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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 Matteo, 9 Months Old

April 03, 2018

Son, you're in a corrective helmet for the foreseeable future. 

We decked it out with knock-off Star Wars decals so you look like a stormtrooper! We could have gone with a protagonist Rebellion look, but that decal package just wasn't authentic enough for me.

The helmet is coming in handy as you're rolling all over the house. You haven't gotten the hang of crawling or scooting yet, so we're relieved to see you in a helmet while you treat your head like a bowling ball. 

This won't be the last time you're in some kind of corrective gear. Maybe you'll get braces. You might break a bone and need a cast. An amazing, often overlooked aspect of life is that we can heal and transform. When you get a cut you bleed a little, and then that cut closes itself up and goes away in a couple days. That's like a very weak, Wolverine-like healing super power! The helmet is going to guide your head as it grows to become more round where you now have a flat spot in the back. Again, really cool! I don't believe there's a known superhero for slow plagiocephaly treatment, but there should be. Are you reading this, Marvel?

How did you get the flat spot in the first place? Well, our theory is that you were such a big baby that your soft, infant skull couldn't hang with the weight of everything else in your head and, well, gave in. But no biggie. Your head will be good as round in no time, or six months.

The flat spot isn't all that bad, but we figure it's worth a little health insurance money and discomfort now to ensure we minimize any concern you would have when you really start to care about how you look or how other people look at you. Here's the good news: you are wicked handsome and that trend won't change. It's almost unfair that we're evening out that little flat spot because it eliminates all the competition.

Another unexpected challenge we've been dealing with is your food allergies. You're ravenous and interested in trying new foods, but we've found that you get skin reactions -- often on your face and hands -- to strawberries and some dairy products. No strawberry milkshakes for you, kiddo. The good news is that you're not allergic to peanut butter and I'd MUCH rather be allergic to strawberries (rarely in season or often overripe) than peanut butter (which has many more applications for domestic and international cuisines). Your hands are often dry and cracking, too, so we're keeping an eye on skin care overall. Your Mom is running a baby day spa up in here.

We are going to do everything we can to ensure you are confident and comfortable in your (sensitive) skin. You just worry about defending the Empire. 

Love always, Dad.   

← Dear Eliza, 30 Months OldDear Eliza, 29 Months Old →
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