One Baby, Two Moms

Cold, Schmold

2012-02-09T19:37:00.002-05:00

Her school "daily report" has been indicating lately that it's "too cold for outside."

I call B.S. So does Cady.

Weight Loss Update

2012-01-26T22:35:00.000-05:00

So, I've been waiting to update on my weight loss progress until I had something really momentous to share. I think today is one of those days.

Of course, I understand that my weight could still fluctuate up and negate this milestone, BUT! Today, when I stepped on the scale, I realized I finally reached a weight that puts my BMI in the "normal" range (as opposed to overweight or obese, both categories in which I've fallen - not pregnant - in the last 5 years).

I cannot tell you how amazing this makes me feel. Not only because I like the way I look, or because I can fit into favorite clothes I've been hanging onto "just in case" I got "skinny" again... but because I'm healthier. I am healthier for myself, I am healthier for my wife, and I'm healthier for my daughter.

And let me tell you, it takes good health to keep up with this crazy, amazing toddler.

Looking forward to many MANY more days of good health and motivation to always improve my mind and body. Like Weight Watchers preaches: you just gotta BELIEVE (okay, and have a little discipline and self-control)!

4.2/52 - Unexpected Perspective

2012-01-24T13:26:00.002-05:00

I couldn't resist sharing just one more for this week's theme. :-)

4/52 - Unexpected Perspective

2012-01-23T21:55:00.000-05:00

Such a little bookworm, this one!

And, it's quite interesting that she chose "Little Miss Chatterbox" (I swear it wasn't staged!). Kiddo has somewhere around 80 words these days, and it seems like more words are added all the time. I love watching her become this amazingly smart little kid.

3/52 - Everyday Tools

2012-01-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

We got some snow overnight. I'm glad Cady found shoveling such a captivating activity, because before she knows it, she'll be the one in the snow and we'll be the ones in our jammies!

2/52 - Open

2012-01-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

This week's theme choices were "open" and "responsibility."

I chose "open," captured here by Kate during our trip to Paws Farm this past Saturday. Cady was picking out a pet to care for in the Farm's pretend vet. The sun caught the face of the crate just perfectly.

Captured by Kate Wilhelmi, edited by me.

1/52 - Sharing

2012-01-07T09:02:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in Paint the Moon Photography's "Let's Do 52" 52 week photo challenge. Each week, PTMP gives the option of two themes. Participants pick one and share a photo. Way more manageable (for me) than some of these 365 photo challenges, and I need to start getting my camera in hand more regularly again so it's a good push for me to keep capturing precious moments that are going by way too quickly these days!

This week, I chose the "sharing" theme. Cady got a Radio Flyer rocking horse (who "we" named Ruby) from her Aunt Colleen and Uncle Brendan for Christmas. She's been sharing lots of snacks, beverages, and hugs with her horsie friend. Here's a shot of her giving Ruby a sip of milk. Such a generous kiddo!

Santa!

2011-12-20T19:53:00.001-05:00

Cady sat on Santa's lap for the first time this past Saturday! She did really well. No tears... but no smiles, either. She was very cautious the whole time... apparently this Santa stuff is serious business!

Black Friday

2011-11-28T23:57:00.001-05:00

Who needs shopping when you've got a big orange ball to play with?!

Photo taken by Mommy, November 2011.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-21T22:38:00.000-05:00

The quality of this phone pic sucks, but just had to illustrate how much Cady LOVES the piano. Loves loves loves loves loves!!!!

I am very okay with this.

Refreshed

2011-11-21T22:31:00.000-05:00

Dolly got a makeover! I had some knit fabric scraps leftover from another project (upcycled from a couple of my own old shirts) and decided Cady's dolly - quickly becoming one of her favorite toys - needed some new threads. I think the dress turned out pretty great! Who knows; Dolly may get a whole wardrobe, eventually!

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-20T19:52:00.000-05:00

Cady gave us a rare 3+ hour nap, today. I went in to wake her, worried she'd be tough to get down for actual bedtime... Turned the light on and she didn't stir. Couldn't help snapping a few of her snoozing. My mom always told me that when I sleep, I remind her of when I was first born.

I get it, now.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-19T14:15:00.002-05:00

She's finally big enough to wear the sweater that Olivia knitted! Just in time for the chilly weather, too.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-18T18:10:00.000-05:00

A girl who can appreciate a good book by the fire is a girl after my own heart. xx

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-17T17:41:00.000-05:00

She gets so proud of herself whenever she makes Cookie Monster pop out of his door. And she's sure to say "cookie" every time. :-)

Throwback

2011-11-16T22:42:00.002-05:00

This was taken by Kate, almost exactly a year ago. I miss teeny Cady! But, big Cady is an awful lot of fun, too. :-)

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-15T22:51:00.002-05:00

Tofu and avocado and veggies - oh my!

Cady went through a bit of a hunger strike for a couple of weeks following her birthday. But, she's back to eating less like a bird and more like a horse, these days! A new favorite is tofu, which works out great for everyone involved. Easy to prepare, easy for her to feed herself... much less chaotic than when she tried to finger-feed herself cottage cheese. Now THAT's a picture!

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-14T21:44:00.002-05:00

I think this was the last opportunity to squeeze her into that onesie... and into that basket.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-13T22:42:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, Cady's Grams and Pop Pop brought over a very special surprise for her: Cady-sized chairs and a table! Cady's Grams played with them when she was a little girl, as did Cady's mommy and Aunt Colleen, so these are a very treasured hand-me-down. Cady knew exactly what to do with them when she saw them! She instantly began rearranging them and climbing up and down.

I'm sure she's be stacking them and getting into all kinds of trouble in no time. This face reminds me of the face of someone who knows how to stir up a little ruckus!

Really, what was I Thinking?

2011-11-13T22:28:00.000-05:00

As a parent who cloth diapers, I'm flummoxed by how parents are able to find a disposable diaper that gets their toddler through the night. For a couple of reasons (that I now realize weren't important enough to justify a switch) we tried paper diapers at night... and they failed. Every. Time.

I know there are special night-time disposables, but I've also heard that sensitive babies can get bad rashes from them. Cady's got sensitive skin, so I didn't want to go there. And no, I'm not yet ready to wean her from her bedtime bottle. I know that there are precious few months left of cradling my "baby" with a bottle, and I'll take it while I can get it!

So, back to night-time cloth it is! Cady is waking up dry again, and sleeping so much better. Totally worth dealing with the non-issues I used to find frustrating, and way better than taking care of a soaked baby and crib in the middle of the night!

Really, what was I thinking??

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-11T21:42:00.001-05:00

Last week, Cady's Mommy taught her how to make her top spin.

It is now one of her favorite toys, and she purposely digs through her toy box to find it.

I love watching this kid figure things out. Such a smarty-pants.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

When I picked Cady up from school today, I apparently interrupted tea time with her boyfriends. She did not want to part with her buddies... or her saltines.

She Seriously has the Nicest Room in the House

2011-11-09T20:19:00.001-05:00

I FINALLY have the opportunity to work on some long-awaited projects over the next couple of days; no work and sending Cady to daycare = time to get stuff done! Have you ever tried to sort clothes and organize drawers with a toddler around? Let's just say it's totally not worth the effort, and therefore, things have been piling up. Literally. That projects is on tomorrow's to-tackle list.

This afternoon, before I went to pick the kiddo up, I hung the posters she got from her Uncle Tony... for Christmas last year. I know, I know. Better late than never, though! And, she loves them. I mean really is obsessed with them. I couldn't even read her her bedtime story tonight because she was so preoccupied with starting and pointing at them.

I think they look fab. It was no small task getting them evenly spaced and hanging (mostly) level. Behold, my handiwork and Uncle Tony's great taste in child decor:

Excuse the tools on top of the hamper. Might have been nice if I removed them from the shot, eh?

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-09T13:20:00.000-05:00

A squinty, smiling, toothy bunny, on her way to school!

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

"DONE!," she shouts, as she places the empty container on her head.

Such fanfare at her young age. A performer in the making?

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know that everyone thinks that their baby is the cutest.

But there are times when I think that those other people can't possibly know what they're talking about.

A Weight has been Lifted

2011-11-07T17:45:00.001-05:00

Today's post is brought to you by the number 60...

... which is how many pounds I've lost since the day I gave birth to Cady.

A combination of breastfeeding, extra walks with the babe, and Weight Watchers has done this body good! I've got 12.5 pounds to go until I hit (what I thought was) my ultimate goal, and who knows what I'll set out to accomplish after that. I've never been much of a runner, but I was thinking of perhaps finding some sort of short run to help motivate me to not only continue to lose, but also get into better shape overall. We have a treadmill upstairs just begging to be used.

Here's Cady, so impressed by her mama's accomplishment. Just you wait till I hit my goal, baby! You won't be able to keep up with me!!!

Under the Wire

2011-11-06T23:48:00.000-05:00

I'm a failure at the picture challenge today... but I am posting this just under the wire for NaBloPoMo. :-)

Nighty night, dears!

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

Cady's Aunt Angie posted a couple videos of Cady's cousin, Evie, today. Cady LOVED watching the video of Evie using her spoon! Maybe she'll learn a thing or two from her little cousin!

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-04T20:06:00.000-04:00

Cady went shoe shopping with her Grams today, and got these super-cool winter boots! Kate thinks they look a little like Santa boots. I think they look a little like awesome boots, and I kind of want a pair.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-03T20:27:00.001-04:00

After going on a hunger strike for a week and a half while she was sick, and eating like a bird (all of a sudden) for about a month before that, the kiddo finally has her appetite back! This is her evening snack, now a daily ritual. She polished off a box of animal crackers before eating some Cheerios, and then some pork, cottage cheese, applesauce, peas, and carrots for dinner. Girlfriend can pack it away!

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-02T19:47:00.000-04:00

Every night, the three of us go through our routine. Bath time, diaper, jammies, mommy says goodnight, and I read a book and feed her a warm bottle of milk.

We're quite a good team, we three.

Cady, Day-to-Day

2011-11-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

Oh, and why the heck not up the ante and try to post a pic a day of the kiddo? I've never been good at those 365 things, but I take enough pics that I should be able to handle ONE MONTH, don't you think??

This was taken exactly a year ago, today. Thought it was an appropriate kick-off picture.

NaBloPoMo

2011-11-01T22:46:00.000-04:00

I've fallen behind on posting about Miss Cadence's adventures, but as I mentioned before: it's because I've been so busy living them with her! Still, this space is supposed to be dedicated to chronicling the awesomeness that is Cady, and the incredible gift I have of being her mama (peppered with some general parent stuffs and crafty scrumptious-ness for good measure). If I'm not at least making an effort, many of the moments I'm soaking in will be all but forgotten to make room for new memories.

So, I'm undertaking the NaBloPoMo challenge along with countless other bloggers: to take a moment and post each and every day during the month of November. My hope is that NaBloPoMo will get me into more of a writing groove again, and that the months following November won't fall by the wayside as our summer has, in terms of putting experiences "on the record."

As always, thanks for reading, and thanks for being on this journey with us. It's been an incredible ride so far!

... and, we're off!

12 Month Stats (Not a Newsletter)

2011-10-29T21:13:00.001-04:00

So far behind on newsletters, but they are in the works. It's been a busy couple of months! I like it that way, though. Soaking life in, baby. Living it, which means less time for documenting it.

Cady had her 12-month checkup on Wednesday. It was supposed to be a well visit, but the poor thing - who just started daycare on 10/14 - has had a cold since last Monday, seemed to get better by the weekend, but then started spiking fevers of 102+ on Sunday. Needless to say, Wednesday turned into a sick visit. Unfortunately, the doctor on Wednesday did not notice (or, I guess I'll give him the benefit of the doubt... Cady had not yet developed) the double ear infection the doc on Friday diagnosed. Poor kid has been fever'ing for nearly a week now, but hopefully those antibiotics will start working, soon!

Anyway, she weighed in at 24 lbs, 10 oz. (between 90 and 95 percentile). Length was 31.5 in. (off the charts!) and head was 19 in, (also off the charts!). She lost a couple pounds since her 9 month visit, but she's been walking EVERYWHERE (girl can move!!) and hadn't been eating so well since getting sick, so I wasn't surprised, and the doc wasn't worried.

Also, apparently she has the vocabulary of an 18+ month child. I really hadn't even thought about the fact that maybe she was ahead of her peers with regard to words, but I guess now that I think about it, she does say an awful lot! So far, Cady has the following words (I'm sure Kate or Barb will tell me I'm missing a couple):

Mama
Mummmmmmm (we are trying so hard for "Mommy!")
fa (fire)
hot
ba-buh (baby)
ba-ba (bye bye)
hi
Ra (the cat)
kah (cat and Cady)
done! (exclamation point included)
no
uh-oh
ba (ball, bath, and a couple other things...)
Gra (Grams)
go (often in 3s or 4s e.g., "go go go" from the Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about That) :-)

I think we have a chatterbox on our hands!

Illness aside, she's thriving. Everything I could ask for, and more.

525,600 Minutes, Measured in Love

2011-10-16T23:04:00.001-04:00

And was a fabulous weekend it was! Photos and chattery about Cady's party will be included in the month 12 update (after I get 10 and 11 up!) but for now, I am still reeling from the incredible weekend our little trio had. She woke up in a great mood, ready to be the birthday girl!

Our plans were to spend Cady's big day at the farm, complete with a hay ride, pumpkin picking, and animals! We went to Creamy Acres, and boyoboy did they deliver! We started our birthday farm adventure with the hay ride, and Cady really got a kick out of it. She loved being high up on the bales, and was thrilled that there were other little friends who joined us.

Photo taken by Mommy.

Photo taken by the nice family across from us. Thanks, nice family!

When we got to the pumpkin patch, I think Cady was a bit overwhelmed with choices! Pre-picked pumpkins, laid out far and wide. The pre-picked part was totally fine by me, since we've been getting our fair share of rain lately, and a wobbly walking toddler in a muddy patch - while perhaps fun in the moment - sounded like a big, fat mess! At first, she tried to pick this gigantic pumpkin. We scooped her up and plopped her down in an area where a bunch of Cady-sized pumpkins had been placed, and she quickly claimed her gourd.

Photo taken by Mommy.

Obligatory "head in the hole" photo, taken by Mommy!

So excited!!!

After claiming her pumpkin and toddling about a bit, we boarded for a hay ride back to the main area of the farm to meet the animals. Cady held her pumpkin tight the whole time (there was nothing coming between her and her birthday pumpkin!).

Cady was a little unsure about the animals. She was interested, but cautious. So, I popped her back in the Beco, and we peeked in on chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, pigs, and cows. The animals we so cute and looked very happy in their barnyard homes. Most were very friendly and popped their heads out for a peek back at us (and a pat on the head).

Photo taken by Mommy.

After meeting the animals, we headed back to the farm's shop and picked up two gigantic mums, some apple butter BBQ sauce, and local raspberry honey. MMMMmmmm! We then headed back home, because the birthday girl was getting a bit out-of-sorts. We had lunch - Cady chowed down on some pork chops and veggies - and then the little one took a nice long birthday nap.

But the fun didn't stop there! When we had pulled into the driveway, we were excited to see a package from the birthday fairy, aka, Amazon, that I'd ordered as a rush shipment the day prior. It was Cady's new Haba Walker Wagon! I was a bit turned off by the price, but the reviews were great, and we really wanted a quality walker that Cady could climb on, pull, push, and enjoy without fear of the walker toppling over, or getting damaged. We definitely made a good choice with this walker. Cady loves, it, and has been (as predicted) climbing on it like a monkey. She likes to put her toys in the little compartment, and push bigger toys like her dolly and stuffies around in the front seat. I have a feeling she'll get many years of enjoyment out of it!

She can't say "thank you" yet, but her smile is all the thanks I need!

After she woke up from her nap, the three of us went for a walk to the part, toting Little Miss in her new Radio Flyer wagon, a gift from the previous weekend from her Grandma and Grandpa. Kiddo loves her wagon, and loves the park, so it seemed like a good birthday combo to us! We strolled leisurely, and stopped for a bit by the lake to chase geese and cruise and climb the stone wall.

Photo taken by Mommy.

A better day, I could not have imagined. I got to spend it with my two favorite people in the world, celebrating not only the obvious - Cady's completion of a year on this planet - but also the awe-inspiring experience that was her storied arrival into our hearts and lives, and the accomplishment of doing what I feel has been a damn good job as parents this past year. It hasn't always been easy, but for every challenging moment, there has been a million amazing moments, each more awesome than the last. It has been - without a doubt, the most incredible year of my life. And so, we celebrated the reason for The Awesome, our precious Cadence, the love of our lives.

Happy birthday to you, sweet girl! Thank you for an unforgettable day, and year. Thank you for everything that is to come.

The Cady Chronicles: Month Nine

2011-09-21T22:09:00.002-04:00

Dear Cady,

Last month was clearly a fluke, because here it is, September 22, and I'm MORE THAN TWO MONTHS LATE posting this. Lots and lots went on during your ninth month (and subsequent months) and I'm so glad I was able to capture a bunch of it on film - so to speak - to jog my mama memory.

Continue reading "The Cady Chronicals: Month Nine" >>

With your ninth month came more oppressing Philly heat and humidity, which meant that a lot of June and July was spent trying to stay cool. You had trips to the park, dips in friends' pools, dips in your own kiddie pool, and visits to the lake (more on that, later!) to stay refreshed. You and your friend Huck had your second play date, this time in Franklin Square. Aunt Emily and I decided that the next time we visit - hopefully this fall - you'll be big enough to ride the merry-go-round! Huck is already a pro at this, so he'll show you the ropes.

Hanging with Huck in Franklin Square, June 2011.

Being outside more often meant that you were pretty much constantly covered with a film of greasy sunscreen. I have to say, I am not too fond of of toting around a greasy babe (and even less fond of the increase in baths... though you rather enjoy frequent bathing!) but I'm proud to say that you made it through the entire summer without one sunburn! A couple times you pinked up a little, but we were always able to shade and screen you in time. You've got my ultra-fair skin, so I'm betting this is just going to become summer status quo for you (and us).

Cooling off with Mama in the Bucci's pool on fourth of July weekend, 2011. Photos taken by your Mommy.

You continued to develop your taste for new and exciting foods, and we saved a special treat for the fourth of July. This holiday has always screamed "WATERMELON!" to me, so I thought it appropriate to introduce you to its juicy goodness that day. You weren't so sure at first, but once you realized you weren't in your high chair, unrestrained and able to nosh on the melon with gusto, you were in your drippy, sticky glory! We followed the watermelon session with a prompt dip in your pool, to de-stickify.

During your ninth month, Ra remained your best friend. You even started saying his name! We've decided that it was your first word - besides the obvious "mama" that you chant over and over and OVER. (Music to my ears, baby.) You chase your kitty around everywhere, and despite his best efforts to steer clear of you, you corner him and give him a big hug and smooch, often ending up with a mouthful of fur. Your ears perk up when you hear him meow, and your smile lights the room when he enters it. Sometimes you're a little rough with him, but he's a good kitty, and tolerates you well.

Shortly after you turned eight months old, I made the decision to stop pumping during the day at work. We had begin transitioning you to formula during the day little by little a week or so prior, since I could tell the day was coming. The first day I came home from work with no pumped milk for you was very strange. I felt both liberated and sad. Cady, that pump was beginning to own me. I had to call it quits, for my own mental well-being. We continued our nursing relationship in the morning and evenings, when you were feeling it. Sometimes, you didn't want to nurse though. This began to happen more frequently as the month wore on, and by the time you turned nine months, you had decided you were done. I believe we probably would have been able to go a few months more had I not stopped pumping, but I hope you know that I gave you all I could. I had grand plans of nursing you past a year, and would have loved that plan to come to fruition, but if there's anything I've learned over the past nine months as your mother it's that sometimes you can plan all you want but still get an entirely different outcome. I think I did pretty well, all things considered! I keep trying to remind myself that every day you nursed was another day I was able to give you something no one else could, and each one of those days was so very precious and important to both of us.

The biggest "event" of your ninth month was our summer trip to visit family in Buffalo. Before we made the 400 mile drive north, we decided to get you a new big-girl car seat. You were right at the upper limit of your infant seat, so we thought it would be a good idea to make sure you were as safe and comfy as possible for such a long car trip. With the help of a friend, I selected your new seat, a Graco MyRide, and you are so much happier in it! You often fall asleep during even the shortest of trips, and I feel so bad when this happens. You look so sweet sleeping and I just hate to wake you! During the ride up north, I covered you with your wrap, because the AC made it a little chilly. You looked like a little angel as I rode in the back seat with you. I could have stared at you the whole ride (and, I pretty much did!). Your mommy was awesome for driving us there and back the whole way, and getting us there safely and soundly.

Our visit to Buffalo was especially exciting this time around, because you Aunt Angie, Uncle Aaron, and cousins Sierra and Evie were there, too! Your Aunt Angie and I were pregnant with the two of you at the same time, and she was an amazing support to me throughout the time you spent in my belly (and even before you got there, which is a whole 'nother story!). This was the first time I had seen her since everything we went through - mostly via email - together, so it was amazing to finally be able to give her and your cousin giant hugs and meet the person I'd been hearing so much about, both before and after she was born!

Aunt Angie and cousin Evie, July 2011.

It was interesting for me to spend so much time with another baby girl your age, to compare and contrast your personalities and development and to see just how much you are your own little person. Both you and Evie are amazing kiddos, but there were some striking differences. Evie is very attached to her mama (in all the best ways!), while you tend to like your own space. Evie is soft and full of cuddles and coos, while you are a squirmy rough-and-tumble kid who prefers to shout and exclaim your thoughts. Your unique personalities make you both so very special, and I think I realized this in a big way during our visit. We so enjoyed getting to know Evie, and can't wait until the next time we are all together again. By then, the two of you will be running around, causing a ruckus! Hard to imagine, but it's true.

Your mommy and cousin Evie, July 2011.

Photo taken by your Mommy.

Getting to meet Evie for the first time was awesome for me and your Mommy, but even more incredible was watching the two of you together. Only a month separates you age-wise, and it was so cool to watch you little ones interact and "play." You were more gentle than I thought you'd be with her (you tend to be a little on the grabby side, and play pretty rough with your mommy, the cat, and I) but Evie held her own. You two are both chunky monkeys, too, so it wasn't as though you had a one-up on her in terms of heft. You liked to touch each other - sometimes pushing the boundaries a bit with scratching and batting - and you even managed to "share" toys (i.e., you didn't start freaking out when she'd take something from you, and vice versa). I was very proud of you small kiddos for how well you played! Although the two of you live on opposite coasts, I hope you'll grow up knowing each other. It's so easy to keep in touch these days with the Internet! Hopefully one day you'll be pen pals via email the way your Aunt Angie and I are.

We also got to spend time with your other cousins, Vincent, Rosa, and new baby Marco, and your Aunt Alaina and Uncle John. It was a constant cousins party at your Grandma and Grandpa's house, and we loved every minute of it. I think they did, too. It's not every day they get to have all of their grandchildren in one place at the same time! Your Aunt Angie made sure to capture some great pictures of all of you together, too. We spent a lot of time at the house, a couple days at the beach, and a day at the park; and, some of the best moments where the times where we had nothing planned, just hanging out. Pure blissed-out summer awesomeness, with kids running around half-naked, dripping from dips in the kiddie pool and leaping over sprinklers.

You LOVE the water, kiddo! July, 2011.

Grandpa, Evie, and Sierra, July 2011.

Now THIS is what I call summer! Rosa and Vincent, July 2011.

Baby Marco, July 2011.

Your mommy and baby Marco, July 2011.

Sierra and Evie, July 2011.

During our visit you discovered your love of grass.

You did all kinds of discovering at Grandma and Grandpa's house. You played in their garden for a good hour early one morning, while everyone but you and I were still sleeping. Like the blades of grass you had recently become so aware of, you inspected what seemed like each and every pebble, running your fingers and toes through them, grabbing handfuls and watching them fall from your palms. You also took your first ride in a swing! Now, THERE's something you're truly in love with, these days. It didn't take you but two pushes to be sold on the whole swing idea, and now I can't wait till your big enough to take to the park and I CAN teach you to pump high into the air on a big kid swing. For now, though, it's fun to push you - your mommy on one side, and me on the other - and watch your face light up as you get closer to each of us during the back-and-forth.

You had another HUGE milestone while in Buffalo, and that was CRAWLING!!! We knew before we left that it would be any day, and sure enough, you finally became a crawler while we were staying with Grandma and Grandpa. While this was very VERY exciting for your mommy and me (we're so proud of our growing girl!) it also meant that - as our family and friends had been telling us - things would never be the same. Since then, life has become a game of chasing you around, making sure you're not getting into any mischief. It's a fun job, though, following you here, there, and everywhere. While we can't just plop you on your play mat with some toys to entertain you, and expect you'll be okay while we, say, use the bathroom, it's still totally fun to have a mobile baby around the house. You haven't gotten into TOO much trouble... yet! And, good thing we finished the major portions of our kitchen renovation before you started getting into everything. That could have been disastrous!

Lots of time was spent on the beach during our trip to Buffalo. This was your first experience with the sand and the surf! Well, as much surf as Lake Erie has to offer, anyway. Part of me was a little nervous about your first dip in open water, not because I was afraid you would get hurt, but because I was afraid you wouldn't dig it. Both your mommy and I grew up on our respective beaches: she at the Jersey shore, and I at Cranberry Lake in upstate New York. Our hearts were kind of set on your digging the beach. Lucky for us, dig it, you did!!! You were such a little fish, kicking and squirming. We said we were going to start you with swimming lessons at six months so you wouldn't have a fear of water later on; well, we fell behind on that goal, but it looks like it didn't matter! You're a natural, kiddo. We can't wait for many more adventures at the beach.

Hanging with Aunt Alaina, getting up the gumption to take a dip in Lake Erie, July 2011.

Moments before your inaugural dip, July 2011. Photo taken by Grandma.

Joy!!! Photo taken by Grandma.

The rest of your family had their own fun, playing in the sand, running along the shoreline, and just enjoying the gorgeous Buffalo summer. One thing I miss - that I wish you could appreciate... one day, you will - is how absolutely perfect the weather is for about two months every summer in Buffalo. No humidity, nice and warm (but not hot), with a kiss of breeze. It's lovely, and I'm so glad we make it a point to visit each summer.

Uncle Aaron and cousin Evie on Lake Erie, July 2011. Photo taken by Aunt Angie.

Cousins Sierra, Rosa, and Vincent on Sunset Beach, July 2011.

Grandpa and Rosa on Sunset Beach, July, 2011.

A lovely, beachy day. Cady, Mama, and Grandma on Lake Erie, July 2011. Photo taken by Aunt Nancy.

Sierra about to go for a dip in Lake Erie, July 2011. Photo taken by Aunt Angie.

Vincent and Rosa consider a dip, July 2011.

Photo taken by Aunt Angie.

Aunt Angie, Uncle Aaron, and Grandpa at sunset on Lake Erie, July 2011.

The end of an amazing beach day with family, 2011.

You loved nearly every minute of your visit. Of course, there were moments when you had a few "WAHHHHH!!! I MISS MY ROUTINE!!!!!" freakouts, but for the most part, you adapted amazingly well. You went through a bit of a hunger strike at times, but looking back, I think that may have been more of a product of getting used to formula during the day, and me not making as much milk as you were used to in the mornings and evenings, than it was due to the fact that we were traveling. You slept in the pack-n-play like a champ, took naps, played hard, and smiled a ton. You loved being with the other members of your family, and your family loved spending time with you. ESPECIALLY your Grandma and Grandpa. They miss you so much, sweet girl! Sometimes, it is really hard living so far away from family; but, it does make the time spent together during visits that much more precious and amazing.

Cady and Grandma, July 2011.

Cady and Grandpa, July 2011.

During your ninth month, you continued your obsession with books. I read a book to you every night, and you "ask" (read: demand!) your ABC's book read to you multiple times per day. Oftentimes, even with all the fun toys you have to play with, a book is your top choice for entertainment. Fine by me! You mommy and I were big readers when we were little, and I look forward to - one day WAYYYYYY down the road - going through some of my favorite series' with you: Ramona, Fudge, Babysitters' Club, and more! Of course, Roald Dahl is at the top of my list, and I can't wait till we can have proper "story time," reading a chapter or two each night. It is a ritual I'm trying to start with you now with your baby board books, and I'm really looking forward to you being old enough for both of us to snuggle up at bedtime with a good paperback. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

To me, you are still this little baby girl. I know you are getting older and time is passing more quickly than I can keep track of it, but there is a part of you that will always be a baby to me, no matter how many months go by, how big you get, or how many milestones you conquer. The not-so-wee newborn that was (finally) placed on my chest after months and months of anticipation is still in there somewhere - though she's getting harder and harder to see - but, I have a feeling I'll always be able to catch a glimpse of her in you, no matter how much time goes by.

Photo taken by Aunt Angie.

Love,
Mama

Enjoy the Ride (Safely!)

2011-09-21T08:30:00.002-04:00

OBTM DISCLAIMER: Neither Rachel nor I are professional car seat people. We are just moms trying to help out other moms. If you have a question about your specific car seat, please contact the manufacturer. If you need help with installation, your local police station or fire department should be able to help.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel - Master of All things Car Seat and mother of three darling boys - in observance of Child Passenger Safety Week. Driving is one of the riskiest things most of us will do in our lifetime. It's important we make sure our most precious cargo is safe and secure!

Rachel started researching car seats when her oldest son, Trevor (now 3 1/2 years old) was 1 and outgrowing his convertible car seat. He was 33 pounds, and outgrowing pretty much everything on the market at the time. Rachel - dismayed at the fact that she had to forward face her baby boy - started her car seat research in earnest. By the time Trevor was 18 months old, some new seats had begun to hit the market. She and her husband were finally able to turn him back around. During Rachel's months of research, she discovered the many thing she'd been doing "wrong" with regard to properly restraining Trevor in the car. Since that time, she's tried countless car seats with her boys, including: Graco Snugrides 22 and 35, and Chicco KeyFit 30; as well as Graco MyRide 65, Britax Marathon 70 and Roundabout, Safety 1st Complete Air, Sunshine Kids Radian 80SL, Combi Cocorro, Scenera, Evenflo Tribute, Lamaze True Fit Premier, and a Graco Nautilus.

After all that research and a ton of trial-and-error, Rachel says, "I just want to help every kid be as safe as possible in the car."

I had plenty of questions for Rachel as Cady transitioned from her infant bucket seat (a Graco Snugride) to her big-girl convertible (Graco MyRide), and she was a great help in making sure our (not-so) little peanut had parents who were making informed choices. When it comes to car seats, Rachel certainly knows her stuff; so, it comes as no surprise that when I though about crafting a special post for Child Passenger Safety Week to share with readers, she was the first person I thought of!

OBTM: In order of priority, what are the things that you look for in a good car seat for your children?
Rachel: My first priority is that a seat be a good fit for my kid. My older sons (3 1/2 and almost 2 1/2 years old) are monster babies so I knew I needed a convertible that had a high weight limit and high height limit. My youngest (almost 1 year old) is teeny; so, I pretty much just picked seats that I thought were cutest. I also like to try things out in my car because I like them to be easy to use and install.

Rachel's youngest, Travis (11 months, 17 pounds, and 27 inches), riding in his Combi Cocorro.

OBTM: When parents reach out to you and ask,"what seat would be a good fit for my car?" what do you tell them? Is there an online resource for figuring out which seats fit which cars the best?
Rachel: My advice always changes based on the car and child in question. Type of car, age of child, and budget are all important [to consider when] choosing a seat. I do have my top choices that generally fit in most cars and fit most kids. For convertibles (rear facing and forward facing) I love the Graco MyRide, Lamaze True Fit, and Evenflo Momentum. For combination seats (forward facing harness/booster combos) I like the Graco Nautilus and Britax Frontier. You can always go to car-seat.org and post asking about your specific vehicle and child.

OBTM: What advice would you give parents on a budget about buying car seats? It seems there are so many to choose from, and a huge range in prices. What are your thoughts on hand-me-downs and used car seats (e.g., Craigslist)?
Rachel: Used seats are a definite no unless you know the person and would trust them with your child's life. There are so many things that make a carseat unusable (washing the straps, small accidents, etc). Unless you know 100% that the person giving you a seat didn't do any of [those things], you shouldn't use it. There is no way to tell if a seat is "safe" or not by just looking at it. A friend of mine was in a horrible roll over and her seats looked perfectly fine [following the accident].

That being said, any new seat sold in stores is safe. They all pass the same testing and all will keep your child safe as long as they are used properly The more expensive seats have "upgrades" like nicer covers, more padding, ease of use features... that kind of thing. Some of my favorite seats are actually middle of the road, price wise. There is a definite "expensive is better" mindset that is hard to shake, but with carseats it just isn't so. Buy a seat that fits your budget and your child and you are good to go.

OBTM: Can you "try before you buy?" It it dishonest to return a car seat if you decide you don't like it?
Rachel: You can "try before you buy" at most specialty baby stores, and stores like Babies 'R Us and Buy Buy Baby will all let you take seats out to your car. I also like to ask my friends to see what seats they have. It is not ethical to return a seat you have driven around; but, if you order from somewhere online and just try your kid in it and test out installing it before deciding you don't like it, then that is fine.

OBTM: Head wings vs. no wings. Thoughts?
Rachel: Total personal preference. My kids hate them. They sit there and scream, "I can't seeeeeeee" when they have to ride in a seat with them; so, we don't have any seats with head wings. The only time I feel like they are a feature on my "need" list is in a booster because they make sleeping a lot easier.

OBTM: If a properly installed is slightly off level, how can parents ensure that it is safe to use?
Rachel: A slight lean to a properly installed car seat is completely safe, as long as you have less than 1 inch of movement at the belt path. If you are anything like me, that lean will make you twitch, but it isn't [necessarily] unsafe.

OBTM: How can parents tell if the car seat is installed tightly enough?
Rachel: Grab your child's seat at the belt path and give it a firm shake in all directions. Does it move? [If it doesn't], you are good. It doesn't need to be "rock your car solid," it just needs less than 1 inch of movement. Also, if you or your partner is a professional body builder or something of the sort I would probably not have them do the shake test! [It's worth noting that] you don't need super human strength to install a car seat. I hear so often, "but I'm not strong enough!" I promise, you are.

OBTM: How can parents tell if the straps on their child's seat are tight enough? Where should the chest clip rest?
Rachel: You can easily check the harness by pinching it between your thumb and forefinger. If you can pinch a horizontal fold into the harness, it is too loose Some kids really hate having their harness tightened, but they do get used to it. My oldest likes to check his himself, and freaks out if he thinks it isn't tight enough. The chest clip should rest at nipple line/armpits.

OBTM: If a child's feet are touching the back of the back seat, does that mean it's time to face them forward? How long is it recommended that children should rear face?
Rachel: Feet touching the back seat doesn't matter in the least! Children are acutally more likely to break a leg when forward facing. Children need to rear face till at least 2 years old, but preferably to the limits of your convertible car seat. Rear facing is up to five times safer! Leave them that way as long as you can. Plus, it is like riding around in a recliner... my kids are rather upset about the fact that one day they will have to ride forward!

Three boys - 11 months through 3 1/2 years - all rear facing! A beautiful sight, indeed! left: Trenton (2 years, 3 months, 32 pounds, and 37 inches) riding in his Radian 80SL; right: Trevor (3 years 5 months, 37 pounds, and 39 inches), also riding in his Radian 80SL; and, back: Travis (11 months, 17 pounds, and 27 inches) riding in his Combi Cocorro.

OBTM: What is the best way to restrain a child during the winter? Those puffy snowsuits and jackets take up so much room!
Rachel: Simple, don't wear anything puffy in the car seat! The key is light layers and fleece. This works even in really cold places. Most people I know who live in places with a "real" winter - not something we have in Louisiana - do tights (yes, even on boys!), a onesie, long pants, long-sleeve shirt, and a fleece one piece suit. Fleece is warm but not bulky, [so you can just] throw the jackets in the car and be good to go.

OBTM: Why should parents consider buying a plane ticket for their toddlers instead of seating them on their laps and checking the seat as luggage?
Rachel: First, baggage handlers are not nice to car seats. If your seat is dropped off a ramp or thrown, it could be totally unsafe to use in a crash. Second, a lap baby is basically a projectile waiting to happen. If there was severe turbulence or a crash, you would likely be unable to hold onto your baby, which isn't good for anyone. Last, who really wants to hold a squirmy baby on their lap for hours? With their [car] seats on the plane, your kids can sleep and play and read and snack. Plus, you can get up to go to the bathroom without company!

OBTM: Where can people go to get the most accurate, up-to-date information on car seat safety?
Rachel: car-seat.org is an excellent resource for pretty much anything you might ever want to know about carseats! You can post any questions you have and someone will definitely know the answer.

About Rachel: Rachel is a mom of 3 boys (with one on the way!), currently living in Louisiana. She spends most of her time wrangling small people but loves to read and bake when she has two free hands!

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Disclosure statement: Neither Rachel nor I have been solicited by any of the manufacturers mentioned in this post to mention their products, nor have we received any free goods in exchange for mentions. The opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal experiences with these products; your mileage my vary.

Clicks on links to products mentioned that result in a purchase give me referral credits via Amazon Associates. Any referral credits received will go directly into a savings account for Cady.

"My, what big teeth you have!"

2011-07-29T10:29:00.000-04:00

"... the better to BITE you with, my dear!"

At long last, Cady has two little teeth that came through within days of each other! Yay, our daughter isn't actually a toothless wonder! She's working on a top one, too. Hopefully she'll just get a whole bunch at once, and we can return to our regularly scheduled, happy baby.

Pulling Up!

2011-07-26T17:34:00.001-04:00

Watch out, world!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

First Swing

2011-07-20T14:06:00.000-04:00

The thing about babies is this: when you watch them discover things, and when you see them experience pure joy at the realization that something new is SO TOTALLY AWESOME, it's almost as though you're discovering it for the first time, too. I love this part of being a parent.

Related, I think we need to get a swing for our backyard. She seems to like it (just a little bit).

One Baby, Two Moms (in Photos)

2011-07-18T15:00:00.003-04:00

EDIT (7/21/11)

More than a few times, I've heard, "how can I get a print of that one picture you posted on your blog?" Well, my dears, now there is a way. If you're a family member, close friend, or someone who knows the secret handshake who's interested in prints, please click the thumbnail to the left to view a contact sheet of the pictures in this post, and shoot me an email (lindsay dot wilhelmi at gmail dot com) telling me what pictures you'd like printed using the file names on the contact sheet as a reference, what size, and your address. I'll email you back with the subtotal and we can make payment arrangements. Prices are included on the contact sheet. Upon Angie's suggestion, I'm now using WHCC for my printing, and I guarantee you'll be thrilled with the quality (as opposed to ordering through an "economy" online printing service or printing at home).

If there's a size or option you'd like that you don't see listed, let me know in your email; it's likely we can make it work. Also, if you see something in back & white and want color (or vice versa) let me know.

Thanks again to Angie! You are a rock star, woman!

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During a recent trip to visit my side of the family a couple weeks ago, we were lucky to have my amazing and talented sister-in-law, Angie, photograph our little family. I cannot possibly thank her enough for capturing these images, and I'm so very happy to have some incredible family portraits from Cady's first year. There are precious few pictures of the three of us from the past nine months (because one of us is usually behind the lens), which makes these are so very special. My only problem is trying to decide which ones to hang on the wall!

July 2011. Photo by Angie Tabaczynski.

July 2011. Photos by Angie Tabaczynski.

July 2011. Photo by Angie Tabaczynski.

July 2011. Photos by Angie Tabaczynski.

July 2011. Photo by Angie Tabaczynski.

Fast Friends

2011-07-11T21:40:00.000-04:00

Our little family just returned from a week of visiting family up north, and I don't think Cady could possibly have had a better time if she tried. It was a week of many firsts and lots of family loving on her good and hard, and also the moment my sister-in-law Angie and I had been waiting for for the past eight months: getting our girls together for the first time!

Suffice it to say, the cousins were fast friends. Why is Portland so far away!?

Many (MANY!) pictures to come, including a family portrait session shot by my amazing sister, but I just had to share one of my favorites in the meantime.

500 Jars of Jam

2011-07-07T09:06:00.000-04:00

Note: It's strange that this post had already been drafted prior to attending a get-together this past weekend, at which one of the attendees - after meeting my baby and my wife - actually had the audacity to follow "is [Cady] biologically yours?" with the oh-so-tasteful, "may I be so bold as to ask who the daddy is?

*blink blink*

Me: "She doesn't have a daddy, she has a donor."

I digress...

I stumbled upon this article the other day on A Practical Wedding, which briefly discusses the the many (often overwhelming) choices two moms have to carefully sift through, sort, and decide upon when embarking on the crazy journey of parenthood. Sort of how it's really hard to pick a jar of jam with 500 varieties on the shelf; sometimes, it seems like things could be easier if the store would just stock fewer flavors. But, at the crux of the article is the issue the author really struggles with, which is that no matter the choices they make, regardless of how carefully they select the mixers for the "perfect" genetic cocktail, the resulting offspring with never actually be biologically related to both moms. And that all the author wants is to have a night of romance, an "oops" and a "whose eyes does it have? whose nose?" nine months later.

This two-mom family can certainly relate.

But, you know what? Genetics is a funny thing. I grew up not knowing my biological father, yet no one ever wondered a lick who I belonged to. Of course, I look (and often act) SO MUCH like my mom; so much so, in fact, that a close friend once commented, "you know, the more I see and get to know your mom, the more I am convinced there was no sperm involved in your conception."

So, there's that.

Also? People have mentioned on more than one occasion that Cady actually looks a bit like Kate. And honestly, I kind of agree. Of course, she looks like me, too... but she certainly doesn't NOT look like her mommy.

I think that Amber (one of the commenters on the A Practical Wedding Article) hit the nail on the head when she shared the following thought with the author.

Genetics is genetics, but living in a home together and smiling at each other all the time makes smiles look alike, frowns look alike, laughs sound alike. What I mean to say is: any baby you have will end up looking like your baby.

Indeed, Amber. Indeed.

DIY: Ring Sling

2011-07-01T14:17:00.000-04:00

Last night (and early this morning) I made my long-awaited ring sling! Last week, I picked out 2.5 yards of pretty blue 97% cotton 3% spandex bottomweight from JoAnns, and ordered my sling rings. I also knew I wanted to do some sort of accent panel, but I wasn't sure what fabric to use. Luckily, I remembered that I'd held on to a beautiful silk sarong of Kate's that no longer fit me, but that I knew I wanted to use in some project or another down the road. It matched perfectly with the fabric I'd picked out, so it found it's new home as a panel on my sling.

I used a modification of Jan Andrea's pleated shoulder and added an accent band to match the panel on the tail. The pleats were definitely the most tedious part of the whole project, and I'm really proud of how they turned out. After I got the first four pressed and pinned, it went fairly easily from there.

Cady and I used it for the first time on a trip to the park today, and we were both super comfy! I'm really excited to finally have a ring sling, and for the bargain price of ~$15! (Similar sell on etsy.com for more than four times what I spent on materials). I'm hoping to do a step-by-step tutorial to go along with my next one. I think I may be addicted!

Dig It: Indestructibles

2011-06-27T14:44:00.005-04:00

Ever since a friend told me about Indestructibles, I've been meaning to order one for Cady. The idea of a tear-, drool-, teething-proof book was intriguing to me, since our little one not only loves books, but loves playing with paper products. I was thrilled to see the book stocked at a boutique shop on my walk home from work last Thursday, and picked one up as a BILY (read: Because I Love You) gift for Cady. I rarely make impulse purchases, but every once in awhile, I see something "special" that I think someone I love will enjoy, and I just can't help myself!

The creators of Indestructibles are pretty smart cookies, because Cady really digs hers! They hit the nail on the head with regard to what an infant wants (and all the ways they can destroy) when it comes to books. The tear-proof pages have no words, but are illustrated with beautiful artwork reminiscent of Eric Carle, which allows you and your little one to make up your own stories as you go along, or recite a tried-and-true nursery rhyme while leafing through. The product website claims that these books are totally waterproof, and can even withstand being completely submerged in a tub or pool; while I can't back that up as of yet, I can say that Cady's book has already managed to withstand a deluge of drool, with a lack of soggy corners as evidence.

Although no substitute for sitting down with a babe in the lap, snuggled in for a classic story or picture book, Indestructibles are great for little ones who just want to sit down independently and have at it with the book. Babies can work on their fine motor skills as they try to turn the pages, and learn which way is right-side-up as they become emergent readers.

While the pages do get significantly wrinkly after a few go-rounds in the hands of an intrigued infant, this is easily remedied with some re-smoothing of the pages once playtime is over. Cady just loves bunching up the paper, listening to the crinkles, and examining the pictures! So far, my kiddo has been unable to disprove the theory that these books are truly what they claim to be, with the exception of some thread that has come loose in the binding of the book, which is the only reason this product gets a 4 instead of a 5 here at OBTM. I have a good feeling that her copy of "Hey Diddle Diddle" is going to last her a good long while, and I look forward to adding to her "library." Perfect for road trips, and easy to slip in the pocket of the diaper bag, Indestructibles gets a nod of approval from this happy mama/baby pair.

OBTM rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀

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Disclosure statement: I have not been solicited by Indestructibles to conduct a review of this product, nor have I received any free goods in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experiences with the product; your mileage my vary.

If you would like to purchase an Indestructible book for the kiddo in your life, please consider buying through my Amazon Associates link located at the top of this post; any referral credits will go directly into a savings account for Cady.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2011-06-24T15:30:00.000-04:00

Kate walked down the stairs this morning, saw Cady sitting in the foyer, and said, "that looks like something your mama would wear."

Which means that our daughter is quite fashionable, today.

The Cady Chronicles: Month Eight

2011-06-21T10:15:00.003-04:00

Dear Cady,

Holy cow! What's this?! A monthly letter written WITHIN A WEEK of your monthiversary! Not only are you hitting major milestones, apparently I am, too.

Continue reading "The Cady Chronicals: Month Eight" >>

Okay, I'll come clean. The reason this isn't nearly as tardy as some of the rest is because I have precious few photos of you from this past month, which means it didn't take me nearly as long to sort through and process them all. As you know (but hopefully, won't remember) this past month we have been entrenched in The Great Kitchen Renovation, and it's been sort of impossible to focus on much else. That's not to say we haven't had a lot of fun together recently, just that the camera hasn't come out a whole bunch. I'm going to go ahead and blame the ridiculous amount of dust. Not good for the camera, you know. Yeah, that's it. But luckily, we had a really great photo session last Wednesday, and I had some pictures on my camera phone as well as some really great videos. So it's all good. You're pretty easy going, so I think you'll give me a pass this month.

I guess there's been a couple of notable changes in your world this month, besides living among dust and dirt, that is. As an aside, your Mommy and I can't wait until we've got a clean place to put you down to play one of these days (hopefully sooner rather than later). One of the biggest shifts - at least in terms of the effect it's had on both you and I - is that I decided it was time to supplement your meals with a bit of formula each day. I can't tell you how much I hoped and tried and tried some more to be able to give you nothing but Mama's milk until your first birthday. I also can't tell you how much I treasure our nursing relationship, and how special it feels to have that precious time together, just you and I. But the fact is that the pressure I was putting on myself to make sure you always had enough milk during the day, when we are most often apart, was crushing. I hung in as long as I could, but a couple of biological challenges this past month (including a bout of flu) convinced me to ease up on myself, and to give myself the freedom to maintain our nursing relationship as long as you and I decide is right while only pumping for comfort during the day. I'd estimate that your still getting as much as a half of your meals from my milk, and we found a really great organic formula that you actually don't hate (yay!) so things have been going pretty well and it's been a fairly easy transition. All of this has taught me a very important parenting lesson: although I will always want what is very best for you, hard as I may try, I cannot always move mountains. Sometimes, the best I CAN do will have to be good enough. And as much as it pains me to not be able to move those mountains, I am trying to be easy on myself and pat myself on the back for what a great job we did for seven months and change. And what a great job we're STILL doing!

We had a pretty major heat wave this past month, so that meant you got to traipse around wearing very little. You look so cute with all your chub exposed! I've decided I like summer baby clothes the best. I like tickling your squishable thighs and watching you wiggle and curl those piggies of yours. We don't need no stinking socks in this kind of weather! (Good thing, too, because baby socks are probably my LEAST favorite baby clothes.)

On especially warm days, when the air conditioning seems like it can't quite cut through the heat and humidity, we let you free-wheel in nothing but your diaper. Which makes for great photo opportunities, the products of which I shall carefully file away for all those times you give your mommy and I grief when you're a teenager. I've got more than a few gems for the parent pages of your high school yearbook. Don't think I won't bring out the heavy arsenal if needed:

I like to try to get you outside as much as the heat (and mosquitoes) will allow, but sometimes it's just too darn hot. Also, I'm paranoid about having you out in the sun. I try to shade you, and I slather you in sunscreen, but I still fearfully anticipate the day I slip and you end up with a sunburn. I know it will happen sooner or later, and offer my apologies in advance. You have inherited my ultra-fair skin, and subsequently, a lifetime of covering up and applying (and replying) sunscreen like it's your job.

... which is sort of a great segue into a very awesome first you had this month. Swimming!!! Your Mommy and I were so excited about first dip, being little fishes, ourselves. We couldn't be there for your first go-round in the big pool, but we did introduce you to the Wonderful World of Water (not counting the tub) in your new kiddie pool on the back deck. You were tentative at first, but splish-splashing around in no time. Your Grams reported you had the same experience in the big pool this past Monday, the first of many Mondays you'll be visiting Mr. and Mrs. G's awesome pool this summer.

First dip with Mama, May 2011.

Because we couldn't be there, your Grams shot a bunch of videos of you enjoying the big pool at Mr. and Mrs. G's. We can't wait to get in there and splash around with you one of these days! It looked like you really had a great time, and we hope this is just the beginning of a real love of the water for you. Of course, if you decide you don't love swimming as much as your Mommy and I, that's just fine. At the very least, the early introduction to the water will help you become a decent swimmer and someone who's not afraid to dive right in.

We also got some new toys for you, since you were getting kind of bored with your little baby stuff (understandably so! You're getting to be a big girl, now!). You got some nesting pans, and your very first piano! You know exactly what to do with the piano, too, hitting the keys with glee and pounding out your first compositions. Of course, I think you're incredibly talented, and it's music to my ears. Others my disagree, but here's a tip for you: sometimes the critics don't have anything nice to say. Persevere, you must. I've also purchased your first set of wooden blocks, and can't wait for you to get your hands on those! Your Grams got you a fun riding/walking toy, and I'm sure you'll be cruising around on it in no time. It's so fun to watch you explore and discover through play. I could watch you figure things out for hours and days on end, and never get bored.

So, here's where I run out of monthly photos, and grab more of the good ones from our eight-month photo shoot. Luckily, you were feeling happy and photogenic and in about a half hour I felt like I was really able to capture the essence of what an eight-month-old you is all about, these days.

You are trying SO HARD to be a crawler. You get all the way up on your knees, and I can just see the determination on your face. But then your knees give out, or you just decide it's not worth the continued effort, and you lay all cute and role-y pole-y on the ground. I think if you just stick to it, you'll get it. And I'll go ahead and admit that you Mommy and I are kind of glad you've held off on the crawling thing, because our house is decidedly NOT baby-friendly during this crazy renovation. Things are finally getting back to normal (and a whole lot cleaner) so any day now would be just fine, if you're ready.

Crazier still is that you're also pulling yourself up to standing. Mostly on people - using your Mommy and I as your own personal jungle gym - but you've moved on to object on a few occasions, like the other day on your rocking chair. This both excites and frightens me. I know I'm probably on the verge of having to kiss your first boo-boo and ice your first bump or bruise, and I don't look forward to it. But, sometimes the only way to learn is to take a spill the first few go-rounds. I just hate to think that those spills are likely to occur under my watch. My job is to keep you safe, but you're a girl with big plans of moving and shaking, soon. I have a feeling that one day you're just going to take off walking, and from there, there will be no stopping you! We got a cute video of you practicing your standing by holding on to your chair, and you're such a brave girl that you've started trying to do it one-handed!

You really do love that rocking chair from Great-great Aunt Noreen and Uncle Jim, something we only just realized during the little photo session last week. I plopped you in it for a couple of photos, and you just started rocking away! Of course me being a worry wart Mama, I was thinking you may topple forward at any moment... but you do a pretty good job of keeping your balance, and overall seem very proud of your rocking ability. When you really get going, you crack yourself up.

I'm really looking forward to peeking in on you one day, and seeing you sitting on your chair, engrossed in a picture book. You've begun to love our evening ritual of book before bedtime, and you sit quietly, looking at the pictures and "helping" me turn the pages of your Time to Sleep board book. I think we'll start adding Good Night, New Jersey and Good Night, Zoo into the rotation, soon. You're ready for some variety! Your favorite daytime book is Doggies, which was given to you by your Aunt Alaina and Uncle John during our last visit up north. You love it when we make the doggie noises in the book, especially the big WOOF! of doggie number one. It's going to be so neat when you can make the doggies noises, yourself! I think you're not too far away from those sorts of things, with all the babbling you've been doing, lately.

I guess I say this in pretty much every monthly letter to you, but I just can't get over what a happy baby you are. Of course, you have your moments - we all do - but, overall? You are just about one of the happiest babies I've ever met. You light up a room and lighten the moods of most people who are lucky enough to get some hangout time with you, and you've been a real trooper through all the craziness that has come along with our kitchen renovation. You are very flexible, super resilient, and you take everything that comes your way in stride, usually smiling all the while.

Your smile is infectious, and I can't help but return that toothless grin each time you flash one at me. It is the face I can't wait to see with each new morning, and the one I count the minutes to see each day while I'm at work. You've got about a million different versions of your smile, but the one that really gets me is the wide-mouthed, squinty-eyed grin. It is an expression of pure joy; the kind grown-ups rarely experience, save through our children. We forget what it's like to feel nothing but complete and total glee and wonder, until littles like you bless our lives. And I can't thank you enough for such a beautiful reminder.

Love,
Mama

Dig It: Tina Steinberg "Little Love Charmer" Pendant

2011-06-16T14:54:00.005-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I received a belated birthday gift from Kate and Cady in the mail: a gorgeous one-of-a-kind silver pendant of Cady's thumbprint! Granted, it wasn't a surprise... I had dropped a very not-so-subtle hint that I wanted one awhile ago. Although I was expecting it - and even helped press Cady's tiny thumb into the mold back in April - it is one of the most treasured gifts I've ever received. Tina Steinberg did an amazing job, and the craftsmanship is gorgeous. I have a feeling I'm going to want some more charms to add to the chain as Cady grows!

OBTM rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀

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Disclosure statement: I have not been solicited by Tina Steinberg to conduct a review of her product, nor have I received any free goods in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experiences with the vendor; your mileage my vary.

Hazel

2011-06-08T16:47:00.002-04:00

Weight-loss Status

2011-06-08T11:16:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile since I've posted about my progress with getting my body to a place where I feel more comfortable about it. I haven't started exercising yet, but by making decent food choices (as much as one can considering we're renovating our kitchen, currently) and nursing, I've managed to make it to five pounds away from my first of three realistic goal weights at just about eight months postpartum. I had hoped to make it to the first goal weight by six months, but it was a lofty goal, so I'm happy with my progress to date. I've lost about 60 pounds since giving birth to Cady, and am about 25 pounds less than I was before I got pregnant.

Same dress, different body. Left: 6 months pregnant, July 2010. Right: 8 months postpartum, June 2011.

I'd like to drop a total of about 15 more pounds, and (most importantly) get in better shape. I need to add some toning and cardio exercises to my daily/weekly routine; the problem is figuring out when! I guess lifting and carrying around our 20+ pound Cady is giving me at least a little bit of a toning workout; as soon as she starts crawling, I'll be adding in some new "exercises" too!

Overall, I'm really proud of my progress, and feeling better than I have in quite a long time. I was at my heaviest ever right before I got pregnant, and losing the baby weight (and then some!) has really motivated me to get (and stay!) healthy.

The Cady Chronicles: Month Seven

2011-06-07T08:32:00.001-04:00

Dear Cady,

Last month, you turned seven months old. You're closer now to a year than you are to a newborn. You are changing and growing in leaps and bounds now, and it's hard to keep up! There are so many new things you're learning and practicing these days, and your personality is really starting to shine through. It getting so exciting, watching you become this amazing little girl, while still able to see my sweet infant in that pudgy baby face of yours.

Continue reading "The Cady Chronicles: Month Seven" >>

I'm not sure why, but this month has seemed an especially fun one with you. Not that every month isn't a joy; it's just that you're becoming so much more interactive and curious and... well, just plain awesome. You still look like a baby most of the time, but you're definitely starting to develop some toddler-isms. You babble a lot, are growing bigger by the minute (when will you slow down?!), and you are really starting to develop even more of a personality.

You have your likes and dislikes (and have no problem letting us know when you are having a moment of displeasure!) and still love to be held and in the company of your mommies or Grams... but you're becoming more independent, too. You'll sit and talk quietly to yourself or to your toys, and I can even confidently take care of personal business (like showering) a room away, with you perfectly content to play awhile until I'm done doing whatever needs doing. Of course, I know this will change a bit just as you become fully mobile (a milestone you are working SO HARD on this month!), but for now, it's been nice to know that you can keep your cool on your own for a few minutes at a time.

You're starting to become someone who's fun to play "with" and not just "next to." We finally picked up some more developmentally appropriate toys for you last month, because - although you still enjoy them once in awhile - your rattles and take-along toys just weren't doing it for you anymore. Your ring stacker, which Grams suggested you'd like, is a big hit in our house right now. You love to take the rings off, one by one. Sometimes you get impatient and just tip the whole thing over, smiling proudly at your mess. I can't wait until you figure out how to stack them back ON the plastic post. And not JUST because I'm bit of a neat freak (although you learning to clean up will be a joyous day!). Your Mommy and I just truly enjoy watching you figure things out. I have a feeling you're going to be a real smarty-pants, kiddo.

During your seventh month, you were invited to your first two parties! Your friends H and A both turned a year old; H in mid-April and A early May. I'm not sure you knew what to make of the hubbub, but it was a fun activity for us to do together. I'm sure you'll be invited to many more parties like this as the months and years pass, since so many of your Mommy and my friends are starting families of their own. We're so very excited for you to have friends around when everyone gets together. We both grew up with kids our own age around to play with, and it'll be really fun for you to do the same.

Cady with Aunt Emily, and Mrs. Walz with Huck, April 2011.

Cady and Mama, watching H open presents, April 2011.

Another major change that came about last month was - hooray! - you began sleeping without a swaddle. This was a pretty big deal for all of us, because wrapping you up like a baby burrito was becoming a task-and-a-half! I was firm in my belief that you would let us know when it was time to stop, though, and sure enough, you did! All of a sudden, you started trying to worm your way out just as soon as you were wrapped up, and then we knew it was time. You required very little transitioning, and it was almost as if one night you were swaddled, and then next you weren't. It was nice to say bye-bye to your sleepy-time training wheels. Swaddling served you well, but you're getting to be a big girl, now... and big girls don't need no stinkin' swaddle!

Another big-girl thing you started doing with more regularity is eating. Two square meals a day became the norm once you turned six months old. You get a fruit in the morning, mixed up with either rice cereal or oatmeal, and a veggie at night. You LOVE your food, too! Just when we were worried you might never eat anything other than avocado for the rest of your days, you broadened your horizons to include carrots, peas, pears, bananas, and mangos! Sometimes, you even get a sprinkle of cinnamon if we're feeling adventurous. You rarely leave any bits of food uneaten, and you seem to be sleeping and napping better, now that we've added a food routine into your daily schedule. You've also become even more adept at drinking from your sippy cup. Way to master those motor skills, Cady!

April brought about a lovely change in weather, so you and I started spending a lot more time outside. It's a nice change for you, especially since we're in the middle of The Great Kitchen Renovation, which has meant less space for you to explore and play indoors. If you start to get cranky, we take a moment and check out what's going on outside, and you instantly calm down, even if it's only a brief calm. We've taken several spring walks to the park, which you really dig. You like quietly observing the people and things around you, and on nice days, there's plenty to take in around our neighborhood.

Out for a stroll, April 2011.

Sometimes - on Fridays, when I work form home - I'll set myself up with my computer on the front porch and set you up on your mat or in your exersaucer so you can remain content and entertained while I get work done. Being able to get those four solid hours of work in early on Fridays has been key in making my half-day work-at-home Fridays worthwhile; it allows me to spend the rest of the afternoon with you and give us some mama-Cady bonding time, which I really miss all week long. I wish more than anything that I could be home with you more, but you have so much fun with your Grams during the week, and the relationship you're building with her because of this is so precious. I was very close with your great-Grandma and great-Grandpa Fornes, and I know it was because of how lucky I was to spend so much time with them when I was small. I hope you have the same experience with your Grams and Pop-pop.

Playing on the porch while Mama works.

I plopped you in the grass for the first time last month, and you did what I assumed you'd do: carefully studied each blade you could get your fingers on, and - after you deemed it worthy (and tasty?) - tried to shove a handful in your mouth. I know it's just a part of learning and exploring the world around you, but I have to admit that I'm looking forward to the day when you stop mouthing on every. Single. OBJECT. you pick up. Something that I'm not terribly excited about, but which I'm sure will be in an upcoming monthly letter is: sand-eating on the beach. Yuck! It'll probably make for some cute photos, though...

The main highlight of your seventh month was a trip up north to see your Grandma and Grandpa, and meet your Western New York family. We planned our trip over Easter weekend, and excitedly anticipated our visit for weeks before it was time. And then, it happened. You got your first cold. And boy, was it a doozy! I have decided that there is nothing worse than seeing you sick and miserable. I wished I could take it all away, that I could snap my fingers and make you better. But instead, your Mommy and I helped you in every way we could think of: Tylenol, humidifiers, vapor-rubs, snot-suckers, nose drops (oh my!). You were such a good little patient. While it was apparent you didn't feel well, you still remained a pretty happy camper through most of it, and we decided that our trip would still be a go.

You were a champion passenger in the car, took all of your "regular" naps, and were fairly cheerful during the 7-hour drive. And when we finally arrived at your Grandma and Grandpa's house, you were SO HAPPY. I am not exaggerating when I say that you were completely at ease and so comfortable from the moment we walked through the door. No, "WAHHHH! where am I?" or, "this is a strange place and I don't really remember these people," anxiety. Just total bliss and happiness to be with your Grandma and Grandpa.

I know you probably don't have a ton of information in your brain or much stored in your memory at this point, so I can't help but wonder if there isn't something instinctual going on. Because, I'd swear that you just KNEW your Grandma, even though it was only the third time you'd met. And you love her to pieces; I can tell. Or, maybe it's just the love she has for you beaming out so strongly that some just has to come back to her, because such a powerful emotion simply cannot go unanswered.

Grandma and Grandpa had some super cool toys for you to play with, so that could also be part of the reason you were so happy during our visit. Sometimes a change of scenery at home will perk you up and make you excited, so it was no surprise that some fun "new" activities and playthings were a welcome change for you. You've officially taken a spin in four exersaucers in your short life; you're becoming quite the connoisseur. Have you thought about submitting an Amazon.com review? We should discuss... I'd be happy to transcribe for you.

Grandma and Grandpa were nice enough to have a little family party while we were visiting, so you got to see a bunch of people who have loved you very much since the moment you arrived, even though many of them had never even met you. You met a bunch of cousins, aunts, and uncles, and got to see your Aunt Alaina and cousin Rosa again, too! They missed you very much since meeting you in February, so it was great to be able to get together again. You also got to meet my very good friend from high school, your Aunt Krissy. I'm hoping you'll get to meet her husband, Uncle Matt, as well as your Aunt Annie, during our next visit in July.

Cady and Aunt Alaina, April 2011.

Cady and Aunt Krissy, April 2011

On Easter day, you had your first bath in a sink! Well, second if you count your very first bath in the hospital. You had a grand old time among the bubbles, and your Mommy and I were excited to finally be able to give you a bath that didn't break our backs trying to scrub-a-dub you in our slippery claw-foot tub. Maybe you'll still fit in the sink for a few more months once we get our new, bigger sink in the kitchen at home. That would be fabulous! After your sink bath, we prettied you up in your seersucker dress that Grams got you, and headed out to meet your Grandpa Sciandra's family.

Gigi and Poppy we so excited to snuggle and hold you, as were your great-Aunt Steff and great-Uncle Marty. You got to meet your great-Uncle Paul and great-Aunt Barbara, too; they traveled more than two hours to see you! The only one missing was your Grandpa Sciandra. Oh, Cady... it makes my heart hurt to know how much he would have loved to have known you. He would have had such fun playing with you and teaching you so many things. I'm very glad that you'll have the opportunity to grow up with his family in your life, so that a part of him can be a part of you, too.

Cady and Gigi, Easter 2011.

Cady and Poppy, Easter 2011.

Cady and great-Aunt Steff, Easter 2011.

Poppy, Gigi, Cady, great-Aunt Steff, and great-Uncle Marty, Easter 2011.

After our Easter celebration, we went back to Grandma and Grandpa's to hang out for just a little bit longer before saying our goodbyes. It was so sad to leave, but we left knowing that next time we visit, even more family will be in town, which will mean even more people with whom to celebrate the awesomeness of family. You'll get to meet your new cousin Marco and your Uncle Aaron, Aunt Angie, cousin Sierra, and cousin Evie! Cousin Evie is only one month younger than you, so we're really excited to see you two play together. So, while we were bummed to know that we wouldn't be seeing Grandma and Grandpa for a couple of months, we knew that the next visit was going to bring even more fun family time!

Cady gives Mommy a smooch, Easter 2011.

I definitely think that your seventh month was the month - so far - that you did the most growing and changing. I know that this is only the beginning of weeks and months that start whizzing by more quickly than I can keep track, with you getting more amazing by the moment. Every day, you do something new, and every night I wonder what awesome thing you're going to surprise me with, or how you're going to make me laugh when I wake up and see that fabulous grin of yours again.

Last month, I celebrated my thirtieth birthday, back-to-back with your Mommy and my first Mothers' Day. It was quite appropriate that my first Mothers' Day fell on the first full day of my thirties. It is going to be best decade yet, beginning with my first full year as your Mama. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to be more than a mother, and I'm so lucky that I get to be yours. Every day I am thankful that your Mommy and I get to share our lives with you and not only teach you, but learn from you, too. You teach me more than I ever thought a little could teach a big, and I look forward to each lesson, trick, and truth you reveal. Sometimes I wonder how it is that I deserve all of this awesomeness in my life, and then I realize that this is just the way things are supposed to be. You're supposed to be my Cady, and I'm supposed to be your Mama, and that makes us both very blessed.

Pop-pop, Cady, and Grams, Mothers' Day, 2011.

Mama, Mommy, and Cady, Mothers' Day, 2011.

Love,
Mama

Avant-garde

2011-06-06T12:46:00.000-04:00

Pools and Pianos

2011-05-31T10:47:00.001-04:00

Memorial day weekend was a fun one for the Wilhelmi clan. We had a wedding to go to on Saturday, which was great fun but it meant our first night away from the baby. That was tough, but Cady did great with her Grams and Pop-pop, and we sure made up for it with fun family time on Monday. Cady and I went on a shopping trip and returned with a new kiddie pool and some new toys to play with. It's been really hot in our area lately - and will only get hotter - plus, Cady had started to outgrow some of her baby toys. It was definitely time to upgrade. She sat in the shopping cart seat for the first time, and loved riding around the store. I loved the fact that I didn't have to wear her in 90+ degree weather. I love babywearing, but boyoboy, she can be HOT to wear!

She had a wonderful time in the pool with me, and Kate snapped some photos to commemorate her first dip. She loved splashing in the water with her hands, and playing with the bath toys her Grandma got her for Christmas. They're the perfect size for her little hands, and great for chewing on, to soothe her sore gums (no teeth, yet!). She even started bending over to drink the water. Gross, but cute!

Cady's first dip in the kiddie pool, May 2011. Photo by Kate Wilhelmi.

First dip in the kiddie pool, May 2011. Photo by Kate Wilhelmi.

We also picked up a set of plastic pots and pans - fun stacking toys that also make lots of noise. She played with something similar while visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Buffalo, and really seemed to like them. She actually "picked them out" herself; I help her up to the aisle of stacking toys, and that's what she grabbed so I went for it. I chose a little piano for her, because with a name like Cadence, it's never too early to start making music! She really enjoys banging out some chords, which I don't mind at all... because the toy makers were super smart and made the four keys a triad plus the octave. Music to my ears! Bang away, little darling!

So Close!!!

2011-05-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

Cady is SO CLOSE to being able to crawl!

Over the last few days, she's begun to be able to get her whole belly off the floor, and she's just about to get her knees under her. I estimate it will be only mere days before we have a seriously mobile Cady on our hands. Am I nervous about the changes this will bring about? About the chaos in our house during the kitchen remodel coupled with a crawling baby? Sure.

But mostly, I'm psyched. I've been really looking forward to this milestone. Bring it, Cady!

Abridged Birth Story

2011-05-25T08:50:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, my Abridged Birth Story was featured on Offbeat Mama!

It's been so wonderful to be a part of that community, and learn from all the other OBM's over there. I'm honored to have been featured a few times, but this is certainly one of the most intimate and personal bits I've shared about myself and our family.

Welcome to any new readers making their way over! If you'd like to read the full version of the Epic Tale of Cady's Arrival, you can find it here:

The Birth Story, Part I: Notice of Eviction
The Birth Story, Part II: A "Gentle" Induction (a.k.a. The Seventh Circle Of Hell)
The Birth Story, Part III: Plan C

Team Mom

2011-05-10T10:22:00.005-04:00

When we work together, my wife Kate and I are a great photography team: she shoots the photos, and I process them. We're also a great parenting team, so this picture is doubly appropriate for this week's i heart faces photo challenge: "motherhood."

It was a warm October Day, Cady was barely two weeks old, and I was tumbling and turning, head over heals in love with our sweet baby girl. And amazing Kate managed to capture that feeling in a single frame.

Cady and Mama, October 2010. Photo by Kate Wilhelmi. Edited by Lindsay Wilhelmi.

Fine Motor

2011-05-09T10:15:00.001-04:00

Cady has been working hard at developing her fine motor skills, which I think are pretty amazing at just shy of seven months. Check out how she removes the plastic rings from her stacker, with careful determination. She still has trouble with that last blue one, and usually removes it by turning the whole thing upside down. I can't wait to watch her put them back on, mostly because my OCD tendencies mean I'm constantly stacking and restacking (or, giving her more chances to practice taking them off... yeah, that's exactly why I do it!).

The Cady Chronicles: Month Six

2011-05-03T14:07:00.009-04:00

Dear Cady,

We're halfway through your seventh month, and I'm only just getting your half-year letter done now. Apologies, my sweet girl. A lot has been going on lately, including a nearly-week-long trip up north and a kitchen renovation (but more about those in next month's letter). All have been exciting, but have also been keeping me from having much time to process photos and write. It's all good, though. Living life and being present is much more important than capturing and documenting it. When I can manage do both for us, that's just gravy.

Continue reading "The Cady Chronicles: Month Six" >>

You started out your six month "celebrating" your first St. Patty's day. This is a fun day in our house; we always have Guinness in the fridge, and usually have corned beef and cabbage on our plates for St. Patty's. No corned beef or Guinness for you, this month. Well, at least, not directly. Maybe next year?

Taken by your mommy. What's funny about this picture is that this is exactly how you give kisses, these days. Big, sloppy, open-mouth baby kisses.

The past month was great, because it finally has started to warm up around here, which has meant more walks outside, and more exposed pudgy baby-parts. You love being barefoot! This is probably mostly due to the general obsession you have with your toes and feet, but I also love you barefoot and bare-legged. There's something about those little piggies and pudgy legs that just makes me happy. Of course, I love every part of you, but your chubby legs and fat little feets are especially scrumptious.

We've been to the park a couple of times now, with you sitting semi-upright in your stroller, these days. You like to be able to look out at the world and observe everything around you. You are especially fond of animals; you are hypnotized by them, and sometimes squeal in delight (which your animal friends don't always appreciate). You are starting to become wary of strangers, which I have mixed feelings about. Of course, I don't want you to go getting in a car with or taking candy from any weirdo who may offer, but I also want you to be able to grow up a trusting person, who gives everyone a chance. I am guessing you are who you are, and only you will be able to decide how you act around others, but I can't help but have certain hopes for you. But don't worry, you can be a shy girl for awhile if you want, and that's just fine. It's sort of sweet when a strange face gets all up in yours and you bury your cute little head into my shoulder.

On an early evening walk to Bell Lake Park, March 2011.

I got a little crafty for you early in the month, and made you some cute headbands out of fabric scraps. You were kind enough to model some of them for me, have worn them a few times, and seems to tolerate headbands in general pretty well. Which makes me happy, because I think they are darn cute (even if your mommy sometimes thinks they're silly). AND, I just may whip up some more when I have time and sell them on Etsy, the profits of which will go towards your college fund. So, I'm glad you're happy to be my model, sweetheart. I've got plans in the works for some cute tunics and bubble rompers, so watch out! Mama is a-craftin' and is going to need a cute baby to show off her creations!

Your Aunt Emily and I decided this past month that we were going to try to make more of an effort to get together. Both because we miss each other and often have Friday afternoons free, and because we would LOVE for you and her son to grow up best buddies. Although we had separate journeys with slightly different timing, she and I waited so long and (sometimes not-so) patiently for you and H to be made from tiny little cells and a whole lot of love, faith, and hope - followed by another nine months of waiting for your respective arrivals - with each other as empathetic support. It only seems right that we continue this amazing journey together, as you both grow on the outside (not just in our hearts and bellies!). The first of what we hope will be many play dates occurred last month, and you had a pretty great time. You really liked hanging out with Aunt Emily and playing with H's toys, and - young as you are for such things a socializing with other babies - I think you liked H, too!

Playing in H's exersaucer, and loving having "new" toys to play with, March 2011.

Hanging out with Aunt Emily, March 2011. Those baby thighs are out of control, no?

H LOVED you, and you seemed to be interested in him as well, if perhaps the teeniest bit wary. It's okay, though; you're still little, and you've been mostly surrounded by grown-ups your entire life, so far. These was your first really interactive experience with someone about your size, and plus, H has about six months on you. I expect by the end of the summer you two will be able to interact a little bit better, and by next summer - FORGET IT! You'll be tearing through our houses and yards, and we'll barely be able to keep up with you! H is already on his way there. I'm both excited and nervous about you becoming as mobile as your little year-old friend.

H and Cady, March 2011. Destined to be best buddies!

You also visited with others this past month, including two separate dinner parties with some very dear friends of ours. I wish I had gotten photos of you playing with the Bucci clan. I really think they liked meeting you, and Mrs. Bucci got you this great toy - Violet - which you are officially obsessed with. Violet plugs into the computer and connects to the Internet. Toys these days, I tell you what; when I was your age... (and other such nonsense I swore I'd NEVER say, as I wave my cane in the air). But seriously, Violet is pretty awesome. She "knows" all your favorites (avocados, hippopotamus, orange... okay, all of Mama's favorites. Except the avocado. That's legit), plus your name, and works them into catchy songs. Your mommy and I find ourselves humming them (the first of many times "your" songs are going to be stuck in out heads, I'm sure!), and you always light up when we turn Violet on.

Aunt Natalie, Uncle Geoff, and Uncle Jan all came over for dinner the week following (we missed you, Aunt Jem!). You actually are able to sit in your highchair at the table now - feeding yourself avocado or whatever else we put in your feeder - while we all enjoy our meal. You're such a self-sufficient and independent baby. I wonder if that means stubbornness and defiance is right around the corner? If you're anything like me, I'm guessing we'll deal with our fair share of both... but for right now, it's super cute. After dinner there was a little bit of pass-the-baby. You seem to remember these folks by now, so they're not strangers to you, and you were pretty content to let them snuggle and play with you.

Playing on Aunt Nat's lap after making a mess with avocado, April 2011

Okay, so don't even get me started on what a genius I think you are - and, there's TONS of milestones to write about in your next letter; you hit six months and pulled all KINDS of awesomeness out of your hat! - but you are such a smarty-pants when it comes to your motor skills. Exhibit 1: The Sippy Cup. You started playing with the thing (and drinking out of it with help) at around four months old. These days? These days, you're a pro. You rarely need help getting it positioned the right way, and you even know how to tilt it at an angle that will allow the water to come out. I guess to any child-free person this sounds like a whole lot of "what the big deal?" but to me, it's amazing. I could sit and watch you drink for hours. I am THAT impressed by you. Clearly, I'm in for it. Because you're only going to keep getting more awesome and interesting as the months progress.

"Geeze, Mom... it's just a cup. Why won't you stop staring at me?"

You still love to inspect everything, and will stare at your toys for what seems like hours on end. You're less content on your back these days (more on that, in just a minute!) but if you've got toys to examine, or feet to grab at, you're happy for a good while. That's right, this letter would not be complete without a playing-with-feet picture. You and those piggies!

And - this pretty new - if something is out of your reach, you've become an expert at rolling front-to-back or back-to-front to get whatever it is you're wanting. The first few times this happened, it sort of blew us all away. Your Grams, mommy, or I would put you down on your play mat with a few toys, walk away for a moment to grab something in the kitchen or use the bathroom, and upon returning you'd be flipped over on your belly, grinning at your accomplishment. I suppose this is the beginning of real mobility, and like I said before: excited, but also nervous. It's all good, though. We'll adapt, just like you always seem to do when we change something up on you. You're a creature of habit, but you're flexible. I could learn a thing or two from you, sweet girl.

The biggest, hugest, cannot-be-overstated accomplishment of month six, however, was the milestone you mastered just a couple days shy of your six monthiversary. You became an independent sitter! Sure, you'd been practicing this skill for some time, but usually you'd need a pillow or would tripod your hands for support. And, no matter how you were doing it, you'd need a spotter nearby for when you inevitably tipped over, because you lacked the core strength to steady yourself. But one day, all of a sudden, you did it! All by yourself, and for a sustained period of time!

This is a game changer, kiddo. No longer are you a helpless heap on the floor or propped up between two pillows. You are a moving and shaking little PERSON, one with amazing abilities that are just starting to make themselves known. Sitting leads to crawling, and crawling eventually leads to toddling and OH MY GOD I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK ABOUT THAT YET. I mean, look how I'm gushing over this sitting up thing. You walking will probably just about blow my mind.

I look at you sometimes, and I wonder where my tiny (relatively speaking!) newborn went. I get a little nostalgic for the months that have so quickly passed and seasons that have changed before my eyes. Other times, I look at you and get so incredibly excited about the future, about the months and seasons ahead. Your first push in a swing, dip in a pool, and ride in a wagon. But what I TRY to do - hard as it may be to file away moments past and not go wishing too hard for things that are to come - is to take in each moment as it happens, and appreciate what I've got in front of me, right now. My perfect, six-month girl. Not too young, not too old, just exactly at the age and stage you should be. I sit and look at you, sitting in front of me as I snap your picture for the five hundredth time this month, and think, "just hold it. Right there. Don't go changing on me just yet." Not because I want to freeze the frame for the perfect portrait, but because I want to stop motion in my mind.

And you oblige. You flash me your now-famous smile, and we soak in the happy moment, together.

Love,
Mama

DIY: Fabric Rattle

2011-05-02T11:21:00.009-04:00

This super-simple craft is doubly green: it's not only an opportunity to upcycle old prescription pill bottles (for those of us hoarding a stash in our medicine cabinets), but also a great use of fabric scraps that are too small for much else.

I had the idea when we were packing up the kitchen for our upcoming remodel (insert *squee* here). Instead of storing meds in our bathroom cabinets like most people, we keep them in baskets high up on our refrigerator. In addition to locating a homeless packet of oatmeal, a lonely shot glass, and a few dusty magnets, I discovered a half-dozen empty prescription bottles. Kate had been saving them to recycle at the pharmacy, but hadn't gotten around to it.

Noting the light weight and small size of the bottles, seeing the boxes of beans, lentils, and pastas we were boxing up, and pretty much always having Cady on the brain, a light bulb lit up over my head all Looney Toons-style. She's OBSESSED with rattles, these days. So, I tossed some elbow macaroni in one and let her have at it. She loved waving and shaking it around, and squealed and the noise she was making.

And I realized, "hm... probably NOT a good idea to let Cady think playing with prescription pill bottles is fun." So, here's what I did.

Fabric Rattle Instructions

You'll need:

A small pill bottle
A handful of rattle-filler (I used lentils, below, and elbow macaroni for the first rattle I made. Different fillers will make different sounds. Get creative with a few different rattles for maximum baby enjoyment!)
A fabric scrap (approximately 10" x 10")
Hemp or similar (approximately 12" x 12")
Scissors

I peeled the identifying label off my prescription bottle, first. Who knows were your baby might loose her or his toy, and you don't want to risk anyone taking it apart and finding all your identifying and personal information on the label.

Fill your bottle with your preferred rattle-filler.
Lay out your fabric scrap and place filled bottle upside down, in the center. Have your pre-cut tying material at the ready (once you move on to the next step, you won't have hands free for cutting).
Gather the fabric up over the bottle and secure firmly with a square knot.
Wrap tie tails tightly around first knot until you've only got about an inch left of each tail. Tie a second firm square knot to finish it off.
Trim excess fabric as needed.
Give to baby and enjoy the squeals of delight!

I'll try to catch Cady playing with hers on video, soon. She really loves it, and I was psyched to find another great use for old things. These would also make great gifts for any special new babies in your life; I know I plan to make more as gifts!

EDITED 5/10:

Here's a video of our sweet girl playing with her homemade rattle:

As always, please be sure to supervise your baby while she or he is playing with any toy, especially a handmade one.

The Bunny Came To Buffalo

2011-04-27T11:40:00.001-04:00

Kate, Cady, and I returned on Monday from a fantastic five-day trip to my hometown to celebrate the Easter holiday and introduce Cady to family she hadn't met before. The Bunny somehow knew we weren't home for the holiday, and brought a little basket to Buffalo for Cady's first Easter. Between the Bunny and her family, Cady is now the proud owner of five stuffed rabbits.

Mostly, the visit was for Cady's Grandma and Grandpa, who don't get to see her nearly often enough. They had a great time playing, and Cady loved every minute of being snuggled by Western New York family. More on our visit, soon, but for now, here's a shot of our little cutie in her Easter dress.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

2011-04-19T10:47:00.004-04:00

I can't remember if I mentioned this elsewhere, but we've been working on a few signs with Cady for awhile now, and really began signing some key words in earnest this past month. One of the signs my mother-in-law has been working most consistently on is "milk."

Well, Cady started practicing the sign like crazy over the weekend, and yesterday, she actually started using it to communicate that she wanted milk! This is so exciting for us, because it means the beginning of the end of having to decipher every little noise that comes out of her cute little face. It makes me that much more excited to keep working with her on other signs, knowing that she was able to pick up (and use!) her first sign so quickly. I will definitely try to get a video of her signing "milk" to share. It is adorable how excited she gets when "milk" is signed back at her, and as she receives praise for her signing abilities.

Edited to add: here she is!

Other signs that we've been introducing, and that I'm hoping we'll start using more frequently as she continues to master "milk," are: "cat," "mommy," "diaper," and "more." When I started thinking more deeply about how to use "more" with Cady, I came up with a bit of a conundrum. How would Cady learn the difference between "more," and "want?" I've watched a lot of videos of babies using ASL, and realized that many times, the sign for "more" is used by babies to not only indicate they want "more" (e.g., more food) but also that they simply "want" (e.g., that toy).

So, I asked the folks who run the Baby Sign Language website what their thoughts were on the matter, and got a great response via their Facebook fan page! Check out their response, below, and be sure to visit their website if you have interest in using ASL with your baby. There's a TON of great information and loads of (free!) resources, including videos.

Happy Tummy Time

2011-04-07T15:01:00.001-04:00

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Practice Makes Perfect!

2011-04-07T14:50:00.001-04:00

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blink

2011-04-06T16:27:00.000-04:00

I thought people would stop saying frequent moronic things to me after the belly was gone. Turns out being a mom invites idiocy almost as often as being pregnant does, as evidenced by this lovely exchange with a nosy woman in my parking garage this past Monday:

Her: (seeing a picture of Cady on my phone) How old?

Me: She'll be six months next week.

Her: Only six months? She looks so big!

Me: Yep, she's a big girl. She was 10lbs, 9oz at birth.

Her: I hope it was a c-section!

The Examiner

2011-04-06T14:26:00.001-04:00

I'm not very successful at shooting lifestyle photography (yet). I usually can't resist the urge to try to command her attention or coax a smile, which has resulted in thousands of portraits of Miss Cady. But every so often, I catch her "doing" instead of posing, and am grateful to have been snapping away, preserving the moment forever.

I Often Wonder

2011-03-31T14:27:00.000-04:00

Does she miss me like I miss her? With heartbreaking anticipation of our next shared smile and cozy cuddle?

Less than three hours to go before I can shed the worker bee mask and settle into my very favorite self: Mama to this scrumptious little doll of a baby.

I'll be there soon, baby.

I'll be there, soon.

Jumping = Joy

2011-03-31T08:36:00.005-04:00

Kate and I have taken an attachment parenting (AP) approach in most aspects of the way in which we care for our daughter. We don't let Cady "cry it out;" she co-slept with us for the first three months (until she "told" us she was ready for her own space); someone is holding her or playing with her pretty much all the time; I nurse her when I'm home, and wear her pretty much everywhere; and we take our cues from her, as opposed to from a clock or from a pre-determined schedule. It's certainly far from "convenience parenting," but it seems to be working for us, and for Cady.

I've done a lot of reading and had countless conversations (both on- and offline) on this parenting approach, and I know that many find it "indulgent." I respectfully disagree. I am also aware that more "rigid" AP parents (an oxymoron to me, but they do exist) would say that it's no good for babies to use jumpers, exersaucers, or similar (especially for a long period of time). I've heard these "crotch dangler" over-stimulation centers described by some attachment/Montessori parents as "circles of neglect." Really? Come on, now. That's taking things a bit far, don't you think? If that isn't a term to further divide parents, I don't know what is!

Here's the thing: our girl LOVES to jump. Her time in her various bouncy toys - especially her doorway jumper and her Grams' activity center - is probably her favorite part of the day. Do we leave her in there for hours on end? Of course not! But we do get her all set up with a couple toys and some time to jump a few times throughout the day, and she loves it. When she wants out, she lets us know. If she starts to get overstimulated, we take her out and snuggle her calm again. She squeals, and smiles, and squeals some more, allowing Kate and I time to straighten up the house, unload the dishwasher, or prepare dinner... all within eye and earshot of our beaming girl.

I'd hardly say that our Cady appears neglected. I think we're doing pretty fabulously, and so is she.

All in a (Cow's) Day's Work

2011-03-30T08:53:00.007-04:00

12:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. (varies) - "Dream feed" baby once during the night. If lucky, baby will not wake during this feeding.

6:00 a.m. - Nurse baby, if baby will nurse. If baby has eyes open (i.e., if baby fusses too long before ass is hauled out of warm bed and into nursery), baby will likely not nurse (and breasts may explode).

7:00 a.m. - Pack baby's food bag for the day. Must contain at least four 4-oz. bottles of breast milk. If less than required amount, grab small bag from the freezer reserves, and curse self for not pumping enough the previous day.

7:10 a.m. - Pack pump parts, bottles, and cold packs for bottle cooler. Don't forget any parts, because forgotten parts warrant a trip back home once error is realized prior to first pumping session. Lug pump, work bag, and lunch to work.

7:30 a.m. - Arrive at work. Get a cup of coffee, followed by a big glass of water. Making milk requires good hydration. Eat breakfast. Making milk requires nourishment. Start answering leftover email and dive into day's tasks.

9:00 a.m. - Assemble pump (I use the Ameda Purely Yours*). Ready two 4-oz. bottles. Affix Post-it and close door. Turn up music to drown out annoying clicking and beeping of pump. Scan articles or review program documents, because this can easily be done with one hand.

Moo.

9:20 a.m. - Pack away 7-8 oz of expressed milk. Furrow brow and frown if output is less than 7 oz. Disassemble horn from pump. Wash horn and flange in kitchen.

9:30 a.m. - Resume job-related tasks. Resume drinking like fish.

11:00 a.m. - Snack. A milking ~~cow~~ mother is almost always STARVING.

12:00 p.m. - Repeat tasks carried out at 9:00 and 9:20, only less mooing and more brow furrowing, because output is only 4-5 oz.

12:30 p.m. - Eat lunch. Which never seems to provide enough sustenance. Leave lunchroom after 30 minutes, still hungry.

1:00 p.m. - Resume job-related tasks. Resume drinking like a fish. Snack, even though lunch was just consumed.

4:00 p.m. - Repeat tasks carried out at noon, with most effort yet and extra brow furrows. Try to express every last drop possible to make it to 16 oz. Don't forget to moo.

4:30 p.m. - Tie up job-related loose ends.

5:00 p.m. - Call it a day (at work).

6:00 p.m. - Arrive home. Nurse baby, if baby will nurse. If baby is too excited to see Mama (often) or overtired (sometimes) baby will likely not nurse. If that is the case, feed part or all of one of the bottles pumped during the day to baby.

7:00 p.m. - Nurse baby to sleep. Gaze at nursling's soft features and contented sleep-smile as she releases her latch and sighs a full, contented sigh. Remind self that this breastfeeding thing is totally worth it. Put baby down for the night.

7:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Eat dinner, followed by seconds, and sometimes thirds.

9:00 p.m. - Tea and snack, because (duh!) hunger is still present.

10:00 p.m. - Pump a replacement bottle, if expressed milk was fed to baby earlier in the evening.

Pat self on back for being able to keep up this pace every day, and hope that next week isn't the week for giving up and supplementing with formula.

Rinse and Repeat.

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*Disclosure statement: I have not been solicited by Ameda® to mention their product, nor have I received any free goods in exchange for a mention. The opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experiences with the product; your mileage my vary.

Little Big Baby

2011-03-28T16:15:00.000-04:00

When she is older, Cady will be told tales of her size; how huge she was and how she looked like a three month old when she was born. While it's true that was a big baby at birth and continues to be larger than her 5.5 month peers, there have still been countless moments when she was our tiny, squishy-faced newborn... despite scales and measuring tapes that indicated otherwise.

I still let her sleep in my lap when she "lets" me - just like she did in her first days home, below. I'll nurse her to sleep for a nap, or at bedtime... and for just a few extra minutes, I'll stare at her and file away the memory.

Cady is, and will always be, my precious little (big) baby.

Squishy Cady, October 2010.

See That Button?

2011-03-24T08:55:00.002-04:00

You may recall my post about fleece cloth diaper liners, which was featured on Offbeat Mama last month. I'm thrilled to announce that, as awesomeness would have it, I'm going to be writing for the website on a more regular basis!

I was super excited when the managing editor, Stephanie, sent me an email to get this conversation rolling, and even more psyched when Offbeat Empire founder, Ariel, made the whole thing a go. They've asked for monthly posts, which is perfect because it means I can pretty much write at my own pace and still keep up with all my other little projects that consume all the free time I have; you know, what with being a new mom and full-time worker bee and all.

Yesterday, and expanded version of my post about Cady's adoption was featured, along with a couple of pictures of the two loves of my life. On deck is an abridged version of my birth story (because I'm not sure there's many who could make it through the epic full-length version that appears here) and a DIY post green giftwrap. I'm really excited about the opportunity to share my stories, experiences, and tips with a wider audience, not only to offer the occasional "queer perspective" on this whole crazy parenting thing, but also to demonstrate that the "queer perspective" probably isn't all that different than any of the many parenting perspectives. It's a wild, bumpy, crazy amazing ride no matter the lens through which you're looking, and any way you slice it. As I mention int the "about" section of this blog, there's no one-size-fits-all method of parenting; we're just rolling with it and doing what seems to be coming naturally to us.

So, many thanks to Stephanie and Ariel at OBM! Thank you for providing me with an additional opportunity to creatively express myself, and an expanded capacity to add to the community of "mommy bloggers" who share joys, adventures, and catastrophes so that others can laugh and learn.

To any new readers who have made there way over here from OBM, welcome! I hope you'll stick around. To those who've been reading since those two little lines changed my world forever (for the better!), thank you for hopping on this crazy ride with me. The clown car is way more fun with y'all jam-packed in it.

The Cady Chronicles: Month Five

2011-03-23T13:58:00.002-04:00

Dear Cady,

Last week marked your fifth month. I think you're adjusting to life on the outside pretty well. You seem to already be tiring of this whole "I'm a baby" thing, and you're certainly showing signs of wanting to get up and get moving, already! I have a feeling you're going to wake up one day and hit the ground running.

Continue reading "The Cady Chronicles: Month Five" >>

Per usual, this past month of your life flew by; but, we sure managed to jam-pack it full of a flurry of activities. The weekend after your Aunt Sara left, your Aunt Erika, Uncle Matt, and Uncle Tony came to visit. They don't get to see you nearly often enough, so it was great to have them around for a few days. We really want you to know their faces, voices, and names... especially since Aunt Erika and Uncle Tony comprise two-thirds of your guideparent trio! You got a bunch of snuggles from Aunt Erika (and, I think you may have given her a bit of the baby bug, in return).

Because they don't visit too often, your mommy and I hosted a little get-together at our home so everyone could visit and catch up. You got to see a bunch of our friends before heading off to bed, and guess what?! Your Uncle Jan was there, too! Its rare that all three of your guideparents are together in the same place at the same time, so we took the opportunity to snap some group photos. These three love you so much, kiddo. I know I've said it before, but I can't wait for them to teach you all kinds of cool things, and for you to chatter on and on about how cool Uncle Jan, Aunt Erika, and Uncle Tony are.

One baby, three guideparents, February, 2011.

Similarly to when Aunt Sara was visiting, having Aunt Erika in town meant there was someone else around to snap a few pictures, which is always fun fore me... your mommy and I aren't in nearly enough of the pictures we have of you. We really have to try to change that! I'm going to try especially hard to get more shots of you with your mommy next month. The two of you are so sweet together, I want to be sure to always remember the way she looks at you, and you at her. I love the way you two play together. And, she's such a naturally good mommy to you; I learn form her every day about how to be a better mama!

Cady and Mama, February, 2011. Photo by Aunt Erika C.

I hate doing it, but every so often, you demand a bottle. February 2011. Photo by Aunt Erika C.

One of your favorite things to do is practicing standing; I feel like I've said this before, but since you like it SO much, it's worth noting again, here. You are a girl who does not like to sit, and when we try to sit you in our laps, or on the ground so you can play with your toys, or your feet, or whatever fun thing happens to be nearby, you almost immediately start arching your back and trying to get to your feet. I had always pictured a 5-month-old baby to be one who's practicing sitting and rolling and the like, but not you! You're going to do things your own way, and I'm sure this won't be the last time you defiantly march to the beat of your own drum. It's all good; we don't mind holding you up while you strengthen those standing muscles, and fold in half to retrieve whatever is on the ground in front of you.

Post-bath, February 2011. Photo by Aunt Erika C.

Occasionally, you'll tolerate a few minutes propped on pillows. Sometimes you'll get really excited and start to tip forward or sideways. I'm not sure if it has to do with lack of core strength or frustration with being seated. Perhaps both? I really hope you'll take practicing sitting more seriously sometime soon, but I know better not to rush it. You'll get there.

February, 2011. Photo by Aunt Erika C

So - obviously - you are not able to talk yet. But you do make a whole lot of noise, these days! There's a bunch of babbling and squealing going on around these parts, and you just crack yourself up with your vocalizing. You crack us up, too. And, even though you can't talk yet, you are definitely starting to communicate through non-verbal means. One of the most important "tells" we've learned to look out for is "I'm tired." If we miss the signs, you very quickly begin the downward spiral into not-so-happy land, and that's no fun for anyone involved. It's amazing how when you're overtired, you just have this total exitential crisis, and for the life of you can't figure out that closing your eyes is all it takes to feel better. You'll learn, baby. You'll learn. Until you do, we'll help you out.

Sleepy baby, February, 2011. Photo by Aunt Erika C.

Speaking of sleeping, we still swaddle you. Some may say that we need to break you of this habit, lest you get to "dependent" on being wrapped up to fall asleep. Or, that you'll roll over and smother yourself. I have two things to say about this, after struggling with it a bit, myself, this month. First, you're quite the mover and the shaker, and you have great strength in your neck. I'm certain that if you did manage to roll yourself over while swaddled, you'd turn your head to the side, and express your extreme displeasure about your circumstances, at which point, mommy, Grams, or I would rescue you. Second, if it's not broke, don't fix it, am I right? Swaddling helps you settle because you don't have the distraction of your hands, rubbing your eyes and poking at your face. I'm pretty sure you're not still going to be swaddled when you're 18. And I have a feeling we'll know when you're ready for us to stop this bed- and naptime ritual. For now - silly as it may look on a 5-month-old baby - you remain a baby taco.

You also seem to be learning what will get a laugh out of us. Early this month, you started making this silly pursed-lips face. We couldn't figure out what in the world this "new" thing was all about, but it sure did make us laugh... which made you giggle and then we were just a whole bunch of chuckling, happy idiots. And, as quickly as you started doing it, you stopped! What the heck, Cady?! I was really starting to become fond of the fish-face. Maybe you're just hiding it away, waiting 'till the time is right to bring it out again. Luckily, I snapped a quick picture before you stopped, you coy little baby, you.

When we're in a large group of people, or out and about, I still wear you just about everywhere. You and I both love your various wraps, slings, and carriers! And, they're so much easier than lugging the stroller around. I think you like the closeness of being worn, too. You get bored in your stroller, and you want to be upright pretty much all the time, anyway. Sometimes, you'll still fall asleep in the wrap. Those moments are truly precious, because I know they will probably only continue to happen for a short time. And what your grandma has always told me is true; when you fall asleep, I can still see you as a newborn baby. Soft and small and like a porcelain doll. You are too precious for words, sometimes. And words are not something I usually fall short on. But every so often...

One of the (very few!) downfalls of babywearing vs. stroller is that is does sometimes makes it difficult to do certain things; like trying on clothes, for instance. And Cady, Mama is in DESPERATE need of some new clothes. Nothing fits. I feel frumpy at best in the vast majority of my wardrobe, and it's not because I'm fat after having had a baby; quite the contrary, I'm about 25 or so pounds less then before I got pregnant with you. The problem is that everything I own is either too big, or doesn't accommodate my new mama curves. And taking you along with me - in and out of fitting rooms in you carrier - just doesn't make for an efficient shopping experience. But it does make for cute pictures in the fitting rooms!

The long and short of it is that babywearing is most often what works really well for both of us. This turned out to be quite awesome during our first trip to a "stroller city" destination (i.e., Adventure Aquarium) with your Aunt Alaina and cousin Rosa. I was even able to nurse you on one of the benches, sort of cradled in the wrap. This worked out really well, since I hadn't thought to bring a bottle. Let me point out, here, that I don't bottle feed you due to any lack of desire to nurse you when out and about. I often do so because you are super-duper distractable, and it's tough to keep you latched on if there's too much going on around you. I thought the craziness of the aquarium was going to be an overstimulation zone, and was worried you'd never get a snack in... but you actually seemed relieved to have a little solace snuggled in close for a quick nurse halfway through our visit.

Adventure Aquarium, March 2011. Photo by your mommy!

Adventure Aquarium, March 2011. Photos by your mommy!

You seemed to have a really great time at the Aquarium; as much of a good time as a four-and-a-half-month-old baby can have at such a place, I'd venture to guess. And wearing you meant that you were able to easily gaze at the fishies and other creatures that lived in the huge tanks. You were very observant and interested in the colors and the movements of the water-things, I think. I'm not sure you were too fond of the big sharks, but I held you tight! You seemed especially mesmerized by the jellyfish.

Adventure Aquarium, March 2011. Photo by your mommy!

So, let me back up a bit. Back to the third round of late-winter visitors. Just when you had thought the onslaught of visitors was over, your Aunt Alaina and cousin Rosa came down from Buffalo! And we're so glad they did; it was such a great weekend, and wonderful to spend it with family. Even though we were thrilled to have visitors again, I made sure to soak in my hours alone with you in the morning, while the rest of the house was still quiet. Sometimes, the first hour of the day is my favorite. This is the time of day when you're calm, still a little sleepy, and all too-precious-for words, again.

Although your social skills still leave something to be desired, I swear you took an interest in "playing" with your cousin. It was good practice for her, too, because she's going to be a big sister in May! She's become such a big girl, that Rosa. Your mommy and I were there when she was born, and it's incredible to see how fast she's grown up into a happy and fun little girl. I know it's going to seem to go even faster with you, because you're ours. We'll blink, and you'll be toddling around, telling stories and finding treasures outside. It was neat to have Rosa around, so we could see the fun things we have to look forward to as you get bigger.

Rosa, just shy of two years, March 2011.

You've got so many amazing cousins, Cady, and they just keep coming! In fact, you were only the youngest for about a month, when your cousin Evie was born. Soon, you will be third youngest, sharing "middle grandchild" status with Rosa among the six of you. Maybe that's why you took such a natural liking to each other. Perhaps you somehow sensed you'd be sharing a rung on the grandchild totem pole.

Cousins, March 2011. Photo by Aunt Alaina T.

One of the coolest things for your Aunt Alaina and I that weekend - besides her finally getting to meet you and play with you - was to see our two daughters together. She and I were friends long before we were sisters (which is a whole different post!), and we never would have guessed, way back when, that our future kids would be cousins! It is such a cool thing, having your chosen and given families blend so seamlessly into this amazing, loving family soup. Being together made me even more excited for our big family get-together with the rest of your cousins this July. Oh, the fun to be had! And the photos to be taken! I get giddy just thinking about how many people are going to be loving on you this summer!!!

As you can see from the photos, we had a stretch of mild weather this past month; hopefully, a sign that spring is just around the corner. Nice weather means more opportunities for strolling, which is what I feel strollers are best suited for. Go figure! Although you mainly prefer to be worn, you do enjoy a nice trip around the neighborhood on wheels, with a take-along toy to entertain you and a blankie to keep you cozy. You especially like the bumps, and I've caught myself making ridiculous noises each time we BAH-DUMP! over them. Hey, anything to hear that awesome giggle of yours!

So, we're often told how stinkin' cute you are, and of course, we are in total agreement that you're the World's Most Beautiful Baby. And, part of your beauty (I think) is definitely in those enigmatic eyes of yours. Anyone's guess is as good as ours regarding what color they are, or will be. Grayish-hazel-blue is the best I've been able to come up with. One fellow mama commented that she thought they looked like wet pebbles, so that's what I'm currently going with. I think it sounds kind of like poetry. The girl with the gleaming pebble eyes.

This past month, you started trying some new foods, and we've combined the purees you sometimes get with some "baby-led weaning" practices... meaning you get a hunk of easily-gummable food every once in awhile, because you've clearly demonstrated that you're ready for such fun! One evening, your mommy and I decided to give you a chunk of banana to explore, play with, and taste. You had fun with that one! And, your mommy had fun taking pictures while I supervised. I thought I'd be worried about you choking on it, but once you got started, I realized you were completely fine with my mama eagle-eyes on you. You had a show-down with that banana, and I do believe you won! Hooray for you!


Cady vs. the banana, March 2011. Photo by your mommy!

Cady vs. the banana, March 2011. Photo by your mommy!

Your feet are still the center of your universe this month, and it's all good, because they're the center of mine at times, too. Such cute little piggies you have! Apparently they taste darn good, too, because whenever you're barefoot, they are immediately shoved into your mouth. A built-in teether, I suppose. I think your fingers would be the easier, more logical way to go, but who am I to judge? Who's to say my feet wouldn't constantly be in my mouth, could I actually bend this way and that to make it happen?

On the days I'm home with you, and can find some good light in the house, I try to dress you up all cute (or get you naked!) in an attempt to capture some of your preciousness, feet and all. Sometimes, you cooperate... other times, not so much. I've still yet to get a cute picture of you in one of your darling dresses (well, with the exception of your Christmas dress) because, this is inevitably what happens:

It's okay; I'll allow it. It still drips with cuteness, even if we can't see your face. Plus: FEET!

Each month, you get more and more interested in your toys, and that's fun for your mommy and I, because it means you're able to entertain yourself for longer and longer stretches at a time. Don't get me wrong, we love to play WITH you, but it's also incredibly cool that you're starting to develop a teensy bit of independence. You even "request" toys by reaching out for them, now; something that seems to have happened all of a sudden, overnight.

In another week or so, I expect you're going to start reaching for your mommy and for me, and Cady, I can't wait for that day! You're starting to show signs of it already, but it's not quite a full-on "pick me up! Hold me! Love me!" yet. Maybe because we already give you all three, all the time... you haven't needed to ask for it too often. But when you do, you know we'll be waiting, arms open, to scoop you up and hold you tight.

Love,
Mama

Mindless Couch Crafting

2011-03-18T22:35:00.004-04:00

These two rosettes will soon become details on headbands to match a rockin' dress, made from an upcycled tee I'll never wear again.

I could knock out a half dozen of these a night... I hear an etsy shop calling my name!

Can't wait to have photos to share that include a cute little baby model!

Edited to add (3/20): Here's what the three rosettes I made look like on super-comfy headbands (Cady-approved; I had her wear one of the plain headbands for a couple hours today to make sure they wouldn't bug her). I made them with a tie sewn onto the back of each rosette, so that they can be interchanged with different headbands.

You can bet I'll be taking a photo of Cady rocking her a headband in the next day or so! Hopefully with something other than my phone's camera. :-)

Committing it to Writing

2011-03-17T12:19:00.001-04:00

With all the spare time I have (ha!) I am going to begin making clothes here and there for Cady this spring and summer. I've been inspired by Prudent Baby, and now I'm raring to go! I LOVE fun fabrics, and I'm so excited about spring peasant blouses and gathered swing dresses!

I mean, c'mon. Just LOOK at these fabric bundles/swtches from Fabric Worm! I can barely restrain myself. I'm excited to have some pretty girl things for the Little Miss, while saving money and straying a bit form the pink deluge that starts to overtake the laundry bin after awhile.

One of my projects will most definitely be upcycling some of the old skirts I'll never again wear into summer dresses for her.

You heard me.

There will be pictures and tutorials to follow, assuming they don't turn out craptacularly.

Yippee!

Love / Hate

2011-03-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

I have a love/hate relationship with breastfeeding, these days.

Wait, no. That's not quite accurate. I love nursing her, but I HATE being a full-time working mom, while trying to be a full-time breastfeeding mom.

The Good (i.e., what keeps me keeping on):

I love the closeness Cady and I have when I am feeding her.
I love the confidence breastfeeding has given me as a new mother, knowing that I can nourish her, totally.
I love that we took to breastfeeding so easily, with so few "issues" to overcome, despite how hard I've heard it can be in the early days.
I love knowing that the food I make is a unique "recipe," especially for her; my milk is Cady's "perfect food."
I love the added immunity support the antibodies in my milk give her. She's never been sick, knock (hard!) on wood!
I love that my milk is helping to protect her against things like allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and SIDS.
I love the convenience of breastfeeding. No bottles to tote or warm, and it's always the perfect temperature.
I love that Cady is being introduced to different flavors, based on what I eat.
(the overachiever in me) loves knowing that my Cady may have a slightly higher IQ than her formula-fed peers; even though what she chooses to DO with any added boost in intelligence has nothing do do with being on the boob.
I love that I've been able to lose over 50 pounds since giving birth, due to the extra 500 calories a day making milk burns.
I love that I am reducing my own risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and may be decreasing my risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
I love never feeling hungover or foggy after a party. Breastfeeding = moderation! Moderation = a well-balanced, healthy-feeling mama!
I love not getting my period.
I love that I am able to pump fairly efficiently, with a fast let down and high output (especially in the morning).
I love that breast milk (less the cost of my pump) is FREE!
I love that we were able to afford a pump that helps me pump efficiently.

The Bad (i.e., what makes me want to throw my hands up in frustration and quit):

I hate feeling bruised and sore, when I'm engorged in the morning or if I've missed a nursing/pumping session.
I hate that I have a sympathetic let down, and therefore, have to wear nursing pads pretty much 24/7.
I hate having to wear a bra or nursing tank to bed. THE GIRLS NEED TO BREATHE!
I hate bleeding, chapped, peeling nipples. This has more to do with the artificial suction of the pump than Cady's latch... but the later is a factor sometimes, too.
I hate being hooked up to a pump 4 times a day, sometimes 5.
I hate the days when I barely produce what she'll need the next day.
I hate feeling like I'm failing to meet her needs (see above).
I hate forgetting pump parts.
I hate washing pump parts.
I hate that I never feel like I have a big enough "emergency" freezer stash.

But mostly? Mostly, I hate having any thoughts about bailing on this whole "exclusive breast milk" (with her occasional "solid" snacks) thing. I KNOW it's what's best for us... so I feel selfish for questioning it, or letting any doubt creep in.

It's clear from the lists that most of my problems with being a full-time working and breastfeeding mom center around the need to pump. I resent having to choose between providing Cady with the very best (resulting in being a "slave to the pump" because I'm not only a mom, but also a woman with a career) or supplementing "the very best" with formula during the day... potentially killing my supply and resulting in not being able to nurse her at all, forcing me to cut the breastfeeding tie before we're both ready.

All that said, the benefits of breastfeeding still far outweigh the annoyances I deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I know this push-and-pull is not forever. One day I'll miss the time she was a little nursling. I'll remember all the precious moments I spent feeding her, and the crappy memories of feeling like a cow at a factory will have been all but forgotten... not unlike my c-section experience, juxtaposed with meeting that sweet baby for the first time, and falling totally and completely in love at first sight. Luckily, my memory tends to hold tight to the good and slowly let the bad crumble away.

So, I will try to give myself a little break. I'll try to enjoy this while it lasts, and remember that each month I continue to be able to provide for her total nutrition is a small victory for me, and a huge gift to her.

Who Needs Thumbs when You've got Toes to Suck?

2011-03-08T20:01:00.003-05:00

During "no-diaper" time in the evening, Cady can practices rolling around (if she feels like it); however, what she REALLY likes to do during that time is cram her toes into her mouth! Such style! Such grace!

Beautiful Article on Choosing a Known Donor

2011-03-03T08:51:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to go into the ins and outs of our specific choices in this blog post. But I did want to share this beautifully-written, insightful article about two moms arriving at the decision to create their family with the help of one of their best friends.

Known donors may not realize the magnitude of what they're doing, but it goes without saying that the appreciation for their generosity is immeasurable. They give families like mine the most amazing gift imaginable. They offer a leg-up onto the most incredible, enlightening, heartbreakigly wonderful ride of our lives.

"What is having a baby, anyway, if not the ultimate act of trust? Sometimes trust fails, marriages break, promises are betrayed. It's possible this will happen to us. But we’re choosing to believe the benefits are worth the risks... Is it scary? Absolutely. But here's a secret I'm figuring out: having a baby is fucking terrifying. No matter how you go about it."

Household Name

2011-03-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

I hope I wasn't infringing on any copyright laws when I gave birth to their trademark.

I Crawl the Line

2011-02-28T11:35:00.002-05:00

I couldn't find any good spot for this pic in the monthly newsletter and was bummed about it; but, then I realized, "hey, this is my blog, and I can make the pic it's own post if I feel so inclined."

Since I felt so inclined, here's some bonus month four cuteness:

The Cady Chronicles: Month Four

2011-02-28T08:00:00.006-05:00

Dear Cady,

Last week, you turned four months old! Okay, it was almost two weeks ago, but I don't really need to give excuses for why this is a bit delayed. If I were to feel compelled to provide a reason, I'd tell you that we've had a lot of visitors over the past month... and while it's been amazing to see folks we don't get to see too often, it did throw a bit of a monkey wrench into our usual routine.

Continue Reading "The Cady Chronicles: Month Four" >>

You'll notice that there's something missing from your four month picture. That's right; your quilt. The thing is, as you get older it seems mama gets a little more forgetful. And, a little less concerned about making sure everything is "perfect." You're doing wonders for my OCD. I'll try to remember next month, but if I don't, I'm sure you'll forgive me. OR, if you've picked up any of my crazies by the time you're old enough to scroll through these archives you'll roll your eyes and say, "ugh, mom; why couldn't you get my four-month picture right?! You're so lame!"

Except you'll probably just text me or something, and using the word "lame" will probably be totally lame.

Please stay a sweet baby for little while, m'kay?

This past month, you continued to develop that amazing, goofy personality of yours, and we continued to be amazed by each little milestone you accomplished. You started getting really into your toys this past month, and you'll actually sit and entertain yourself for a decent stretch now. It's so funny to watch you mouth at your toys, and then hold them in front of your face, staring at them with such intensity. You don't just look at your toys, you look at them HARD! You especially love your Sophie the Giraffe, and it seems that nom nom nomming on her helps soothe your little gums (we're pretty sure that some teeth are working their way up and out).

You've also gotten big enough that we can let you play in your jumpy seat. And boy oh boy how you love that thing! You will jump and jump and bounce and jump for as long as we'll let you (or until you have a wet dipe). One of your favorite games to play while in the jumpy seat is "throw a toy on the ground and squeal 'till a mom gives it back." Cady, I'll come clean. I think this game sucks. But I'll play it with you over and over again, as long as you keep up the smiles and squeals of delight. Sound like a good deal to you? Seems like we both get something out of it, so I'm game if you are.

You've also started to get more interested in the super-fun activity-overload that is your exersaucer. I'm still not sure you know exactly what to "do" once you're in there, but you sure do love to look at all the toys, and you especially love to have stare-downs with the plastic, smiling sun. You're also starting to get the hang of spinning the (noisy!) spinner toy (I'm sure that's the technical name for it). You haven't figured out how to turn yourself from station to station yet, but that's likely because your feet are just barely touching the ground. I have a feeling it'll be mere weeks before you bouncing around like mad in this thing, if your love for your jumpy seat is any indication.

You've also found your feet! And you looooooove those tootsies. All you wanted to do all month long was get the piggies in your mouth. And it was totally fun watching you try! I probably took about a hundred pictures of your feet this past month, and you know what? I'm glad I did! Your precious little toes will only be teeny-tiny for so long, and I want to remember their smallness. I love the way they curl up and stretch out, sometimes doing both at once. Even more, I love watching you figure out that those piggies are yours, attached to you, and that you can make them move! Such a wonder, trying to see the world as new again, through your eyes.

Perhaps the most most notable of the month's activities was that you mommy adopted you on Thursday, February 3. You were such a happy girl all day long. I feel like you knew something special was up; not only were you smartly dressed like a teeny little lady, but you were also on your very best four month-old behavior. You were nothing but smiles, and were such a good girl at the courthouse, even though we had to wait a bit longer than expected, and without a whole lot to entertain you. Of course you charmed everyone - as usual - and it really was such a lovely day for all of us.

In many ways, we viewed the adoption as "simply a formality" but it still was something quite awesome that happened during your fourth month, and a day that we felt extra thankful for our amazing little family. Both your mommy and I love you so very much, Cady. I hope you always know that, and remember it even if some people might give you a hard time about it, or just not understand how very cool having two moms is. It is just as cool as having a mom and a dad, or two dads, or just one mom or one dad, or any other permutation of people who care for one another. There are so many kinds of families, and yours is so full of love and support and unconditional stick-togetherness. And in our family, the only thing that could possibly be better than you having one mother who loves you very much is having two.

Besides your mommy and I, you've got a bunch of other family members who love you so very much, too. It kind of stinks that we live far away from most of them; family is really important to us, and we wish you could be spending more time with yours as you grow from a tiny baby into a little person. We want to make sure you recognize your family - even though you don't get to spend as much time with them in person as we'd like - so we recently hung pictures of all the VIPs on our wall going upstairs so that each time we come up or go down, you can see, think about, and know them. Your grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins are all represented, and we're going to do our best to keep the photos up-to-date (and provide up-to-date ones of you, to them!) as time passes and people change.

From left to right, top to bottom: cousin Rosa, cousin Evie, angel cousins Max and Ben, cousins Sierra and Evie, cousins Rosa and Vincent, Grandma and Grandpa, Grams and Pop Pop, Uncle Aaron and Aunt Angie, Aunt Alaina and Uncle John, Aunt Colleen and Uncle Brendan, cousin Vincent, and cousin Sierra.

In addition to your "given" family, you're also lucky enough to have an amazing "chosen" family, too. You've got so many honorary aunts and uncles, it's almost ridiculous... ridiculously wonderful! Because, how can having even more people who love you be a bad thing? One of those people is your Aunt Sara, who thinks you're so cool that she flew all the way form California to meet you this past month! She said she came to see you mommy and I, too, but we're no fools! We know that you were not-so-secretly the main attraction.

I think it's fair to say that you quickly became a pretty big fan of Aunt Sara, and I'm willing to bet that the feeling is mutual. The two of you did a whole bunch of playing, and I think you really appreciated having a new face around to change things up a bit. It was really great having her around, and not only was she entertaining (big surprise; she ALWAYS is), she was helpful, too. She even changed a couple of your diapers! We went for a nice brisk walk by the river, which made me think how nice it's going to be when more pleasant walking weather is upon us. We're lucky to have walking paths just down the street from us, paths I know we're going to be taking full advantage of as spring arrives. But I'm in no rush for that; after all, there's not much cuter than a four month-old in a bunny hat.

There were MANY great things about having Aunt Sara visit, and one of them was the fact that she wanted to take a bunch of photos of you. It was really cool having someone else besides your mommy or I get behind the lens for a couple of reasons, not the least of which was having the opportunity to be in a bunch of photos with you. She captured you doing one of "your favorites," which is showing everyone what a big girl you've become this month, standing for minutes at a time and even leaning forward, nearly bursting at the concept of one day being a biped.

You'll be mobile before we know it! Photo by "Aunt" Sara L.

Oh, and this is sort of a digression, but that last photo reminded me to mention this: you're rocking quite the fauxhawk, these days! Especially on bath days. You've got this fuzz that just sticks straight up. It is super cute, and you pull it off like the little rock star you clearly are. Your mommy and I are currently resisting the urge to help it maintain it's shape and awesome hawkiness beyond bath day by putting product in it... not sure how long we'll be able to hold out. There's gotta be some great, natural product made for spiking a baby's hairdo. I mean, they make something for everything; why not this?

Tiny rock star. Photo by "Aunt" Sara L.

Aunt Sara also caught you grabbing at one of my favorites: Squirt! A Squirt for a squirt, I say. Any time we go to Buffalo, where I grew up and where you'll be visiting in less than two months (!) I'm sure to stock up on Squirt because for some strange reason "they" don't stock it in grocery stores around here. Totally unfair. But, as you'll someday realize, life is sometimes just not fair; a truth I'll try to shelter you from for as long as I can. If you want Squirt, I will make Squirt happen, sweets. Just say the word (or grab for it. And, no need to look so shifty and sneaky, kiddo).

You know what's good, and you go for it. Photo by "Aunt" Sara L.

You received your first Valentine this year, not counting the sweet cards and cute gifts you got from your grandparents and great-grandparents. It was from a sweet baby boy named Huck, a little man you will be getting to know better once you start to be able to actually play with other kids and not just sit and stare at them. He's quite the charmer, that Huck, and from the way you examined his picture, I think that maybe you agree.

Your extra-special Valentine date, however (besides your mommy and me!) was your Aunt Sara. We had a little photo session in the morning to capture your four-month photos (and then some!) followed by an awesome lunch at what I'm guessing will be our new favorite kid-friendly spot in the neighboring town, The Pop Shop. Although your mommy had to work, it was a wonderful day with two amazing gals.

We also took a nice V-day walk to the park, and since it was so mild out, we didn't even have to bundle up. While we walked - and while Aunt Sara snapped some pictures - I stole a moment to take it all in. Breathed in the hint of spring that was hiding behind February. Gave thanks that I was able to spend these moments with you, instead of with my computer at my desk (a more typical Monday for your mama). I drank deeply the awesomeness of walking aimlessly with no plans, no place to be, and nothing on my to-do list but to enjoy being your mama.

Valentines Day walk, 2011. Photo by "Aunt" Sara L.

I've added it to my agenda, for the rest of my days.

Love,
Mama

Bathing Beauty

2011-02-24T14:46:00.003-05:00

As I work on getting the 4 month post written (which should have been posted last week; bad mama!), here are some photos of our bathing beauty from this past weekend when Cady's Aunt Erika, Uncle Matt, and Uncle Tony visited. There's plenty more good ones were these came from, too (thanks, Erika).

Our girl LOOOOOVES her baths! We usually give her a bath twice a week, but it's hard not to do so more often, because she really does like the water, and seems to enjoy being clean, too. She even came into the tub with me for the first time this past week - sans her tub seat - and really dug splashing around with me. I think we've got a little fish on our hands!

Bathing Goofball. Photo taken by Erika C.

Cady is nothing but smiles when she's in the tub and is even more full of glee when she's all naked and clean, following. Oh, the joy that this kiddo can express with not only her face, but her body, too! If only adults could be this expressive when they are happy, and not just when they are angry or upset... I think there would be more smiles on everyone's faces!

Post-bath Towel Glee! Photo taken by Erika C.

A Million and One Ways

2011-02-24T10:00:00.007-05:00

There are plenty of reasons I dig Mayim Bialik (a.k.a., Blossom). She's smart. I mean, REALLY smart. PhD in neuroscience smart. And, she's hilarious. Have you seen her on Big Bang Theory lately? Gold, I tell you! Gold!

But, somehow I missed out on the fact that she's also a baby-wearing, extended breastfeeding, attachment-parenting mama. And, goodness knows I can relate (even after only four months as a mama) to her frustrations about others insinuating that some of her parenting choices are either a) indulgent, or b) extreme. But, Mayim's got a good brain in her head:

I respect all parents and I know we all do the best we can with the support, resources, and education we have. So let’s learn a little bit from each other and chill out when we hear things that are unfamiliar to us. It’s okay.

Check out the full article on the website Raising Kvel.

Although Mayim does spend a good amount of words defending her own parenting choices, the article acknowledges there are about a million-and-one ways to parent. And I believe with my whole heart that each of us settles on the choices we make for the very best of our little ones. Just because one parent makes a decision contrary to that of her mother, sister, BFF, or pediatrician does not mean it's wrong or bad or harmful (of course, there are extreme cases... but let's keep this positive!). In fact, it's probably the perfect choice for that parent/child pair at that point in time. Will we all screw up from time to time? Certainly! And hopefully, all of our parenting decisions leave room for expansion, revision, and even deletion the moment they no longer work for us or for our children.

So, try not to judge when you see someone parenting differently than you, or hear stories about "the way things were done" when you were growing up that seem alien to the way you're doing things with your child, today. I like to think most of us turned out okay, and I certainly have faith that our children will grow into incredible adults from the amazing little souls they are now because of the carefully considered decisions we all make regarding the best ways to get them there.

We're all just doing our best. Let's keep it up.

Craft-tastic Idea for a Family Tree

2011-02-18T15:26:00.001-05:00

Photo from Martha Stewart.com.

This fantastic idea for a family tree comes from the Craft Queen herself, Martha Stewart.

Kate and I are constantly trying to think of ways to make sure Cady grows up knowing her Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins (most of whom live far away). We talk about the family a lot, Skype with them when we can, and we've even got a wall full of photos we point out to her each time we use the stairs (as soon as she can talk, I'm betting a trip up or down will start to take a lot longer!). I think this fun and creative project is a perfect addition to visually represent her extended family!

This also lends itself perfectly to the design of Cady's nursery; the bird/owl theme will work great with the other elements in the room! The only challenge will be figuring out which wall to use, and what the paint colors will be.

Dig It: California Baby® Calendula Cream

2011-02-17T09:56:00.007-05:00

Before Miss Cady joined us on the outside, I did a whole lotta research-- as many soon-to-be-parents do-- on The Best Baby Products. One of the "must haves" that kept coming up was California Baby® brand calendula cream. So, on the registry it went! We received one large and two small pots as shower gifts. One for her bedroom changing area, one for downstairs, and one for the diaper bag. Once the baby was here, I realized that yes, they are All That and a Bag of Chips.

Cady has (oh, how to say this without calling her chubby) some CHEEKS on her. And I'm not talking about the ones on her cute fluffy cloth-diapered bum. She is just a very cheeky baby, and you know what? Those chipmunk jowls get super duper chapped. We've been using the calendula cream on her adorable punim since a couple weeks after she was born, when I noticed that her poor little face was starting to peel and crack. She loves having the salve slathered all over her, but especially gets a kick out of the face application. All smiles and chuckles during and after some moisturizing with this amazing product, so I really do think it makes her feel better. And it smells fantastic, to boot! We use it in the morning, when getting ready for bed, and a couple times a day following diaper changes. Keeps those cutey-pie cheekers soft and supple.

I ALSO realized that baby faces aren't the only faces that can benefit from the healing properties of calendula as well. I have been combating some serious reptilian winter skin, and decided one day to try it out on my own face when I was getting Cady dressed and ready for the day. It is now a part of my morning "beauty" (ha!) routine.

A product that serves dual purposes for mom and baby automatically gets elevated in my book!

OBTM rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀

P.S. California Baby® has some other great baby products, too! We also use the shampoo/body wash, non-talc powder, and diaper rash cream (though little kiddo rarely gets any bottom redness; three cheers for cloth!).

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Disclosure statement: I have not been solicited by California Baby® to conduct a review of their product, nor have I received any free goods in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experiences with the product; your mileage my vary.

If you would like to purchase California Baby®'s Calendula Cream, please consider buying through my Amazon Associates link located at the top of this post; any referral credits will go directly into a savings account for Cady.

Published!

2011-02-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

I'm giddy with excitement today, because my guest post on DIY cloth diaper liners is live on Offbeat Mama!

OBM is one of my favorite parenting websites. It's part of my daily surf, and I highly recommend it to other modern mamas! So, head over there to see my name in lights (so to speak) and then check out some of the other awesome articles. It's a fantastically diverse community of moms parenting "against the grain." You'll be glad you joined the discussion.

Budding Epicure

2011-02-16T16:04:00.000-05:00

Upon my gut instinct, her pediatrician's recommendation, and the fact that Cady finds our food and drink super-duper interesting, we've decided to start introducing some first foods. She will not be getting more than a tiny fraction of her calories/nutrients from food; that will still be coming from me. But we're starting to give her a feel for the whole process of spoon to mouth to belly.

I was wary about this for several reasons, not the least of which was my plan to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months... but my mama-intuition was really steering me toward early food introduction.

Her first sampling was a tablespoon of organic brown rice cereal mixed with an ounce of mama milk.

And you know what? I think she dug it!

Happy Four Monthiversary

2011-02-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that four months have gone by so fast. Happy day to my smiley girl ("Month Four" post is in the works!). She's got her baby well visit tomorrow; any guesses on weight/length? Kate's estimating Cady at 17 lbs, 2 oz. I'm thinking closer to 18. We shall see!

In other news, we're already missing Cady's Aunt Sara, who visited this past weekend. Many thanks to her for being such a shutterbug and providing me with some great photos for the blog (including the new masthead!).

My Valentine, on February 14, 2011. Photo by Sara L.

One Baby, Two Moms

Cold, Schmold

Weight Loss Update

4.2/52 - Unexpected Perspective

4/52 - Unexpected Perspective

3/52 - Everyday Tools

2/52 - Open

1/52 - Sharing

Santa!

Black Friday

Cady, Day-to-Day

Refreshed

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Throwback

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Really, what was I Thinking?

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

She Seriously has the Nicest Room in the House

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

A Weight has been Lifted

Under the Wire

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

Cady, Day-to-Day

NaBloPoMo

12 Month Stats (Not a Newsletter)

525,600 Minutes, Measured in Love

The Cady Chronicles: Month Nine

Enjoy the Ride (Safely!)

"My, what big teeth you have!"

Pulling Up!

First Swing

One Baby, Two Moms (in Photos)

Fast Friends

500 Jars of Jam

DIY: Ring Sling

Dig It: Indestructibles

Like Mother, Like Daughter

The Cady Chronicles: Month Eight

Dig It: Tina Steinberg "Little Love Charmer" Pendant

Hazel

Weight-loss Status

The Cady Chronicles: Month Seven

Avant-garde

Pools and Pianos

So Close!!!

Abridged Birth Story

Team Mom

Fine Motor

The Cady Chronicles: Month Six

DIY: Fabric Rattle

The Bunny Came To Buffalo

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Happy Tummy Time

Practice Makes Perfect!

*blink*

The Examiner

I Often Wonder

Jumping = Joy

All in a (Cow's) Day's Work

Little Big Baby

See That Button?

The Cady Chronicles: Month Five

Mindless Couch Crafting

Committing it to Writing

Love / Hate

Who Needs Thumbs when You've got Toes to Suck?

Beautiful Article on Choosing a Known Donor

Household Name

I Crawl the Line

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