Saturday, April 5, 2014



Change of plans. Babysitter backed out. Instead of going out on the wild, crazy drunken party to celebrate Jen's 40th, I'm staying home with the kids so Will can go. Kids-it's a good thing I love you too. So we'll have our own little dance party with Lady Gaga.

First lesson in discipline


Dear Carter and Ainsley,

You guys are growing so fast now. Running around the house and figuring how to climb on top of the sofa and stairs. I'm often torn between wanting to be selfish and keeping you just in my arms or teaching you the skills to move about the house. Clearly you win.

You'll notice last weekend that your father and I started to enforce the rule that you cannot throw food on the floor to Wasabi. I apologize that I let you both start doing that to begin with because I can understand your confusion now that it's no longer allowed. You see, we went out to eat a lot last weekend-Olive Garden Friday night with friends, Senior Antonios Saturday for lunch and Lucky Dragon on Sunday. It was fun, I don't remember dining out like that since before you two were born. Towards the end of dinner, I noticed that the floor where you both sat was in an unrecognizable state. It looked like a landmine of food detonated in two circular areas right under your highchairs.  It was then that I realize that I was going to have to make it clear that behavior was no longer allowed.

Ainsley - while you're tougher, you're also more sensitive and cried immediately when first disciplined. I was a little surprised because I equaled physical toughness with emotional toughness and that's not always the case. Carter held back his emotions for a little until he was disciplined for the fourth time before any crying occurred. There was definitely an improvement that Sunday evening after the discipline started so at least that was encouraging.

Please know that what I'm teaching you two is for your own good. While I am the one who does the disciplining, it hurts my heart every time I have to tell you no or raise my voice which I really don't want to do. I know I should learn to get used to it but I doubt I ever will not feel a twinge of sadness any time I make you cry.

West Coast trip continued...


Our trip was filled to the brim with great quality time with friends, touring various wineries in Napa Valley and a ton of amazingly delicious food. Our friend is a great photographer and most of the pictures are from him.

This is one of my favorite ones!

Morimoto Napa - finally got to try this Iron Chef's king crab!

 Another favorite!!

 Finally eating at Ad Hoc!

All at Ad Hoc together.

Sonoma favorites.
 
At the top of the hill at Gunchen Bunlock.

 Muir Woods = really big, tall trees


 Inside Google chambers

Home away from home playroom : the kids spent a lot of time playing here

They roamed free everywhere.

And they took full advantage of this freedom on their flight.