the beach

As winter turns to summer here in LA, we seem to be spending a lot of time at the beach. This is inpart thanks to mom and dads new beach house on Silverstand Beach. Today we headed out there for a day of R&R in the sun. The weather was near perfect, we had a fun lunch at a hole in the wall in walking distance to the house, and we played on the sand for the majority of the day. We are all very excited about this new home, and its potential for the future. Hope to be beack next weekend!

our little canadian

It has been more than a year in the making, but finally we received Isaac's proof of Canadian citizenship. David and I both feel incredibly proud to be Canadian, and so it is only fitting that Isaac share the privilege. The photo you see above took two seperate attempts, and about an hour and a half to achieve. There was something very important about seeing both ears. Who knows ??? We hope that over the years, with Isaacs many visits to our homeland, that he too shares a love and a pride for a place David and I care so deeply for. And hey, with presidents like Bush... who knows when we may need to flee the country at a moments notice. Anythings possible!
Oh, C A N A D A !!!

samuel maxwell friedman

Im officially Auntie Hailey! Baby Samuel came into the world on his father's birthday, March 01 2008 at 8:47pm. He is a big boy, weighing 8lb 12oz. I would say that he has Ally's mouth and nose, and Jamie's eyes.
Ally was a champ, enduring almost three hours of pushing. As I told her just after she delivered Samuel, her mother would be so proud of her. I know she is here, watching over Ally, Jamie, and Samuel. It is obvious in Allie's strength and determination that her mother is here with us.
We (the sorens) are so excited for Ally and Jamie and the new journey they are about to begin. We are intimately familiar with the ups and downs of those first few months, and are here to support them in any way possible. Mostly, we are so excited to have another boy in the family, a playmate for Isaac, and a nephew for David and I. Welcome Samuel! You will be loved.

paradise at the cove

Yesterday we spent a joy filled afternoon with the Gehle's at Paradise Cove. Thanks to Erin's tip, we made a reservation for lunch at the restaurant (or we would have been waiting 2.5 hours). We had a quick bite, and then let the kiddies romp around in the sand. To our surprise, Isaac loved the water, continuing to run up to the waves. We couldn't keep him away. Stella chose to carry her beach toys back and forth to the shore, staying a safe distance away from the water at all times (a girl after my own heart). At the end of the day, the kids were exhausted, so we decided to call it quits. Erin, being the prepared mother she always is, brought a change of clothes for stella. Mama Hailey had to use Dada David's socks as Isaacs new pants. It worked just fine, and he slept peacefully all the way home.

pure bliss

It has been a year in the making, and for Ms. Erin a year and a half, but this past Sunday we packed our bags and headed out for a girls weekend in San Francisco. We took an early flight out and checked into the St. Regis Hotel for a weekend of pure bliss. It mainly consisted of eating, shopping, eating, and then more shopping. The highlights of eating were The Slanted Door, Miette, Zuni Cafe (that chicken!)... and shopping... Heyes Valley, Fillmore Street, Sacks Fith Avenue, Nordies. Best of all was the company. E was the perfect travel companion and a joy to be around. I am hoping to make this a bi-annual adventure, choosing a new overnight location each time. We slept in until 9:30!!! had breakfast at noon!!! had enough time to try on shoes using both hands!!! didn't carry a diaper bag!!! shared a bottle of wine!!! AND ENJOYED EVERY SINGLE SMALL PLEASURE WE COULD. Thank you E for a wonderful time. Wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. xoxo

a whirlwind weekend

It has been an absolutely insane few days around here. Friday Isaac and I went to see a house on Woodcliff that David really liked (and that I blew off) back in December. Upon the first few steps into the place, I knew it was the home for our family. It just had that Soren feeling. Of course it isn't in the area that we were thinking we would land in, and the street is a little busier than we would like, but in we have learned in this process that no house is perfect, and that there are trade offs. We put an offer on the house Friday night, we countered back and forth, and we are now officially... in escrow! Of course on top of it, we need to now sell our first love on Avenida Del Sol, but we are hopeful that it will all go smoothly and quickly despite the market. In my tradition of being cautiously optimistic, I wont post photos until 30 days until today when escrow closes, but we are very happy and excited.

baby samuel's shower

I spent the afternoon at Allie's baby shower for soon to come Samuel. Gail and mom hosted the event at Boccacio's on the Westlake Lake. Miraculously the rain clouds cleared for a beautiful afternoon. The room was filled with baby blue, games were played, and good lunch was had by all. I knit little Samuel a USC hat, and we gave them a great Storyopolis basket filled with all sorts of unusual titles. We are getting very excited to meet little Samuel.Only four more weeks until his expected due date.

first steps

This video is a little dark as it was captured on my parents point and shoot camera, but we had to grab something fast as Isaac was taking his first steps. He now will walk several steps between David and I, but he isn't yet initiating his own walking between distant objects. This new achievement has brought with it many scary falls and accidents. Yesterday, within the matter of thirty minutes, Isaac tumbled over his stroller cutting his lip, as I ran to grab a kleenext to dab the blood he pulled a glass off of the kitchen table. I finally strapped him into his highchair so I could clean up the destruction around the house. Then came the vacuum cleaner to pick up the glass. Mr. Isaac has a great fear of the large creature so there was lots of crying and panicking. It was a very stressful couple of hours.
It is so exciting to see the look in his eye as he begins to assert his independence. He is incredible proud of his new accomplishment as are we.

bert and ernie helped us celebrate

Today was Isaac's first birthday party filled with an abundance of orange and yellow treats. Everyone pitched in to make his day special. Elyse created wonderful balloon arches and bouquets, auntie allie made the lovely flowers, and bub even made an ernie and bert our of fruits and veggies. uncle andrew spent endless hours helping me cook and clean, and daddy was made it all possible by keeping isaac occupied. as exhausting as it was, it was worth it. although isaac really didn't know what was going on, it was a true celebration for our family. we made it one year, and not only did we 'make it' but we rocked it. Here's to year #2...

welcoming 2008

David and I spent New Year's eve, as usual, at home. We relaxed, made a nice dinner, and watched some horrible tube. It was a very nice time. Today we had the Gehle's over for brunch. We ate, and ate. The kids played, and for the first time they actually played together. It was so great to see them interacting with one and other. Isaac was in his element, and stella was great about sharing and giving Isaac lots of love. The pushed the shopping cart around, played on the picnic table, and Stella taught Isaac some of her ticks. By the time she left Isaac was taking two or three steps from one object to the next. He is so close to walking on his own.
The Sorens are so looking forward to 2008. We hope to live a cleaner, greener life. To love and enjoy, and to do everything in our power to feel healthy and whole.
To everyone who takes the time to read our blog: may you find love, peace, happiness, and fulfillment in 2008.

going to the zoo zoo zoo, how about you you you???

We ventured to the zoo to show Isaac some new animal friends. Due to the long line we ended up purchasing a membership to get us through the doors faster...BUT...we had so much fun that we cant wait to go back. Isaac's favorite were clearly the giraffe's. He was fascinated, and had his finger in the air from start to finish. We spent a couple hours walking around, ate a churro, and enjoyed the crisp air. Looking forward to returning soon.

ONE

Its so hard to believe that Isaac turned one today. As we have gone through each of his many stages this year, we have been amazed by human development, and the struggles and joys that accompany it. David and I always say to each other, it both feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago that Isaac came into our lives. I do think we would both agree that we are enjoying him in a different way as he has begun interacting with us, and becoming his own little person. If Isaac has shown us one thing, it is that he knows what he wants, and he wants it when he wants it. He is incredibly determined, curious, observant, witty, and thrives amongst familiar faces and surroundings. He carries pieces of both David and myself, and in these reflections, we have come to realize that as a couple we are more similar than different. He clearly has mom's nose, dad's hair, and his own little personality.
Isaac, we are so proud of everything you have accomplished this year as a baby. We are excited and ready for your next year as a toddler. Thank you for forcing us to grow, for teaching us about ourselves, and for reflecting goodness back into this world. You have given us our best, most challenging year, and have transformed what was a couple of sorens into a f a m i l y.
We love you.
xo.
mama & dada

a hybrid for the sorens

I arrived home yesterday to find T^H^I^S sitting in our driveway!!! David had done a little shopping while I was away on the cruise, and purchased an 08 prius. We had been looking at the car for a while, and knew we wanted a hybrid, but David wasn't sure when he wanted to get rid of his jeepy. After "bumping" into a pole on our driveway, he felt it was time for a fresh start. We both care dearly for the world we live in, and are so happy to be making a positive contribution to the environment.

cruising

Isaac and I just returned from our one week trip to the Caribbean on the jewel of the seas. We met 12 of our family members from Toronto for a 8 night cruise. I was pleasantly surprised throughout the week at how well it worked out, and what a great vacation it was with a baby. Here is a little rundown of our week:

San Juan, Puerto Rico > We toured the town. Browsed shops, Enjoyed the weather and scenery. Looked at historical monuments.

St. Thomas > Went to the beach. Swam in the ocean (picture above). Checked out the jewelry stores. Isaac napped in the stroller.

St. Maarten > Visited the french side of the Island. Had lunch. Shopped around. Visited the Dutch side of the Island. Shopped around. (ps. i bought NOTHING)

Tortola > Family day at the beach. Nail bitting ride in the open air shuttle over the mountain to the other side of the island.

Nassau,Bahamas > Visited Atlantis resort. Went to the aquarium. Had ice cream. Went back into town, and shopped around.

Days at Sea > Swimming, waterslides, EATING, reading, knitting, napping, gambling.


I was surprised how much we did over the week, and how flexible Isaac was. It ended up being a really great time with lots of new exploration for the both of us. We both enjoyed catching up with family. It was a great way to celebrate the end of his first year.

hanukkah o' hanukkah

Tonight is the sixth night of Hanukkah, and we spent the afternoon at Bubie and Papu's for our annual Hanukkah Party. As always, there was food, family, friends, and much giving. We all enjoyed watching Isaac and Koehn play, and open their Hanukkah treats. I made an annual photo slideshow which is always fun to watch. This year the DVD player was having some issues so it was a little choppy... but still a fun way to reflect on the past year.
Two more nights of Hanukkah to go, and then isaac and I are off to Florida for our cruise. It will be a couple weeks until we post, but we will have lots of stories to tell when we return!

catching up

I have been meaning to post some recent video of Isaac for a little while so here they are. I have selected five that highlight how we spend our days. There is lots of laugher and discovery.

#1: Playing Harp with Dad: Isaac has enjoyed listening to david play the harp for a while now, but this was the first time that he actually tried to participate.





#2: Finding Ernie: It has been amazing watching Isaac show us what he has probably known for a long time. He is now getting things we ask for and pointing to things we mention.





#3: Cuddling with Mom: This past month Isaac has become a lot more cuddly. I am not sure if it is because he has been under the weather, or if he is just enjoying the some down time, but I am loving every minute.





#4: Laughing,Laughing,Laughing : Need I say more?





#5: Being Silly : This is how we spend most evenings... just being goofy and having fun.

takashi murakami @ moca

Today we ventured to the temporary comtemporary at moca to see the takashi murakami show. We entered just as Sasha Baron Cohen , Isla Fisher, and baby Olive were leaving.
The show was phenomenal. I felt like I was transported to a whimsical alternate world for a an hour. Isaac was fixated on all of the colors, textures, and shapes. Each room had a wonderfully different feel, but at the same time managed to feel a part of the bigger collective. It was so much fun taking Isaac to the museum, especially to this exhibit.

11 months

I cant believe Isaac is 11 months, and that we are celebrating his last 'monthly' birthday. In so many ways it seems that he has been in our lives forever, but then again I cant believe what a little boy he has become in rapid time.
Izzy is now pointing to everything. Most of the pointing seems quite intentional, as if to say, "Hey mom, look at ____." He seems so proud of this new accomplishment.
In addition he has become incredibly decisive about what he wants and doesn't want, likes and doesn't like, etc. He will bring us a book to read, and once we are done reading it he makes sure to let us know which one to read next. If you choose one he doesn't like, he shuts the cover immediately. If there is a food he isn't interested in eating, there is no way he will eat it. He now picks through his plate and enjoys what he wants, leaving the things he isn't interested in.
Isaac is able to retrieve items by name. If you ask him to get ernie, a truck, his Gandhi doll, or a myriad of other things, he will get them. If you ask him to point to certain items in books he knows, he will point to them. He knows where the cats are at all times.
In addition, he is climbing up and down the stairs in our house, quite gracefully I might add. He is cruising around, standing with very little assistance. He is sporting 6 teeth, and eating almost everything.
Other than the colds he seems to get every other week, he is a wonderfully happy little guy. Each day brings new adventures, challenges, and milestones. I intend to savor every day of this first year, and am so looking forward to whats ahead.

the steamiest star spotting

I had to post just to say today on our Monday lunch with bubie, Isaac and I had the greatest start spotting. McSteamy, aka Eric Dane of Grey's Anatomy, was eating at Hugos today too!!! Holy stars HE IS STEAMY. I am not one to be easily "star struck", but I have to say this was one of my most delightful run ins. For those who care, or want to know, he was wearing a plain white tee, jeans, and a pair of gold rimmed aviators. He wasn't with his wife, but seemed to be with family friends including two young kids. Always fun to see someone who you enjoy watching on the tube. Hopefully next time, McDreamy will come popping in.

a glorious grey weekend

Hubby and I ventured north this weekend to Santa Barabra... our first weekend away since the bambino entered our lives. David just finished a grueling week at work. And I was spent after dealing with back to back illnesses with Isaac.
On our agenda for the weekend: DO AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. I think we accomplished our goal. We took a long wonderful uninterrupted nap in the middle of the day (without baby monitor). We took a walk on the beach and gathered drift wood. We visited the spa and enjoyed a jacuzzi and steam. David read, I knit. I took a bath, a long shower, several hours to get ready for dinner. We then headed out to Downey's for dinner. I had wanted to try this restaurant for a long time. Husband and wife, john and liz, own and operate this tiny jewel. I have to mention that we were the youngest patrons in the joint (second to dennis franz). The food is carefully crafted from Santa Barbara's local farmer's producs. Everything was at season's peak. The butternut squash soup was in both of our opinions, the best soup we had every eaten.
We woke up the next morning and headed to IHOP. That's right... David and my guilty pleasure. We have to hit at least one on every road trip we take. Every time we leave, we concur that we have had our fix for the year. We are both fans of the german pancakes with a side of hash browns - well done, of course.
On the way back to Westlake to pick up Isaac, we stopped in Camarillo for a movie. We saw Into the Wild, which far surpassed both of our expectations. I can tell a good movie by how it resonates with me, and I am still thinking about it. I would highly recommend it to anyone. The soundtrack was wonderful, the imagery beautiful on th eyes, and the storyline inspiring to say the least.