tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80428302909625289422024-02-21T01:24:24.062-06:00Baby StepsYou can have it all, just not all at once.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-84532161208192479122014-01-08T15:04:00.000-06:002014-01-10T09:43:34.091-06:00Three Years Old<i>Um, never mind that Will turns three and a half next month. Gradually getting caught up on my kiddo posts. Luckily I made pretty good notes... this one is from August 2013.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ08av6FDvepDFLjYWpW1bKx7Vov0gBKDHDQQC0h7-tR7Xmthvp51zPOHOFUPtPrCK1VvsPcUmxLADZAViFwpj_QG6-KzByHJSSoaplt-c6MMwnWhkk0tMt06bQSPR4VU9XD4Yp9Ku9Fs/s1600/BirthdayCollage004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ08av6FDvepDFLjYWpW1bKx7Vov0gBKDHDQQC0h7-tR7Xmthvp51zPOHOFUPtPrCK1VvsPcUmxLADZAViFwpj_QG6-KzByHJSSoaplt-c6MMwnWhkk0tMt06bQSPR4VU9XD4Yp9Ku9Fs/s1600/BirthdayCollage004.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William George (August 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dear Will,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Three. Years. Old.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can hardly believe it. I know it sounds incredibly corny and cliche, but it literally feels like we <i>just</i> brought you home from the hospital. That we <i>just</i> marveled at your first words. That we <i>just</i> cheered you on as you took your first tentative steps. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you're a new parent, everyone tells you that the time will fly by. It's hard to hear when you're in the newborn haze, but you know what?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They're right.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At three years old, there isn't an ounce of "baby-ness" left in you. You've outgrown the clumsy toddler stage, running your lean little body and long, strong legs triumphantly into little boyhood. You are an incredibly bright, sweet and sensitive little guy. You regularly impress me with your independence and confidence. You introduce yourself to people you don't know. You use your manners. You ask other children to play at the park. You ask interesting questions and make thoughtful observations about the world around you.<br />
<br />
Just when I think my heart may burst from you being too grown up, you crawl into my lap or reach for my hand or snuggle up next to me. You check-in, even briefly, for reassurance, for comfort, for the steady reminder that I am never too far away. That I am here, cheering you on as you make a new friend, work out a problem, or head out into the world. Throughout your life, I will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things, but I will always be your safe haven.<br />
<br />
You spent three mornings a week at the YMCA this summer, taking enrichment classes in music, art, cooking and gardening. You are wholly disinterested in any artistic pursuits, but will slap some paint on a piece of paper to appease your teacher. You love tactile projects, and will help with any task-oriented activity. For this reason, you loved your cooking and gardening classes. When I picked you up, you'd chatter non-stop about the ingredients that you used, the snack you ate, the seeds that you planted, the vegetables you harvested, the watering can you used, and your favorite color flowers. You are methodical, process-oriented, and meticulous. You definitely have your father's brain, my little engineer-in-training.<br />
<br />
You start Montessori preschool in a few weeks, and I'm so excited to see you learn and grow. Your own Montessori-educated Mama knows that the value of a Montessori education is in exploration and self-discovery. In developing independence and autonomy. In learning how to love learning. Knowing you, I know you're going to thrive in that environment.<br />
<br />
At three years old, you know all of your letters (A-Z), numbers (1-20), and most of the consonant sounds. You can spell your name and recognize it when written. The other day, you found your name in our street sign ("Will"ow Hill Drive). You like to count and categorize objects, assemble puzzles and build things. You memorize (and repeat) nearly everything you hear. Your ability to draw connections and demonstrate comprehension is astounding to me. You don't forget a darn thing. You use words and phrases as an adult would in conversation. My favorites lately is "Hmmm.... indeed" or "Ohhhhhh, I guess so" when you agree with something someone else says.<br />
<br />
Your favorite toys right now are trains, trucks, helicopters and construction vehicles. You narrate story lines for each truck as you play, modeling cooperation, team work and problem-solving. When you're not playing with vehicles, you love pretending to be animals. Bunny, horse, frog, dog, bee, and lion are among your favorites. While pretending, you're always a baby and always a female. If I call you Will, you'll reply, "Actually, Mama. I'm a baby [fill in the animal]." And you'll insist that I call you "Baby [Animal]" and refer to you as "she" for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
We had a very active summer. You love to be outdoors, so we spent most of our time at the park or in the backyard. You enjoy playing with trucks in your sand box, kicking the soccer ball, throwing the frisbee, splashing in the Slip 'n' Slide, and launching the stomp rocket.<br />
<br />
You potty trained very easily this summer. Stickers and cotton underwear proved to be great motivators, and you got the hang of it after just a few days (and a couple accidents). Although we taught you to pee sitting down, you've recently decided that you like standing up better. "I want to do it like Daddy," you told me. Good thing you're tall enough to reach!<br />
<br />
At bedtime, you insist on having all your favorite stuffed animals in bed with you. It's quite a comic arrangement, but somehow we manage to tuck you in surrounded by Barkley, Mama Teddy Bear, Mama Zebra, Piggy Bo Biggy, Hungry Caterpillar, Bunny Buddy, Tortuga, and more. You call it your "nest" and insist that you need each one to be "nice and cozy warm".<br />
<br />
Of all you've achieved this past year, I'm most proud of what a sweet, kind and loving big brother you are. While I was pregnant, I feared animosity and jealousy, but you have shown nothing but love and patience for your sister. You understand that Charlotte's needs are often more immediate, even if it means you need to wait for bit. You are gentle and kind. You love when she smiles at you, and you ask to hold her often (though it only lasts for about 30 seconds).<br />
<br />
Occasionally you'll ask me to give Charlotte to Daddy so you and I can have some "Mama time". We typically read books and snuggle. I love these quiet moments, my arms wrapped around you, holding a book and sharing a story together. Your favorites right now are "Digger Man," "Owl Babies," "The Friendly Lion," "Otis and the Tornado," and anything from the "Thomas and Friends Complete Collection."<br />
<br />
I love the person you are. I love your gentle soul, your goofy humor, your kind heart, and your free spirit. You brighten my soul and light up my life. I love you so much, sweet boy.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mama<br />
<br /></div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-11420140707722273162013-12-11T15:36:00.002-06:002013-12-11T15:51:07.619-06:00Broccoli "Souffle"Remember that time I had a blog? <i>Snort</i>.<br />
<br />
A friend recently shared that she misses me <strike>blogging at all</strike> posting recipes. This one was a hit at our kids ornament exchange last weekend, so I wanted to pass it on.<br />
<br />
My friend <a href="http://twotomatoes.wordpress.com/">Maggie</a> first made this at one of our sleepovers. I've made some minor tweaks from the original, but man, is it good. It's not truly a soufflé (note the quotation marks), but it has a yummy, custardy finish that reminds me of one. It's a favorite in our house and sure to be a show-stopper at your next brunch.<br />
<br />
<b>Broccoli "Souffle"</b><br />
<i>Adapted from The Splendid Table</i><br />
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1 large loaf of white French bread<br />
1 large head of broccoli<br />
8 large eggs<br />
2/3 cup milk<br />
8 tablespoons butter, melted<br />
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded<br />
2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon pepper<br />
3 tablespoons sugar<br />
<br />
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Tear the soft, white insides of the French bread into bite-size pieces <i>(feed the crusts to your three year old, toast into croutons, or toss outside for the birds)</i>. Cover the bottom of the baking dish generously with the torn bread. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-size pieces and sprinkle over the bread.<br />
<br />
Whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, pepper and sugar. Mix in one cup of shredded cheese. Pour over broccoli and bread, making sure to coat evenly. Top with remaining shredded cheese <i>(we like lots of cheese, but you can use less if you don't live in Wisconsin)</i>.<br />
<br />
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese. Remove and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Delish!Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-8614276692984009942013-10-06T20:44:00.001-05:002013-10-06T20:44:09.217-05:00School Pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xhAo1DXq48oCiJ-2CICDuJ8XkfI1mOYaA5e9090fTu2kyy9VbJe9h7-5XaVC7fHH3yuFFb6sHAeVbT71oETfaQhiY2gerHW4c3KhLs01LPNuedsEbCKmWX0XaCw-ncv1G94G5qj45Fk/s1600/SchoolPicCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xhAo1DXq48oCiJ-2CICDuJ8XkfI1mOYaA5e9090fTu2kyy9VbJe9h7-5XaVC7fHH3yuFFb6sHAeVbT71oETfaQhiY2gerHW4c3KhLs01LPNuedsEbCKmWX0XaCw-ncv1G94G5qj45Fk/s400/SchoolPicCollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos courtesy of a very talented mom at Will's school.<br />She captured him perfectly!</td></tr>
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<br />Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-37332346711821692352013-10-05T22:21:00.001-05:002013-10-06T22:44:46.492-05:00Radio SilenceHello, out there! We're alive. Just busy. Here's life in six short snippets...<br />
<ol>
<li>Will <i>loves</i> his <b>preschool</b>. He tells me all the time about his friends and his teacher and what they had for snack that day. Melts my heart. However, he also says his best friend at school is Lucy, but there is no Lucy. So I'm not sure if we've entered imaginary friend territory, or if he's decided our friends' dog is his best friend. Stay tuned.</li>
<li>People keep commending me for doing <b>EBF</b> (exclusive breastfeeding) with Charlotte for the first six months. I think breast milk is awesome, and I'm thrilled that we hit that milestone. But the truth is, it wasn't a conscious choice so much as I forgot she could start food already. The plight of the second child.</li>
<li>I freaking love my <b>new job</b>. Wait, did I ever tell you that I got a new job? I started a new position at our local public four-year university in September. I'm 20 hours a week on a nine month contract, which has been about perfect balance for me. I've learned that I'm not well-suited to being at home full-time, but I don't want to be away from the kids five days a week either. So I'm working three days a week and I'll have my summers off. Awesome!</li>
<li>We hired a <b>cleaning person</b> last month. Best money ever spent. I had no idea where to start, but we found her on recommendation from a friend. She visits every other week and does an amazing job. It's so great to have someone come in to do the big stuff (floors, sinks, toilets, etc), so we can spend less time cleaning and more time hanging out as a family. On her first day here, she took out the vacuum and Will exclaimed, "What's that?!?" Nice. In sum, why we have a cleaning lady.</li>
<li>I started doing <b>yoga</b> two mornings a week with a friend. It's <i>really</i> early (like waking up at 5:30 AM to be to the studio by 6:00 AM), but so worth it. The days I do yoga are so <i>good</i>. I'm more present, more patient, more positive. Although it's early, there's something so calming about being up before anyone else. Like the world in the sub-6:00 AM darkness exists only for me. Before the kids are awake, before we're scrambling to get ready, even before I've had my first cup of coffee. I get to do something just for me. It's like I'm sweeping away the cobwebs and shining myself up for the day. Om.</li>
<li>We recently debated Charley vs. Charlie for <b>Charlotte's nickname</b>. I adore the spelling Charley, but Ben figures she'll just have to explain how to spell it her whole life. So Charlie it is.</li>
</ol>
I forgot how hard it is to blog when I'm working! My new goal is once a week, but we'll see...<br />
<ol>
</ol>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-45414589618684020812013-09-22T22:02:00.000-05:002013-09-22T22:03:03.208-05:00Back To School<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81-2E68s1Ga6Na3yglXq3HXyQWZKks8e0XyD8zH7EmuJzJsoqISO4w_Y_3F32sQkvCt6NdBgTkRQ9-_lvpLuFuCP3xQG1N0hf6OoFelVHFnGPwP9tAPWMzhFIr1FYwwiIef1LBcNwVGM/s1600/FirstDaySchoolLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81-2E68s1Ga6Na3yglXq3HXyQWZKks8e0XyD8zH7EmuJzJsoqISO4w_Y_3F32sQkvCt6NdBgTkRQ9-_lvpLuFuCP3xQG1N0hf6OoFelVHFnGPwP9tAPWMzhFIr1FYwwiIef1LBcNwVGM/s400/FirstDaySchoolLarge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will on the First Day of Preschool: Tuesday, September 10, 2013</td></tr>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-29741830495232967722013-09-09T16:33:00.000-05:002013-09-09T16:40:14.182-05:00Ink<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsE0jA8YNpl3gWcP2HaYfvFlNST7Hk0_Cu6X-iEip90S6LFnQQD3jh0jQiLjVzfJyGwFFx0TD_qrOs8CYA9WyguujAry7DAF1JVRTpC5Cpzg3Dm6A7tnnsD-1dlv4TS4XCqZff6eyOds/s1600/565038_10102455954818737_1033810023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsE0jA8YNpl3gWcP2HaYfvFlNST7Hk0_Cu6X-iEip90S6LFnQQD3jh0jQiLjVzfJyGwFFx0TD_qrOs8CYA9WyguujAry7DAF1JVRTpC5Cpzg3Dm6A7tnnsD-1dlv4TS4XCqZff6eyOds/s400/565038_10102455954818737_1033810023_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters</td></tr>
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<br />
<div>
Guess who got a tattoo?!?<br />
<br />
The idea came to me a few weeks ago as I was cleaning out my bedroom closet. I found a note from my dad, which was signed with his customary "Who Loves Ya" (he's said this to my sister and I since we were little girls). I snapped a photo of the note and sent a text to my sister... "This would make an awesome tattoo."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She was on board immediately, and we decided to get it done when she was in town for Charlotte's baptism. So this past Saturday, we grabbed our guys and headed to the tattoo parlor. Our tattoo artist was awesome. He made a transfer of the note in my dad's handwriting and went to work. I was super nervous, but it wasn't bad at all. Granted, it was a fairly simple tat. But two natural child births have probably skewed my pain threshold. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's still a bit surreal to see something permanently written on my arm, but I absolutely love it. It makes me smile every time I see it. I love that I share this piece of me with my sister, and I love that we were able to do something to honor our dad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cross that one off <a href="http://takebabysteps.blogspot.com/p/40-x-40.html">the list</a>!</div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-79062278575889302622013-08-23T22:12:00.001-05:002013-08-23T22:12:50.685-05:00Four Months Old<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94y3-H-YDUDMVzBmmWcy4DMz0GVvLgeR6MKQUg3KQid9r23rXtuysCFCEUr1hmI_0FBs16rNUDI5i4XfCtVJ9bo6eokO-2VZ-tg0_lxqC2OKeacLpBiWgm0tDqCuEgI2HDxR0HWWIWUs/s1600/Ahoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94y3-H-YDUDMVzBmmWcy4DMz0GVvLgeR6MKQUg3KQid9r23rXtuysCFCEUr1hmI_0FBs16rNUDI5i4XfCtVJ9bo6eokO-2VZ-tg0_lxqC2OKeacLpBiWgm0tDqCuEgI2HDxR0HWWIWUs/s400/Ahoy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Louise (August 2013)</td></tr>
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<br />
Dear Charlotte,<br />
<br />
Sweet girl, what a big month it's been! Shortly after my last post you began <i>sleeping through the night</i>. At three months old. It was glorious.<br />
<br />
It was also relatively short-lived (about 8 consecutive days), but it was awesome. You are quite young to be sleeping through the night on a consistent basis, so I took it as a beautiful (and restful) gift.<br />
<br />
Even when you're not sleeping through the night, you're a relatively good sleeper. Daddy gives you a bottle before he goes to bed (around 11:00 PM) and then you usually only wake up once in the middle of the night to nurse. You eat very quickly and go right back to sleep (up for about 25 minutes max). Part of me really enjoys our middle of the night cuddles, and I know that extra feeding helps keep my milk supply up. So it's totally worth it, even if I need an extra cup of coffee in the morning.<br />
<br />
In the past month you also started rolling from your belly to your back. It seemed to really startle you at first, but now you roll with a purpose, giving me a triumphant smile when you succeed. You still dislike tummy time when you're tired or close to nap time, but for the most part, you don't mind being on your stomach. You hold your head up high and look around the room for your brother, who remains your absolute favorite person.<br />
<br />
You've started reaching for and batting at toys. You are almost able to grab them, but your coordination needs a little work yet. Still, it's awesome to see you interact with your surroundings a bit more. I can't believe how fast you're growing!<br />
<br />
Bedtime continues to be a hard time of day for you. We've found that you get very upset if we try and put you to bed before you're ready. You regularly scream at Daddy when he puts you to bed alone. While you're a little fussy for me, I can usually keep you content until you're drowsy enough to fall asleep. Before bedtime, we spend a lot of time walking around the house or watching Will play. You also like to go outside... something about the fresh air seems to soothe you.<br />
<br />
You continue to nurse like a champ, although we're encountering some new nursing troubles now that you're more active and alert. You recently whipped your head around while you were latched, creating a gnarly crack on my nipple (ouch!). It hurts a bit to nurse you on that side right now, but we're pushing through it.<br />
<br />
Your absolute favorite activity right now is standing. Not by yourself of course, but standing on someone's lap while they support you under your arms. You lock your legs and hold yourself up <i>forever</i>. You love to look out and take in your surroundings while you do it. You're quite alert and interested in the world around you.<br />
<br />
You are such a sweet, smiley girl. You love to look at people and make eye contact. You gave us your first giggles in the past month, and your smiles absolutely light up the room (and our lives).<br />
<br />
We love you so much, baby bug.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MamaSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-18315692083796420592013-08-08T19:16:00.002-05:002013-08-08T19:16:56.194-05:00Three<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrrcfH500tybRkIoApi-g0QZm0ZXQkogXRhh6__9jchg8VaaR7Dkvwtvw0Gfuh4tsZzOH29l8k1l8UKu5iOyFTjUnkrVLfcld280WCPl8gHa8xizKcGVdqYD_Zu_oqvJB7IV7lub_Hv8/s1600/BirthdayCollageFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrrcfH500tybRkIoApi-g0QZm0ZXQkogXRhh6__9jchg8VaaR7Dkvwtvw0Gfuh4tsZzOH29l8k1l8UKu5iOyFTjUnkrVLfcld280WCPl8gHa8xizKcGVdqYD_Zu_oqvJB7IV7lub_Hv8/s400/BirthdayCollageFinal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Boy</td></tr>
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<br />Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-8395160021165415152013-08-05T14:13:00.000-05:002013-08-05T14:54:52.361-05:00School SuppliesThe best part of having a preschool-age child? School supply shopping!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtWBKMFB07wCnlu3xQ2ltEeW71SzHEi8Rx5-HYCKgDCqX-eH1JPPr37lG5ei0QNiR5N8u0UiDAmnDRuHsYWE-2cWgYgNRfTH_K-l_NUgQlpLtzJPOZ0rTc_1W5RXsoRPEGHKtLI1nUQQ/s1600/Supplies001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtWBKMFB07wCnlu3xQ2ltEeW71SzHEi8Rx5-HYCKgDCqX-eH1JPPr37lG5ei0QNiR5N8u0UiDAmnDRuHsYWE-2cWgYgNRfTH_K-l_NUgQlpLtzJPOZ0rTc_1W5RXsoRPEGHKtLI1nUQQ/s400/Supplies001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One box is never enough!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I <i>loved</i> school supply shopping when I was a kid. The ritual of going to the store with my mom and picking out my new items was often the highlight of my summer.<br />
<br />
Back-to-school shopping felt like such a major event, as if those new supplies were going to set the tone for the entire school year. I'd give serious consideration to whether I should get notebooks that were regular or college-ruled, debate the merits of pens with purple ink vs. pens with black ink, and agonize over which Trapper-Keeper to buy. I even loved supply shopping as a grad student (albeit with far fewer Lisa Frank folders). There's still something incredibly intoxicating about pulling out a brand new notebook or writing deadlines in a never-before-used planner.<br />
<br />
(Writing that, I'm acutely aware of what a super-nerd I am.)<br />
<br />
So granted, I was really amped up to buy supplies for Will, but he had a great time too. He was so proud to be picking out his own items, and he's really, really excited to go to school in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
For this year, Will's school supply list included...<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Child-safe scissors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two white glue sticks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Small box of crayons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two #2 pencils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Large pink eraser</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Medium-size pencil box</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Folder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kleenex box</span></li>
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<br />
And here's what he chose...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini37Ynkcqp6vRhSq1TKgXojV8LecErGl8OjPrqCnZZmjg6Df4RuOZpAha5owLGugm6yfSFPxsR9fxi2z0b0D6Bs7j_jewWHD02SVDADLGcPGbtuAGpk9hUaTR9DzzNsy3O738zsSFl1o/s1600/Supplies002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini37Ynkcqp6vRhSq1TKgXojV8LecErGl8OjPrqCnZZmjg6Df4RuOZpAha5owLGugm6yfSFPxsR9fxi2z0b0D6Bs7j_jewWHD02SVDADLGcPGbtuAGpk9hUaTR9DzzNsy3O738zsSFl1o/s400/Supplies002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will's 2013-2014 school supplies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
I could just die from the cuteness.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-10033393207427058682013-07-22T09:13:00.000-05:002013-07-22T09:13:00.333-05:00By the way...I totally <a href="http://takebabysteps.blogspot.com/2013/07/welcome-back-to-society-sam.html">jinxed it</a>.<br />
<br />
But it was a solid 8 days of all-night slumber.<br />
<br />
Plus, it's a promise that I will indeed sleep again.<br />
<br />
Not now and not consistently. But someday.<br />
<br />
I'll take it.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-53237141024957860172013-07-21T21:08:00.002-05:002013-07-21T21:09:17.359-05:00Neon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XBU1GoqvRFq81l9YG82hZ4av-_MrsPEt8UF28H7CIyxNLHOGcTrZsv5puVeo_mlXEnZweepJlIb32gpoqsbN7aM0AIg77pJ7kNgNgtti0gnrHuTXWQkLqPG-F5rnHXKPm-TWp4fHk3M/s1600/Neon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XBU1GoqvRFq81l9YG82hZ4av-_MrsPEt8UF28H7CIyxNLHOGcTrZsv5puVeo_mlXEnZweepJlIb32gpoqsbN7aM0AIg77pJ7kNgNgtti0gnrHuTXWQkLqPG-F5rnHXKPm-TWp4fHk3M/s400/Neon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always be bright</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-72291622489504547652013-07-18T15:37:00.002-05:002013-07-18T21:27:48.286-05:00The Great Preschool SagaYou may recall that Will's <a href="http://takebabysteps.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-i-reluctantly-started-home.html">preschool closed</a> last December with little warning.<br />
<br />
Since then we've spent hours and hours researching and touring new schools. We found a school that we really loved right away. Let's call it the "awesome" school. We were referred to the awesome school by a close friend whose daughter will be attending in the fall.<br />
<br />
We trust this friend implicitly, so we were thrilled to have her recommendation. We toured the school and <b>LOVED</b> it. It's a very small Montessori-based preschool (12 students total, ages 3-5). The teacher is awesome and the curriculum is exceptional. We quickly submitted an application and crossed our fingers.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately though, they were unable to offer a spot to Will for the 2013-2014 school year. In addition to spacing out the students' ages, they also try and keep a gender-balanced classroom (6 boys, 6 girls). Not only had they filled all of their three year old spots, but they also had more boys than girls enrolled due to sibling preference (siblings of current and prior students are guaranteed enrollment).<br />
<br />
So we kept looking. We toured six different schools over the course of two months. Nothing felt great, but Will needed <i>something</i> for the fall, so we selected another local Montessori preschool. The curriculum and philosophy of this school was good, but the tuition was outrageous. Let's call it the "stupidly-expensive" school.<br />
<br />
Ben and I went round and round on whether we should enroll him there. Ultimately, we decided that a Montessori preschool was the best environment for Will, and the stupidly-expensive school was the best local Montessori after the awesome school. So we sent in a check to reserve our spot at the stupidly-expensive school for the fall. (You still with me? Great, hang in there.)<br />
<br />
Fast forward several months: We got a call from the awesome school offering us a spot for the 2013-2014 school year! I just about died. We accepted immediately, hoping that the stupidly-expensive school would give us a tuition refund. The awesome school is the best place for Will, and we were willing to send him there even if we received nothing back from the stupidly-expensive school. (Although I think Ben would have had a coronary if we ended up paying tuition for two different preschools.)<br />
<br />
We reached out to the stupidly-expensive school and heard nothing for several weeks. Honestly, I wasn't optimistic that we'd receive any reimbursement. We had already made a commitment to them and they were counting on Will to be there in fall. Until today, when we received a full tuition refund along with a notice that the stupidly-expensive school would be closing before the 2013-2014 school year.<br />
<br />
I'm still in shock! Not only that we got a spot in the awesome school, but that I'm holding a check reimbursing us for a sizable tuition payment. Although it's unfortunate that our community is losing another option for Montessori education, I'm reminded...<br />
<br />
What's meant to be will find a way.<br />
<br />Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-25911230253020330042013-07-17T15:40:00.005-05:002013-07-17T20:48:11.595-05:00Feel Free To Punch Me In the Face<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-LwNa62jnnbjKI2trRHxB7We3jRdOJ5sjDAVBiIpJP63FHlFSSiUo-fYg4iPT-XYz-SNW40ugahQTjtk0VQEjiYaIgPTIAuvdi5ACqWSLlRz43UXpB-gNWxU5lLGi4WHstinjfF-_sI/s1600/Sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-LwNa62jnnbjKI2trRHxB7We3jRdOJ5sjDAVBiIpJP63FHlFSSiUo-fYg4iPT-XYz-SNW40ugahQTjtk0VQEjiYaIgPTIAuvdi5ACqWSLlRz43UXpB-gNWxU5lLGi4WHstinjfF-_sI/s400/Sleeping.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snoozy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hesitate to write this because...<br />
<br />
a) I don't want to jinx it, and<br />
<br />
b) when Will was little (and not sleeping) I wanted to punch these people in the face, but...<br />
<br />
<b>Charlotte has been sleeping through the night for the past week.</b><br />
<br />
Girlfriend goes to bed at 7:00 PM. Ben wakes her around 11:00/11:30 PM to give her a bottle. Then I wake her at 7:00 AM because my breasts are so full I feel like they're going to explode. Except for the 10-15 minutes that she's taking the bottle and getting a diaper change, she's sleeping.<br />
<b><br /></b>
Let's just take a moment to reflect on how awesome that is... <b>12 CONSECUTIVE HOURS, PEOPLE.</b> At three months old. I'm pretty sure that Will didn't sleep for 12 consecutive hours until he was almost two.<br />
<br />
So I'm kind of in awe. It can't possibly last, but I'll take it while I can get it. It feels ah-mazing to sleep all night (except for the overwhelmingly painful breast fullness when I wake up). But the sleep. Bliss.<br />
<br />
I feel like a fully functioning member of society again.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-1156380388076402812013-07-16T14:03:00.000-05:002013-07-18T14:04:30.767-05:00Three Months Old<i>Not late! Well, only a week late. But still, an improvement.</i><br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7T19HGCVRp68O2RFMvtN5AZ2f77pvyaASNGt0csacD25p01rqYtN0bbmrXvnfKm0GVw-sDcy7AJcXA-Ef0xfSnmFrB0xBhEWljnUqpBxWylXZwE7JLBe-KssznG-IwIZSxvWIAAKcuc/s1600/Charlotte4Month003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7T19HGCVRp68O2RFMvtN5AZ2f77pvyaASNGt0csacD25p01rqYtN0bbmrXvnfKm0GVw-sDcy7AJcXA-Ef0xfSnmFrB0xBhEWljnUqpBxWylXZwE7JLBe-KssznG-IwIZSxvWIAAKcuc/s400/Charlotte4Month003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Louise (July 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dear Charlotte,<br />
<br />
Sweet baby girl, you are growing so fast! I can hardly believe the first three months are behind us already.<br />
<br />
You are becoming very alert and watchful. You love to sit in my lap, facing out so you can see what's happening around you. Unsurprisingly, your favorite person to watch is your brother. You seem absolutely fascinated with him, and will track his movements across the room. You also love it when he talks to you... smiling from ear to ear and cooing back at him.<br />
<br />
You recently found your hands and love putting them in your mouth. You also firmly grip anything you can get your hands on. I've noticed you batting at toys in your play gym, but I think it's mostly involuntary yet. You seem so surprised when you strike something and it moves!<br />
<br />
You love your pacifier, and almost always need it to fall asleep. You're also a fan of white noise, or any sort of background commotion. We still swaddle you at night, as you have an unbelievable strong startle reflex. You sleep so soundly wrapped up like a little mummy... the tighter the better! I'm dreading the next big milestone (rolling over) as we're supposed to stop swaddling you then.<br />
<br />
You're getting quite comfortable with tummy time. You like it when we prop your chest up with a little pillow so you can pick your head up and look around. You'll stay on your stomach for quite awhile if you can watch Will play, but you will also "help" me fold laundry that way.<br />
<br />
You are a very vocal baby, cooing and "talking" constantly. You love to lock eyes with people and give them the sweetest coo/grin. You also have this adorable complaining voice when you're feeling cranky or bored. Daddy likens the sound you make to an episode of The Simpsons, where Homer is having <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcv1EhH7Xh0">night terrors</a>. As a result, we've taken to saying "ah, cobras!" virtually every time you squawk.<br />
<br />
You are an overwhelmingly happy baby, but if you get mad, WATCH OUT. When you get upset you let us have it, unleashing what can only be described as a mad scream. You have a pretty high tolerance for most things, but you straight up yell when you've had enough. You tend to get pretty upset in the evenings, especially if Mama isn't here to put you to bed. Daddy reports that you pretty much scream at him for 15 minutes before settling down and going to sleep. It's almost as if you want him to know that you're mad that Mama's gone!<br />
<br />
You love, love, love being outside. If you're fussy, I can usually take you outside and you'll calm instantly. You love the breeze and the sun on your face. Often times, I'll bring your swing outside so you can nap under the patio umbrella while I garden or read. It's so awesome having an infant over the summer months!<br />
<br />
It is our greatest joy to watch you grow. You bring so much happiness to Daddy, Will and me. We love you so much, darling girl!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mama</div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-558679442000997902013-07-15T19:28:00.000-05:002013-07-17T15:44:36.236-05:00Beach Bum<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6lwHU9YHuAjLjNw6H5b5VCwzMhIgWf3SsV8uqgYm4llIyFNROBVokyn7l1krgoCOkT0xj1Rwc_mhsdcE-yF-VSDTbEjr9_NwbPHDJ0S2BITK5OQ8Lt6Rasxh_mjSaWTEnQWpfDhel-o/s1600/Beach002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6lwHU9YHuAjLjNw6H5b5VCwzMhIgWf3SsV8uqgYm4llIyFNROBVokyn7l1krgoCOkT0xj1Rwc_mhsdcE-yF-VSDTbEjr9_NwbPHDJ0S2BITK5OQ8Lt6Rasxh_mjSaWTEnQWpfDhel-o/s400/Beach002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rough life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-6848754367476502013-07-10T20:32:00.000-05:002013-07-18T14:05:39.589-05:00We've Come A Long Way, BabyLast week, I was sipping coffee with a friend when an elderly woman approached us and asked how old Charlotte is. We exchanged pleasantries and gushed over my beautiful baby. As the woman was leaving she said, "Motherhood suits you, my dear! You're a natural."<br />
<br />
Fast forward to today as I stopped to nurse Charlotte at a local parenting store. I entered the lounge area, which was empty except for another mother who was trying to soothe her fussy little one. The woman looked frazzled. The baby was cranky, her diaper bag had spilled all over the floor, she had spit-up on her shoulder. She was pretty much a hot mess. I slipped her a sympathetic smile, glided over to a chair and started nursing my smiley, serene baby when it struck me:<br />
<br />
I was this woman just three short years ago.<br />
<br />
The baby's grandmother was also with them, and we started chatting. "How old is your baby?" the grandmother asked. "Three months today," I responded. "Maddy just turned two months," the grandmother replied. "Have you found it gets easier each month?"<br />
<br />
At this point, the mother looked up at me with that frazzled, stressed out look I remember too well. That look of... "Please, just tell me this is going to get better." That look of... "This can't always be this bad, can it? CAN IT?!?"<br />
<br />
I smiled and said that Charlotte is our second baby, and that it's been a much easier adjustment this time around. Then I looked straight at the mother and said, "My older son was a really challenging infant. How are you doing?"<br />
<br />
And the floodgates opened. She teared up and told me about how her baby doesn't sleep. How her baby screams for hours a day. How she's pumping because the baby won't latch. How her milk supply is running out. How she feels terrible for having to start formula. How she's desperate for her husband to come home in the evening because she just can't take it anymore.<br />
<br />
I listened. I empathized. I avoided giving advice because she's doing what she knows best. It's not like there's a magic formula for dealing with a colicky baby. Other than time. And alcohol.<br />
<br />
What I did tell her is that I'm a strong believer in the "fourth trimester" (the three months after birth in which the baby is adjusting to life outside the womb). That things did get easier as Will got older. That he's a bright, curious, sweet, sensitive little boy now. That I still think back to his early-infancy and shudder (seriously people, if you've never had a colicky baby, you just can't imagine the hell). That it took us a long, damn time to even <i>think</i> about having another kid. That finding other like-minded mom friends was the only way I survived (and continue to survive). That I eventually found my footing as a parent, and she will too.<br />
<br />
It's almost as if I was talking to myself three years ago. I wish I would have had more people around me back then to help normalize my experience. To remind me that I'm not doing anything wrong. That I'm doing the best I can. That I'm not failing as a mother.<br />
<br />
As they got up to leave, I looked down at my sweet, sleeping Charlotte and realized...<br />
<br />
We've come a long way, baby.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-28918982859723187622013-07-08T15:44:00.002-05:002013-07-08T21:19:40.479-05:00Two Months Old<div>
<i>Once again, this is late. Le sigh.</i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUyN9OxRErcn1amPMwcsXf4dQMHqLdjMPZG_x2896yqIujNqB5jISGuj0b4rWZigpgAQ5RubCFtjWC04vA5qrMd4o3juYneDQF9aJOIt4gQTi-lzwQXiF39jgA8yRrm928GV6Y-P-9Hc/s1600/LoveBug002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUyN9OxRErcn1amPMwcsXf4dQMHqLdjMPZG_x2896yqIujNqB5jISGuj0b4rWZigpgAQ5RubCFtjWC04vA5qrMd4o3juYneDQF9aJOIt4gQTi-lzwQXiF39jgA8yRrm928GV6Y-P-9Hc/s400/LoveBug002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Louise (June 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dear Charlotte,<br />
<br />
Oh, you are such a smiley girl. At two months old, you are smiling constantly. You love to catch someone's eye and grin from ear to ear. You give the most smiles to Mama, Daddy and Will, although you'll grin at just about anyone.<br />
<br />
We've started calling you "bug" and its variations, including "baby bug", "smiley bug" and "bug-a-boo". The nickname just suits you. You have these comical cartoon faces and big, gorgeous eyes. You're the most darling, little, smoochable baby!<br />
<br />
One of the biggest developments from the past month is that you're now sleeping in your own room. This happened right around the five week mark, and you've been a champ ever since. Although I miss snuggling with you at night, this transition has been best for everyone. I believe we're both sleeping more soundly now. Shortly after you made the transition to your crib, you started sleeping for longer and longer stretches... generally giving me 4-5 hours once a night.<br />
<br />
In addition to sleeping in your own crib, I believe part of what's made you a better sleeper is your noise machine. You sleep so soundly during the hustle and bustle of our daily activities, yet we were putting you to bed at night in a completely silent room. Ambient noise seems to help you settle and stay asleep, so we run your noise machine on the "white noise" setting all night long.<br />
<br />
Breastfeeding is still going great, and you've settled into a very predictable feeding routine. You generally wake around 7:00 AM, then eat every 2-3 hours throughout the day. You are a very efficient and eager eater... you take both breasts for most feedings and finish eating within 15-20 minutes.<br />
<br />
We introduced a bottle at the 4 week mark, which you took no problem. You seem a little overwhelmed by the flow of the bottle at times, but it's great for Daddy to be able to help with feedings now (especially in the middle of the night!).<br />
<br />
You are generally a happy baby, but you've been a little fussy in the evenings lately. One thing that seems to help you settle is a bath. Daddy usually bathes you, which is very special bonding time for both of you. You look up and coo at him in the warm water. It's so sweet.<br />
<br />
The past month also brought your first cold. It was heartbreaking to see you so uncomfortable (runny nose, congestion, cough), but such is the plight of the second child. I don't think Will got a cold until he was over a year old, but you have the benefit of all his activities and friends to help boost your immune system.<br />
<br />
My darling, you are such a precious, wonderful little girl. We love you so very much.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MamaSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-49415882935612970992013-06-24T13:58:00.001-05:002013-07-08T20:43:16.158-05:00Around Here<ul>
<li>We're loving summer... our days are non-stop fun with the park, pool and plenty of play dates.</li>
<li>Charlotte is <i>so</i> smiley. Her favorite person is her brother.</li>
<li>Will is both completely awesome and unbelievably challenging. His emotions exist in such extremes... either overwhelmingly happy or overwhelmingly sad. I have to remind myself that he feels everything so deeply right now, and sometimes just doesn't know how to handle it.</li>
<li>I'm obsessed with neon. Wait until you see my new front door.</li>
<li>I've already read seven books this month. I predict nine before July 1.</li>
<li>My surgeon says I'm an "exceptionally good" healer.</li>
<li>We recently made the decision to ditch our Keurig.</li>
<li>I've managed not to kill my garden yet. Veggies look awesome. Watermelons might not make it. Rabbits are the enemy.</li>
<li>I was sick of all our old and mismatched socks so I threw out <i>every single</i> pair and bought new ones. I'm pretty sure Ben was still holding on to some socks from the 90s. And now, all our white socks are all the same brand and type so I can easily pair them back up. Win!</li>
</ul>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-88535257460825952202013-06-20T14:40:00.001-05:002013-06-20T14:41:04.475-05:00Carbon CopiesApparently Ben and I make only one type of child, male or female...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs8IzxU7LBjuukAuSzbPv1FpohomXoIKhY0Tvkd8DfnqSzJXrV6MAf2hO2GqeS2_8-Ikmj4lI_B6T8lvSgEWLLMSQy1eB_OZUlWWTt6xFbIqOMiad7vtRaClaAS7biYAcepAVmuGQ20U/s1600/WillCharlotte2Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs8IzxU7LBjuukAuSzbPv1FpohomXoIKhY0Tvkd8DfnqSzJXrV6MAf2hO2GqeS2_8-Ikmj4lI_B6T8lvSgEWLLMSQy1eB_OZUlWWTt6xFbIqOMiad7vtRaClaAS7biYAcepAVmuGQ20U/s400/WillCharlotte2Months.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will, 2 months (left) and Charlotte, 2 months (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My sister and I have not looked alike a day in our lives, so I <i>love</i> that they look so similar. How fun to see the family resemblance!<br />
<br />Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-30959675676852756772013-06-18T15:04:00.002-05:002013-06-18T15:06:17.524-05:002 1/2 Years Old<i>Gah! I'm so late on these letters lately. Luckily I make notes so I can fill in details later. Better late than never... here is my letter to Will at 2 1/2 years old (February 2013).</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5uttKIJCIfbuIhs-lJeN85F1fmzk1OwvpQSk-HMQnzZkkTWxYJF45gDwUWVOwVXI8GYz0oQMset6LnKc0K_Ou7d1uJcWG0WLRueg7a2MtNwc9ecvSxNpW1z3utR7pFuQFVjBIfJ4r2Q/s1600/TwoHalf001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5uttKIJCIfbuIhs-lJeN85F1fmzk1OwvpQSk-HMQnzZkkTWxYJF45gDwUWVOwVXI8GYz0oQMset6LnKc0K_Ou7d1uJcWG0WLRueg7a2MtNwc9ecvSxNpW1z3utR7pFuQFVjBIfJ4r2Q/s400/TwoHalf001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bCQ7ktMZirmXWOVbIGMK67uUK9Yek-I0sL2Ly0W3nZ0OpF4bhtwcJwVyOfHlCN4xrRdyzXVnIVWv8Bz46s5mgQtMhnN4W7AzMEvwq-xAtOOPCsmAdYArB16xnnse9WFxd0yJkXrFvZs/s1600/TwoHalf002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bCQ7ktMZirmXWOVbIGMK67uUK9Yek-I0sL2Ly0W3nZ0OpF4bhtwcJwVyOfHlCN4xrRdyzXVnIVWv8Bz46s5mgQtMhnN4W7AzMEvwq-xAtOOPCsmAdYArB16xnnse9WFxd0yJkXrFvZs/s400/TwoHalf002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3IQev34qfyyYDcSzd-i5Fze_jInV2B6qqpApGYnaFDtdRuckWLMF3zOwjfNFr1elh8Y3IKaN2ulx_UTYHdKZe3zpDn1-yAEBsdelp77oSUFQwPS-x-Ui1DC9YnWfdSdlsGxP9SphUk4/s1600/TwoHalf003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3IQev34qfyyYDcSzd-i5Fze_jInV2B6qqpApGYnaFDtdRuckWLMF3zOwjfNFr1elh8Y3IKaN2ulx_UTYHdKZe3zpDn1-yAEBsdelp77oSUFQwPS-x-Ui1DC9YnWfdSdlsGxP9SphUk4/s400/TwoHalf003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Will,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You turned 2 1/2 years old this week.<br />
<br />
The occasion snuck up on me a little bit. We've been battling illness in our house lately, which means you and I (at 7 months pregnant) are both exhausted. We just can't seem to shake the sickies around here, but lucky for me, that means lots of extra snuggle time.<br />
<br />
Despite being under the weather, you continue to be such a sweet and smiley boy. You literally light up my life every day. I'm amazed at how kind and intuitive you are. How sweet and sensitive. How funny and perceptive.<br />
<br />
You continue to learn at a rapid pace. You now can identify all the uppercase letters, as well as numbers zero through nine. You love to point out letters when you see them. We were running errands a few weeks ago when you started reciting "O-T-E-G-R-A-T" over and over again. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what you were saying until I realized you were spelling "TARGET" backwards (with the bullseye symbol being an "O").<br />
<br />
You absolutely love to sing. Your favorite song right now is the "ABCs" but you also make up your own tunes throughout the day. You really have an ear for music and can match pitch and intonation remarkably well.<br />
<br />
You spend most of your time playing with trucks and trains. Your favorite truck is your mini steam shovel. You bring it everywhere with you... from your bed to the car to the library. You tell us all the time that it is "digging and scooping and dumping".<br />
<br />
We don't watch much TV, but you love "Super Why" on PBS Kids. You shyly interact with the show, quietly calling out the letters when you see them and giving a "thumbs up" when prompted. So cute!<br />
<br />
You started attending a part-time Montessori preschool in September, just after your second birthday. Although the first few weeks were rough (you cried every time I dropped you off), it wasn't long before you were running in the door excited to play. We've seen such a huge difference in your confidence since then. You are much more comfortable with new people and places, more willing to jump into unfamiliar situations. Unfortunately, your preschool closed right before Christmas, but I really credit the school and teachers for helping you develop your confidence and social skills.<br />
<br />
Your sister will be here in just a few short months. You're such a kind and caring little boy, I know you'll be a wonderful sibling to her. In some ways, I'm sad to have our one-on-one dynamic change, but I'm so excited to see you in your new role: big brother.<br />
<br />
I love you so much, sweet boy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
MamaSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-76843532070343840842013-06-06T19:02:00.000-05:002013-06-06T19:10:47.721-05:00Post-OpWell, you've never experienced fun until you've carried your pee around in a bag outside your body.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wednesday's surgery went well. The cyst was removed with just a minor complication. More of the cyst was attached to my urethra than they were expecting, so the surgeon had to reconstruct part of the urethral wall. This meant I had to wear a 24-hour catheter home, which was an absolute delight (as I'm sure you can imagine).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the catheter came out this morning, and despite being a little sore and very sleepy, I'm feeling well. I was even able to nurse Charlotte earlier than expected, only 8 hours post-op.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I go back to see the surgeon on Tuesday, and can hopefully resume normal activity then (I'm on a lifting restriction <i>again</i>, so I can't lift Will or Charlotte's car seat until I get the all clear from the doc). Happy to have the procedure over and done with, though I have to say... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The anesthesia nap was delightful.</div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-73560518457200193942013-06-03T21:22:00.000-05:002013-09-10T14:55:58.192-05:0040 x 40I <a href="http://takebabysteps.blogspot.com/2013/03/30-years-old.html">turned 30</a> this year. Whereas my 20s were filled with a lot of change and growth (college, career, first home, marriage, children, etc), I'm looking forward to the relative stability of my fourth decade. Ben and I have a house we love, we're done having children, we're both steadily growing in our chosen careers... we're ready to just <i>be</i> for a bit.<br />
<br />
While we may not have any major life events on the horizon, I still want to make sure I'm seeing and experiencing as much as I can. So to keep things fresh and interesting, I developed a sort of bucket list for my 30s. I give you my forty by forty list...<br />
<br />
<b>40 x 40</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Run a half marathon</li>
<li>Get a PhD</li>
<li>Write a children's book</li>
<li>Learn how to use my DSLR</li>
<li>Read <i>Atlas Shrugged</i> (it's 1,168 pages!)</li>
<li>Become a certified yoga instructor</li>
<li>Take a 3-4 week trip abroad with the kids</li>
<li>Enjoy a glass of wine in Napa Valley</li>
<li>Complete a sprint-length <a href="http://www.wolfmantriathlon.org/">off-road triathlon</a></li>
<li>Take a beach vacation with Ben (children optional)</li>
<li>Visit the Grand Canyon</li>
<li>Learn how to play guitar</li>
<li>Knit something</li>
<li>Serve on the board of directors for a non-profit</li>
<li>Learn how to use a sewing machine</li>
<li>Make a quilt with my mom</li>
<li>Visit New York City</li>
<li>Master the art of the French press</li>
<li>Learn to say "hello" in 20 languages</li>
<li>Become a rock star chef on the grill</li>
<li>Take a tap dancing class</li>
<li>Go white water rafting</li>
<li>Climb a rock wall</li>
<li>Ride in a hot air balloon</li>
<li>Learn to play poker</li>
<li>Read every book that has won a Pulitzer Prize in the fiction category</li>
<li>Give a speech in front of a large group of people</li>
<li>Visit the White House</li>
<li>Participate in <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a></li>
<li>Perform in a community theater production</li>
<li>Win an award for personal or professional achievement</li>
<li>Donate $1,000 to a non-profit I care about</li>
<li>See the redwoods in California</li>
<li>Go skiing in Colorado</li>
<li>Take surfing lessons</li>
<li>Give blood</li>
<li>Join the <a href="http://marrow.org/Home.aspx">National Bone Marrow Registry</a></li>
<li>Host Thanksgiving dinner</li>
<li>Get a tattoo</li>
<li>Be part of a flash mob</li>
</ol>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-6269821176192370382013-05-28T21:15:00.001-05:002013-05-28T21:16:27.165-05:00One Month Old<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74Xkdov-JJZULgSpEAsopOGZBAq9bLnAoWosYVUArpleQGJjHlnLCrArJ8OYbL_rycEPxZNrHEzlJcbzq2cjbts6VwfckKdQfKBewBZyJ50-xkf7QG725SFilWOlqX1CLN4OOuqvdwdA/s1600/Charlotte1Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74Xkdov-JJZULgSpEAsopOGZBAq9bLnAoWosYVUArpleQGJjHlnLCrArJ8OYbL_rycEPxZNrHEzlJcbzq2cjbts6VwfckKdQfKBewBZyJ50-xkf7QG725SFilWOlqX1CLN4OOuqvdwdA/s400/Charlotte1Month.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Louise (May 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i>I wrote most of this on Charlotte's one month birthday, but never got around to publishing it. Although we're almost at the two month mark now, here are my thoughts on our sweet Charlotte at one month old.</i><br />
<br />
Dear Charlotte,<br />
<br />
You are the absolute sweetest baby. At one month old, you have settled into our lives so seamlessly. You are just so mello and content. You take everything in stride and rarely make a peep. Plus, you're so snuggly. If you're a little fussy, you settle instantly as soon as someone is holding or cuddling you. Your sweet personality warms my heart.<br />
<br />
You gave us your very first smile just a few days ago. I was making faces at you and you cracked the sweetest little smile. Social smiles are still sporadic at best, but I love holding your eye contact and trying to get a reaction out of you. You're also becoming quite the talker, cooing and gurgling when you're happy.<br />
<br />
At one month old, you practically live in the Beco carrier. I typically need two hands free to wrangle your brother, so wearing you is often the best option. This seems to suit us both, as you love to be cuddled. You are so serene when you're in the carrier... just looking around peacefully or nodding off to sleep. I love it.<br />
<br />
You're still sleeping in bed with Mama and Daddy at night, although I know this has to end fairly soon. We consider co-sleeping to be a survival mechanism in these early weeks. Anything to get a few blissful hours of rest. We hope to help you transition to your crib in the coming weeks, but for now, I'm still enjoying snuggling up next to you, breathing in your sweet baby smell as I drift off to sleep.<br />
<br />
You continue to be a great eater. You're nursing very well, and my breasts have all but healed from our earlier latch issues. You usually nurse 8-9 times a day, typically taking both breasts at each feeding. We also introduced a bottle when you turned four weeks old. You took the bottle without hesitation, and Daddy loves being able to feed you now. Although we try and limit you to one bottle feeding a day, it's nice for Mama to get a few extra hours of rest.<br />
<br />
Your only serious dislike right now is bath time. You just wail when we put you in the tub. Tummy time is also low on your list, but you tolerate it. Will likes to "play" tummy time with you, laying next to you and coaxing you to turn your head toward him. You really seem to respond to his voice, and like looking at his face. Your early relationship as siblings just warms my heart.<br />
<br />
I'm amazed by how my heart has swelled with love since you arrived. When I was pregnant, I couldn't fathom how I'd love another child as much as I love your brother. But from the moment you arrived, you have fully and completely captivated me. Often I just sit and stare at you, marveling over how sweet, snuggly and perfect you are. I am so thankful that you are ours.<br />
<br />
Daddy and I love you so much, baby girl.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MamaSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-32190620565239333672013-05-24T20:12:00.000-05:002013-05-24T21:30:54.162-05:00Just kidding...Wednesday was my six week postpartum check, which was a big one because we were doing the follow-up and treatment plan for my vaginal prolapse.<br />
<br />
Except...<br />
<br />
It turns out I don't have a vaginal prolapse.<br />
<br />
Upon further review (and second look when things were healed and not so ouchy after child birth), my midwife determined that the mass in my vaginal canal was not a prolapse. Good news!<br />
<br />
Except...<br />
<br />
What the hell is it then?<br />
<br />
The midwife sent me to a urologist who believes it's a urethral cyst. Apparently fairly common in women. It just so happens mine flared up after child birth.<br />
<br />
The not so good news? This sucker has to come off. So I'm scheduled for surgery in 10 days.<br />
<br />
It's an outpatient procedure and should only take 20-30 minutes. I go in at 6:30 in the morning and I should be home before lunch time.<br />
<br />
The big bummer is that I have to go under general anesthesia, which means I can't breastfeed for 24 hours after surgery. Charlotte is doing so well with breastfeeding... I hope this doesn't disrupt our nursing relationship.<br />
<br />
Luckily she takes a bottle well and I already have enough milk for her in the freezer, but she'll only be eight weeks old on the day of the operation. I just hate the idea of not being able to nurse her for a whole day. Although I struggled with Will, I absolutely <i>love</i> nursing Charlotte. She's so little, and I don't want anything to jeopardize her breastfeeding success.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042830290962528942.post-22232587127046429202013-05-23T17:45:00.000-05:002013-05-23T17:45:14.999-05:00From the mouths of babesAh, toddlers. So precocious. And honest.<br />
<br />
These are two of the best observations (insults?) that Will has made about me in the past week...<br />
<br />
As I'm singing to the radio:<br />
<br />
Will: "Mama, you should probably just let her sing that."<br />
<br />
And my absolute favorite:<br />
<br />
Will: "Mama, where did your big belly go?"<br />
Me: "Charlotte was in my belly, buddy. When she was born my big belly went away."<br />
Will: "Well, I still see your belly a little bit."<br />
<br />
That'll be fine, Will. That'll be fine.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509200551056203366noreply@blogger.com0