Monthly Archives: July 2011 Last week we were able to spend some time in K-Falls. We thought we would have Chris’ dad take some pictures of our family together, and Chris was able to take some cute individual pics as well. These pictures make me smile! Thanks to both of our families for a great time! July 31, 2011 - 7:16 pm
Too cute! I bet it’s nice for a photographer to have a photographer dad to take a few photos once in a while. July 31, 2011 - 10:07 pm
It is nice!! Haaa… and even better to have my adorable mother-in-law in the background doing funny things to make us laugh. July 31, 2011 - 10:29 pm
I was wondering who was so funny to get such awesome smiles out of ALL of you!! Great pictures! Sofia has your cheesball grin! And Gabe looks so much like Chris. Miriam just looks a little overwhelmed by it all. In a few pictures she looks like she’s thinking “My family is so crazy! What did a get myself into?” What a beautiful family. August 1, 2011 - 12:44 am
Your hair looks awesome! Did you just get it re-done? August 1, 2011 - 5:11 pm
Adrienne, August 1, 2011 - 7:59 pm
I LOVE this post! August 2, 2011 - 9:00 am
Looks like you blog header may need an update. I thought you would want to read on with a title like that. Before I tell you the story of the guy who yelled at me and my kids, first I want to make sure that you have all seen this little article that has been floating around the different social media sites. It talks... 17 comments July 29, 2011 - 9:19 am
I’ve never felt unwelcome with my kids, but did get some unwarranted flack on an airplane once. Grace was 3, and Liam was about 4 or 5 months old. We were flying to San Jose from PDX (about an hour and 20 minutes) and Grace was super stoked about getting a window seat. A woman comes aboard and points out that I read my ticket wrong and we do not have a window seat. I offer to move so she can have the window. She sighs heavily and says, “It doesn’t matter, I can see I won’t be getting any sleep anyway.” She ended up being able to move to the seat behind us, and my kids were AWESOME! Liam nursed and slept the whole flight and Grace was so entranced with the view and snacks she whispered! I was so hurt by this woman’s assumption that my kids would be disruptive. And seriously, a nap on a 10 am flight, really???? July 29, 2011 - 9:32 am
I agree that DINKS (dual-income -no-kids) couples and “childless by choice” couples are creating a problem. They put their emphasis on entertainment, personal enjoyment, luxery and other things that only cater to adults, instead of valuing patience, tolerance and understanding for young parents and children. Ya know, just their fellow humans! It’s sad how I see this shift in our culture. July 29, 2011 - 10:00 am
I was at a restaurant in Corvallis once. I had an 8 year old, 10 year old, 8 month old and 2 year old. All of whom were behaving very appropriately. Although the 2 year old was bouncing in her seat, she was quiet about it. When the food came, my 8 month old starting to squeal with delight. Another waiter came over to tell me to keep her quiet. I was sooo mad. I glared at him and said through gritted teeth “are you talking about that baby?!” He immediately apologized. I think I scared him, which I meant to. I mean my only choice to keep an 8 month old quiet is to leave. I took my food and my babies home to eat and left my husband with the older children. Is it bad that I so want to call the restaurant out on here? July 29, 2011 - 10:31 am
I agree with you Kara and I think it’s really sad. I keep seeing more and more of these kinds of stories in the media. July 29, 2011 - 11:36 am
Oooh, controversy! Fun post, Kara. I think it’s all about context. We are careful to take our kid to places where, if she squeals with delight or voices her impatience with the high chair, it will blend in with the background noise of the place. Think Block 15 or a patio table at Cloud 9. I’d never take her to a place like Del Alma or Luc until she was old enough to behave appropriately. I realize that some folks may disagree, and think that they should be able to take their kids anywhere they want. But, I have to admit that when we get a blessed few hours out by ourselves for a date, my husband and I cherish the quieter tones and relaxed feel of an “adult restaurant.” As with most things, I take the stance that there is a time and a place for everything. July 29, 2011 - 2:08 pm
I have a hard time dealing with people who assume that kids are going to be a problem just because they are kids. As with adults, there are well-behaved and not-so-well-behaved ones! I think the automatic assumptions are what bother me the most. That being said, I do agree with Amanda that there are some places that are just not appropriate to take young children. I tell my kids when they can’t go somewhere it’s something to look forward to when they get older. July 29, 2011 - 7:59 pm
Sunny, July 30, 2011 - 4:21 pm
Great article . Will definitely copy it to my website. July 31, 2011 - 8:40 am
I’m actually with the restaurants. I have a wonderfully sweet, calm, and delightful greyhound that is not allowed in most restaurants or stores, so we don’t take her there, even though WE know that she will be well-behaved. It’s a business. They get to make their own policies. As a 29 year old having her first child, my husband and I were “DINK”s for many years. If we went out to a restaurant for dinner, we wanted to enjoy our time together, NOT listen to someone else’s child throw a fit. That being said, if we chose to go to a family-style restaurant (like Applebees’s, etc), we would have expected children to be there. However, we did not. I think there SHOULD be places in this world where you can expect to go without being interrupted by others’ children. If my husband and I choose to go to a restaurant, etc, with our child, we will NOT go to those that are typically quieter, child-free places. We will go somewhere that children are common and welcome, so that when she acts like a child (which is of course to be expected!) it’s fine. I think it’s about remembering to have the same respect for other people’s choices (even if they’re different from your own) that you expect others to have for you. And besides, as a parent, isn’t it nice to know before-hand where your child is not wanted? July 31, 2011 - 11:12 am
Hey Michelle, July 31, 2011 - 11:59 am
Murphy’s. Definitely not upscale and has all the loud background noise too. I agree about not taking the kids to Del Alma or Luc. July 31, 2011 - 5:29 pm
I love this post. I pretty much got kicked out of OSU thrift because one of my kids was “holding” a toy. Not hurting it, just holding it waiting to buy it. It was over a year ago but I still get upset when I see that place. But on the more positive side, I was in Newport yesterday and I was alone with my kids in the bathroom, trying to hold two towels, a bag of beach toys, my purse and a cup of tea, all while trying to help Tessa get her pants down. This totally awesome lady said, “Don’t be silly, please let me hold your stuff, I am in no hurry.” So I let her help and it was SOOO nice at that moment to have a total stranger hold my stuff so I could hold Tessa above the gross toilet seat. I thanked her like ten times. I am going to do that for some mom I don’t know if I get the chance. July 31, 2011 - 10:08 pm
I’ve only been to osu thrift store with kids a few times, but I have found the ladies to be either really nice or really not…hmm.. must just depend on the person. I definitely wasn’t going to tell the guy off… I was freaked out. Yeah for that nice lady. For every rude person, there are a handful of kind people, and yes.. it definitely makes you want to do the same thing for someone else!! July 31, 2011 - 10:23 pm
Ryan and I were DINKs or OINKs for 13 years before having kids and I have to say that I got grumpy about kids in restaurants and movie theaters. I actually saw parents take a few 8 year olds to the Exorcist. Surprise, surprise, but the kids ran up and down the aisles the whole time (probably because they were terrified). As with everything, parenting has changed my perspective A LOT and I am now so much more patient. We were at Pastini’s today at 5:00 and I was feeling badly about ruining some hipsters’ first date, even though Seamus was being perfect. But then I noticed there were six tables in our section with kids under 2. I think it was “toddler hour.” July 31, 2011 - 10:23 pm
Interesting article. What next? Will we ship our elderly off to an ice flow to die? Come on. Kids are part of life and interacting with other human beings. I’m glad that you mentioned that pets aren’t people. I love pets. But they are not the same as children. However, there are a lot of people who take their pets places that I feel is not appropriate (for example, stores and banks) and they expect us to be tolerant of that. I’m guessing that a lot of people who want children banned from places would like to bring their pets instead. Totally backwards. That being said, I totally agree with other commenters that it’s not always appropriate to bring my children with me. It’s annoying when there are kids at places like a late movie (it’s past their bedtime anyways) or a family UNfriendly restaurant (why would you want to bring them there?), but I’m more annoyed with the parents lack of judgement to expect a small child to behave properly when they are in a developmentally inappropriate situations. There are some situations that I have to bring my children along and I’d appreciate any and all courtesy and understanding extended to me, by the business and other patrons. In general, people need to be more tolerant and sensitive and that goes both ways. I definitely would not give my business to a place that flat out bans children, but that’s because it doesn’t reflect my lifestyle. August 1, 2011 - 11:54 am
I agree, this is a best article.A successful blog needs unique, useful content that interests the readers August 3, 2011 - 2:48 pm
Great article . Will definitely copy it to my blog.Thanks.  Note the lovely twinkle in those eyes. If you have lived in Corvallis for a long time, there is a good chance that you know or have at least heard of the Rampton family (Sofia was delivered by Alice’s husband). Alice Rampton is an intelligent, beautiful, funny, and loving woman who has done so much... 7 comments July 27, 2011 - 8:27 am
Oh I love Alice! That was simply a joy to read. I feel like I could have written my own letter of how Alice has touched my life and been so very influential for me in the short time I have known her. What a lucky girl I am to have her as my Corvallis Mom. July 27, 2011 - 8:53 am
Love this! I don’t know Alice well but I know her husband and I figured he must have an amazing wife to support and allow him to do the amazing work he does! Yay Alice! July 27, 2011 - 9:09 am
This was such a treat to read Kara! Thanks for sharing! July 27, 2011 - 1:15 pm
What a great article about such a wonderful lady. I grew up around the corner from the Rampton’s and was friends with their children. Every time I entered their home I felt loved and a part of something fun and exciting. Alice is an amazing women and she and Mark raised some pretty spectacular children. Great post! July 27, 2011 - 11:31 pm
How come I wasn’t asked to write something? After all, I’m one of her kids too! At least, she and her big beautiful family have always made me feel that way. Alice and Mark took me in during a very dark period in my life. What impact that one act of charity has done for me! Alice has always made time for me, sat down, made full eye contact and given me her undivided attention. She never made me feel like she was too busy-and she could very well be the busiest woman I know. I am just one of I’m sure hundreds of stories. Alice is one of a kind, a beam of light for more than her own generation. Her influence was described above-and I’m telling you…there’s more, there’s way more. If we could all be a little more, and it would only have to be just a little bit more like this superb woman-by golly-the evil of the world wouldn’t stand a chance! Thank you for your hilarious sense of humor, immense love for others, over the top commitment to service and refreshing honesty. Indeed, Alice is the real deal. July 31, 2011 - 5:35 pm
What a beautiful post. I knew Dr.Rampton must have an spectacular wife and family. I have to admit, I got a little misty reading this. Really awe inspiring. I hope my kids say things like that about me when they are grown. August 4, 2011 - 9:01 am
I loved the pictures will all the kids trying to squirm loose lol. http://www.justonemore4us.blogspot.com  A cute little bell pepper. Our beans are coming on strong. Oh please don’t tell me it’s another year of a million green tomatoes. We need more sun to ripen those babies. A shot of part of the garden and the chicken coop. Look, we grew our very own cabbage patch doll. Don’t you just... 6 comments July 26, 2011 - 3:50 am
This is funny! My garden would say that I try very hard to be organized and have order, but that there are things in my life that I can’t control (my zucchini, squash, and melons are all just growing wild. I am not sure what the tomato rot says about me, but it sure if frustrating! July 26, 2011 - 8:37 am
What would you say about those of us who don’t garden? July 26, 2011 - 1:16 pm
Mine is pretty organized but way too full…I just want to cram in as much as I possibly can and get the most out of our small garden space. I have tomatos, carrots, green beans, cucumber, peas, and zucchini all in a 13 X 5 raised bed. Which does translate to real life for me…there’s so much good in life that I just want to experience/have it all (hobbies, fun outings/trips, etc.). Goes back to quality vs. quantity and finding the place where you have a maximum of each. Whoa, that was deep July 26, 2011 - 2:20 pm
I think my garden says “Can’t catch up with everything that needs done.” Because I didn’t plant anything this year. I have my chickens and the perennials that come back on their own. Raspberries, cherries, plums and grapes. I usually use the excuse that I just had a baby a few months ago but you have one too so I guess that doesn’t work lol. Maybe next year. July 26, 2011 - 2:21 pm
By the way the cabbage patch doll joke was very cute. July 26, 2011 - 4:52 pm
Emma,  Here I am carrying Miriam in the Beco last month at Meredith’s baby shower. Gabe enjoying the views from my back at the zoo when he was 10 months old. Today is the battle to decide which is the best baby carrier. I have heard several moms debate between which one to get, so I... 10 comments July 25, 2011 - 4:00 am
Thanks for this. I have been looking at the Ergo because they now come in cute Petunia Picklebottom patterns. I have also looked at the Boba, the kids look like they fit better in these from the pictures I’ve seen. Do you know anyone who has one of those? July 25, 2011 - 12:43 pm
I’ve never heard of the Boba, is it closer to a beco… because maybe it does sound familiar. I actually really like the bjorn until 5 months, when my babies are 20 pounds July 25, 2011 - 1:07 pm
I’m with you about being disgruntled with the gut hanging over the waist strap thing. I don’t think my stomach will ever be the same after having kids, but I’d rather not accentuate that fact. Overal, though, I am completely satisfied with my Ergo except for the fact that I was a cheapskate and bought a ridiculous bubble-gum pink one because it was on sale. Save $20 and be covered in pink paisleys? I’m not sure I’d make that decision again. July 25, 2011 - 1:43 pm
I LOVE my Beco!!! I’ve used it everyday with my little one for the last 2 years. One thing I didn’t see mentioned about the Beco is the one thing that happens to be my favorite feature…because of the way it is built (with a frame/fabric part inside) you can easily move a child from front to back or from person to person. This came in handy when our son was younger and slept in the Beco a lot. I could take him off me and put the Beco on my husband without taking the baby out! Also, and perhaps this is TMI, it is really easy to unbuckle the waist strap and use the bathroom without removing the little one One last thing about the Beco — I broke a buckle when I shut it in the car door and their customer service was fantastic! Sent me a new buckle in 2 days at no charge (even though it was my fault that it broke). I was very impressed. July 25, 2011 - 3:28 pm
Haaa… I’m sure that I would have bought whatever color/print was cheapest too. I would be cool with bubble gum pink, but not sure that Chris would sport that all over. Actually, he probably wouldn’t care since he wears the Beco with a pink print. Beka, July 25, 2011 - 4:07 pm
What worked for us was to start with the Moby (the Bjorn was just never comfortable for Ryan or me) and then move to the Ergo when he got too heavy. Moby then Ergo is my advice to any new mom. My friend Heidi said to me, “Carriers are like strollers, you think you will be able to find the ONE that works for everything, but you actually need 3. Get over it.” July 26, 2011 - 9:26 am
I Love my Moby wrap super comfy! When My baby’s are newborns I start with that. I have the baby insert for the ergo and like it not my favorite but it works. I find that sometimes it easier to use the ergo then the Moby especially if you have errands to run:). For me I tried using the born with my first and couldn’t use it for longer then 15 min before my back started hurting:(. Kara I am so with you on the fat hanging over the ergo definitely not the best look for me haha, but add that in conjunction with my sometimes crazy hair glassy eyes and smelling of spit up. Oh and the classic I forgot I have my soft star slippers on@_@. I really think that completes the look lol! July 26, 2011 - 2:40 pm
Per your recommendation 2 years ago…I got the ergo, then I got another one because I love it so much. I put all three of my kids in it (one at a time of course) there weights aren’t that big of a range but they all fall somewhere in the 23-36 pound range. I mostly use it on my back, except for when I want them to sleep. Yes I hate the belly fat thing too, but oh well it’s part of the deal. I’ve never tried the beco, but I don’t feel like I have a need to I’m pretty much 100% satisfied with my ergo. When my babies are infants I use the bjorn (and most recently the moby, while the weather’s cool) or I swaddle them in a blanket and plop them in the ergo – front carrying (I don’t have the infant insert but this seems to work just fine and they’re all nice and swaddled). We got our ergos for $45 and $50 on craigslist which is well worth the price for how much we use them. July 26, 2011 - 4:56 pm
Moby lovers, July 26, 2011 - 8:49 pm
I’ve never tried the Beco, but I LOVE my Ergo! I put Evan on my back as soon as it was safe and it is his favorite place to nap when not at home, although as soon as he wakes up he wants out! I used a Peanut Shell sling with Liam and Evan in the newborn stage and liked it alot. I was able to keep them swaddled up and carry them around, plus it is super easy to get on/off. I felt like the more horizontal position was nice for newborn sleep. I also used a Moby with Evan when he was really little. I liked the snuggle factor of the Moby, but it stretched out as I wore it. I was constantly having to retie it to feel like it was secure. Each stage seems to need it’s own carrier…thank goodness for hand-me-downs and generous gifters (thanks again girls)! |
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. It’s in her genes.
7 comments