First trip to the Oregon Coast

Last night, after a nice dinner with Russ and Chris, at the Cedar Plank buffet, we came to the coast and we spent the night. You woke up this morning like usual, happy and ready for the day. I sure hope you don't outgrow that attitude. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa enjoy yard sales, thrift shops, and antique malls. We bought you lots of clothes and books today. You were a happy baby most of the day, only cried when you were hungry, had to spit up, or needed a clean diaper. At dinner, we had a view of the Ocean at Fogerty creek, you spent lots of time staring out the big windows.

When I look at you looking at the ocean, I was so happy. The ocean reminds me how big the world is, it connects so many far away places and people. In this huge world and billions of people, I have the most perfect baby and husband right here next to me.

I also thought of something sad when we drove past Depot Bay. On March 11 something big and scary and very sad happened on the other side of the ocean. An earthquake shook up Japan and caused a huge tsunami, lots of people died, were separated from their families, and lost their homes. I got sad because lots of mommies and daddies don't have their babies and lots of babies don't have their mommies and daddies. I can't imagine how sad those people are. I would cry forever if I lost you or your daddy. My heart would be broken, like the buildings that fell down.

The ocean is a big beautiful thing, and we don't need to be afraid of it. We need to think about all the animals who live in the ocean. The earth is mostly water, we need to take care of the ocean and the land so we will have a nice home for many lifetimes to come.

Tomorrow, we are going to take you onto to beach so you can feel the sand. You will be able to hear the waves crashing, and smell the fish in the ocean, taste the salty air. I grew up loving the coast, admiring the ocean. I look forward to bringing you here lots more times as you grow up.