Lately Levi has been very curious about masculine and feminine body parts. I knew this day would come, I just didn't think it would be quite this soon! We were browsing what is left at the Country Store a week ago and passed a dressmakers form. Levi points to it and says "boobs, dadda!" Yes, you have correctly identified a part of a woman's anatomy. Hooray.
Last night he found one of my dolls that I had tried to make an Arabian Costume for as a prop for one of my horses YEARS ago. He pulled off her clothes, pointed to her rear and said "bottom." Yes, Levi that is her bottom. Then he spins her waist around and points to her crotch and said "Momma, where'd penis go?" Er..... well Levi she doesn't have one because she is a girl. This is about the third time I can recall having this conversation with him. It always makes me think of the scene in Kindergarten Cop where the little boy stands up and announces "Boys have a penis and girls have a vagina!"
Heh heh. Such is life around here.
Matt and I made our pilgrimage to the dentist on Wednesday and it was good news for me (great teeth, have a nice day) and bad news for Matt (another six appointments for him in the next two month). Ouch! I hope Levi inherits my teeth! The dentist did give me quite the lecture on brushing Levi's teeth before bed every night and to do it thoroughly.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Weekend update
Haven't had much to report on lately.
Friday the blood draw went just fine. The glucose drink wasn't too bad, and the nurse was excellent, I hardly felt a thing. Had tacos afterwards with friends and enjoyed the evening!
Woke up on Saturday morning with a sore throat, so we stayed home from church. When I went in to get Levi up for the day he said "Sabbath School?" and I felt bad to tell him no, sorry, not today - it was too late anyway, almost 10 am! He had a rough couple of nights, waking up 3-4 times crying throughout, but we seem to be past that now.
Saturday, the only time we got out of the house was for the afternoon Share-a-Thon at Village Church, they had a guest speaker, Stuart Tyner, whom I knew from my years in Maryland long ago, and Matt's dad Jerry was singing in the men's choir. Levi did awesome for about 80% of the service, then he started getting loud so I had to take him out. After that we went home with headaches.
When he was eating Sunday he said "momma, help you..." which is his way of saying he would like some help. So I told him to say "please, momma, help me." He started getting the hang on it, and I am happy to report that he remembered this morning for breakfast and said "want help me" which is at least a step in the right direction.
Sunday was a lazy day. Matt and I did some organizing around the house and found some things to give away in the "Free pile" at work. Laundry, computer games, etc. I think the rest was helpful, as this morning I feel much better.
Friday the blood draw went just fine. The glucose drink wasn't too bad, and the nurse was excellent, I hardly felt a thing. Had tacos afterwards with friends and enjoyed the evening!
Woke up on Saturday morning with a sore throat, so we stayed home from church. When I went in to get Levi up for the day he said "Sabbath School?" and I felt bad to tell him no, sorry, not today - it was too late anyway, almost 10 am! He had a rough couple of nights, waking up 3-4 times crying throughout, but we seem to be past that now.
Saturday, the only time we got out of the house was for the afternoon Share-a-Thon at Village Church, they had a guest speaker, Stuart Tyner, whom I knew from my years in Maryland long ago, and Matt's dad Jerry was singing in the men's choir. Levi did awesome for about 80% of the service, then he started getting loud so I had to take him out. After that we went home with headaches.
When he was eating Sunday he said "momma, help you..." which is his way of saying he would like some help. So I told him to say "please, momma, help me." He started getting the hang on it, and I am happy to report that he remembered this morning for breakfast and said "want help me" which is at least a step in the right direction.
Sunday was a lazy day. Matt and I did some organizing around the house and found some things to give away in the "Free pile" at work. Laundry, computer games, etc. I think the rest was helpful, as this morning I feel much better.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Matt and Levi at home
I was in Levi's room putting stuff away, and he come in and brought Howdy Doody, saying "Howey duty." Then he points to his blanket and says "Night night blanket" and I told him he was right. Then, he grabbed a little red car that I found behind the microwave yesterday, and he says "Dada, Levi's mustache car." I looked at it, and realized it was a Mustang.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
New Recipe
Tried a new recipe tonight - it can be found here.
http://www.andreasrecipes.com/2009/02/17/spicy-red-lentil-and-tomato-soup/
FANTASTIC FLAVOR
I had to make a few adjustments based on the contents of my cupboard but it was really good. Levi had a couple bites but not his favorite thing. He filled up on pickled beets with me while the soup was simmering. :)
Looks like I am 28 weeks along today. Time for more bloodwork.... sigh.
http://www.andreasrecipes.com/2009/02/17/spicy-red-lentil-and-tomato-soup/
FANTASTIC FLAVOR
I had to make a few adjustments based on the contents of my cupboard but it was really good. Levi had a couple bites but not his favorite thing. He filled up on pickled beets with me while the soup was simmering. :)
Looks like I am 28 weeks along today. Time for more bloodwork.... sigh.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Itchy
Yesterday I was taking the dogs out, in the usual fashion. One at a time, on a leash. It was BeBe's turn so I called her over and as she came scampering to me, with twice as many footsteps as needed for a dog her size and stature (I swear she sounds like a heard of elephants, or at least a dog with eight legs, on our wood floor) she stopped mid-way and scratched herself on the stomach with her back foot. Seeing her hesitate there, I said "oh BeBe, are you itchy? Does the winter dry out your skin?" She finally got to me and while outside Levi sent himself on a mission.
When BeBe came back in, Levi comes running over saying "Here you go BeBe, cocoa butter!" I was amazed. Levi knows that we put cocoa butter on his skin to help it from being too "itchy" and now he put it together that fast and applied it to the dog. Not only that, but the cocoa butter is kept on top of the changing table, against the wall, so to get to it he had to pull out a box of diapers, stand on it, move the baby wipes and reach as far as he could to secure the cocoa butter tub in his little hands. I felt bad, not using it on her, after he went to all that effort. I told him he was very smart, and thank you for getting that for mama, but that Bebe would probably lick it off and get sick it we used it on her. He seemed to understand.
In other news, on Friday we got an envelope from the Disney movie club. Apparently there were temporary tattoos in there. When I came home from work Matt said to Levi "Show mama what a real man you are." I thought UH OH. Well Levi hikes up his pant leg and not realizing tattoos were even in the house, I saw the color on his leg and thought he had a nasty fall and gouged up his leg. What relief when I realized it was a tattoo! :) ha ha. "Look mama, tattoo!" he said proudly. Oh boy. He has been proudly sporting a Tinkerbelle tattoo on his leg all weekend, and from time to time will ask me "Where'd tattoo go?" I say "on your leg" and he says "Yeah."
When BeBe came back in, Levi comes running over saying "Here you go BeBe, cocoa butter!" I was amazed. Levi knows that we put cocoa butter on his skin to help it from being too "itchy" and now he put it together that fast and applied it to the dog. Not only that, but the cocoa butter is kept on top of the changing table, against the wall, so to get to it he had to pull out a box of diapers, stand on it, move the baby wipes and reach as far as he could to secure the cocoa butter tub in his little hands. I felt bad, not using it on her, after he went to all that effort. I told him he was very smart, and thank you for getting that for mama, but that Bebe would probably lick it off and get sick it we used it on her. He seemed to understand.
In other news, on Friday we got an envelope from the Disney movie club. Apparently there were temporary tattoos in there. When I came home from work Matt said to Levi "Show mama what a real man you are." I thought UH OH. Well Levi hikes up his pant leg and not realizing tattoos were even in the house, I saw the color on his leg and thought he had a nasty fall and gouged up his leg. What relief when I realized it was a tattoo! :) ha ha. "Look mama, tattoo!" he said proudly. Oh boy. He has been proudly sporting a Tinkerbelle tattoo on his leg all weekend, and from time to time will ask me "Where'd tattoo go?" I say "on your leg" and he says "Yeah."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentines Day
This morning we got up and went to Sabbath School and Church. Sabbath School was packed! Matt ran the soundboard today for church so he went to make sure everything was ready for that while I stayed with Levi in his class. He seemed to have a really good time and is doing better about coming back to his seat between activities. Church, I knew would be a challenge. I had packed some toys and snacks for Levi and we sat in a short pew by ourselves. I made the mistake last week of taking him out and going into the Cradle Roll II room to hang out during the service. Well he wanted to do that again so he tried misbehaving to see if that would work. Nope. After trying screaming once, and running away a couple times (only got away from me once, and then a 'stranger' caught him, quite off guard) he finally settled down and played quietly. Success! Well that exhausted me so we went home and ate some left overs, and we all took a nap!
For dinner I had heard about another church hosting "Valentines on the Mediterranean." My mom's cousin Debbie was acting in one of the skits so we thought that would be fun for the evening. The Youth Center Gymnasium where it was held was decorated really well with tulle and white lights and red hearts all over. Levi was thrilled, pointing out the "Crickets Lights!!" They had the tables decorated nicely as well with sugar hearts and chocolate kisses spread around with candles in the center.
We were the first to sit at a table for six, and were later joined by Rita and husband Bruce (from Mississippi), and Marjorie, and Debbie and Warren.
The menu was extensive and served to us in courses. First course was whole wheat pita bread with hummus. Second course was Lebanese Cabbage Salad and also Tubule (Lebanese Parsley Salad). The main course was Esau's Porridge (lentils), Brown Rice with toasted nuts and Spinach Pie. During all the courses there were skits happening on the stage. Along with Debbie I also knew another actress from work. I guess there was another item on the menu, Green Beans in Tomato Sauce, but they ran out of green beans before they got to our table so we sat and waited for our main course for a long time. Many tables were done eating theirs before we were even served. So that was unfortunate but the first couple of courses tied us over.
They offered childcare for kids under the age of 10, so Matt took Levi back to the kids room in the beginning and he found something to play with and was fine back there for awhile. Matt went back to check on him and Levi saw him and wanted to leave, so Matt brought him out to the table with us. He got unruly, so Matt took him back to the play room. After a short while I went back to check on him. Well I found him sitting in a teen's lap, just crying. They said "are you the mother?" When I said yes they seemed so relieved. They said he wasn't sure where his mom was and had got his finger caught in the door. Poor kid! I felt so bad! So he came back out to the table with me and I tried to keep him quietly entertained with some books and toys. When the food finally did show up, he enjoyed the pastry crust on the spinach pie and the toasted almonds on the rice. t the end they served Baklava, which I haven't had since high school. It was tasty but the honey was dripping all down my hands. Another great reason to always have baby wipes along!
After the dinner and entertainment we said our goodbyes to our fellow table occupiers and 'baby sister' wanted a chocolate cherry blizzard so we made our way over to Dairy Queen for a late night treat. Matt got Levi a soft serve cone and I will leave you with a photo of him enjoying part of that in his bowl. Yep, he shouldn't need any more sugar for a week!
For dinner I had heard about another church hosting "Valentines on the Mediterranean." My mom's cousin Debbie was acting in one of the skits so we thought that would be fun for the evening. The Youth Center Gymnasium where it was held was decorated really well with tulle and white lights and red hearts all over. Levi was thrilled, pointing out the "Crickets Lights!!" They had the tables decorated nicely as well with sugar hearts and chocolate kisses spread around with candles in the center.
We were the first to sit at a table for six, and were later joined by Rita and husband Bruce (from Mississippi), and Marjorie, and Debbie and Warren.
The menu was extensive and served to us in courses. First course was whole wheat pita bread with hummus. Second course was Lebanese Cabbage Salad and also Tubule (Lebanese Parsley Salad). The main course was Esau's Porridge (lentils), Brown Rice with toasted nuts and Spinach Pie. During all the courses there were skits happening on the stage. Along with Debbie I also knew another actress from work. I guess there was another item on the menu, Green Beans in Tomato Sauce, but they ran out of green beans before they got to our table so we sat and waited for our main course for a long time. Many tables were done eating theirs before we were even served. So that was unfortunate but the first couple of courses tied us over.
They offered childcare for kids under the age of 10, so Matt took Levi back to the kids room in the beginning and he found something to play with and was fine back there for awhile. Matt went back to check on him and Levi saw him and wanted to leave, so Matt brought him out to the table with us. He got unruly, so Matt took him back to the play room. After a short while I went back to check on him. Well I found him sitting in a teen's lap, just crying. They said "are you the mother?" When I said yes they seemed so relieved. They said he wasn't sure where his mom was and had got his finger caught in the door. Poor kid! I felt so bad! So he came back out to the table with me and I tried to keep him quietly entertained with some books and toys. When the food finally did show up, he enjoyed the pastry crust on the spinach pie and the toasted almonds on the rice. t the end they served Baklava, which I haven't had since high school. It was tasty but the honey was dripping all down my hands. Another great reason to always have baby wipes along!
After the dinner and entertainment we said our goodbyes to our fellow table occupiers and 'baby sister' wanted a chocolate cherry blizzard so we made our way over to Dairy Queen for a late night treat. Matt got Levi a soft serve cone and I will leave you with a photo of him enjoying part of that in his bowl. Yep, he shouldn't need any more sugar for a week!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Of grapefruit and reading
The other day Levi brought me a grapefruit and asked "What is that momma?" I told him it was a grapefruit. He said "Levi want eat grapefruit." I told him I didn't think he would like it but I would cut half of it for him to try. Well lo and behold the child loves grapefruit! Even so much as drinking the left over juices out of his bowl. He pretty much loves anything citrus now,
Last night I was playing computer games and Matt was playing motorcycle racing on his PS2 and we hear Levi saying something but it wasn't real clear. So we both turn around and look at him to try and figure it out. Well he repeated himself about three times and I finally caught on that he was saying "Levi frustrated!"
So I took him back in his room and we read about 10 books together, and one was on colors (which he is getting quite good at identifying) and two were on counting/numbers. He can point out to a number (numeral) and read it from 1-10. He can also count fairly accurately now to 10. Sometimes he gets confused by the 6 and 9 and will say "what is that?"
Another thing I was impressed with was that I have written his name in the front of many of his books. As we open up the book he will point it out and read L ... E .... V ... I. And I ask him "what does that spell?" and he will tell me "Levi!" So I am pleased with how is reading is progressing. He loves books, especially one about Clifford going to the firestation. He is learning that if you catch on fire you have to stop, drop and roll.
Every day he says something new that delights and/or amazes us. I wish I could remember all the little things he says to make me laugh. It is so fun to watch him grow up and figure things out.
Last night I was playing computer games and Matt was playing motorcycle racing on his PS2 and we hear Levi saying something but it wasn't real clear. So we both turn around and look at him to try and figure it out. Well he repeated himself about three times and I finally caught on that he was saying "Levi frustrated!"
So I took him back in his room and we read about 10 books together, and one was on colors (which he is getting quite good at identifying) and two were on counting/numbers. He can point out to a number (numeral) and read it from 1-10. He can also count fairly accurately now to 10. Sometimes he gets confused by the 6 and 9 and will say "what is that?"
Another thing I was impressed with was that I have written his name in the front of many of his books. As we open up the book he will point it out and read L ... E .... V ... I. And I ask him "what does that spell?" and he will tell me "Levi!" So I am pleased with how is reading is progressing. He loves books, especially one about Clifford going to the firestation. He is learning that if you catch on fire you have to stop, drop and roll.
Every day he says something new that delights and/or amazes us. I wish I could remember all the little things he says to make me laugh. It is so fun to watch him grow up and figure things out.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dr Appt.
I just realized that I had neglected to blog about my last doctor's appointment, which was last Wednesday. First thing they always do is weigh me. This time it was worse than last month - a 7 lb gain. This is getting really OLD! And discouraging! Just when I think I am doing well, BAM I get hit with reality. Dr Karmy is not worried about the gain, so that is nice I guess, to not get an additional lecture.
Levi was looking forward to hearing the heartbeat, but first he helped the nurse take my blood pressure. He listened to my heart through the stethoscope and had a very serious look on his face. The baby's heartbeat sounded great, but the nurse didn't give me a number this time. Levi said "heartbeat!" and then "Where'd heartbeat go?" when it was all over. "Want hear baby sisters heartbeat!" (He said that multiple times on the drive home.)
I measured where I was supposed to, and checked out fine.
I was given some paperwork to set up more blood tests and drink that stuff sometime in the next two weeks when I am closer to 28 weeks along. After that I get to start my fabulous ROGAM shots again. Lovely.
So all's well. Although I would really like to get this weight gain under control. I know it's normal to some degree but I am only a few pounds shy right now of where I was when I had Levi, so it is a little depressing, considering I have another three months to go. Not depressing enough, apparently, to deter me from eating triple chocolate ice cream a couple times a week. Ha!
Levi was looking forward to hearing the heartbeat, but first he helped the nurse take my blood pressure. He listened to my heart through the stethoscope and had a very serious look on his face. The baby's heartbeat sounded great, but the nurse didn't give me a number this time. Levi said "heartbeat!" and then "Where'd heartbeat go?" when it was all over. "Want hear baby sisters heartbeat!" (He said that multiple times on the drive home.)
I measured where I was supposed to, and checked out fine.
I was given some paperwork to set up more blood tests and drink that stuff sometime in the next two weeks when I am closer to 28 weeks along. After that I get to start my fabulous ROGAM shots again. Lovely.
So all's well. Although I would really like to get this weight gain under control. I know it's normal to some degree but I am only a few pounds shy right now of where I was when I had Levi, so it is a little depressing, considering I have another three months to go. Not depressing enough, apparently, to deter me from eating triple chocolate ice cream a couple times a week. Ha!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Conversations with a dog
Today Levi was down on the floor beside Matt, playing with his magnetic farm animal thing... as he's pushing buttons he's saying "How are you Bebe?" It's good to see you." "How are you Bebe." "How are you doing?" Matt found it quite hilarious. I wish I could have been there. :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Levi video
Matt had posted this to his facebook account but for the rest of you who haven't seen it, please do enjoy Matt's rendition of Levi dreaming of bubbles.
Lazy Sunday
"Cocoa butter, smooth delicious and creamy..." this is what Levi sings as Matt puts the cocoa butter on him to help with dry skin. I have better luck with bag balm but Matt hates the smell of it, and it doesn't have a neat little song to go along with it for Levi to sing.
Today we had vegeburgers for lunch. Levi had a good grip on his and had it up even with his head. He says "beep beep beep. What's happening? Burger going down," as he lowered the burger back onto his plate. I got such a kick out of it, he decided to continue with "beep beep beep, what's happening? Burger going up" and back up he raised his food. He really feeds off of our reactions.
He also likes to call the dogs. "C'mere Bon Bon" (for Bonnie) he will say. She eyes him and wonders what he is up to. Sometimes he wants to hug her or try and pick her up. Other times he tries to drag her around the house by the leg, so we have to keep an eye on that. Most of the time he is gentle and I am glad our dogs have all been good with him.
He is growing like a champ, I noticed today his older jammies are getting too small, time to retire them to the container.
Today we had vegeburgers for lunch. Levi had a good grip on his and had it up even with his head. He says "beep beep beep. What's happening? Burger going down," as he lowered the burger back onto his plate. I got such a kick out of it, he decided to continue with "beep beep beep, what's happening? Burger going up" and back up he raised his food. He really feeds off of our reactions.
He also likes to call the dogs. "C'mere Bon Bon" (for Bonnie) he will say. She eyes him and wonders what he is up to. Sometimes he wants to hug her or try and pick her up. Other times he tries to drag her around the house by the leg, so we have to keep an eye on that. Most of the time he is gentle and I am glad our dogs have all been good with him.
He is growing like a champ, I noticed today his older jammies are getting too small, time to retire them to the container.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Letters
Last night after Levi's bubble bath Matt was helping Levi to recite his numbers and then the alphabet. They got to the letter "r" and Levi said "pilot" and Matt didn't make the connection so he asked Levi if he could say "R" again, and again Levi said "pilot." And then Matt asked "pilot?" and Levi said "no" and then said "pi...lot" really slow and then he said "RRRRRR!" Then Matt and I both started laughing because we realized Levi had been trying so say PIRATE.
This morning I had to blow my nose. Levi came around to see what I was doing. He tells me "Good job mama!" Funny how he turns that phrase around on me.
He says a lot of funny little things now and I always mean to write them down and by the time I get to the computer I have forgotten! :(
This morning I had to blow my nose. Levi came around to see what I was doing. He tells me "Good job mama!" Funny how he turns that phrase around on me.
He says a lot of funny little things now and I always mean to write them down and by the time I get to the computer I have forgotten! :(
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Experience OMSI
Since yesterday it didn't work out for us to go to the zoo, or OMSI, we decided to go there this morning after breakfast. Mom made biscuits and gravy and we left the house about 10 am.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) is a pretty neat, educational place for families. I don't think I would have had quite as much fun without Levi to chase around and share the experiences with, most of the exhibits seem to be geared towards kids of a variety of ages.
When we entered we were excited to see that it was a $2 day - that means everyone only has to pay $2 to enter the main part of the museum (the submarine and IMAX and misc stuff was still extra). WAHOO! I was planning on having to pay $11 per adult so this was a super bonus. As you go through the gate they stamp your hand. Levi said "what is that?"
"OMSI has one of the largest displays of human fetuses open to the public. Examine the different stages of human fetal development during all nine months of pregnancy." Beginning the Journey was the first exhibit we looked at. In doing a search online to find out more about this particular exhibit, I stumbled across this guy's blog. Some interesting views and comments. I found it fascinating to see what my baby looks like at this stage (photo shown is the 26 wk female fetus). Matt found it slightly disturbing. Levi just looked at the babies and made little comments. One baby had its hand up to cover its eyes, the description for that baby said at that age babies are sensitive to light in the womb. Levi said "baby crying" and I said, no he is just covering his eyes from the bright light. I don't know how much of this he is getting at this age but we didn't spend a lot of time in there.
I was getting warm by then so decided to take everyone's coats back downstairs to a locker. Well I had to get change for the locker and then I put money in a locker that didn't have a key (DOH!) and then I put money in a locker with a key, but didn't turn the key at the right time and lost all my money. So I had to go back into the store for a refund and then a nice employee came out and helped me to be sure I could get it all locked up properly. Once that was done I headed back to the family. At that point Levi was running around having a fit about wanting to do nothing but look at the submarine outside through the window. So I asked him if he would like to go and see the animals. He said "yes" and nodded, so off we went.
First thing he spied was a ball python. The snake was awake and being quite active for a captive snake. Levi was hypnotized. Then he looked around and realized there were lots of aquariums with different things in them so around the room we went, checking them all out.
Matt and Levi said hello to the Geico Leopard Gecko too. There were also walking sticks, two varieties, one of which I had never seen before. Ugly things! There are two rats as well, a hairless and a rex, with a 24-hr rat cam on them. Check it out here. We also saw a bearded dragon (sleeping), some other snakes, a tarantula, and some giant frogs.
Once Levi tired of the Life Science Lab we moved on to the Science Playground, which is just for kids ages 0-6. He used a magnifying glass to look at butterflies, and moved aside some bark to peer into a large tree (kids go in it to store their acorns for winter like the squirrels do) 
They also had a large area in the center of the room that was full of sand and all kinds of sand toys - buckets, shovels, animals, funnels, tubs, etc. There was a little boardwalk-type entrance to it and some benches along the sides with high plexi-glass sides to keep sand from going where it shouldn't.
Levi was a little pensive at first to go in there by himself but he soon found some cool stuff to play with and then had fun filling up his bucket and dumping it out, until a boy gave up his funnel and then Levi really had fun with that. It was hard to get his attention to tell him it was time to move on to something else! He had such a great time in the sand.
After the sand area we took him over to the water area. They offer little boots and ponchos for the kids to stay somewhat dry in this area. There are boats and animals there for the kids to play with, and also some learning stuff against the wall about how to direct water where you want it. Levi was not as crazy about this area so he didn't spend as much time there.
We moved on to the 'food court' - a mini kitchen with fake foods, a cash register and even a puppet theatre. Levi ran around and found all the food and put it in the oven. He also found a pan and cooked some broccoli on the stove.
After that Matt showed him some pipes and balls and air that he could use to move the balls around and that was pretty neat too but also didn't keep his attention like the sand trap did.
At noon we decided to move on and check out what else OMSI had to offer. We found our way downstairs and over to Turbine Hall.
First up was the Gemini space capsule. Levi has been fascinated with space shuttles lately and brings me a book to read that includes satellites and rockets.
So we thought he would love this and want to sit it. Nope. Just wanted to look from the safety of dad's arms.
That's alright, there was so much more to see and do on this end. It was hard to miss the bottle rockets. You can control the amount of water and air going into a plastic bottle and then BLAST OFF! The bottle goes shooting up high in the air (it is contained within a metal cage so it always comes back down to the same spot). That was really neat to watch.
Then Levi discovered the foam blocks. They are color-coded to a map on the wall so you can build a bridge that will hold up. "Mama, help you" Levi said, so I went over and helped him build the bridge. Then Wes came over and showed Levi how strong it was, he was surprised really. Then he and Levi knocked it down. Then Levi wanted me to build it for him again. After I built it Levi would go and check out other nearby exhibits, but then would come back to this one. He loved it.
There were two neat containers of water - one had 'paddle-boats' which were build-it-yourself boats with rubber-bands. You put the band and paddle on and wind it up and then set it down in the water and watch it go. The other container was for sailboats, you attach the rudder and sail(s) and set it down at the one end where there is a constant air stream coming from the wall. A great way to learn about how different boats work.
Well as you can imagine by now Levi was getting pretty tired. He had only gotten one nap the past three days, and had some pretty late nights and early mornings. So we decided to call it a day. We headed back to Wes' place and saw a nice view of Mt. Hood. We talked about maybe going out to lunch at the Spaghetti Factory but by the time we got back to the house Levi was out like a light! So we packed up the car and headed back home.
In Boardman Matt decided to take a slight detour because he thought a train was coming. He drove out on this patch of dirt to get closer to the tracks. There was a sign up that said NO TRUCKS but since we were not a truck I guess he thought it wasn't trespassing. So we drive out there and Levi wants to see a train. Matt gets out and walks down to the tracks and looks both ways and there is nothing coming. So he gets back in and we turn around to head out. Well wouldn't you know here comes a police officer, pulling in to see what we are doing. Matt rolls down the window to talk to the guy. The whole time I was thinking he looked and sounded awfully familiar. Matt said "the kid wanted to see a train, and I was hoping to spot one here but there doesn't seem to be any."
The officer was really nice and told us they come through about every 20-30 minutes if we wanted to wait for one that would be ok. Then he went on to tell us other good spots for seeing trains and then offered to give us a guided tour on the "round-about way" back to the interstate to see if we couldn't find some. WHAT?! After talking to the cop for about 10 minutes Matt asks him if he lives in Tri-Cities. The cop said "yes, I do." And Matt says to him "Yeah, I think we bought a camp trailer from you." And the cop says "Yeah, that's right! How'd it work out for you?" Matt tells him that actually the whole front end was pretty water-damaged so we had sold it to his dad. Shane (the cop) said "Oh that's too bad. I had a friend who would have liked to buy the A/C unit off the top of it if I could have found you again."
So anyway off the cop goes and we follow him around Boardman on some back roads and he runs us right alongside a number of tracks and we saw some stray box cars, a yellow caboose and even the loading plant where we were really close to them from the road. Levi loved it. So did Matt.
We finally did make it home safe and sound about 6 pm.
I will have some more photos to add tomorrow to an earlier posting (from the park), but for now enjoy this.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) is a pretty neat, educational place for families. I don't think I would have had quite as much fun without Levi to chase around and share the experiences with, most of the exhibits seem to be geared towards kids of a variety of ages.
When we entered we were excited to see that it was a $2 day - that means everyone only has to pay $2 to enter the main part of the museum (the submarine and IMAX and misc stuff was still extra). WAHOO! I was planning on having to pay $11 per adult so this was a super bonus. As you go through the gate they stamp your hand. Levi said "what is that?"
"OMSI has one of the largest displays of human fetuses open to the public. Examine the different stages of human fetal development during all nine months of pregnancy." Beginning the Journey was the first exhibit we looked at. In doing a search online to find out more about this particular exhibit, I stumbled across this guy's blog. Some interesting views and comments. I found it fascinating to see what my baby looks like at this stage (photo shown is the 26 wk female fetus). Matt found it slightly disturbing. Levi just looked at the babies and made little comments. One baby had its hand up to cover its eyes, the description for that baby said at that age babies are sensitive to light in the womb. Levi said "baby crying" and I said, no he is just covering his eyes from the bright light. I don't know how much of this he is getting at this age but we didn't spend a lot of time in there.I was getting warm by then so decided to take everyone's coats back downstairs to a locker. Well I had to get change for the locker and then I put money in a locker that didn't have a key (DOH!) and then I put money in a locker with a key, but didn't turn the key at the right time and lost all my money. So I had to go back into the store for a refund and then a nice employee came out and helped me to be sure I could get it all locked up properly. Once that was done I headed back to the family. At that point Levi was running around having a fit about wanting to do nothing but look at the submarine outside through the window. So I asked him if he would like to go and see the animals. He said "yes" and nodded, so off we went.
First thing he spied was a ball python. The snake was awake and being quite active for a captive snake. Levi was hypnotized. Then he looked around and realized there were lots of aquariums with different things in them so around the room we went, checking them all out.
Matt and Levi said hello to the Geico Leopard Gecko too. There were also walking sticks, two varieties, one of which I had never seen before. Ugly things! There are two rats as well, a hairless and a rex, with a 24-hr rat cam on them. Check it out here. We also saw a bearded dragon (sleeping), some other snakes, a tarantula, and some giant frogs.
Once Levi tired of the Life Science Lab we moved on to the Science Playground, which is just for kids ages 0-6. He used a magnifying glass to look at butterflies, and moved aside some bark to peer into a large tree (kids go in it to store their acorns for winter like the squirrels do) 
They also had a large area in the center of the room that was full of sand and all kinds of sand toys - buckets, shovels, animals, funnels, tubs, etc. There was a little boardwalk-type entrance to it and some benches along the sides with high plexi-glass sides to keep sand from going where it shouldn't.
Levi was a little pensive at first to go in there by himself but he soon found some cool stuff to play with and then had fun filling up his bucket and dumping it out, until a boy gave up his funnel and then Levi really had fun with that. It was hard to get his attention to tell him it was time to move on to something else! He had such a great time in the sand.
After the sand area we took him over to the water area. They offer little boots and ponchos for the kids to stay somewhat dry in this area. There are boats and animals there for the kids to play with, and also some learning stuff against the wall about how to direct water where you want it. Levi was not as crazy about this area so he didn't spend as much time there.We moved on to the 'food court' - a mini kitchen with fake foods, a cash register and even a puppet theatre. Levi ran around and found all the food and put it in the oven. He also found a pan and cooked some broccoli on the stove.
After that Matt showed him some pipes and balls and air that he could use to move the balls around and that was pretty neat too but also didn't keep his attention like the sand trap did.
At noon we decided to move on and check out what else OMSI had to offer. We found our way downstairs and over to Turbine Hall.
First up was the Gemini space capsule. Levi has been fascinated with space shuttles lately and brings me a book to read that includes satellites and rockets.
So we thought he would love this and want to sit it. Nope. Just wanted to look from the safety of dad's arms.
That's alright, there was so much more to see and do on this end. It was hard to miss the bottle rockets. You can control the amount of water and air going into a plastic bottle and then BLAST OFF! The bottle goes shooting up high in the air (it is contained within a metal cage so it always comes back down to the same spot). That was really neat to watch.
Then Levi discovered the foam blocks. They are color-coded to a map on the wall so you can build a bridge that will hold up. "Mama, help you" Levi said, so I went over and helped him build the bridge. Then Wes came over and showed Levi how strong it was, he was surprised really. Then he and Levi knocked it down. Then Levi wanted me to build it for him again. After I built it Levi would go and check out other nearby exhibits, but then would come back to this one. He loved it.
There were two neat containers of water - one had 'paddle-boats' which were build-it-yourself boats with rubber-bands. You put the band and paddle on and wind it up and then set it down in the water and watch it go. The other container was for sailboats, you attach the rudder and sail(s) and set it down at the one end where there is a constant air stream coming from the wall. A great way to learn about how different boats work.
Well as you can imagine by now Levi was getting pretty tired. He had only gotten one nap the past three days, and had some pretty late nights and early mornings. So we decided to call it a day. We headed back to Wes' place and saw a nice view of Mt. Hood. We talked about maybe going out to lunch at the Spaghetti Factory but by the time we got back to the house Levi was out like a light! So we packed up the car and headed back home.
In Boardman Matt decided to take a slight detour because he thought a train was coming. He drove out on this patch of dirt to get closer to the tracks. There was a sign up that said NO TRUCKS but since we were not a truck I guess he thought it wasn't trespassing. So we drive out there and Levi wants to see a train. Matt gets out and walks down to the tracks and looks both ways and there is nothing coming. So he gets back in and we turn around to head out. Well wouldn't you know here comes a police officer, pulling in to see what we are doing. Matt rolls down the window to talk to the guy. The whole time I was thinking he looked and sounded awfully familiar. Matt said "the kid wanted to see a train, and I was hoping to spot one here but there doesn't seem to be any."
The officer was really nice and told us they come through about every 20-30 minutes if we wanted to wait for one that would be ok. Then he went on to tell us other good spots for seeing trains and then offered to give us a guided tour on the "round-about way" back to the interstate to see if we couldn't find some. WHAT?! After talking to the cop for about 10 minutes Matt asks him if he lives in Tri-Cities. The cop said "yes, I do." And Matt says to him "Yeah, I think we bought a camp trailer from you." And the cop says "Yeah, that's right! How'd it work out for you?" Matt tells him that actually the whole front end was pretty water-damaged so we had sold it to his dad. Shane (the cop) said "Oh that's too bad. I had a friend who would have liked to buy the A/C unit off the top of it if I could have found you again."
So anyway off the cop goes and we follow him around Boardman on some back roads and he runs us right alongside a number of tracks and we saw some stray box cars, a yellow caboose and even the loading plant where we were really close to them from the road. Levi loved it. So did Matt.
We finally did make it home safe and sound about 6 pm.
I will have some more photos to add tomorrow to an earlier posting (from the park), but for now enjoy this.
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