Deep in the Heart.

If you are a regular reader of this blog (all 3 of you) you probably wouldn't be surprised to hear I love Oregon. However, despite my love for my home state I am thankful for the 2 brief years we lived in Texas.

Texas is a pretty bada** state. It's one of the only states you can recognize from it's outline. There's also Florida and California. Maybe Alaska and Hawaii- it's the only island. I guess also Louisiana because it's shaped like an L but all those states could fit inside Texas (besides Alaska of course but put the people of Alaska in a battle against the people of Texas and I guarantee the Texas people will win every time).

Jordan and I at the Alamo

Nate and I definitely lived deep in the heart of Texas and while I love Oregon (in case you forgot) there is no place I would choose over Texas for second place. Nate and I wanted an experience as far from Oregon as we could find and I think we found it in Texas (it was a little like living in Mexico if you're curious). I am thankful that Nate and I had those two years to live on our own. We relied only on each other. We made new friends (with the help of a little something I like to call the internets). I for one become much more outgoing and independent.

The Texas friends

Though we are no longer "doing it Texas style" (though we did do it Texas style and got a Texas baby out of it) I will forever be thankful for those two years. Nate, Cooper and I (and Ben) will never be the same! You can take the Lyons out of Texas but you can't take Texas out of the Lyons.

Living in Style

Our family has quickly realized the difference of living in Oregon vs. Texas. We are busy. We have family, friends, the weather isn't a million point 3 degrees everyday. We go to the gym and for walks. The Nordstrom sale started. We babysit.

Life here is good. We are still getting settled into life and will be back to posting more often soon. I will leave you with a few Oregon/Texas comparisons.

• In Texas we counted pick up trucks. In Oregon we count Subarus.
• Our recycling bin is about twice the size of our garbage can in Texas and we can actually recycle cardboard (yes, Oregon peeps, you read that right).
• We drink sake over margaritas (or if you're Nate you just drink lots of Oregon beer- he has to make up for lost time, right?).
• The produce actually tastes like real fruit (the way I remember it). This is probably because it doesn't have to take 3 different planes just to get to the grocery store.
• There are no margaritas to go in Oregon but you can buy alcohol before noon on Sunday.
• Speaking of Sunday, places are not closed for worship and the mall opens at a normal time in Oregon.
• No queso! (Seriously, what is up with that?)

Stay tuned for more Oregon adventures (and yes, I know I need to change my blog name)!

My Favorite Things: June

The month of June consisted of packing, packing and more packing. In between the packing we were able to squeeze in a few more things. My favorites were:

1. Taking Ben to the zoo for the first time. It was obviously more enjoyable for us than him, but we have to try to be educational every once in awhile.
2. We celebrated Nate's first Father's Day. Unfortunately we decided to take Nate out for a celebratory breakfast were Ben decided to scream. Nate and I both took turns eating alone or walking Ben outside the restaurant. Fun Father's Day for Nate.
3. A farewell dinner with Rob and Christine! We will miss our Texas friends so much but it was so much fun to spend one last day with them. The theme of our party was "clean out the pantry" and we ate whatever after a fun day at the pool. Ben and Rob bonded over grilled chicken.
   
   
4. Moving back to Oregon. This is also on the worst of the month list as I hate moving but I'm so glad it's over and we are here!

Farewell Texas

Tomorrow is the big day. The day Ben, Cooper and I (with the help of my parents) get onto the plane and fly back to Oregon. The day Nate begins the long drive back home in the Uhaul.

I never doubted for a second that I am truly an Oregonian but I have to say that I am definitely sad to leave. Texas has been good to us. We have met some of the best friends ever. We have eaten tons (literally tons) of delicious Mexican food. We have enjoyed more hot weather days than I've probably experienced in my whole Oregon life combined. Texas also gave us our very own little Texan.

For this baby of the family, living on our own has taught me a lot. I've learned a ton about myself and Nate. I value my family and the time we have together more than ever before. I hope I never have to live away from them again. I've learned a little more Spanish and how to make queso. Nate and I have raised an almost 5 month old baby mostly on our own. I've learned to never assume something doesn't have meat in it just because it's not listed on the menu. I've learned a ton about the Alamo.

I now know what a real rainstorm looks like and I've lived through many thunderstorms. I was never bitten by a rattlesnake (nor did I ever even see one). I've tried on cowboy boots and been about a foot from a longhorn.

Here are some things I adore about Texas.

• The weather in the winter.
• The HEB sells Texas shaped crackers.
• Seriously, everything is bigger in Texas.
• Sonic (specifically Sonic Happy Hour).
• Super Target
• Christine, Lauren and Shae (as well as Beckham and Elise).
  
  
• Bunco
• Bennett was born here. We can take Ben out of Texas, but we can't take the Texas out of Ben.
• Taco Cabana
• Our neighborhood pool
• It stills feels like I'm on a perma-vacation with all the gorgeous flowers and palm trees.
• Our home.

I know we will be back to visit but it will never be quite the same. I know Nate will miss Texas more than I'll ever know. I know Ben will wonder about the place he was born. We will have many stories to tell him.

Thanks Texas. We will miss you!

July 30, 2007

Here is one more adventure that I had as a new Texan. I laugh at my naivete now.

A Vegetarian in Texas

Texas has to have AT LEAST one BBQ place per square mile. I'm not sure the people here have ever heard the word "vegetarian". Nate and I ventured to an awesome Mexican restaurant (which will remain nameless). I was informed that the enchiladas were "amazing" and decided to give them a go. As the only vegetarian in Texas, I ordered the cheese version (I also ordered the cheapest, most awesome margarita, but that's a whole other story).

Nate and I waited very patiently for our food (not only aren't people in Texas vegetarians, but they also aren't in a hurry to do anything). Finally or food arrives. I'm so excited for my first bite of delicious cheese enchilada! I look down and what do I see? My beautiful cheese enchilada covered in ground beef. Who puts beef on a cheese enchilada?

I calmly walk my nasty enchilada to the lady at the counter and explain my problem. "I ordered CHEESE enchiladas," I say.

She replies (in broken English), "Yes, cheese."

"But these have beef on them. I'm a vegetarian." The lady continues to inform me that it's "just a leetle beet of beef."

"But I'm a vegetarian. I don't eat meat!"

"Yes, but just a leetle beet of beef." We continue arguing this point for a while longer (me: that I'm a vegetarian, she: that it's just a little bit of beef). Finally she dumps the plate to give it another try.

I go back to the table where I can see her flinging food about (no doubt trying to hide beef somewhere in my food). She walks towards me, throws my food on the table and walks away. I look down at plate number 2 of cheese enchiladas to find them...covered in beef. Hmm.

This time I make it up to the counter where I just ask for the cheese quesadilla. I figure you can't mess that up. I'm informed the lady I spoke with doesn't speak English. I want to say, "She sure knows how to say 'leetle beet of beef'."

Needless to say, the quesadilla had no beef and the margarita was good.

About one week later, we go to Mexican restaurant number two and go for cheese enchiladas again. After I order I ask the waitress if there is any beef on the cheese enchiladas. She looks at me like I'm the stupidest gringo in Texas. "No," she says.

Cut to 15 minutes later. Our food arrives, and yes, cheese enchiladas covered in beef! This time I just scrapped it off and dealt with it (however cheese enchiladas with all the sauce scrapped off aren't the greatest).

Moral of the story: If you are a vegetarian and you find yourself in Texas, do not order the cheese enchiladas (unless maybe you've had so many margaritas you won't even notice).

July 18, 2007

Two years ago Nate and I were busy unpacking in our new house. Today we are packing that same new house back up.

Here were some of our discoveries of Texas and our new house.

Scorpions, Red Ants and Crickets (oh my!)

**Disclaimer** Do not read if you are an animal rights activist.

Scorpions:
Fact 1: Scorpions are not as big as my hand. In fact they are more closely compared to my baby finger.

Fact 2: Scorpions do not chase you.

Fact 3: Any scorpion that chooses to come into my house will die.

Advice: When buying new carpet for your home, opt for a non-scorpion color. Those suckers blend in well.

Red Ants:
Fact 1: Red Ants are not actually red nor do they have flames painted on them to warn of the painful bite that is to come.

Fact 1 part 2: If you look carefully, you can see a tiny red head (more like maroon really). Unfortunately, by that time it's usually too late.

Fact 2: Pouring boiling water on a red ant hill also kills the grass.

Fact 3: Just like their sugary cousins, red ants do not like windex.

Crickets (by far my favorite of the 3):
Fact 1: Crickets come in a variety of sizes. Some are quite large in fact.

Fact 2: They like to hang above the doors at stores and drop on unsuspecting shoppers at any time.

Fact 3: Crickets are not very bright. They jump into any open door where you find large piles of their dead friends. The poor people at Blockbuster must have to sweep the floor every half hour.

2 years ago

It was almost 2 years ago that I was packing up and getting ready to make the big move to Texas (actually, exactly 2 years ago we were enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii- thanks Dad!). It's funny to think back to 2 years ago and what was going on. There was so much uncertainty with the big move to Texas. Would I like it? Would I survive away from my family? How long would we live there? Would we make any friends?

In honor of this last week here in Texas I thought I'd wander back through BlogLand to see what my first month here was like.

Here is my first post from the Lonestar State back on July 17th, 2007.

The Plane Ride

Who would ever choose to fly anywhere at 6 o'clock in the morning (unless it's a trip to Hawaii or something)? Cooper and I decided it would be a great idea, so we got up at 3:30 and lugged all our stuff and ourselves (with the help of mom and dad) to the PDX airport.

Cooper was a little nervous for his first time traveling and, needless to say, so was I. We said a quick and sad goodbye to mom and dad and jumped through security. Mom and I had been joking about the security putting Cooper through the "puffer". You know, that's the booth you stand in and it puffs huge gusts of wind at you. As I gave the lady my ticket, she informed me that (because I had a dog with me) Cooper and I would be entering the puffer. I had to hold Cooper, a nervous dog by nature, to my chest and walk into the booth where I was told we would hear a loud noise and feel a "light breeze." We walked in and waited for awhile. All of a sudden there was a deafening roar causing Cooper to try and leap from my arms. I used my man strength to hold him tightly, planted my feet, and prepared for the gusts. As the noise died down, Cooper and I were blown back, Cooper's lips flapping in the "breeze." It was a good thing I had my feet planted.

Cooper and I made it safely through security and down to our gate. As it was time to board, I shoved Cooper, unwillingly, into his small carrier. It was a struggle, but I felt better knowing I was providing half my cabin mates with entertainment. I flipped Cooper over my shoulder and headed onto the plane.

As luck would have it, we were seated in practically the final row where the airline is so generous as to give you approximately 5 inches from the edge of your seat to the back of the seat in front of you. I tipped Coops on his side and shoved him down between the seats until I could jimmy him under the seat. He did well for about 30 seconds. Then he started to cry. Now Cooper is not a noisy dog, so I knew he was totally freaked. Luckily the nice flight attendant (and the even nicer man in the middle seat next to me) let me put Cooper's carrier on my lap. I got as much of my body as possible in the carrier with him (which either calmed him down or left him with so little oxygen he couldn't waste any on crying). The rest of the flight went smoothly until it was time to shove the poor dog back under the seat for the landing.

In Denver I decided I had a mission, and one mission only (besides dragging Cooper into the bathroom stall, but that's a whole other story). My mission was to fly Economy Plus. I got to the gate just as the lady was calling people to board. She obviously sensed my need for that extra 5 inches because she upgraded me at no charge. Cooper and I were living large. Not only did he fit under the seat (no shoving needed), we also had the entire three seats to ourselves. Those two hours were heaven.

All in all, the whole experience wasn't too bad. We made it alive (and one of us a little braver). Next time I will definitely be booking those extra five inches from the beginning.

Welcome Home

With our time in San Antonio quickly coming to a close (only 9 days left) I thought I would share some memories of our home that we are so sad to leave.

Nate and I built our home two years ago when we moved to San Antonio. We are so lucky to have sold our house in less than a month but we are both so sad to leave it.

Welcome to our home, please come in.

This is our entry way. You can see our pup, Rufus. He's Cooper's BFF but Cooper gets very frustrated because Rufus never seems to want to play (he's a guard dog you see).

Come on into our dining room.

This is where we ate our first Thanksgiving on our own. We also had Christmas Eve dinner here (since we were trapped in SA because of bedrest).

Just across the way you will find my office.

This is where I do all my work. Mostly that work consisted of painting the office gray and then looking at it.

Come get a snack in our kitchen.

Nate cooked our first Thanksgiving Turkey here. Unfortunately it was still raw the first time and we had to keep cooking it. No one wants to eat a raw turkey (except for Brady, my parents' dog).

Just turn yourself around and enjoy our great room.

This is where I spent 3.5 straight months of my life. Our couch will never be the same.

Join us in our bedroom.

At night you will often find all four of us snuggled up in this bed. It's usually Lindsey all the way to the left, Nate all the way to the right and Cooper sprawled in the middle (with Ben thrown in on occasion). I wonder who rules this house?

And here is the bathroom just off the bedroom.

This is where I spent the first 4 months of my pregnancy. Cold tile does a lot for a sick pregnant lady. Ben currently shacks up in the exercise room directly off the bathroom.

If you'd like to wander upstairs you will find Ben's nursery. This may be my favorite room in the house and the one I am saddest about leaving. He will never remember it (except for the pictures) and has not spent one night in it.

The rest of the upstairs consists of guest rooms, media room, etc. If you want to see more pictures you can look here.

We will definitely miss our house but are looking forward to making our home somewhere else.

A farewell gift

From our house to us.

To clarify, this was not found in our cup but on the floor. We just put it in a cup to corral it.

Taking Suggestions

Nate, Ben, Cooper (yes, he's still part of the family) and I will be living in Oregon in T-minus 17 days. Sadly moving from the Lonestar State to the City of Roses makes my blog name a little outdated. 

SWB seeking new SWBN. Must portray adventure, family, and a little it of everything. Must enjoy the beautiful Pac NW but have a place in it's heart for Texas. Non-smoking is required. If interested, leave a comment here!

Chicken Fried

Last Thursday Nate, Ben and I took a trip to the San Antonio Zoo (wanting to get in some tourist attractions before the big move). Ben loved watching all the animals and hearing about where they came from and what they ate. He was intrigued by the variety of rare birds and the warthogs. 

Seriously he slept pretty much the whole time. He did however love the fish in the Hippo exhibit. Next time we're going to take our $20 and get dinner at the Thai place with the aquarium in the back. 

Sadly this picture of Ben and Nate enjoying the fish is a bit blurry!

My favorite part of the zoo was definitely the rhino. Not because I'm fascinated with this great beast but because of the rhino habitat. The rhino at the San Antonio Zoo resides in a giant bowl. Nate and I were quite interested to see the large animal (it seems like most of the animals at the SA Zoo are quite small). We walked up to the wall that overlooked the rhino and searched for his massive-ness and horn. I finally leaned over the wall (which barely passed my knees) to see this approximately 10 feet below me.

Um, hello San Antonio Zoo people? Does this seem a reasonably safe choice for a rhino habitat? Seriously, take one crazy mom at the zoo (and she probably wouldn't have to be that crazy) and one whinny kid in the Africa exhibit and the rhino could be eating something besides hay. Here is another view of the great animal.

The top of the wall is just outside the picture. You can kind of tell in the top right corner. 

Just as I'm sure many people have accidently walked straight off the Riverwalk and into the river, I would not be at all surprised if some curious little rugrat took a tumble onto the rhino. I'm just glad it wasn't my little rugrat.

After our trip to the zoo, Nate forced us to eat at Lulu's. I didn't take any pictures because I wasn't sure if people would think I was reaching for my gun and shoot us. 

Lulu's will soon be on the show Man vs. Food. The star of the show, Adam Richman, chose Lulu's due to it's incredibly huge chicken fried steak and 3 lb. cinnamon rolls. Seriously, this thing was bigger than Ben! 

Please excuse the picture. It was taken with Nate's iphone.

While I may not claim Lulu's to be in the top 100 restaurants (and that's being generous) the cinnamon roll was freaking good! Stay tuned to see it on TV soon!

While Nate and I are sad to be saying goodbye to San Antonio soon, we had an awesome day playing tourists with Ben. Only 18 days and we will be Oregonians once again!

My Favorite Things: May

1. My mom came to visit! Nate and I were having a little trouble (understatement) getting the house ready to sell with Ben hanging around (which he tends to do). Mama Wolcott flew out to help clean the house and spend some time with her newest grandson. Even with all the work we had a bunch of fun!

Sadly this is the only picture I took of Ben and his Gigi.

2. Nate and Cooper celebrated birthdays (their 29th and 4th respectively) and Ben celebrated his 3 month birthday! We celebrated by putting our house on the market and eating out at Nate's favorite birthday spot, Red Robin.

3. We put our house on the market. This is actually quite sad but we are really looking forward to actually selling it! 

4. I celebrated my first Mother's Day. We had a low key day but it was great to celebrate being a mom. A lot of things are uncertain right now but I know for sure that I was meant to be a mom. There is nothing better!

4. We drove up to Dallas (the real Texas). Ben was awesome in the car and we had a great time with our friends, Shay, Tomas, and Beckham. We were attacked by mosquitos the size of humming birds and spent some serious time in the heat. Ben learned a lot from Beckham (he's bilingual and sucks his feet at just 7 months). 

5. The Bachelorette and SYTYCD (So You Think Your Can Dance for all you non-fans out there) started! Nothing like some good trashy reality TV to get you through the summer!

Outlaws

During our playdate in Dallas, Ben and his buddy Beckham got into a wee bit of trouble. It all started on Saturday. The two decided to join forces to tear up the town of Fort Worth, Texas. Walking down the sleepy streets they happened upon a gaggle of horses the size of Schnauzers (but they were horeses). With no regard to the small children in line to ride the horses, Ben and Beckham commandeered the horses and galloped off.

***Please check out the sweaty man in the background. It was hot!***

Their first stop was Billy Bob's, the greatest Honkey Tonk bar in the land. They tied the horses up outside, dumped the breastmilk from their bottles in the dirt and swaggered inside. 

"Fill um' up!" they yelled at the bartender as they slid their now empty bottles down the bar.

B and B each downed a few of Texas' finest. In his honkey tonk state, Beckham threw caution to the wind and decided to wrestle a Grizzly named Brutus. A normal Grizzly would be quite a feat, but a Grizzly named Brutus is another tale all together. With only a small scratch, Beckham walked away the winner. The two filled up their bottles one last time and set off to ravage the town. Little did they know the authorities were already hot on their trail.

Galloping down the street on their tiny horses, B and B found what they had come for. An entire pen of Longhorns. These were definitely the real thing and B and B had a plan. Being part Oregonian, Ben is somewhat of an animal rights activist. Having just fought Brutus the Grizzly, Beckham knew the ways of the animals. B and B decided to set the Longhorns free before the big rodeo that night. 

They rode up to the pen, tied up the tiny horses once again. They sauntered up to the Longhorn pen pretending to be tourists. Just as they were close enough, they reached out, unlatching the pen and setting the Longhorns free. Unfortunately Longhorns aren't the fastest (or smartest) animals on God's great earth and they sat staring at the two outlaws rather than making a run for it. B and B urged the great beasts on, focusing all their attention on the animals. Little did they know, the town constable had them surrounded. 

B and B were taken by surprise before their mission had even been completed. The two were hauled away to the Forth Worth County Jail. 

Once in jail the two outlaws got into a rumble, each blaming the other for their bad luck. 

The two quickly came to their senses and put their differences behind them. While waiting to be rescued from prison they began planning their next adventure. Oregon, here they come.

270.9 miles

The distance between San Antonio and Dallas is approximately 270.9 miles. Nate, Ben and I packed up our house and drove up for the weekend for the ultimate playdate.

In those 270.9 miles we saw:

• 58 pawn shops*
• 2 dead armadillos
• an insane amount of Cracker Barrels (the restaurant, not actual barrels)
• 1 motorcycle gang (Los Bandidos)
• Love Video with a sign stating: Love Video and Boutique Family Parking around back (hmm?)
• approximately 1.7 million Texas stars*
• 2 snake farms
• 1 serious thunder storm
• a giant plastic rabbit
• a giant plastic elephant
• 1 building disguised as a caterpillar
• a space ship
• Italy
• 12 Longhorns, 7 of which were fake (we could tell because one fell down and was resting solely on 1 leg and 1 horn)

* Could be a slight exaggeration. 

Pool Party

Today we decided to embark on our first trip to the pool with Ben. We bundled him up in more clothes and gear than he would probably wear in the snow. Grabbed about 45 towels. Slathered sunblock on any exposed area of skin and headed to the neighborhood pool where we stayed about 10 minutes.

While it's a balmy 83 degrees today, the pool water was frigid. We dangled poor Ben's feet in the lazy river and he wasn't having it. Instead we found a nice shady area to work on our tans. We will try again! 

Now the poor little man is sleeping in his car seat all tuckered out. 

Just because.

Here is sweet Ben enjoying the beautiful Texas weather on our patio.

The male future of Texas

Nate and I are lucky. We have spent a good part of our lives around babies and children (me being a 1st grade teacher in my past life). For the most part we know what to expect when it comes to Ben.

This is not the case for everyone.

Example Number One:

Ben and I were weary from a long day of travel. We had finally arrived in the Houston airport around 6 pm. I was in serious need of some frozen yogurt. Ben and I wandered the terminal in search of something tasty when we happened upon Wendy's.

I decided a Frosty would suffice and, with Ben strapped to my chest, walked up to the counter. Being as there were no other customers anywhere near the store, there were a ton of employees. The majority of the workers were young men who looked like working at Wendy's may not be there first choice. 

The young man (who informed me he was in high school) behind the counter took my order and proceeded to talk to Ben. Ben really liked the tall, skinny boy and smiled and laughed at him. He asked if he could keep Ben (to which I replied maybe). The cashier called over his buddies to look at Ben. The boys were LOUD and there were a lot of them. Tall, skinny boy's friend (shorter and not so skinny) informed me that Ben was "freakin me ow. He look like a bobbie dahl (Barbie doll). He too good lookin. He freakin me ow."

Apparently Ben didn't like this and his lip started to hang and the tears began to flow. This made not so tall and skinny guy feel bad. To make up for his he offered Ben a large amount of crackers ("Here gib him sum crackas"). 

Sweet? Yes. Logical? Maybe. I guess to some people a small 10 pound baby may look like he eats Saltines. It must be all his chins.

Example Number Two:

Last night Nate, Ben and I went to Red Robin for Nate's free birthday burger (hey, when your unemployed nothing beats free). The young man seating us looked down at sleeping Ben in his infant carrier and asked if we needed a children's menu. Seriously? 

It looks like the young men of the world (or just Texas) need a little more baby experience. Either that or my baby needs to go on a diet.

Ben showing off his svelte body obtained by eating Saltines and Red Robin burgers.

Paranoia, paranoia everybody's coming to get me.

I have an unnatural fear of natural disasters. It doesn't matter what it is, if it's natural I'm totally freaked. The other night there was talk of a tornado around San Antonio. I had about 45 dreams about tornados that night. 

After the tsunami of 2004 I woke up in a cold sweat at my brother-in-law's beach house. I was alone in bed and it was dark. If there was a tsunami, how would I know which way was up? 

About 2 months before I was born, Mt. St. Helen's erupted. My hometown of Portland was covered in snow-like ash. My parents still have some to this day. Maybe this is cause for my unnatural fear.

I love any movie that has anything to do with natural disasters (also man-eating sharks but that's a different story all together). It's like a train wreck I can't turn away from. Tornados, planet destroying astroids, volcanos, nuclear winter. Whatever. I'm into it.  Is there an actual known phobia for my condition?  

As a mom a whole new fear has crept into my being. I'm totally freaked to have Ben sleep anywhere except next to my bed. He's asleep there as I type (in a bassinet because his bedroom is way upstairs while ours is downstairs). What if there was a fire while he was upstairs? What if a crazy craigslister broke into our house while we were asleep? What if a tornado rips through our home (or a hurricane or astroid)? How does one overcome this fear? 

You see, I have plans. Things I will do if any of these scenarios come true. We're downstairs if our house lights aflame. I know where to go if there is a tornado. I sleep with a weapon next to my bed when Nate is gone (when Nate's home he is my weapon). If an astroid hits us I guess we're pretty much screwed no matter where Ben is sleeping. At least that would be fast. But for the most part, my plans are foiled with Ben upstairs. 

As it stands, poor Ben is going to be 15 and still sleeping on the floor next to my bed (I guess I should say poor Nate as well). They may both end up in therapy twice a week. Hmm, maybe I'm the one who needs the therapy.

It pays to be nice.

To get to Oregon from San Antonio one is required to fly on at least 2 different planes for at least 7 hours. Most often we fly through Denver which splits our time pretty evenly. 

This past trip we flew Continental to Houston which is only about a 30 minute flight. Not bad. I wish we could fly to P-town in a half hour. Flight numero uno went smoothly. Ben ate and was silent the entire trip. Not so hard for a half hour.

It was the next flight I was nervous about. From Houston to Portland is about 4 hours and 30 minutes. That's a long time in the eyes of a 2 month old (and in the eyes of his mother). Nate informed me I had an aisle seat. I wasn't too happy about the thought of flashing myself to an entire plane while feeding my son (I didn't yet own a Hooter Hider and had only a mere blanket to shield me from the onlookers). While in Houston (after eating the most delicious milkshake) we walked up to the gate attendants and asked to be switched to a window seat. We were informed there were none available. I have to be honest, I was mad. Mad at my husband for not getting me a window seat to begin with (what kind of man doesn't think about the effects of breast feeding on a plane?). Mad at the ladies for telling me no. Mad that I would have to feed my son and worry about the drink cart slamming into his sweet little head. Luckily my internal anger monitor was in service that day because I simply thanked them for checking and said I hoped no one minded my feeding my son.

As Nate and I walked away to wait for our plane o' misery the lady called me back to the desk. As a mother to a mother, she said, how would we like to sit in first class. I had to think about it for awhile. Did I want to spoil Ben like that on his first trip to Oregon? Would he think we had money to spend in frivolous ways when really he has two unemployed parents? Would he expect extravagant gifts at Christmas and one of those gigantic blow up decorations in our yard? No. And if he does then let him suffer. We were flying first class.

Flying first class kind of ruins any other type of travel for the rest of your life. Was it worth it though? Yes. We did receive a few nervous looks as we boarded the plane with young Ben. Just wait, I thought. Wait until they see what an awesome baby he is. Before the plane even took off Nate was sucking down free whiskey like he was born to do so. I was really wanting some free alcohol but decided the stares I would get while simultaneously drinking and nursing my son wouldn't be worth it. I stuck to Diet Coke. We also got free dinner, a free movie, a really super hot towel that I'm not sure what you are supposed to do with besides burn yourself (it was really hot) and they use real dishes! Ben didn't make a peep the entire trip (take that haters) and actually slept through the majority of his first class experience (no need to worry about previous worries). I, however, tried to stay awake the entire trip so I wouldn't miss one second of luxury. Seriously though, first class rocks.

The moral of this story is: Always (I stress the always) be nice to anyone who might be able to put you in first class. It's so worth it.

Gorgeous

Cooper and I are outside playing (and blogging) while my two men sleep inside. It is a beautiful day in San Antonio (definitely one of the perks of living in Texas). Here is an awesome picture from my computer of the beautiful weather from the back porch.