Pearson's Paternity Leave (so far)

As Pearson has mentioned, he is on paternity for a whole month. We have been having a lot of quality family time over the last week and a half. We have made countless trips to the beach, park, and wading pool; gone on many family runs; and have been enjoying each other's company (most of the time). We have also done some things out of the box, including starting to eat dinner every night as a family (it is the small things) and having a lot of first.

Yesterday, we took a trip to Remlinger Farm, which was a first of us and we had lots of first there. Along with having the obligatory farm animals, the farm has rides for kids. While there, Mae went on her first ever roller coaster, teacup ride, and pony ride. When she stepped on the roller coaster and was placed on the pony, my heart soared with such pride. I was so impressed she had the guts to do both. The pony was especially awesome because she tackled her fear of it (read post on Mayfair where she was terrified of it). Here are some photos from the last week and half (there are a lot of them).

Whit's First time at a farm.

Arriving on the farm.

Checking out the goats.

Riding the "teacups"

On the roller coaster. She is frozen in place.

Stepping off. Thankfully no tears.

One of them is all smiles. Although Mae didn't cry she was definitely not wanting to go on it again.

After the roller coaster ride, we went on the train. She thought it was going to make as much noise as the roller coaster and wanted to cling to Pearson the whole time.

On the canoes.

Much more her speed.

Whit, my little chick, enjoying looking at the chicks.

Getting her on the horse. (I was expecting to hear her say, "off.")

All set.

Success! (Pearson's face says it all).

Riding along.

Not wanting to get off.

Bought a peach from the farm and am enjoying it.

At the wading pool.

Mae showing us her pasta.

Where is Mae?

Family Dinner Time. (Note: the TV isn't normally on but Pearson wanted to watch the game)

Whit enjoying the dinner conversation.

not as easy as it looks

week 1 of paternity leave is in the books and, overall, it's been quite fun. we've gone to the beach, run, connected with grandma, and seen a few friends we haven't seen in some time.

this isn't all rainbows and unicorns. stated frankly, it's just damn tiring. I don't have any idea how my lovely wife does it every day with 2. every day this week, i've needed to go upstairs and get 10-15 mins of pearson time. no kids, no questions, just quiet time. yeah, not exactly killing it on the daddy front, but i'm ok with that, and it's definitely made me realize how badass my wife is as a mom.

hopefully in week 2 i'll gain my sea legs and not need "pearson time".

Every Thursday for a Year (Week 12)

Whitaker Ian Cummings - 11 Weeks Old

Blog Hijack

For the last few years, the name of this blog has been a bit of a misleading--it says "Pearson and Alison", but really it's been "Alison". She's been unbelievably consistent in writing about the comings and goings of her and the emerging Cummings brood known as Mae and Whitaker.

Well, for the next 4 weeks, I'm going to put the Pearson in this blog. During that time, I have the good fortune to be home on paternity leave, helping Alison wrangle the two little rascals and, with any luck, not get in the way of the daily routine. So expect me to jump in here and provide my perspective on life in the "great" Pacific Northwest.

I think the biggest question is this--how quicky will Alison be counting the days before I return to work. I give it until the end of this week. What about you?

Every Thursday for a Year - Week 11

Since I spend a lot of my day wiping up spitup/throwup, I thought the drool/spitup on the chin was appropriate for this week.

Whitaker Ian Cummings - 10 Weeks Old

Seafair Weekend

Our weekend was a perfect balance of busy and relaxing. We spent some time with great friends, including Pearson's from high school, enjoyed some great family moments and I got to enjoy alone time with both kids. Pearson and I also got a date night (thanks Grandma C.) on Sunday that included a trip to the casino to meet up with high school friends. It was also Seafair weekend in Seattle and although we didn't take advantage of any of the activities (parade, Blue Angel show, and hydroplane races), we headed to our favorite summer locale of Madison Park to watch the many boats and planes making their way to the activities. Here are the photos from the beach, where our good friends, Alyssa and Will met us.

Updates In Photos

Summer of 2011 has come in fits and starts. (Same as my posting to the blog). The weather has been pretty unimpressive and we have only gotten a couple of days over 80 degrees. We are taking it all in stride and still trying to enjoy the outdoors. I have been pretty neglectful in taking my camera out on excursions but here are some photos of what has been going on.

Whitkaer has just started at nine weeks being able to hit the toys under his play gym.

This pretty much describes one aspect of his personality - HAPPY!
Mae helping Pearson water the plants. We mow our lawn with a weed wacker so it only makes sense to water our plants with a trash can.

Loving getting sprayed by the hose.

Forward facing in the Baby Bjorn.

Saying goodbye to "Kani." The Imel/Tao family has moved to Salt Lake City. This was the last night we spent with them.

Enjoying one of Seattle's wading pools.

The shirt has a picture of Yoda on it and says, "Hungry I Am." I have joked that it should read, "Hungry I am NOT."

Cooking.

This was the day Mae and I made play doh.

Mae upset about something. We have been having LOTS of tears in this house recently.

Whitaker loving the double BOB. We have started running again and he loves going on runs.

AGAIN, one word to describe him, HAPPY!

TUMMY TIME!

We got the exosaucer back and Mae loves it, even though her legs are smooshed in it.

Growing.

Pure sweetness.