gPops and gMom in the House

There are certain weekends when nothing seems to happen. The sun rises, Sylvia poops her pants, her parents draw straws to see who gets to shower, and the sun sets. Other weekends, like this last one, are so full of activity that one event seems to blend into the next. Here's the run down, see if you can keep up:

The weekend began, as the best ones usually do, with a naked bicycle parade. Yup, you heard right. I'm not sure what the inspiration was for this fantastic event, perhaps connected with the World Naked Bike Ride event that was also on Saturday, but they were clearly having fun. Sylvia, a very qualified nudist, wanted to join the parade but her prudish parents refused. Maybe when you're one, sweetie. (not).

all it takes to fight crime: a bike, a cape, and...

The naked parade, however, was only the prelude to the main event. After a few travel shenanigans gPops and gMom (aka Jim and Louise) arrived at our doorstep for a meet and greet with the short one. I'm not sure how Jim's gruff Scottish forbears would have reacted when he got all cutesy wootsie with Sylvia but she was diggin' it. For a few more pics of their visit check Louise's Blog.




After much cooing the gang headed off for a fine dinner at the McMenamins Kennedy School Restaurant and then to bed. On Sunday we crammed into the car to visit one of Portland's premier attractions, the Rose Test Gardens. According to the official version, the Rose Garden was started by a bunch of swanky ladies in 1888 who liked to grow and show roses. That grew, over time, into the best place in Portland to have a first date, take the family, or pop the big question.

Louse and I, always the bloggers, have our cameras at the ready.

This trip was followed by a visit to another fine pub and then home. Louise, in her great generosity and industry, spent a few hours of their brief visit cooking four quiches. Two of these fine specimens we ate on the spot, leaving two for the freezer. She also made a fantastic Roast Beet Salad whose recipe can be found on her blog. We ate and chatted and went to bed. The next day, sadly, we had to say goodbye to gPops and gMom who jetted back to Boston and their puppy.

But wait, there's more.

As the weekend was winding down, a major breakthrough occured. Sylvia had her first bottle. Gasp! It was easy. I sat down with her, plunked the bottle full of prime quality Grade-A mama leche into her mouth, and she went to town. It was a wonderful sensation to feed my child and her after-dinner burp was greatly satisfying (for her and me).

Huzzah!!!!

Sylvia's Sleepytime Salad

The columbines have come and gone. This should mean that summer has arrived. But this year summer is arriving in fits and starts. We get a bit of rain followed by a sunny day, then clouds. The air is mild and cool in the morning. Our sympathy goes out to everyone out east and south who are already sweltering.


Sylvia was lucky enough to receive a number of guests this week. Nina and Jake (whom I work with and Timbers season ticket seat neighbor) dropped by with their son Akio.







Later on, Van showed up with the cutest little hat for Sylvia. Amish or St. Pauli Girl, not sure which.











A weekend would not be complete without a bit of walking practice, time in the snugglie, Mom intimidation and bare bum time; in that order.

I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse.

Monday night, thanks to our friend Christi who coincidentally just moved a few block away from us, is now to be known as "Family Monday Night." This means that Aurelia and I don't cook and Christi and Ian hit the kitchen. This week featured an improvisational dinner salad christened "Sylvia's Sleepy Time salad" to honor how quickly Sylvia fell asleep while we ate.

Here's the recipe for those looking to enjoy its soporific effects:

Sylvia’s Sleepy Time Salad

Ingredients:

1 Rotisserie Chicken (pulled and chopped)

1 can Black Olives

1 tub fresh marinated Mozzarella Balls

1 can Artichoke Bottoms

1 jar Marinated sliced and roasted red peppers

1 tub Pesto

1 head Romaine Lettuce Chopped

1 bag mixed Spring Greens

1 bag o’ Love

Chop and pull chicken. Moisten with ½ tub of pesto

Combine all ingredients and toss and turn well.

Also try with:

Pine nuts, Marinated Mushrooms, Walnuts

Finally here's a pic from mid-week that illustrates Sylvia's increased awareness and engagement, especially towards faces and voices.