new deal

Hi, Phil here. I've just started a new job, so I thought I'd give an update.

Today I started working for Sonian. They offer an email processing and archiving platform. It's an interesting position since I'll be helping build out a new system, and I'll have a lot of say in the direction things will go. It's also a chance to explore some new technologies I've been researching recently.

The other thing is that it's a remote position. This is fairly ironic considering the fact that we moved up here from California so I could find a local job. I got really tired of remote work when we lived down there, but things are pretty different now. The main thing is that we don't live in LA any more, so I actually know other people in the area who are programmers. Also, if I get tired of working from home there are plenty of coffee shops around that I can work from. And best of all, I'm in the process of transforming our back-yard shed into a home office. It's kind of bare-bones now, but we're working on running electricity out there, insulating it, and possibly adding a window, so it should be fun.

i guk

Translation: I'm stuck.  Guk is Noah's new favorite word.  He uses it for everything.  If he's trying to open a box or jar: guk.  If mommy or daddy is holding him tightly: guk.  If he wants to get out of his carseat, stroller, highchair, etc.: guk.  It's a very versatile word that we never intentionally meant to teach him.  We had been working on "help," but that doesn't seem to have happened.

Noah also says "Peas"  a lot.  (Translation: Please.)  This one has been around for at least a month now, and he loves it because it usually means that he can get what he wants.  Usually.  It is also a very adaptable word.  Noah uses it to both get things and give things.  For example, if he doesn't want his spoon anymore, he just holds it out for us and says, "peas".  This occurs quite often since whenever he's done with anything, he won't just put it down.  Mommy or daddy must take it away from him. Nothing else will do.  We're trying to teach him that if he really just doesn't want the grape, he can leave it on his high chair until he's ready for it again.  As yet, to no avail.  "Peas" becomes very emphatic.  Unfortunately, he usually wants whatever has been given a couple of minutes later.  It's cute, but I end up feeling like I should be one of Noah's pockets.

And just because I think it's adorable...
In closing, here is a picture of Noah watching "Blue's Clues" with daddy.

gardening

Noah is such a great little helper.  He always loves to do whatever mommy and daddy are doing.  So, a couple of Sundays ago, that included doing the yard work and gardening that needed to be done.







We've gotten a lot done in our backyard in the last few weeks. We've succeeded in getting the tree stump ground up, moving all the bark to various places in the yard, planted a bunch of plants, weeded bucketfuls of weeds, and just generally worked hard. We've definitely learned a lot about being home owners. Still a lot that we need to do, but at least we have a start.

portland

Noah got to experience his longest car ride EVER last weekend.  We made the trek down to our honeymoon stomping grounds for a much needed mini-vacation.  It was so much fun.  We stayed at the downtown Embassy Suites which made for a easier time with Noah's sleep.

Our first day, we went to the Japanese Gardens at Washington Park.  Phil and I went here on our honeymoon so we attempted to recreate some of the pictures we took, and of course add a few more.

Here we are when we came here in January 2005:


And now we have a baby!


Oh, wait. We have two now!


We also explored more of Washington Park and discovered this incredible playground.


Noah had such a great time that he completely crashed when we finally got to the hotel. Isn't he cute?


On Sunday morning, we went to a local church, and then to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). This place was AMAZING! The Pacific Science Center in Seattle has nothing on this. Lots of rooms to explore - including a Science Playground geared toward children under the age of 6. They had water streams, which Noah played in for quite some time.





Afterwards, we went for a walk along the waterfront. It was beautiful!


We also had a good time just hanging out around the hotel.

Great swimming:


In the room:


It was definitely an enjoyable trip. I can't believe we haven't done it earlier with Portland being only 3 hours away.

Z.A.C.H.

We just had our ultrasound with baby #2, and found out that we are having a boy!  Zach Aaron Christopher Hagelberg will be making his debut around August 18.  We are super excited to have two little boys running around.

Here are some early pictures of our little boy:

Zach's looking at you!


Profile


I wonder how much he'll look like Noah!