A Fig in Sweden Portland

keep on rockin, sophie

Sweet, Sweet Sophie,

I loved seeing how happy you were when each of your 11 little friends showed up today at your 4th birthday party. I loved seeing how gracious you were when they each handed you their gift. And I really loved seeing how excited you were to give your friends their "goody bag" presents when it was over — even handing them the prizes you had picked out for yourself.

Just like you're always being kind to Mathis. 

We're so proud of you, peanut.

_____

4th birthday party held at Sound Roots School of Modern Music in Portland, Oregon; performed by the very awesome Mo Phillips. I think he must be related to Jack Black. 

 

S.I.F.C.U. 01/19/12

Sh*t I find cleaning up. Ariel's bikini top as pig goggles.

overall awesome

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know that I am head over heels in love with Swedish children's clothes. And one of my very favorites is Polarn O. Pyret. Luckily, they have recently arrived in the U.S. And, even luckier, they sent me some sample gear to "put to the test" just as they do with preschools in Sweden. 

Polarn O. Pyret is all about outdoor play. Mathis is a little young to "play" outside, but he still needs to stay warm and dry while we're out and about. Plus, I'm a big believer in a daily dose of fresh air for everyone.

With the cold rainy season in full swing here, I have been reaching more and more for his waterproof PO.P overall. I love that it's just a shell, so I can use it with light clothing on wet spring days, too. Plus, he doesn't get overheated when we pop in and out of stores. Great for when I'm carrying him in the Ergo.

While I got drenched during today's outing (see the HUGE puddles in the background?), he stayed totally dry. So, did Sophie in her PO.P jacket. PO.P clothes do cost a bit more, but I love the clever ways they design their clothes so that they sort of grow with your child a bit. Honestly, I'm sure this rainsuit will fit him next fall when he jumps in his first puddle!

You'll hear (and see!) more about PO.P here on the blog. In the meantime, buy ahead for next year because loads of fall and winter items are up to 60% off!

 

laughing my head off

Background: Sophie got a set of small plastic princess dolls for Christmas that she *adores.* As with most toys made in China, they are not built to last. On the way home from the science museum last week, Ariel's head came off. Sophie was upset but I assured her that I could pop that little sucker back on. It was tough, but I managed to do it. I told her to be careful with Ariel's head, and it just became common knowledge that Ariel had a fragile neck. But daddy didn't get the memo and knocked Ariel's head off this weekend. I was called back into surgery, but there was just one problem: we couldn't find Ariel's head (and still can't).

Today: Sophie starts humming Ariel's song from the Little Mermaid. Then she looks at me and says, "I hear Ariel's head!"

 

our little dude is doing a lot

At 5.5 months, he's rolling over; eating bananas, pears and rice cereal (so far) from a spoon; jumping in his bouncy swing; sleeping 7 hours straight at night; still waking up every 2 hours other nights; teething; trying to talk; grabbing toys; getting lots of attention from his sister; smiling all the time; making all of us smile. 

The other day, I wedged Mathis into the corner of the couch. Sophie (aka Pink Power Ranger) took it upon herself to scoot up next to him and "read" him a story (this is her gibberish reading language). I grabbed the video camera. These clips crack me up. First Sophie is freaked out when Mathis grabs her shirt. Then Mathis' expression and "non-neckness" make me giggle in the second one.