Teeth!

In all the excitement of the last few weeks I've completely forgotten to mention the teeth!  Delphinium got to her nine month doctor check without a single one, and I was actually starting to wonder.  She's been drooling and chewing for months now, and I wasn't sure anything would EVER come of it.  However, just a few days after the doctor visit, she had a VERY bad night and wouldn't sleep from 1am to 4am.  I wasn't sure what it might mean, but then the next day M felt a tiny point in her mouth! 

She got a front bottom tooth first, unlike all her teething friends, she got a top tooth after that.  The second one was a big surprise for us since she didn't even get a bump on her gum before popping it through.  I should have known though because the night before was another no sleeper.  Now we are up to three teeth with a forth one very much in the offing. Delphinium may have started slow, but she's making up for lost time.

Top Five Movies? How About Fifteen?

In honor of the Oscars coming up at the beginning of March, some bloggers are putting out lists of their top five favorite movies of all time.  Now don't get me wrong, I love lists, they're just so wonderful and orderly, but FIVE!?  Really?  That's just way too hard.  How about the top five in a few different categories?  That makes it a little easier to swallow.  How about you?  Any great ones on your personal list?

Note:  We are playing with Elder Niece's rule: a multi-part series may be considered one entry (she loves list-making too)

Top Five Animated

1. Spirited Away
2. Howl's Moving Castle
3. Finding Nemo
4. Sleeping Beauty
5. Titan A.E.

Top Five Action/Adventure/Fantasy

1. The Princess Bride
2. Indiana Jones (the first three)
3. Star Wars (the original three)
4. Lord of the Rings (all)
5. Blade Runner

Top Five Drama/Mystery

1. Rebecca
2. To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Schindler's List
4. Good Will Hunting
5. Dead Poets Society

Disneyland with Baby

Ah Disneyland, that famous landmark of childhood. I love to visit whenever I can (yes even as a young adult with no kids) but now I have a baby, and I wondered how things would be. Taking a nine month old baby to Disneyland may sound insane to some people, but I just had to give it a try. Lucky for us, we found that our little girl really seemed to enjoy her time in the magic kingdom. There are many rides and attractions that are suitable for babies, and several little perks that make taking a baby to the park a very reasonable proposition.

We started out by purchasing a three day park-hopper pass. These passes are often available for a discount, so it was not actually that much more than purchasing one day passes for each of the parks. The three day pass allowed us to break up our time into smaller chunks, just a few hours at a go, which was much more baby-friendly. When you have just a one day pass, one often feels like staying as long as humanly possible to get the most out of the experience.

Next, we rented a Disneyland stroller. Now this would not be necessary if we lived nearby, but since we had only our very small travel stroller along on this trip, it was better to pony up. The rental strollers are larger jogging type, and they offer much more comfort, storage, and sun protection that our little umbrella. Delphinium seemed quite happy to tool around in style. One stroller tip. Put a diaper in a clear plastic bag, and tie it to the handle of the stroller. There are so many of the same rental stroller around the park that some people make mistakes and take the wrong one. A seemingly dirty diaper keeps this from happening.

Now what did we do with the baby once we got into the park? There were two different approaches, and we used them both at different times. On our first visit, we had several other family members along as well. This is when we took advantage of the Kid Switch Pass. On a ride with Fastpass, go up to the castmember working this line, and ask for a Kid Switch Pass. Then, the group goes and waits in line and rides the attraction as they normally would. One adult remains with the baby, and then when the rest return he or she uses the Kid Switch Pass to go up the Fastpass return with one other adult. It's a great way to ensure that everyone gets to ride without having to wait in line twice. We got to ride Splash Mountain that way, and it worked perfectly! Wheeeee! We got soaked!

We took the baby on the haunted mansion (it was a little loud in the elevator, but I covered her ears) without any sadness, and then the Jungle Cruise got more than one "oooo" of appreciation from her. Adults also rode Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Big Thunder, and Pirate of the Caribbean. It was a great day, and our girl stayed awake the ENTIRE time. The last thing we did was visit Small World which is definitely a baby-friendly attraction if ever there was one.

Small World was, hands down, the baby's favorite ride. She was dancing in our arms while we were still waiting to get in the boat. The fabulous '60's era decorations, and the magical clock-work figures were just her cup of tea, and she made it clear to everyone in a ten foot radius how excited she was. It only got better once we got inside. She sat on Grandma's lap and watched it all with her mouth open. Anyone who says a baby can't really appreciate Disneyland is crazy.

Our very last day in the park it was only Mommy, Daddy, and Baby. On this day, we used the second approach to taking Baby to Disney. The whole day we did only things she could do with us. We rode the Finding Nemo submarines, went for a spin on the carousel (the only thing in the whole park that threatened to make her cry), rode the river boat (I haven't done that in years), and visited the petting zoo. Did you even know there was a petting zoo? Neither did I, but she had a ball meeting the world's cleanest goats. In short, we made it all about her. The pace was slow, the activities were limited, and it was such a wonderful time for all of us. I love seeing things from her perspective.

Some argue that babies don't really belong in Disneyland since they won't remember their experience. However, her enjoyment is something that will remain with her if in a less tangible way. Also, watching her enjoy the place is now one of my most memorable experiences there. I would take her back in a heartbeat.

Lunar New Year '11

Happy new year to all those who follow the lunar calendar!  I am told we are now entering the year of the metal rabbit, and this translates into a very polite and decorous time to come.  Diplomacy will be the order of the day, and we will all take time to stop and appreciate beauty in the world around us.  It sounds very nice.  Of course this is also supposed to describe the personalities of the people born in rabbit years.  Given that my eldest brother is a rabbit, I am really very suspicion about such predictions.  No matter what you believe; have a happy new year.  May it be a good one for you and yours.

Flying with Baby Six Months vs. Nine

I was completely floored by how well the baby did on our airplane flights to South Africa.  She slept for much of the trip, and when she was awake, she was cheerful and easily amused.  We got compliments from other passengers.  That was at six months old.  Now that we are nine months, things have changed. 

Our trip to LA was only just under three hours, but for that short time, it was much tougher to manage Delphinium.  She is so much stronger now that just keeping her in the seat and not on the other passengers was a challenge.  She wanted to explore and investigate EVERYTHING.  Can I chew the seat in front?  Can I kick it?  Can I take the things out of the back pocket?  Can I chew them?  Can I chew our seat?  What about the man next to us?  I can't say she wasn't good-natured because she was, but it was still far more exhausting.  I can understand why some parents just give up and let them run wild.  Maybe we can just drive everywhere until she's six or seven. 

Cute Baby Bits #8543

While in her walker, Delphinium likes to steal the dish towels off the rail of the oven door.  Sometimes you'll find her festooned with three or four of them to the point where she can hardly see where she's going.  However, removal of said towels is cause for much indignation.  I've found it best just to let her have her fun even if it does mean she's cruising around at approximately 800mph with zero visibility.  The only thing she can really injure is unsuspecting grown-up feet. 

Baby Loves Picasso

Recently we were lucky enough (thanks M for organizing) to see the visiting Picasso exhibition at our local art museum.  We went because we wanted to see the work, and we thought the baby wouldn't mind tagging along.  There was a fair amount of waiting in line and crowding involved, and I started to worry that Delphinium would not enjoy herself at all, but it turns out there is a lot for a baby to look at in an art museum. 

She observed many paintings and sculptures without comment, but showed some preference for one or two pieces (mostly featuring naked bosoms surprise surprise) with waving hands.  Then, near the end of the collection, we came upon this painting.  Delphinium went wild.  She waved her arms and legs like mad, and then she started chattering away.  I don't know why she loved it so much, but we tested it out more than once, taking her away to view similar work (no response) and then back again to her favorite (huge enthusiasm).  I don't know if we should buy her a print or not.  Being eight feet tall may have been a part of the appeal.  I wonder what she'd think of Monet...

Vacation Silence

I'm afraid I've been a very bad mommy blogger of late.  Ten days without a post is pretty shocking I admit.  We've been away on vacation for the last many days, and unfortunatley I didn't save up anything to post while I was gone.  Nonetheless, I have many cute stories (Disneyland!) from our trip plus a few other things I've been meaning to write up.  Baby willing we should be up and running soon.

Crawling Part 2

Well that didn't take long!  We enjoyed about one week of Delphinium being contained to the living room with her crawling.  It was nice to be able to leave her in there while we ran to the bathroom or got the laundry going.  We can't do that any more because last night she figured out the trick to getting up the one step into the rest of the house.  I'm not sure exactly how she did it, but some combination of wriggling and squiggling got those knees up on the higher level. 

After successfully summiting the step, our girl made a grand tour of all those rooms she hasn't been able to visit before.  Who knew that the bathroom, hallway, and laundry could be so interesting?  Also, the family room is a whole different place when you aren't hampered by your huge walker.  It was an especially impressive feat given that she was crawling on the smooth laminate floors which takes a lot more work than the nice grippy carpet.  Luckily, she didn't seem to notice the stairs, but I'm sure that will also be coming right up.

M and I just sat on the floor and watched her cruise around.  She was incredibly proud of herself for the accomplishment, and I think she would have crawled around all night if we'd let her.  It was one of those smack you in the heart moments where you realize just how much your little noodle baby has grown up.  Is it just me or does it seem like the first year is nothing but those kinds of moments? 

The Walker

While in South Africa, the baby made the acquaintance of that wonderful invention known as the walker. Not the kind your grandmother used in her later years, but the ring with wheels and a seat for babies who are too young to walk on their own. She was a little hesitant at first getting her feet under her and learning to push off. For one who afternoon she could only go backwards and very, very slowly at that. Soon enough she was exploring granny's house and patio and generally having a ball with all that new-found independence. When we left that thing behind (it was only borrowed) it was with more than one backward glance.

That is why, when we got home again, I knew we had to get our own walker. At first I thought we might not be able to get one at all since I knew they were frowned upon by the medical establishment (it seems that some people do not realize the damage a baby can do if they go over an edge). However, we soon spotted one in our favorite baby store, and I was happy to see that it was not a relic from the '80's. It seems that walkers are still sold in the U.S. with just a few modifications to make them safer.

Once we got the thing home I did have a quiver of doubt. The fixed back wheels made it purposefully clunky so that babies are not as maneuverable as they were in the old version which moved like a nimble office chair. I shouldn't have worried. Within a very short time Delphinium was racing around our family room (properly cordoned off so she won't escape) with all the finesse of a racing driver. Not only is she fast, but she can avoid obstacles, correct her course before she gets stuck, and even reverse on a dime.

Now she chases us around. When I'm cooking she often comes into the kitchen to see what I'm doing. She does not hesitate to roll right over your toes in her desire to get right up to the action. On more than one occasion she's run up behind me and grabbed the ties on my apron as a means of getting my attention. She also likes to "help" with unloading the dishwasher. Luckily there are many fascinating things for a baby to do when she's so mobile, so she often has to race off and inspect the kitty or wave at herself in the glass door of the oven. I'm not sure how long the joy of the walker can last, but it stays fun for a while yet.

P.C. Run Amok?

Perhaps the Christmas season brings it out in people, but questions about being politically correct seem all-pervasive these days.  Lately I've even been accused of being overly sensitive about some things.  It's true that I have suffered through quite a large number of "sensitivity" classes during my time as a teacher (No! no! not as a punishment for bad behavior!).  Let me explain the situations, and you can be the judge.

It all started back around Thanksgiving.  I noticed that those so-bad-they're-good pilgrim candles from our childhoods are back on the shelves as centerpieces.  The only difference is that they now include some "natives" (their words not mine) with the puritans.  Now it just seems to me that this is an uncomfortable Thanksgiving theme given that the indigenous people went on to suffer so much at the hands of the invaders.  Should we include even the pilgrims on our table? Others maintain that being inclusive is always better than being exclusive.  Hmmm.

Next came the book I picked up for Delphinium.  It's a cute little counting book featuring a black family who make dinner together.  Only when I got it home and looked closely did I realize that the family is cooking fried chicken, collard greens, and other traditional (stereotypical?) foods.  I think this is in poor taste, but other say it is simply a celebration of cultural heritage.  Hmmm

Last comes the naming of a new road in our community.  The road is there solely to serve as a feeder for the new Catholic high school.  The name of this new road?  Crusader Way!  I do not think this is appropriate at all given the tragic nature of the crusades and the dubious-at-best reputation of the "crusaders."  Some say these are simply historical figures and therefore a fine source for school pride and the city grid.  Hmmm.

Crawling!

When we put up the Christmas tree, I was able to set the baby on a blanket so she could watch us and play with her toys if she wanted.  We had a wonderful time showing her the ornaments and listening to her cute sounds of amazement when the tree first appeared and the lights first came on.  Now we are in the process of taking down the tree, and the baby is crawling (CRAWLING!) up to help out.  I actually caught her stretching up as far as she could to try and grab one of the lower branches in her mouth (luckily I'm faster than she is). 

I just can't believe how quickly this has happened.  She's been up on all fours for some time now, but just a few weeks ago she started rocking, and that seemed to be the final piece.  Now she's working on coordination, but she can zip across the room faster than you'd believe.  Now that the world is her oyster, she is no longer satisfied by the toys on her blanket.  She'd rather enjoy some computer cables, a magazine, or the kitty instead.  At least our fat old kitties are getting some exercise this way! 

The next step?  She's working on getting up the single step so she can leave the living room and explore the rest of the rooms.   Of course this means we need to redouble our child-proofing efforts.  Very, very soon she's going to be discovering the stairs, and then there will be trouble if they aren't gated.  I get the feeling that life is never going to be the same. 

New Year's Resolutions '11

Looking back on previous years it seems that I usually focus fairly heavily on resolutions involving work.  That means this year is a whole new game.  One of the hardest parts about losing your working identity to stay at home is that you can no longer talk about what you do without sounding trivial.  Don't get me wrong, I know my mommy job is extremely important, but the component pieces don't exactly sound that way.  Therefore, forgive me if these resolutions seem a bit small scale:

1. Exercise at least three times a week (Isn't this one perennial?)
2. Write at least three cards or letters per month
3. Divide house into seven parts and clean one part each day
4. Cook more foods/meals from scratch (I used to be able to do this, and I know I can again)
5. Eat less sugar
6. Get more news (I've been really bad about this since the baby arrived)
7. Do fun outings for Baby
8. Be patient
9. Judge less
10. Go on dates with M.

Happy New Year '11

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. ~Ellen Goodman

2010 in Review

Yeah, yeah, all sorts of big things happened in the outside world; some were good and some bad.   However, this was a very introspective year for us.  The most important events of 2010 in no particular order:

1. The late stages of pregnancy

2. Hawaii

3. Childbirth!

4. The best baby that ever there was!

5. Caring for the sick baby

6. Learning to breastfeed

7. Our second wedding anniversary

8. Travel to South Africa

9. All those glorious firsts

10. Our first Christmas as a little family
 

Words of the Year '10

Now we come down to the last few days of the year, and I always enjoy reading the little round ups of '10. It just takes you back to all the news stories, articles, and events that filled the TV, radio, and print, and populated your head with their vocabulary. One of the first to come out was the Top Ten Words of the Year as determined by The Global Language Monitor. Some are immediately familiar, while others require a bit of coaching to remember. Spillcam and Shellacking both bring out mental winces for me.

10. Simplexity

9. Shellacking

8. 3-D

7. Snowmageddon

6. Deficit

5. Guido

4. Refudiate

3. the Narrative

2. Vuvuzela

1. Spillcam

Baby's First Christmas

Yes, yes, I know Delphinium is too young to remember her first Christmas, but we certainly will. For weeks she's enjoyed the tree with all its splendor, and actual Christmas was even better. First there was the astonishing early morning appearance of many of her favorite family members. Finding your cousins on your doorstep before breakfast is a surprising and wonderful thing. Then came the stockings. Did you know that there are toys in stockings?! Before she could fully comprehend (and nibble) her stocking presents (a blue mesh ball and a small penguin with huge eyes were the best) it was time to move on to unwrapping.


Many other parents warned us that the wrapping and boxes are far better than the actual gifts, and this was absolutely the case. Delphinium wanted to eat all the paper and crepe, and I kept having to wrestle ribbons and other decorations out of her chubby fists. Still, when she did actually get down to a present she was quite interested. The biggest challenge for her was the pace. Her cousins are capable of unwrapping and appreciating each gift in about thirty seconds flat. She wanted to take her time. Then, about half way through, all just got to be too much. She started to rub her eyes, and I knew she needed a break. We went upstairs for a little nap, and left the family to finish with the presents.

I was quite impressed with the restraint we managed to maintain when it came to buying her presents. Among her gifts were a bug jar full of soft rattle bugs, a pull along frog, an orange rattle creature, a skwish toy, and a fuzzy gray and white dog. She also got many new books and clothes as well. Even now, days later, she still hasn't finished investigating the new goodies. We will also have to come up with names for her new favorites.

On the whole though, I think her favorite part about it all was the attention. I think she would be quite happy to have Daddy quit work and just stay home to play with her. She would also love to see cousins, uncles, and Grandma on her doorstep any morning of the week. Whatever will I do to console her when holiday time is over? Oh I know, we'll read a dozen new stories, and play with all kinds of new toys. Next year should be even better.

 

Baby's Christmas List

Okay, so I don't really know for sure what Delphinium wants to see under the tree on Christmas morning, but I think I can make a fairly educated guess based on the things I know she loves.  Just to name a few:

10. Kitties!

9.  Bananas

8.  Giraffes (stuffed animals, printed on things, rubber toy version, you name it)

7.  Grandma

6.  Her cousins

5.  Books (but only certain ones)

4.  Mirrors

3.  Rattles

2.  Mommy and Daddy

1.  Boobies!    

Holiday Firsts

I will not soon forget Delphinium's first visit with Santa. It was supposed to be a regular week day, but circumstances made M available in the early afternoon, so we decided to play hooky. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something Christmas-y without all the holiday crowds of a Saturday or Sunday. Acting on an email tip (go M for figuring this whole plan out) we headed down to The Bravern building where were supposed to find The Man in Red.


Delphinium was looking very smart in her little red dress with red and white spotted tights (with ruffled bottom!) and we had high hopes for a fabulous photo. When those elevator doors opened, we were not disappointed. There he was, Santa, and he had a real beard! Not only that but his eyes how the twinkled, his dimples so merry, and... but I digress. He was quite a convincing Santa. And he did not smell of gin (or anything else he shouldn't).

With that auspicious beginning how could we go wrong? We sat Delphinium, as cute as a button, down on his lap, and... she burst into tears. Unlike her picture with Frosty the Snowman, where she just stared at him, Santa was scary. It started as a trembling of the lip, and went on into full-blown terror. I scooped her up, we went with the very first photo (the least unhappy one), and that was it for us.

Away from the frightening stranger, the baby returned to her cheerful self, and we strolled off to the main mall. Happy in the knowledge that we did not have to wait in line for the more central Santa. While I'm sorry Delphinium was discomfited, it was an experience with lots of warm fuzzies for me. I imagine our visits with Santa will only get more significant as time goes by, but this very first one was special to me.

Holiday Finery

Goodness gracious whoever would have thought that a Christmas tree could be so sublime.  Delphinium is in love with the thing, and she doesn't even know what usually appears UNDER the tree! The first time she saw the naked tree just brought into the house, she chuckled at it.  Then it got dressed! She just thinks the lights and the decorations and the color and sparkle are something entirely cool.  I catch her just gazing up at it while she's playing on her blanket in the living room.

The first few days it was up, she was sick and teething at the same time, and more than once we "broke" a sad mood by visiting (and sometimes petting) the tree.  There are even a couple of ornaments that are baby-friendly and can be taken off and loved for a few minutes.  Christmas suddenly has a whole new value for jaded old me. 

Waving

The baby skill of the week is really two related talents.  First came the two arm wave as if our girl were conducting her own (crazy) symphony.  Sometimes it takes a form that more closely resembles a rabid fan at a sporting event.  Another great feature about waving both hands in the air is that you can then bring those hands crashing down onto your tray.  Pounding the table is now one of her favorite after dinner activities, and I'm afraid that Mom and Dad do nothing but encourage the behavior (picture all three of us slapping our placemats). 

The other half of this skill is also waving, but a much more subtle kind.  Delphinium is now able to hold up one hand and open and close the fingers in a "hello/goodbye" gesture.  At first she would only do it to herself when seeing her reflection.  It was SO cute to see her sitting in her walker in front of the sliding door waving away at the baby in the glass.  Now she's moving up to waving at real live people.  It's still quite hit or miss, but one day soon she may decide to wave at you. 

Baby's First Concert

I absolutely cannot believe that it's been nearly a year since M. and I attended a symphony concert, but life with Baby just flies by.  That's why I was so excited when M. found tickets for all of us to a family-friendly holiday concert.  Dressed in our holiday best (Delphinium has the cutest little red corduroy dress with smocking and tiny white flowers) we made our way into Seattle and Benaroya Hall.

The concert was held in the small upper hall (can't remember the name!) and it was jam-packed with kids.  I think Delphinium would have been just fine with going to the hall, sitting down, and watching all those big kids for half an hour.  However, the music began soon after we arrived.  Our girl stood on Daddy's lap and watched the stage with open mouth for the first half of the show.  Then, in true baby fashion, she fell soundly asleep and did not see the rest of the performance.  A great time was had by all.

Bad Parenting Part 1 of ?

Delphinium and I are sitting in the doctor's office waiting for her flu shot booster.  My baby is cheerful as ever.  Many other parents and kids are also waiting, and some have struck up conversations to pass the time.  A lady and her son decide to chat with us, and this is how it goes:

Lady:  Oh what a cute baby!

Me:  Thank you!

Lady: I love her hat!

Me: Thank you!

Lady:  She has the prettiest blue eyes!

Me:  Thank you!

Lady:  How old is she?

Me:  Thank you, er, nearly eight months.

Lady:  Is she sick?

Me:  No, we just need a flu booster.

Lady:  Has she been crying?

Me:  No, not recently.

Lady:  What's that on her eye then?

Me (turning the baby the face me, and then noticing that I did an incomplete cleaning job after her last meal):  Oh that would be the pears she smeared on herself for lunch.

Lady: Oh.

Baby Cradles on International Flights

Bassinets or cots are available on many international flights, and they can be a wonderful help. You simply reserve the baby bed when you book your tickets, and make certain that you've paid all appropriate fees (the cot is free, but the baby probably isn't). The baby cradle we were given on KLM (I think it was a Boeing plane) was a wonderful little basket that zipped closed over our child's middle. She slept quite happily there for more than seven hours.


Unfortunately, the Delta (I think it was an Airbus) baby bed was not very comfortable for her because the zipper went all the way to the top meaning we would have been closing it right over her face! I did not think that was healthy or safe, and you could not zip it part way, so we did not use the cot. However, the cots are worth booking if only because they guarantee you the bulkhead, and that is definitely worth having if you are travelling with a little person or not.

Delta Airlines Sucks

The short story: Delta Airlines Sucks


We booked several legs of our Seattle to South Africa trip on Delta and several other parts on their partner, KLM. Without fail, the KLM experience was very pleasant and everything we could have wished. Also without fail the treatment we received from Delta was nothing short of shocking. Delta employees were rude, ineffective, and either unable or unwilling to do the simple things required to do their jobs in a reasonable fashion.

From the ticketing agents (who took nearly two hours to print out our tickets AND double charged us for the infant fee) to the flight attendants (who were grumpy, rude, failed to bring an infant seatbelt, and one who actually fell asleep during take-off!) to the gate agents (who sent M running across the airport to fix THEIR mistake) to the finance department (who refuse to refund the double charge) we were not impressed.

As if that were not enough, all three adults (but not the baby) got serious food poisoning from eating the airline meals on our last flight. We didn't eat anything else, so we know it was their food. Delta is in serious need of a figurative smacking. I will be doing my best to avoid buying tickets from them in the future.

To Gift or Not to Gift

Our extended family is currently going through a crisis.  Okay that might be over-stating things just a tiny bit, but at least we're engaging in a debate.  The issue?  Christmas.  Not the holiday as a whole, I think everyone is pretty much in favor of that, but the question of gift-giving.  The brothers and I (and M too actually) all grew up with the idea that Christmas was, well, a time of plenty.  In other words, there was always and excess of special treats, an excess of decorations, and an excess of presents.  We (I hope I can speak for them) enjoyed things to the hilt.  Christmases were absolutely magic.

As a grown up I have always wanted to recreate such feelings.  Now that I have a child I would very much like for her to have a holiday as wonderful as mine.  However, not everyone in our family feels this way.  Some point out that the crass commercialism of it all is neither healthy nor charming, and that if we want to truly appreciate each other on Christmas we would do it without so many (any?) gifts.  I can absolutely understand the point, but I still can't pry myself away from the desire to shower people with goodies.  I still love the pile of beautiful presents underneath the tree, and that is a pale shadow of how much I loved the scene when I was a kid.

Couldn't we all agree to bump up or charitable giving, buy nothing in January, or do some volunteering to contribute to the greater good?  That way we could still have our Christmas and eat it too.  I know the one thing does not cancel out the other, and I also know that I'm starting to sound whiney and shrill, but this is an issue that causes me a certain amount of angst.  If you celebrate, where does your family fall on the festive vs. frugal spectrum?     

Happy Birthday Mom '10

Happy birthday to my most favorite mom.  I really REALLY appreciate your work, and so do a lot of other people.  Love from all of us. 

Baby's First Cold

Our poor little girl started to get sick the day before Thanksgiving, but I didn't realize it in time and dragged her out to visit family.  Every day since I keep thinking "okay now she must be getting better" but so far this crud just hangs around.  We are now on day nine, and she is still snuffly and sad.  Nursing is not easy due to the congestion, and every morning her eyes are goopy.  Then there's the sleeping.  Actually what I mean to say is that there isn't much in the way of sleeping.  When her nose gets completely blocked she wakes up crying.  This happens about every one to two hours.  She tries to smile and play normally, sweet little thing, but she spends a lot of time leaning back on the pillows to rest.  I know she really isn't that sick, but it is hard to watch anyway.

Planning to Kick the Bucket

No, no M and I do not plan on dying any time soon.  However, now that we have Delphinium we thought it would be prudent to have a will and such to cover the possibilities.  Thus we met with a lawyer and filled out a questionnaire about our "wishes" (hmmm, not to die?).  It was very odd to be thinking about funeral arrangements and bequests and trust funds, but it was worth it to know that everything would be okay for the kid.

Recently we went back to the lawyers office to sign and finalize the whole thing.  The two parts that made me chuckle were the repeated use of the word "testatrix" to describe me (M got "testator" which is not nearly as cool) and the reading of the official script.  That's right, in order for the testatrix to finalize her will, she must read OUT LOUD a statement of intent about this being the actual will and testament blah, blah, blah.  It was really hard not to laugh at that point, but I managed to remain dignified. 

At the end, I did have a weird moment of feeling like I was looking into the future.  Here we were, two young (ish) adults with our baby daughter, tying up our plans in the form of this will.  At some point down the line (hopefully a long time away) a grown Delphinium will probably sit in some similar conference room and unwind the very same document.  Strange thought, but I guess that's the way it's supposed to go. 

Thanksgiving 2010

Usually around Thanksgiving time I make a list of on hundred things for which I am thankful.  This was always part of an assignment for my English students, but this year I do not have a class.  That is actually fine because this year I am not collecting the huge list.  It's not that I don't appreciate all those wonderful bits and pieces.  It's just that this year I am so especially thankful for Delphinium that she eclipes everything else. 

Bundling

Delphinium thinks the snow is all very well and good (we are on day three) but she does not much care for the dressing required to actually get outside.  The first layer of thermal onsie is fine, and she cheerfully pushes her fists through the little sleeves.  Mom does the snapping, and voila! the first layer is done!  Then comes the full body sleeper suit, and again the baby is pretty helpful about sleeves and feet and snaps and all.  However by the time we get to the pants and sweater, she is really not feeling so good about things. 

All that finally accomplished, you would think that any normal mom and dad would call it good, but not poor Delphinium's parents.  They make her put on a huge coat on top of it all, and by the time she's squeezing into the 8th sleeve, this baby has really had enough.  Luckily, that's about the time that we actually go outside, and the view of the world turned completely white is so arresting that our little girl forgets why she was annoyed. 

First Snow

Delphinium's very first sight of snow was eeeearly on Sunday morning.  She didn't seem to take much notice of the change outside the window, but when I wrapped her in a blanket and hat and took her outside, there was definitely recognition.  At first she just seemed sort of perplexed by all the excitement, but then she actually started looking at the little flakes falling on her sleeve.  I made a little ball of snow and touched it to her cheek.  That got a smile at last.  Then she just snuggled in close and watched the white come down.  It really wasn't that much of a snow, and what we did get was gone quite soon, but I have high hopes for more in the near future!

Teething

I know, I know this has become nothing but a baby log, but that's pretty much my whole life right now (M too of course!).  What else would I write? 

Can't remember if I've mentioned the teething.  For those who don't get to see little Delphinium on a regular basis, the teething fairy is definitely hovering around our house.  We don't have any actual teeth, mind you, just lots and lots and lots of drool with occasional lashings of itchiness and pain.  Our poor little girl goes through about half a dozen bibs a day sometimes, and often I am still not changing them fast enough.  She also rubs her ear (or occasionally scratches it) when the discomfort radiates throughout the jaw. 

Then of course there's the chewing.  She is quite determined to get her entire fist in her mouth, and when that isn't enough she tries anything and everything else she can grab.  Bumpy binkies are popular (thanks Auntie C. for the fabulous raspberries) as are burp clothes, all sorts of toys, boardbooks (they all have sodden edges), and even the kitty's tail if only it would sit still long enough.  Frozen rings and rags are not poplar because they make her hands cold, and then that makes her cry.  The sweetest is when she grabs mom's or dad's hand and pulls it to her mouth for some quality chewing.  Hands down (har!) Daddy's fingers taste the best.

Baby's First Gymboree or Proof We are Yuppies

Yes, yes, I finally caved.  My PEPS group has been attending Gymboree baby classes for some time now, but Delphinium and I were in South Africa when it all began.  Now that we're back, we were invited to go along.  I had some qualms since I've always seen Gymboree as a silly activity for people who didn't know how to play with their own children.  However, peer pressure is large, so I bundled the baby into the car on a rainy afternoon, and we headed off to the class.

My first impression was not so good.  The circle of babies included ones as young as three months and as old as seven.  How much can a little baby get from a singing and movement class?  Then the shockingly young teachers (they seemed about fourteen but probably weren't) got things going with a welcome song.  For the next few minutes I was in agony.  The songs were beyond twee, and chatter from the teachers was irritating, and they had stupid names for the toys.  I love playing with my baby, but this was ridiculous. 

Then I noticed something.  Delphinium was having a ball.  She loved looking in the mirror on the floor.  She giggled and cooed for the clapping games, and she thought the "sensory time" was fascinating.  Even the parachute, which made other babies cry, was amazing.  "Aha!" I said to myself "this is one of those times when I need to get over myself!" and then I did.   We had a lovely time together, and I only winced a little when they brought out the "Gymbo" puppets. 

Food! Glorious Food!

These days the laundry is always tinged with a sort of golden orange.  No, M has not joined a cult.  It's all the butternut squash that edges most of the baby clothes.  That's right, we have moved beyond the age of milk and we are no experimenting with actual food.  It started with rice cereal made with breast milk (to keep things a little familiar) and that was such a success that we went to squash in the second week. 

You should have seen Delphinium's face when she got her first bite.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone that excited over plain porridge.  She eats with both hands, and it is actually quite a challenge to get the spoon into her mouth before she can grab it away from you.  The first spoonful of butternut was a bit more of a shock (this is certainly NOT milk!) but it too became very popular in no time at all.  By the end of a meal she is liberally coated in orange goo, but she is happy.  Next week we may try peas.  I sincerely hope she and food have a long and happy life together. 

Did You Call?

Earlier this week I wouldn't know if you'd called because my cel phone was, well, unavailable. It wasn't missing, but I couldn't exactly answer it if it rang. It all started when I went to pick up the nieces from their respective schools. Both kids in tow, I asked Elder Niece (newly promoted to the front seat after turning twelve) to call my mom since I'm not the sort of person who calls and drives. When in the car, I often leave my phone in the niche next to the emergency brake, so it was easy for her to make the call and then put the phone back where she found it. We went off on our merry way, and I didn't think another thing about it.

Eventually, we got home, bundled out of the car like a heard of elephants, ate snack, began homework, and started to make some dinner. Since we were still waiting to hear from my mom, I thought I would check my phone for messages. Oh noes! I left it in the car! Running out to the garage, I found that the phone was not in the usual niche. Instead, it was about four inches to the right wedged in another little crevice, but this one was the rubber gasket for the emergency brake! Are you visualizing this? I could just see the top sticking out next to the lever. I tried to pull it out, but of course it slipped down inside the housing like a ship beneath the waves (sigh).

Ten thousand attempts to retrieve the phone were unsuccessful, so the next day Delphinium and I made a pilgrimage to our favorite mechanic. We got to spend some quality time in the beautiful autumn sunshine while they fished the phone out for us. No harm done! Of course I know Elder Niece did not intend to do this, she doesn't have a trouble-making bone in her body, but I may need to be more careful next time. Who knows, with Delphinium learning to crawl soon this may be only the beginning.

South African Blergh

Ah the joy of souvenirs from your vacation.  Cute little doodads, postcards, candy from foreign lands, and also bacteria and viruses.  It seems we brought a Norwalk-type thing home with us because I was driving the porcelain bus all day on Friday, and now M is feeling quite poorly.  Nausea has got to be the worst of the standard illnesses.  Let's just hope that our Little Miss remains immune. 

Monkey Feet

The other night, I was trying to put Delphinium to bed.  She has trouble going to sleep on her own (surprise, surprise) so I usually nurse her and rock her at bedtime.  This evening she was wearing a little sleeper printed with monkeys and the feet were monkey faces.  She looked so cute as I put her in her crib.  As I put her down, she started to shuffle and wake up a bit.  I covered her with blankets and then sat down in the rocker to see if she would sooth herself back to sleep.  For a while all was quiet, and I thought she might have have gone down on her own, but then I saw two monkey faces bobbing around above the level of the bumper.  She was wide awake and amusing herself by waving both feet in the air.  One of those sweet pictures I won't soon forget.

Bird Battle

A few days ago we ate lunch at a restaurant with a deck that looked out over the ocean.  It was an amazing spot due to the views, but it did have one small problem.  The local birds viewed this outdoor dining area as a wonderful snack bar.  Having been fed by hundreds of stupid tourists, they were bold as brass about coming on to your table, getting right up next to you, and stealing things off your very plate (if you let them).  Some might find this amusing, but I do not think we should feed wild birds or encourage them to be so familiar.  Therefore, armed with a drinking straw I whacked any bird that can within arms reach.  Okay, so maybe "whack" is too strong a word.  I wasn't trying to hurt them, but I did want to encourage them to head elsewhere.  Unfortunately, the striped mice were too fast for me.  It was a most memorable meal.

South Africa Part 2

This computer sucks, so I'm keeping this short (soorry for the errors)

Yesterday and the day before were our outings from the valley where M's mom lives and into the city of Capetown.  Our first stop was Kerstenbosch gardens where we met up with an old school friend of M's and his family.  We had a wonderful time doing lunch and wandering the acres upon acres of flower s, trees, and artwork.  Delphinium was especially happy due to her passionate love of trees.  I could visit the gardens weekly and never be bored.

The next stop was the suburb of Simon's Town.  We stayed in a sun-washed guest house with the most impressive view of the bay and the navy yards.   At one point we heard the boom of a ships horn, and the battleship glided out to sea.  We kept trying to drink up the sun and the setting as much as possible.  After one night there, we set off for more sights.

Still in Simon's Town we headed down to one special beach where we could view the penguins.  Yes, yes, there are penguins in South Africa.  Jack Ass Penguins enjoy the warm water, and many of them come to the sunny beach to molt and breed.  They are very sweet in their black and white suits, but the smell is a bit like a hen house. 

Lastly, we drove the winding road to the Cape Point Reserve.  This is the point where the Indian and Atlantic ocean currents meet.  The point itself is a startling piece of rock jutting up out of the surrounding water.  A classic lighthouse perches on the edge, and visitors can take the "Funicular" tram up to the highest point.  The views were quite startling.  It certainly didn't hurt that the sky was brilliant blue, and the cormerants were screaming over head.  A good time was had by all.

News from South Africa

Please pardon the mistakes.  I'm typing this on a trying computer.
What a long strange trip it's been.  However, it's really been a very good one.  We left Seattle on Sunday afternoon, flew for nine hours to Amsterdam, and then took a twelve hour flight to Cape Town.  During the entire trip, Delphinium barely cried at all.  When getting on each of the planes, you could see the people around us staring and glaring at being seated near a baby.  By the end, we were getting compliments about what a good passenger she was.  I was completely floored.  The air part of this trip has been worrying me for months, and it was no problem at all.  She ate, slept, played, and charmed others and did not really cry at all.  May it please continue on our flight home.
We've been at M's mom's house for several days now, and the time change is what is really effecting us.  The first "night" the baby did not want to go to sleep at all, and then when she did, she was up again four hours later.  From 4am on, we drank tea and played with her.  Now, a few more days in, she is still struggling to adjust.  We're a bit tired, but otherwise doing just fine.As far as activities, we've been taking it pretty easy.  We've had some very nice meals out, and we got the chance to visit a vineyard and goat dairy the other day.  We tried about ten different kinds of cheese as well as olives, candied fruit, salads, and crusty bread.  Mmmmm.  Aside from the beautiful formal garden, they also had an impressive veggie patch including a scarecrow dressed in world cup finery.  In many ways it doesn't feel very different here, but then you notice the springbok in among the goats.

Travel Prep

I am officially beginning to freak out.  Our trip is just a few days away, and that means we have to face the realities of flying with an infant for TWENTY hours!  Usually I make a deal with myself that if I can't do anything to change a situation I might as well skip getting upset about it.  Somehow the zen approach just isn't working this time.  I feel like there is something I ought to be doing to prepare.  What can it be?  Then I go around and around trying to imagine the possibilities. 

Packing is another challenge.  I've accepted that we will not be going lightly now that we have the baby, but I'm still trying not to let it get too ridiculous.  M bought us two new hard-sided suitcases, so we have plenty of space, but the trick is not to exceed the weight limit.  Fortunately, we have access to a washer once we get there, so we don't have to pack too crazy much.  The part that's most confusing me is packing for the baby.

What does a baby really need for a long trip?  We use so many different toys, swings, bouncers, strollers, rockers, cribs, etc. during the course of our day that I can't quite imagine not having them.  However, we can't take it all, so we'll just have to make do.  I'm also trying to figure out which things need to come in our carry-on for the actual plane flight.  The only thing I'm sure of right now is the need for lots of diapers and changes of clothes.  If you've flown with an infant before, feel free to leave me your advice. 

Five Months of Baby

Better late than never!

At five months old, Delphinium is working on many of the same skills she started on last month:

-she can really control and coordinate her movements now, so reaching and grabbing is far more successful

-she shows preferences for certain toys such as Green Bunny, raspberry binkies, Gerald the Giraffe, and Miss Mousey

-she can now actively throw away toys she no longer wants

-she can roll over but mostly chooses not too

-she loves to do situps which consists of pulling her head and shoulder and feet and legs off the ground in an attempt to sit up

-she loves to put her feet up in the air and sometimes grab them with her hands, and shoes quickly become chew toys

-she's still drooling waterfalls, but no teeth in sight

-she turns to the sound of her name, and will happily chat with you through long conversations

-she loves to read stories such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I am a Bunny, and Great Day for Up

-she sleeps through the night very well, but does not like to nap during the day

-she NO LONGER hates the stroller!  Woot!

-she NO LONGER hates the carseat!  (unless she's really tired)

she is about to become a world traveler, so wish us luck!

Basic Vaccines Done!

I took my poor little miss to the doctor again today.  She's not due for her six month check-up for another couple of weeks, but the doctor wanted to make sure she got her full course of regular shots before we head off to the third world.  Therefore, we made a special "jabs only" visit today.  It makes my heart turn over to see her smiling and giggling while we wait.  Little does she know.  Luckily this was not such a tramatic visit.  I was playing with her and tickling her while the nurse gave the shots and she didn't even cry until the second one went in.  Even then, it was only a moment or two.  Now she's sleeping off the effects (was there ever a sweeter picture than a sleeping baby?), and hopefully by tomorrow she'll be all better.   

Banned Books Week 2010

Banned books week is here once again, and I almost missed it!  It seems that requests to remove literature from American libraries and schools are once again on the rise.  The American Library Association keeps track of official challenges and tabulates the most frequently challenged titles for each year.  This year's list includes Twilight, The Color Purple, and The Chocolate War.  Interestingly, many of these titles were challenged on the grounds of "religious perspective" which must mean that of the challenger because Twilight does not include a religious perspective as far as I can tell.

Tomato Funeral

The blight has come to our tomato patch.  It seems that the large amount of summer rain encouraged the growth of a fungus, and all the tomato plants are paying the price.  The vines died from the ground up, and all the fruit that was still green has now turned black.  We salvaged about one more pound from the wreckage.  That makes maybe five pounds of tomatoes in all this year.  We spent $36 for plants plus perhaps $6 for soil  this year, so we put in $42 in total.  $42/5 pounds is $8.40 per pound for organic home-grown tomatoes.  That's even more expensive than the farmers' market!  Still when you factor in the hundred times the baby and I went out to watch them grow it comes out all right. 

Gold Stars

Hello everybody, my name is Joy, and I'm a gold star addict.  No, no, gold star is not the latest designer gin or raver drug.  It is that rush many of us get from being patted on the back.  I think it starts out very young when our parents say things like "Good job Joy!  You went pee in the potty!" or "Wow!  I'm so impressed by how much you ate of that mashed banana!" Praise!  Validation!  A warm, happy feeling spreads through your tummy.  You eat it up, and another gold star addict is born. 

And there's really nothing wrong  with gold stars and kids.  It helps them to make good choices, and to feel happy about their accomplishments.  A good mark (and maybe some praise from teachers and parents?) on a paper at school makes you feel so good that you want to work hard on the next paper too.  All through childhood I really do not see a problem, but at some point we have to be weaned away from this habit.

Once you're an adult it just doesn't work so well.  Sometimes, at work, you can find that kind of validation, but even there it's not going to be consistent.  Most of the time at work people simply expect you to do what needs to be done (or not but that's a whole other topic).  At home you really aren't going to get a lot of back patting.  You empty the dish washer and, hey presto, the crowd goes wild!  Not so much.  The key is to learn to do things for the sake of getting them done.

Becoming a mom has really brought this home to me.  M. is very good about helping out and offering encouragement.  However, most of the time it is just the two of us here at home, and the baby is really not capable of being a cheerleader.  At this point you just have to dig in and do the laundry, diapering, dishes, vacuuming, etc because you are the mommy and that's what mommies do.  Suddenly the gold stars seem to matter less.  A clean (ish!) house and a happy baby are their own rewards.  Most of the time.

It Gets Better

The gay rights movement has had an up and down week. In Florida, gays and lesbians are now able to adopt children after the state supreme court found the ban to be unconstitutional. On the other hand, Don't Ask Don't Tell remains in effect in the U.S. military. How some of this can still be allowed to stand in 2010 is beyond me. 

The challenges experienced by gay adults are nothing compared to those faced by children and teens. The suicide rates for homosexual (or even just those perceived as gay) teens are far above the norm. This type of abuse remains one of the most accepted forms of harassment because many parents still believe that homosexuality is wrong. School administrators and teachers often feel hog-tied in their ability to help because parents object to anything that might be deemed "pro-gay". Or at least that's the excuse.

Many students report feeling hopeless as their peers and even their families reject or abuse them.  For some it must seem as though a normal life may never be possible.  In response to the suicide of 15 year old Billy Lucas, Dan Savage made the video, It Gets Better.  You've got to see it.

Swaddler No More

Yesterday, we went to the store to purchase yet another box of diapers (go ahead judge me). We needed the next size up, but for some reason I just couldn't find our preferred brand in the correct size. Then M pointed out that the box I was looking for was right there on the shelf in front of me. Why couldn't I see it? It seems that size three diapers are a new category, and so the name and packaging change. I was used to looking for those nice green and teal "swaddler" boxes, but no, it seems that we are now purple "cruisers." I know this is a silly little thing, but it made me sniff a little. My baby is tiny no more.

The Hunger Games

Just a quick plug for my favorite series of late, The Hunger Games. While this author can be found in the Young Adult section, her stories are quite readable by all ages so long as you enjoy sci. fi. dystopian future stuff. All three books deal with issues around authoritarian governments, poverty, and human rights. However, the main theme in all three is actually the power of media to shape opinion. The Hunger Games themselves are the world's worst reality TV show where young people from all over the country are forced to fight to the death in a giant arena. The cameras are always on, and the rest of the population gets to enjoy the spectacle. Of course there's always that one person who can't seem to play by the rules. Just do your best to ignore the love triangle which is trite and unnecesarry.

Elder Niece Grows Up

Our first little girl (of her generation anyway) is really and truly growing up. Elder Niece turned twelve a few weeks ago, and I can hardly pick my jaw up off the floor. She is tall, graceful, well-spoken, and self-possessed these days; a far cry from the little kid she was about five minutes ago. I can so clearly remember that solemn little face, and I am very glad to notice that she smiles much more than in earlier times. She might even be, dare I say it, a tolerable teen when the time comes. Happy birthday big girl!

Corn and Blueberry Salad

I've been meaning to post this for ages. I saw a recipe like this one in a magazine, and I couldn't believe corn and blueberries would be a nice combo. Provided you get good ingrediants, it is an incredible (and pretty) salad. Red pepper and cucumber are nice additions too:

Ingredients
6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. ground cumin (preferably whole, toasted, and then ground)

Try it out I dare you!

Ten Years Since 9/11

It was my second week of teaching (in my whole career) when I heard about the first plane. I remember going into my principal's office and watching the smoke pour from the first tower. I wish I'd kept a blog back then to remember the rest of the details. I do remember the kids having lots of questions. It was probably quite different then because most kids didn't have cel phones. If something like that happened today; it would be a different story. I saw a TV piece about how many of the soldiers who are currently in Afghanistan can barely remember 9/11 since so many of them were elementary kids at the time that it happened. The world will never be the same.

Rolling Over

Delphinium did it! She rolled over! She's been doing a lot of almost sit-ups and side curls for some time now, and today, just after her dad got home from work, she rolled all the way over. She seemed truly surprised to find herself on her tummy all of a sudden. Then she proceeded to do it again just for good measure. M tried very hard to capture it on video, but she refused to perform. Next up, crawling, and then the world!

First Day of School

Yesterday was Elder Niece's first day of middle school! She was really, really nervous about going, but I have no doubt it will be a good transition. She is, of course, in the high performing program which is a great fit for her intelligence and her dedication (but I'm not biased!). Proof that she's in the right place? She took herself to the bookstore over the summer and bought a middle school prep book and a spelling book. She spent a portion of her summer studying up (not that she needed it) and it was all of her own free will. I wish she could be in my class!

Rainy Walk

Ever since Delphinium was very tiny, we've struggled over walks. This is due to the fact that I like them and she doesn't. It seems to stem from her dislike of most baby carrying methods such as strollers, baby packs, and other strollers. Were I willing to carry her in my arms the whole way, she would be a big fan of the walk. Unfortunately, after about the first half mile, this gets very tiring for maternal backs.

Then we hit on something big. We've been using the Baby Bjorn since she was born, but it was not until Delphinium was strong enough to face out that it became popular. Now you can put her in it, and she will remain happy for an hour or more. This is exciting for all kinds of reasons.

Yesterday, we decided to put the Bjorn to good use by going for a walk. We'd been cooped up in the car during the morning, so it seems like a good idea to get out and move around. I'd never taken her out in the rain before, but since she's so close to me while in the Bjorn I knew an umbrella would work well. We bundled up a little, grabbed our sunny yellow umbrella, and headed out into the world.

The umbrella turned out to be half the fun. She kept looking up at it (do admire the color?) and chatting out loud about it. We looked at flowers of all colors, watched crows hopping around in the road, and admired the big kids who were playing in the yard at the school. The best part, though, was the deer. She was standing in a forested spot near the school, and she did not seem in the least worried about our presence. She calmly stood there eating dripping blackberries about twenty feet from where we were standing.

Camping at Penrose Point

For the past five years, a sub-set of the family has used the last weekend of August for our traditional camping weekend. We love to pitch our tents in some beautiful site, build fires, cook our meals over the coals, and then sit around singing songs and trading puns and word play. It's a great chance to catch up with one another before the craziness of the school year hits. This year, everything seems to have changed, but we still didn't want to miss out on this chance.

This year, we had a few more challenges than before. Not only do we have a new baby to think about, but my broken tailbone is still bothering me too. Nevertheless, we remained undaunted, so off we set for Penrose State Park near Purdy. The car trip was a bit uncomfortable for me, but the baby did a fabulous job and did not cry even once. After about an hour and a half of driving, we crossed over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This was very exciting for all of us (having never been) since we've seen the old video of "galloping Gertie" many times. Luckily she stayed safely aloft for our trip over.

A little more driving brought us to the park where the rest of the family was already waiting. It is a beautiful park set on the water with the camp sites back in the woods. Sites are close together, but if you went on a less popular weekend, the might not be an issue. For us, it turned out to be a bad thing because the 50-something lady in the campsite next to ours decided to stay up late drinking boxed wine and talking, talking, talking about anything and everything. We heard her opinion on dozens of topics, but we did not hear quiet until two or three in the morning.

It was also a bit anxious to camp with the baby because the temperature got down into the low 50s, and it was very tough to be sure that she was staying warm enough. At one point in the night I found that she'd poked her little hand out of the blankets, and it felt as cold as a popsicle. I kept waking up to check that she was warm enough all night long. It was not what you would call a restful night.

The next day we did get the chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery. The park is surrounded on two sides by water, so there are many impressive views. Rocky beaches and mud flats are also common, and the girls had a wonderful time cruising the edge of the mud flats looking for sand dollars and tiny fish. There were kayaking and fishing opportunities as well, but we never got that far.

As much as we enjoyed ourselves on Saturday, as it got closer to bedtime, I just couldn't face another night in the tent. Our noisy neighbor was still in residence next door, and the overnight temperatures were not supposed to be any warmer. Thus we admitted defeat. After a lovely campfire dinner, we headed for home. Next time maybe we'll last the whole weekend. Still, I'm very glad we went.

Four Months of Baby

At four months old, Delphinium can now:

-Hold up her head, neck, and back well enough to ride on your hip

-Happily ride forward facing in the baby bjorn (hooray! going out in public just got SO much easier)

-Laugh out loud (especially when Dad is being hilarious)

-Coo and make all sorts of talking sounds (sometimes when she's unhappy she doesn't cry, but instead tells you, in very earnest tones, about all the things she thinks need fixing)

-Hold up her head and shoulders when turned on her tummy

-Lift her bottom in the air by pushing off with hands and knees

-Scream for an entire mile while hating on the stroller

-Scream for an entire car trip while hating on the car seat

-Grab all sorts of things and stuff them in her mouth (towels, blankets, her own clothes, toys)

-Drool, drool, drool

-Suck her thumb

-Sleep all night (for about the last seven weeks fingers crossed, crossed, crossed!)

-Kick off ALL those stupid blankets

-Streeeetch like super baby

-Melt family members through extreme cuteness and a highly lovable nature

All Things Big and Small

Hard to believe but little Delphinium is four months old! She just went to see the doctor for her well baby appointment and was pronounced in excellent health. We also had the traditional parental fun of finding out her growth compared to other children her age. Her height and weight are in the 95th percentile, so we can relax in the knowlege that she's getting enough to eat.

Then came the shocker, her head circumfrence is in the 5th percentile. Yes, you heard that correctly, the 5th percentile. I should not be too surprised since M also has quite a small head (you'd never guess by looking at him!) but the comparison between body and head is just so strange. Oh well we know her brain is growing because she learns new and fabulous skills all the time. Perhaps I can find a place to order custom-made hats.

Hornets - But Not the Green Kind

It all started when the pregnant yard worker got stung by a hornet in our front yard. It seems we've been harboring a huge hornet nest without even realizing. After making sure the poor lady was not going to swell up and die (her partner took her home), we headed inside and closed all the doors and windows. M got right on the phone and found an exterminator very quickly. They were able to come in only half an hour, and soon we had a man in a full bee suit in our yard. He sprayed the next and took it away without much fuss, but as he was working M could see the hornets shooting out of the hive and landing on the house and yard. I was afraid for the neighboring kids, so I went out the back door and went to warn the houses nearby. As far as I know, nobody but the orignial person ever got stung. All in all, not the way you want to spend your time (or money) but at least the results were good.

And Then I Went Crunch

Yesterday, Delphinium and I were getting ready to go have dinner with my mom. We went upstairs to change into fresh clothes, came back down, and then realized we'd forgotten baby socks. For the 400th time that day, we trudged back up, grabbed a lovely pale green pair with colorful spots, and headed back down again. About half way down the stairs we ran into trouble.

Honestly, I'm not really sure what went wrong, but all of a sudden I was tumbling. You hear stories about the inborn impulse to keep the baby safe, and I can say that it is true. With no actual thought involved, she ended up on top of me even though I'd been carrying her on my hip. For myself, I landed on my back and tailbone and then slid several steps before coming to rest near the bottom. Somehow a wall hanging came down too, so there was quite a little pile of me, baby, hanging, and socks.

I wanted to just lay there for a moment and catch my breath, but I really, really needed to know that the baby was okay. She did not seem to be anything other than startled, but I still patted her down and checked all over her head and especially her eyes to look for damage. Seeing nothing wrong, I picked her up and moved her down to the couch so I could undress her and do a further check. Nothing appeared wrong, but she was still crying and crying. Finally I realized that I was probably making horrible grimaces at her, so I tried smiling instead. Sure enough, she started to hiccup and sigh instead of screaming. Within a few minutes, she was her normal happy self.

I was not my normal happy self. In addition to various scrapes and tweaks, my back side was screaming. My tailbone got the worst of the experience, and sitting down was extremely painful. I called my mom, and she arrived about an hour later. That was very good news since she was able to take the baby. Within a few hours, I had a visit from Mobile Medicine, and they said my tailbone was either bruised, sprained, or broken, but it didn't really matter which since there's no treatment for any of them. Today I'm feeling a bit better, sitting on a boppy, and taking ibuprofen. M says it happens to everyone sooner or later. The lesson of the hour is to use the handrail EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Remembering How Lucky We Are

Yesterday I went to the dentist ALL BY MYSELF! It was pretty unsettling to be on my own even though Delphinium was with her dad and then her grandma during my appointment. I have absolute faith in both of those people, but it was still just very odd. Over time, perhaps that feeling like I've accidentally left one of my arms at home will fade.

When I got to the dentist, all the office folks and hygienists asked after the baby since I'd been seven months pregnant the last time I'd been. We chatted for a while about the joys and challenges of parenthood, and then I remembered that the last time I'd also talked to the office manager who was also expecting a baby this summer. I asked the hygienist about her, and the story she told was exceptionally heartbreaking.

It seems that the office manager was due at the end of July about three months after our baby. Early in her pregnancy she got the news that her baby was chromosomally abnormal, but she chose to carry the pregnancy to term in hopes that the abnormalities would not be significant. When the baby was born, they discovered that it had no diaphragm, and the lower organs had risen to fill the chest. This meant there was no room for lungs, and they barely formed at all. The baby lived for half a day.

In the miracle that is childbearing, we often forget how incredibly complex the whole system is and how many chances there are for things to go wrong. The amazement should lie in how often the process goes well. I went home to hug, hug, hug my beautiful, strong, little girl. I hope with all my heart that things go differently for that family next time.

Vanishing Elders

The Japanese are known as one of the longest-lived cultures due to their healthy diet and lifestyle. Or are they? This article is about the scandal currently emerging in Japan over the care of the nation's oldest people. It seems that the whole thing was touched off when officials went to check up on the nation's oldest man only to discover that he'd been dead for more than thirty years. Now it seems that many of those listed as centenarians are actually missing in action. Does Japan really revere its elders?

Summer Reading Cont.

I just have to brag a little. Some kids have to be coaxed, pushed, and tricked into summer reading, but not my nieces. This summer, both nieces have been visiting the public library on a regular basis with their nanny. They've also both enrolled in the summer reading program which began when school let out. The rules are something like "read ten books (appropriate to age) and win a free book as a prize." Elder Niece casually announced that she'd already won her free book and was doing the program over again to get a second. As if that were not enough, this girl reads real books. There are no biographies of Britney Spears on her list.

Summer Reading

I am shocked to discover that summer reading is good for kids. The New York Times recently ran this article about a study of elementary students who were given free books to take home over the summer. Half were allowed to choose from various age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction picks while the other group were given puzzle and activity books. After three such summers, the children who had access to extra reading practice during the summer scored far higher in reading than their puzzle working peers.

This is doubly significant because the children were allowed to pick their books AND how much they read over the summer. In other words, even seemingly schlocky books can be the avenue to choice (not parent or teacher forced) reading. Once kids get the knack for reading as fun, the sky is the proverbial limit. Those of us who might want to impose our own literary standards need to sit on our collective thumbs.

Two Thumbs Up

The big baby news of the last week has been all about the thumbs. Delphinium has been trying for some time to get her hands into her mouth, but recently a break through occurred. Ladies and gentlemen, the thumb has been located! Yes, it's true, it came away from the hand and found its way into our girl's mouth without the rest of the fist. This was BIG NEWS in our world because it means that Delphinium now has a built-in pacifier that she can deploy at will.

The only difficulty we've encountered (other than wondering where that thumb may have been) has to do with the rest of the fingers. It turns out that if you put your thumb in your mouth without first curling the other fingers you tend to poke yourself in the eye. Of course you do not realize the cause and effect, and glare at your parents wondering why they've allowed some mysterious force to injure you in this shocking way. For the moment, we're keeping her nails as short as possible and hoping the second half of the lesson comes as quickly as the first.

Being a Grown-up

Recently, I was watching a toddler play with bubbles. This made me think about how easy it is for little kids to find amazement and joy in the world. Flickering lights and tree boughs over head make my daughter stare in wonder. How sad it is that we adults can't find such simple pleasures. Then I realized this is a double edged sword. If we were so easily distracted, there would be all sorts of things we couldn't do. Driving would be impossible if the sight of sun on water so diverted our attention that we then crashed the car. Also, the young brain that so readily becomes elated has the flip side of being always on the edge of despair. One advantage of being an adult is the perspective on what is or is not a terrible tragedy.

Things that do not make me cry:



10. Falling asleep

9. Slow food service

8. Red traffic lights

7. Strangers smiling at me

6. Potty moments

5. Losing things

4. Loud noises

3. Riding in the car

2. Being alone

1. Changing clothes

Inception

Last week's mommy movie was actually more of a daddy movie. I've never seen so many fathers at one of these weekly baby-friendly movie showings. I guess that's due to the fact that it was sci-fi and not some schlocky chick flick. Inception is certainly no chick flick. It aims to be a more of a mind bleep (if you know what I mean). The plot is incredibly complicated (I won't even try) and it requires you to put the realistic part of your brain on vacation. That being said; it was a fun ride. Just make sure you don't go while sleepy, or your head might fall off.

First Date

Yes, you read that correctly! We went on our first date! No, no, not our first date ever (that was nearly eight years ago) but our first date since the baby came. In honor of our anniversary, we took the baby to Grandma's house, and left her there for more than TWO hours! Then we snuck off to a restaurant on the waterfront and watched the boats and the sunset.

I think we even looked more-or-less normal since our hair was combed and we did not have any spit-up stains in any obvious places. M. actually looked quite handsome in his white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that we haven't forgotten how to talk about things other than our daughter.

By the time we got back from our outing, the baby had eaten, gone for a walk, cried a bit, had several changes, put on PJ's, and enjoyed her own private music show. She did not even seem to notice our return because she was too busy watching Mr. D. play. I do believe a good time was had by all.

Two Years Married

What a difference a couple of years can make! Not only are we still married, but now we have our own sweet little Delphinium as well. I could not ask for anything better. M remains the best friend and husband a girl could have, and now he is Super Dad as well. Happy anniversary to my dear husband. May we please have 70 or 80 more?

Ten Things That Wake Baby

10. My creaking bones (I'm not kidding)
9. Creaking floor boards
8. Kids playing in the street
7. Crows hopping around on our roof
6. Diaper moments ('nough said)
5. The garbage truck
4. The recycling truck
3. The yard waste truck
2. Lawn mowers
1. The cat (who does it on purpose to get back at me)

Mommy Movies

One of the challenges of having a baby is that there are things you used to enjoy in your old life that you can no longer do. Babysitters are all well and good, but they require preparation, money, and the willingness to leave your baby. Therefore, I love, love, love the Mommy Movies at Lincoln Square Cinemas.

Mommy movies are every Thursday at 10am in Bellevue. They usually show three current-run movies that appeal to mommy-aged people not little kids. The lights are left up and the sound is turned down so that babies are not disturbed and their parents can still see to tend them. Added to that the free snack delivery from the concession stand, and you have a wonderful morning out for moms and dads. Of course babies do occasionally cry during these movies, and parents can be seen pacing the aisles from time to time. However, when you have one of your own it really doesn't bother you at all. Hooray for outings with baby! Hooray for maternal sanity! Hooray for Lincoln Square Cinemas!

The Art of Sleep: All Through the Night

She did it! Oh she did it! She slept through the night without feeding or changing! She went down around 11pm and did not wake up again until 7:15! Of course I kept waking up to check that she was okay, but I didn't have to do anything for her because she was STILL ASLEEP! I know, I know this does not mean she will do it again any time soon, but it is such a thrill just to know it's possible. MY baby slept through the night!

All Joy and No Fun

A few weeks ago, this article went pinging around FB like mad. All the parents, new and experienced, seemed excited about it. While it is a long read for an article, I had no trouble getting through. The main theme is about how parenting can be simultaneously the best thing going and the hardest job ever. Study after study finds that parents are stressed, bored, exhausted and otherwise wrung out by their kids, so why, the authors ask, do people keep signing up for the job? The answer may lie in your definition of happiness. To paraphrase on great quote from the article: Parenting is the greatest source of joy in the world, but it turns all your other sources of joy to shit. Seems a bit strong to me, but I do see the point.

What interested me most about the passing around of the article was the subtle (or not so subtle) admission among friends that we aren't always completely blissful as parents. There's not a day (or an hour?) that goes by where I don't think how lucky I am to have Delphinium, but that doesn't mean I don't miss my freedom and peace sometimes. In the end, I do agree with this author that the love and sense of purpose are entirely worth the price.

The Art of Sleep: Three Months

Sleep is the big topic of conversation around our house these days. This is nothing new since we've been chasing after it, cursing the lack of it, and trying to be more comfortable with it since Delphinium was born. However, recently something exciting has occurred. This milestone was when the baby fell asleep in her swing a few days ago.

It was a complete surprise. I'm so used to soothing her down with nursing or rocking or bouncing that I had no expectation of her falling asleep on her own. Yet there she was, snoozing away as happy as can be. In an instant I was well and truly conflicted. On the one hand, I was thrilled by her development and what this might mean for the ease of future naps. On the other hand she did it without me. I know it's supposed to go this way, but sometimes it's hard to realize she will need me a little bit less every day.

Parenting Blind

It used to be, in my former working life, that I had to make a lot of decisions. How to run my classroom, how to deal with parents and co-workers, how to manage the work load etc. My strategy for dealing with this issue was to gather as much info as I could and then go with the option that seemed most sensible (well that was my goal anyway). Of course things didn't always go my way, but at least I could feel that I tried to make an intelligent choice.

Parenting feels to me like a whole different story. Every day I make decisions about how to care for the baby, and I feel like I am doing so blind. Of course when I try to figure out the best way to get her to take naps, I can read about it, I can ask my friends and my mother what's best, and I consult with my co-parent. However, because every baby is different, there is no way to know if the information and advice pertain to my situation at all.

Also, while I knew my job as a teacher was important, somehow parenting seems so much more serious. She's just so tiny and so dependent on us that small mistakes can have major consequences. At this point we are her whole world, and we do not want to mess that up! Still, there's nothing for it but to try. I get the feeling that this concern does not go away. Now I worry about car trips and nursing, but in a few years it will be potty training or drivers education. Let's hope good intentions can carry the day.

Oregon Pledge Song

While I was a student at the University of Oregon, I used to love to attend convocation which is the opening ceremony for each academic year. Going back to medieval times, the tradition of convocation is by no means a requirement at the university, and many students never even attend. I, on the other hand, love that kid of ceremony with the professors in their robes and the president with the ornaments of his office. Speakers are also an important part of the event, and my favorite ever was the venerable NPR correspondent, Daniel Schorr. Call me a geek, nerd, or keener, they all fit quite well. Last, but not least, was the singing. There was always a program that allowed a person to follow along. The Oregon Pledge Song was a perennial fixture:

Old Oregon we pledge to thee our honor and fidelity
Both now and in the years to be a never-failing loyalty.

Fair Oregon thy name shall be written high in liberty
Now uncovered swears thy every son our pledge to Oregon.

(John Stark Evans 1919)

A Few Notes on Breastfeeding

Not that I'm exactly an expert, but I certainly know more than I did three months ago:

1. Breastfeeding is as good for you as it is for the baby (i.e. really really good)
2. Breastfeeding can be way harder than you might expect, but it gets so much easier
3. Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby must learn
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help
5. Nipple cream is your friend
6. A good nursing bra is worth its weight in gold
7. Wear a bra at night even if it seems strange
8. Breast pads will keep you comfortable at night and embarrassment-free during the day
9. Invest in a pump even if you aren't returning to work
10. Breastfeeding releases the most wonderful bonding chemicals
11. There is nothing lovelier than a tiny milky face turned up to look at yours

Ten Weeks

The last couple of weeks have gone by in a flash. Once again it seems that Delphinium is getting more aware and awake all the time. She now wants to face out and see what is going on as much as possible. Her neck is getting stronger all the time, but she still needs some help to sit up safely. We've taken to carrying her sitting up with her back against our chests and our hands under her bottom. This is very popular especially when you offer commentary about the things she can see.

She also enjoys time in her swing and baby gym, and it's very cute to watch her bat at the toys above her head. She gets such a look of glee on her face when she manages to send the fabric lion swinging. She still hates her carseat and the whole process of buckling and unbuckling. Maybe going for walks will be more popular once we can ditch the carseat and use the stroller on its own. Last, but not least, she still LOVES to have her diaper changed. She can be in the middle of a big fuss, and all you have to do is put her on her changing table. She turns all smiles and coos when the diaper comes off. Then you have to watch out for the waterworks.

The Wearable Baby

Delphinium and I spend a lot of time together. All of it in fact. There are times when carrying the baby gets to be, well, a bit of a burden. After all, there is no where a baby (this baby anyway) would rather be than in Mom or Dad or Grandma's arms. Sometimes those arms get tired, and then it's time to find an alternative. That's why I went wrap/sling/carrier shopping at our local baby consignment shop. They had many kinds, but the helpful lady recommended a wrap since mine is still a small, young baby. It turns out that she was right.

Delphinium is now a big fan of the wrap (which is really just a long piece of t-shirt fabric with a ring closure at one end). It keeps her snug and close to your body and must remind them of being in the womb. Also, the stretch of the fabric lets you bounce just a little extra. The best part is that you have one and a half hands free to do other things. No, no actually the best part is that the baby is happy and you are comfortable. What could be better than that?

Shots

I hate, hate, hate when the baby gets a poke, but there was no question about her getting vaccinated. We really believe that it's in her best interest, and everyone else's as well. Still it wasn't much fun to take her in today. She was feeling a bit fussy before we arrived, but she perked up when Dad arrived to meet us for the appointment. She was weighed and measured and seen by the doctor, and she put up with all this in pretty good humor. Then came the bad moment. One nasty tasting dose in the mouth, and one stick in each thigh. She cried for a few minutes, and now she's sleeping it off in her cradle. Much better than polio or pertussis down the line.

Eight Weeks of Baby

I keep wanting to do short little daily updates on all the cute little milestones Delphinium's been making, but it can be so difficult to get to the computer these days. Nevertheless, I have to try. It would be nice to be able to go back and remember these early days.

In the last couple weeks, she's been very busy getting stronger. You can really tell the difference when you hold her how strong her back muscles have become. She's no longer our limp little noodle, and she has become quite capable of huge stretches and back arches when she wakes from a nap. She's also working hard on holding her head up for longer and longer. She actually seems to enjoy tummy time most days, so I think she's getting her exercise.

It's all fantastic stuff to watch unfolding, but my favorite is the smiles. Sometime around six or seven weeks she suddenly started giving us "social" smiles. She's been smiling in her sleep for weeks now (about what does a baby dream?) but this is different. There is something decidedly warm and fuzzy about leaning in to pick up a baby from nap, have her focus on you, and then flash the sweetest smile. It makes the screaming times all worth while.

Daddy Goes Back to Work

It was bound to happen. A few days ago, M went back to work. Now Delphinium and I are trying to adjust ourselves to days on our own. Some days are perfectly easy, and we have a great time together. Others are harder, but so far, the baby has been the only one to cry. Even on the tough days, I wouldn't trade this for anything. There is a reason babies are so meltingly cute.

I am also so thankful that I do not have to go back to work now that the first six weeks are up. I absolutely cannot believe that is the standard amount of maternity leave available at many companies. Forcing women and babies to separate after such a short time cannot be good for either. Hooray for one year off!

First Solo Outing

Given that M is heading back to work, Delphinium and I decided we needed to practice doing things on our own. Up until this point, we've been spoiled by Daddy doing the heavy lifting, Daddy providing the extra hands and extra eyes Daddy putting baby gear together and understanding how it works. Now it's up to Mommy. Gulp.

Thus, over the weekend, we went out all by ourselves. Mommy folded and loaded the stroller, Mommy hefted and buckled the carseat, Mommy packed and remembered the diaper bag, and Mommy even figured out the baby view mirror installation. Whew! Babies have SO much stuff!

Then, with baited breath, Mommy put the baby into her carseat. The baby smiled. Mommy locked the seat into its base (first try!), and the baby cooed. Mommy drove to the mall. The baby stayed awake (and cheerful!) the entire trip. We met Grandma for lunch (okay so it wasn't completely a solo trip) and the baby slept and slept. Looking at the baby in the mirror on the way home, it was as if she was saying "don't worry Mommy, we can do this."

Of course there will be other times when things don't go quite so well, but it was ever so nice of Delphinium to boost my confidence just this once. We've rounded another corner together, and we're off.

The Lure of the Spring Garden

Lately, the garden's been calling my name. Especially when the sun shines, I really want to get out there and enjoy the smell of the dirt and the new green plants. However, this year I'm a bit preoccupied. The baby needs really really a lot of my time, and it just doesn't work to go outside to work for a few hours. There is a saving grace though. Without my bossy self out there, M has stepped up to do some plant husbandry. It turns out he's quite good in the veggie department especially. We have cunning little radishes pushing up their heads, lettuce leaving going wild, and even a few tomatoes begining to show a few flowers. We may have a decent garden yet. If summer weather ever arrives that is.

Sleeping is Easy

In the before times, I used to be a picky sleeper. First, it had to be very dark. I couldn't stand the flickering of technology, the glow from a hall light, or even an overly bright clock face. I also wanted just the right combination of blankets, sheets, and pillow. How could a person sleep comfortably with the wrong kind of pillow? Then there was sound. Ambulances, the cat, and a snoring husband all had the potential to ruin a perfectly lovely sleep.

Now, however, things have changed. Sleep can be such the elusive unicorn that I will take it in almost any form. I can now sleep in chairs, on sofas, or in any sliver of space that happens to be available. Lights, sounds, lumps, and bumps all have little or no impact on my ability to snooze. Only the sounds of the baby have me instantly awake.

I'm not the only one. The other night M got into bed while I was still in the rocking chair feeding the baby. He said "goodnight" to us, laid his head down on the pillow, and was snoring in three minutes flat. Let's just hope that when the depravation is over, we can figure out how to sleep like normal people again.

Three Weeks Old

Wow! I can't believe it's been three weeks since she was born. In a way it seems like a lifetime ago, but it could also have been the blink of an eye. Time definitely turns on its head when you have a newborn. At three weeks Baby C. is well past her nasty turn with jaundice. She is eating very well (she nursed for over an hour last night!) and I expect her weight to be up quite a bit when we have our next doctor visit.

She's also just getting a lot stronger already. She makes huge stretches and seems to be flexing and testing all her muscles. She's also in much greater control over herself, and she really really would like to be able to hold up her own head. Her cries are changing too. At the beginning, she had the mewing cry like a very small kitten. Now she's moved on to a lustier, louder version that can't fail to draw attention. She has many wonderful tricks, but one of the most impressive is the way she uses her fists to hold the pacifier in her mouth. She's clearly the most precious and talented baby that ever there was.

First Mothers Day

What a lovely way to spend my very first Mothers' Day. It was the first really warm, sunny day in ages, and my elder brother invited us to his house for brunch. We carpooled with my mom across the water. This was a day where all the mountains were perfectly visible in every direction. Brunch was cooked by L, and we all had to have second helpings because it was so good. Finally, for the end of the day we went for a walk around our neighborhood. Baby C. is, without a doubt, the best kind of gift any person could receive.

Getting Over Jaundice

I have this theory about having babies that everyone pays their proverbial dues at some point along the way. Some people having trouble getting pregnant, others endure very difficult pregnancies, while still more have long, painful, or even dicey deliveries. That is why I should not have been surprised when my wonderful pregnancy and comparatively easy delivery gave way to the ugliness of jaundice. I know, I know, as baby problems go, jaundice is really not very bad. However, for us it was the darkest time, and one that I won't soon forget.

The image of her first heel stick in the doctor's office is one. She was too dehydrated to bleed properly and had to be stuck a second time. I swear watching that occur was more painful for me than anything that happened to my body during the delivery. I also remember her first night strapped to the light bed. I sat in the chair next to her, breast pump in hand, and tried to express milk that was not there. I cried more than she did that night.

I am certain much of this hard time was due to my own hormones. Still, there is something very singular about having a baby. You love them so much that it literally hurts sometimes. I think it was my friend K who said it is like learning to live with your heart outside your body. The tough part is that it leaves your heart very much exposed to bumps and bruises that would not normally have been a problem. My mom has pointed out more than once that the baby herself will not remember any of this, and I certainly hope this is true.

So here we are in the after times. I am pleased to say that her jaundice is almost completely gone, and she is now much happier and more energetic. Her color is much closer to roses than bananas these days, and she has surpassed her birth weight. It helps very much that my milk came in during her time on the photo therapy bed, so I was finally able to feed her and feed her and feed her as much as she would take. It does my mommy heart good to see her so much better, and I really, really hope we've now paid our dues for the foreseeable future. Regular life never seemed so sweet.