Family Hike

 We decided to head out for a family hike this weekend.  In a miraculous turn of events, we made it out of the house before 10:30 AM (and we didn't even forget any shoes, jackets, or snacks).  Thankfully, this relatively early start time meant that Henry was ready for a nap when we arrived.  Chris wore Henry in one of our Ergos and after about 1/3 mile, Henry was sound asleep.  Evelyn was giddy at the prospect of a little exploration.  She had plenty to say, which meant that we didn't exactly make friends with wildlife.  That's OK; I didn't really want to see a cougar while out with little ones. 

Hello, squishy slug.

A Few of Henry's Favorite Things

Climbing and climbing-related shenanigans!  Henry loves to climb up the step stool and brush his teeth. 

 

Music!  Henry (still) loves Caspar Babypants.  He pats his legs to the rhythm when we sing at home.

He loves tossing, rolling, and "catching" the ball!

 

 

Henry likes to draw (and then he enjoys a few bites of his art supplies).

Snapshot: Shorts!

A Long Journey

I went to my first post-partum support group this evening.  It's taken eleven months to reach the point that I'm able to hear the experiences of other women and talk openly about my own experiences.  I'm glad I went.  I will go again. 

When "Helpful Hints" Don't Help

Nothing beckons "helpful hints" and tips from family, friends, and even strangers like pregnancy and childbirth.  Pregnant women and new mothers are in transition.  We often think, read, and talk a lot about the ways in which their worlds are changing.  This information-seeking and dialoguing is one very common way to prepare for the life-changing process of adding another human being to the world.  I received great advice from time to time and I still appreciate it.  Still, the best "advice" was actually what I gleaned through observation.  The happiest and healthiest babies and Moms I saw while caring for children were those who were in sync.  Breastfeeding, responding to their babies' cries, and cosleeping were very often the common denominators.  I read every book and article that spoke to me and I kept my eyes open.  I feel comfortable with where this has led me. 

When advice is so abundant that it seems to seep out of the woodwork, however, we're left to sift through and discern whether or not to file it away for later.  And, in the event of blatant bad advice, we can't always keep those pesky words at bay in the middle of the night when we're worrying that we've made a wrong turn somewhere along the way.

Once the baby has arrived, some people may find it near impossible to keep mum if you do things differently from them.  Many mothers have found the "Pass the Bean Dip" strategy to be invaluable.  Basically, you remain positive while standing your ground (don't defend yourself, justify your actions as a parent, etc) and change the subject or move the conversation along.  For instance, if a relative or friend (or neighbor or coworker, etc) asks something like "Is she a good baby?  Does she sleep through the night for you?" you just smile and say "She's a wonderful baby!  Thanks, please pass the bean dip."  In this example, I may initially feel that I need to explain why we're not sleep-training, but an explanation opens the conversation to debate.  If pressed, you remain positive but firm.  There is no need to defend your infant or yourself.  A simple "I know that you love us.  This (nursing, cosleeping, not spanking, etc) works for our family and it's not up for debate" will do.  Be brave.  I'm still working on that part.       

Henry: Eleven Months Old

Half-way through May?

Henry is already eleven months old!  My sweet "newborn" crawls at the speed of the light, climbs up steps (and usually back down), and has begun to say words.  He loves "d" and "b" sounds, so we're hearing a lot of "Dada" and "dig" along with plenty of mimicing.  Henry is starting to dance a little when we turn up the music and sing and dance around.  It's adorable to see his smiling face turning side to side as he bounces up and down.  He also does the hand motions to "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and many of the signs to the song we sing (and sign) at Toddler Group:  "The More We Get Together."  He is very proud of himself and claps enthusiastically when he's done.

Evelyn, for her part, has come up with some new "Evelynisms."  Currently, she likes to say that things are "neat, cool."  For example, "look at my neat, cool sneakers!"  They are pretty neat. . . and cool.  In other news, we have tickets for a cross-country flight and the idea of being in a confined space while strangers exchange looks of "please, don't let those kids sit near me!" makes my heart race, to say the least.  Evelyn was an excellent traveller at about 14 months and I hope she'll do well with books, snacks, and maybe a movie or two.  Henry, on the other hand, may not be so content.  I hope I'm wrong.  I'll leave you with this (joy on a stick):

   

More Artwork

Drawing by Evelyn (hand by Henry).

Evelyn Bakes

Evelyn and I took advantage of some Mother-daughter time while Henry napped this afternoon.  We decided to bake something.  "We have all the 'gredients!" Evelyn shouted happily, as I opened our baking cupboard to see what we could make.  We did have ingredients for a number of "made from scratch" recipes, but I knew our time was limited.  Evelyn agreed to make cookies and frosting.  She loves helping to pour in the dry and wet ingredients and switch the kitchenaid mixer.  The sugar cookie mix and vanilla frosting mix we used are from Cherrybrook Kitchen.  Hooray for gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free cookies that taste pretty great! 

Dance like no one is watching

Just for Daddy

"I'm drawing for my Daddy!"

A little girl with a hat, inside a heart.