Nanny S

Monday afternoon we went to visit nanny S who will be watching big guy starting soon. So sad... On a happy note, I love nanny S. She's totally chill, go with the flow and listened to heat I had to say. She asked about my parenting philosophy (should have one?). And untold her about how big guy has been napping- now not wanting to be held, but just lay near you. And about when to eat. I explained that I have always just been relaxed with him and said, we'll figure it out. She seemed to like that!

Then she explained some of what he'll be doing- the park, walks, playtime, this cool babies music class. I think he's going to have a great time! I'm still all freaked but I'm just going to have to deal with it.

A very successful visit and I know he's in good hands. Also, the baby he's going to be with Pips, is six weeks older than him and already crawling and pullingherself up. I'm pretty sure that after a little while they will be working on the next great American novel.

Outlets

On Sunday, we went to the outlets and did some fall shopping. I almost lost it in the Carter's store. Everything is sook cute and fifty percent off. Mmmm discounts. I got big guy five new shirt sleeve onesies, five long sleeve onesies, two sets of long sleeve onesies with pants, two pjs, and a sweatshirt. All in one year or eighteen months sizes. Best to aim high. Then hubs and I hit up the jcrew- mmmm, jcrew. I got new shirts for work- as my new chest size makes my former work shirts impossible.

Following the clothes shopping, we had some crappy lunch. Then we visited a friend of mine who has twin girls who are ten weeks older than big guy. Big guy was his normal charming self. Lots of babbling, screeching, and playing. The girls weren't too terribly interested in him. But we had lots of fun regardless. Then big guy fell asleep on the way home. It was the perfect ending to a great weekend.

Poor Spot

Hubs and big guy were reading "Where's Spot?" You know, the one where spot needs to get to dinner and mom Sally is looking all over the house... Under the stairs, in the clock, etc. Big guy usually stares at the book. However, this past time big guy looked at the pink piano and ripped off the lid. Spot wasn't in there though, just the hippopotamus and a birdie.

Only took nine years

Hubs, big guy and I went to the zoo on Saturday. The weather was gorgeous and now that big guy can wear sunscreen, it's like a whole new world has been opened up to us. I had gotten my haircut and eyebrows waxed earlier in the day, so I was feeling good.

We got to the zoo and found an excellent parking spot. Hubs bought our tickets while I lathered up big guy. He didn't seem to mind. We then entered and went to the children's zoo. Again, big guy really liked the ducks, even the baby ducks- so cute and yellow! Which would explain why rubber duckies are yellow(I never understood!).

Big guy also really enjoyed the giant turtles and penguins. They really enjoyed swimming and flapping their wings at him. He smiled, waved his arms, kicked his legs, and squealed in delight. It was so precious. Oh, and I'm pretty sure he saw the baby giraffe- so cute.

Hubs and I finally got to go to the zoo together- only took nine years. Hubs enjoyed some hot dogs. And we thought about how we never really went anywhere before we had him. Hubs said we were apathetic to doing anything. Now, we have purpose.

Last BF group

Thursday we had our last BF group. Big guy got weighed and is still at 20lbs. I'm guessing he's going to stay that size for a while, as he's been it for over two months. I asked about his eating and the LC said to try using water for his oatmeal, as I don't want to have to pump three times a day. Also, to try the veggie puffs instead of bread or rice cakes. Apparently they stick to their hands and that makes them laugh! Can't wait to see that! Then I started taking to a mom of a four week old- he was so tiny- and as I was sharing my stories and thiuhts, I realized that I sounded knowledgeable. It made me feel good.

He sits!

Today, big guy learned to sit up by himself! He has for weeks been doing a yoga/tripod/grabbing his toes move when he sits up. And then he would suddenly start slumping to the side- like he needed a V8. Yesterday, however, he sat up straight and could right himself if he started to go to far forward, backward, or to a side. It was fabulous!

He is still doing trust falls (Tosh.0-ism that is when you fall backwards and assume someone behind you is going to catch you before you hit your head!) So, we'll still have to be cautious- but this means that the big guy can now play by himself sitting up. Excellent (Mr. Burns finger steeple included!)

Dreaming

This morning, big guy took a really long nap. As I looked at his face, I noticed that his ring finger was unfurled from his curled up fingers. I wondered when he would get married. And if I would like the woman he chose. My first reaction was no, that I'll never think anyone was good enough. But then I thought that if he were to become a good man, like his father, then of course I would like who he will choose.

I then thought about his wedding day. I want hubs and I to be able to help him have the wedding of his dreams. Hubs and I dressed up nicely- perhaps black tie?- but maybe not. Hubs and I certainly weren't that fancy- only 45 people at our own wedding almost two years ago.

Hubs and I dancing and smiling for pictures, being the proud parents we already are and will continue to become. It made me smile and think I was getting way ahead of myself- he hasn't even sat up by himself yet! But, it was nice to wonder...

Working mom

In one week I officially go from mom to working mom. I know, I've always been a working mom, but this is really the end of me being with my boy everyday. Rationally, I know I have to go back to work and am looking forward to it. I have loved being with big guy. I treasure every new thing he did, every laugh, his smiles, when he figured out something, and even the though times, like driving to take naps. They were all experiences we needed to have.

I can't be with him all the time. In a few years (yikes) he'll go to school. Then off to college and then to adulthood. I can't be there for everything. And frankly, I have to work for our lifestyle. And I like my job. It's demanding, challenging, and honestly I think I do good there. Most of all, raising a child is hard work!

I know it won't be easier doing both of my jobs, but that is what I have to do, so why am I beating myself up? Probably because I feel like I should feel guilty. Like moms will judge me. So, I'm trying to be strong.

Here are my two big worries about the big guy. I think about his personality- he's funny, likes to laugh, perpetually happy, loves napping, loves eating, loves being the life of the party- meeting new people, enjoying new experiences - I really could go on forever. He is essentially a delicious blend of hubs and I. I worry about the argument of nurture vs nature. Would he be like this anyway, or is it because he has been with me so much? I worry that he won't be the same.

My second worry is that he'll think that I don't spend the day with him is because I don't love him. And this breaks my heart and has me crying everytime I admit it. I know rationally, he'll be fine with the nanny. He loves women and they love him right back. But in my heart, I still worry.

Kitty cat

Big guy has recently realized that he loves the cat! Our cat is stereotypically a cat. Never really wants love unless it's on her terms, aloof, a little grouchy, and a lot of sassiness! She's also gorgeous- all white with green eyes and pink accents. She sits in our bay window waiting for us to come home everyday. Now when we walk past it, big guy flashes a huge smile at her.

The other day she was sitting on the floor. Big guy saw her and smiled. I picked him up and put him on his feet. He ran- well as much as he can run- over to her and started squealing. Then he reached out to her with his hands in a claw/grabbing position. She instantly ran- smart girl! We then proceeded to follow her throughout the dining room, living room, and kitchen. She then sprinted upstairs while he watched.

Later that night, kitty cat was laying on the back of the couch. Hubs took big guy and they very gently pet her- for a full five minutes. We gave praise for the nice and gentle pets. The kitty cat also got a couple of head scratches. All too soon she hopped down. Love that kitty cat.

Carrots

I know, another post about carrots.

Tonight was the first night the big guy had pureed carrots. I bought some gerber pureed carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and peas at the supermarket. They were $10 for 10- with two containers per pack. And each one lasts 2-3 days. My mom is coming over on tuesday to give the carrots another go. Sigh.

Anyway, we started off with oatmeal, which the big guy loves. He's like a little birdie- opening his mouth for the next bite. I scooped about maybe two tablespoons of pureed carrots out of the container. We were almost done the oatmeal and I beckoned hubs into the room to view the first bite of carrots. I took a little bit on the spoon and put it in big guy's mouth. And then he made a face that essentially said, "Ew, what is this? I don't like it. I'm going to cry now!" It was so sad.

But, I put on a big smile and said, "You're ok!" and he looked from me to hubs and hubs said, "Yummy, are those carrots good?" Big guy went back to his normal face. We did about three more bites, repeating the encouraging words, before I called it quits. We then finished off our oatmeal.

So, a partial success, I mean, at least he swallowed it! I then let him play with some carrots on his high chair tray and fling the bowl and spoon around. He seemed to enjoy that!

Mommy Brain

It started with preggo brain. Suddenly you can't remember anything and even coherent thoughts turn fuzzy. It was all very funny. Now however, I have moved into mommy brain. I forget words- instead using bluh-bluh which hubs hates. I need to make lists for everything. Supermarket, to do, for work, for fun activities.

My hs reunion is coming up and BF and I were discussing the dark event. And I made some quip about one of the sponsors, who neither one of us remember. And then said it was probably Adam Lambert (who I very lamely didn't know was from American idol)! BF corrected me, through laughter though. But I get the feeling that my brain will be funky for a long time.

I even tried to remember seeing Eclipse in the theater. I can't recall any of the scenes. Like I have been in a haze for six months. The only positive to the haze is that it isn't selective. I forget he tough times just as easily!

My quest for puréed carrots

The big guy got the ok to start other food besides oatmeal. As I knew this was coming, I bought a food processor, since for the past 9 years with hubs, I have never had the need for one. I got the Giada made for target. I thought I'd start with carrots- how hard could it be?

My first foray began with peeling five carrots and slicing. I dropped them I to my steamer tray and left them for seven minutes, as the instructions said to do. Big guy was in his exersaucer having a grand time alternatin between playing and watching me cook. After seven minutes, still rock hard. Hmmm. Perhaps a bit more steam is needed. I give them another couple o minutes. They seem pretty squishy to me. I drop them into the food processor with excitement! This is my first time using one! Um, they don't really purée, more like really finely chopped. Ok... Maybe they weren't cooked enough?

Next day, I throw out the first attempt. This time I only peel and chop three carrots. I make sure the water is on a high simmer before putting the steamer tray in. I cook them for fifteen minutes. Almost soft. I give them anther fifteen. Big guy decides to freak out, so I take them off the burner, but leave the lid on while I change his diaper. I come back down and with big guy on my right hip, I mange to left handed put the squishy carrots into the blender. Really finely chopped again. Ok, this isn't funny. And what does it mean that I can't purée carrots? This is supposed to be easy for goodness sake! People purée and freeze in advance!

My only thought is that I really like my veggies crunchy, so maybe I can't judge how soft they need to be. I remember my mom having a recipe that cooks carrots in the microwave. Ah-ha! Perhaps that is my problem-'the steam is against me. Tonight, I drop big guy into the exersaucer and peel and chop one carrot. My expectations are low. I put them in a glass bowl with some saranwrap and punch in three minutes. I look over at big guy ready to make some grand statement about our potential success when I see out of he corner of my eye... The carrots burst into flames!!!

Ah!!! I pop open the microwave and the flames go out. I have decided that the carrots are against me. I'm going to buy some already puréed carrots tomorrow. Perhaps I'll be able to use my food processor when he graduates to finely chopped!

6 month appointment!

Big guy had his six month appointment today. We met with our favorite Dr- Dr. W. First, big guy charmed all the ladies in the office, with his smiles and screams of delight. Our nurse measured the big guy- he is now 29 inches long- the 99th percentile, in the 85th percentile for weight, and 42nd percentile for head circumference. He also did quite of bit of damage to the crinkly white paper. He proceeded to stomp on it, crumple, and eat a huge part of it!

Dr. W came in and did his entire exam on my lap- I love that about her. She had no concerns and said he was just wonderful! We asked about the eczema on his legs and his heat rash- both of which can get cleaned, dried, and some aquaphor. We also found out that he can pretty much eat anything, just one at a time. And he can start cheerios, bread, and rice cakes- assuming he can pick them up himself. I also mentioned that he loves my water glass and she said he can start practicing drinking from a plastic cup. Oh, my little man is growing up so fast.

She also said to drop his crib down low, b/c he's going to be pulling himself up before we see her again at nine months! Crazy! Oh, and he gets to start vitamins. Overall, a wonderful visit! Of course, it then ended with three shots. Big guy only cries when the last shot goes in. He got to wear some camo bandaids. But when we left, he had a big smile on his face. We went home and took a two hour nap.

Water baby

Yesterday the big guy and I were invited to a pool party. We got there a little before one. The weather turned out to be pretty good. It was overcast, but pleasantly warm. Big guy and I hung out in the shade until around three. Big guy got to wear sunscreen for the first time- which he then proceeded to eat. Around three, my friend K let the big guy dip his feet in the pool. He loved it!

I wasn't surprised, since he loves being in the bathtub. He mostly stared at his feet. and then started stomping and splashing the water. Such a boy. I think he also was really interested in the bottom of the pool. Then K changed into her bathing suit and I put big guy in a little swimmer's diaper.

He was thrilled to be in there. He had a huge smile, was squealing and screaming in delight, and was splashing. K said he was like a seal- all slippery! Then to top it off, all the little girl cousins surrounded him and big guy was in heaven. He loves the ladies. He also stole a purple kick board and proceeded to slap it and try to eat it.

He was so precious. We were invited back next week and I will definitely find my swimsuit so I can enjoy with him.

Belly to back

Yesterday- big guy showed me he could roll from belly to back. Twice. He did it so effortlessly. And it only took him 2 months and a week to show me.

Happy 6 months baby!

Today the big guy turned 6 months old! I really can't believe it. It's hard to believe that 6 months ago I gave birth to him and then got thrown into parenthood. It has definitely been a wild ride and I know it only gets wilder. The picture above is my little dude when he was first born. And now to the big guy- You are an amazing kid. Thank you for being my son, for making me smile, laugh, and stare in wonder every single day. Happy birthday baby.

Driving baby

Before leaving for Valley Green, big guy and I started the car. He loves sitting up front with me while the car cools off. All the buttons, lights, and air blowing right on his face are very fun. This time, big guy grabbed the wheel. He puts his hands naturally at the 10 and 2 position. It was hysterical. The kid's a natural driver. I was so proud!

Valley Green

Hubs, big guy, and I went to Valley Green on saturday, as we only saw a part of it the other day. We got there a little after 10am. Of course, I couldn't figure out how to fit the jogging stroller into the trunk, so we were stuck with his regular stroller, which was a bad choice. Bad choice because Valley Green's ground is rocks. Big and little rocks. Thus very bouncy. I think if we had had the jogging stroller (even with it's busted wheels) big guy would have napped.

However, with all the bouncing, big guy just stared out at the beautiful trees, rocks, and people who walked, ran, and biked by. We didn't even make it to the actual park, we just did the "forbidden drive," which is about a mile each way. When we reached the end, we walked down to the river and watched it flow. Saw the reflection of a bridge. And took some fun pictures.

We then walked back and right before we left, went to a little house that sells smoothies and fresh sandwiches. Hubs got a smoothie, while I made friends with an eleven week old. Big guy was thrilled- he squealed, waved his arms, and smiled. Little baby wasn't impressed! But her parents were. I then took a pic of the three of them.

I think I'll attempt Valley Green again this weekend, as the weather isn't supposed to be too beastly. And bring the right stroller.

Babies R Us

Last week big guy and I went to the babies r us. I have this theory about the babies r us. It's the best and worst place on the planet. It's the best place, because it essentially has everything you need for your baby/child. Even things you never thought you could need are there. It's amazing. It's the worst place on earth b/c you'll go and find something. Then the next week you'll go back and the entire store is rearranged. Grrrr.

Big guy and I were there to buy the shopping cart cover and new car seats. Big guy has grown out of his infant car seat. I'll miss it b/c when he fell asleep in there, I would just pop it out and let him continue to sleep. No longer. There was a wide selection of the next step up in car seats. I immediately liked one, it looks like a seat that he could launch into space with. They are so huge. I asked the salesgirls for help, as I obviously have no idea. They were very helpful and big guy of course flirted with them. I even told one of them some stupid story about big guy. Half way through telling it I thought, why am I telling her this, she doesn't care. Oh well... I'm one of those moms.

I went with my original car seat choice, as it is mostly black but has green circles- which I thought would be mesmerizing to the big guy. Also, it goes up to 40 lbs facing backwards and 65 lbs facing forward. Ah, longevity.

Humorously, hubs put one of them in the next day (I bought two, as big guy starts going to the nanny in two weeks). Apparently, there was a lot of cursing, injuries, and sweating. Hubs also seemed to lose all his clothes. Hopefully none of the neighbors witnessed this!

Toes are Tasty

Big guy discovered his toes this week. Now, whenever he is on his back, he grabs his feet. It's really quite adorable, especiallly when I'm trying to put a diaper on- kidding. Not only does he grab his feet, he also puts them in his mouth. When he first accomplished this, he made a face. Kind of like, "ew, where have these things been?" Which is a really good question, since he walks barefoot everywhere. The cutest development in toe grab-bage is during our book reading before bed. Hubs reads two books while I'm putting on his bed time clothes. "Urban Babies Wear Black" and "That's Not My Monster" are read on his back. He grabs his feet and then puts hands and feet into the books. As if the feet are necessary in order to read.

Stretching

Big guy is incredibly stretchy. My favorite stretch is when big guy throws his head back and puts his hands behind his head. Then he pops his booty back and arches his back. Then he purses his lips out. It's like he's a model. Invariably, he does this when I am picking him up, so his legs are scrunched up. I hope to one day catch a picture of it.

New Diapers- bye bye swaddlers

Big guy has grown out of his "little" baby diapers- they were called swaddlers. Could the name be any cuter? They were super soft and had little baby big birds, elmos, cookie monsters, etc. I was stretching out him wearing them by ordering online size 2-3. But, since he has started to try to crawl, I figured it was time to move onto the cruisers. Since he wants to move, it seemed appropriate. Now cookie monster is bigger and on the backside of all the diapers, holding bananas and apples. So sad about cookie monster- cookies are never just a sometimes snack! And strangely, the cruisers have purple all over them. Not that I prescribe to color stereotypes, I mean big guys swing was mostly pink... It was just an odd observation. My little dude is growing up.

Target

We went to the target today. As I have yet to purchase the fabric covering to put in shopping carts, I was stuck carrying big guy, all 20 lbs of him! We were in search of pjs, diapers, and a cover for shopping carts so big guy can sit up. While we were unsuccessful in all of these endeavors, I did pick up a cute new onesie, red stripes with a robot. The best part was big guy turned to face the cart and put his hand out onto the handle to help me steer.

Swinging

Last week hubs, big guy, and I had dinner with a neighbor down the street. She has two daughters who are two and and the other is a month older than big guy. We sat outside and enjoyed some pizza and fruit. Big guy finished off his oatmeal. After dinner, we walked to the back of her backyard to put the big guy in a swing. One of those bucket seat swings. I plopped in the big guy and grabbed onto his hands, pulled up, and let him go. Back he flew and as he was coming forward, he looked at my and grinned! It was really cute. He absolutely loved it.

We didn't push it too far and only stayed in for a few minutes. The next day we went to the park and went back in the swing. It was even better than the night before. I would make funny faces when he came towards me, grab his feet, and we went up pretty high. Then he freaked. But overall, a very successful swinging encounter.

Morris Arboretum

Saturday brought with it another great weather day- what is that like three this summer? Hubs and I decided to go to the Morris Arboretum, kind of like Longwood Gardens, but owned and operated by the University of Pennsylvania. I must say I was pleasantly surprised that it was so close. And I instantly knew where I was when we got close. It's right past Valley Green and this awesome restaurant called Bruno's. Side note... when I was younger my dad (Grandpa J) and I would go running in valley green every weekend and then go eat hoagies and french fries at Bruno's. So, it has a special place in my heart.

The arboretum itself is up a hill. We drive up and arrived a little after 10am. Big guy was still awake. We went to the gift shop first, naturally. We have been on the hunt for a rain stick. Hubs doesn't believe me that it's a 1995 toy. The arboretum has this really cool "bird's nest." It's all wood and metal and is really high above the ground. Then there is a giant replica of a blackbird's nest that you can stand in. Big guy was really impressed!

We then walked through the grounds, visiting the rose garden, Oak Tree Alley, and tried to stick to the shade. Big guy reached down and grabbed at some flowers. Continuing our trend of destroying the foliage. Around eleven Big guy got ornery and I had to buckle him into his car seat to get him to sleep- he kept freaking out!

Then hubs and I walked over the hills for another hour to keep the stroller strolling. After exhaustion finally hit us, we got back in the car and drove to Bruno's. We had a lovely meal and then big guy and I strolled to Valley Green and found a bench to eat on. Big guy really enjoyed Valley Green, but found it very distracting while eating. Too many people running by. Following our meal, we walked down to look at the river. It was so peaceful and quiet.

Aquarium

Tuesday brought with it heat, humidity, and lots of sun. Thus Grandma Dino, big guy, and I went to the Aquarium! Big guy slept the whole car ride, so he was awake for the whole three hours we visited. We actually beat Grandma Dino there and bought the tickets in advance. It was so hot out that we went to go sit by the Delaware. We could see how dirty it was, with a few ducks, but the view of Philly was very nice. Finally, Grandma Dino arrived and grabbed the big guy. I think I got a "hi." hehe. Anyway, we go in and hit the bathroom first. After that we decide to wander through the whole place. Grandma Dino held big guy for the first two exhibits, which is impressive- he's heavy!

Big guy loved this purple fish that kept swimming by him and then staring at him. It was so cute, big guy put his hand on the glass to try to touch him. Too precious. We visited the penguins and seals, but big guy wasn't feeling them. It was really sunny.

We went back in and Grandma Dino touched a sea cucumber- ew! Big guy loved the waterfall. We then visited the clownfish and big guy was enraptured. He actually started climbing on the tank. Hands and feet on the glass. And our biggest love was the jellyfish. They have them in this giant dark blue tank with bright lights shing from above. It looks magical. We stared for a long time. We ended the tour by going through the shark tunnel. In a very cool move, big guy was following the sharks as they swam above us.

We finished the day with lunch and a quick look for a rainstick in the gift shop. Both were unfulfilling. We got in the car and big guy passed out. It was a great day!

vulli had a rough night

Vulli is a teething giraffe that the big guy loves to gnaw on. Plus, it squeaks obnoxiously when you press her anywhere. Yes, Vulli is a she. I find this surprising b/c I name most of big guy's toys as male. I digress. Big guy is in his exersaucer- best toy ever invented if you ask me- and he is chewing on Vulli. Next thing I know, he's spitting up all over the place. Plunk. Down goes Vulli head first. I grab big guy and tell him the fun is over. Later on Hubs comes home and is sitting with big guy across from exersaucer. He looks at Vulli and then at me and says, "Vulli had a rough night." Too funny!

Crawling

I knew it was going to happen soon. The inchworm has evolved. And I'm not talking about the metamorphosis to butterfly land or whatever happens to inchworms. I'm talking about the big guy crawling... sort of. The other day I sat big guy on the bed, always risky. He immediately launches himself onto his belly. Then I see the hips go up in the air. He's on his knees! Then I see him push his knees into the bed and he launches himself forward. Very impressive.

Over the next few days the crawling progresses. Now when he's on his belly, his butt goes up, as well pushing up on his arms. Which is apparently a skill that he needed to hit before turning six months (next week!) So, now he's on all fours and launching himself forward. He can move across the whole bed! And I find this incredibly funny, because of course he would figure out how to crawl before sitting up by himself. The kid loves to move.

Sleep, I missed you and I'm glad you are back

Big guy had decided to stop napping. But he was sleeping really well at night. I began questioning whether I would want him napping during the day but not sleeping at night or grouchy but sleeping at night. Well, I can say that last Saturday, he decided to test my theory and I have realized that I value sleep at night too much! Saturday came with better naps.

Saturday night he went to bed on time and passed out. Hubs and I went to bed around ten. Then at midnight I hear a cry. Crazed from being woken up I stumble to his crib and he's awake. WTF! and he won't go back to sleep! Double WTF! Rocked him a bit and he finally slept... Until one am hits. This continues every hour. For the next five days. And that is how I realized that I would rather him sleep at night and just keep him entertained during the day. Now, a week later, big guy is napping much better, with minimal fighting and sleeping at night. Oh, thank goodness!

Hey you off to the zoo part 2

This week presented another gorgeous weather day. As this summer has been beastly, we decided to take advantage and invited grandma Dino to go to the zoo. This zoo is smaller and has animals from only the Americas. The weather was perfect, yet again. Cloudy, low 80's with a nice breeze. big guy was attempting a new nap schedule, so he was awake when we got there a little after ten. We bought our tickets, which were nice and cheap. We saw bald eagles, vultures, wolves, foxes, cougars, jaguars (black and spotted), and prairies dogs. Big guy loved the butterfly exhibit. He could have stayed there all day. He really could follow them with his eyes as they fluttered around him. While we were watching them, I was saying lines from his favorite book, The very hungry caterpillar. His next favorite was of course the duck pond. We saw baby ducks! They were really cute and apparently they have spots when they are little. This of course made them even cuter. Grandma Dino bought food for them and we watched them gobble it up. Only after walking through the entire zoo, did he fall asleep. We decided to walk through it again and hit up the reptile house, which we had missed on the first pass. Big guy slept for two hours in his car seat. By the time he got up, we were home. I fed him and then we went to lunch, where he had a great time. That night he slept great!

HS reunion

My 10 year high school reunion is coming up! BF is making me go- damn her! Seriously though, I love her! Anywho, in a bid to fit into my clothing and not look like a blimp, I've lost two pounds in the past week. Thus my new total is 7 pounds down. Now only 17 more to go. Big guy was up half a pound. He was really tanking it this past week.

While speaking with my mom, she asked me about the reunion and I thought about it for a second. My entire life is different in the past five years. Ok, not completely different, but all the seedlings of what my life is now were under way. I now have a master's degree, a job (of which this will be my fifth year), a house, a husband, and a baby. I wonder if other people's lives have changed so much too.

busy busy busy

Big guy is so busy all the time. His hands have recently become very busy. When he nurses, he always has his hands moving. Sometimes they grab onto my shirt, which is sweet, sometimes they are touching his face, sometimes they are reaching up and grabbing my necklace and face (if he hits my lips, I give them kisses), and most recently, they have started flailing wildly. They swing out and hit my chest, he rubs his eyes furiously, and sometimes he just waves them in the air. Now, this wouldn't bother me too much, but he often distracts himself with his hands! Which is really really frustrating. Especially when he is drifting off to a much needed nap! He's just so busy.

Flat tire

Two nights ago hubs, big guy and I are out for a stroll before bed. Big guy is chilling in the stroller with eyes at 3/4 mast. The weather was gorgeous. We cut through a local park, which was pretty damaged by erosion. Then I hear a loud pop! And one of my tires on the jogging stroller burst. I've got a flat. I'm not even sure how to get it fixed. Can it be repaired? Or am I destined to have a bad wheel? When I figure it out, I'll let you know.

Longwood Gardens

Saturday brought with it beautiful weather. We're talking low eighties, sunny skies, and no humidity! A perfect day. Hubs and I decided to visit Longwood Gardens. Big guy had taken a great nap in the morning and the timing was right. We loaded up the diaper bag and ourselves and hit he road. There was barely any traffic and surprisingly we got there in good time, but it was a long time. Big guy took a much needed car ride nap. We parked close to the entrance and busted out the stroller.

It was relatively cheap, as big guy won't start costing money until he's at least two. We walked the grounds and visited the fountains first. Big guy loved them! All the water spraying in fun ways. Then, shhhh, big guy dipped his feet into a shallow pool and was pleasantly surprised to find it cool and wet.

Following the fountains we went to the conservatory and were shaded from the sun. We went to the children's garden. On he way we stopped and stared, smelled, and touched as many plants/flowers as possible. Big guy even ripper off a leaf (hey, it was an accident!) but I caught a really cute pic of his face afterwards. Pure joy and wonder.

Big guy loves nature and being outside. Trees, followed closely by flowers are the best. After being inside for a while, we had lunch. Then big guy and I went for a meal under a huge willow tree. We had the loveliest view of a pond. Which of course was empty of tourists until I had a breast out and then it became the hotspot. I'm pretty sure no one noticed. Then we visited an old house on the estate. And ended the day at the chiming tower. Which was preferred by big guy freaking out b/c he was exhausted. Normally, he would drift off in the stroller. Sigh. We left after briefly looking in the gift shop for a rain stick. Big guy passed out while being buckled into the car.

I must say, it is a beautiful place and I'm excited to go back and explore it even more as big guy gets older. Mother nature is truly amazing.

It was the best of hubs

Some days I really, really love the hubs. Today is one of those days. After a rough night last night, in which I fed big guy in the middle of the night- more on that later- I asked hubs to take big guy to local bagel place so I could sleep for an extra 30 minutes. Hubs agreed and whisked off big guy. I fell into a very strange dream, but got an extra 30 mins regardless. Hubs and big guy returned and I actually got big guy to nap.

While he was napping and then subsequently eating, hubs mowed the lawn, cleaned the downstairs, did a load of laundry, and ran the dishwasher. The day was pretty smooth. Went to the supermarket and hubs came with big guy in tow. Then more eating and napping. While this was happening, hubs emptied the kitty litter, took out the trash, and cleaned a particularly tough spot on our kitchen counter. Following this we went to the park for a half hour.

Big guy was exhausted, but in true style didn't fall asleep when eating. Hubs came upstairs finished the diapering process and went to nap him. It didn't work, but hubs came down and played with big guy while I did some vacuuming. Then he took big guy up to nap and when I listen on the monitor right now... silence. As a reward for being the best hubs, I made a huge pot of chicken noodle soup and we'll have fancy grilled cheeses to dunk. Hubs- you are the best!

About last night

I knew it wouldn't last forever. All this talk about big guy sleeping through the night. Harumph. Last night at 12:35, I hear the distinct noise of the baby sucking on his hands, which means he's awake. I go over and pop in the binky and hold his hands until he falls asleep. I sneak back to bead only to hear the binky pop out and hands to pop back in. Go back over and do the same. I did this four times and finally prodded hubs and said, "Your son needs to go back to sleep."

Hubs very dutifully gets up and rocks him until he's asleep. But as soon as he is down, hand sucking. I'm pissed! Hubs turns to me and says, "Maybe he's hungry." GRRRR! To understand my frustration, you must know that when big guy was way smaller, whenever he cried, hubs would look at me and say that he was hungry. It wasn't true and it drove me crazy. Plus big guy hasn't eaten during the night since he was three months old! I almost smothered hubs with a pillow. Instead, I took a deep breath and picked big guy up. Popped him on the right side and he ate like a champ. However, not asleep. I popped him on the other side and he ate like a champ again and fell asleep. Damn- hubs was right.

He slept until around 4:30 before complaining. Truthfully, I had a feeling he wouldn't sleep well. As we had had a really big day and he hadn't eaten a good lunch and his before bed meal wasn't totally complete as he passed out during it. Oh well. I think I'll now offer him a boob after he eats his oatmeal.