Sunshine???

that's right, and lots of it! We're supposed to have sun for several days. We're planning on being outside for every ray, except naps of course! Halen got wore out today at the dog park, and is now sleeping soundly. There were about 20 dogs, and Halen was chasing them all. He got ran over too, but he didn't care.

ABC

Sweet Pants

I made Halen these cool wool pants from a recycled thrift store sweater. They're a little short. I didn't do any measurements, just winged it while he was napping. Next time I'll make 'em fit better. I think they're pretty cute though. We're going to try to go sledding today.

One Month Old

Liam had a good one month birthday! Here's one of Liam today and one of Halen at the same age.

cheap flights

here are some cheap flights from ATL to PDX. Come visit!

Skate Route

Not only is Portland super vegan friendly, it's also super skater friendly. Halen's not going to have to worry about running from the cops for skateboarding.

OMSI

Dan had a day off yesterday, so we all went to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. We saw an omnimax film on Antarctica. Halen got scared a few times, because it really looked like we were going to get run over by a boat when it first started. Anytime anything came right at us, he'd bury his face. Then we went to the 'From Penguins to Polar Bears" exhibit, where Halen got to climb in a bear den and slide like a penguin. He didn't learn a whole lot, but he sure had fun. I learned something. I learned that Polar Bears are the biggest bears, bigger than grizzlies even. I always thought grizzlies were the big dogs of the bear community.
The most surprising part of the science museum, to me, was the cafe. The soup of the day, right there on the menu, was 'Vegan Split Pea.' The chef's special was stir fried tofu and veggies. The permanent menu had both a garden and black bean burger. The salads looked fresh and delicious, and weren't just iceberg lettuce. They had a roasted veggie sandwich and a portabella sandwich. The mexican bar was full of options as well. Vegans don't go hungry in Portland, even where you don't expect to have good food choices. After all those yummy options, we didn't eat there. We had plans to eat at a vegetarian indian cart downtown. After playing in the science playground for awhile, we headed out. The Indian Cart was superb. The food was delicious, plentiful, and cheap. It's just a truck with a kitchen inside, but the menu was very extensive. Halen even got a vegan mango lassi! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Portland!

Haircut

Dan cut Halen's hair. I was really scared because I could hear the clippers going. I am quite fond of the curls, so I wasn't keen on the idea of a buzz cut. Luckily, that's not what he got. The cut is real cute, even though there are drastically less curls and that kinda makes me sad. I'm pretty sensitive to my boys growing up on me, and curls are one of those things I think Halen will grow out of.
Check out the sweet easel Halen got for Christmas. We spend all day drawing and painting.

Cuddle Buddies

Halen and Liam like to roll around together. Well, Liam doesn't roll yet, but he likes for his brother to.

Bath Time

Liam likes going for a swim in the bath with his big brother! It reminds him of that warm and cozy womb! It's funny how almost every atom in my body is more than ready to get out of this trailer park, every part except the sentimental mommy who wants to keep the bathtub where Liam was born. I love that I can be reminded of that wonderful night (as hard as it was) every time I take a bath. Gotta go. The baby needs the mommy.

!!!Merry XMAS!!!

Halen really racked up this year and we only got him one thing, which we said was from Santa! My dad, aunt, and grandma all sent tons of stuff! He's got a new train table, an easel, and a new set of wheels. He got some cute clothes and small toys too. We all got a white Christmas, which was pretty cool. None of the snow stuck, but there were big beautiful snowflakes for a good while. Now it's just rain again. Oh well, it was pretty while it lasted.

I Did It!

Today, I successfully put them both down for a nap. Why is that cutest thing ever?

Still Sleepy

Since Dan has gone back to work, Halen has not been napping. Some days I manage to get him down, but usually it's an impossible feat while also tending to Liam. Both of these boys are accustomed to lots of mommy attention and need it to go to sleep. Nap time has turned into movie time. I bet I've seen Dumbo more times than any of you! It's Halen's new favorite. Liam is already growing up, staying awake longer, and reacting to noises and such. Well, it's not exactly growing up, but knowing that he is the last baby we're having makes all these little things seem more important. I'm posting a pic of Halen at about the same age Liam is today, and one of Liam today. I think they're going to look alot alike.

The Big TWO!!!

Halen is two today! He's the coolest two year old on the block, with his own iMac. He also got a little mini baking set, since he likes to help me cook so much. We're baking his cake right now. I can't wait to eat it. I hope it's good. It's a gluten free mix. I don't think I've mentioned that Halen is gluten intolerant. Not extremely, but gluten and peanuts give him eczema. It got pretty bad and irritating for awhile. We're hoping he grows out of it. Most kids grow out of food allergies by the time they're 3. One more year! Anyway, happy birthday to Halen.

Liam Close Ups

I am starting to feel like internetting again, but I'm still not ready to write a big birth story. I do want to though, because the homebirth was an amazing experience. So, hold on, it's coming, eventually. Sleep and baby bonding are just more important right now.
christy

More Pix!

I know everyone is fiendin' from some new photos, so here ya go.

Liam!!!

Well the day has finally arrived. Liam Hawkins Harrison joined the world at 2:10 a.m. Dec. 8 2007. He tipped the scales at 9lbs.6oz. and was 22" long. He looks a lot like Halen did when he was brand new. Christy is worn out from the labor. Halen is stoked to have a baby around and I am just psyched in general. Everything went smoothly and it was a great experience doing it at home. Somehow Christy managed to wait till I was done with finals and get him out before Oma and Opa left. Something like a 12 hour window.

Christmas Tree

My aunt and uncle are in town. They got us a beautiful Christmas tree and all the decorations and lights to go on it too! Halen is stoked! He keeps moving the ornaments around. I love the smell.
Dan is done with one final. He finishes two more today. We're up early because he's finishing a paper and I'm making muffins for his class. Weird huh? I guess I love the guy.
oops. never published this. going to bed now.
p.s. i think i'm most definitely in the early stages of labor.

No Snow

It started to snow this morning, big beautiful snowflakes. Halen and I got all bundled up and went outside to find nothing but cold wet rain. It had passed, but it was too late to go back inside. Halen prefers the outdoors, even when it's cold and wet. So, we played Bruce and Halen's favorite game, it's called "Bruce's Car."