the simple things

Isaac and I have been doing kindermusic for over a year and a half, and so many times Sarah comes up with the loveliest activities. This week, she gave all the kids flashlights, turned the lights off, and let us make our own stars on the ceiling. Sounds simple, and it was, but the look of wonder in Isaac's eyes is somehting i will never forget.

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Our family went on a walk this past weekend, and I said to Isaac... we are going to have a new president! Can you believe it Isaac... a new president!
His response... "me open" "isaac open it".
David and I looked at eachother, like, huh?
Then he repeated " isaac open present".

We had a chuckle about it, and then explained to Isaac that he was so lucky to be growing up in an age where someone as amazing as Obama can finally be recognized for his character, not his color. That finally, we feel like hope is on the horizon.

Isaac, of course, immediately went back to the present he thought we was receiving. And it was then that I said, you may not literally be opening it... but Isaac, this is the greatest gift you will ever receive.

Obama, family Soren welcomes you with open arms. Thank you for the gift of hope, perseverance, bravery, and love.

Bitten

I picked a fantastic week to spend time in the windy city... the last time the city was this cold was in 1994 - 15 years ago, when the high was minus 11. I was graced this week with average temps of minus 17. I had never been in temps that cold, so I didn't understand that it takes about 30 seconds before the frost bite kicks in, and I was graced with lots of it. Burning patches of red showed up all over my legs and behind...
So I scrambled for emergency boots, gloves, ear muffs... and still, couldn't spend more than about a minute or two outside without feeling physical pain. It was unlike anything I have experienced, and I am a Canadian. (granted a Californian version... still a Canadian who has spent lots of winter weeks in Toronto).
This was cause for lots of creative indoor activities. Hit every museum there was... lots of good dining experiences: Alinea, Blackbird... Met a good old friend at Murpheys, finally found a cubby hat, drank lots of Gooseneck...
Mostly, having extreme experience like that reminds you of the living conditions of others, and makes you feel so thankful for what you DO have.
Good to be home.

baby mine

The start of preschool last week came the start of one very difficult transition. As Isaac's mother I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I wasn't fully prepared for just how difficult it was going to be. Isaac is, and has always been, slow to warm. When injected into new situations, it takes him a while to feel comfortable. Add on the first time he has ever been separated from his mother, and it has created an all out panic situation. Each day we have tried it has gotten, s l i g h t l y, easier, but he is still not enjoying himself or immersing himself in any activities.
As a mother, watching your child struggle, suffer, feel lonely, scared, abandoned, etc... has to be the absolute worst feeling in the world. I try to remind myself, that again, struggle is imperative for growth, and as Barb always reminds me, this too will pass.
For now we are taking it one day at a time, and trying to establish trust and built confidence. I do so badly want to sweep him up in my 'trunk', dry his eyes, and rock my baby... but for now I will try to stay behind the glass, observe, and know that in the end we will all grow to be stronger family.

the bare necessities

Flash Slideshow

As Baloo says in the Jungle Book, "Look for the bare necessities".
In our great friends, these are so graciously met.
Gehles, Thank you for walking along side us on Isaac's very special day.

good things

The following are a list of good things that the collective we have discovered this holiday season. Thought I would share the love and pass them along:

rideau winery's petit syrah
ok... so the woman pouring our wine tasting was annoying, but we did learn that petit syrah was one of only two grapes that are both red skinned and red fleshed. the syrah grape is even white fleshed. red flesh = some pretty tasty wine.

theory outlet store
they were having a massive post holiday blowout, but if you are in need of some basic button down dress shirts, the fit is pretty amazing. at 50-75 percent off, well worth it.

the wrestler
most surprising, wonderful, raw, beautifully shot, and perfectly acted movie i have seen this year. i did have to cover my eyes for a couple scenes, but i was so happy we finally made it to the pre-screening. this movie celebrated the blurred line between your calling (what you do) and your soul (who you are). also reminded me that life is very much about those you share it with. on top of all of that, evan rachel wood, and marisa tomai... wowza.

hungarian drinking chocolate:
my hanukkah gift exchange treat for leila, this turned out to be absolutely delicious and a fantastic nod to our roots.

lacoffeemill
simply devide. silverlake at its finest. must go back for lunch or dinner. best cappiciono outside of florance. minimal beautiful design.

trip for two

Thank you Nanni and Papa for making isaac's Toronto birthday and hanukkah so very special. He is still talking about your boat, the trucks you saw, the 'snow lady' he made, and can amazingly count to 14.
All our love,
Hailey, David and Isaac

Flash Slideshow

HNY

Wishing those we love a..


BIG


BEAUTIFUL


BOUNTIFUL


2009.