Church

 
We finally made it to church! It took some doing, but once we were there Anneke slept like a...baby. It was fun showing her off. She made little creaky noises while she dozed in my arms.

Family Picnic

 
 
 
 

You know those nature documentaries where they show time-lapse films of the desert blooming after the rain? Well, that's what Portland feels like the first warm, sunny weekend of spring. Even though we know it will be cold and drizzly again (actually, because we know that) in a couple of days, we come out of our shelters, hop on our bikes, and play, play, play in the sun. Yeah, I know that's what folks the world over do when the weather takes a turn for the better, but in this climate we really appreciate a nice day. Yesterday everyone donned their tank tops and hopped on their bikes; sidewalks were crammed with happy people downing pints. And the Family Bleckmann had their first picnic on Mt. Tabor! Anneke promptly rolled over and fell asleep; she really does prefer to sleep on her side. Then we hiked up to the top and joined the throngs of reverent Portlanders for a memorable sunset.

Today we hopefully put on short sleeves again, only to be swiftly sent back in for layers by the 50-ish temperatures. Tomorrow the forecast calls for more rain.

More cuteness

 
 
 

Mostly I want to dress our baby up like a southern belle, but yesterday I dressed her up as a Southeast Portland baby, and oh my gosh, did she ham it up for the camera.

They look like they could be sisters!

On top, a mom at one month old, and below you know who at one month. Happy Birthday!

 

We have been considering getting some professional photos taken, but doing it yourself is so much easier to arrange!

Double date

 
 
 

The McMillers invited us along on a double date to Old Spaghetti Factory! Lest you think we've lost our hip, inner-Southeast edge, let me remind you that, well, we really didn't have one. And besides, we had these free dinner coupons B&A won at E's daycare! woo hoo! and who can turn down mizithra and brown butter pasta? A and I marched triumphantly up to the bar and ordered foofy drinks. I was unable to finish mine because I'm such a lightweight now. The guys both took trips to the changing table in the men's restroom. And A and I both busted out (heh heh, get it?) the hooter hiders so the babes could have their dinners, too. Both babies politely allowed moms to finish their meals. All-in-all it was a very successful, refreshing evening. Thanks for the invite, McMillers!

Baby wearing

 
 

Anneke and I finally got the hang of our Ergo baby carrier--it's like a hippie Baby Bjorn, basically, and the nice lady at the baby store up the street showed us how to use it. We are so happy now! We have walked up Hawthorne to get a bubble tea about four times now, and the first day mommy got to sip her drink and read a trashy magazine while baby slept happily on mom's chest. It's mom's new secret baby-calming weapon and much more satisfying than the bouncer and swing, although those are also powerful ammunition against the fussies.

Keggers with Kids

 
 

Anneke went to her first kegger on Saturday night! Sara and Drew had a joint birthday party. It was lovely--food from our favorite Lebanese restaurant and, yes, said keg. Actually, Anneke and mommy spent most of the time in the spare room nursing, but that turned out to be fun because, as you can see pictured here, everyone stopped by to chat, affording mom the opportunity to converse about everything from baby minutiae to (frankly) more interesting topics. Anneke was a champ until about 10:15, when she projectile-puked all over mom's dry-clean-only sweater and Drew's guest-room comforter. Fair enough, baby. Thanks for joining mom and dad for some Saturday night fun.