One of the most rare and pleasant fruits...*

There are few milestones that bring so much promise to one's life. Rolling over is impressive to the under-three-month set but big kids chew their food. Yes, the first on November, 2008 marks the day that Sylvia enjoyed the first of what I hope will be many fine, healthy, and colorful meals. The noodle and her Mom and Dad sat down to Saturday lunch each with their favorite meal at the ready. Dad and Mom enjoyed a grill cheese sandwich. Sylvia eyed a fine bowl of mashed avocado and mother's milk.

Aurelia tries to sneak one of my salt n' pepper chips.
I don't think so.

It's what's for dinner.

Quick appetizer

Drum roll please....

Nana bib!

With the 'cado going down smooth (and coming out smoother) mom branched out mid-week with some sweet potato. So that's what bibs are for.









*supposed quote of King Charles II's physician regarding the avocado. Thanks internet!

The Dangerous Duck of All Hallows Eve

It is said that ducks can't be scary. A more false claim was never made. There is a Portland legend, spoken in hushed tones over organic coffee, of a 19 inch yellow duck that strikes fear and terror in the hearts of even the most grim bicycle courier. One night a year this tiny duck, really no more than a duckling, stalks the streets of Stumptown in search of sweet candy and human flesh. Now, in a DinnertablePDX exclusive, we present pictures of this dangerous duck.

(People of nervous demeanor or subject to night terrors should not read on).

What is that in the distance?
A faint, scary, yellow blur.

See how the scary ducky attacks her little thumb.
Squeal!

Chocolate can appease this dangerous duck.

(Thanks neighbor Wendy!)

Perhaps this poor man's last moments before the duck attacks.
See how it lulls him into a false sense of safety.
Then the duck fangs come out.

When the sun shines in October

Sylvia started the week in typical fashion by hanging out with her buddy Slobberfrog (named for the amount of time he spends being rather damp).





Things only improved when Aurelia's NAU partner in crime Kristen, her husband Judah and their sweet son Preston James arrived from Tucson for a visit.






Preston James, or PJ, is only 19 months old but is already cruising around, talking up a storm, and a magnificent eater. The staccato rhythm of his feet throughout the house is a portent of things to come.

Preston and Sylvia share toys.

Unseasonably sunny and dry October weather inspired the group to head out. First we wandered Sullivan's Gulch (our hood) where Preston enjoyed a neighbor's tree swing.










Then we made our way to the Willamette river which was host to the Portland Fall Classic, a crew 5000K regatta. The weather, sunny and in the 60's was perfect though a stiff headwind left me glad that it wasn't my hands gripping those oars.










The walk progressed with a bit of hamming, shopping, and finally a tuckered out little chicken.