Further Mis-adventures of the Zug's

Bryan, Jen, Ruthie, Thomas, and Scout (the dog) Zug live in Renton, Washington.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

The August Update

We bought a new camera this month that fits into my pocket. Consequently I now take pictures of EVERYTHING every day and I will need to buy a new computer to store all the photos on. I will try to exhibit some self control as I post them on this website – there’s only so much of somebody else’s life that one person can take.

After taking a four month hiatus I finally cleaned my house this month. I figured the I-just-had-a-baby-so-give-me-a-freaking-break excuse was wearing a bit thin. Our little family is back into a rhythm again, which is nice.

Ruthie was potty training last week, but this week … not so much. I even bought her cute little panties. Part of the problem is MY issue – I’m a terrible mother and just find it to be a complete BOTHER to remember. I barely get to the bathroom myself -- how can I be expected get HER there???

Thomas is at one of my favorite ages – five months. He sits in his walker, his jump-up, and rolls around on the floor. No crawling yet – that darn belly keeps getting in his way! We started solid food this month, too. So far just rice cereal, zucchini, bananas, and peaches. He gets about two solid-food meals a day. When I remember. Otherwise he doesn’t eat at all. Well, except from my boob, which is WAY more convenient.

Bryan took the summer off from being a pastor to help out more at home. Adjusting to two kids was tough, plus I’ve been experiencing the Post Partum Depression thing, so his full attention was very well received! He also preached a couple times in August and he just makes me so proud! He also got a promotion and a couple raises this summer, so he is valued at work as well.

I landed myself a writing contract doing book reviews for publishing companies, so now I’ll get paid to sit around and read and give my opinion. What more could a woman ask for??? The connection came through a friend of ours in San Diego who does marketing for publishing companies.

We are all looking forward to Grandma visiting from Minnesota in September, and we plan to see family in California over Christmas. We’ll be in touch with everyone about that.

Hugs and kisses,
Jen

The Daddy


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Ruthie and Indiana - Lovers & Enemies


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Ruthie and Indi are 3 days apart. His mom, Beth, and I are good friends so the kids spend LOTS of time together. Ruthie is teaching him to be patient (heh, heh!).

Caged Animals!


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They spent a lot of time hangin' out this summer without their clothes on. We'll use it as blackmail when they are sixteen!

Swimming


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During the hot weather we spent a LOT of time at Seattle Center swimming in the wading pool and running through the fountain.


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The most ear-piercing screech known to man


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Ruthie and her little swimmer friends got into a screaming contest that knocked a few years off my life.

Thomas


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...at around 5 months.


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The Dress-up clothes


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The Time Out


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Because Ruthie swims AGAINST the stream of obedience on a CONSTANT BASIS, I was spanking her every 30 seconds. Now she gets a mixture of swats and time outs, depending on the crime.

Would somebody PLEASE just throw the ball???


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Poor, poor, Scout.

The best picture EVER!!!


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I should enter this into some sort of contest. It could win the 'Most Likely to be Eaten' category.

It starts out innocent enough


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...pretty soon they'll switch to coffee.

Nori spent a few days with us while the Kleiners were in CA. She encouraged Ruthie to drink more milk.

It starts young, going to the bathroom with your girlfriends.


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This is Carrie, Ted and Sarah's daughter. She and Ruthie play together every Thursday morning.


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The Grape Crusher


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Maybe she'll be a winemaker?

Greg Ryan


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He's our new renter. Ruthie LOVES him and follows him around calling him, "Greggy."

He'd be horrified if he knew this picture was on the internet - I think he'd just woken up.

Shhhhh... don't tell!


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Nori LOVES Thomas


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Prison Break


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We had a brief breech of security, but all is once again intact with the gate.

Giggles


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It's fun to watch Ruthie 'play' with Thomas. He smiles at her, and laughs, and watches her as she flits about the room. She gets totally charged when he smiles at her.


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She's driving Thomas the Train on his head.


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Self Portrait


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Sticker Mania


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No one is safe.


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Little Drummer


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Ruthie goes straight for the drums every Sunday.

Oh how I LOVE her at this moment!


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My friend calls our obsession with Starbucks 'the dance of the green straw.' I am teaching the dance to my daughter.

EVERYBODY needs a diaper.


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Originally uploaded by jenzug.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Annual Woodsong Music Festival

Well, I just wrote a long and witty narrative describing our camping trip to Orcas Island, but somehow it disappeared. Now I'm too tired and frustrated and not feeling all that witty anymore.

So here are some photos of my cute kids.

Hugs and kisses,
jen


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Ruthie was afraid of the starfish we saw so she made us carry her all the way back to the road. Personally, I think she was just tired and used the "I'm scared" tactic to get a free ride. She's tricky, that one.