Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Moana Rides A Bike

About a year and a half ago I wrote a blog post about meeting my neighbor, Erica... I totally remember thinking that she was perfect... she had just delivered her son 10 weeks prior to us meeting, was already out running with the cutest little blonde blue eyed bundle in her baby jogger. I was supremely jealous at the time because #1 She did NOT look like she just had a baby and #2 she was out running. I was, at the time, maybe 6 months pregnant and was no longer running but ready to be done being pregnant already.

Fast forward a year+... Now Moana and I see Erica and Nico outside playing all the time. The two little ones play together (um, actually Nico has started flirting a bit which is insanely cute) and Erica and I can share mom stories.

The other day we were all outside at the basketball courts* and Moana decided she wanted to ride Nico's new bike. Yep, and we got it on film. Moana's first attempt at riding a bike. It melts my heart.

Last year Erica and I chatted a lot about doing a little baby exchange thing (watching each other's kid) so we could each get some free time during the day, but for whatever reason, it just never happened. I was already doing the baby swap thing with two other moms, 4 days/week, so in all honesty I was kind of swapped out. But now I don't have anything set up with anyone but feel ready to start doing it again, and Erica was ready too... she came over the other day and was like, "Let's do it!"

So yesterday Moana and I went over to their house so Erica and I could give each other the scoop on how things go, where the diapers are, what we allow/don't allow, etc. The two little ones were eerily quiet at one point so naturally we both felt concerned about what they were up to... turns out, Nico had put an orange Halloween bucket on Moana's head, like a hat, except it covered her whole head. Sweet. My little Pumpkinhead. It actually was quite hilarious.

It's really perfect because Erica is working on getting her certification to become a yoga instructor, and I'll be training in earnest again here soon, so we could each use the free time. AND, our kids seem to get along well, we live 3 steps from each other, Moana and Nico will have each other's interesting new toys to play with... it's a win-win-win all around, don't you think? AND, I get to experience what little boys are like. I have really only had experience with girls so this oughtta be interesting.

Anyway, Moana and I are going over to Nico's this afternoon to play while Erica goes to yoga. Then tomorrow Erica is going to come over in the morning so I can go ride my bike. Outside. During the week. Have I ever mentioned how much I love riding my bike outside during the week?

And since apparently Moana also loves to ride (Nico's bike) outside during the week, maybe one of these days we'll get to ride together... ;)


*Did you happen to notice all the litter covering the ground of the basketball courts? Yeah, that would be the leftover fireworks. All of our neighborhood roads are covered in that crap now from New Year's Eve. I just do not understand how people can just leave their garbage like that right out on the street for someone else to come clean up??? Ok, Now I'm really done ranting about NYE here. Promise.

17 comments:

Charisa said...

Awesome!

N.D. said...

aww.. so cute. I need to get some baby swapping going on!

jessithompson said...

love the baby swap!

Angela and David said...

Sounds like a great arrangement. I'm jealous. And you think you're excited about your kid loving a bike until they throw tantrums over and over wanting to be pushed around on it ALL THE TIME. I can't wait until he can reach the pedals.

Sara said...

Ha! I agree with Angela about the bike :-) That video is so cute of Moana! And Erica is awesome, sounds like a great arrangement!

Lizzie said...

That's so perfect for you guys!! Moana looks like she's following in her Mama's footsteps! Also, am insanely jealous od you and Erica's clothing and footwear .. . would LOVE to be wearing anything like that right now instead of a North Face jacket!! :)

Allison Chapple said...

That's a great situation for you and Erica!! Nice!

It's crazy how much more physical stuff Moana can do compared to Baker! I know, moms shouldn't compare, but he's not even walking yet! Maybe Moana could give him some lessons. :)

Kathy said...

So cute. Ben is drawn to all things wheeled and loves trikes and bikes and ride-on trucks and Flintstone style cars. He is going to be faster than I am by the time he's 10. I'm sure of it.

Rebecca DeWire said...

The baby swap is brilliant! We have the same bike at our house. Elena is so close to doing it on her own, but she isn't really interested in training consistently :)

cherelli said...

Oh wow, what a fantastic arrangement!

Can't wait to see the pic of Mummy on road bike and Moana ready to go on the bike beside you :)

X-Country2 said...

You've got a future rider on your hands FOR SURE!

Katie A. said...

Wicked cute! She was a mini-Michelle on that bike! :) Good luck with the swapping!

Ange said...

so cute that she's on a bike already!!! :o] someday you 2 can do an IM together!! GOtta ask..is it chilly in Hawaii rightnow? it's funny to see you in pants and a long sleeve!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

LOL baby swappping, better patent that before FOX steals it and its on tv every night

Beth said...

That video is priceless! You guys will be riding together in no time! :)

Lisa T said...

Go Moana!

Running and living said...

Awesome! Can't wait to hear about your training!