Clarence treated Jo and me to a Welcome and Birthday lunch yesterday at Go Poke (gopokeseattle.com) in the International District (the ID). It was great! I love this place; think live edge wood tables, an Aloha spirit and super fresh delicious fish. It’s definitely worth checking out if you can get yourself into the ID… perhaps by Link light rail?!? Clarence introduced us both to some of the best poke in town, outside of Wallingford. Jo tasted octopus. Lake had his luncheon and we had ours. 

Then Mummy said goodbye to the festive midday party and went in to work at the Pioneer Square Clinic for the afternoon. 

And Clarence graciously carried him back up the hill to the Harborview UW Tower shuttle for Jo to take him home. 

Swell! What a perfect (mid)day! I’m glad I spent it with you!

This morning I had a few extra minutes so I did something my dental team wants me to do every morning. I brushed my teeth before running out of the house. But since Jo was not officially “on duty” yet and Lake’s decibel level inversely correlated with how close he was to me this morning, I was holding him. When I started the electric toothbrush, it revealed itself that it was a new experience for Lake. So I’m holding him on my hip with one arm, brushing my teeth with the Sonicare with the other. (Something I’m sure I’ll be doing more and more of soon.) His eyes immediately go full round. He’s so intently interested in this new sensory phenomenon. Mummy brushing her teeth and it buzzes, vibrating ultrasonically. Wow! He’s thinking: this is really something! Super sonic! He didn’t make a noise or move the whole time. I could practically feel new neurons synapse and his brain creating new neural pathways right in front of my eyes. I really should be brushing my teeth more regularly. And taking my fish oil. 

Last night Nana pulled an all nighter. Yesterday we had an unfurnished apartment thinking of selling; today we have a furnished apartment ready for letting. Grandpa got out of bed to babysit over coffee this morning. Plus installed lights where there were none, light switches where there were none, secured an insecure circuit, consulted with experts on our behalf. There are doors where there were only drafts. There are covered outlets and locked cabinets where previously there were only seriously dangerous baby traps. 

This is the kind of guardian angel grandparents Lake has. The kind of guardian angel parents Michael and I have. That we are blessed with. 

Have a safe journey home today in the rainy trafficky weather. We appreciated having you here these past ten days more than words can say. We are so glad we have a dry ground floor apartment to host you in. Come again soon! Cozy Base Camp beckons!

As the Irish blessing goes:

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warmly upon your face, and the rains fall softly upon your fields. 

Thank you for blessing up and watching over Lake and our family. 

This morning marks my first official day going to work without my Bébé. I’m 

• Eating instead of feeding 
• Running instead of walking 
• Relaxed instead of gushing with emotion 

Who do I share the pretty views with? I miss his curious alert blue eyes. His charming smile, his affable character, and the way wherever he goes, he leaves friends in his wake. 

He’s home with a good crew: Daddy, Jo, Nana, and Grandpa. Most of the crew will be involved in bringing Lake to me at lunchtime for our midday meal and cozy bonding time (which, turns out, our rendezvous worked out well).

All reports are positive of our new family dynamic. Michael reportedly heard Jo changing Lake’s nappy this morning while talking to him in German. This warms my heart to have German being spoken in the home again. Nana and Grandpa reported Jo was great with Lake, very patient. That’s reassuring and refreshing! And when I arrived to have lunch with Lake he was happily smiling from his perch in the Baby Björn. Jo navigates that carrier like a seasoned professional. She took him for a walk around Greenlake this morning before it started to rain. Good times! 

Yesterday morning Mr. Cat darted outside into the frost blanketed world that is our backyard. Yes, we now have a backyard and he knows about it. So far the icy weather has not cooled his enthusiasm for making a break for it at any opportunity. Mr. Cat must be part Polar bear. Intrepid Polar Cat. 

[imagine the photo; he was too sneaky and too fast]

Not Mr. Silky. He’s a sun seeker. 

And more like a beached seal. Though he’s offended at my comparison. 

Lake is cozily enjoying his arctic feline friends. 

The kitties stayed home marooned on their bed “iceberg”. We went out for an afternoon adventure: our first walk to and around Greenlake since moving to our new location. We walked down to and around a frozen Greenlake with Nana and Grandpa! Frozen like the arctic sea ice… Grandpa kept Nana from skating out onto the ice with Lake. Grandpa is Lake’s lifeguard… quite literally!

We had a great welcome party Thursday evening. Also to celebrate mummy’s birthday. Thank you all for making it a birthday to remember! I laugh and say that having an au pair join our household and especially one as accomplished as Jo is the best birthday gift I could ask for.

Auntie Margo and cousin Laura invited us out for a crisp walk in the sunshine today. Lake, Jo, and my parents discovered Discovery Park for the first time. We thought we would take in some views. It was gorgeous, and indeed refreshing! Lake and I were especially enjoying our cousin time…

You know you are getting old when your birthday mostly means the dreaded mad rush for finishing your annual continuing education credit hours. Before your deadline which is always on your birthday. Each year I say next year, I’ll do a few hours a month. And I’ll submit my federal taxes in January. Hasn’t happened yet. 

At first glance it’s an unremarkable birthday; not one of the big O’s , just waking up trying to squeeze in a shower, making coffee, going in to work. 

When I pause for a moment of reflection, though, birthday blessings abound. In small and big ways today is really special. I’m so blessed with life and love. 

First thing in the morning my husband texts me… 

is my ring in the sheets ? It’s not on and it’s the only place I can think it might be. 

He’s left the house early to go in to work the early shift. It is, and seeing it there and knowing there’s a person on the other side of it fills my soul with warmth. 

There’s wisdom in getting older… the present moment speaks if you’re there to listen. 

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We are thrilled that this week brings us Jo! She is currently en route from Germany and will arrive in Seattle this evening. She spent the past few days getting oriented to the States and exploring New York. Her photos she’s allowing me to share here convey a feeling of energy and excitement that I think we are all feeling in the anticipation of her arrival. We are looking forward to welcoming her!



Brrr. It’s cold out there! While Portland and Spokane are getting buried in snow we are having our share of cold wintery weather. Full moon over Seattle tonight. Crisp. Clear. Beautiful…  A handsome introduction to Lake’s hometown. Cozy room with a soft bed awaits, Jo. We hope you feel right at home.