Home today with the little man, and catching up on some emails. Since I know so many women now who are professionals or academics with new babies, I've been thinking and reading a lot about the compromises we make to have these duel personalities...and why it doesn't seem to be the same for the fathers. Here's some reading material for you, if you share the problem...
This one's about trends in breastfeeding over time...
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/01/19/090119fa_fact_lepore?currentPage=all
(note, this above article has several pages)
And this one's about the problems men have with being "mothers".
http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2009/02/2009022401c.htm
both interesting.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Birthdays All Around!
Firstly, a big happy fuzzy warm welcome to little Abby, who was born Friday morning! (see Steve's blog for fabulous pix). She's conveniently chosen a birthday sandwiched between mine and Becky's, so we will all share our birthday weekends! Yay Abby! We're all excited to meet you!
We've had an odd week here. Riley had some odd combination of cold and growth spurt, the result of which is that we're all a bit worn down right now. Grandpa and Grammie came to visit this weekend, and did us the huge favor of watching the little guy Saturday night so Andrew and I could go see a concert for my birthday. http://gaelicstorm.musiccitynetworks.com/. It was our first real night out alone in 4.5months! Actually, the smart thing would've been to take the opportunity for a nice long uninterrupted nap - but who said we were smart?!
Riley's giggling more often, sitting well in his bumbo chair, and chatting up a storm whenever he gets the chance. The other day, we were sitting on the couch and he turned to his Dad and just giggled for no apparent reason. Happy is healthy! Here are some smiles for you, in case you need them this Monday...

We've had an odd week here. Riley had some odd combination of cold and growth spurt, the result of which is that we're all a bit worn down right now. Grandpa and Grammie came to visit this weekend, and did us the huge favor of watching the little guy Saturday night so Andrew and I could go see a concert for my birthday. http://gaelicstorm.musiccitynetworks.com/. It was our first real night out alone in 4.5months! Actually, the smart thing would've been to take the opportunity for a nice long uninterrupted nap - but who said we were smart?!
Riley's giggling more often, sitting well in his bumbo chair, and chatting up a storm whenever he gets the chance. The other day, we were sitting on the couch and he turned to his Dad and just giggled for no apparent reason. Happy is healthy! Here are some smiles for you, in case you need them this Monday...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Our Intrepid Traveler
We've returned from our short but exciting trip to Phoenix. We were only there for 2 full days, but we had a lot of "firsts" along the way.
First airplane flight! This picture is actually from his second airplane flight. We did ok on the first one and great on the second one.
First time walking outside without coats, blankets, or mittens! (Go Cards!). We spent most of our time on the ASU campus.
First time playing in the grass and looking up at the GREEN trees.
First time wearing a baseball hat. Well, first time NEEDING to wear a baseball hat! (Go Cards!)
This poor little hat is too small on my big head.
First time making our own Vitamin D :)
This vid is of us playing outside in the sun with our new Cyanobacteria toy from friend Sarah. See "giantmicrobes.com".
This vid is of us playing outside in the sun with our new Cyanobacteria toy from friend Sarah. See "giantmicrobes.com".
Monday, February 9, 2009
Stoopid Doctors
Why do they call it a well baby exam when all they do is make my baby cry?
Turns out, we have a giant baby. He's now 17lbs 2oz (89%) and 27.75" long (>95%). Good gravy.
On a better note, my baby sister turns 21 today! Not much of a baby anymore!
Turns out, we have a giant baby. He's now 17lbs 2oz (89%) and 27.75" long (>95%). Good gravy.
On a better note, my baby sister turns 21 today! Not much of a baby anymore!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Good Weather and New Stuff
So we did our part to stimulate the economy this weekend by donating cash to local merchants. We got a new fancy sound system for the living room, which means that the last element of my old system has been retired (sad). We ran around buying stuff for our trip this week, including a cool bottle-warmer thing that doesn't need any power -seriously! I got a haircut for the first time in over a year. Woohoo!
The weather this weekend was fabulous. It got up to almost 60 yesterday, and we went to the Arboretum with our neighbors for a nice walk. Riley got to experience the great outdoors for the first time since he was tiny. We took him out of his stroller after he woke up and he watched all the little kids running around the Children's Garden with great interest! It was super cute.
Speaking of Mr Riley, he'll be 4 months old this week! Yikes. He has his 4 month checkup tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll have new specs to share. He's started this funny habit of singing to himself when he gets really sleepy. He just starts this funny moaning noise as he breathes and then all the sudden it stops. That's how we know he's fallen asleep. It's very silly, but somewhat helpful. He's started to use his thumb and pointer to grab at things already, instead of just palming. Also, I hung pieces of this cool mobile that some friends gave us over his changing station in the dining room and he is just fascinated with it. It's this crazy spacey-insect like mobile that has bright colors and funny shapes. He stares at it open-mouthed (see below).
This little suit is 9month (Carters). It fits him perfectly - well except for the hood. What is up with baby clothes sizing???! Why don't they size them in length or something?
Here're the boys at the Arboretum. It was so nice to get outside! I'm sure it will freeze again this week, but all the snow on the ground melted.
Another shot. It was so cute to see Riley noticing all the commotion and watching it calmly. I can't wait for him to be the one running around on this playground.
So, I tried to get a shot of the mobile and Riley looking at it, but the angle is weird. You can kindof see the alien-bugs here, but they're pretty cool.
Here's Riley staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the mobile. It's our new trick to keep him from whining ;)
The weather this weekend was fabulous. It got up to almost 60 yesterday, and we went to the Arboretum with our neighbors for a nice walk. Riley got to experience the great outdoors for the first time since he was tiny. We took him out of his stroller after he woke up and he watched all the little kids running around the Children's Garden with great interest! It was super cute.
Speaking of Mr Riley, he'll be 4 months old this week! Yikes. He has his 4 month checkup tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll have new specs to share. He's started this funny habit of singing to himself when he gets really sleepy. He just starts this funny moaning noise as he breathes and then all the sudden it stops. That's how we know he's fallen asleep. It's very silly, but somewhat helpful. He's started to use his thumb and pointer to grab at things already, instead of just palming. Also, I hung pieces of this cool mobile that some friends gave us over his changing station in the dining room and he is just fascinated with it. It's this crazy spacey-insect like mobile that has bright colors and funny shapes. He stares at it open-mouthed (see below).
So, I tried to get a shot of the mobile and Riley looking at it, but the angle is weird. You can kindof see the alien-bugs here, but they're pretty cool.Thursday, February 5, 2009
Weekly Update
Ok, so it's been more than a week. Tough noogies.
Grandma and Grandpa visited last weekend for my Dad's birthday. We had a good time and Riley enjoyed all the attention! He also rolled over - once - entirely by accident. Rew put him on his tummy and he pushed up so hard he flipped right on over. He seemed surprised, but mostly by our reaction to the event. Of course, it hasn't happened since. Also, he's definitely in the stage where everything gets brought up to his mouth for exploration - with the accompanying drool fest. We've had a busy week of trying to get work done before our trip next week. Here are a few pix of randomness for your entertainment.
Grandpa with Riley on his birthday. Mouse is tolerating their existance.
My GreatGrandma made me this cozy for my car seat. It has fun jungle animals on it. I think it's funny.
On a whim, I gave his old sling a try. He grew out of this thing months ago, but it has multiple "positions", including this side-carry thing. Riley seemed to enjoy being carried where he could see who was holding him.
Drooling
I just thought this was a funny face.
Grandma and Grandpa visited last weekend for my Dad's birthday. We had a good time and Riley enjoyed all the attention! He also rolled over - once - entirely by accident. Rew put him on his tummy and he pushed up so hard he flipped right on over. He seemed surprised, but mostly by our reaction to the event. Of course, it hasn't happened since. Also, he's definitely in the stage where everything gets brought up to his mouth for exploration - with the accompanying drool fest. We've had a busy week of trying to get work done before our trip next week. Here are a few pix of randomness for your entertainment.
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