Gnome Baby

Ah, my little gnome. Most adorable Halloween costume in the world made by Baba.  Complete with super red hat, snazzy belt, and a little pouch for special treasures.

Note: he wore the hat without complaint for both trick-or-treat days.

As I post this my little blueberry is fast asleep after two days....yes, two days of trick-or-treating.  I do believe he loved every minute of cold autumn night air and strange looking people running amuck.

Note 2: Of course my head is already full of costume ideas for the years to come before he hits the age when he will think he knows best.....

For now I need to focus.  I need to plan. Make lists. Set a budget. The holidays are around the bend.  And somehow I volunteered to have Turkey day at our little house. What was I thinking....

Little Monster

72 hours.  That is what this mama worked the other week. And I have jelly all over my face. Jealous of all the time eveyone else besides me gets to spend with my little man.  He is asleep when I leave for work and asleep---or ready for bed---by the time I return. It's starting to feel like I'm the babysitter when I see him only two out seven days of the week. I am torn between being able to work and provide for my blueberry and wanting to be the mom my heart wants me to be.

A few weeks ago I attended a lecture about women in the work place.  A successful woman in my field (note: she has no offspring) said it was not about the quantity of time but the quality of time you have with your family.  That sounds like a nice theory. But it is a theory that is not working for me.

While I am at the job my little boy has learned to crawl, sprout a tooth, and stand himself up in his crib. Everyday is a day of discovery and challenge for him. 

Above is a photo from our time together this week. I followed him on his wild rumpus around his nursery. He was just so break-my-heart-cute in his  striped socks and his Where the Wild Things Are tshirt from dear Auntie L---I had to share this little boy and his smile that makes my tired old soul sigh with utter adoration.

Pumpkin Patch

It was my idea. To get everybody up early on a sleepy Sunday morning and head to the pumpkin patch. The weather was perfect autumn: chilled and grey. Perfect for being in cozy sweatpants and ancient blankets curled up in the living room for the day. Instead my little family made sure we were all dressed in our very best black t-shirts and jeans---appropriate for the occasion of little E's selection of his first Halloween pumpkin--and headed out to a local farm.

We were at the farm for less than hour.  Enough time to pick out a pumpkin bigger than our blueberry.  And enough time to take pictures that marked the occasion when  my baby was just as big as a pumpkin himself.  I'm sure my little family just loves this mama's bright ideas.

Heart Baby

My blueberry was born with two  tiny holes in his precious heart.  His little heart murmur was very faint, but there.  When he had his first round of test he was one month old. He was such a good newborn for his test. He was calm and still.

Today was E's six month follow up with his cardiologist.  At seven months he was quite the good baby again for his round of test.

We received the news that a new parent prays for: that her baby is healthy.  That her baby's heart has grown strong and healed.

E was in great capable hands at the children's hospital.  I am blessed that he is well today with the light of autumn shining in his eyes.   My heart goes out to all the families and their children at the hospital faced with challenges ahead. That they too may walk away from the hospital with their babe healthy and happy in their embrace someday soon.





Blueberry Apple Baby

My little guy had his first stay over at his Auntie L's house.  While I was out of town for a few vacation days, our blueberry was on an adventure with his auntie. She did an amazing job with E. Every picture we received while we were away was filled with sunshine smiles---on E's face and on his auntie's. As a special treat she took E and his cousin O to their first apple orchard.  They even went on a hay ride.

My aunt was fundamental to my development as a child.  She exposed me to art, gardens, music, and different life philosophies.  I loved every summer minute I spent on special trips to my aunt's home. I hope my E and his aunt grow the same happy memories together.

And on a side note....I now know how hard it must have been for my mother to send me off for a visit with a relative. Your heart aches when your baby is away from your embrace. And your heart overflows with joy the very moment that they return.

Swing Baby Swing

Oh, the simple joy of a good swing.  Daddy put the swing up for our little blueberry ( a gift from Baba). It was difficult to choose one picture that captured the happiness of my baby as he took his first swing in our cottege's quaint front yard. He was just full of sunshine in all the pictures. 

Fair Baby

My fair baby. He was an excellent fair baby. The best. He smiled at the rabbits. Surveyed the cornucopia of fowl. Met a beautiful hay eating horse named Maximus. Showed his Baba and Mama which quilts he preferred. Casually enjoyed the fine art building with the occasional yawn.  Several grey haired people stopped him to say hello.  Ate his lunch and his snack at the Rotary dining hall.  Put up with over 90 degree weather and a bright brilliant sun. I do believe he loved every new minute. And so did I.