Living without A/C

I want to take a minute to comment on a phenomenon that is very prevalent here and which, frankly, is one I do not understand. There are lots of wonderful things about living in this part of California...there is absolutely no humidity, no bugs (other than late-summer yellow jackets, apparently), super cool nights even in summer, and cool foggy mornings that are perfect for being outside.

However, virtually no houses here have central A/C. I understand, in theory, why it isn't needed. We don't have it, and I have gotten it down to a fine art how to maximize the coolness in our house. (i.e., windows cracked at night, open in the early morning, then closed and blinds drawn for most of the day until about 4pm when it starts to cool down again and I open the whole house up with all fans going max speed to cool it down.) It is rare that our house gets above 82 or 83 degrees even when it's really hot outside (we have had a few very awful miserable days, but only a few.) A nice breeze is usually moving through the house, and we spend a lot of the time with the back door and screen wide open so that Jack can go in and out.

Justin did get us a small portable A/C unit so that I can cool down Jack's room for naptime. This has been a lifesaver on those days when the temps have spiked, and we have plans for next summer to get another, bigger unit for the main part of the house. We've made compromises and most of the time it's comfortable. But I have a few questions / observations that I would like to make.

1. Why? I understand that it's comfortable here MOST of the time, and it's okay MOST of the time to exist without A/C. But why?? It's not that expensive to add it to a house (and our street, with our little rental house, is full of $1.2/$1.3 million houses that have NO A/C!!) Maybe it's cheaper to save on electric if you can never run your A/C? Better for the environment? Or maybe...

2. Have we become wimps?? I am sure people everywhere don't have A/C. I knew people in downtown Boston apartments that didn't. We looked at houses there with no A/C. Here, EVERY. SINGLE. HOUSE. we looked at had no A/C. We did have it in our (brand new) temporary apartment, and in all honesty, I didn't run it that much. I preferred to have the windows open. But I had the option, and I wonder if I am stifling myself (ha ha) because I know in the back of my head that I don't have the option to turn on the A/C. We wear less clothes now and Jack runs around in just a diaper most days, but no one really minds. Have we just become so accustomed to being able to adjust our surroundings by a few degrees here or there that I can't live without it?

3. And finally, while virtually no houses here have A/C, many public places don't either. I'd say at least 70 percent of the restaurants in the area that we have been to don't have it. Our local mall doesn't have it (they just always leave the doors open.) Target does, but they post signs all the time about how they are conserving energy and turning off the cooling, so I don't ever really feel like it's on. Is it a cultural thing? Area thing? California thing? Or a rest of the world thing that, growing up in the south, we were never exposed to? I stayed in plenty of places in Europe that didn't have A/C. My dorm at Oxford didn't. I think this is normal for everyone else, and I am struggling with the concept!

I should end this diatribe by stating that yes, we do have central heat, and that is apparently a huge necessity here in the winter...but I doubt I will feel the same. I am pretty sure I am still acclimated to very cold winters :)

Mowing the Lawn

Today Justin had to mow our grass, despite two straight months now of no rain (I have no idea how it's still growing!!) Of course Jack wanted to get in on the action. He made me find, then bring out, his play lawnmower so that he could follow Daddy around the yard. It was hilarious!!

I think he did more of getting in Daddy's way and less of actually helping, but oh well :)

"Daddy, COME BACK!"

"I do it!"

"Okay, yours may be bigger, but mine is just as good!"

And here's one from Happy Hollow that I forgot to upload earlier :)

A few new things about Jack: 

1. He now says "yesssss" very emphatically when you ask him a question. This might not sound like a big improvement, but it really is over his usual "yup" or "yea." It's funny because he loves saying the word so much that he enunciates it and draws it out into this very long word, which makes you think he's very excited when I ask him things like "would you like some water?" or "are you ready to go?"

2. He's really into Spot. He loooves the library books "Spot Says Goodnight," "Spot Goes to the Park," and "Spot's Baby Sister." They are lift-the-flap books and he knows every flap before you open the page - he really doesn't even need me there to read the book :)

3. We are learning new songs, like Patty Cake, Farmer in the Dell, and Old MacDonald (which Jack sings as "Old McDonald's!!") He is a very good singer and an even better dancer!

4. He's using full sentences, which usually means he's saying "I WANT _____." But it's fine with me, because he's starting to use proper grammar and verbage which is great!

Setting: This morning, 8am, our bed

Justin and I are laying there trying to be as quiet as possible and wondering why Jack is still asleep...but thanking our lucky stars.

Big garbage truck #1 rolls by. Nothing.

Big garbage truck #2 rolls by. Stirring.

Big garbage truck #3 rolls by. "MOMMY!!!" Dammit.

So I go in and get him and bring him in our bed. He's laying in the middle of us, and I ask him if he slept good and if he had any dreams.

"Mommy, monster in closet. I scared."

"Jack, there is no monster in your closet! You are a silly boy."

"Mommy, monster!" (Pointing.) "I need eardops!"

"Jack, I don't think you need any eardrops. Does your ear hurt?"

"Mommy, go get them!" (Justin dying laughing behind the covers.)

So I go get the eardrops, and put them in. Then...

"Jack, what do you want to do today? Daddy has to go to work."

"Dinosaurs!"

"Umm...I don't think we can see dinosaurs. What else would you like to do today?"

"Mommy, the monster needs eardrops. And a waffle."

Me to Justin: "These are the kind of ridiculous conversations that I have all day every day, and you wonder why I accost you the second you get home for some kind of mental stimulation???"

Justin, still dying laughing, gets out of bed to shower and says, "Good luck."

SIGH :)

Exploring Palo Alto

Today, we met Spencer, his mom, his grandma, and his cousins at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. Jack had never been here but I heard great things about it, so it was a good opportunity for exploring!

(Check it out here: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/csd/activities_and_recreation/attractions/junior_museum/default.asp)

Driving to it, we passed through this truly amazing neighborhood. It was everything quintessential California: tree-lined wide streets, craftsman-style houses that have all been updated, amazing landscaping, everything green...it was paradise! We pull up to the Museum and it was really a cool place. The kids had a great time playing with all of the hands-on exhibits inside, and looking at all the animals outside. The best part? It's free!! They asked for a $3 donation, but no lines, no entry fee, and best of all for Mommy with a kid who has been known to throw a tantrum or two, no gift shop!

Here are a few pictures from our morning:

Looking at the ducks and turtles in the pond!

His attempt at "cheese!"

As usual, couldn't pull him away from the ducks.

BIG BOA CONSTRICTOR!!!

Lazy bunnies. He told me "shhh! Night night."

Tarantula!!! EEEK!

Telling me he was scared of the spiders ... 

Jack and Spencer looking at the water bugs.

Spencer paying attention to me... Jack not so much.

Magnifying glass :)

"Mommy, this is awesome!"

Artwork time. See mine hanging behind me?

Turning the wheel to make the balls move. He LOVED this exhibit!!

Another part of the big ball machine.

Spencer checking his email.

Ferrets!! They were very lively.

Running to play in the park next door!

The coolest part (for me at least) was getting a little lost on the way home and driving past Facebook headquarters! If you've seen The Social Network, trust me, it looks exactly like the movie!!

Take a Break, Have a Laugh!

I have to share this! I am a sucker for funny pictures drawn on Paintshop. My friend Meredith sent me this link the other day and I about died laughing reading all of the archives. This is hilarious, so true in so many ways, and will give you a long laugh if you need it. :)

http://crappypictures.typepad.com/

Jack's Friend Spencer

We were lucky enough to make friends with one of Justin's coworkers' wives, Chrissy, and her son, Spencer. Jack is just a little younger than Spencer (by about six months) and they get along great. They have so much fun together! Today, we all went to the park for the morning, and then Chrissy was kind enough to watch the boys while I had a doctor's appointment. Here is a picture of them "holding hands" in the backseat of the car:

And here is a video of snacktime that Chrissy took while I was gone. What smart, well-behaved boys!! We are lucky to have friends close by :) 

My favorite part of this video is when she asks, "what are you eating?" and Jack opens his mouth wide to show her. HAHA. Funny little boy.

Daddy Dog

Today I did something with Jack that I vowed I would never, ever do, because it's overpriced and cheesy and he wouldn't appreciate it. Well, I had errands to run at the mall, and I had dragged him from dressing room to dressing room, and he had been so good...and then I saw that they were running a special - $20 for everything! Bear, outfit, shoes, and all the trimmings. Soooo... this is the story of how we acquired Daddy Dog :)

Jack went running into Build-A-Bear, dragging me over, saying "Mommy! Mommy, look! Firedogs!" And of course, one of the options was a Dalmatian dog. It was really soft and the saleslady was in love with Jack. He told her all about how he loves firetrucks, firemen, and firedogs. So she helped him pick out the "body" of his dog, and stuff it. He loved putting the little stuffed heart inside the dog and watching them sew him up.

Then he got to pick out the outfit. She tried to show him fireman's outfits, with little hats and jackets ... but no! Jack only wanted him to wear the Cars PJ's. It is really cute, with a shirt and little shorts and car slippers, which fall off every chance they get :) 

So he got his dog all dressed, and then she asked what he wanted to name him. Of course, I was not surprised at all when he yelled, "Daddy Dog!!!" And hence... Daddy Dog was born. :) Now, he goes with us everywhere. Jack was very concerned at the store that Daddy Dog was tired and already in his PJs but he didn't have a taggie. He loves the cardboard "house" he came in. Jack also wants to show Daddy Dog everything about our house....

I just couldn't resist this photo...when did he get so big??

First bringing Daddy Dog home...showing him "our yard" because
those are the "rules." (Jack's right! He has to stay in OUR YARD!)

Here is Daddy Dog's birth certificate.

Reading Daddy Dog a book before naptime.

"Over the road..."

Holding up the book for Daddy Dog to see.

Getting ready for our nap. Yay! Now Daddy Dog has a taggie :)

I am sure Daddy Dog will go on many more adventures with us!!

"There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments."

One of the things we looked forward to the most about living in California was the fact that despite the lack of rain in the summer, literally everything grows here. In our yard alone we have (growing naturally, with no help from us or anyone else): a lemon tree, a lime tree, a plum tree, an apple tree (or two), and an orange tree. We have already enjoyed most of this fruit fresh from the tree, although the apples still aren't really ripe, and it's been delicious! So we decided to plant our own little vegetable patch and see what happens.

Here it is this morning. Justin finished it late last night. The compost it's all planted in is free from the city of Cupertino (how cool?!) and we hope that we will get some sprouting vegetables soon! It is our own little organic garden :)

Lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, basil, and yellow squash.

Justin also planted lots of beautiful flowers to give our yard some color, as well as a lemon tree (big pot) and two blueberry plants (bottom smaller pots.) Can't wait for those! Jack loves blueberries!

This is our "pet" rabbit, one of many, that lives in the
bushes in our front yard! We hear them foraging around
early in the mornings. 

Beautiful flowers on our front stoop!

I love that my hubby has a green thumb!!

In other news, we have seen quite a few fish to the "porcelain express," as Justin calls it. They have died for various reasons, some we know and some we don't. We only have one of the original fish left (of course, it's the Koi...the one with a case of mistaken identity), and four of the striped danios. Several others died when Jack learned how to pull his step stool to its edge, put books on top of that, balance on it, open the fish food, and dump the whole container into the tank. (OOPS) Hopefully these stay healthy and live longer!!

And finally, I just wanted to brag about the shower curtain that I got at Bed Bath & Beyond for 20% off of $9.99 :) It matches perfectly and I love it! Everytime I look in this bathroom I get happy. :) 

I will post more soon as (hopefully) our vegetables sprout!!!

Imagination

We walked to the park in our neighborhood today, and Jack found this stuffed hamster (?) mouse (?). After asking a LOT of kids if they owned him, and Jack begging me "please take him home with us!", I slipped him in my pocket. (Shhh, don't tell.) Anyway, it was a hot, long walk back, and Jack was thirsty. But he was more concerned that his new pet, named "Daddy," got water first. See below :)

"Have some water, Daddy!"

Just making sure you get it...

In other news, the firetruck bedding that Gigi picked out for Jack came today! He loved it. He would barely let me put it on his bed, he was so excited!! :)

Commenting Issues

I have heard from several of you that you can't comment on our posts due to an error. I think I have fixed it; at least, I adjusted a bunch of security settings. Try again and let me know if you still have issues!!

In one ear and out the other...

At Jack's 2-year-old checkup, I discussed with Dr. Stein the possibility for a referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) for Jack because of his tube that is in the process of dislodging. Lately he's been really stuffy, pulling at his ears, snoring more than usual (you should *hear* Jack and Justin sleeping together, OMG!), and generally complaining of a sore throat and runny nose. So I called, they made the referral, and the ENT got me in today for a late afternoon appointment.

Poor Jack. He has swollen adenoids and tonsils, so the first order of business is to get those down and get the stuffiness under control. We are going to do a very elaborate (to me) process for two weeks, involving steam baths, epsom salt, blowing bubbles to get it into his sinuses, a saline spray to keep him moist, and a steroid spray to get all of his enlargements down. He will then go back in two weeks for another appointment to determine if he needs anything removed or if he needs tubes reinserted or removed. He does have both tubes IN, although one is on its way out, it IS still draining properly and he doesn't have any inflammation or infection behind his eardrums, which is a huge relief. Ear infections always mean that Jack is up all night in agonizing pain...and super intense antibiotics...so it's good that both tubes are still doing their job.

He went through Justin's (VERY LONG) history of ear / throat / mouth problems and asked me a whole lot of questions about Jack. He will also order his records from Dr. Kenealy who performed Jack's tube surgery in April 2010. Overall I am glad that it's being monitored and that he's in good hands! Although I am praying and hoping that we will escape any major illnesses this winter (because, well, winter here is much milder than winter in New England!), it's very good to have someone to call should we find ourselves in the same position again.

A few funny notes:

• The doctor was looking in Jack's ears, mouth, and finally nose with the lighted microscope thingy and when he put it in Jack's (swollen, sensitive) nose, Jack yelled "HAIR IN NOSE! HAIR IN NOSE!!! GET IT OUT!!" We both died laughing :)
• They have a Thomas the Train set in the lobby. Jack was in heaven. 
• How come both Jack and I are always in the "one percent of people that xyz thing happens to"??? I told him how Jack was one of the very few kids who got chicken pox from the vaccine. Just last week I was telling my new OBGYN how I was one of the few people who conceived immediately after the HSG (infertility) test. We are medical marvels, I tell you!!! Should I be proud of that, hmmm. Probably not.

Enjoy!

I thought the blog needed a little updating. Hope you like it!!

Our Weekend

We were pretty lazy this weekend, staying in our PJ's until about 3:00 on Saturday (YAY!) and doing things around the house like organizing the garage and mowing the lawn (Daddy) and washing every linen we own (Mommy.) 

Here are some snapshots for you! Hugs and kisses...

A few side notes:

• Justin can park his new car in the garage now :)
• I was just putting Jack to bed and I told him I would put on the Dinosaur Train DVD for him to watch. He comes running (!) down the hall yelling "ALL RIDE ... DINOSAUR TRAIN. ALL RIDE!!!! DINOSAUR TRAIN!" (Here's the song if you are wondering, because he did a perfect rendition.)
• He now says multiple complete sentences, such as: "I got a boo-boo. Kiss and make it better." ...and he enjoys wearing bandaids for any occasion :)
• He gives a running commentary on anything we are doing. This morning we had a wonderfully relaxing family breakfast out at our neighborhood place that we just found, Hobees. MMM, so good. Jack ate three huge wheat pancakes all by himself, and then we got smoothies at Java Juice for dessert. They gave him his own little cup, with part of my smoothie, then we walked over to the duck park to eat them. Jack constantly told us: "Little one! Jack's cup. Eat it. My own. Daddy's too tall. Daddy's new car. Jack's seat. Mommy sit. Mommy walk. My walk!" He's like a little parrot and I love it!!!

Happy Hollow Fridays

It has turned into a tradition, for at least the past few weeks Jack and I have been alone with no plans on Fridays, to go to Happy Hollow. It's a great way to waste the morning while Daddy is at work, get really worn out and take a long nap, and then relax for the afternoon before starting our weekend. I like to get there right as they open the gates, at 10am, to be the first in line for all his favorite rides before the big groups of school kids arrive.

This morning we got up a little early so I took him out to breakfast at a local pancake house. He ate TEN (1-0!!!) dollar pancakes and then said "all done! Animal time!" I guess he had to stock up his energy for lots of running and playing :)

ALL OF THEM!! ALL GONE! :)

 We arrived at Happy Hollow for another beautiful day! Jack did lots of his favorite fun things, including...

On top of the climbing rocks.

Tried for a Mommy-and-Me shot, eeek.

Ladybug ride!!

I will actually wear my Thomas sunglasses for more than 3.5 seconds now :)

My favorite, the big turtle!

"TUNNEL!!!" Looking at the bears.

Another tunnel.

More climbing!

Riding a horse. Wasn't quite sure about this one.

And randomly, I thought I would post a video from the other night of Jack pretending to be animals. He thinks it's really funny and it's pretty darn cute :)