Tomorrow we leave for Nonnie's house

Whew, I'm still waiting to exhale.... I arrived at my baby's school yesterday and found him sitting up on his playmat smiling at me when he first saw me. When I first walk into the room after being gone for 8 plus hours he sees me, first not recnognizing me (which of course pangs me)....and then I walk closer to him and tell him, "It's mommy..." He then start to smile and then wants me to pick him up and hold him close. Pretty intense for a 6 month old. I usually pick him up and we hold eachother very tightly. You have to wonder who needs the hug more...me from the guilt of leaving him..or him because he hasn't felt totally secure since I dropped him off. Whatever the reason, it is our ritual. His daycare woman always stares at us and she too smiles and distracts him after awhile and he will smile at her and she gets him to laugh in delight too. He is quick to respond to her as he has shared a part of their day together. I almost feel as though I have intruded on their time. It must make her feel a bit awkward that I have arrived and will now take him from her. Sometimes she finds excuses to keep him for a bit longer. There is always the excuse that diaper needs changing or there is a story that I just have to hear! She is adorable as I have said before. She even knows my son's birthdate and how old he was when he first began school. She claims that he was 15 weeks...and although I know it's not exactly correct, I let her believe he was that old. You see he was only 11 weeks because I went back to work one week for his 12 week mark. But, I don't dare correct her, because I can't remember if she was there the first day or not. So, I just let it be. There are some things that just don't need correcting. Even though my character is to be accurate and precise. I let this one just go. Well, I have lots to pack tonight for his 2nd plane ride. I already have his outfit picked out and picked up some more clothes for him as he is meeting his dad's side of the family. And I want to make the best impression for the baby and my hubby. It won't take much as my little 6 month old smiles more than any baby I have ever seen. I guess I would too if everyone did things for me and did it with delight. I'm glad that he finds all of our gestures satisfying and amuzing. He's so precious to me! My son...my first child. It has been an ardeous journey finding him...and I thank God every day that he is in my life and thriving.

Well, I must make a list of things to pack. I will try to write on our trip so that I don't forget anything.

Adieu....L.

Working on the weekend

Today is Saturday. Day two of my new blog. Oh, to be so young and fresh! This morning was quite hectic. My little baby woke up with me this morning cooing and wanting to be held. At first site of him at about 6:30 a.m. he was sleeping upside down and content as could be. Then something woke him up and our day starting at 7:15 a.m. You see his daddy is working odd hours as he is in inspector. So, instead of the normal 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. it's now somewhere around 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. So, this past week I consider myself a single mom. You know that the woman ends up doing the lion share of everything. That's what I have been told from my sister and sister-in-law. And the more I do the work, the more I can concur with their assesment of motherhood. So, we woke up (Dad got home and went to bed...lucky him!) and I fed the baby and he played in his exersaucer. A handy contraption, I might add. However, one does not stay that amused for a long time..since their world is all about them. Don't get me wrong, he's absolutely adorable and worth it. So, I proeeded to make bottles, juggle a couple of phone calls and get him ready to take to a friend's house as I am in the office today ALL DAY. So, all this took about 1.5 hours and then I had to get myself ready. So, we left the house and went to my friend's house and on the way there we passed a garage sale. So, I made a mental note to stop by it after dropping him off. I then dropped him off and dressed my friend's two kids. They were partially dressed just needed a little help as she was holding my baby. Her hubby then made me some to go coffee. His coffee is the best!!!! He told me he saves the good stuff for the good people! And I am thinking..what do you give the people/friends that aren't good? The Folgers coffee? But, didn't say that. You see he leaves for Iraq on Monday. So, their family dynamics will change. And I will help her as much as I can with her two children. Well, I must get back to it. The boss is moving around....

Life with a newborn @ 6 months (July 2005)

It's July 22nd and in about 4 days my son will be officially 6 months old. Wow, where did the time go? We went from a sleeping, eating machine to a baby that now can answer to his own name and grab my hair! It's been a wonderful journey so far. But, I have to admit, it's quite hard balancing work and baby at the same time. Even though, I put him into a great school, the hugs and kisses and time with him just isn't enough. I guess you could ask yourself "Am I doing the right thing leaving him somewhere all day?" And I have to answer, "It is the best thing for now." Maybe in the future I may change my mind. But, for now it is quality over quantity..that is just the way it has to be. His caretaker (one of them anyway) is quite lovely. I think he has won her heart about just as much as mine. I know you are thinking, yea right. But, it's true, she too makes him laugh and hugs him a lot from what I can tell. However, he still knows it's Mommy that will take him home and love on him and make it all safe. He shows me this repeatedly when he is wary of someone holding him. He looks at me with big eyes for confirmation that he will be okay. I usually give it if I know the person..which is usually the case. We are going to another state in about a week to meet "Nonnie".. a loving nickname for my husband's mother. She is quite frail...I think somewhere around the age of 74. She has emphasema, and I think she is waiting to meet my little chubby faced 6 month old. He too will steel her heart with that gummy smile and loving heart. I am nervous for the two to meet. The old meets the young. Will the old realize just how old they are when you hold the future literally in your arms? Will she be okay or overwhelmed with emotion when she hugs her youngest's child? Will she look at him and realize that she won't see him grow up? Geez, that will be a heartbreaking moment. One, that I wish that I could take away from her and fill her with happy thoughts and fairydust that would make her eyes twinkle. We'll have to see how that goes. You know, usually the young wins....in the end...they usually do. I must sign off for now, have to get back to it. Hugs, to all that made it this far.