Day One

No pictures. ETA- PICTURES ADDED
Sorry.
The driver we need is not compatible with laptop.
Pictures will have to wait until we're home.

FIELD MUSEUM

Planned to go to Field Museum and Art Institute while Ren Man was gone all day Thursday.
Field Museum opened first so decided to go there first, then lunch there, then Art Institute- and hopefully Ark Boy would nap in between.
However- the Field Museum is AMAZING! It is set overlooking Lake Michigan (Ark Boy was beyond excited about the boats/water) and is right next to The Shedd Aquarium- where I knew we were going to go today.
Kids are free at the Field Museum, adults are not (they are $14).
For reasons that are still unclear, adults were also free when I went.
Ridiculously thrilled by this.
Bring Ark Boy straight to children's area of museum.
He presses buttons to make various animal noises (squirrel, cardinal, coyote, etc), "picks" corn, visits adobe house, jumps into infant padded area (makes Farm Girl laugh), plays with model indigenous homes/people/animals.

He also wandered into the art studio.
Typically he doesn't draw
for long
or color
or play with playdough.
So paint/glue/scissors/and other messier more fun art supplies have not yet been introduced.
Ark Boy bee lined for the scissors.
He began cutting teeny tiny snips in paper.
Couldn't manage more than that-
scissors are trickier than I knew!
Mid coloring he dropped his crayon and ran from the room to resume picking corn.
Hastily thanked the person helping him and chased after Ark Boy.
Ark Boy also worked very seriously on his drum skills in a music room.
But the absolute most fun part of the children's area of the museum was
the roped off portion with tables set up for a school group to examine artifacts.

Suddenly Ark Boy announced that we should go see dinosaurs.
This is quite funny because Ren Man has been sad on more than one occasion that his dear son is not as enthralled by dinosaurs as Ren Man once was (dare I say- still is?)
I tell him on every one of these sad occasions that if he wants Ark Boy to be interested in dinosaurs the boy needs to know what they are!
Anyway- I showed Ark Boy a dinosaur skeleton in front of the museum before entering but other than that dinosaurs had not be discussed.
My guess is, like me, he had heard several mothers attempt to lure their children from the children's area by saying: "do you want to go see the dinosaurs?"
Happily the 2.5 year old got in the stroller and the baby was put back on the mommy back
not without several comments about wrapping-
really I think these midwesterners are on to something with this friendliness- it's been quite refreshing- not that I think us newenglanders are unfriendly... it's just usually a smile, a wow at most- and that's it. Here people are having whole conversations with me!
And we traipse upstairs
well- into the elevator that brings us upstairs.
There are two enormous elephants on an elevated stand in this huge open hall and a huge dinosaur skeleton.

We proceed to view various huge exhibits
the place, suffice it to say, is huge
and this is just the second floor
We walk through a (need I say?) huge exhibit of various stuffed animals (not like fluffy cuddly stuffed- taxidermy stuffed) set in their natural (but dead) habitat.
We saw bears, lions, moose (huge moose), deer, (let me just pause to say: when I say bears, for instance, I don't mean one case of brown bears- there were at least 1/2 a dozen bear displays each featuring a different type: brown, black, polar, etc etc), flamingoes, geese, deer, rhinocorous, chimps, lemurs, cats, hyenas, dogs, and more!
About this time I was getting a little hungry so I checked my watch.
noon
perfect
asked if Ark Boy wanted lunch.
Go get lunch.
Restaraunt not as crowded as I would expect but no matter.
Have cheese ravioli for Ark Boy (but I end up eating because he prefers the other option)
and california panini for me
panini is amazing- what little I ate of it (have a picture of how little I was offered-

Ark Boy kept one hand on the half he wasn't eating to guard it from unwanted nibbles from mommy- have picture of that too).

Decided it wasn't worth going to Art Institute when there was still so much to see here.
Went on to see exhibit about earth's progression from the beginning to now.
Saw Lucy!
Ark Boy kept calling Lucy a monkey and saying he wanted to see it.
So we went and looked at her again.
"Look! She has nipples!"
"yepshehasnipples"
"Look! She has hands!"
"Yep, she has hands"
you can guess who said what.
We saw a dinosaur exhibit, a jade exhibit, a jewel exhibit, and more! It was huge (have I said that) and sooo cool.
Wanted to see more but Ark Boy wasn't falling asleep and he's only so patient with my stopping of the stroller- it was definitely a speed tour for me.
After a quick visit back to the children's section (where Ark Boy was completely uninterested in the now not-roped off area) decided we were done.

WAH!
Glanced at my watched- realized I hadn't changed it to Chicago time.
It was now only a little before 3.
Ren Man wasn't getting home until 6:30.
Reasoned that three hours in the hotel would be okay and we could all use some down time before going out for dinner.
At 4 Ark Boy was cuddling with his sleepy time blanket in a corner on the floor.
Insisted he get up- did not want him staying up until 10 or later.
Suggested a bath.
That lasted.
About 3 minutes.
Attempted- unsuccessfully- to put Farm Girl down for a nap.
At 6- when Ren Man was done with class- I called to tell him to RUN not walk home.
"I'm on a bus right now"
argh.
Add to all this that the wonderful wireless internet was VERY intermittently working- much to my frustration.
We had decided that I would figure out where we should eat dinner (from a pre-compiled list).

CHICAGO INSIDE OUT STUFFED PIZZA
Decide on place from one of "my" restaurants.
Ren Man wants to try a different one.
Go to "his" restaurant (takes much longer than this sentence makes it sound do to a couple turn-a-rounds) by way of the restaurant I want to go to.
Find "his"
Looks super fancy
Decide to go to mine
Been told best inside out pizza in Chicago
When we order waitress tells us it will take 35 mins.
Starving.
Ark Boy is happy to sit and wait.
Farm Girl is not falling asleep.
It's 8pm
Chicago time
Usually Farm Girl falls asleep around 6:30
East Coast time.
Considering all that- she's done very well.
35 mins later
pizza arrives
wow
I want to go there every night!
Ren Man says no.
The pizza is so super yummy!
On the way home Ark Boy passes out big time (manage to take off his coat, button down shirt, shoes, socks, and pants before putting him in bed- still asleep).
Farm Girl also falls asleep
and stays asleep!
Another busy day planned for tomorrow.

Arrival

Was going to wait until we got back home but:
have verbal diarrhea
nervous I'll forget something important
have internet connection
know moms, in particular, would appreciate live updates.

Have pictures from yesterday so will wait to blog about yesterday until I put pictures on computer.

ARRIVAL
Flight was for 12:45.
We had ordered a laptop kindof last minute hoping it would arrive in time.
Knew hotel had wireless and we're addicted
to the internet
How could we face a big city (or anywhere, really) without internet
(for maps, reading reviews, etc)
Packed car.
Excited.
Didn't want to leave house too early though and then have to hang around airport.
Five minutes before leaving- fedex truck pulls up.
Ren Man and I are ridiculously giddy.
Get kids in car.
Drive to airport.

Ark Boy is not sticking with us in airport as I expected.
Stressful checking in.
Finally ditch bags.
Manage to make it through security
only forgetting Farm Girl's hat
which they brought over to us soon after
(read later- 12,000 laptops are left at airport security EVERY DAY!- fortunately that wasn't us!)
Hang around gate for an hour and a half or so.
Fortunately our gate is the last one so we waste a lot of time stopping to look at airplanes.
When it's time to board we have to wait for our turn.
Ark Boy is straining against the stroller straps yelling: "GET ON AIRPLANE!"
FINALLY we get on.
Not crowded at all on flight.
Ark Boy looks out window, sees another airplane, insists on getting on airplane.
Hard to convince him that we ARE on an airplane.
First time I'm flying Northwestern.
Love Northwestern.
So funny.
For example: "If you haven't been in a car in the last 30 years- this is a seatbelt... when the oxygen mask drops, stop screaming, let go of your neighbor and put it over your head..."
Funny.
Nice.
Taking off, Ark Boy looks out window, looks at Ren Man:
"Scared!" Ark Boy says looking insistent.
"Daddy carry you!"
Convince Ark Boy to stay in seat.
He's not a big fan of seat belt.
Also scared when we land but manages fine.
Soon after lays head in Ren Man's lap and falls asleep.
Sound asleep.
When getting off airplane people are impressed with wrapped Farm Girl
they even comment!
Maybe this is the midwestern culture as oppose to "uptight" (is it?) newengland culture?
Fun.
One man says: "I didn't even know there was a baby on this flight!"
That's all.
That's all I needed to hear.
Feeling so pleased.
That brandy worked well I guess.
Kidding.
Kidding.

GOING OUT INTO CHICAGO
Thankfully Ren Man had everything organized in his mind as far as where to go.
Found airport exit to train station and took train to hotel.
Ark Boy wakes up as we get off train.
Ark Boy insisting he wants to leave hotel to take a walk.
Hook up laptop.
No wireless card.
Decide to go buy one at staples.
Discover:
Chicago is big (over 4.5x's the square footage of Boston)
Chicago is crowded (about 5 times more people than Boston)
Chicago is loud

Get what we need.
Come back to hotel.
Ren Man hooks up card and gets computer online.
Starving.
Take Ark Boy and get subway.

JUST ME AND THE KIDS
Ren Man has a meeting to go to so leaves
at bedtime
aka meltdown point
for me
oh- and the kids too
After brief sojourn into bathroom Ark Boy strips all clothes as they are wet.
Decide to nurse Farm Girl to sleep
Ark Boy is begging to watch "Emmie do say gobble gobble"
Turn on youtube
start nursing Farm girl to sleep
You might notice
"Emmie do say gobble gobble" is not long enough for Farm Girl to fall asleep
"EMMIE TICKLE TICKLE"
Wait!
"EMMIE BATHROOM"
Wait!!
Mommy not responding speedily enough
Ark Boy comes to investigate
Sees opportune snuggling time
this involves attempting to lay on top of Farm Girl
Feeling frustrated.
Farm Girl smiles at brother
pulls his skin
he thinks this is funny
they laugh at each other
very cute, yes- I'll admit.
Couple quick rescues of Ark Boy's bits as Del attempts to pinch and/or taste them.
Decide- after approximately 37 interrupted nursing attempts that Farm Girl is probably full.
Bring Ark Boy to couch and read ALL 5 books in whispered voice while Farm Girl falls asleep in bed.
When done tell Ark Boy to go to sleep.
After about an hour
he does.
Enjoy internet time for 1/2 hour before Ren Man comes back.
Feeling excited and a little nervous about tomorrow....

Dear Del... 7 months

Hi baby girl,
Seven months? Really? Already? I say that every month- don't I? I'll try and refrain. I just can't believe you're growing up so quick. Before we know it you'll be 1! I can't wait to see the Del at 1 but I'm also really loving the cute 7 month old that lives with us right now. With two and a half teeth already and a mouthful still to go.

You have become more and more vocal- if that's possible. You're chatty and you're still loud- whether you're crying or talking or laughing. You're very social but also cuddle up under my neck when people smile at you. It's very funny. What's even funnier? You cuddle up to whoever happens to be holding you and someone smiles or interacts with you- even if it's me! It's very adorable. People ask if you're shy already- I don't know. Maybe. But you're also loud loud. Grammy and Uncle Shawn and Auntie Chels recently visited and as they were leaving we were waving bye and you held up your hand and said "buh!" Coincedence? Oh yes- definitely. But it was too cute.

You and your brother have started interacting more. It's so cute to see. I am looking forward to seeing how your relationship progresses. I always wanted an older brother. I'm so excited that you get to have one. For now you're laughing at his antics, pulling his hair, and playing peek-a-boo with him. In this picture he wanted to hold you but for only aproximately 1.7 seconds- that wasn't long enough for mommy to manage to get a picture of you two together.

You are a smiley smiley girl. At least once a week someone comments on how much we look a like. People say that about me and my mom too. My mom always said: "thank you!". I never understood why she was thanking them. Now I understand. It's amazing to see a little person that looks so much like you.

So you may have not been so steady with sitting last month and you still tend to topple over if I leave you too long... but you're getting up on hands and knees and rocking back and forth! I told you you were growing up fast! Everyone keeps saying: "wow- any day now and she'll be crawling". I just smile politely. Maybe you'll be crawling any day now but I'm thinking that this rocking back and forth stage happens for a while. We're happy to wait as long as we need to for you to crawl. You've already back flipped off the couch and the bed. I know. I know. I should know that you will move... usually in a backwards position that ends in a splat on the floor. But kids fall. They get hurt. And some quick snuggles and you're as good as new.

We're off for a big adventure soon and I'm a little nervous about the change in routine will effect you. You generally know what you need when and you're pretty good at letting me know what you need. I really appreciate not being kept in the dark. So you need routine. We've learned that. A morning nap. An afternoon nap. Bedtime. All that is important. Sometimes life happens though and we're not home- but as often as you protest the change in routine you also often surprise me and fall asleep wherever we are.

You rock my world girly girl,
Mommy

Exhausted!

I never get sick.
Ever.
When morning sickness started with Ark Boy and I was puking once a day I tried to remember the last time I'd thrown up.
I was 14.
I wasn't sick.
Small intestine was blocked- that tends to have a puking effect- and I needed surgery.
So I never get sick.
Ren Man is also rarely sick.

Today- this week- I'm sick.
Again.
This is probably the 6th time since Ark Boy's birth.
I've had an out both ends illness several times.
This time it's a super bad cold.
I asked my mom about this.
She said it's exhaustion.
Sounds about right.
The thing is- having rarely been ill- I'm not sure what normal sick protocol is.
So we go about our daily lives as best as possible.
I feel like my head is heavy, my throat is burning, and something is wrong with my nose.
Liquid keeps coming out.
But we went to playgroup this morning.
Oh hush.
It was outside.
Minimize germ spread.
Plus my kids aren't sick and other kids need to be exposed to germs.
Then we came home (around 2:30.... the playgroup started a little after 10- I love our playgroup (shhh- it's really a moms group where we just happen to also bring our children).
Then a dash to the post office.
Wearing hot baby on newly tattoo'ed back....
not the most comfortable thing in the world.
But it worked.
Packages mailed (including wii- finally- because 5 cds crammed into the wii will actually cause damage- imagine!).
We're getting ready for our big trip.
Call me paranoid but I don't want to share when or where we're going on a public blog.
Will share when we get home.... whenever that is- oh the mystery. lol.

Tattoo

I was thinking a low view of a narrow meadow scene across my lower back. When I talked to the tattoo artist, Brad he suggested a more macro view where you saw the individual blades of grass and he said he wouldn't suggest doing it across my whole back. I was bummed that it was going to be smaller than I'd hoped.
After some unsuccessful attempts at making it back to the tattoo place to actually get it done (I had to cancel at the last minute, the next time he was sick, etc.) I finally made it back.
What he had in mind was not so much the narrow strip of meadow I had originally envisioned and it was not small like I think he originally thought it would be.
As they were stenciling it on I was super nervous because it seemed to be higher than I wanted. When I suggested he lower it he didn't seem to think it would work as well- but he was open to lowering it. It actually covers up a previous tattoo so I think it couldn't go lower and still cover the old tattoo sufficiently.
In the end I love love love it! I can't believe how dynamic it is. The shading is so beautiful. And I think it's better than what I had originally envisioned. Have I said I love it?

I see you

Psst- I have been checking from time to time how people are finding this blog.
I know there are lurkers.
Several.
I was wondering what you are interested in reading....
My day-to-day life (wake up, too tired, take care of babies, etc.)
Mommy issues (like The Price of Being *Just* a Mom entries)
A mix (you like it the way it is)
Something else?

I'm curious.
I sometimes get laxadasical (is that how that is spelled?) about entries because I'm assuming no one is reading (not including my devoted mother, sister, mil, and heterosexual life partner, of course... you guys are reading it, right?).
So there's a poll to the right- go vote.
It's all about my readers:)

Ark Boy Moments

Last night Farm Girl was cranky (she has been for the last few days- I don't know what her deal is).
Ren Man brought her upstairs to pj her while I wolfed down dinner
but not too fast because it was hot.
Ark Boy saw a pouch hanging from a dining room chair.
"Del hold Mommy" (he's a little confused about who holds who- but that's another story)....
..."Del hold Noah"
he puts pouch on.
"Like this!" starts rocking from side to side.

_________________________________________________________

Go to bed early.
Ren Man, as has been his recent habit, plays video game while Ark Boy watches.
Hear Ark Boy bouncing on cushion-less couch.
"I'm a boy!" (sounding very much like the Signing Time song)
"Boy's have penises!"
"I'm a boy!"
"Girls have vulva's!"
"I'm a boy!"

_________________________________________________________

When previously mentioned video game is being played Ark Boy keeps saying:
"Her name is Lisa"
We have no idea who Lisa is.
We don't know any Lisa's.
I don't know how he heard the name and then how he decided this character's name is Lisa.

Another sub position

Sent resume to another local school.
Talked with them today.
Their rate is higher.
It's an all girl school.
Looks promising.
One funny thing:
"We're not... what do they call it?... progressive. We're not progressive at all."
hmmm- okay.
Never knew that could be a good thing.

Ovulating

disclaimer: this entry should have been written a couple days ago.... so pretend it is a couple days ago

I'm ovulating.
I'm so thrilled that I'm ovulating.
Not because of baby making potential but because I know that I'm ovulating.
So rewarding to know your body so well.
Thankful to know I'm ovulating because that helps explain
my intense desire to be pregnant(?!?!)
I've never wanted to be pregnant- ever.
Now I want to.
I also really want to hold a snuggly newborn.
Scary.
Rationalize that this is ovulation talking.
Not the *real* me.
I don't really want to be pregnant.
I don't really want a new baby.
I'm just ovulating.
And that makes some people crazy.
Like me.
Ohh- but how cool to have a baby so close in age to Farm Girl.
Inform Ren Man that he must not come close to me.


Back to the now:
Done ovulating.
Can't believe pregnancy/new baby lust even entered my mind.
Must not make decisions while ovulating.
Too dangerous.
No baby for me
thankyouverymuch!

The Price of Being *just* a Mom Part III

Started subbing this year for an area private school.
Very fun.
Every time I sub
yearn for a teaching job.
Frustrating.
Fantasize about full time job.
Satisfaction.
More money.
Focus.
Then imagine daycare options.
Cringe.
Ark Boy would be fine and probably enjoy it.
Farm Girl.
Not so much.
Can't imagine leaving her.
Especially when she chooses to starve while I sub.
That's okay.
Probably not okay with daycare provider.
Plus, have always felt that we had kids for a reason-
to raise them.
Resist letting someone else raise them.
Would be comfortable leaving them with Ren Man.
But for 40 hours?
And he is falling behind school-wise as it is.
He definitely couldn't be a full time + dad.
(consider us both full time parents currently)
Feel trapped.
Frustrated.
So ridiculous that children are shut out of our day-to-day living.
Why is that?
But can it be changed in our current society?
Not sure.
Mom sends this link and this one.
Food for thought.
But don't see how to practically apply these things in current situation.
Also continue to feel strongly that no one should be apart from their families routinely for 40hours a week.
We wonder why affairs happen with secretaries?
(Have I said this in a past entry? It's worth repeating- good point)
When you spend 40 hours a week with someone working towards a common goal should it be surprising that you feel close to this person- and perhaps love this person?
And yet this person is typically not your spouse.

So in short:
Want full time teaching position
Want to be full time parent
Don't feel that these two should be mutually exclusive
Frustrated because see no way to integrate the two in a way that is agreeable to myself and employer.
Discouraged.

I've been trying...

to get a picture of Ark Boy FOREVER.
Then tonight... Ren Man got this!

Hysterical!

Dear Ark Boy 29 months!

Dear Noah Noah,
I've been telling people for so long that you "just turned 2 in May" and now I'm realizing that that is sounding more and more ridiculous. In a month you'll be 2.5! I keep looking at you and just being shocked at how grown up you look. I'm not surprised when people mistake you for a three year old- really I'm shocked they don't think you're 5. You're just so well coordinated (despite the mysterious scrapes on your cheek) and confident in your every move. I think people may suspect you are closer to two when you refuse to look at them when they talk to you. This has led to a couple funny instances when concerned parents at the park seek me out to make sure you're okay. When I check on you on the playground equipment, or up on the hill, or wherever- you have your head burried in your hands and you're usually lying flat on the ground. Other parents assume you're upset. I know that you're hiding from them because someone talked to you. It's so funny to me because you're so easy going and chatty at home so this shy boy that emerges when we're out is quite the contrast.
Some of the things you get up to are so funny. Very early in this month (when it was still warm enough to wear flip flops) I went to check on you playing in the driveway. You had somehow managed to get your tricycle INTO the poop that was partially filled with rain water. You were peddling like crazy and exclaiming over the splashes you were creating with your pedals.

Speaking of your tricycle- you love to take "tricycle walks". So Del goes on my back, or if Daddy's going with you she goes in the stroller, and you pedal farther than we would choose to go if given the option. When you start to go down a hill you say: "be careful... go slow" and when we're going up a hill you say: "it's really tricky!"
You amaze us constantly with the things you come out with. Most mornings you ask for a grilled cheese for breakfast. One morning Daddy asked if you wanted cheddar or swiss. You said: "GRILLED cheese". The next morning when you asked for your grilled cheese you said:"or boy cheese or girl cheese" with the appropriate accompanying signs. Evidently all this time you've been eating girl cheese sandwiches.
No matter what sport you see being played if there is a ball involved you say: "Look! They're playing soccer!" I think this makes your uncles proud.

You've had a couple overnight visits with Nina and a LONG afternoon/evening with Tante A. With all of these visits you're totally fine with us leaving and you have a lot of fun while we're gone. I'm so thrilled with your independence and your easy going nature.

You often ask about an item and then tell me where you think it is. So for instance, several times you have said: "Where'd the sun go?!?!" When I tell you I don't know you say: "I think it's hiding.... I think it's hiding in the clouds!". There are a lot of: "Look!..."
You have started hugging unsolicited. Mostly you hug Del or Mommy or Daddy or Emmie. It's very sweet.
You've started saying "No" more regularly this month and that is really cute too. I know it doesn't seem like it would be but when you say "no" you are very focused and determined about it- as if you've calculated all your options are rationally speaking "no" is the best option.
You often answer our questions with the other answer. So if we say: "Do you want juice or water?" You will say: "or juice!" If we don't give you the option you prefer you add it for us. So if we say: "Do you want to read Knuffle Bunny or Hug" you might answer by saying: "Or Food Fight".
This is another month where I know I could go on for pages and pages about how you're developing into the Noah you will grow up to be. You amaze me daily.
Love you bunches,
Mommy

she ummm... she signed!

Had a never ending dentist appt. this morning.
Left both kids with Ren Man.
Right before returning home Farm Girl went down for a nap.
She slept for 2+ hours!
When she woke and started nursing she pulled away, looked at her hand, and... signed milk!
Seriously.
Shocked.
Told Ren Man.
He said he thought she had while I was gone.
When she was done nursing we played for a minute, she looked at me, babbled, and... signed milk again!
Crazy.
Ark Boy didn't sign until after 15 mos!
So we're shocked to say the least
and thrilled.

Bad Mommy Award Goes To....

Packed car with playgroup paraphernalia.
Went back into playground to search for Ark Boy.
Explained to one mom looking at me strangely:
"Now it's look for Noah time"-me
"huh?"-her
"I have one on my back and I'm missing one"
*shock*
"Oh, it's okay- it happens all the time... there he is!"
Ark Boy approaches and looks like a fully dressed jungle boy
complete with three huge scrapes on his cheek and mud all over his face.
slightly mortified.
he seems none worse for wear.
he did explain that it happened when he fell off the blue bike and Ethan (another boy from the playgroup) caught him.
I don't know.
If he'd been seriously hurt I think he (or another parent) would have found me.

he's not really sleeping- just avoiding the camera

Dear Del 6 mos

Dear Del Baby Girl,
So yes, I'm five days late getting your "happy six months!" letter written. I think what was holding me back is the couple (700+) pictures of you from this month and I can't decide which ones to include.

I've been convinced all month that new teeth will emerge in moments. But no, just two teeth. I'm okay with that. It just would be nice sometimes in the night to have something to blame for your wakings- although usually I know it's just that your too cold or hot or hungry. I just keep thinking I see something on the top. Nina thinks it will be the two on either side of the two you already have. Time will tell.
Speaking of changing and growing... I've also been thinking that crawling is right around the corner- as crazy as that sounds. You keep trying to get up on hands and knees!

Don't you know you're too young for that? Well, I didn't either. So I went and looked it up. And yeah, babies start crawling AFTER they've mastered sitting. Good to know. We're still working on sitting. We've had a couple of bonked noses which is very sad. But you'll get it soon and it will be hard to remember a time when you couldn't sit.

You have become even more giggly and smiley this month. Once Daddy tried to tickle you by kissing your neck and you burst into tears! I think it might have hurt too much. Here he is kissing your belly like crazy.

It's been so fun to see your relationship with him grow. When he leaves the room you get upset and you give him such big grins when he returns from being out without us.
The biggest news (actually I can't decide if it's the biggest news- so much happens in a month!) is that we tried solids! I wanted and wanted to wait but Daddy says he wants something to offer you while I'm away at school teaching. It actually hasn't been that often- not even once a week. But nevertheless we tried solids.

So we're not pushing them but if we're eating and you're fussy fussy we give you a carrot to chew on. You naw pieces off and then look disgusted and push them out of your mouth. Daddy has also let you suck on a lemon- let it be known that I wasn't in the room when he did this! You've also chewed on beans and tried some grape innards. It's crazy to think that all of you has been sustained by me!
You have become much more interested in your older brother. He doesn't notice most days but sometimes he realizes that he is the reason you're laughing hysterically and he up's the ante on his antics. You also love love to reach for and grab his hair. It hurts a lot when you do that! But he's patient and waits for someone to notice and pry your fingers apart. I can only imagine what you two will get up to as soon as you start sitting more steadily.
Daddy and I are amazed at your "talking" almost daily. I heard a /g/ sound and you say /ma/ /ma/ when you're sad. I know we're getting enough sleep when Daddy and I hear you talking in the middle of the night and we just giggle with each other over the adorable noises you're making.
We also continue to be amazed at how interested in toys you are. Noah is still pretty disinterested in toys but you love them. All of them. If they light up and make noise all the better (please! grandparents do not see this as an invitation for these toys!).
And just because everyone needs a good laugh- here's a diaper headed you- Nina said that she doesn't think Daddy has quite figured out this diapering thing. If truth be known he changes more diapers than me. He also likes to have fun. He said he thought it would make a good helmet for our bike rides. Silly Daddy.

I love everything that makes you you. It's been so interesting thinking back to the beginning of the summer and compare it to now. Crazy crazy my girl. Some days I want to just bundle you up and freeze you in time because you're too cute for words and I don't ever want it to end. Some days I want you to hurry up and grow up so you can tell me all the things that are going on inside your head. Most days though we're running around like crazy because there are just too few hours in the day and we don't have much time to ponder all this.
I love you girlie and I'm so glad you're along on this crazy ride with us,
Mommy