In which I got to spend time with my two favorite guys, my poppa and Jamers. My pops headed home for San Fransisco early this afternoon and I already miss him. It was so wonderful seeing him for the last four days. He helped us around the house and we talked about all sorts of things. Oddly enough he kept bringing up his mom and brother, both of which died when my dad was still pre-teen. In the past he has barely mentioned either of them, but this weekend we talked a great deal about his growing up on the "ranch" and his family. I really enjoyed hearing more about the people who I never got to meet and the bonding with my dad over family was terrific.

He bought us a cradle which we've discovered is something that is becoming less and less fashionable to own. I guess nowadays most mommies and daddies put their little gherkins in cribs right off the bat. We however, want to keep Xander in our bedroom with us for the first couple of months so a cradle was a necessity. He was just so great to have around and he has always been so mellow and relaxed that I didn't feel the need to take him out to a ton of places. Mostly we stayed around the house, although Saturday we drove out to the coast (Jamers and I had not done so yet). We went to Seaside, had a fantastic lunch, walked on the beach (OR has nothing on CA beaches) and walked the main drag of Seaside.

Seaside appears to be like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, without the rides, but spread out on main street. There were games, corn dog stands, candy & tourist traps galore, and ticket games where you redeem the tickets for crap. The best thing I got to say was the air. Jamers and I noticed the salty tang and the crisp freshness of the sea. It was as close to home as I think I could have asked for up here.

After Seaside we headed up and in to Astoria. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting there, but I felt disappointed at the visit nonetheless. Granted I imagine that the town is a seasonal place, much like Seaside, and the season is probably over. However, I would say about 50% of the storefronts down there were vacant and the waterfront was sorely lacking attractions to bring you in. A Monterey it was not though I can see the promise of a better future for it. I think given a turn in the economy and investors willing to put up the cash, Astoria could improve without having to compromise on the inherent natural beauty it has. I certainly think the opportunity is there for the little town to remain little and become prosperous without selling out to big commercial companies. Let's see in 10 years or so what has become of little Astoria. Seaside I don't see as ever changing, it seems pretty well together for what it is.

All in all the drive was nice. We took 26 out to the coast, followed 101 to Astoria and than returned via 30 and Cornelius Pass. It took a little longer coming back around the longways but it was a laid back day and the view driving through the little towns and hills was beautiful.

Everything else is running as well as can be expected. I haven't had the time to take care of many things that I need to do with pops visiting and all. Jamers has his good days and his bad. I think mostly he is sick of being at home and he is worrying about money. I told him not to worry as I'm the worrywart, especially when it comes to money. I'm not worried and he shouldn't be either. However, as with my mom, my dad told me to call him if we need help in money matters. I told him I appreciate the offer, and I'll keep it in mind, but the only way I would dare ask for it is if it meant losing the house and we are quite a long ways off from that thankfully.

The petlins are all doing okie dokie and as far as I can tell so is Xanderling. Jamers felt him kicking (or punching, or headbutting) for the first time on Thursday or Friday. It was an awesome moment and I can't wait for Alexander's movements to become more pronounced for others to feel as well.

He is the first kidlet to come into our SC/PDX group and I think all of us (at least the chickies) are all excited about his development and arrival. He'll be the little guinea pig of lovings and coddlings and punishments, etc. We are down to 16 scheduled weeks left of pregnancy and honestly I'm really looking forward to the next couple of months.

Anyways enough for now as I know most of you aren't that interested in the bambino. I hope you are all faring well. Toodlies.