is it summer yet?

i dont recall seeing as many mushrooms as i have recently until later in the season but they are interesting just the same. eliot showed me this one he found in the yard. we have had lots of talks about how they are not for little boys etc..so, it took me aback when he came over and showed me one he had freshly picked. he was repeating my words of wisdom the whole time so at least it stuck a little bit, just not enough to overpower toddler impulse.

start with a haircut...

i need to start with the haircut. kevin was much more prompt about posting this on his blog but i had to add it here too, so cute. we went to 'ben the barber' in town. it is a small shop with one seat and a hip young barber. you have to wait your turn, he doesnt take any appointments. we arived early with one person ahead of us. eliot watched as he got his hair cut while staying very safely in my lap. when it was his turn he very bravely sat in the booster seat and held my hand through the whole thing (i did take a few pictures though). he had a very serious face on but didnt move a muscle. for the $8 it cost us i am definitely doing this again! no more mama haircuts for this little guy. the best part was the lollipop he got at the end. he talked about that for a long time.

gratuitous cuteness and he has ears!

a sunny day several weeks ago at my mothers house i dug out the 'tub' and he had a fun nude dude afternoon. we have been lucky to have sun the past two days, too. everyone is talking about it and it seems southern maine is getting their inner solar batteries recharged.


other updates include the headaches getting marginally better. im going to start adding in some eliminated foods soon to see what happens.

i am busily identifying plants for some foraging adventures. the few that i am interested in that are easily identify include: rose hips, wild chamomile, cat tails, clovers and honeysuckle berries with maybe a crab apple if i can find one. i feel a little weird collecting things in public spaces but i suppose it's fair game unless otherwise posted.

cheese withdrawl

i think i should rename this blog cheese withdrawal. i started a diet, about the time i stopped blogging the last time, to try and alleviate headaches. i get them a lot. they are not always bad but generally pretty annoying and after having one for 3 weeks strait i decided enough was enough and it was time to try something a little more proactive. so basically it is an elimination diet including cheese, nuts, sulfates and other headache trigger foods. so far it seems to be helping at least to minimize duration and frequency. i have a way to go before i start adding things back in. i do miss my old friend brie...

we just had a lovely visit to cape cod to visit with kevins family. here are some highlights. there were so many fun pictures, i posted a lot, but hopefully more will appear either here or on kevins blog.

eliots first lobster all to himself! thanks grandpa! he ate the whole thing.

the gardella boys at at the beach after building a fire. eliot had his first toasted marshmellows and campfire hot dogs. it was a really fun evening watching the sunset and relaxing.
some kite flying was enjoyed.
i love that time of day when everything starts to turn orangeish pink. so easy to take nice pictures.

we visited the heritage plantation while the rhododendrons were peaking down on the cape. it was the most opulent display of blooms i have ever seen. it was very unique, we will definitely have to make it a yearly trip.

visiting uncle tim on the roof deck in 'bostam' as eliot calls boston.

dr. eliot. i have a picture of myself doing the same thing with a toy stethoscope when i was his age. i will have to dig it up for belly comparisons.

the fam. boy does that kid need a barber! i dont realize how crooked i cut his hair until i see it in pictures.

and i have recently become rather obsessed with plant/tree identification.

easter etc..

i finally put the pictures together from out date night the other night. i am surprised it came out at all, and i wish i had done a full 360 but hey at least i got something.

easter was a lot of fun! i put an m&m in each of eliot's little eggs and made him a little bunny. he was thrilled! i was so happy that he liked the bunny i made. he wanted me to sing it a song, that is usually a good indicator that he likes something. ill get a good picture and post it.

we spend the biggest part of the day with 'regular' grandma and great grandma at grandmas house. he had a 2nd basket full of cars and cranberries and couldnt have been happier. and the aftermath of the afternoon follows...

jump!

*my brother found a link (click here) to the house with some pictures. i would love a tour!*

jumping, a new favorite pass time. jumping into a new season, new routines and growing up. we have been working out our new walking routes since we have moved. eliot seems to be keeping track of all of the good jumping and balancing spots.


this house is right along the western promenade along our walk. for sale! and you cant see the guest house off to the left. i was trying to figure out the assessed value but i couldn't find anything over a mil so i must have the wrong address. it is sort of odd seeing a for sale sign in front of a house like this.

little alaska farm

We took a drive up to Little Alaska Farm in Wales, Maine to buy some grass fed beef, pork and chicken. It was mud heaven for Eliot as he chased some unusual looking ducks and peered into the hen house. I had a wonderful chat with the owner and butcher and I look forward to visiting again in a few weeks when our stash is eaten up.

I have been trying to find a CSA that Kevin and I can agree on, too. I would like to give it a shot but he has a lot of reservations. If anyone wants to split a share let me know!

Kevin and I went to see David Sedaris read last night as a belated Christmas present from me to him. He is hilarious. I highly recommend "Me Talk Pretty One Day", you will laugh out loud guaranteed.

these boots etc...

some new boots.

a visitor from upstairs.

bath time in the new bathroom.

first veggies on the new (yay) stove.