coming home, catching up, plus baby gift guide

We’re baaaaack. And I’m backdating and publishing the stories I wrote but didn’t post while we were away over Thanksgiving, staying with Scott’s dad and stepmom in the wilds of Magdalena where cell phones don’t work and even though they finally do have satellite DSL, it was hardly the kind of trip where one felt moved to plug in.

Am already missing the dry clear high-altitude desert air, the crazy mountain views out every window of the house, the smell of burning pinon, all that green chile and cheeeeese, the wonderfulness of having grandparents to play with the boy practically all day long…

Of course it’s also nice to be back in the plump dampness of the Bay Area, albeit a little cloudy-grayer than I would like today. And to have our full compliment of books and toys to play with, not just the away team.

Speaking of toys and books, Jonah received fabulous gifts for his birthday last week (and thank you notes are already overdue) am highlighting just a few items here — in case you’re looking for gift ideas, dear reader:

Plan Toy Solid Wood Drum

Plan Toys Sorting Train

Both of these are as great as the sum of their parts: the mallet on the drum is awesome for teething as well as banging on just about anything. The train — the boy hasn’t the faintest idea about putting the puzzle pieces together yet, but he LOVES holding, sucking, teething on the individual “Bok!”s. He’ll especially hold onto that little green one ALL DAY if possible.

I Love You All the Time

This book with its sharp, brightly colored illustrations and just-right number of words-per-page has had the boy positively enthralled all week. Plus, the overarching theme of the book — that I love you even when I’m working, talking on my cell phone, or just plain out of the room, is apt to modern motherhood.

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Okay, now, to get those holiday posts up…