Today was the very unglamorous side of going to a film set.

Thankfully my little boys were content

they used sticks to pretend they were fishing at the film set

while Olivine took part in first acting scene (no we are not exploiting our child, we were helping out a friend making an independent film).

The scene they needed her for was a birth scene, so she was essentially a head in a blanket.

But we won’t complain about a few hundred bucks and the change of scnenery.

Plus, we were close enough to stop in for dinner at Joe’s aunt and uncle’s house.

It was a win, win!

 

Like any parent of a newborn, I am in complete disbelief that an entire month has succeeded in passing by.

I look at this face in complete wonder and awe.

We spent most of the day outside under big blue skies, next to the Pacific Ocean.

The boys climbed rocks

explored caves

learned how to carefully hold a baby sand crab

and watched their older cousin, Ian, get “Inked” by a sea hare, which Paul pointed out is just like what an octopus or a squid does (pronounced due, like do with an s).

Yes my library books are one week overdue, but this title is more so referring to the morning we spent with half of the Callis Clan.

These are friends from high school.

Who currently live ten minutes away and have three kids just like us.

Who also have been married almost ten years.

Who also are raising a family of five in a two bedroom place.

Who I had not sat down and talked with like this morning…for years. It was long overdue.

God would definitely be the primary factor in having our paths cross and this is one more blessing I can say I am grateful for.

Does this look like a boy who just had surgery?

I am amazed at his rapid recovery in just twenty-four hours.

We spent the morning outdoors enjoying chai lattes

and a little espresso (really Joe’s because toddlers are naturally caffeinated)

Baby sister is adjusting to life with boys, by showing she can sleep through most shenanigans

and manuevers in which Joe insists on photographing

or a whispering big brother who loves to talk to her while she eats.

We woke up at 5 am to get to the hospital by 6 am to check Henry in for surgery.

All of the doctors and nurses gave Henry’s bear the same treatment as Henry. The bear is wearing an id necklance like Henry had around his wrist. When he was put under they both wore masks.

One nurse even had a train whistle (his favorite) that she blew while heading into the operating room and people (even patients) waved to him.

Another nurse blew up a glove and drew on it…which had him smiling.

We were home by noon with a sleepy toddler in tow who survived with minimal crying. The stints have been put in each tear duct (the doctor said he definitely needed it) and the bleeding should stop in the next 24 hours (coming from his eyes and nose).

Thank you for your prayers. His recovery is going well so far. We have one brave little boy.

This is the nickname Paul has creatively given to Olivine.

There is clearly a love fest between these two.

A boy who can be goofy and weird (he gets this from his father) and then be very bossy to Henry (he gets this from me),

Instantly becomes the nurturing and gentle big brother who melts my heart.

We greeted the day with fresh squeezed orange juice.

Juicers are so convenient!

Then we headed over to see the awesome Silhouette Artist: Karl Johnson.

with some snuggling.

A friend made us mini quiches with soyrizo, heirloom tomatoes, and broccoli. Yum!

Two packages arrived today: from New York

and from San Francisco.

Henry has a new fox toy

and Paul has a new owl toy.

Meanwhile I am hoping to use these stickers

to help document our baby girl’s growth over the next year.

This little onesie with chickens was worn by Paul and Henry. Her first hand-me down.

Henry did such a good job at his pre-op appt. this morning (surgery is next week) that we bought a basket of blueberries at the farmer’s market (he ate the whole basket!).

His fever and cough have made naps a welcome relief.

This is Joe’s sleeping bag from when he was a kid.

Tonight Paul wanted to document his drawings of a bunny

and a sea slug.

The boys also gave Olivine a teddy bear and when she grabbed it, they couldn’t stop giggling.

When Henry goes to the Child Development Center and Paul goes to the Co-op there is morning chunk of time to spend holding Olivine close.

Taking her in the shower with me.

Passing her off to her father where she proceeds to relax and fly around the house.

Looking a lot like Paul- who had the notorious nickname “milk monster” with this same expression.