Swedish Sock Massage

Smacky had the opportunity to get one of those relaxing sock massages when we were in the bay area, so of course she took it.


I'm not sure, but I think it was even better than a deep tissue massage, which is my favorite.

Ah, the relaxing power of socks. (Gold Toe, even!)

Too Hot, Mommy!

It's gotten down into the low fifties at night lately, but probably not cold enough during the day to warrant this cozy snowsuit.

Smacky lay on the pillow as I carried in the groceries this afternoon, too swaddled, as you can see, to move.

Smacky Rides Bart

Smacky and I traveled yesterday to the mission district of San Francisco, over elevated platforms and through tunnels, up and down elevators and ending with her strapped to my chest and me carrying the stroller up a flight of stairs. (That stroller's heavy!) The BART (bay area rapid transit) is very organized, although if you don't know what you're doing, you could end up going the wrong way on the wrong train and almost being late for dinner.

Here is a photo of Aurora trying to suck her thumb on the BART headed to Oakland, which is the opposite of where we wanted to go. Luckily I realized in time and we got back on a train going the other way to Berkeley. Whew! Smacky did cry when she thought we were lost but got over it quickly.

Even Babies Love Hotels

Well, life in California is similar to life in Oregon for babies- drink milk, have a bath, kick and punch the air for a few minutes and eventually pass out.

Smacky was so good at Tabitha and Laurie's wedding yesterday. It was held on a terrace at a place called the Brazil Room on a mountain in Berkeley, and it was very chilly. Smacky can't wear a jacket when she is in the baby bjorn carrier, so I piled blankets on top and breathed on her head to keep her warm. After the ceremony, she spent dinner strapped to my chest, drinking milk and dozing. Then dancing and music started. The music was too loud to sleep, she said, so we waited until the cakes were served (7 different cakes- delicious!) and then headed back to the hotel.

Smacky didn't get to sleep until after 11pm- such a late night for a baby! Here she is taking a nap yesterday afternoon in anticipation of the night's festivities.

Let's Sail

Here is the most dreaded foe in America- Milkbeard the Pirate. Y'aaaar.

Here she is in the American Grill at our hotel yesterday. Isn't she tough? Her fist is approaching the camera with a quickness. Duck!

Remote Baby

I'm blogging from Emeryville, California tonight. Smacky is asleep on the bed upstairs and my mom is keeping a watchful eye on her as she reads her magazine.

We're in the bay area for my best friend's wedding, which I'm sure will be more fun than the movie of the same name.

Congratulations, Tabitha and Laurie!

This was Smacky's first plane ride, and she did a great job. She slept for most of it, only cried for a tiny bit twice (once I caught her leg in the carrier- ow!) and had a good time with Granny. Tomorrow we might explore the city and check out Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf.

I'd better get back to the room- my snacks are calling!

Sleep, my Pretty!

Yikes! My baby's favorite way to fall asleep is with the bottle. I wonder if that's something babies can outgrow before they ruin their teeth, or only after?

Any advice, parents? It's like a magic elixir to get her to sleep, as shown here.