Two tub kind of day.

Being parents, poop is just something we have learned to live with. Babies "go" constantly. It's a universal truth. And normally, it really isn't a big deal. Normally. However, we recently started Mason on solids (mostly graham crackers and mashed up bananas) and things are getting a little out of hand.
Now, the following stories are not for those with weak tummies or those who are offended by potty talk. You've been warned.
I feel like I have had my fair share of blow outs. Clarification after writing that sentence: MASON has had his fair share of blow outs. I don't have blow outs. I deal with his. Now, as I was saying, Mason has had some record breaking poops. I always, ALWAYS have a change of clothes for Mase in our bag. And have needed to use them on several occasions. This morning was a whole different animal.
Mason has been sleeping in our bed since our first round of teething. Judge all you want, but when I have the choice between all of us getting a mediocre night's rest, or none at all, I will take what I can get. Mason had been, a-hem, tooting all night, I'm sure his little body is just learning to deal with the new foods we have been trying. Just when Riley left for work and gave us our goodbye smooches, Mason let out an especially productive gas. I assumed the Pampers Cruisers could do what they were advertised to do, and Mason and I settled in to watch an episode of Handy Manny and wake up a bit. But OHHH no. No sir. Those Pampers Cruisers let me down in a big way! Mason reached for something, and the problem was made known.
Another lesson I have learned as a parent is there are some poops you can wipe, and some require a rinse. And some clothes you can save, and some you gotta toss. This poop was a rinse-n-toss!
So off to the bathroom Mason and I went. I stripped him down and threw his jammies away, then turned on the faucet and stepped into the tub. My plan was to hold Mason under his armpits, and rise what I could before sitting him down for a bath. That was my plan.
Mason's plan was to soak us both.
As soon as I started the rinse, he reached forward and pulled up the lever to start the shower! I couldn't just toss the babe to the side to save myself. So there we stood, Mason and I. Both getting completely soaked and watching the poop slip down the drain.
That was our morning.
This afternoon Mason was in his saucer playing while I "folded some laundry" (which means drink a Diet Coke and watch E News) and Riley started dinner. Again, the sound I have come to dread. My sister, Halle, calls it the "tuba butt". I should have known the disaster ahead considering the fact that Mase was in his saucer. Straddling the fabric in the seat can't be the most poop friendly situation. As soon as I lifted him from the leg holes, I realized this one required back-up. A rinse-n-save. Back to the tub we go.
Riley jumped into action. He ran to start the bath while I stripped Mason. I held Mason's flailing hands while Riley wiped what he could, then took the nakey babe and rinsed. A poop partner makes all the difference. We just laughed. If only Riley had been there this morning! Perhaps it wouldn't have been such a disaster if my poop partner had been there to offer some assistance.
And now I sit with a squeaky clean and freshly lotioned baby and I just have to laugh. Life with Mason and Riley is never dull, they're a real GAS!!
Xoxo

Washington and a Coastie Update

So, we did it. We made the big move to Washington. I swear I have heard countless horror stories of how terrible government moves are, but we have moved three times, two of those being from one coast to the other, and have not had a single problem. I think the key is flexibility. You have to understand that it's not in your hands. It is in the government's, and things will get done at their pace, which is painfully slow and inefficient 99.9% of the time. Roll with the punches.
Anyway, we arrived here in Neah Bay on Sunday afternoon after attending church at our new ward in Forks. The house far exceeded our expectations! It is spotless, and has a great fenced in yard. And while it is a bit smaller than our place in Jersey, it is "fully loaded" with a beautiful kitchen, hardwood floors, and two big bedrooms. I am beyond thrilled.
We camped out with our suitcases and air mattress until our stuff arrived on Thursday and have been unpacking since. I have to say, putting your things in storage for five months is genius! All the things I hated before suddenly seem brand new! I had quite a bit of motivation to unpack in the days following the moving trucks arrival, but since I have totally lost steam. My fun new kitchen, our bed, and the TV are all set up, so I'm happy just baking and playing with Mason. Hopefully soon we can get rid of the boxes...
Anyway, Neah Bay is probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The town itself is a little sketchy. There isn't a single traffic light. Basically it consists of a small grocery store, two restaurants, a gas station, and the post office. A lot of the houses are run down and poorly kept. But the people are truly some of the nicest people I have ever met. The Coast Guard tries to be involved in the community and the locals really do appreciate the work to Coasties do here. It's really cool.
On Saturday we went for a hike to try and get to know our new area a little bit. We hiked to Cape Flattery, which is the most north western point in the US. It was only a mile, maybe just over, and it was the prettiest place I have ever seen. The hike was great because the trailhead is only 5 minutes away from our house, and most of it has this super cute little wooden walkway since all the rain here makes for tons of mud. Everything was so green and beautiful.
As far as a Coastie Update, Riley now works as a BM3, or Petty Officer 3rd class. Here, like in Jersey, he will be working from a station that is home to three boats. However, now he will be in charge of operating the boat, as well as supervising the entire crew. He will lead them in search and rescue cases, boardings to inspect for proper safety and illegal drugs or weapons, and other things of that nature. You know, Coast Guard stuff or whatever. :)
When we first got our orders, I was terrified. Neah Bay is extremely isolated. The closest real grocery store is just over an hour an a half away. Our ward is an hour. We are faaarrrr away from everything. But the people we are stationed here with are the nicest ever. They have gone out of there way to include us, and help us feel welcome and get to know the area. It's a little family out here in Neah Bay and we LOVE it.
Xoxo