Here we are in the middle exposing Christian to melanoma at an early age. While dad has built up a defense from multiple long rides outdoors, (see www.kincaderideforthecure.blogspot.com, give early and often) we have no such excuse for not using a sun hat for him, other than bad memory. The poor little tyke came down with a fever that night, prompting a worried call to the pediatric nurse at the Polyclinic. But as you see in the other two photos, (next day) he is just fine now. Other than he suffers from an excess of cuteness. Ok, I know it's cheesy to be a doting dad but I can't help it a little.
Christian seems to prompt eagle sightings too. We saw a bald eagle snatch a long fish out of the water and swallow it mid-flight. And Mike found a 30 foot long piece of seaweed that resembled a whip, playing Indiana Jones for a bit. The only person he ended up whipping was himself.
Sorry this update was a little late. I am in Minneapolis next Monday and Tuesday, so next week might be late too.
By the way, I am falling perilously short of my $3,500 fundraising goal for my ride to cure diabetes on October 21st. If you haven't given already, (and thank you if you have) click on the "ride for the cure" link to the right, and donate to support my ride. Any amount you can afford to give would be awesome. They are closing in on a cure, so it's a great cause.
We had a gathering yesterday to show off our new baby and our new kitchen. Christian was a total champ the whole time, and he even fell asleep by himself on the floor for a little while, as you can see. At one time there were seven kids here, 5 or under. It felt like a nursery. It's funny, because just a couple years ago, we would have had this same group of folks over for beer and a movie, or card games, and stay up until 2. Now, the party's over at 6 and we have to watch our drinking and our language. What a different life! But a great one, nonetheless.
Today Laura and I belatedly celebrate our 2nd anniversary at Salty's. The real date was 9/5 but we couldn't get around to doing anything until today. Mike and Sarah will watch him for us.
There are a lot of pictures below, (or above, I'm still figuring this whole thing out.) One of them is from when Christian was brand new, right near Claire in the baby swing. Then there is a pic of him in the swing just a few minutes ago. It is an oft-repeated cliche but a true one, they grow up so fast.
First time letterboxing today! I had no idea what letterboxing was until Laura told me. You go on the internet and get certain clues that someone has left. Then, following those clues, you find a box, (or something) and sign it saying you were there, and leave it there.
We found ours in Louisa Boren lookout park, on 15th street across the street from that cemetery where Bruce Lee is buried. There was a trail, very steep, leading down into the woods. We wound our way down the switchbacks, and found a small tupperware box devoted to this near-extinct bird. It says a lot about me that I don't remember what kind of bird. I was too concerned with Christian's safety, since the hill was steep and the trail not very friendly. When we stopped for a minute he started crying. But while moving, he kept looking up at the trees.
Back at the top we picnicked a bit, and headed on to Target, where throngs of college students were buying stuff for school.
Here are some pics from the day.
Wedding time!
Yesterday we went to Ethan and Annie's wedding. It was about an hour drive and a 20 minute ferry ride over to Whidbey Island. We stayed until around 10 or so and Christian had a great time, believe it or not. He spent most of his time in his moby or his carrier, as you see above. We ate, danced, drank, and generally carried on like we would have anyway. Laura was able to duck away for a couple feedings.
As you see in the lower pic, he is duded up and was ready to cruise for chicks. He even has that smirk. But, much to his chagrin, the only other baby there in his age group, (3 months and under) was also a boy. Better luck next time, Christian.
Rode 59 miles today, (see other blog) and went to the Ram for dinner, where Laura and I had to eat in shifts. He was fussy pretty much the whole time. So much for never crying at dinner.
