Christmas 2009

This family does such a low-key holiday celebration its not even funny.

No tree, no lights, very few gifts. Just time with family and friends, a trip to Edgehill UMC for Christmas Eve service and that's about it. Of course, things are changing now that Julia is in the mix. Last year she was only a couple of weeks old and we were so exhausted and confused nothing else mattered. This year we have an alert, curious and vocal toddler who makes all of the regular things very different.

Tara and I have debated about christmas trees since we first got married. We want to do the most ecologically responsible thing which has translated into no tree and that's ok for now but I believe next year we will have a little girl who wants something more festive. I saw some options this year that I think I can pull together in time for next year but we all know wanting to do and doing are two different things. Gifts are in the same category. We want to do what is the most responsible thing but I like giving gifts and Tara likes receiving them so we have a dilemma. I had started compiling gifts for Tara months ago, nothing big, just practical things so most of that was already taken care of but what about Julia.

Then of course, you have to add to the mix that I have no income. Tara is essentially buying the gifts for everybody so how do I make that work? Oh well, I need to get that book started so I can generate my own income.

How did Christmas turn out? Wonderfully.

Christmas Eve is all about the family tradition of Bonnie's Soup/Cider open house and Christmas Eve service at Edgehill. The day always proves to be entertaining. Bonnie makes a bunch of soups and some cider, guests bring desserts, breads and musical instruments. Bonnie's very eclectic group of friends, neighbors and acquaintances come and go until it is time for church. This year it was all about the bright-eyed Julia considering she was small and newborn at last year's party. She was so much more interesting and interested this year.

There were lots of people so she didn't get to show off her toddler skills too much at Grandma Bonnie's house so she waited till we got to Edgehill. There she very quickly found her walking legs and proceeded to move toward every candle she could find. It is amazing how quickly she can move on her two wobbly legs! Julia slithered back and forth from me to Tara to Mike to Bonnie and anybody in between until Tara decided she needed to keep still. During Christmas Eve service Judi Hoffman, pastor of Edgehill, has the kids gather around her while she reads a story instead of a traditional sermon. Tara held Julia and this little girl is something else. I know kids learn to speak by listening and I do believe that Julia is learning very well. I see this in church almost every time I go. She squawks or bleeps when Judi pauses - Julia's timing is on the money almost every time - it always illicits a chuckle out of her family. Christmas Eve story time was no exception. It was a fun day!

Christmas Day was even more low-key. Bonnie and Buddy came over with some soup leftovers. We ate lunch and hung out and then ate an early dinner before Bonnie & Buddy left. Julia spent the night in her "new" Christmas footed sleeper and thus ended Christmas 2009.

So, what about loot? You want to know what Julia got for Christmas. Well like I said we are not living high on the hog nor do we put a lot of stock in toys and things - I am already attached to too much stuff and I don't want to pass that "package" on to Julia.

She got some good stuff. She got some big, soft blocks with numbers and animals on them, the Santa Claus footed sleeper I already mentioned. She got a cute outfit from my godmother and the architect of this relationship, Aunt Libby, and I broke down and bought her a djembe. It is a tiny little thing that she was scared of for about a day or so, even though she was with me when we went to the store to buy it.

Julia doesn't really know what's going on but I hope we can guide her towards an understanding that Christmas is about balancing the sharing (sharing love and time and energy) with the receiving (receiving goodwill and tokens of love).

What did you do on your birthday?

Julia had a pretty busy birthday (Dec 9th). The day started as most, food and a nap. After that nap I took Julia to the library to get her library card! Although, I don't expect to use it much for a couple of years, Julia is now an official Nashville Public Library patron.

Then came another milestone. We returned the rented breast pump (see blue box in photo). Tara pumped at work this entire semester as well as last May/June. She breastfed Julia (primary source of nutrition) for 1 full year! I am impressed by and proud of her.

Among some of the gifts Julia got for her birthday is this big ol' car seat. She was busting out of the old one, which is a surprise b/c she's still got a ways to go before she reaches the weight limit but she's long. Tara and I gave her safer passage as a birthday gift. She likes it b/c she is up higher and she isn't cramped.

There are more stories and pictures to come but I wanted to get at least one up.

I'm ONE year old!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!

Ninja Baby

I might have mentioned this before but I believe Julia has the potential to become a spy or maybe a ninja.

The way bedtime works is Tara feeds Julia and Julia goes to sleep. After Tara pumps the last time of the night she goes to bed and at some point after that I go to bed. When I go upstairs I brush my teeth, check on Julia and go to bed, in that order. For quite awhile Julia would wake (loudly - not necessarily crying but obviously awake) at the same time I headed up. I would change her diaper and Tara would feed her. Recently Julia has slept through some nights so I usually look in on her but its dark so I have to use a flashlight. Last night I came out of the shower and it was absolutely quiet but when I got over to the crib Julia was standing there waiting.

Standing in the dark, not making a peep.

If I had not gone over to the crib I would not have know she was up. She would have said something - she's done that before - but you would think a hungry baby, or at least one who is awake in the middle of the night would at least grunt and groan a little when a parent walks past their bed. Not Julia, she was stone silent.

So, if she doesn't become an engineer she might become a ninja.

Babblish and Other Great Things a 10-11 month old Does!

Babblish - combination of the words babbling and English (I'm so clever!)

It sounds like Chinese (Cantonese to be more specific) and we wish someone could translate. It all sounds so interesting. We encourage her with "Yeah" and "Really" and "How interesting" though we have NO idea what she is saying! : )

the constant laughing - us and Julia - it's a circle of giggles!
Julia is one happy baby!

clapping her hands - she's got it down now

patting our backs or shoulders or arm - very cute and comforting

Walking Fun!

Frankenstein Walks
Originally uploaded by bmitd67

Tara captured this great display of the Zombie/Frankenstein walk - ADORABLE! An amused and proud Tara can be heard in the background.

Tara's sidebar: Julia is wearing a romper my college friend, Christine's daughter, Amelia, gave us. It looks like a dress because we should have put her in it many weeks ago! Julia doesn't weigh much, but she's long and lean as we call her. Most of her tops are like the 3/4 length look and her pants look like capris.

I am going to a consignment sale this weekend - just in time for some new threads! : )

P.S. We have some child-proofing to do - procrastinate much!

Modern Family

The best NEW show ever!

You know I'm addicted to TV... therefore I know good TV.
"Modern Family" is a combination of "The Office" and "Arrested Development". That alone should make you watch it because those are 2 funny shows.

Some of my other favorite new TV shows are "The Good Wife" and "Glee." Even Jai likes Glee and he hates musicals so you know that says a lot. We LOVE Glee!

Another great show is "Mad Men" (just finished 3rd season). Great writing, art direction, costumes, acting of course. Catch seasons 1-2 on DVD if you don't watch it.

Favorite line from last week's "The Office" -
Kevin: "he lives on Sesame Street, dumb ass!"

If you don't watch TV, you need to watch these 4 shows plus "The Office" of course.

ENJOY! Happy TV watching!

Pumping Countdown

I have less than a month left!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!

2 full weeks of work, then 2 days of Thanksgiving Break week, then 2 days of Julia's birthday week.

I cannot wait to retire that pump!

Ironically the rental pump is due to be returned on December 9. So appropriate!!
The home pump is getting put away, too!
: )

Grateful Journal

I named this post many months ago, but didn't write any comments. It was a thought I didn't want to forget... that is what I resort to now.

During my P.P.D. period, one of the ideas was to write daily in a grateful journal. I started in March; it was wonderfully therapeutic to identify good elements in my day. It helped me make the big & overwhelming seem manageable and positive. Occasionally I read past entries and one common theme is how frequently I mention Jai.

Julia too of course!

Jai is the best husband/partner and friend. He truly has been a rock, especially the past few months. He doesn't get any more rest than me. Jai continues to cook our meals, clean, grocery shop, care for Julia while I'm at work. Sometimes it seems like a lot more compared to me working and feeding Julia. Yet it takes a lot of energy to produce milk & feed/pump for Julia.

That is how we organize our family/life responsibilities right now.

I am grateful for many wonderful things in my life!

The Lactivist

Lactation Activist - pretty clever.

That's me. It has been my focus for the past 11 months! I'm slightly obsessed I know. I laughed when I read the word "lactivist" on the back of a book, Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay. It's a perfect term to describe my slightly militant stance on BFing. It's actually a pretty funny book about new motherhood until you realize the author is an alcoholic. The title is a hint obviously!

Anyway, I find that I talk about breastfeeding A LOT. For example, we were at dinner with friends a couple of months ago. Jai put his hand on my leg as I kind of ranted about something related to BFing. However, it is really important ... and here I go again!

That is one of the reasons I enjoy my monthly La Leche League meeting and attend faithfully. It is a supportive environment with women (and their children) committed to BFing. Maybe it makes me feel superior, but mainly I'm proud of my accomplishment. Growing a baby is an amazing feat and feeding a baby is also an incredible ability. I also like to support other women who want to BF their child. Don't get me wrong - I'll be glad to stop this part of my relationship with Julia. I'm looking forward to not having something growing inside of me or attached to me in that way. I need some space! I'm looking forward to doing other activities with Julia - playing with balls and reading to her for example.

I had a funny experience last weekend with a newer mom (11 week old baby). She mentioned how hard BFing is and how it can push you to the edge and you cannot understand if you've never experienced it. I said "yeah, I know it's difficult." It was a weird situation and chalked it up to her new mom hormones, but I wish I had said "I know you've been feeding your baby for 11 weeks and it is hard, but I've been doing it for 11 months."

I know the EDGE. Been there - done that!
: )

My friend got engaged!

I know this blog is about our family, but friends are family, too. This is one of my best friends from college, Pauline, my tennis camp buddy. We also were DJs together (parties & campus radio station) at college & we each visited the other when we lived in Asia in 1994 (me in Thailand, P in Hong Kong).

She got engaged last weekend to her boyfriend, Andy.

YEAH! I am so happy for her. She deserves the most happiness!

I love an occasion to get together with my Wellesley friends, their partners and children. There are so many of us now. I also look forward to seeing Pauline's parents and sister and probably some of my other friends' parents. 2010 is going to be a busy year since we all turn 40 too. We have a plan to celebrate that event together - not sure how, we're still brainstorming, hopefully a spa somewhere, WITHOUT children or spouses. : )

Congratulations, Pauline and Andy!

P.S. They're moving to Memphis in August 2010!!!

Wow! What a week or two!

I have never been so tired in my life.

As you all saw, I welcomed Aunt Susie back home with footsteps. I'd been working at it for awhile and I thought that was the perfect time to show it off. And you know what? That was just the beginning of a world wind couple of weeks that lead up to a momentous monthiversary, my 11th month, my last monthiversary before we start celebrating my birthday!!!!!! YEEAAAHHH, MEEEE!

So what else? Well, Grandma Bonnie married Poppy (Grandpa Buddy) on Halloween. It was so much fun, we had to go to back and forth to a dorm room on Scarritt's campus. I was an honored guest so Mom and I were escorted into the big Whitman Chapel. It's a lot like "the chapel" (All Saints) at Sewanee, which I visited a couple of weeks ago. There aren't photos of my first Halloween because Dad's hard drive crashed before he could upload them to Flickr. Hopefully somebody else has some to post, I looked cute. I got to meet all sorts of people but it was weird because they didn't look like normal people, they were all different colors and wearing funny clothes and hats and wings! We danced in a big circle outside and I got to eat at the big people table.

Speaking of food I am really exploring big people food. We went to an Indian restaurant the night before the wedding and I ate some rice and some Spinach Paneer. I didn't think much about it but most of the adults were surprised that I was eating the spicy spinach. Dad and I didn't think it was so spicy. I eat a lot of oat bran and soy yogurt but recently dad introduced me to sweet potato and butternut squash (I like orange food - carrots are pretty good too) but you know what I really, REALLY love? Soy Milk. Yup, like my Mom and my cousin, LJ, I love me some soy milk. I sit there with my sippy cup and guzzle it down. I tried drinking it standing up once but I feel and it didn't feel so good when my butt hit the ground and I had a mouthful of milk.

So everybody knows I'm walking but you know what I really like to do and I'm not sure why? I like to carry stuff while I walk. If I'm in my room I love to carry my bunny rabbit and maybe a book or some blocks. When I'm downstairs its all about the yogurt containers. If those things are within eyesight I will waddle over and do my best to grab them. Then I must pull every magazine or book (especially really big ones) off the shelf. Its really fun.

Well, now I've caught you up to where I am at this 11th month celebration.

I think I'll start talking in big people English soon.

The Frankenstein Walk

The past few weeks/months have been so much fun, watching Julia move around her surroundings, first her crib and Pack-N-Play, holding onto the sides and getting her "sea legs" and becoming more steady.

Soon Julia started letting go more often and shifting from side to side. Then she begin to cruise on the ground, especially liking to walk around the coffee table in the living room ... easy to hold onto whenever she needed.

Then 2 weeks ago she took her first steps and off she went! At first she'd walk a few steps and then drop down to crawl - seemed faster I guess. Now she walks more before going to the crawl. Julia gains more confidence in her independent skills each day. She still walks kind of stilted - reminds us of Frankenstein.

Also she LOVES to hold items in her hand(s) while moving upright or crawling. In the video of her "first" walking she has a "play bowl" in her hand . Usually it is the yogurt containers or lamb blanket or rattle bunny rabbit. Anything she can grab and then WALK!

It's adorable - like everything Julia does.

Modified Still Insane Daily Schedule

As with everything with a baby, once I get used to a routine, then the baby changes it! : ) That is hard for me, I like consistency, not a fan of change; however, that is my life now.

Actually I started this post in Sept. and finished it in Nov.
Obviously, my life ran away from me! Work will be busy always and when I get home, the same applies. I want to spend time with Julia & Jai, too. She's lots of fun now - really always! Once she goes to bed, then I get ready for the next day.

Now that Julia eats food, we eat dinner together. Occasionally she stares at our food. We speculate that she wonders when she'll get to eat salad and ground turkey. Julia loves her food - banana is still her favorite & soy yogurt. Now she adores oats! I believe oats are my saving grace - she started sleeping 10-11 hours at night recently. She goes to sleep at 7p & wakes around 6:30am. It's quite lovely!

Again some of this is temporary. Pumping at work ends soon. December 8 is the ONE year end zone - my ultimate goal! If Julia wants to continue to breastfeed, we'll do it when I'm home - hopefully 1-2 times a day.

Halloween

Julia's first Halloween was also the occasion of her grandmother's wedding. It was a great celebration. We saw lots of family and friends.

Julia planned to be a lady bug but the costume was too small - see funny photos of her in it last month. We had a gown someone gave us with the words "Heaven Sent" on the front and little wings on the back... therefore Julia was an angel. Appropriate I know. : )

Since October weather is unpredictable, we paired it with some white leggings with pink Mary Jane "shoes" - that way people know she is a girl.

We put her in the whole range of colors, including blue, and I guess that is why we get comments often about "how old is your son?" and "he is so cute." Now we try to put her in at least one pink item - hat, hoodie, socks, pants - something! It's become a joke now between us about her gender.

One of my students recently saw a picture in my office and asked if this was my son?!?!? When I mentioned the frequency of this misconception, he said it's because her hair is short.

She's a baby - most babies are bald! : )

I can walk! I can walk! I can walk!

Tara was in the bathroom and I was at home cutting the grass but Aunt Susie - who had been in town all of 4 hours - and Grandma Bonnie witnessed Julia's first steps, first hand. Fortunately Susie had her camera.

Julia In Action

Happy Monthiversary.

My dearest Julia,

Welcome to your 10th month. If it is anything like the last 9 it will be filled with wonder and joy. Shoot, by this time next month I have no doubt you will be walking and you might even be talking. You will have seen my alma mater and you will have attended in your Grandma's wedding. I know there are a million skills and talents with which you will impressive us. I have nothing but confidence in you.

I want to thank you for raising the level of happiness in our home. Your mom and I love each other a bunch already but you help complete the circle. Although its been less than a year I feel like I have known you all my life. You drive me crazy but you bring me comfort. Your smile is captivating and a wonderful welcome every time you see me. You keep your mom and me rolling in laughter even when we are most uncertain about how to make it through the day.

I want the best for you in all things and I am infinitely grateful you have been a part of my of my life for the last 9 months.

Have fun.

I love you very much.
Dad

How's it going?

The question everybody asks when discussing my life as a stay-at-home dad.

My new answer is going to be something like...

I prepare Julia's breakfast, I feed her, I clean her up and I try to get her to sleep. Followed almost immediately by I prepare Julia's lunch, I feed her, I clean her up and I try to get her to sleep. After that I prepare Julia's late lunch, I feed her, I clean her up and I try to get her to sleep. Finally I get to prepare Tara's (and mine) dinner, then I clean the kitchen.

After I get to eat I still have time to prepare Tara's breakfast and lunch, clean the kitchen again and wait to change Julia's diaper before I go to bed.

A Mind of Her Own

Tara and I have joked since Julia was born that she was gonna do things her way. She, at the last minute, flipped into the breech position forcing the c-section. She is a very distracted nurser and she's gaining weight about as slowly as you can.

As she's grown she's started to exhibit other "do it my way" traits. She is very quickly moving towards walking - she holds her balance unassisted for several seconds, she's cruising and pulling herself up from all sorts of positions - but she has yet to crawl on hands and knees, she's only about the commando crawl. She didn't start showing teeth until about a month ago and her first two to erupt are her top front instead of the bottom four.

Over the past couple of days, but I especially noticed today, she gets extremely upset when you take away something she is enjoying or remove her from a situation that she's enjoying. This afternoon she was playing with the phone, her new fav toy, and I took it away so we could do something else and she SCREAMED and let loose a flood of these huge movie tears.

Again, the changes are amazing to watch.

International Babywearing Week

Thanks to our friend Angela we can participate in this with either a Baby Bjorn OR a "ring sling".

International Babywearing Week:

"It’s not too late to get your baby on!"
This week celebrate the love and closeness with your baby and wear him or her often. Studies have shown that babies who are worn tend to cry less, sleep longer, and eat better. It has also been found that parents who wear their babies are more likely to be content which in turn equals a relaxed baby.One huge benefit of babywearing is being hands-free. Babywearing allows for tasks to get done around the house while keeping the baby comfy and secure.There are many different types of babywearing options. From slings, carriers, wraps, a piece of cloth or handmade they all have the same outcome. A happy baby and happy parents! Babywearing can br so much fun. Having your baby close to kiss as often as possible and being able to snuggle so closely all while- hiking, bowling, mini golfing, exercising, bike riding, grocery shopping, some house chores or just a simple walk is what makes babywearing enjoyable. It’s worth the investment. The fact that I’m able to move around and be hands-free with a toddler makes the day so much less intense. Both of my sons from birth loved to be worn.

Read more of this story »

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Snaggletooth

Julia's first tooth is finally appearing - "rearing its cute little head"!

Julia is handling it well, too. She had more teething issues a few months ago and we thought a tooth or 2 would appear any time. Then NOTHING! Then we wondered when would a tooth happen - before she is 12 months old?!

It is adorable! She looks even cuter than ever!

I don't know how long I'll think it's sweet - maybe she won't nip me with it. : )

Weight

Weight Watchers - I started it again after my sister's visit and her mention of how much I eat. Even with breastfeeding, I know I take it too far and let myself eat more than necessary. It'd be different if I was exercising like I used to, but I'm not. I haven't been to the Y in weeks! I cannot remember the last time I rode my stationary bike. No sit-ups or push-ups - how am I going to get my Michelle Obama arms? I know I will get my pre-pregnancy body back or a version of it; I'm just impatient and I really want to wear my favorite jeans. : )

Ironically with Julia's weight issues, I wish I could give her some of my calories and fat, especially my back fat. I could exercise more consistently, but I'd rather sleep or watch TV then figure out an exercise routine.

Jai &d I say we're donating to the Y right now. It happens - we'll (mainly me I suspect since that was the norm before Julia) get back there eventually. Also we (read Jai) go to the park some - got to take Johnders to the dog park so he gets exercise, too.

We constantly hear "she's so petite" and many people marvel at her abilities ... they assume Julia's much younger so they are surprised she can sit up or crawl or whatever it is. Then they are amazed when we say how old she is. Julia wears clothes sized 0-12 months, but most are 6-9 months - usually she's about 3 months less than her age. Some babies and children are too big - childhood obesity is a major issue.

However, I wish she weighed 1-3 pounds more than now. My issue I know!
Julia's doctor says that gymnasts, for example, are born with a small shape/frame, they don't start big and then lose weight. Someone has to be smaller and that is definitely Julia. We believe that Julia will be a gymnast.

Luckily she's healthy AND really strong and has not been sick yet. Seriously not one cold or sniffle or cough, no green mucus, NOTHING! Thank goodness for healthy living and breast milk.

I'm 9 months old!

Today is 09-09-09 and I am 9 months old.

How cool is that?

I'm sure there are tons of couples getting hitched at wedding chapels in Vegas or families anticipating the arrival of a new baby... to have this date marking a momentous occasion.

Sometimes I cannot believe that I am 9 months old - well, really I hear my mom & dad say it often. I continue to grow (longer mostly, still light & lean) and explore my surroundings. I'm a master cruiser, especially enjoy moving around my crib and Pack-N-Play. My nickname is Spiderwoman - I climb up the sides all the time!

I am really enjoying food, too. I am "my mother's daughter" as the expression goes. Banana has been my favorite; slimy, but delicious. Then I tasted yogurt ... even plain soy is yummy. My taste buds are open to new discoveries. I've also tried sweet potatoes - YUM-O! Yesterday dad fed me some applesauce. Good stuff! Dad talks about the day when he can introduce me to "real" bacon... turkey bacon is not real to him.

I am talking as much as possible - the "b" sounds are fun! Babblish is what we call it. Cute, huh? : )

I also enjoy laughing, especially when my mom & dad start and then we cannot stop! My mom gets really tickled by my laughter. I know she misses me while she's at work all day. Thank goodness I have dad to keep me company until she comes home.

My best bud is Johnders. He loves to lick me, especially my face, but mom & dad don't like it. It really tickles! I like touching his face and there's all that hair to grab! We enjoy staring at each other, usually from the opposite sides of the mesh when I'm in the Pack-N-Play.

Until next monthiversary ... always ready for the next adventure!

P.S. I forgot that I can wave. I really get excited and wave to Johnders when I go up the stairs with mom at bedtime. I also get excited & wave when I see other babies, especially at Las Maracas - very family-friendly restaurant!

"Wicked" is AWESOME!

I saw the musical last night with my friend, Niki!

It was the last official part of my birthday celebration.
I asked Jai for TWO tickets so I could invite a friend.

I didn't know how much the tickets are!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIKES!
It was so worth it.

Niki hadn't seen it and we had a GREAT time!
Thanks for being my guest and for being my friend, Niki! : )
Thanks for the COOL Hello Kitty gifts as a thank you. Love them!

Thanks, Jai! You are the best husband.
I'm glad Julia slept (eventually!) after we left for the theater.
Pick out a movie so you can be ready to leave when I get home on Thursday.
Get some sushi at Watanabe and see some sci-fi flick and get some popcorn! : )