Random Road Trip Moments

Lots of things can happen on a road trip. Some good, some bad. Now that we are done with the first half of our trip, I would like to give out a few awards to places and individuals we encountered on the way to California.

The Cheesiest Road Sign Award: This award goes out to the city of Weed, CA. As you enter the city there is a sign that says, "WEED like to welcome you!" This made both Alli and I groan. Clark, on the other hand, was speechless.

The Super Origami-Man Award: While stopping at a BK in Redding, CA, for lunch, we met a man who had the knack for folding paper. When we sat down he was in the process of making a little girl at the table next to us a T-rex. Then, as he was leaving, he gave Clark the gift of a dollar that had been folded into a tiny little collared shirt. It was so cool! I was totally inspired by this man who used his gift of paper folding to bring a little joy to others around him.

The Coolest Invention Award: Everyone has seen those vending machines that you come across in the bathrooms at truck stops. They dispense everything from aspirin to condoms to fake tattoos. But Alli and I saw a new one. Cologne. This machine had five different spray nozzles that will squirt your choice of imitation scents on you for only a few measly coins. The silliest thing was that in order to get your neck up to the nozzles, most people of average height would have to stand on their tippy toes. Sheer genius!

The Most Thoughtful Train Conductor Award: On the final stretch of road on the way to Fresno, we came across a train crossing our path. Not a problem...usually. With only one and a half train cars left to go, the conductor stopped the train. Just when we thought we were almost there, we had to turn around after waiting 15 minutes. Thanks a bunch, inconsiderate train conductor man!

The Ding-dong-McGee Award: This one goes out to yours truly. We made our first stop of the road trip at the Woodburn outlets, which was only about 45 minutes from our home. Alli pulled out a brand new container of formula for Clark. The tab to open the container broke off as she tried to open it. Without even thinking, I said, "Just hand it to me. I can open it." I pulled out my keys. The sharp edge of a key would be more than enough to pop the top of the container. So I took the key and pushed. Good news, the can was open. Bad news, in my rush to open the container, I opened it a little too hard. With a nice firm push, I pushed the key, and my fist, to the bottom of the can. Formula shot everywhere, coating Clark and the entire backseat of the car with a hefty dose of white powder. Clark stared at me in shock. Alli laughed out loud. And I, not wanting to curse in front of my child, began to spurt out the closest thing possible to what I truly wanted to say. "Ef! Ef, ef, ef, ef, ef, ef, ef!" One hour later, after a good vacuuming and a much needed cool-down period, we made our way to California.

2 Months and Ben's First Father's Day!

Clark was two months on Saturday! Where has the time gone? I can't believe my little boy is two months old. Here are a couple of things that have been happening lately...
- He has started smiling
- He loves to hold his head up and look around and turns his head side-to-side to follow objects
- He loves to snuggle on your shoulder while holding his head and looking around (my personal favorite)
- He hates tummy time, but we're working on it :-)
- He makes cute little cooing sounds
- He's pretty good at falling asleep on his own and sleeps anywhere from 5-7 hours at night
- He has started to bat at things on his playmat
- He loves to suck his fist/arm
- He's the cutest baby ever (oh wait, maybe that's just me!)

We also just celebrated Ben's first Father's Day. He had a pretty busy morning playing worship in both services and helping out with a drama, but after a nap that afternoon we went out and celebrated. We went to Syun Izakaya Japanese Restaurant - easily the best sushi we have had up here yet! We then went home to eat some dessert and hang out.

Without getting too mushy on the blog, I have to say that Ben certainly earned that huge plate of sushi. He is an incredible father to Clark. I am amazed at how calm he can be when Clark is being super fussy. I love to watch him play with Clark and love that he truly enjoys the time he spends with him. I also see a desire in Ben to continually strive to be the best father he can be. I can't wait to watch Clark grow up knowing that he has such a great father who loves him so much!

The stylish men in my life wearing matching sweater vests. Like father, like son!

Daddy and Clark watching the US beat Egypt in the Confederation Cup qualifiers (that's soccer).

Out at Syun Izakaya in downtown Hillsboro.

Summer's here!

Summer is officially here! That means it is in the mid 70's here in Portland (so awesome!) and Ben is off work and can chill with me and Clark all day now! (He also likes napping on our new couches.) So far we have pretty much done nothing (more awesomeness!). We did have a pretty busy weekend starting me attending the Dermatology Resident Banquet downtown - my first night off since having Clark. I promptly celebrated with a gin & tonic and a Manhattan (Thanks, Em!). Saturday was spent mostly lounging around and then I hosted a girl's night at our place for the Care Group ladies. Sunday, however, was super busy with our birthing class reunion and then a Care Group BBQ. This was the longest amount of time that we have been out and about with Clark. He did great! I did, however, forget my dish at our friend's house - too much stuff to keep track of now with Clark. We were also able to get out and go hiking with the Sullivans in Forest Park. Clark enjoyed the bumpy ride. All in all, we're just glad the summer is here.

At the road house with the birthing class.

On the trail with the Sean, Susan, Jake, and their dog Riley.

Alli, Susan and Clark relaxing after the hike.

As you can tell, Clark has already grown out of his newborn clothes.

Chilly Clark after a bath.

Clark loves his monkey!

Pensive in the swing.