Keep Portland Weird?

Ah Portland, the city of bridges, roses, micro brews and coffee! We drank more Stumptown this week than we have all year! I sure did love all the cherry blossoms, tulips, wisteria, and the early buds of magnolia in beautiful bloom.

We also had to hit one of the new crazes: "kid friendly micro brew." We hit Lompoc's 5th Quadrant and Hopworks Urban Brew. These were both great places to catch up with old friends and family (I didn't say OLD family!) Although Aaron Chew's backyard was where it was really at. Check out his ultra-novel stainless steel washing drum fire pit.

OK, so the whole Portland trip was a whirlwind. We always have too many people to see and too little time. At least Shea had some quality time with the grandparents. He got to experience Mimi's groovy Dachshund rescue house and meet Grandpa Gary. Auntie Alissa announced that Shea will have a cousin soon - maybe even on Halloween! And Uncle Chris said "Ciao" on his way to settle in Italy - a true dream come true for him. Shea's already looking into a passport to visit him next year.

Grandma & Grandpa Coe showed him Duke, the curious dog that wanted Shea's eco-giraffe teether toy we got from the hip Eco-Baby Gear. (Now Roma covets the giraffe also). Shea also met cousins Ashley, Hunter and Parker. I'm not sure if they are true cousins but in Hawaii, EVERYONE is a cousin.

Shea experienced COLD for the first time in his life. He was freezing at Multnomah Falls when he awoke wide blue-eyed, red nosed and shivered. If Shea talked it was "Where's my Hawaii sun? This cold rain reminds me of when my dad accidently sprayed me with the cold nozzle in the bath once, brrrr."

The beach at Manzanita was also cold, but we were prepared by now. We walked on the sand for about 10 minutes when we both realized that we had WAY better beaches at home, and didn't really need to visit this one anymore. We can't take off our shoes, we can't even wear our bathing suits or slippers here, and we had to look for rain jackets. No thanks! I could appreciate the great new knitting store T-Spot in Manzanita - but not much knitting goin' on here in Kahaluu, unless I learn to knit a bikini. We loved seeing Joe a.k.a. Tower and Sheri and eating at Wanda's, the BEST eggs benedict ever?

Steve and I also came to reality about being parents with a kid. We made plans to meet our great old friends Janan & Levi at a bar - when the rude awakening hit - we have a kid and cannot go into a bar with a kid. But, we regrouped at The Farm Cafe, YUMMY razor clams and rhubarb crisp.

Overall, Portland is weirder than we remember. More blue hair, piercings, tattoos, and eco- friendly baby stores than ever before. Its where you get dirty looks from NOT having your own bag. Gotta Love it.

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A Contagious Laugh

Wow, Shea really does change on a weekly basis. To witness human development before your eyes is truly a miracle! We were just in Portland, OR last week visiting the grandparents, and he was learning that smiles earn him lots of brownie points - seeing his adult relatives make the funniest faces back at him. I can't think of an easier way to get adults to make funny looking faces - just watch them talking to a baby!

But, this week has by far taken the cake for "the cutest thing" yet. Steve learned how to make Shea giggle. At first, it was just a few chuckles when Steve would munch in his neck or his ear. But today, he actually belly laughed for almost a minute and Steve was just lightly tickling him. His spirit is so joyful and lighthearted, we both just want to spend every minute with him! Even though I get a little sad and jealous driving off for work in the morning, I know Shea is spending his days with the best person possible - his Dad! This is the sound of a baby's first real laugh, such an honest and true emotion! It's a pleasure to be able to catch it on film and be able to share it with his family that loves him from across the Pacific.

Enjoy you mainlanders!

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