Adventures about town continued

Here is another picture that I wanted to add.

Adventures about town

After staying at home for over a week we all became a little restless. So, once the sun decided to show itself here in Portland we decided to head out and about to enjoy ourselves. On Friday morning we put Vinicio into a baby wrap carrier, which he seems to love, and we headed out walking. We made a loop in our neighborhood and headed home.

As soon as we got home Diogo got inspired to enjoy more of the lovely sunny day, so we drove out to the Columbia River Gorge to take in the sun and watch the boats pass on the river. We walked around a bit spotting a tiny bunny rabit and a woodpecker. Then, at the top of the hill we sat in the shade and enjoyed the panoramic view of the river and the hills on either side.

Then, yesterday, we walked over to Alberta street to enjoy the Art Hop. The street was closed to cars and there were vendors out selling art, crafts, food and drinks. There was live music and graffiti art. We ran into some people that we know and met new people on the way. Having a baby with you is a great way to meet people. Everyone wants to see him. We met up with Carol and walked around checking out all of the awesome art.

Today was a special day in Portland. It was the NE Portland Sunday Parkways. Miles of the roads in the city get closed to cars and people bike, walk, skateboard, or roller skate a big loop that leads to several different parks. At each park there is live music, food, games, and general merriment. We ran into more people that we know and enjoyed chatting and visiting with them. The weather was nice, warm but not too hot. We had a picnic in the park with Carol and Morgan, then Vinicio had a picnic too. It is so convenient that he can always take his food to go.

Life with Vinicio

Life with Vinicio

Here we are, Vinicio has been with us for less than a week and already it feels like forever. It is hard to remember what it felt like before he was born. We were waiting so anxiously for his arrival and once he got here all of that anxiety and impatience went right out the window. Now we are living each moment as it comes. The pace of our lives has slowed down, allowing us to treasure each minute that we have with him. Every expression and every movement seems captivating and amazing. He has us under a magical spell that makes us love him more than anything in the world.

So far he is a very easy going baby. He cries when he is hungry, has a full diaper or when we change him, but other than that he is mellow and calm. He likes to eat and sleep, staying awake for only an hour or so in between naps. Closeness seems to be his favorite thing and he is easily calmed by being held or pulled close and talked to. This works well because all Diogo and I want to do is hold him close and comfort him.

My mom, his Nana, was staying with us for the last two weeks, so she was here for the birth and around to help us out for the first five days of his life. He loves his Nana so much. Every day he sat for hours with her on the couch, napping and hanging out. She left to go home to California this morning and will come back in the summer for a visit with my dad (Grandpa) and my brother (Uncle Eli).

So for now, we are on our own and we feel prepared for this. Diogo and I are good at taking turns waking up in the night and sharing the chore of changing diapers. Now if only Diogo could breastfeed...