Dear Bug,
Oh, Mr. Pants. The last few weeks you have really started to become more like a little kid and less like a baby. It's so cool watching you learn things and it's so much more fun to hang out with you now!
First, you point at everything and say "This!" It kind of comes out sounding like, "Dish!" but we won't be too picky. Sometimes the first thing you do in the morning is point and "This!" and sometimes you point and "This!" in the middle of the night before farting and falling back to sleep. It's awesome.
You've also started saying "Mom Mom Mom" sometimes. Even though I wish that you were referring to me, I don't think you are. I think you're trying to say "more" or "Mum-Mum" (your favorite snack) since you usually say "mommommom" around feeding time. And feeding time is getting so interesting! You eat real food now. You ate the chicken Mommy made for you the other night with some mushrooms, and last night you had pot roast with potatoes and carrots. When you want another bite you bang on your high-chair tray and grunt. I love it.
You also sometimes sass Mommy. If I tell you that we're cleaning up to go to bed, you hand me your container of blocks and grunt, which means I have to open it. But when I say no, you shake your fingers at me and babble babble and point and "This!" and babble babble. You are obviously very worked up over my refusal to open the blocks container. I try to look serious and tell you "No" more firmly, but sometimes I just laugh cause you look so funny.
I love your little personality! Every day you're growing into a bigger Bug and I love every minute of it!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Bug is ONE!!
Dear Bug,
It has been ever so long since I've written to you, so I have a lot to say in this letter. Since I last wrote, you turned one year old! I can't believe what a big boy you are! But, you'll always be my baby.
You can do so much now. You've mastered crawling and you race all around the house super fast. You always go for Clyde's water dish or for any glasses or soda bottles on our little end table. Daddy and I try to catch you, but you're too quick. When you start to go for our stuff, Daddy says, "It's Devo! Hide your stuff!" That's from a movie where Devo was a thief. It's pretty funny.
You are also a FABULOUS dancer. Whenever you feel the beat - I mean really feel it, deep in your bones - you stick your right hand in the air, hold up your pointer finger and rock back and forth on your butt while simultaneously waving your raised arm. Sometimes, if the beat grabs you while you're standing holding on to something, you bend your right knee and pulse it really fast, making your cute little hiney bounce. It's awesome. You dance to anything at all - your sing along songs, Mommy's ringtone, a TV commercial, or Justin Bieber. You never can tell what will strike your fancy and bring out the dancing bug!
Sleeping and eating have greatly improved, too. Your naps are now twice a day for one hour and usually at the same time every day. You now sleep almost totally through the night - as long as you're next to Mommy. You start out in your crib, but an hour or so later you cry for Mommy. Once I bring you to bed with me, you pass out for the rest of the night, with the occasional wake up and scootching in the wee hours. You don't eat anymore in the middle of the night. When you do eat, though, you choose a wider variety of foods. Puffs of all flavors seem to be your favorite, but you also enjoy yogurt bites, little graham crackers and Cheerios. Since you have seven teeth you can chew some things. I've started cutting up your fruit and vegetables instead of giving you only purees. You seem to like it. You've also had chicken that Daddy cooked, some rice and some couscous. Whatever you don't like, you throw on the floor. Good thing Clyde is around to clean up.
Your favorite games include the "Bug Dunk" with Daddy, where he lifts you in the air and you dunk your basketball into the hoop you got for your birthday. You are also a fan of emptying things out of buckets or baskets, then putting them back in. If I try to help you, you grunt at me, or you babble something loud and wag your finger at me. I guess emptying things and putting them back is a "Bug-only" activity. You throw everything and laugh, which is cute but potentially harmful to others and to expensive stuff in the house. We'll have to work on distinguishing what can be thrown and what can't be thrown. We also still go to Storytime and see Mazi and Anna for play dates. You love to see your little friends.
You babble an awful lot. Like, constantly. Sometimes Daddy and I think we can make out some words here and there, but not really. Dr. Ross says you'll be talking soon, though. I can't wait to hear all the things Bug has to say!
Your first birthday party was so much fun, Bug. We had a picnic at the park behind our house and invited all your friends. Grandpa barbequed and made balloon animals and Grandma did pretty much everything else. The theme was, of course, bugs! We had little bugs on each table, and Aunt Warnie made you an AWESOME cupcake cake that was shaped like the hungry caterpillar. Your friends all came to the party, and your cousin Sophia also came down from New York to celebrate! You got really messy eating your birthday cupcake and got so many presents. Mommy and Daddy got you a quilt that was made out of some of your baby clothes. I think you liked it. All in all, your party was a rocking bash, dude.
The biggest thing that's happened since I last wrote you is that you took your first steps!! Yay Bug!! Daddy and I were helping you walk (which means you grab onto our fingers and start moving super fast - you want to do this ALL THE TIME. It's rather exhausting). Daddy helped you walk toward Mommy, then let go of your fingers. You took three steps all by yourself and fell into my arms. We were so happy for you! And we were so glad that we got to see your first steps. Daddy and I were afraid we'd be at work and miss it. So thanks for deciding to walk on a Saturday!
I love you so much, Bug. You have made this past year the happiest of my life.
Love,
Mommy
It has been ever so long since I've written to you, so I have a lot to say in this letter. Since I last wrote, you turned one year old! I can't believe what a big boy you are! But, you'll always be my baby.
You can do so much now. You've mastered crawling and you race all around the house super fast. You always go for Clyde's water dish or for any glasses or soda bottles on our little end table. Daddy and I try to catch you, but you're too quick. When you start to go for our stuff, Daddy says, "It's Devo! Hide your stuff!" That's from a movie where Devo was a thief. It's pretty funny.
You are also a FABULOUS dancer. Whenever you feel the beat - I mean really feel it, deep in your bones - you stick your right hand in the air, hold up your pointer finger and rock back and forth on your butt while simultaneously waving your raised arm. Sometimes, if the beat grabs you while you're standing holding on to something, you bend your right knee and pulse it really fast, making your cute little hiney bounce. It's awesome. You dance to anything at all - your sing along songs, Mommy's ringtone, a TV commercial, or Justin Bieber. You never can tell what will strike your fancy and bring out the dancing bug!
Sleeping and eating have greatly improved, too. Your naps are now twice a day for one hour and usually at the same time every day. You now sleep almost totally through the night - as long as you're next to Mommy. You start out in your crib, but an hour or so later you cry for Mommy. Once I bring you to bed with me, you pass out for the rest of the night, with the occasional wake up and scootching in the wee hours. You don't eat anymore in the middle of the night. When you do eat, though, you choose a wider variety of foods. Puffs of all flavors seem to be your favorite, but you also enjoy yogurt bites, little graham crackers and Cheerios. Since you have seven teeth you can chew some things. I've started cutting up your fruit and vegetables instead of giving you only purees. You seem to like it. You've also had chicken that Daddy cooked, some rice and some couscous. Whatever you don't like, you throw on the floor. Good thing Clyde is around to clean up.
Your favorite games include the "Bug Dunk" with Daddy, where he lifts you in the air and you dunk your basketball into the hoop you got for your birthday. You are also a fan of emptying things out of buckets or baskets, then putting them back in. If I try to help you, you grunt at me, or you babble something loud and wag your finger at me. I guess emptying things and putting them back is a "Bug-only" activity. You throw everything and laugh, which is cute but potentially harmful to others and to expensive stuff in the house. We'll have to work on distinguishing what can be thrown and what can't be thrown. We also still go to Storytime and see Mazi and Anna for play dates. You love to see your little friends.
You babble an awful lot. Like, constantly. Sometimes Daddy and I think we can make out some words here and there, but not really. Dr. Ross says you'll be talking soon, though. I can't wait to hear all the things Bug has to say!
Your first birthday party was so much fun, Bug. We had a picnic at the park behind our house and invited all your friends. Grandpa barbequed and made balloon animals and Grandma did pretty much everything else. The theme was, of course, bugs! We had little bugs on each table, and Aunt Warnie made you an AWESOME cupcake cake that was shaped like the hungry caterpillar. Your friends all came to the party, and your cousin Sophia also came down from New York to celebrate! You got really messy eating your birthday cupcake and got so many presents. Mommy and Daddy got you a quilt that was made out of some of your baby clothes. I think you liked it. All in all, your party was a rocking bash, dude.
The biggest thing that's happened since I last wrote you is that you took your first steps!! Yay Bug!! Daddy and I were helping you walk (which means you grab onto our fingers and start moving super fast - you want to do this ALL THE TIME. It's rather exhausting). Daddy helped you walk toward Mommy, then let go of your fingers. You took three steps all by yourself and fell into my arms. We were so happy for you! And we were so glad that we got to see your first steps. Daddy and I were afraid we'd be at work and miss it. So thanks for deciding to walk on a Saturday!
I love you so much, Bug. You have made this past year the happiest of my life.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Dear Bug,
Oh, dude. The other night when I was getting you ready for your bath, you did a funny thing. Daddy was out with Uncle Mario, so it was just you and me. I put you down - naked - onto the bathroom floor while I filled up the tub. You were sitting very still like a good boy, giggling and farting and smiling and doing "So Big!" and farting and giggling. You were so CUTE!! When your bath was ready, I picked you up, and saw it. A poo right on my bathroom floor. Mister Dude!! I had to wipe your hiney and sanitize my floor before I plunked you down in the water. Crazy Bug.
I love you so!
Mommy
Oh, dude. The other night when I was getting you ready for your bath, you did a funny thing. Daddy was out with Uncle Mario, so it was just you and me. I put you down - naked - onto the bathroom floor while I filled up the tub. You were sitting very still like a good boy, giggling and farting and smiling and doing "So Big!" and farting and giggling. You were so CUTE!! When your bath was ready, I picked you up, and saw it. A poo right on my bathroom floor. Mister Dude!! I had to wipe your hiney and sanitize my floor before I plunked you down in the water. Crazy Bug.
I love you so!
Mommy
Thursday, May 19, 2011
First Word
Dear Bug,
On Saturday you said your first word! Mommy was packing up your diaper bag to take you with me to a baby shower. I was putting your Mets bat into your bag, and when you saw it, you very clearly said, "Bat!" It was awesome! Such a manly first word, too - Daddy is over the moon. I personally thought your first word was "Mama," since you've been babbling that for a few weeks now. But it hasn't been clear whether you associate me with your babbling, so Daddy and I couldn't decide whether or not that was your first word. He was leaning towards not counting it, though, because it wasn't "Dada." Mean. But, "Bat!" it is! I'm so proud of you!
On a side note, you were caught slipping your little hand up the dress of a little girl at the baby shower. Everyone thinks you're a freaking stud.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
On Saturday you said your first word! Mommy was packing up your diaper bag to take you with me to a baby shower. I was putting your Mets bat into your bag, and when you saw it, you very clearly said, "Bat!" It was awesome! Such a manly first word, too - Daddy is over the moon. I personally thought your first word was "Mama," since you've been babbling that for a few weeks now. But it hasn't been clear whether you associate me with your babbling, so Daddy and I couldn't decide whether or not that was your first word. He was leaning towards not counting it, though, because it wasn't "Dada." Mean. But, "Bat!" it is! I'm so proud of you!
On a side note, you were caught slipping your little hand up the dress of a little girl at the baby shower. Everyone thinks you're a freaking stud.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Mother's Day
Dear Bug,
You gave me the most wonderful Mother's Day ever, little dude! First you gave me a card that you chewed on. The corners were soggy and missing, and I had to swipe my finger through your mouth to remove the pieces you tried to swallow. Inside the card you had traced your hand just for me! And you wrote me the most special message ever. I didn't cry, but I wanted to. And on the card was a little purple plastic bracelet that says "Mom." I put it on and haven't taken it off since. I'll wear it until the day I die. Or until it gets lost.
You also gave Mommy beautiful flowers (that are still alive three days later! Yay!) and a digital picture frame so I can watch a slideshow of you at work all day long. It's like a Buggie Movie. I freaking love it. We went to lunch together at the Cheesecake Factory, and you were such a good boy. You made eyes at a lady with a hat and flirted with the waitress. And then you pooped at the table. But, because it was Mother's Day, Daddy changed your diaper. It was awesome!
But the best part of Mother's Day was getting to spend the day with you, my little Bug. I love you SO much and I consider myself lucky to be your mom. Every day with you is a gift, and even though I loved my presents, getting hugs and kisses from you make me feel like the most special girl in the world. Thank you for being my baby, Bug!
Love,
Mommy
You gave me the most wonderful Mother's Day ever, little dude! First you gave me a card that you chewed on. The corners were soggy and missing, and I had to swipe my finger through your mouth to remove the pieces you tried to swallow. Inside the card you had traced your hand just for me! And you wrote me the most special message ever. I didn't cry, but I wanted to. And on the card was a little purple plastic bracelet that says "Mom." I put it on and haven't taken it off since. I'll wear it until the day I die. Or until it gets lost.
You also gave Mommy beautiful flowers (that are still alive three days later! Yay!) and a digital picture frame so I can watch a slideshow of you at work all day long. It's like a Buggie Movie. I freaking love it. We went to lunch together at the Cheesecake Factory, and you were such a good boy. You made eyes at a lady with a hat and flirted with the waitress. And then you pooped at the table. But, because it was Mother's Day, Daddy changed your diaper. It was awesome!
But the best part of Mother's Day was getting to spend the day with you, my little Bug. I love you SO much and I consider myself lucky to be your mom. Every day with you is a gift, and even though I loved my presents, getting hugs and kisses from you make me feel like the most special girl in the world. Thank you for being my baby, Bug!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, May 6, 2011
Dear Bug,
Oh, Mister Dude. You did NOT sleep well last night, my friend. You were up giggling, smacking Mommy and Daddy in the face, farting, and trying to crawl off the bed. You slept in fits - I woke up once to find you lying across my stomach, with your head on one side, feet on the other, totally passed out. It didn't last though - fifteen minutes later you pulled my hair. Oh Buggie.
I had to go to work late this morning so I could sleep a little! But you slept for two and a half hours at Eliana's. Crazy Bug.
Hope tonight is better. But it's really hard to be annoyed at you when you're so freaking cute.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Love,
Mommy
Oh, Mister Dude. You did NOT sleep well last night, my friend. You were up giggling, smacking Mommy and Daddy in the face, farting, and trying to crawl off the bed. You slept in fits - I woke up once to find you lying across my stomach, with your head on one side, feet on the other, totally passed out. It didn't last though - fifteen minutes later you pulled my hair. Oh Buggie.
I had to go to work late this morning so I could sleep a little! But you slept for two and a half hours at Eliana's. Crazy Bug.
Hope tonight is better. But it's really hard to be annoyed at you when you're so freaking cute.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Bug at Nine Months
Dear Bug,
You turned 9 months old on Saturday! Such a big boy! I know I've said it before, but I really can't believe how fast time is going and how quickly you're growing. I was looking at pictures of you when you were first born, and you were so tiny. Now you're this grown up looking little boy and I wonder where my itsy bitsy Buggie went. But you are so cool at this age.
You aren't crawling, yet. And I stress the "yet." You can pull yourself along the floor on your belly with your arms, like an army commando. Aunt Warnen says you look like Lieutenant Dan from Forrest Gump. That's mean, but she's right. You're so fast, too - I was filling up your bath tub the other night and when I looked into your bedroom to check on you you had dragged yourself all the way across the room and were heading toward a power strip. I told you "no," turned you around, and went to finish drawing your bath. But less than 30 seconds later you were back across the room. It was crazy. I bet you'd win if I entered you into the Preakness: cute baby category.
Speaking of cute babies, you met Sophia for the first time this month, too! She's your second cousin, and you two were awesome together. She's nine weeks older than you and she can crawl really well. You were totally keeping up with her, though, by doing the Lieutenant Dan. No problems. I think you two really liked each other. I hope we can see Sophia again really soon.
Grandma also bought you a walker this month so that you can practice walking. You love it! Two nights ago I put you in the walker and we went for a walk around our neighborhood. I held your hand and we walked, very slowly, side by side. It was freaking awesome. Doesn't take much to make Mommy happy, huh Bug?
You had your second plane ride this month, learned how to clap hands and turn on the CD player, dyed Easter eggs for the first time, started laughing when I tell you "no," and have developed an obsession with Clyde, who doesn't really care about you. Crazy beagle.
All in all, it's been another awesome month. You are the light of my life, baby Bug. I love you more and more each day.
Love,
Mommy
You turned 9 months old on Saturday! Such a big boy! I know I've said it before, but I really can't believe how fast time is going and how quickly you're growing. I was looking at pictures of you when you were first born, and you were so tiny. Now you're this grown up looking little boy and I wonder where my itsy bitsy Buggie went. But you are so cool at this age.
You aren't crawling, yet. And I stress the "yet." You can pull yourself along the floor on your belly with your arms, like an army commando. Aunt Warnen says you look like Lieutenant Dan from Forrest Gump. That's mean, but she's right. You're so fast, too - I was filling up your bath tub the other night and when I looked into your bedroom to check on you you had dragged yourself all the way across the room and were heading toward a power strip. I told you "no," turned you around, and went to finish drawing your bath. But less than 30 seconds later you were back across the room. It was crazy. I bet you'd win if I entered you into the Preakness: cute baby category.
Speaking of cute babies, you met Sophia for the first time this month, too! She's your second cousin, and you two were awesome together. She's nine weeks older than you and she can crawl really well. You were totally keeping up with her, though, by doing the Lieutenant Dan. No problems. I think you two really liked each other. I hope we can see Sophia again really soon.
Grandma also bought you a walker this month so that you can practice walking. You love it! Two nights ago I put you in the walker and we went for a walk around our neighborhood. I held your hand and we walked, very slowly, side by side. It was freaking awesome. Doesn't take much to make Mommy happy, huh Bug?
You had your second plane ride this month, learned how to clap hands and turn on the CD player, dyed Easter eggs for the first time, started laughing when I tell you "no," and have developed an obsession with Clyde, who doesn't really care about you. Crazy beagle.
All in all, it's been another awesome month. You are the light of my life, baby Bug. I love you more and more each day.
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dear Bug,
It's just you and me tonight, Bug! Daddy has to go to class, so you and I get to hang out all by ourselves! Yay!
You were so cute last night. When you woke up to come into our bed you drank your bottle quickly, farted REALLY LOUDLY and then snuggled up close to Mommy and passed out. I hugged you so tight and was just so happy. Then Mommy passed out, too. :)
I think you and I will take a walk in your walker tonight after Daddy leaves. It'll be like a little date. I wish I could just smoosh your face right now!
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
It's just you and me tonight, Bug! Daddy has to go to class, so you and I get to hang out all by ourselves! Yay!
You were so cute last night. When you woke up to come into our bed you drank your bottle quickly, farted REALLY LOUDLY and then snuggled up close to Mommy and passed out. I hugged you so tight and was just so happy. Then Mommy passed out, too. :)
I think you and I will take a walk in your walker tonight after Daddy leaves. It'll be like a little date. I wish I could just smoosh your face right now!
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Bits and Pieces
Dear Bug,
Ugh! I haven't written in awhile AGAIN because I've been so busy at work. So, I'm going to just write you lots and lots of short little letters until my schedule opens up again. It's just so you know that you are always on my mind, even when I'm crazy busy writing stupid memos.
You've started crying and reaching for me when I'm not holding you - and I freaking love it! Aunt Warnie was playing with you yesterday, and you were all smiley, but once you saw me walk by in the other room you started crying and wouldn't stop until I picked you up and smooshed you. It was SO great. Thank you, Bug. I hope you are forever hopelessly devoted to Mommy.
Gotta go pump now - I have to make sure you have some food for dinner!
Love always,
Mommy
Ugh! I haven't written in awhile AGAIN because I've been so busy at work. So, I'm going to just write you lots and lots of short little letters until my schedule opens up again. It's just so you know that you are always on my mind, even when I'm crazy busy writing stupid memos.
You've started crying and reaching for me when I'm not holding you - and I freaking love it! Aunt Warnie was playing with you yesterday, and you were all smiley, but once you saw me walk by in the other room you started crying and wouldn't stop until I picked you up and smooshed you. It was SO great. Thank you, Bug. I hope you are forever hopelessly devoted to Mommy.
Gotta go pump now - I have to make sure you have some food for dinner!
Love always,
Mommy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Funny Things
Dear Bug,
I've been reading through the letters I've written to you and realized that they're not very funny. Mommy, as you know, is freaking hilarious. And, though I love you too too much, I find that the sappy letters on this blog are just not totally Mommy. So, I thought I'd make a list of some of the funny things that you do or that have happened since you were born. Here goes.
1. Daddy once put a burpcloth on your head with one of Mommy's head bands and told me about the rising price of oil.
2. When I bring you into my bed in the middle of the night, you always let out a huge fart before falling asleep.
3. I've found binkies, baby puke, and burpcloths in my bra. Sometimes all three have been in there at once.
4. Daddy and I giggle every time we hear you fart in your sleep over the baby monitor.
5. I've leaked breastmilk through my shirt at work. In front of my boss.
6. Two weeks ago Daddy was holding you up over his head. You puked in his mouth.
7. I called a two year old girl a "ho" at Storytime because she took one of your toys from you. I don't think her mother heard me.
8. When you flap your arms in my general direction Daddy says, "Woman! Get me some breastmilk!"
9. You always poo in your high chair or your jumperoo. I know you're doing it because you grunt and your face turns all red. I ask you if you're dropping a two-sie, and you grin at me.
10. The first time Daddy changed your diaper you peed all over him.
11. GP Marie asked to be your Valentine on Valentine's Day. I told that ho to back off.
12. When I clean your penis, you laugh hysterically.
13. You took a green poo on St. Patrick's Day. I considered it a shout-out to your Irish roots.
14. I drank a cosmo at Cousin Jenn's wedding and didn't dump the breastmilk I pumped. You drank it and slept the whole day. That might have been bad parenting on my part.
15. Daddy and I dressed you up as a hot dog for Halloween.
16. Every time you take a bath, you pee. It looks like the fountains at the Bellagio.
17. Daddy farted on you once during one of your wrestling matches. That was one of the few times you lost.
18. You and the turkey were the same size at Thanksgiving.
19. Everytime Daddy goes to take an important dump at night, you wake up and start to cry.
20. Eliana told us that, while you were playing with Jose, you hit him over and over in the face, then bit his nose. Daddy didn't tell her that you were doing Hurricane and Stink Nose, your signature wrestling moves.
21. You shudder when I feed you green beans.
22. When Daddy would hold you without a shirt on in the early days you would try to breastfeed from his nipples.
23. I call you Chris Brown when you hit Anna in the face.
24. Daddy and I took you trick-or-treating on Halloween. We ate all the candy you got.
25. When we're having trouble getting you to nap, Daddy sings "Teenage Dream" to you. You pass out by the second verse.
That's all I've got right now, dude. But don't worry, there will be plenty more where that came from!
I love you, my funny guy!
Love,
Mommy
I've been reading through the letters I've written to you and realized that they're not very funny. Mommy, as you know, is freaking hilarious. And, though I love you too too much, I find that the sappy letters on this blog are just not totally Mommy. So, I thought I'd make a list of some of the funny things that you do or that have happened since you were born. Here goes.
1. Daddy once put a burpcloth on your head with one of Mommy's head bands and told me about the rising price of oil.
2. When I bring you into my bed in the middle of the night, you always let out a huge fart before falling asleep.
3. I've found binkies, baby puke, and burpcloths in my bra. Sometimes all three have been in there at once.
4. Daddy and I giggle every time we hear you fart in your sleep over the baby monitor.
5. I've leaked breastmilk through my shirt at work. In front of my boss.
6. Two weeks ago Daddy was holding you up over his head. You puked in his mouth.
7. I called a two year old girl a "ho" at Storytime because she took one of your toys from you. I don't think her mother heard me.
8. When you flap your arms in my general direction Daddy says, "Woman! Get me some breastmilk!"
9. You always poo in your high chair or your jumperoo. I know you're doing it because you grunt and your face turns all red. I ask you if you're dropping a two-sie, and you grin at me.
10. The first time Daddy changed your diaper you peed all over him.
11. GP Marie asked to be your Valentine on Valentine's Day. I told that ho to back off.
12. When I clean your penis, you laugh hysterically.
13. You took a green poo on St. Patrick's Day. I considered it a shout-out to your Irish roots.
14. I drank a cosmo at Cousin Jenn's wedding and didn't dump the breastmilk I pumped. You drank it and slept the whole day. That might have been bad parenting on my part.
15. Daddy and I dressed you up as a hot dog for Halloween.
16. Every time you take a bath, you pee. It looks like the fountains at the Bellagio.
17. Daddy farted on you once during one of your wrestling matches. That was one of the few times you lost.
18. You and the turkey were the same size at Thanksgiving.
19. Everytime Daddy goes to take an important dump at night, you wake up and start to cry.
20. Eliana told us that, while you were playing with Jose, you hit him over and over in the face, then bit his nose. Daddy didn't tell her that you were doing Hurricane and Stink Nose, your signature wrestling moves.
21. You shudder when I feed you green beans.
22. When Daddy would hold you without a shirt on in the early days you would try to breastfeed from his nipples.
23. I call you Chris Brown when you hit Anna in the face.
24. Daddy and I took you trick-or-treating on Halloween. We ate all the candy you got.
25. When we're having trouble getting you to nap, Daddy sings "Teenage Dream" to you. You pass out by the second verse.
That's all I've got right now, dude. But don't worry, there will be plenty more where that came from!
I love you, my funny guy!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Bug at 8 Months
Yesterday you turned 8 months old. Yay! You are growing at bionic speed, and you're learning new things every day. There have been so many changes this month and I can't even believe what a big boy you are. My little Bug!
You also got two teeth this month! You were acting like such a crab-apple for about a week - you would be happy for about five minutes and then would start whining for no reason. Daddy and I would make sure you were fed and dry and well-rested, but you were still unhappy! Then you put the Stink Nose on Daddy during one of your wrestling matches, and you really hurt Daddy's nose. So I checked your gums, and, sure enough, you had two little teeth poking through! You stopped acting like a crab-apple after that. But, you still have to grow 18 more teeth, so I'm expecting the crab-apple-ness to return. But, whatevs.
You've also learned a new trick - you can do "So Big!" When I ask you, "How big is Nolan?" you put both of your hands over your head and I say, "So Big!" You only do this sometimes because, after all, you're not a trained monkey. But it's awesome when you cooperate. You also started eating Mum-Mums, which are these cracker things. They end up everywhere, but you love them. I really like them, too, cause they're super tasty. So I eat whatever doesn't make it in your mouth. We're a great team that way.
You're not exactly ready to crawl yet, but you can get on your hands and knees and rock back and forth. I bet in your 9 month update I'll be able to say that you're crawling. To be honest, though, I'm not looking forward to it. I like that when I set you down in one place, you'll pretty much stay there (though you may be all turned around, since you can "spin" on your belly). Crawling will make you harder to track. I may have to install a chip in your neck.
I don't think there were many other firsts this month. Daddy and I took you to the park on the first warm day this month, and you went on the swings and down the slide.
I think the whole thing might have been more fun for Daddy and me, though. As you know, Daddy loves slides, and Mommy is a big fan of swings. We were super excited to take you to the park, and, though you seemed to enjoy it, I don't think the park made you super psyched. Oh, well.
So, that's you at 8 months, Buggy! You are the sweetest boy in the whole world, and I love you more than anything.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Love, Mommy
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Working Mommy
Dear Bug,
It's been awhile since I've written to you! I'm sorry, but work has been kind of busy the last two weeks. I spend my days poring over cases and regulations and writing responses to pleadings - I almost never get to write you a letter or look at your cute little face in the pictures I have on my computer. I push myself so hard during the day, though, so I can be home in time for your dinner and - of course - bedtime. I can't, and won't, miss that for the world.
All this working has gotten me thinking about being a working mom. I always intended to have a career - a successful career - and worked my whole life to get where I am today. Mommy went to college, then graduate school, and finally law school, and worked her butt off for years so that she could be a successful career-woman. I always thought women who stayed at home were kind of lame and set the Women's Rights Movement back a few paces (this is not to be taken as a criticism of your grandmother, however, who stayed home with Mommy and Aunt Warnen when we were little - we think grandma rocks!). I used to go out with a boy in high school whose mom stayed home and I always felt so bad for her - like her life was boring and meaningless. I swore I would never let that happen to me. I wouldn't let my mind go to waste and I would make a difference in this world, come hell or high water. So I worked and worked, and got good grades and went to nice, expensive schools and became an environmental lawyer. I landed a good job and make a nice living. I'm involved in a prestigious profession and am surrounded by people who care about having careers. I reached the goal I've had since I was a little girl. But...
But then you were born. Even before I was pregnant with you I intended to be a full-time working mom. I was not going to let all the years and money I spent on school go to waste. I was not going to lose who I was to become a stay-at-home mom. I wasn't going to spend my days watching children's television or talking baby talk or whatever. When I went out with my friends I was going to have more to talk about than poopy diapers or teething. I wasn't going to "lose myself" in motherhood. That was the intention, even when you were growing in my belly. I can't believe now how greatly I failed to understand what being a mother would really mean.
I was lucky enough to get 12 weeks of maternity leave after you were born. So, for three months it was just you and me, all day, every day. I absolutely dreaded going back to work because I LOVED the time you and I spent together. We had our own little routine down, and I don't remember a time in my life when I was happier. The day I started back to work, Daddy put you in your carseat to take you to Eliana's, and I just cried. I cried all the way to work and through a good portion of the day. I almost killed myself on the parkway that afternoon getting home to you. And when I finally got there I hugged you so tight and didn't let you go the rest of the night. For the first two weeks back to work I cried nearly every morning, mostly in the car on the way to the office so Daddy wouldn't see. Even now, I get really sad the night before my workweek is about to start because I know how much I'll miss you.
Since I've been back to work, I've realized a few things. First, I know I would give up everything - my great job, my paycheck, my career, my law degree - everything I worked so hard to get, in order to stay home and be your mom full-time. I would do it in a heartbeat. I love that you and Daddy have a great relationship, but I get SO JEALOUS that he gets to spend so much time with you, and that sometimes you prefer to play with him. But that's only part of it. I want to stay home because I realize that being a mom - being your mom - is so much more important than anything I can do in my office or as a lawyer in general. And it wouldn't bore me at all - I would love every second of it. That's the other thing I realized - that being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean that all my education would be wasted, or that I'd be bored or boring to others. Because, after all, everything I've learned in my life - everything I've ever done - has just been in preparation to do the most important job ever - being your mom. I also realized that I could never "lose myself" in motherhood, because that suggests that I'm something other than a mother, too, and I know now that I'm not. Yes, I'm a lawyer, and a wife, and a daughter, and a sister, and a friend, but "MOM" is the overrarching term that describes who I am now. I'm always "mom," even when I'm also "lawyer" and "wife." There is no losing myself in that, because it is myself. If that makes any sense at all... :) Anyway, I totally understand now why staying at home is completely fulfilling to some women, and I think it's a credit to my sex that we're so happy to do - and capable of doing - such an important job. In no way does being a full-time mom fly in the face of gender equality.
As much as everything I've said is true, the bottom line is, I need to work. Mommy spent A LOT of money on law school. A LOT. So, Daddy and I need the money I bring home to keep a roof over your head. But I also think I work for another, more important reason: to be a good role model for you. I want you to grow up seeing your mom, a woman, as a smart, successful person. I want you to see that our family works very well by inverting the traditional gender role of the man being the breadwinner. I want you to see that Daddy and I work very much together to do this. And I want you to learn that women can be everything - loving mommies, and awesome career women. Maybe that will be the most important lesson you learn from me.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
It's been awhile since I've written to you! I'm sorry, but work has been kind of busy the last two weeks. I spend my days poring over cases and regulations and writing responses to pleadings - I almost never get to write you a letter or look at your cute little face in the pictures I have on my computer. I push myself so hard during the day, though, so I can be home in time for your dinner and - of course - bedtime. I can't, and won't, miss that for the world.
All this working has gotten me thinking about being a working mom. I always intended to have a career - a successful career - and worked my whole life to get where I am today. Mommy went to college, then graduate school, and finally law school, and worked her butt off for years so that she could be a successful career-woman. I always thought women who stayed at home were kind of lame and set the Women's Rights Movement back a few paces (this is not to be taken as a criticism of your grandmother, however, who stayed home with Mommy and Aunt Warnen when we were little - we think grandma rocks!). I used to go out with a boy in high school whose mom stayed home and I always felt so bad for her - like her life was boring and meaningless. I swore I would never let that happen to me. I wouldn't let my mind go to waste and I would make a difference in this world, come hell or high water. So I worked and worked, and got good grades and went to nice, expensive schools and became an environmental lawyer. I landed a good job and make a nice living. I'm involved in a prestigious profession and am surrounded by people who care about having careers. I reached the goal I've had since I was a little girl. But...
But then you were born. Even before I was pregnant with you I intended to be a full-time working mom. I was not going to let all the years and money I spent on school go to waste. I was not going to lose who I was to become a stay-at-home mom. I wasn't going to spend my days watching children's television or talking baby talk or whatever. When I went out with my friends I was going to have more to talk about than poopy diapers or teething. I wasn't going to "lose myself" in motherhood. That was the intention, even when you were growing in my belly. I can't believe now how greatly I failed to understand what being a mother would really mean.
I was lucky enough to get 12 weeks of maternity leave after you were born. So, for three months it was just you and me, all day, every day. I absolutely dreaded going back to work because I LOVED the time you and I spent together. We had our own little routine down, and I don't remember a time in my life when I was happier. The day I started back to work, Daddy put you in your carseat to take you to Eliana's, and I just cried. I cried all the way to work and through a good portion of the day. I almost killed myself on the parkway that afternoon getting home to you. And when I finally got there I hugged you so tight and didn't let you go the rest of the night. For the first two weeks back to work I cried nearly every morning, mostly in the car on the way to the office so Daddy wouldn't see. Even now, I get really sad the night before my workweek is about to start because I know how much I'll miss you.
Since I've been back to work, I've realized a few things. First, I know I would give up everything - my great job, my paycheck, my career, my law degree - everything I worked so hard to get, in order to stay home and be your mom full-time. I would do it in a heartbeat. I love that you and Daddy have a great relationship, but I get SO JEALOUS that he gets to spend so much time with you, and that sometimes you prefer to play with him. But that's only part of it. I want to stay home because I realize that being a mom - being your mom - is so much more important than anything I can do in my office or as a lawyer in general. And it wouldn't bore me at all - I would love every second of it. That's the other thing I realized - that being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean that all my education would be wasted, or that I'd be bored or boring to others. Because, after all, everything I've learned in my life - everything I've ever done - has just been in preparation to do the most important job ever - being your mom. I also realized that I could never "lose myself" in motherhood, because that suggests that I'm something other than a mother, too, and I know now that I'm not. Yes, I'm a lawyer, and a wife, and a daughter, and a sister, and a friend, but "MOM" is the overrarching term that describes who I am now. I'm always "mom," even when I'm also "lawyer" and "wife." There is no losing myself in that, because it is myself. If that makes any sense at all... :) Anyway, I totally understand now why staying at home is completely fulfilling to some women, and I think it's a credit to my sex that we're so happy to do - and capable of doing - such an important job. In no way does being a full-time mom fly in the face of gender equality.
As much as everything I've said is true, the bottom line is, I need to work. Mommy spent A LOT of money on law school. A LOT. So, Daddy and I need the money I bring home to keep a roof over your head. But I also think I work for another, more important reason: to be a good role model for you. I want you to grow up seeing your mom, a woman, as a smart, successful person. I want you to see that our family works very well by inverting the traditional gender role of the man being the breadwinner. I want you to see that Daddy and I work very much together to do this. And I want you to learn that women can be everything - loving mommies, and awesome career women. Maybe that will be the most important lesson you learn from me.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Traveling with a Bug
Dear Bug,
This weekend Mommy took you on your very first plane ride to see Grandma and Grandpa in New York. Daddy couldn't come with us because he had to work, so it was just you and me. I thought flying would be easier than driving, and I was probably right. But flying with you definitely was not easy.
First of all, when we got to Baltimore Daddy was a nervous wreck. He was so afraid that something would happen to me and you on the plane and that we wouldn't get to New York safely. That made Mommy worry. But after Daddy calmed down, Mommy still had to deal with airport security. That totally sucked. You were in your Ergo, so you were all comfy and cozy and being such a good boy. But the airport people had to check your breastmilk to make sure there were no explosives in it, scan your stroller and my breastpump, and I had to carry you through security in my arms, and not in your Ergo. Trying to hold you, fold up the stroller, unscrew the breastmilk bottles, take off my shoes, show my boarding pass, and do all this quickly so that I didn't make the person behind me mad, was exhausting. But seriously, I felt like freaking Super-mom when I was done. A veritable woman warrior for sure.
You were so good on the plane. When we got to our seats you wanted to do jumps until we took off. I fed you a bottle so that your ears wouldn't pop, and then you made smiley faces and giggled with the little girl in front of us the entire time. Her name was Cassidy, and she was 11 months old. You love those older women. Anyway, everyone on the plane said you were such the perfect gentleman on the flight. Thank God, because handling all your gear in the airport was very stressful for Mommy. If you had been a cranky Bug, things would have been so much worse.
You had fun with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend. Grandma hugged you and played with you and sang to you. She did all this at 5 in the morning, so Mommy could sleep a little. Grandma rocks for this. Aunt Warnen also got to spend some time with you. You and she went on a "Bear Hunt," which you liked. I think you liked it because it involved a lot of jumping.
You also got to spend a lot of time with Grandpa this weekend. He's an odd old coot. He made you a birdhouse and had Aunt Warnen decorate it and put your name on it. He kept taking you to the back door to show you the Birdies that were moving in. He thought they would move in soon, because, after all, Aunt Warnen had written "Welcome Birdies" on the birdhouse. What bird wouldn't feel right at home? Anyway, as of this posting the Birdies had yet to move in. But don't worry, Grandpa is keeping Mommy updated. And now you have something to do when you go visit Grandma and Grandpa in the springtime.
It was nice having Mommy-Buggie time this weekend. We spent a lot of time alone together. We had the flight, of course, but then we had all night to snuggle. It was rough on Mommy, because usually Daddy takes you for a little while at night, but this weekend it was all on me. It was nice, though. You're the most precious thing to wake up to. And I loved our bonding time. But we were both so happy to come home to Daddy after the weekend was over. You smiled so big when you saw him, and he grabbed you from me and squeezed you so tight! I think it will be a long time before we travel without Daddy again, because we miss him so much when we're away!
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Bug at Seven Months
Dear Bug,
You are seven months old today! Yay! You've made some changes to your repertoire in the last month. You're growing into such a big boy and you get awesomer and awesomer every day.
You've made some huge strides in the eating arena this past month. Now you eat mangoes, pears, apples, bananas, prunes, pumpkin, peaches (which you don't seem to like), sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots and winter squash. You also eat oatmeal and rice cereal twice a day. Feeding you is always a good time. It's a challenge to get the spoon past your flying fists and into your little mouth. If you are successful in grabbing the spoon, though, whatever is on it is jammed into your mouth first before being flung onto the shutters nearby, your hair, Mommy's face, or Clyde. Then you laugh at what you've done. Like I've said before, you're a really good eater. The only thing you don't seem to like is peaches, which is totally fine with me. You eat whatever is fed to you without any problems (beyond trying to grab the spoon and do it all yourself, that is). I've tried to make a "MMMM-AHHH" sound to you when I feed you so that you'll learn how to say "Mama" before you say "Dada." We'll see how that works. :)
Sleeping has also really improved since your half-birthday. Now you sleep from 7 to 2 or 3 in the morning before you wake up to eat. When you start whining I go in to your room to get you. You're usually face down ass up and turned around in your crib. It's really funny. Then when you hear me open the door you start rocking back and forth on your belly and giggling. That's what makes it so hard to be a little peeved at being woken up in the middle of the night. Your cuteness just takes over and makes me smile. Then I take you into my bed with me (Daddy's been on the couch because he's had a really bad cold and snores, which wakes you and me up) and you drink your bottle and go right back to sleep. I lay you flat on the bed next to me, and you turn on your side and bury your face into my pillow. You put your little hand on the pillow next to my face, and I hold your hand and fall asleep. It's the best thing EVER. The only downside is that I hate getting out of bed in the morning; I'd much rather stay cuddled up with you. So, Mommy has been late to work quite a bit this month. Oh, well.
Your athletic ability has improved greatly, as well. A month ago you weren't really a fan of rolling over. Now, you do it all the time. The second Daddy or I set you down on your play mat or your changing table, you roll onto your belly and start grabbing for toys to put in your mouth. After a few minutes you get annoyed with being on your belly and start fussing, but you won't turn yourself back over. So I have to do it for you. Then, almost immediately, you roll from your back to your belly again. Whatever. If a toy is out of your reach, you can almost push yourself onto your hands and knees and thrust yourself forward toward the toy. It's the beginning of crawling, and I'm scared. Once you're mobile, there's no telling what will happen...
Sitting unsupported isn't going too well - you still don't seem to want to do it. It's weird, too, because you'll stand up by yourself if you have something to hold on to. I think you might be walking before you sit unsupported. But maybe you just like having Mommy sit behind you, right?
You still really like to do Steps and Jumps and wrestle with Daddy. You're also still a big fan of your Jumperoo, and you can jump even higher now since your legs actually reach the ground. You've decided that Elvis the Elephant is your favorite toy. You carry it around with you when Daddy or I bring you from room to room, and you always have Elvis in your mouth. Daddy and I also started pushing you in your stroller without the car seat insert. You just lounge there all cool and stuff and watch the world go by. You bring Elvis with you, of course.
So, that's you at seven months! You are such a big boy now. I can't believe how fast you're growing and how quickly time is passing. You are and forever will be the most amazing part of my life - I love you so much, my big, big, Buggie-boy!
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
You are seven months old today! Yay! You've made some changes to your repertoire in the last month. You're growing into such a big boy and you get awesomer and awesomer every day.
You've made some huge strides in the eating arena this past month. Now you eat mangoes, pears, apples, bananas, prunes, pumpkin, peaches (which you don't seem to like), sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots and winter squash. You also eat oatmeal and rice cereal twice a day. Feeding you is always a good time. It's a challenge to get the spoon past your flying fists and into your little mouth. If you are successful in grabbing the spoon, though, whatever is on it is jammed into your mouth first before being flung onto the shutters nearby, your hair, Mommy's face, or Clyde. Then you laugh at what you've done. Like I've said before, you're a really good eater. The only thing you don't seem to like is peaches, which is totally fine with me. You eat whatever is fed to you without any problems (beyond trying to grab the spoon and do it all yourself, that is). I've tried to make a "MMMM-AHHH" sound to you when I feed you so that you'll learn how to say "Mama" before you say "Dada." We'll see how that works. :)
Sleeping has also really improved since your half-birthday. Now you sleep from 7 to 2 or 3 in the morning before you wake up to eat. When you start whining I go in to your room to get you. You're usually face down ass up and turned around in your crib. It's really funny. Then when you hear me open the door you start rocking back and forth on your belly and giggling. That's what makes it so hard to be a little peeved at being woken up in the middle of the night. Your cuteness just takes over and makes me smile. Then I take you into my bed with me (Daddy's been on the couch because he's had a really bad cold and snores, which wakes you and me up) and you drink your bottle and go right back to sleep. I lay you flat on the bed next to me, and you turn on your side and bury your face into my pillow. You put your little hand on the pillow next to my face, and I hold your hand and fall asleep. It's the best thing EVER. The only downside is that I hate getting out of bed in the morning; I'd much rather stay cuddled up with you. So, Mommy has been late to work quite a bit this month. Oh, well.
Your athletic ability has improved greatly, as well. A month ago you weren't really a fan of rolling over. Now, you do it all the time. The second Daddy or I set you down on your play mat or your changing table, you roll onto your belly and start grabbing for toys to put in your mouth. After a few minutes you get annoyed with being on your belly and start fussing, but you won't turn yourself back over. So I have to do it for you. Then, almost immediately, you roll from your back to your belly again. Whatever. If a toy is out of your reach, you can almost push yourself onto your hands and knees and thrust yourself forward toward the toy. It's the beginning of crawling, and I'm scared. Once you're mobile, there's no telling what will happen...
Sitting unsupported isn't going too well - you still don't seem to want to do it. It's weird, too, because you'll stand up by yourself if you have something to hold on to. I think you might be walking before you sit unsupported. But maybe you just like having Mommy sit behind you, right?
You still really like to do Steps and Jumps and wrestle with Daddy. You're also still a big fan of your Jumperoo, and you can jump even higher now since your legs actually reach the ground. You've decided that Elvis the Elephant is your favorite toy. You carry it around with you when Daddy or I bring you from room to room, and you always have Elvis in your mouth. Daddy and I also started pushing you in your stroller without the car seat insert. You just lounge there all cool and stuff and watch the world go by. You bring Elvis with you, of course.
So, that's you at seven months! You are such a big boy now. I can't believe how fast you're growing and how quickly time is passing. You are and forever will be the most amazing part of my life - I love you so much, my big, big, Buggie-boy!
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Storytime
Dear Bug,
Mommy is a reader. I've loved reading ever since I was little and even made a career out of it for a short time. I still read a lot, but not as much as I used to before you came along. Now I read for myself only after you go to bed; otherwise, I read your stories to you and try to share my love of reading with my Bug.
Every night before bed, we read. Right now, you sit on my lap and listen quietly for about two minutes before you start grabbing for the book and trying to eat the pages. Last week, you tried to put "Scuffy the Tugboat" into your mouth and got a little paper cut across your cheek. So now I give you something to chew on while we read so you don't interfere with the process. I also want to teach you how to respect books, and chewing on them is definitely a sign of disrespect.
I've been reading to you since you were a few days old. The day after we brought you home from the hospital I read you "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" during the 30 minutes or so that you were awake that day. It was fun reading to you back then, because you laid still and watched my face intently while I read. But usually you dozed off before the book was over and didn't show any reaction at all to the different voices I used to tell the story. Even though you try to eat the books now, at least you're more involved with reading. And I look forward to the day when you can start understanding the stories and all that. But for now, books just make you hungry, and that's okay.
You have a rather impressive library. I tried getting you some of my favorite books as a kid, like "The Velveteen Rabbit," "The Monster at the End of this Book," "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," and "Love You Forever." I also bought you a book of Emily Dickinson's poems, because Emily Dickinson is Mommy's favorite poet. The few times we read her poems together you smiled at me, because it all sounds like I'm singing you a little song. Maybe you'll be a poet like Emily someday.
Every Saturday morning, we go to Storytime at Barnes and Noble. Storytime is freaking awesome. Usually they read two or three books, and sometimes they have a character from one of the books come visit. When Maisy came to visit one time, you went crazy! You flapped your arms like a harpy and cooed and drooled all over my lap. It was awesome. Mostly, though, you just like watching and grinning at the other kids at Storytime. Then, when Storytime actually begins, you're all ears.
You are by far the youngest kid at Storytime, but you are also the most well-behaved. We sit on a little bench in front of the stage and watch the lady read a few books, and you smile every time she looks up at you. She always thinks that you're smiling at the story, but she's wrong. You're just a flirt. Anyway, after every Storytime she comes up to me to tell me how good a listener you are, and how you are her favorite Storytime participant. I keep it a secret that, if you were only closer to the books, you'd be more interested in eating them than anything else.
Bringing you to Storytime is my favorite thing to do with you. We always go alone together because Daddy works Saturday mornings. And, it seems to me, that the perfect Mommy-Bug time is best spent in a library or a book store, since I want to share my most favorite thing with my most favorite person, you. Maybe when you grow up you won't like reading as much as I do, and maybe we won't be able to talk about books like I hope we can. But for the time being, you seem to enjoy trying to gobble your way through our own personal storytime, and you certainly LOVE going to Storytime on Saturday mornings. And I love the time I spend with books, and you.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
Mommy is a reader. I've loved reading ever since I was little and even made a career out of it for a short time. I still read a lot, but not as much as I used to before you came along. Now I read for myself only after you go to bed; otherwise, I read your stories to you and try to share my love of reading with my Bug.
Every night before bed, we read. Right now, you sit on my lap and listen quietly for about two minutes before you start grabbing for the book and trying to eat the pages. Last week, you tried to put "Scuffy the Tugboat" into your mouth and got a little paper cut across your cheek. So now I give you something to chew on while we read so you don't interfere with the process. I also want to teach you how to respect books, and chewing on them is definitely a sign of disrespect.
I've been reading to you since you were a few days old. The day after we brought you home from the hospital I read you "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" during the 30 minutes or so that you were awake that day. It was fun reading to you back then, because you laid still and watched my face intently while I read. But usually you dozed off before the book was over and didn't show any reaction at all to the different voices I used to tell the story. Even though you try to eat the books now, at least you're more involved with reading. And I look forward to the day when you can start understanding the stories and all that. But for now, books just make you hungry, and that's okay.
You have a rather impressive library. I tried getting you some of my favorite books as a kid, like "The Velveteen Rabbit," "The Monster at the End of this Book," "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," and "Love You Forever." I also bought you a book of Emily Dickinson's poems, because Emily Dickinson is Mommy's favorite poet. The few times we read her poems together you smiled at me, because it all sounds like I'm singing you a little song. Maybe you'll be a poet like Emily someday.
Every Saturday morning, we go to Storytime at Barnes and Noble. Storytime is freaking awesome. Usually they read two or three books, and sometimes they have a character from one of the books come visit. When Maisy came to visit one time, you went crazy! You flapped your arms like a harpy and cooed and drooled all over my lap. It was awesome. Mostly, though, you just like watching and grinning at the other kids at Storytime. Then, when Storytime actually begins, you're all ears.
You are by far the youngest kid at Storytime, but you are also the most well-behaved. We sit on a little bench in front of the stage and watch the lady read a few books, and you smile every time she looks up at you. She always thinks that you're smiling at the story, but she's wrong. You're just a flirt. Anyway, after every Storytime she comes up to me to tell me how good a listener you are, and how you are her favorite Storytime participant. I keep it a secret that, if you were only closer to the books, you'd be more interested in eating them than anything else.
Bringing you to Storytime is my favorite thing to do with you. We always go alone together because Daddy works Saturday mornings. And, it seems to me, that the perfect Mommy-Bug time is best spent in a library or a book store, since I want to share my most favorite thing with my most favorite person, you. Maybe when you grow up you won't like reading as much as I do, and maybe we won't be able to talk about books like I hope we can. But for the time being, you seem to enjoy trying to gobble your way through our own personal storytime, and you certainly LOVE going to Storytime on Saturday mornings. And I love the time I spend with books, and you.
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Bug and Other Insects
Dear Bug,
You are so popular. I knew before you were born that you would be the VIP at all family events until you hit your "awkward" stage, but I didn't know how many little friends you would have! I think you probably have more friends than your Dad or I do. And you are so cute when you're with your friends - you just smile non-stop and do your deep belly laugh constantly.
First, there's Charlotte. Charlotte goes to daycare with you and is a little bit older than you are. She's got flaming red hair like Aunt Warnen. Eliana says that you always grab on to her arm or her pant leg, giggle and drool on her, and then push her away. You and I have had a discussion about how important it is to treat women with respect and to not use your brute force towards them in any way. You understand and have tried to play nicer with Charlotte. I always dress you in nice clothes for daycare because you want to look fly for Charlotte. But Dad says she's not so cute.
Your partner-in-crime is Tighe Carter. He's the only boy you're friends with, because you're more of a ladies' man. Because Tighe Carter is three months younger than you, you've tried to show him the ropes a little - like how to hold his head up or grab at Mommy's face. Aunt Lisa and I both know that you and Tighe Carter will be trolling for chicks before too long. Just make sure you both always remember that no woman will ever love you as much as your mommies!
Anna is another friend of yours. Uncle Mario brings Anna to our house sometimes, but she doesn't stay long before she starts crying. Twice she took toys away from you, and you screamed. She just stared at you. But whenever you first see Anna you get this huge smile on your face and start drooling like a hound dog. I talk for you and say things like, "Hey girl...you lookin' fine today, girl!" and help you rap to Anna. Uncle Mario doesn't like it. Daddy and I don't care. One time Anna was over when you had to go to bed. You had just fallen asleep and Uncle Mario went to use the bathroom and left Anna with Daddy. Well, she didn't like that. She started screaming bloody murder and woke you up. You were so scared and it took me a long time to calm you down. That's why Anna isn't allowed in our house after 6:30.
Finally, Sophia is your friend, even though you've never met her. She's your second cousin and lives in California. It's not illegal to marry your second cousin, but it's generally accepted as being weird. So don't fall in love with Sophia.
I love watching you interact with other babies - you are so precious and so sweet when they're around! Just like everything else you do, I'm absolutely amazed by your little social skills. I can't wait until you're old enough to join play groups and all that fun stuff. But in the meantime, I selfishly expose you to your little friends as much as I can so I can see that wonderful Buggie-grin!
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
You are so popular. I knew before you were born that you would be the VIP at all family events until you hit your "awkward" stage, but I didn't know how many little friends you would have! I think you probably have more friends than your Dad or I do. And you are so cute when you're with your friends - you just smile non-stop and do your deep belly laugh constantly.
First, there's Charlotte. Charlotte goes to daycare with you and is a little bit older than you are. She's got flaming red hair like Aunt Warnen. Eliana says that you always grab on to her arm or her pant leg, giggle and drool on her, and then push her away. You and I have had a discussion about how important it is to treat women with respect and to not use your brute force towards them in any way. You understand and have tried to play nicer with Charlotte. I always dress you in nice clothes for daycare because you want to look fly for Charlotte. But Dad says she's not so cute.
Your partner-in-crime is Tighe Carter. He's the only boy you're friends with, because you're more of a ladies' man. Because Tighe Carter is three months younger than you, you've tried to show him the ropes a little - like how to hold his head up or grab at Mommy's face. Aunt Lisa and I both know that you and Tighe Carter will be trolling for chicks before too long. Just make sure you both always remember that no woman will ever love you as much as your mommies!
Anna is another friend of yours. Uncle Mario brings Anna to our house sometimes, but she doesn't stay long before she starts crying. Twice she took toys away from you, and you screamed. She just stared at you. But whenever you first see Anna you get this huge smile on your face and start drooling like a hound dog. I talk for you and say things like, "Hey girl...you lookin' fine today, girl!" and help you rap to Anna. Uncle Mario doesn't like it. Daddy and I don't care. One time Anna was over when you had to go to bed. You had just fallen asleep and Uncle Mario went to use the bathroom and left Anna with Daddy. Well, she didn't like that. She started screaming bloody murder and woke you up. You were so scared and it took me a long time to calm you down. That's why Anna isn't allowed in our house after 6:30.
Finally, Sophia is your friend, even though you've never met her. She's your second cousin and lives in California. It's not illegal to marry your second cousin, but it's generally accepted as being weird. So don't fall in love with Sophia.
I love watching you interact with other babies - you are so precious and so sweet when they're around! Just like everything else you do, I'm absolutely amazed by your little social skills. I can't wait until you're old enough to join play groups and all that fun stuff. But in the meantime, I selfishly expose you to your little friends as much as I can so I can see that wonderful Buggie-grin!
I love you to the moon, and back!
Mommy
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Being Mommy
Dear Bug,
I never really wanted to be a mom. I used to baby-sit for other people's children, and would get frustrated when they cried or annoyed at their questions or bored with playing the same games over and over again. I didn't think I'd make a good mother because I really liked my alone time - reading, napping, going out whenever I wanted, traveling - all that fun stuff that child-less people do. And I thought that either I didn't want to sacrifice all that to have children, or that I would resent my children if I ended up sacrificing my "freedom" to become a mother. So, I would scrunch my nose up and say "ew" whenever anyone asked me when I'd be having a baby and thank God that I could go home and nap if I wanted to. But, that was before.
I don't remember when I decided that I wanted to have you, or what made me change my mind about being a mom. I'm sure I was just focused on the "fun" things about having a baby - snuggling and playing and dressing you in cute clothes - but I have too much respect for myself to admit that I didn't think at all about how hard it would be. But, whatever was going through my mind, one day I just KNEW it was time to have a baby. It was time to have you.
Being pregnant sucked most of the time, I'm not going to lie to you about that. In the beginning I was sick all the time. Then, I got fat and couldn't button or zipper my pants. Soon after I wasn't able to bend over to pick something up or to sit for long periods of time in the car. Your foot was in my ribs for the last three months you were in there, and that really hurt. Plus, I had the "pregnancy cold," so my nose was stuffy and runny for nine months. It wasn't pretty. Labor and delivery was okay, but it was uncomfortable and messy. And we'll discuss my issues with breastfeeding another time.
But you. My Bug. It's cliche to say, but the moment I saw you I fell instantly in love and knew that I would feel that way about you for the rest of my life. When you opened your eyes and looked at me for the first time I understood what it meant to be a mom. It meant that I now had someone in my life that I loved more than anything else - more than I had ever loved before or even imagined I could love. It meant that I would happily die for the little creature in my arms, and not begrudge him for it. It meant that my happiness and my heart was forever tethered to a little boy that grew inside my body, forced his way out, and that I now would watch grow into a man. It meant that my life was no longer about me anymore. It was about you.
My life with you is completely unrecognizable from the life I lived before you arrived. I do not stay up past ten at night, even on weekends. I hardly read for fun, I don't go to the movies, or to bars, or out with friends without bringing you along. I have no plans to travel, and I do nothing without plans. I do not nap nilly-willy anymore, but have to make sure your dad is around to care for you before I can fall asleep. I am without my "freedom," but I never thought I'd be so happy to be "unfree."
I hear you cry, and I do not get frustrated. I feel only compassion and an urge and need to make everything better for you. If I can't make you stop crying, I hold you and rock you so you know you're not alone. When you puke on me, I don't run to change my clothes right away. Being neat and well put-together isn't that important anymore for some reason. When you wake me in the middle of the night, I do not get upset. I go and get you and do whatever you need me to do to make you comfortable before you go back to sleep. I don't mind at all. In fact, I enjoy my time with you at 3 am because I see so little of you during the day. I don't get bored with watching you in your Jumperoo for the hundreth time, or picking up the toy that you drop over and over, or blowing raspberries on your belly every day just to hear you giggle. I love the routine. I love taking care of you, even though it means that sometimes I don't take care of myself.
And why do I feel this way? Saying it's because I love you isn't enough. It's because I'm your Mommy, which is something only other mommies can understand. Seeing your smile and hearing your laugh mean more to me than anything has ever meant to me in my life. When you put your little arms around my neck to hug me, or get excited when you see me come into the room, or when you accomplish something like rolling over or sleeping through the night, or even when you make a giant load in your diaper - I finally understand what it means to truly feel happiness and unconditional love. It's a feeling and a whole new way of looking at the world that is so much better and more satisfying than the days when I was child-less and "free."
Being a Mommy is hard work. But being your Mommy is the best job in the world.
I love you to the moon...and back.
Mommy
I never really wanted to be a mom. I used to baby-sit for other people's children, and would get frustrated when they cried or annoyed at their questions or bored with playing the same games over and over again. I didn't think I'd make a good mother because I really liked my alone time - reading, napping, going out whenever I wanted, traveling - all that fun stuff that child-less people do. And I thought that either I didn't want to sacrifice all that to have children, or that I would resent my children if I ended up sacrificing my "freedom" to become a mother. So, I would scrunch my nose up and say "ew" whenever anyone asked me when I'd be having a baby and thank God that I could go home and nap if I wanted to. But, that was before.
I don't remember when I decided that I wanted to have you, or what made me change my mind about being a mom. I'm sure I was just focused on the "fun" things about having a baby - snuggling and playing and dressing you in cute clothes - but I have too much respect for myself to admit that I didn't think at all about how hard it would be. But, whatever was going through my mind, one day I just KNEW it was time to have a baby. It was time to have you.
Being pregnant sucked most of the time, I'm not going to lie to you about that. In the beginning I was sick all the time. Then, I got fat and couldn't button or zipper my pants. Soon after I wasn't able to bend over to pick something up or to sit for long periods of time in the car. Your foot was in my ribs for the last three months you were in there, and that really hurt. Plus, I had the "pregnancy cold," so my nose was stuffy and runny for nine months. It wasn't pretty. Labor and delivery was okay, but it was uncomfortable and messy. And we'll discuss my issues with breastfeeding another time.
But you. My Bug. It's cliche to say, but the moment I saw you I fell instantly in love and knew that I would feel that way about you for the rest of my life. When you opened your eyes and looked at me for the first time I understood what it meant to be a mom. It meant that I now had someone in my life that I loved more than anything else - more than I had ever loved before or even imagined I could love. It meant that I would happily die for the little creature in my arms, and not begrudge him for it. It meant that my happiness and my heart was forever tethered to a little boy that grew inside my body, forced his way out, and that I now would watch grow into a man. It meant that my life was no longer about me anymore. It was about you.
My life with you is completely unrecognizable from the life I lived before you arrived. I do not stay up past ten at night, even on weekends. I hardly read for fun, I don't go to the movies, or to bars, or out with friends without bringing you along. I have no plans to travel, and I do nothing without plans. I do not nap nilly-willy anymore, but have to make sure your dad is around to care for you before I can fall asleep. I am without my "freedom," but I never thought I'd be so happy to be "unfree."
I hear you cry, and I do not get frustrated. I feel only compassion and an urge and need to make everything better for you. If I can't make you stop crying, I hold you and rock you so you know you're not alone. When you puke on me, I don't run to change my clothes right away. Being neat and well put-together isn't that important anymore for some reason. When you wake me in the middle of the night, I do not get upset. I go and get you and do whatever you need me to do to make you comfortable before you go back to sleep. I don't mind at all. In fact, I enjoy my time with you at 3 am because I see so little of you during the day. I don't get bored with watching you in your Jumperoo for the hundreth time, or picking up the toy that you drop over and over, or blowing raspberries on your belly every day just to hear you giggle. I love the routine. I love taking care of you, even though it means that sometimes I don't take care of myself.
And why do I feel this way? Saying it's because I love you isn't enough. It's because I'm your Mommy, which is something only other mommies can understand. Seeing your smile and hearing your laugh mean more to me than anything has ever meant to me in my life. When you put your little arms around my neck to hug me, or get excited when you see me come into the room, or when you accomplish something like rolling over or sleeping through the night, or even when you make a giant load in your diaper - I finally understand what it means to truly feel happiness and unconditional love. It's a feeling and a whole new way of looking at the world that is so much better and more satisfying than the days when I was child-less and "free."
Being a Mommy is hard work. But being your Mommy is the best job in the world.
I love you to the moon...and back.
Mommy
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The One They Call "Bug"
Dear Bug,
You're growing up too fast. Sunday was your six month "birthday," and I was amazed - as always - at how quickly time has passed. I want to start writing to you every so often to force myself to slow down and appreciate who you are right now, instead of getting caught up in all my plans for your future. I want to stop and really think about you when the days seem to fly by and when I'm stuck at an office away from you. And maybe you'll like reading about these times when you grow up - to get a sense of what you were as a baby, and how your Mother and Father loved you and worked so hard to learn how to show you that.
Six months! Right now you try so hard to sit up, but you're not strong enough yet, so you topple over to one side before long. You lean forward a lot, and you look kind of weird - all folded up - when you sit. But you absolutely refuse to play on your back now, because you believe you're a sitter, even though your core muscles don't quite agree. So, Mommy or Daddy have to sit behind you and support you while you play. Grandma also bought you a Bumbo seat, which you love, and that helps you to sit upright. But you have to reach down to grab your toys off the floor, and you hate that. After a few minutes in the Bumbo you just grunt and slobber, so we take you out.
You can roll over from back to front, but you don't do it very often for some reason. I think it's because you don't like to show off. You also love to stand up and stamp your feet. I call it "Steps" and we sing a song when you do it. You look like you're concentrating so hard when you do steps - like you're really trying to do it right. You also try and grab everything you see - and once you've grabbed it, you put it right in your mouth. Your father and I try to be super vigilant, but I'm waiting for the day you pick up a lit cigarette or a piece of dog poo. That will be a bad day.
You don't really have a favorite toy yet, but you did recently discover the mirror and you like looking at yourself and trying to bite your reflection. It's super cute. You can "talk," and you and I have conversations all the time. Sometimes you interrupt me when I'm talking, but I don't mind because you usually have more interesting things to say anyway. Daddy swears you can say words like "Hey," but I'm not so sure. Your favorite time to talk is in the very early morning when you first wake up. That's usually when I'm not so down with talking, so you monopolize the conversation. Then you eat your hands.
You've started eating solid foods. You've tried cereals, banans, peas, and carrots. You're just like your dad - you'll eat anything. I have pictures of the first time you tasted carrots - it didn't seem like you liked them, but you eat them anyway. Seriously, just like your dad. But your new foods don't mean that you get any less breastmilk, so Mommy still has to pump away to keep you healthy and fed.
Playtime with Daddy is your favorite time. You get this huge smile on your face and you start to giggle whenever you see him. When he holds you in his lap you start bending your knees so he'll lift you over his head. He calls it "Jumps" and you LOVE it. He can only do about 20-30 jumps at a time before his arms get tired. It's never enough for you, though. So, we take turns. You and Daddy always wrestle, too. Your wrestling name is "Stink Bug" and you're generally regarded as the most dangerous wrestler in the business. You are usually the winner in your matches against Daddy since you try to "latch on" to his nose, a move Daddy calls the "Stink Nose." Because your breath smells like sour milk, this move always defeats Daddy. You are then declared the winner. You win every time.
Naps are a problem. You only nap for 20 minutes at a time, and you need to listen to rap music or Taylor Swift while being rocked in order to fall asleep. You sleep on my chest or Daddy's, and always leave a puddle of drool on our shirts. But neither one of us wants to put you in your crib to nap because we love to cuddle with you. You wake up really abruptly, too, and give us these huge smiles that let us know you're ready for jumps or to wrestle again.
Night-time is my favorite time of day. Every night I get you in your pajamas and Daddy reads a book to us. Then, he turns out the light and it's just you and me. We sit in your rocking chair and I sing you songs while you take your bottle and fall asleep. I sing "In My Life," "Goodnight My Angel" and "If the Stars Were Mine" most nights, but then I follow up with whatever songs are in my head. Lots of Tori Amos, some classic rock, some rap songs. You don't know the difference as long as I sing slowly and softly. I have a terrible voice, but you don't seem to mind. When you're finally asleep I just rock you quietly for a while and look at your beautiful little face. I kiss you over and over, very gently, before tucking you into your crib. It's what I look forward to every day and I hope you let me do it for a really long time.
You're a crappy sleeper, though. Up every few hours to hang out or eat. It's a work in progress.
So, that's a little snapshot of you at six months old. Happy, healthy, and perfect in every way. Every little thing you do is absolutely amazing to me, and every little smile and tear makes me adore you more than I ever thought possible. You are the world to me - a little drooling, pooping, crap-napping, giggling, wiggling, curious, jumping, cuddly, unbelievable little world. And I love you.
Love always,
Mommy
You're growing up too fast. Sunday was your six month "birthday," and I was amazed - as always - at how quickly time has passed. I want to start writing to you every so often to force myself to slow down and appreciate who you are right now, instead of getting caught up in all my plans for your future. I want to stop and really think about you when the days seem to fly by and when I'm stuck at an office away from you. And maybe you'll like reading about these times when you grow up - to get a sense of what you were as a baby, and how your Mother and Father loved you and worked so hard to learn how to show you that.
Six months! Right now you try so hard to sit up, but you're not strong enough yet, so you topple over to one side before long. You lean forward a lot, and you look kind of weird - all folded up - when you sit. But you absolutely refuse to play on your back now, because you believe you're a sitter, even though your core muscles don't quite agree. So, Mommy or Daddy have to sit behind you and support you while you play. Grandma also bought you a Bumbo seat, which you love, and that helps you to sit upright. But you have to reach down to grab your toys off the floor, and you hate that. After a few minutes in the Bumbo you just grunt and slobber, so we take you out.
You can roll over from back to front, but you don't do it very often for some reason. I think it's because you don't like to show off. You also love to stand up and stamp your feet. I call it "Steps" and we sing a song when you do it. You look like you're concentrating so hard when you do steps - like you're really trying to do it right. You also try and grab everything you see - and once you've grabbed it, you put it right in your mouth. Your father and I try to be super vigilant, but I'm waiting for the day you pick up a lit cigarette or a piece of dog poo. That will be a bad day.
You don't really have a favorite toy yet, but you did recently discover the mirror and you like looking at yourself and trying to bite your reflection. It's super cute. You can "talk," and you and I have conversations all the time. Sometimes you interrupt me when I'm talking, but I don't mind because you usually have more interesting things to say anyway. Daddy swears you can say words like "Hey," but I'm not so sure. Your favorite time to talk is in the very early morning when you first wake up. That's usually when I'm not so down with talking, so you monopolize the conversation. Then you eat your hands.
You've started eating solid foods. You've tried cereals, banans, peas, and carrots. You're just like your dad - you'll eat anything. I have pictures of the first time you tasted carrots - it didn't seem like you liked them, but you eat them anyway. Seriously, just like your dad. But your new foods don't mean that you get any less breastmilk, so Mommy still has to pump away to keep you healthy and fed.
Playtime with Daddy is your favorite time. You get this huge smile on your face and you start to giggle whenever you see him. When he holds you in his lap you start bending your knees so he'll lift you over his head. He calls it "Jumps" and you LOVE it. He can only do about 20-30 jumps at a time before his arms get tired. It's never enough for you, though. So, we take turns. You and Daddy always wrestle, too. Your wrestling name is "Stink Bug" and you're generally regarded as the most dangerous wrestler in the business. You are usually the winner in your matches against Daddy since you try to "latch on" to his nose, a move Daddy calls the "Stink Nose." Because your breath smells like sour milk, this move always defeats Daddy. You are then declared the winner. You win every time.
Naps are a problem. You only nap for 20 minutes at a time, and you need to listen to rap music or Taylor Swift while being rocked in order to fall asleep. You sleep on my chest or Daddy's, and always leave a puddle of drool on our shirts. But neither one of us wants to put you in your crib to nap because we love to cuddle with you. You wake up really abruptly, too, and give us these huge smiles that let us know you're ready for jumps or to wrestle again.
Night-time is my favorite time of day. Every night I get you in your pajamas and Daddy reads a book to us. Then, he turns out the light and it's just you and me. We sit in your rocking chair and I sing you songs while you take your bottle and fall asleep. I sing "In My Life," "Goodnight My Angel" and "If the Stars Were Mine" most nights, but then I follow up with whatever songs are in my head. Lots of Tori Amos, some classic rock, some rap songs. You don't know the difference as long as I sing slowly and softly. I have a terrible voice, but you don't seem to mind. When you're finally asleep I just rock you quietly for a while and look at your beautiful little face. I kiss you over and over, very gently, before tucking you into your crib. It's what I look forward to every day and I hope you let me do it for a really long time.
You're a crappy sleeper, though. Up every few hours to hang out or eat. It's a work in progress.
So, that's a little snapshot of you at six months old. Happy, healthy, and perfect in every way. Every little thing you do is absolutely amazing to me, and every little smile and tear makes me adore you more than I ever thought possible. You are the world to me - a little drooling, pooping, crap-napping, giggling, wiggling, curious, jumping, cuddly, unbelievable little world. And I love you.
Love always,
Mommy
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