Nothing Better

Several weeks ago, Anique and I took our bikes in to Wheelworks in Belmont for a tune up, in anticipation of our Maine vacation later this week. So this morning, I decided to forgo the car, and take Isaac out for a bike ride. Our itinerary: Stop 1) 3 mile ride to Best Buy to purchase an 8 gig flash drive. Stop 2) short trip to Farren playground; a new favorite for Isaac and me, it boasts obstructed views of the Charles (for me) and it's never crowded (Isaac: "No other kids. I no like other kids"). Stop 3) Watertown Library, if time. And we were off. Our first stop went off without a hitch, and the overall experience was enhanced for Isaac by the automatic door, which we used to enter and exit and then enter and exit and ... scene. However, as we merged onto Arsenal Street, and I shifted into a higher gear, I noticed an acute clicking sound. When I turned onto Charles Street, I shifted gears again, and suddenly my back wheel stopped turning. I hopped off to investigate. The problem seemed to be with my derailleur. Then I saw that my rear wheel was rubbing against the frame. I tried to fix it, but my limited knowledge of bikes and Isaac's refusal to stay next to me as I worked finally lead us to lock the bike in its place and to set out for home on foot. For the first half-mile or so, we walked along the Charles River bike path. Isaac waved high to the kids rowing crew (Isaac: "I see boats. They're fishing"). After gamely holding my hand and walking for 30 yards or so, Isaac asked to ride on my shoulders, where he sat for the rest of our long, sweaty march back home (with the exception of twenty minutes or so of running around at the playground). We inspired a lot of smiles from passing bikers and pedestrians. Not far from our house, on Waverly Street, an older man working on his pickup whistled and said: "Just a father and his son out for a walk in the morning. Nothing better." For a moment, I thought about telling him about our abandoned bike--which Wheelworks fixed at no charge later that afternoon--or about the fact that not long after we left the playground, while astride my shoulders, and with a mile-and-a-half separating us from wipes and a clean diaper, Isaac proceeded to poop. I paused and instead said: "Yup. Nothing better."

It's a jungle in here.

Josh, Isaac and I are all loving this in-between period! I'm still at Brandeis, but working very slowly (aka not much at all!) and will be on vacation Wednesday. The picture is from the Discovery Museum today.

Jamming

On Monday, I passed my Ph.D. defense and had an amazing day with two different parties and lots of love. Meanwhile, Isaac enjoyed spending time with our friends Mike and Roisin. They are a very musical family so maybe Isaac and Roisin will be future band-mates?!

Enjoying an apple in newton.

Showing off the new haircut!

In the army now

We noticed Isaac was getting a hair-pulling habit when he was tired or upset and would pull 3-4 strands of hair out of his head. Google search ensued. Apparently, this is normal--similar to thumb sucking or nail biting--a habit that is self-soothing, but not great. Suggestions included shaving off the hair and replacing the habit with another sensory touch--like a feather or something. So Josh and Isaac both got the army-buzz cut. Anyone have other suggestions?

In other news, I've submitted my thesis to my committee and am making my talk. Less than one week away!

Swinging...

Cape Life

4th of July

Isaac and Josh went to Manchester-by-the-Sea and saw the Independence Day Parade there with the Olivier-Meehans and Woods. Apparently, seeing the cousins was wonderful but the loud "poppers" were a bit too scary. Also, the Revolutionary War reenactors stopped right in front of Isaac and shot their muskets-- that kind of freaked him out. In this picture are Cole, Isaac and Maya.

Later this evening, the Woods and  Schuman-Oliviers came over for swimming. We BBQ'ed and picnicked on the yard outside. The kids ran all around and played with Isaac's "water table" (aka a big Tupperware).

Fwd: @ pizza with betsy.

Before collapsing on the rug...

Very tired after a big big morning

After a full day of swimming with friends at our condo pool in the morning and then swimming with cousins in NH, Isaac had another full morning with other cousins that left him wiped out. Meanwhile, I stayed in MA and finished a first draft of another chapter. Once this one is boss-approved--hopefully will take only a couple days to incorporate her edits, I'll have a very short piece about future directions to type up that should be kind of enjoyable--so close!