Farmers' Market

 Today was the day.  We finally went to THE premier farmers' market in Ithaca, and let me tell you, it was quite a treat!

 

First we had to get some snuggly clothes on; it was pretty chilly.  Man, baby sweat suits are the best!

We walked around, got a yummy pumpkin raisin cookie, and finally decided on carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes.  It's inspired me to make some potato soup with braised cabbage on the side.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

PS: have I mentioned that we live in a beautiful place?

What to do when it gets foggy

 L. A. invited us to walk down to the farmer's market with us, so we leaped at the chance! I don't know about you, but shopping at the farmer's markets always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, with the vendor staring at you as you look at their stuff.  I can't handle the pressure! 

On the way home we stopped to talk to the horses at the Cornell Equine Annex.  I wish I had taken a picture of it, but L got an ear of sweet corn and was eating it raw like a boss.

 Today I invited them downstairs to play in the fort Theo and I made.  It's simple, but I bet as it gets colder they will get more elaborate. The babies didn't care for it too much.

 This is more Theo's style.

 But L was lovely and brought chocolate covered strawberry slices to share with us.  The babies were very excited to try and grab some, but us mean old mommies wouldn't let them.  I love how well they play together!  Well, side by side, but it's still so cute!

 We built a fort, because this is what it looked like outside.  So beautiful, but not the most inviting for walks, etc.

My view out the front window.  I am a lucky girl to live somewhere so pretty.

Water Front and Cinnamon Rolls

 On Monday, L. A. Theo and I went to Cayuga Lake and walked a trail lining it.  I can't believe I live in a place as beautiful as this (and of course I didn't take a picture of the surroundings... sorry).  Along the trail there are little fitness stations, like chin up bars, balance beams, sit-up benches, and there are little signs describing how to use them.  It's such a cool idea.

 We stopped at a park along the way.  A. was hanging out inside one of those little tunnels, and Theo was looking in on her.  Too cute!  There were lots of cool things at this park, and I'm jealous of kids these days who have such neat parks.

Last night, we got together for girl's night at M.'s house and made deliiiiiiiiiicious cinnamon rolls.  I know girl's night was created to get away from the kids for a while, but we couldn't help talking about our cute babies. We stayed out far longer than I intended. Corbin was actually in bed when I got home. 

I'm grateful for fun friends like L. and M. to play with.

{insert clever title here}

Ready for a work out!  Or to eat some dry wall.

Now that Theo has top and bottom teeth, he likes to hiss.

He's also a tongue clicking fiend.

I just finished the Night Circus, and I loved it, although it left me feeling rather melancholy.  I highly recommend it, if you're into mysterious magical circuses and awesome characters. I listened to the book, and this copy was read by Jim Dale.  He also read for the Harry Potter series, which I listened to a couple years ago.  It was like having an old friend back.  And now my inner-monologue is in his voice.  I like it. 

I got to go to Mommy group yesterday, and L. and A. came with.  It was at Eastern Heights park, the one up the street.  There were tons of ladies and cute kids there, so it was quite the party.

Some of the cutest mommies and babies I know!

I'm starting to feel a level of familiarity with Ithaca now, even though it's only been a month and a half, and we still have lots to explore.  I think this Sunday we'll go on a walk down by the winery at the bottom of our hill. What better sabbath day activity?  But really, the grounds are beautiful, even more so than the rest of Ithaca, which is saying something.

Corbin stayed late on campus today, so Theo and I met him for dinner.  We ate outside on the lawn in front of the building he was in, then Theo and I walked around for a few minutes, trying to familiarize ourselves with the different buildings and pathways.  It is so different from BYU, and very historic-feeling.  There's so much green around, and it's beautiful!

What a little lady sitting criss-cross-apple-sauce

Also, I can't say how thankful I am to have L. and A. right upstairs.  If it weren't for them, I might not have much hope for sanity.  When we first found out that a young family would be living above us, I started daydreaming that we would become best friends.  I couldn't have dreamed that it would be this great, and I am soooo glad!

Our first Ithaca Date

 Last night Corbin and I got to go out sans baby and party it up Ithaca style.  Apparently all summer there has been an outdoor concert series in the downtown area, and last night was the last one.  I'm glad we caught the Jeff Love band, because they were awesome.  In the picture above, you can see the pavillion, and a big open space in front for people to dance.  And let me tell you, they danced!

 

Corbin and I got our groove on too, but thankfully there's no video of that. 

Afterwards we walked around the downtown area a little.  When we saw Collegetown Bagles, I mentioned our little inside joke and said, "We should eat there sometime."  That's what Corbin would say every time we'd drive by.  But this time he said, "How about now?"

So we went, and it was fabulous!  He got chocolate ice cream with brownies, and I got a chocolate covered cheese cake bar (I can't even believe how delicious it was).  

Dancing, good music, good food, and my wonderful husband.  What more could I ask for?

Shout out to the Gullys for watching Theo!

Equine Annex

 We went to the Cornell Equine Annex that's about a mile away from our house.  These silly guys wear collars, and didn't feel like coming to say hello.

 

Apparently this was too much for A. to handle. She did this for the majority of the walk home.

This is what Theo did on the way home.  And when you fall asleep on a walk...

Your mommy makes you stay in your hat.

Ladies' Night, Anyone?

Here is the fabulous L. with baby A. in the Bjorn.  Today we walked through our forest that's up the street.  Pardon me, I just noticed there's baby poop on my skirt...

Much better.  Anyways, we had a grand time.  The location above is only a 5-ish minute walk from our house, and I love it.  I'm so grateful I have great places to play, and great neighbors to play with.  Theo and A. were talking up a storm to each other, and it was very cute.

Last night I invited L. down to watch a movie and let the daddies put the babies to bed.  I now deep every Tuesday Ladies' Night. But we can't just watch fabulous movies every night, like Just Like Heaven.  I am cheap, so I could really use some suggestions that take little to no money, but would be a good way to get out of the house.  Any thoughts?

Sleep, Baby, Sleep!

 

I was going to blog about how I got to go to the store yesterday sans baby, and talk about how it's so much simpler, but a little more lonely.  I was going to talk about how I bought $50 worth of meat, because when I'd asked Corbin what kind of dinners he wanted, he just said, "feed me meat."  But all of this must be put aside for a more pressing matter.

This little man is killing me with sleep deprivation.  I know I've been spoiled with a really great sleeper, and some of you moms will guffaw at me, but I need advice.

He will go down around 8 at night like a champ.  He'll sleep through the night without making a peep.  But the early morning hours have been rough for about a week, and I can't take it. 

For instance, this morning he woke up at 5, and I gave him his pacifier and he went back to sleep... for 3 minutes.  Just enough time to get comfy in my bed again.  We did this a few times before I just gave in and fed him.  He thinks it would be great to just nurse and sleep at my breast for hours and hours. But obviously that's not gonna happen.

So then he slept... until 6:15.  I gave him some medicine (I think he maaaay be teething, but maybe not) and rocked him til he fell back asleep.

Then we woke up again at 7, at which point I said forget it and brought him into the bed with me and Corbin.  He slept until almost 8 and woke up for reals.

This all wouldn't be as terrible if I could get to sleep at a decent hour the night before, but for some reason I can't.  And if you don't already know this about me, I need rather a lot of sleep to function.  

So please!  If you know of something I can do better to help this man sleep through the early morning hours, give me a shout out!

Tutor Trail

Aren't they adorable?

 We have a park up the street.  Down the street, we have a walking trail.  It is a gorgeous wooded, paved path that goes for a bit over a mile.  There's a play area at the head of it, with picnic tables, a grill, and lovely shade trees.

 About half way down the trail, there's a sweet little gazebo overlooking a field.  It's the perfect place for a quick romantic getaway (Corbin- wink wink)

No Hunting- hiking okay

 L. and A. joined Theo and I as we walked this trail for the first time on Friday.  Today, we got to show Corbin all the wonders.  Squirrels, deer, and bunnies joined us on our walk.  Nature is so great!

 After we finished the trail on Friday, we went up to L.'s apartment and drank some delicious cold water.  A. has soooo many fun toys, but apparently the cat toys are better.

They thought their little baby claws weren't already sharp enough.  I would disagree, and I've got face scratches to prove it!

Mini-forest and Ithaca Drivers

 Yesterday Theo and I Baby Bjorned it to the park up the street.  There is a play area, then a mysterious lawn that goes down the hill.  It was our mission to figure out where it went, since the path is obscured by trees.  We started walking along the lawn, and discovered that it doesn't lead to anywhere.  It surrounds the park's main event, which is a beautiful mini-forest.

 So we cut through to get back to the park entrance. Can you believe there's a place that looks like this just up my street?  As we plodded along, dodging branches and trying not to get too many sticks in my sandals, I kept having visions of Theo as a toddler running around and exploring.  That will be a fun time.

Here's a glimpse into the Ithaca culture that I admire.  There are not many sidewalks, especially in the residential areas around our house.  But I've seen this time and time again.  Whenever there is a pedestrian or a bicyclist on the side of the road, cars will make sure to give lots and lots of space as they drive by.  The picture above is just one example.  Every car on the road will do this, and I'm so impressed.  Ithaca drivers obey the speed limit, they're not aggressive, and they actually obey road signs.  I know I'll probably encounter people who are not like this, but overall, I'm very impressed.

Book Club!

The branch ladies got together last night and decided the year's book club books.  I can't even tell you how excited I am to participate.  I love reading, and this will be a great way for me to branch out into genres I usually don't explore.  Plus, it's at least one night a month where I'm guaranteed to get out of the house.

Not to mention getting to know the women of the branch even better.  There was an excellent turn out last night.  The room was packed, babies everywhere, and delicious treats.  I get to host the club at my house in a couple months.  Can I just say how glad I am that I have a home I am excited to invite people to?

If you're in the club, you will be lounging in this lounge!

(Sidenote: I love that my fridge doesn't freeze all my food.  We've had a bag of baby carrots in there a week and I can still eat them!  Also, I was vacuuming the house today, and there are outlets everywhere!  Yeah, life is good)

If you would like to read along with us, below is the list of books dates to read them by.  Seriously, I would love to discuss them with you, even if you can't come to the meeting in person.  As an educator, I implore you: GET YOUR READING ON!

And here's a sleeping baby

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. September 26th
• Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling.
• Little Bee by Chris Cleave. November 14th
• Still Alice by Lisa Genova. December 12th
• Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. February 13th
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. March 13th
• My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potek. April 17th
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. May 15th

Chillin'

 Nothing monumental going on with the Millers.  We've been having fun though.  On Friday we had home made Cafe Rio salads made by Micquel Swigert, and it was delicious!  Those Swigerts are pretty great too!

 Then on Saturday we had a branch opening social.  Lots of great food, and we met more new people.  I'm excited to be a part of this awesome group!

 Last night Theo had his first experience of trying to feed himself.  We tore up bits of tortilla, threw them on his tray, and let him at it.  It's tough trying to get those tricky little pieces into your mouth.  Pictured below is the baby's red chin from his fingernails scraping against it as he attempted to shove the tortilla down his gullet. Very cute!

Also, I got set apart as the new Relief Society secretary for the branch. I'm so excited because, call me crazy, I love clerical work.  I have plenty of work cut out for me, and I can't wait to get into it!

Ponds in Plantations

Today L. and A. joined us on another romp through the Cornell Plantations. Let me tell you, we are mighty women.  There were some intense hills that we were not anticipating, and pushing baby strollers is an extra workout.  But it is a sunshiny day, beautifully clear, and the ponds did not disappoint.  I can't believe I didn't take a picture of the lillie pads or the grand views, but I think we may just go again some day.

The bumpy roads were apparently very soothing for Theo, but A. kept it real by staying awake.And look how lucky I am to have two very cute babies in my car!

New Neighbors, and Close Parks

 

Our upstairs neighbors moved in last week, and they are great!  Apparently L. had dreams that she and her new neighbor would become best friends.  Well, I had that same dream, and it's on the path to becoming reality!  

They have a sweet little 6 month old girl, who is craaaaazy cute!  A. and Theo are a match made in heaven, although she is a bit more forward than him.  

L. invited me to go to the park with them yesterday.  We are lucky enough to have a very cool little park just a block up the street (straight up.  It's rather a steep hill).

We went and put the babies in the swings and chatted.  Then we all came back to our place and had some nice cold water.  

I think this is a start to a beautiful friendship!

Shrub Collection

 On Tuesday, we went to the Cornell Plantations.  More specifically, we went to the war memorial trail and the shrub collection.

 Of course, we had to find the perfect ensemble to sport (even though he didn't end up wearing half of it.  Can I help it that it looks cold and cloudy outside when it's actually hot and cloudy?)

 Once again, the baby loved being strapped to Daddy.

 Look how green and beautiful it is!  And this is in the middle of the town, people!

 So many beautiful flowers along the way.

 This is a sideways picture of stairs. Only the first few were stone, and the rest looked like...

 ...this.  The baby especially loved Daddy trying to dodge all the low-hanging branches.

 Can you believe all the different colors of green?

 I'm not sure if Corbin already knew how to do this, but I'm just going to say that I taught him how to whistle using an acorn cap.

 The following are awesome plant life from the shrub garden.

 These particular flowers were as big as my head!

 We had such a fun time, and can't wait to explore the rest of the Plantations!