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Paolo M. Mottola Jr.

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WORD IS BORN

I started this blog WAY back in 2007 as "Word Is Born." The spirit remains the same: my thoughts and photos, random as they are. Enjoy.


Latest Grams:

WE THREE ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! 🇮🇹 🎉 (Note: Super weird to celebrate anything considering COVID-19 and Black injustice crises.) Twelve years ago -- way before I had kids, right before I met Amanda -- I started exploring dual citizenship. Perch&egra
WE THREE ARE ITALIAN CITIZENS! 🇮🇹 🎉 (Note: Super weird to celebrate anything considering COVID-19 and Black injustice crises.) Twelve years ago -- way before I had kids, right before I met Amanda -- I started exploring dual citizenship. Perchè no? I didn't know what the future would hold, but I knew opening more doors for education and work in my father's country and greater EU would be good for me and future generations. Oh, and the history, culture, landscapes, pride of lineage, etc. I wanted to power up from half Italian to full citizen. I set a first citizenship appointment in San Francisco in 2010, the same year Amanda and I married, but didn't get enough paperwork together time. I had some other stops and starts but thanks to some major legwork led by cousin @mikebaiocchi I finally set an appointment two years ago for a January 2020 appointment at the consulate in San Francisco. We made it a fun little family vacation. The appointment itself went well (after some fair shaming about my language progress). We came home and waited for confirmation but of course COVID-19 devastated Italy, and I didn't expect to hear anything soon. Well, the surprise came in the mail today 🙌🏻. Eliza and Matteo automatically gained citizenship. Amanda has a few more steps (notably a high level of language achievement) to gain citizenship through marriage, but I am super pumped to reach this longtime goal! Forza Italia! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
Took the family for a (peaceful protest) walk around the neighborhood. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿
Took the family for a (peaceful protest) walk around the neighborhood. 👊🏻👊🏽👊🏿
Last day in Kent HQ (but not my last at REI!). I've spent some of my best years here in the Kent valley.

I remember after leaving Eddie Bauer, my next stop had to be REI. They had a co-op model, big stores, real community events! I knocked on t
Last day in Kent HQ (but not my last at REI!). I've spent some of my best years here in the Kent valley. I remember after leaving Eddie Bauer, my next stop had to be REI. They had a co-op model, big stores, real community events! I knocked on these doors and many kind people responded. @nattyluna and @jordowilliams kindly met me for informational interviews. @lux2, after intense interrogation, finally conceded and offered me a job on the social media team to join @kelly_ann_walsh. Shout out to some of my other bosses over the years: @rowleycraig, @sarahjeanneisme @mrajet and @ph9er. Too many colleagues and teammates over the years to tag but so appreciative of the shared time. The work we did in this place will define my career and the brand for years to come. OptOutside, Force of Nature, etc. I’ve been able to pay it forward and meet people for informational interviews and hire some of them myself. I’ve met a lot of great people and forged a kit of friendship with people who were also willing to come to Kent. Because the location doesn’t matter so much as the mission. Shout out to those who literally drove with me and endured the I-5 commute that future generations won't comprehend: @jruckle @angelafgow @halleyrebecca @shelb_hall. Next stop, REI Tacoma (work at home) and a smattering of new Bellevue HQ. Onward.
I published monthly letters for these Puget Sound saltwater 🐟. Link in profile. #deareliza #dearmatteo
I published monthly letters for these Puget Sound saltwater 🐟. Link in profile. #deareliza #dearmatteo
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Dear Eliza, 28 Months Old

February 10, 2018

We are in full potty training mode. I never thought I would talk so much about #1 and #2 in my life. Most of our family conversations revolve about this topic. I don't know why, but a lot of these questions come around mealtime: Are you still dry? Do you need to use the potty? When was the last time you used the potty? Do you need to use the potty again? 

Potty, potty, potty. 

It's working though. You are going days without an accident and almost exclusively wear pull-ups. We have tried "big kid underwear" a few times with mixed results. The first time you went #2 in the potty we made a huge deal out of it. We will probably be less excited when you graduate from college, get married, or have your own child. The celebration was at level 11. We have been incentivizing you successfully with mini M&Ms after a good deed, but for the #2 we took you to Safeway to get a balloon as you requested. I'll never forget the look on the young man assisting us as he held the baby blue balloon and had to bear witness and stand in frame for a full on-camera interview about why you were getting the balloon from him. He was like "WTF." We were like "#2 FTW!" 

YOU WERE STOKED. So were your Mom and I. We have been dirty diaper factory workers these past months between the production of you and your brother. The union wants to reduce their hours.

You continue to entertain me with all of your mannerisms. You baby-talk to Matteo the way that Mom and I do. Your voice is already so tiny it's baby-baby talk. When I come home from work you give me a big hug and small-chat with me, asking how my day was and explaining yours. It's so darn cute. On the other end, you're incredibly demanding for any bedtime routine. You ask to be covered up. You ask for chocolate milk. You ask to turn on your blue light. When I say "ask," I mean you scream these demands at us from your room. Such a little dictator. 

The last couple weeks we have gone to the indoor swimming pool at People's Park. You are a strong, confident swimmer (with a lifejacket). I honestly love it because you're really inclined to hang on me in the water. 

I continue to take in all of these events -- the celebratory potty, the after-work small-talk, the swim dates -- and enjoy them in the moment. It's easy to be distracted or apathetic out of exhaustion, but I only need to look at Matteo to see how fast your little life has moved along. It's sometimes challenging to stay present and attentive while making sure not to miss or set-up the next one around the corner. You keep us on our toes, kiddo.

Love always, Dad

← Dear Matteo, 8 Months OldDear Matteo, 7 Months Old →
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