Solitude in the Shower

I wanted to jot this down so I don’t forget how much this simple pleasure means to me right now. Before I had a baby, I showered because it was just another one of those daily tasks that had to be accomplished. Over the past 10 months, 3 weeks, the shower has been so very important to me. I savor the silence. I savor the warm water hitting my face. I savor the steam surrounding me. I savor the overall relaxation I get from it. I can remember when Dane was only a few months old and would cry constantly. The shower was my only escape. And even though Dane rarely cries anymore, I still find solitude in the shower. A few deep breaths in the shower and I feel alive. I never knew something so simple would mean so much to me; the things you learn when you’re a mom.

He used to cry so much, I thought... I must be doing something wrong. I think other people even might have thought... she is doing something wrong.

Now I know I didn't do anything wrong....

Overnight at Grandma's

This past Saturday, Dane spent his first night at his GaGa's. It was a spontaneous plan and it turned out great! I wasn't worried about Dane, he adjusts very well these days. He slept 11.5 hours there! He's a great sleeper. It wasn't easy getting him to this point, but the effort has paid off in the end. I know the more GaGa takes care of him the more she will want to so I know she'll be ready to do it again soon. Plus Dane definitely benefits from being around her patient unconditional love. When he came home on Sunday, he was calm and happy. We missed him dearly, but had fun getting out for a night. Of course I didn't take any pictures until Dane was in the car ready to leave.

DaDa and GaGa.

Books and more books please

Dane is an avid reader. He loves books more than any toy. I hope this trend sticks but we all know most boys will get to the point where they'd rather play than read. Because he likes us to read 20 million books to him at every nap time and at bed time, I decided I really needed to take advantage of our local library. I started repeating the words from his books in my head over and over like a bad song that won't go away. We needed new material. :) The library also has a small play area for children. Dane could honestly spend several hours there taking the books off the shelf and looking through them. A couple of times Angie and Elijah have met us there, and we always meet a few new friends every time we go.

My little reader

"What?!"

Yes, he still drools excessively. It's been like that since he was 1 month old. I have to change his shirt at least 4 times a day. People will say, "it must be because he's teething." Honestly, he must be teething every single day because it ALWAYS like this.

YAY, thanks DaDa for reading to me every other night. (We take turns!)

I love this one!

"You cannot be serious?!?!?! Read me another one NOW!"

Giggle Giggle Giggle

Yesterday we went to our first class of toddler yoga. Every time Dane did downward facing dog, he burst out laughing.. hard. It was soooooo hilarious to him. But it didn't end there. Everything was extraordinarily funny the entire day. I'm not sure yoga had anything to do with it or if he's just entering the hilarious stage, but I'll take it. I didn't even have that great of a time at yoga, but if I don't see those giggles again, we're going back next week for sure. He's becoming such a delight; I have a hard time not sqeezing him simple. nom nom nom

Play Groups

We have really been enjoying our play dates. It's nice to chat with other mommies with similar aged babies. We exchange recipes, tips, stories and much more. I realized today that I judged people's parenting techniques much more before I had a child. Now I get it. I understand. And even though we all do things differently, we do what works for us. Ahh, the little game called life and offspring. Amazing. Anyways, the babies have so much fun playing and tumbling and exploring.

My favorite picture, he loves this tunnel. He showed all the others how to go through it. I think he's going to be a natural leader like his mama. Not always a good trait, but certainly not a bad one either.

Of course we couldn't get them to look at the camera at the same time. :D

Mara, the oldest of the group. She's a little over 1 year is currently our only walker!

Lily, our newest member. Where are all the boys?!

Dane loved showing the girls how his toy worked.

Elijah's Birthday

I'm so far behind on posting. Elijah's birthday was at the beginning of this month. Brad and Dane attended the party as well. We had a great time. Dane really enjoys being around people. He's not one of those babies that won't go to strangers, as least not yet. Here are some photos from our fun filled, superman kinda of a day.

Elijah and his best friend Kendal

Who knew that there is a black Spiderman?! I think it's all marketing but the kids couldn't stop talking about it!

Dane is the background being held by SueAnn

And held by Tonya

And a couple of dads obviously having a blast.

Supernanny

Lately, I've been watching episodes of Supernanny. Wow, some of the children on that program are out of control, or should I say the parents have no control. My little bay-bee could never be so testy. :o) The show is very informative on discipline techniques. Being a first time parent, I have no clue how to discipline a child effectively. I guess many of the techniques Ceaser Milan uses could apply, but I better not, my neighbors would think I was insane. (I'm sure they already do.) Time-out? My mom never put me in time out and I'm well behaved. :) Seriously, time out is going to be an essential part of my discipline plan. I'm going to have to get on of those cute little chairs to sit in the corner. But I have plenty of time for that because my baby is an angel right now. :) Here is Dane at his 9 month appointment. He was 24.1 pounds (91th percentile) and 30 1/8 inches tall (95th percentile) and his big head was 19" (100th percentile). He received a clean bill of health and we couldn't be happier. I want to never take for granted the fact that I have a happy, healthy baby.