time I think I should try something different.

1. Neutrogena Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser - This is the best drugstore cleanser I have come across, and I have tried MANY. I am afraid to proclaim my devotion to this cleanser for fear it will be summarily discontinued. My skin never looks better than when I'm using this regularly.

2. Eucerin SPF 30 moisturizer - I love this lotion. This is the only SPF lotion I have tried that doesn't turn my face into an oil slick or make me break out. I use this for daytime.

3. Eucerin Calming Creme - I think this is meant for the body but I use it on my face at night and it is awesome. My skin is prone to redness and is very sensitive and this stuff has really helped with that.

4. Better Botanicals Rose Toning Mist - I use this twice a day, after I wash my face and before I put my moisturizer on. I find that when I don't use this, I use too much moisturizer and then my skin feels oily later on. This has also helped with my redness problem.

5. Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo - I don't think I will ever stop using this shampoo. I only wash my hair 2 or 3 times per week, and this shampoo manages to get out all the junk without making my hair feel dry. I don't have to use a conditioner with this shampoo and it smells divine. Expensive, yes but in my opinion, worth every cent.

One Year Old

I'm a little behind on posts over here. The last month has been really hectic, getting ready for the big move. Two weeks from today Max and I fly back to Oregon on our one-way ticket to paradise: home. We are very excited but I'd be lying if I didn't say we're a little sad, too. But, that's a post for another day, probably 3 months from now which is about my turnaround time for blogging events.

On May 26, Max turned one. We had a great party (though not the party we planned - stupid rain) with lots of friends and family. Max didn't really know what to do with the cake -- he kind of sat there looking around at everyone trying to assess the situation before tentatively sticking his fingers in the icing. Then, he didn't really like the way that felt (he doesn't go for sticky stuff on his hands) so he tried to shake it off. When that didn't work he finally stuck a finger in his mouth and I saw a little flicker of recognition come over his face: "Hey! That's Goooooodddd!!" He hasn't really had sugar before so I think it was pretty powerful for him. He got tired of the cake & icing shortly thereafter. I think he could have eaten a whole pizza, though. Kid loves him some pizza. I guess I understand.

While we were in Portland, Max was becoming much more interested in walking, and took his first unassisted steps in Sean & Eileen's living room. When we got home, though - he really took off. Now he is a little speed demon, cruising all over the house looking for trouble. He does not like to sit still, and is relishing every moment of his newfound bi-pedalism. He still crawls from time to time if he wants to get somewhere really fast, but mostly he's a walking guy now. I can hardly believe that just a year ago he weighed under 7 lbs and practically fit in one hand. Happy Birthday Max - I can't wait to see what adventures are on the horizon for you in your second year of life!