I can't believe the joy that a baby brings to people--even strangers. Random women at the grocery store go out of their way to sneak a peek of the baby. Invariably, children see Will and excitedly say "Baby!" But it's even more special to see the joy of my parents and my grandma and aunts and cousins when they see Will. They recognize that it's a special thing to be witnessing this new life. And they love him!
And I love the joy Will brings to me and Alex. It's adorable to see him laugh. It always makes us laugh, too--even at Bella's expense as the instance below.... You can't help but be joyful around a baby!
12.29.2011
12.17.2011
Let the Sleep Training Begin!
Will's new thing is that he won't fall asleep at the drop of a hat like he used to. Now he's too aware and wants to play instead of take a nap or go to bed. Luckily, I had read Dr. Weissbluth's book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, and I was totally prepared for this challenge. He recommends right around 4 months getting babies on a sleep schedule. The idea is to notice when they are tired, soothe them to sleep with a consistent routine, and then put them down to sleep. He says they should be getting 2-3 good naps a day (an hour or two) and they should be going to bed between 6-8:00pm.
Armed with this knowledge, I began....
Day 1: I put Will in his crib to nap and he wailed. I gave up. He continued with his normal pattern of sleeping in the Baby Bjorn or the bouncy seat for about 20 minutes before waking up. At bed time, with new resolve and Alex's help, I put Will in his crib after he fell asleep nursing around 7:15. He cried and cried...and cried. Alex went up to the crib to soothe him, then I did. Just as I was about to give up and go get him, he stopped crying and fell asleep. In total he cried about 45 minutes. 45 awful, torturous minutes. Ugh.
That night, Will was up at 2:15am. He has NEVER been up that early before! I was so tired as I was up feeding him, and so frustrated. The book says that babies are supposed to sleep LONGER if they go to bed earlier. What was I doing wrong? I was ready to quit. Try sleep training again later--if at all. Go back to what's easy!!
Day 2: Back to the book. I picked up where I left off yesterday re-reading the chapter on sleep habits for months 5-9. That very page stated that now that babies are going to bed earlier, they will likely wake to be fed around 2-3:00am, then go back to sleep until 6-7:00am. This was exactly what happened with Will. And that was just the encouragement I needed to keep at it.
However, I was still unsuccessful with the morning nap. He actually didn't take one at all. Just cried. And cried. For the afternoon nap, I tried again to soothe him and put him in his crib. After about 30 minutes of crying, he fell asleep and slept for about 25 minutes.
He went to bed around 8:30--later than I'd like but we were out and he had a long nap in the car. No trouble going to sleep. He was up at 4:15, then slept again from 5-8:00am.
Day 3: Breakthrough. I finally had the resolve to try the morning nap and insist on it. I knew Will wa getting overtired because he wasn't getting the hour nap Dr. W. says is crucial to be restorative sleep. I soothed him to sleep again by bouncing him and singing to him. He fell asleep and I was so enjoying cuddling him that I thought about not putting him down at all...but I did. And he cried. Ugh.
I hopped in the shower and prayed. By the time I was done, Will was sound asleep! He slept for an hour and a half. And when he woke up, he had a huge smile on his face. While I changed his diaper and his clothes, he smiled and cooed, even though I knew he was hungry. Hoorah! I consider this a success.
I was worried that having to be home for naps would be frustrating and confining, but I loved my hour and a half of alone time.
For the afternoon nap, I again soothed him when I noticed him getting sleepy and then put him in his crib. He cried for about 2 seconds, I put a pacifier in his mouth and he immediately went to sleep.
36 hours ago I was ready to toss Dr. Weissbluth's book right out the window and I was mentally composing a nasty letter in my head claiming all the reasons why his method is cruel and ineffective. Now, I'm praising his name!
I'm cautious, though, as this was a little too easy. But maybe it's like potty training--when they are ready, they are ready. Only time will tell! For now, I'm going to enjoy my hour of peace!
Armed with this knowledge, I began....
Day 1: I put Will in his crib to nap and he wailed. I gave up. He continued with his normal pattern of sleeping in the Baby Bjorn or the bouncy seat for about 20 minutes before waking up. At bed time, with new resolve and Alex's help, I put Will in his crib after he fell asleep nursing around 7:15. He cried and cried...and cried. Alex went up to the crib to soothe him, then I did. Just as I was about to give up and go get him, he stopped crying and fell asleep. In total he cried about 45 minutes. 45 awful, torturous minutes. Ugh.
That night, Will was up at 2:15am. He has NEVER been up that early before! I was so tired as I was up feeding him, and so frustrated. The book says that babies are supposed to sleep LONGER if they go to bed earlier. What was I doing wrong? I was ready to quit. Try sleep training again later--if at all. Go back to what's easy!!
Day 2: Back to the book. I picked up where I left off yesterday re-reading the chapter on sleep habits for months 5-9. That very page stated that now that babies are going to bed earlier, they will likely wake to be fed around 2-3:00am, then go back to sleep until 6-7:00am. This was exactly what happened with Will. And that was just the encouragement I needed to keep at it.
However, I was still unsuccessful with the morning nap. He actually didn't take one at all. Just cried. And cried. For the afternoon nap, I tried again to soothe him and put him in his crib. After about 30 minutes of crying, he fell asleep and slept for about 25 minutes.
He went to bed around 8:30--later than I'd like but we were out and he had a long nap in the car. No trouble going to sleep. He was up at 4:15, then slept again from 5-8:00am.
Day 3: Breakthrough. I finally had the resolve to try the morning nap and insist on it. I knew Will wa getting overtired because he wasn't getting the hour nap Dr. W. says is crucial to be restorative sleep. I soothed him to sleep again by bouncing him and singing to him. He fell asleep and I was so enjoying cuddling him that I thought about not putting him down at all...but I did. And he cried. Ugh.
I hopped in the shower and prayed. By the time I was done, Will was sound asleep! He slept for an hour and a half. And when he woke up, he had a huge smile on his face. While I changed his diaper and his clothes, he smiled and cooed, even though I knew he was hungry. Hoorah! I consider this a success.
I was worried that having to be home for naps would be frustrating and confining, but I loved my hour and a half of alone time.
For the afternoon nap, I again soothed him when I noticed him getting sleepy and then put him in his crib. He cried for about 2 seconds, I put a pacifier in his mouth and he immediately went to sleep.
36 hours ago I was ready to toss Dr. Weissbluth's book right out the window and I was mentally composing a nasty letter in my head claiming all the reasons why his method is cruel and ineffective. Now, I'm praising his name!
I'm cautious, though, as this was a little too easy. But maybe it's like potty training--when they are ready, they are ready. Only time will tell! For now, I'm going to enjoy my hour of peace!
12.16.2011
Four Months
The time is truly flying by. As I've heard it said, with a baby, the days are long, but the years are short. There have been some long days, but the time is flying by.
At four months now, Will is very active and alert. He wants to play all the time. He can pick up toys from the floor or from a tray and put them right into his mouth. He loves to chew on things--that with the intense drool is a sure sign teething is just around the corner! He is very active, always kicking or hitting things, and he's testing his own strength, stretching out on the changing table and standing up when we hold him. He's found his feet now! He has even discovered that he can kick his feet in the bathtub and make noisy waves.
He has noticed and come to love Bella. He sees her and smiles. He tries to touch her and sometimes grabs her (I'm sure the grabbing will be an issue down the road here!). And she can make him laugh like crazy when she pulls at a toy or sniffs his chin. And Bella is a good big sister, totally cool with a little boy kicking her while he nurses and she nuzzles up next to me.
Will still loves music and now he also loves dancing. I will carry him around and sing and dance with him, moving his arms and wiggling him to the beat of the music. He gets the biggest smile on his face and he laughs. Even if he's a little cranky, there's nothing a good little dance won't fix.
Nothing makes him smile or laugh like Alex does. When he walks in the room, Will's face lights up. When he spots him at the kitchen table, he smiles. Alex only has to make some weird noise and Will starts to laugh and laugh. It's the cutest thing.
We're still working on tummy time....slowly progressing. Propped up on a pillow he's much more tolerant. And sleeping is now becoming a bit of an issue. He doesn't go down as effortlessly or sleep quite as long as he used to. But that's all material for another post.
I can truly say that I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of these first 4 months and I know it won't be long until I'm reflecting on month #5!
At four months now, Will is very active and alert. He wants to play all the time. He can pick up toys from the floor or from a tray and put them right into his mouth. He loves to chew on things--that with the intense drool is a sure sign teething is just around the corner! He is very active, always kicking or hitting things, and he's testing his own strength, stretching out on the changing table and standing up when we hold him. He's found his feet now! He has even discovered that he can kick his feet in the bathtub and make noisy waves.
He has noticed and come to love Bella. He sees her and smiles. He tries to touch her and sometimes grabs her (I'm sure the grabbing will be an issue down the road here!). And she can make him laugh like crazy when she pulls at a toy or sniffs his chin. And Bella is a good big sister, totally cool with a little boy kicking her while he nurses and she nuzzles up next to me.
Will still loves music and now he also loves dancing. I will carry him around and sing and dance with him, moving his arms and wiggling him to the beat of the music. He gets the biggest smile on his face and he laughs. Even if he's a little cranky, there's nothing a good little dance won't fix.
Nothing makes him smile or laugh like Alex does. When he walks in the room, Will's face lights up. When he spots him at the kitchen table, he smiles. Alex only has to make some weird noise and Will starts to laugh and laugh. It's the cutest thing.
We're still working on tummy time....slowly progressing. Propped up on a pillow he's much more tolerant. And sleeping is now becoming a bit of an issue. He doesn't go down as effortlessly or sleep quite as long as he used to. But that's all material for another post.
I can truly say that I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of these first 4 months and I know it won't be long until I'm reflecting on month #5!
12.15.2011
Christmas Through a Mother's Eyes
I've seen it a hundred times: the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus lying in the manger. This year, I look at that scene very differently. I can empathize with Mary's pain that night. I can hear Joseph's panic. I can imagine them trying to clean and make comfortable this newborn baby. "No crying he makes?" Yeah, right!
And I can picture God in heaven observing the scene. I can imagine the bittersweet smile on his face. His Son has been born...to die. Oh, the joy of life--Jesus, fully God and fully man. But oh, the sadness and the pain of knowing this precious, innocent baby's fate. The love of God to send his Son willingly to this earth, willingly to the cross, astounds me. The love I feel for my son is nothing compared to the love of the Father for his. I can imagine it. And the driving force behind his decision is an intense love for all of his people.
I cannot imagine anything happening to Will, especially an early, undeserved, brutal death. I cannot imagine how God could send his Son for that purpose. As much as I think I know what love is, God's love I cannot grasp. That is the glory of Christmas.
And I can picture God in heaven observing the scene. I can imagine the bittersweet smile on his face. His Son has been born...to die. Oh, the joy of life--Jesus, fully God and fully man. But oh, the sadness and the pain of knowing this precious, innocent baby's fate. The love of God to send his Son willingly to this earth, willingly to the cross, astounds me. The love I feel for my son is nothing compared to the love of the Father for his. I can imagine it. And the driving force behind his decision is an intense love for all of his people.
I cannot imagine anything happening to Will, especially an early, undeserved, brutal death. I cannot imagine how God could send his Son for that purpose. As much as I think I know what love is, God's love I cannot grasp. That is the glory of Christmas.
12.11.2011
Will and His Daddy
There is nothing better than seeing Will and Alex together. When Alex walks in the room, Will gets a huge smile on his face. Alex plays with him and can always make him laugh. It makes me fall in love with Alex all over again.
12.10.2011
Life is Sweet
"That it shall never come again is what makes life so sweet."
Emily Dickinson
I have made this my new screensaver.
On those nights when Will is inconsolable, and those times when I want to just have a minute to myself and he won't let me put him down, and those reheated dinners I eat because I had to nurse while Alex ate, and those 3am wake-up calls when all I really want to do is sleep in...at those times, I remember that these days will never come again and therefore, even in those times, life is sweet.
And on mornings when Will nuzzles in my shoulder, and those times when he lets out the most adorable baby laugh, and those times on the changing table that he smiles and "talks" to me with a wild range of pitch, and those moments when he wraps his tiny little hand around my finger...at those times, I remember that this moment will never come again and therefore, I savor it, soak it up, recognize its uniqueness and think to myself that life is so sweet.
Emily Dickinson
I have made this my new screensaver.
On those nights when Will is inconsolable, and those times when I want to just have a minute to myself and he won't let me put him down, and those reheated dinners I eat because I had to nurse while Alex ate, and those 3am wake-up calls when all I really want to do is sleep in...at those times, I remember that these days will never come again and therefore, even in those times, life is sweet.
And on mornings when Will nuzzles in my shoulder, and those times when he lets out the most adorable baby laugh, and those times on the changing table that he smiles and "talks" to me with a wild range of pitch, and those moments when he wraps his tiny little hand around my finger...at those times, I remember that this moment will never come again and therefore, I savor it, soak it up, recognize its uniqueness and think to myself that life is so sweet.
12.08.2011
Scary
I took Will to the Pediatric Dermatologist this week. He has a birthmark on his scalp that needs to be removed. This will involve surgery using general anesthesia and should be taken care of in February or March of 2012.
The doctor called the spot a "nevus sebaceus" and I've been researching it online. There doesn't seem to be too much known information about the cause or effects of these things. They are somehow related to hormonal and genetic causes. They can become cancerous in adolescence and can be a sign of a neurological or skeletal disorder (though my doctor didn't mention these possibilities).
This is scary stuff. Scary to think of the surgery, scary to think of the anesthesia, scary to think of future consequences. It's a test of my promise to trust Will to God.
I often sing to him the old hymn "Take My Life and Let It Be." I've started changing the words to one verse, singing instead: "Take my Will and make him thine. He shall be no longer mine." It's hard to surrender, but that song makes it a conscious act on my part. God is in control.
The doctor called the spot a "nevus sebaceus" and I've been researching it online. There doesn't seem to be too much known information about the cause or effects of these things. They are somehow related to hormonal and genetic causes. They can become cancerous in adolescence and can be a sign of a neurological or skeletal disorder (though my doctor didn't mention these possibilities).
This is scary stuff. Scary to think of the surgery, scary to think of the anesthesia, scary to think of future consequences. It's a test of my promise to trust Will to God.
I often sing to him the old hymn "Take My Life and Let It Be." I've started changing the words to one verse, singing instead: "Take my Will and make him thine. He shall be no longer mine." It's hard to surrender, but that song makes it a conscious act on my part. God is in control.
12.07.2011
Lonely
Now that the novelty of a new baby has worn off, and we're entering winter, AND a couple of my mom friends have started back to work, I'm finding this job to sometimes be lonely. Will isn't super interactive, and even though I love spending time with him, I do sometimes miss being around other adults. I am an introvert, so I don't mind spending time alone. In fact, I relish it! But I have to be intentional about getting together with people, getting involved in things, and getting out of the house. It's not motivating when it's 30 degrees outside...but it's good for my soul.
12.01.2011
What You Need...and What You Don't (First 3 months)
I think the hardest thing was making a registry and figuring out all the things I would need for a baby. Everyone will tell you something different, but here's my stab at it!
First, you need all the nitty-gritty practical healthcare stuff...the lotions, the diapers, the wipes. See my post on Preparation. Then, you need a copy of Baby Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields. This is a great resource that outlines pros and cons of different name brands for nearly every piece of baby equipment you can imagine!
Additional things you'll NEED:
Stuff you'll probably want:
First, you need all the nitty-gritty practical healthcare stuff...the lotions, the diapers, the wipes. See my post on Preparation. Then, you need a copy of Baby Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields. This is a great resource that outlines pros and cons of different name brands for nearly every piece of baby equipment you can imagine!
Additional things you'll NEED:
- Carseat
- Stroller (preferably one that holds the newborn carseat)
- Crib (make sure sides are not moveable)
- Crib mattress
- 2 crib sheets
- Changing pad of some type
- 2 changing pad covers
- Baby hairbrush
- Baby Tylenol
- Baby nail clippers
- Thermometer
- Swing/Bouncy seat--somewhere to set baby down to sleep or play
- Swaddle blankets (at least 2-3)
- 4-5 newborn size sleep-and-play outifts (try to get ones with mitten cuffs!)
- 3 newborn-size long-sleeve onesies or t-shirts
- 4 3-month-size sleep-and-play outfits
- 8-10 3-month-size outfits
- 3-6 3-month-size long-sleeve onesies
- 6 pairs of socks--I like GAP socks and Gymboree socks the best
- Diaper bag
- 5-7 bottles, even if you're breastfeeding
- Formula (nice to have an emergency stash even if you're breastfeeding)
- Distilled water for formula
- Teethers
- 12 Burp cloths
- 6 bibs
- Baby hooded towel and 3 washcloths
- Nursing pads, nursing bra
- Pacifiers, hat, ball syringe you'll get at the hospital!
Stuff you'll probably want:
- Small sleep sack and/or SwaddleMe
- Bassinet
- Rocking chair for baby's room
- Light-blocking window shades
- CD player or sound machine
- Diaper pail
- Mobile for crib
- Crib skirt
- Nursery decorations
- Baby monitor
- Dimmer switch on the light in baby's room
- Humidifier
- Baby medicine dispensing pacifier
- Baby bathtub
- Pack-N-Play
- Swing AND Bouncy seat (different babies like one or the other better...or like my baby, they have preferences on different days)
- Play gym with a few toys
- Boardbooks
- Variety of pacifier brands to see what works for your baby
- pacifier wipes
- A few additional outfits
- Dreft laundry detergent or some other dye-free and perfume-free brand
- Oxiclean Baby and Oxiclean Baby spray stain remover
- Laundry basket
- Breast pump (if you're breastfeeding)
- Breastmilk storage bags
- nursing wrap
- baby carrier (Baby Bjorn, Ergo, Moby wrap)
- Bumbo seat
- Camera/video camera
- Carseat cover for cold weather
- Additional strollers (I was glad I had a stroller frame to fit the baby carrier in addition to the travel system stroller for walks)
- Boppy pillow
- File for receipts and manuals for baby equipment
- Teething gel
- Breathable crib bumper
- I had a bouncy seat on each level of my house so I had a place to put Will when I was showering upstairs, or working out in the basement.
- A jogging stroller
- Video monitor
- Boogie Wipes
- Itzbeen timer
- Play try for Bumbo seat
- A second play gym to keep in the car--easy entertainment when you visit a non-kid-inhabited space
- Bottle Warmer
- Too many clothes--you'll be doing a lot of laundry anyway!
- A traditional crib set (bumper, quilt, etc.)
- Mittens (they never stay on anyway)
- Bumbo seat cover
- Dreft--any perfume-free, dye-free detergent will work
11.30.2011
Oops!
As I was trimming Will's nails two days ago, I accidentally cut into his finger a little bit. At first it didn't even bleed, and Will hardly seemed to notice. But I had to do everything I could not to freak out. When that little thumb started to bleed, I first thought, "Do I need to take him to the Emergency Room?" and then realized that this was a teeny cut and I only had to recall everything I knew about first aid. Rule #1: Stay calm. I knew I would upset him if I was upset. I willed myself to do this. Rule #2: Wash wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. I took Will to the sink, washed off the finger, and wrapped it in a paper towel. This seemed to do the trick. But it kept bleeding! I applied and band-aid and it bled through it. Finally (after what seemed like a lot longer than a few minutes), it stopped bleeding and I knew he would be okay.
I felt so horrible through this! I couldn't believe that I had done something to hurt my son. I know he will experience pain in life, but at my own hand? Poor kid. This did help me grasp the reality that there will be times in life when Will gets hurt and sick--I just pray that it is never anything serious. But I will have to deal with this. It is part of raising a boy! Also, I was reminded that parents will make mistakes. I know my parents did, and I know I will. I may have the best of intentions, but sometimes, things just happen beyond my control and outside of my desires. Thank God for his grace and redemption.
I felt so horrible through this! I couldn't believe that I had done something to hurt my son. I know he will experience pain in life, but at my own hand? Poor kid. This did help me grasp the reality that there will be times in life when Will gets hurt and sick--I just pray that it is never anything serious. But I will have to deal with this. It is part of raising a boy! Also, I was reminded that parents will make mistakes. I know my parents did, and I know I will. I may have the best of intentions, but sometimes, things just happen beyond my control and outside of my desires. Thank God for his grace and redemption.
11.29.2011
Preparation is the Key
One of the best tips I got from one of my pregnancy books was to have the whole house "staged" before you went to the hospital. What did this look like for me?
1. Unwrap and set up baby equipment. Trust me, you will not want to do this (or have enough hands to do this) after the baby is here! I just worked on one thing every day until I was all set up. I stored things in the nursery, so they were out of site, but ready to go. I did set up a pack-n-play with a changing station on the first floor to save me some stairs!
2. Pack your hospital bag. You don't need much, but I was glad I had a comfy set of clothes (yoga pants and a T-shirt), a hair dryer, toothbrush, make-up, a notebook and pen, my baby book (for footprints), Gatorade (you can't eat anything in labor, but you can drink this stuff!) flip flops, & slippers.
3. Set up a changing station with all your baby equipment including diapers, wipes, Vaseline, hand sanitizer, baby lotion, baby body wash (use Cetaphil or CeraVe, NOT Johnson and Johnson), rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, Q-tips. I also set out several burp cloths and blankets on both levels of my house so I didn't have to go up and down the stairs, especially in those first few weeks. (I would recommend stocking up on wipes--you can't have enough--and then no more than 100 newborn-size diapers, and about 400 size-1 diapers.)
4. Set up the bathroom with all of the accessories you will need in those first few weeks. The hospital will give you most everything you need, but I did stock up on extra Tuck's and maxi pads. I also liked having some of the wet Cottonelle flushable wipes on hand.
1. Unwrap and set up baby equipment. Trust me, you will not want to do this (or have enough hands to do this) after the baby is here! I just worked on one thing every day until I was all set up. I stored things in the nursery, so they were out of site, but ready to go. I did set up a pack-n-play with a changing station on the first floor to save me some stairs!
2. Pack your hospital bag. You don't need much, but I was glad I had a comfy set of clothes (yoga pants and a T-shirt), a hair dryer, toothbrush, make-up, a notebook and pen, my baby book (for footprints), Gatorade (you can't eat anything in labor, but you can drink this stuff!) flip flops, & slippers.
3. Set up a changing station with all your baby equipment including diapers, wipes, Vaseline, hand sanitizer, baby lotion, baby body wash (use Cetaphil or CeraVe, NOT Johnson and Johnson), rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, Q-tips. I also set out several burp cloths and blankets on both levels of my house so I didn't have to go up and down the stairs, especially in those first few weeks. (I would recommend stocking up on wipes--you can't have enough--and then no more than 100 newborn-size diapers, and about 400 size-1 diapers.)
4. Set up the bathroom with all of the accessories you will need in those first few weeks. The hospital will give you most everything you need, but I did stock up on extra Tuck's and maxi pads. I also liked having some of the wet Cottonelle flushable wipes on hand.
11.23.2011
Tears!
When did my little boy start crying with tears?! It makes the crying so much worse!
When I would feel bad when I was holding one of my crying cousins, Grandma used to say, "Oh, look Sarah--no tears!" and I would feel better knowing they must not be too upset. Somehow now Will cries and his face is stained with tears. So sad.
When I would feel bad when I was holding one of my crying cousins, Grandma used to say, "Oh, look Sarah--no tears!" and I would feel better knowing they must not be too upset. Somehow now Will cries and his face is stained with tears. So sad.
11.20.2011
I Love the Baby Stage
Why do I love babies? Why do I love these moments with Will in these early months? Yes it's difficult. It's a huge transition. My time is not my own. He can only communicate with crying. He has no set schedule. It's really hard to go anywhere. I spend a lot of time on the couch breastfeeding. A lot.
But I love it. Every day is different. Will is growing so quickly that I want to soak up every moment knowing he will never be just like this again. With the physical growth is incredible developmental growth. Every day he does something he couldn't do the day before. To watch this is to truly witness a miracle. To think that a year ago he did not exist...and now he is a complete human being. This is God's handiwork in full display. We are his greatest masterpiece of creation.
And this masterpiece fits perfectly in my arms--and he wants to be cuddled and held and rocked. There's nothing better than the feel of his head heavy on my chest, content, or asleep, peaceful and secure.
I feel privileged to be a part of leading this child on this journey of life. Each day I get to introduce him to some new facet of life. How amazing. Through his eyes I see life completely differently, like everything is new again.
I love knowing that I am responsible and able to meet all of his needs. When he cries, I can fix it (most of the time!) and I'm rewarded each day with smiles and coos that absolutely melt my heart.
But I love it. Every day is different. Will is growing so quickly that I want to soak up every moment knowing he will never be just like this again. With the physical growth is incredible developmental growth. Every day he does something he couldn't do the day before. To watch this is to truly witness a miracle. To think that a year ago he did not exist...and now he is a complete human being. This is God's handiwork in full display. We are his greatest masterpiece of creation.
And this masterpiece fits perfectly in my arms--and he wants to be cuddled and held and rocked. There's nothing better than the feel of his head heavy on my chest, content, or asleep, peaceful and secure.
I feel privileged to be a part of leading this child on this journey of life. Each day I get to introduce him to some new facet of life. How amazing. Through his eyes I see life completely differently, like everything is new again.
I love knowing that I am responsible and able to meet all of his needs. When he cries, I can fix it (most of the time!) and I'm rewarded each day with smiles and coos that absolutely melt my heart.
11.19.2011
Hmm...
Will is afraid of the hairdryer and the coffee grinder, but not the vacuum cleaner or the garbage disposer. Hmm....
He laughs at the crinkly sound the stuffed lion makes, but frowns at the same sound made by his giraffe.
Hmm....
Just when I think I'm figuring him out....
He laughs at the crinkly sound the stuffed lion makes, but frowns at the same sound made by his giraffe.
Hmm....
Just when I think I'm figuring him out....
Three Months!
At three months my little boy is learning how to interact with the world! He looks around while he should be nursing. He smiles when he sees me or Alex; he watches Bella intently and laughs when she wrestles a toy or lets out a big dog sneeze. Oh yes, I failed to mention that he's laughing! It's adorable. With greater awareness also comes awareness of when he's alone. He will often fuss when he can't see me directly and he' starting to fight going to sleep because he doesn't want to he left out of the party! (and let me tell you--our house on Friday night is some rockin' party!)
He's developing his motor skills and his voice. He talks and coos and squeals and gurgles and laughs. He hits his toys and now grabs them...and grabs my hair and my jewelry! He's strong. He holds his head up on his own. He's able to arch his back, fly like "superman" on his stomach on the floor, and push himself up to a standing position when I'm holding him. His eyes are already definitively brown.
He still loves music...from a toy or a CD or just a simple song sung by his mama. He still hates tummy time but we're working on it. He still holds his hands in a tight fist and moves his arms like he's punching the air. He still kicks often flailing his limbs as I know he did even before he was born. Trust me!
He is a joy to watch and be with. It just keeps getting better and better! I am blessed beyond measure.
He's developing his motor skills and his voice. He talks and coos and squeals and gurgles and laughs. He hits his toys and now grabs them...and grabs my hair and my jewelry! He's strong. He holds his head up on his own. He's able to arch his back, fly like "superman" on his stomach on the floor, and push himself up to a standing position when I'm holding him. His eyes are already definitively brown.
He still loves music...from a toy or a CD or just a simple song sung by his mama. He still hates tummy time but we're working on it. He still holds his hands in a tight fist and moves his arms like he's punching the air. He still kicks often flailing his limbs as I know he did even before he was born. Trust me!
He is a joy to watch and be with. It just keeps getting better and better! I am blessed beyond measure.
11.17.2011
Birthday Reflections
As I talked to my parents on my birthday this year, I realized something that I had never understood before: my birthday is not just about me--it's a huge event for them. It's a day that they fondly (I hope) re-live every year while I'm just worried about cake and presents. It's an important day for them in a very different way than it is important for me. Every year on my birthday, they remember the day they became parents--the day their lives changed forever. Sure they celebrate with me, but they celebrate with each other also, just as Alex and I will every August 16 to come.
11.08.2011
So Many Things to Love
I love that baby smell.
I love the hearing his little coos and gurgles.
I love seeing Will smile in response to my goofy faces and exaggerated words that someday will embarrass him!
I love the way he sinks into my chest, his head heavy on my shoulder as I take him up to bed at night.
I love how he grabs my thumb with a death grip while he's nursing.
I love how he falls asleep best while I'm holding him, singing to him.
I love seeing the world new again through his eyes.
I love being able to cradle him in one arm.
I love seeing him smile as I put him to bed...and seeing him smile when he sees me in the morning.
I love washing and folding the little outfits and the smell of the baby detergent.
I love the little hats and socks.
I love knowing that life with Will only gets better and better.
I love the hearing his little coos and gurgles.
I love seeing Will smile in response to my goofy faces and exaggerated words that someday will embarrass him!
I love the way he sinks into my chest, his head heavy on my shoulder as I take him up to bed at night.
I love how he grabs my thumb with a death grip while he's nursing.
I love how he falls asleep best while I'm holding him, singing to him.
I love seeing the world new again through his eyes.
I love being able to cradle him in one arm.
I love seeing him smile as I put him to bed...and seeing him smile when he sees me in the morning.
I love washing and folding the little outfits and the smell of the baby detergent.
I love the little hats and socks.
I love knowing that life with Will only gets better and better.
11.07.2011
Little People with Big Personalities
Will has some new friends, Lizzie and Micah. When we had all the kids together last week for a play date, I was struck by how similar...and how different these young children are already.
They are so similar in their development--each gaining neck strength and verbal coos and gurgles. They are all starting to show signs of being able to roll over. They are all just mesmerized by the world around them and can look around contentedly for a long time...until they scream because they want to be fed!
But what is interesting is that they are also each so different! Their little personalities are starting to reveal themselves. Micah was just content to be left alone for a while. He smiled a lot but didn't talk much. He would allow any one of us moms to hold him or replace his pacifier. He is laid back and interested in observing the world around him. Lizzie is a people person. She wanted to be with someone all the time. She is much more serious, almost skeptical. She is also quite particular about things. She knows what she wants!
I didn't really have a sense of Will's personality until I was able to contrast him with other babies his age. He smiled and talked more than the others. He is definitely adjusted to his routine and did best when he stuck to it. He was content to look around until he got hungry or tired. He also sat right next to Lizzie and grabbed her hand! I think he's social...and a ladies man! What we have to look forward to....
11.02.2011
First Halloween!
Will had two costumes for his first halloween. Frickin' adorable.
First, my sister-in-law gave me her daughter's old cat costume. Will loved it because it was so warm and cozy!
Then, I found a cute little doctor onesie at Target that I couldn't resist. My dad brought up a surgeon's facemask and hair net and little Will was all set!
I wonder what he'll be when he grows up. Dressing him like a little doctor is fun, but it also makes me think of all the possibilities for his little life. Only God knows!
First, my sister-in-law gave me her daughter's old cat costume. Will loved it because it was so warm and cozy!
Then, I found a cute little doctor onesie at Target that I couldn't resist. My dad brought up a surgeon's facemask and hair net and little Will was all set!
I wonder what he'll be when he grows up. Dressing him like a little doctor is fun, but it also makes me think of all the possibilities for his little life. Only God knows!
10.28.2011
Being Conscious
I just read this great essay by Anna Quindlen, simply titled "Anna Quindlen on Motherhood." I had tears in my eyes by the time I got to the end of it. She shares her insights as a mom of grown children, but how wonderful for me to read it while my baby is just 2 months old! What a great reminder that this journey goes fast...too fast to get caught up in complaining about being tired or getting frustrated with more crying or get distracted by the chores that need to be done and miss out on valuable time with my son.
And I love her comments about trusting herself more than research. We have a built-in mom know-how that just takes over like I never imagined. I still read those darn books, but it's nice to read about another mom who, at the end of the day, trusted her gut.
What a great perspective, thinking about how her children are her favorite people in the world. I can get a little sad thinking about Will growing up and not needing me in the same ways anymore, but Anna has a great way of looking at it: With every stage, things just get better and better!
I love her phrase about her children "excavating [her] essential humanity"--wow, is this true. In just two months Will has magnified my selfishness like nothing else has. He has tested my patience and my joy, and forced me to do some serious soul searching. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Also, what a great reminder of how blessed I am that I get to stay home and enjoy these moments with Will. What a huge blessing for me--and I hope it will be a blessing for him as well. I hope I remain conscious of these blessings and never take them for granted!
And I love her comments about trusting herself more than research. We have a built-in mom know-how that just takes over like I never imagined. I still read those darn books, but it's nice to read about another mom who, at the end of the day, trusted her gut.
What a great perspective, thinking about how her children are her favorite people in the world. I can get a little sad thinking about Will growing up and not needing me in the same ways anymore, but Anna has a great way of looking at it: With every stage, things just get better and better!
I love her phrase about her children "excavating [her] essential humanity"--wow, is this true. In just two months Will has magnified my selfishness like nothing else has. He has tested my patience and my joy, and forced me to do some serious soul searching. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Also, what a great reminder of how blessed I am that I get to stay home and enjoy these moments with Will. What a huge blessing for me--and I hope it will be a blessing for him as well. I hope I remain conscious of these blessings and never take them for granted!
10.27.2011
New Discovery
Today Will discovered that those toys he's been noticing can actually be grasped. (Well, I put it in his hand and helped him realize this, but still. Baby steps.) I was somewhat surprised to see that as soon as he had a grasp, that toy went IMMEDIATELY into his mouth! It's unbelievable what a universal thing it is for children to put things in their mouths! Unreal. He was pretty darn cute, though.
10.25.2011
Mama Knows Best
The doctor informed us that we needed to work on more Tummy Time with Will. Apparently there's a small flat spot on one side of his head that we need to watch.
So...we tried.
He HATED it.
As his mom, I want Will to be happy...I hate having to do things that he doesn't like. I hate hearing him cry. But I also know what's best for him and know that Tummy Time is good for his development. Not only does it help that spot on his head, but it also develops those important neck muscles and prepares him for crawling. So...we keep trying.
What a great lesson as I think of myself as a child of God. He knows best. Even if we kick and scream and cry...He knows best and he acts out of love and goodness. He doesn't give up on us.
And eventually, we smile!
So...we tried.
He HATED it.
As his mom, I want Will to be happy...I hate having to do things that he doesn't like. I hate hearing him cry. But I also know what's best for him and know that Tummy Time is good for his development. Not only does it help that spot on his head, but it also develops those important neck muscles and prepares him for crawling. So...we keep trying.
And yesterday I even got a little smile! (Though he still looks a little like he's in pain...)
What a great lesson as I think of myself as a child of God. He knows best. Even if we kick and scream and cry...He knows best and he acts out of love and goodness. He doesn't give up on us.
And eventually, we smile!
10.23.2011
The Cry of Pain
Will's first shots went fine for him. He didn't cry too long, and he didn't get sick or anything afterward. However, they were tough for me in one regard. The way he cried when he was getting poked was a cry that I had never heard before: a cry of pain. I know his hungry cry, his fussy cry, his tired cry...and now I know his pain cry. I hope I don't hear it often, but I can't protect him forever! He will experience pain, and all I will be able to do then is all I can do now. I can't prevent pain, but I can cuddle and console him until the pain ends. And eventually it always will!
10.19.2011
Great Grandmothers
In his first 7 weeks, Will got to meet two of his great grandmothers! What a blessing!
His Grandma Hoffer lamented that she couldn't see him very well. She had to rely on others' descriptions of his outfit and his facial expressions. But as soon as he went into her arms, he began to smile...and sleep. Perfectly content. And Grandma didn't want to give him up!
Grandma Wilson was just in awe of Will the whole time she saw him while we spent the weekend together in Dayton. She couldn't believe she was able to see and hold her great grandson! She noted that she finally understood how special it was for her grandmother to have lived to see her great grandchildren. Grandma couldn't take her eyes off of Will and wanted to be looking at him or holding him every minute he was awake and not nursing. She held him and sang to him the same songs she had sung to me when I was a baby.
What a neat experience to see the two lives together--a life at the very beginning of existence and a life nearing the end. There is so much that our grandmothers have seen...and there is so much that Will will live to see that they cannot imagine. And in this time of overlap, there is much joy.
His Grandma Hoffer lamented that she couldn't see him very well. She had to rely on others' descriptions of his outfit and his facial expressions. But as soon as he went into her arms, he began to smile...and sleep. Perfectly content. And Grandma didn't want to give him up!
Grandma Wilson was just in awe of Will the whole time she saw him while we spent the weekend together in Dayton. She couldn't believe she was able to see and hold her great grandson! She noted that she finally understood how special it was for her grandmother to have lived to see her great grandchildren. Grandma couldn't take her eyes off of Will and wanted to be looking at him or holding him every minute he was awake and not nursing. She held him and sang to him the same songs she had sung to me when I was a baby.
What a neat experience to see the two lives together--a life at the very beginning of existence and a life nearing the end. There is so much that our grandmothers have seen...and there is so much that Will will live to see that they cannot imagine. And in this time of overlap, there is much joy.
10.18.2011
So, um, what do you do all day?
I recently had a friend ask me this question and I love it because I asked my stay-at-home mom friends the same thing! What exactly do you do all day?
Well, for me, the first waking is usually around 6 now, so Will is fed then and then sometimes goes back to sleep for 3 hours. (Other times, he doesn't--this is a new trick. When he doesn't go back down, he'll surprise me with one long nap at some point during the day, but it's a surprise! I never know which nap will be a long one...what a fun game, huh?)
When he does go back down, I know I have a chunk of time to get things done: I eat, shower, get ready for the day, pump, maybe write a blog post, and try to squeeze in 1-2 extra hours of sleep. When Will wakes again at 10 or so, he feeds again, and then I change him out of his pajamas and the day begins.
From here on out we work on 3-hour cycles of eating, playing, napping...eating, playing, napping. I try to make the most of my time throughout these cycles, stealing 5 minutes here to change the laundry over, and 10 minutes there to prep vegetables for dinner. While nursing, I can check my email or flip through a magazine. While playing, I can leave him on the floor for a couple minutes to grab something to eat or make coffee. But mostly we sing and read and "play" with his toys. Then as he starts to get fussy, I wrap him in a blanket, and sometimes strap him into the Baby Bjorn carrier, and sing him to sleep for a nap. During nap time, I can eat, clean up the house, download and email pictures, etc. But these naps are short...generally only about 20 minutes...before he wakes up and we're back at it again!
By the time Alex gets home, I make dinner, then spend the evening nursing while Will "cluster feeds." I am lucky if I get a few quiet moments for me to eat. Then he falls asleep around 9, until it all begins again the next day.
So, that's sort of what I do all day--until our routine changes again! I am NOT bored...and I do try to build in trips out every day, timing them to a nap time so Will can sleep in the Baby Bjorn while I carry him through the aisles of Target or visit with a friend.
And now I hear him waking up, so it's time to go!
Well, for me, the first waking is usually around 6 now, so Will is fed then and then sometimes goes back to sleep for 3 hours. (Other times, he doesn't--this is a new trick. When he doesn't go back down, he'll surprise me with one long nap at some point during the day, but it's a surprise! I never know which nap will be a long one...what a fun game, huh?)
When he does go back down, I know I have a chunk of time to get things done: I eat, shower, get ready for the day, pump, maybe write a blog post, and try to squeeze in 1-2 extra hours of sleep. When Will wakes again at 10 or so, he feeds again, and then I change him out of his pajamas and the day begins.
From here on out we work on 3-hour cycles of eating, playing, napping...eating, playing, napping. I try to make the most of my time throughout these cycles, stealing 5 minutes here to change the laundry over, and 10 minutes there to prep vegetables for dinner. While nursing, I can check my email or flip through a magazine. While playing, I can leave him on the floor for a couple minutes to grab something to eat or make coffee. But mostly we sing and read and "play" with his toys. Then as he starts to get fussy, I wrap him in a blanket, and sometimes strap him into the Baby Bjorn carrier, and sing him to sleep for a nap. During nap time, I can eat, clean up the house, download and email pictures, etc. But these naps are short...generally only about 20 minutes...before he wakes up and we're back at it again!
By the time Alex gets home, I make dinner, then spend the evening nursing while Will "cluster feeds." I am lucky if I get a few quiet moments for me to eat. Then he falls asleep around 9, until it all begins again the next day.
So, that's sort of what I do all day--until our routine changes again! I am NOT bored...and I do try to build in trips out every day, timing them to a nap time so Will can sleep in the Baby Bjorn while I carry him through the aisles of Target or visit with a friend.
And now I hear him waking up, so it's time to go!
10.16.2011
Two Months!
Alex and I are still struggling to connect at night when Will is still fussy and hungry. It's just not what we're used to. "Our time" is limited and often cut short by a crying baby. We're learning how to adjust, how to find time or how to talk over the tears. I know we'll figure it out, but that's the hardest part of this whole experience so far.
Still, it's fun in the evening when Alex gets to play with Will and see the development I witness during the day. He's on the verge of laughing, but now it's just a series of coos accompanying that big ol' grin of his. He's started to pull at the giraffe toy attached to his play gym. Very exciting stuff! Can't wait to see what I'm writing about next month!
10.13.2011
Road Trip
We took our first road trip last weekend and drove to Dayton. Not sure how this would work, Alex drove, Bella got shotgun privileges, and I rode in the back with Will in order to soothe and feed him when necessary. Bella was in heaven (Alex turned on the seat warmer for her!).
Will slept the first 4 hours of each leg. After he woke up, we fed him a bottle then stopped to change him, walk Bella, and feed us. Then Will went back to sleep! Not a bad way to spend a road trip.
Dancing
Will loves to be sung to. It is how I get him to sleep for all naps--I end up dancing around the living room with Will in my arms or in the baby carrier and singing all the songs I can think of.
Then I imagine myself someday dancing with my son at his wedding! What a thought. This little baby that I now can cradle in my arms and carry around with one hand will one day be towering over me.
But we'll still be dancing!
Then I imagine myself someday dancing with my son at his wedding! What a thought. This little baby that I now can cradle in my arms and carry around with one hand will one day be towering over me.
But we'll still be dancing!
10.11.2011
Heirloom
As a special gift, my mother made this adorable outfit for Will. She loves to smock and do needlework, but this is her answer for heirloom sewing for a baby boy. I love it!
10.03.2011
Bella (part 2)
Bella bonded with Will before he was born...and now that he's here, she still loves him! She is particularly curious about him and protective of him. When he cries, she rushes to his side. When he's being held, she comes over to look and smell, and when he's playing, she wants to play, too! Will is just now starting to notice her and it's only a matter of time before they are best friends!
10.02.2011
Noticing
With each new development, I'm more and more awed by the miracle that is my son. He is becoming more and more aware of the world around him, and very curious about everything. He can lie under his activity mat for a long time without getting bored, just looking and noticing the colors and shapes around the family room. Even after I enter the room to feed him when he's crying in his crib, he will lie for a few minutes captivated by the slats on the crib and now, his mobile above. I hope he never loses this curiosity about the world and this zeal for life. And I hope I become more of a noticer, too!
10.01.2011
All smiles!
One lesson I've learned from Will is to just smile! He enjoys life. He smiles all the time.
He smiles when he's nursing...
...and when he's in the swing...
...and when he's asleep in his crib...
...and when he's playing...
...and when he's napping in the bouncy seat...
...he smiles when he's being changed and when he's being held. He even smiles in the middle of the night when he's fighting to go to sleep, or when I place him in his crib. And every time, it melts my heart. We can all take a lesson from him! No matter what's going on, just smile. What a surefire way to change the tone of any situation.
9.30.2011
I Pray for Angels
At night, when I am at my wits' end, I pray for angels.
When he's crying, I stand by Will's crib and pray for angels to calm him when I cannot.
When he's calm, I stand outside Will's door and pray for angels to sing him to sleep.
When he is asleep, I lie in my bed and pray for angels to protect him through the night.
And knowing there are angels, I can sleep, too.
When he's crying, I stand by Will's crib and pray for angels to calm him when I cannot.
When he's calm, I stand outside Will's door and pray for angels to sing him to sleep.
When he is asleep, I lie in my bed and pray for angels to protect him through the night.
And knowing there are angels, I can sleep, too.
9.26.2011
Things No One Told Me About Motherhood
Despite all the reading I did to prepare for this, there still have been some surprises.
Like how much laundry there really is to do. It is a mathematical conundrum how one little person produces more dirty clothes, burp cloths, sheets, blankets, towels and changing pad covers than any adult!
And I can't believe how many times during the day I encounter liquid somewhere on my person and have no idea how it got there or even what it is. I'm leaking, he's leaking, I'm eating and drinking on the run (usually standing up)...and then there's the dog. This, however, is partly the cause of the aforementioned laundry!
I have been shocked at how little time I have to myself during the day. I thought I would be bored out of my mind the first few months, but that couldn't be farther from the truth! I'm running around non-stop...but at the end of the day, I have no idea what I actually accomplished. Another conundrum. "Sleep when the baby sleeps" is great advice in theory, but if you do that, when do you get anything done?
On that note, I'm going to take a nap.
Like how much laundry there really is to do. It is a mathematical conundrum how one little person produces more dirty clothes, burp cloths, sheets, blankets, towels and changing pad covers than any adult!
And I can't believe how many times during the day I encounter liquid somewhere on my person and have no idea how it got there or even what it is. I'm leaking, he's leaking, I'm eating and drinking on the run (usually standing up)...and then there's the dog. This, however, is partly the cause of the aforementioned laundry!
I have been shocked at how little time I have to myself during the day. I thought I would be bored out of my mind the first few months, but that couldn't be farther from the truth! I'm running around non-stop...but at the end of the day, I have no idea what I actually accomplished. Another conundrum. "Sleep when the baby sleeps" is great advice in theory, but if you do that, when do you get anything done?
On that note, I'm going to take a nap.
9.23.2011
We've Been Baby-fied!
I didn't think it would happen to me. We like things nice and neat and tidy, but even our family room has been taken over by baby gear!
 | |
| Before Will... |
 |
| ...and After! |
9.22.2011
So Precious As He Sleeps
Will is so peaceful and so precious as he sleeps. I think he's especially precious asleep in my arms, but in the crib, the swing or the car seat, he's just plain old adorable!
9.20.2011
One Month!
Will is officially one month old today. I feel a huge accomplishment knowing that according to the doctor he is "thriving and happy." We're doing something right! I've really taken this one day at a time...and we've done well for 31 days now! Will has grown physically from 9 pounds 7 ounces at birth to 10 pounds 14 ounces. Impressive! He is through with newborn size diapers and a few newborn size outfits no longer fit. It's amazing all the other ways he's changed, too. He looks more like a baby than a newborn already. He is so alert and sleeping a lot less during the day (and thankfully he's still sleeping 6-8 hour stretches at night!). He's smiling all the time. He's making noises. He's holding his head up. He's focusing on things including our faces--and his favorite thing to look at seems to be a photograph of a mountain we have framed over the family room couch. Though I think he sees the contrast of the white mat and black frame, Alex has dubbed the mountain "Will's Peak" and swears that every time he sees it, it produces a zen-like state. Hey--whatever works to calm a crying baby works for me!
I'm amazed at how much we have changed, too. We're a family now and no longer a couple. Not a single decision--from when to go to the grocery store to how to budget our money--made without factoring in Will. He's also already teaching us so many lessons. He's teaching me patience when all he wants to do is eat when I desperately want to take a nap or get some things done around the house. He's teaching me to trust the Lord in all things even when I put my baby down for the night and leave the room. He is in control! And perhaps above all he's teaching me about what is really important in life. And unloading the dishwasher is not important. Investing in a life has an impact for eternity.
I thank God for this opportunity. Being a mom is more challenging than I could have imagined and more of a blessing than I could have dreamed.
I'm amazed at how much we have changed, too. We're a family now and no longer a couple. Not a single decision--from when to go to the grocery store to how to budget our money--made without factoring in Will. He's also already teaching us so many lessons. He's teaching me patience when all he wants to do is eat when I desperately want to take a nap or get some things done around the house. He's teaching me to trust the Lord in all things even when I put my baby down for the night and leave the room. He is in control! And perhaps above all he's teaching me about what is really important in life. And unloading the dishwasher is not important. Investing in a life has an impact for eternity.
I thank God for this opportunity. Being a mom is more challenging than I could have imagined and more of a blessing than I could have dreamed.
9.19.2011
That's What Moms Are For
I can't imagine the first week with Will without my mom's help. It was one of the hardest weeks of my life, and at the same time, one of the most amazing and memorable. My mom did for me what her mom had done for her...and what I imagine her mom had done for her, and so on for centuries. There is something so natural and comfortable about having your own mom show you the ropes and helping you navigate those first days. As wonderful as Alex was and continues to be, my mom is the one who has been in my shoes. She could encourage me to continue breastfeeding even when it hurt, she could tell me from experience that I would feel better eventually and I would establish a new normal. And she could cuddle and sooth that baby when we both needed a break.
I'm blessed with a great mom who just came, knew what had to be done, and did it. She made dinner, and made our bed. She picked up prescriptions, and picked up the house. She cleaned the accessories for my breastpump, and she cleaned the bathtub. She held my baby when he cried, and she held her baby when she cried, too! Above all, she let me know that she loves me and she wants to help me to be successful.
At one point, she looked at me holding Will and said, "Oh, Sarah, you remind me of me!" Well, there's a reason for that! Everything I know about being a mom I learned from my own mom. Thank God for a good one!
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