Turning 30

Yep- it happened.  But really I just wanted to post these pics:

1 month old

Great sleeper, slow eater, easily soothed, 

Starting to focus more, hoping for a smile soon. 

Love this little girl.

5 Miles for 4 Years

Yesterday D and I ran 5 miles, it was also our 4 year anniversary.  It was a good run; I initially doubted I would make it 5 due to having a sick toddler keeping me up the night before and being exhausted.  But after about 2 miles it got easier and I even sprinted the last mile.  Ee did it on treadmills, which makes it much more of an accomplishment.  The treadmills at the YMCA are wonderful, they have great shock absorbency and in comparison our home treadmill seems dangerous with just plywood under the belt.  We are selling it by the way- it's a good treadmill, served me very well and got me into running.  But we don't run at home very much any more, and the YMCA membership offers childcare and a pool, family activities...so we never use it any more.

After the run we rested a bit at home and then I went to work.  I had a few clients that evening- overall I am getting a lot more clients and the practice is filling up almost to what I want as my maximum.  L went to stay with Babka while D and I went out to dinner.  It was a very nice restaurant with a michelin star...and the prices to go with it.  But we figured for not being able to take a vacation or a couple days away, it was well worth it.

Of course since L had been sick, I had to finally come down with what he had.  So at some point during our dinner I noticed a scratchy throat, head ache, and overall fatigue.  It progressed and I am still nursing this mild flu/cold today.

30 before 30

I forget to do this after my birthday (so one is already completed).  Last year I didn't accomplish a few keys things, but hopefully this year I can get back on track.

1. Throw L's 2 year bday party at our home.
2. Go on a family trip
3. Read at least 3 books (Again)
4. Go on a family camping trip (these seem awfully appealing with a baby)
5. Take L to the beach
6. Plan a special 30th birthday for D basically this didn't happen because I was puking too much :(
7. Grow my private practice (aka actually have income)
8. Enroll preschool
9. Continue being healthy
10. Become pregnant with our second child
11. Take L to the SF MOMA
12. Make L a train table for his Birthday
13. Do monthly dates with D- and actually go out- do not stay home and clean!
14. Grow vegetables in pots
15. Wean L from nursing (we are so close)
16. Get L to fall asleep without walking/nursing/driving down (having some success but not consistently)
17. Complete a half-marathon (13.1)
18. Organize the house
19. Eliminate Junk
20. Get a gardener (we can go back and fourth about being capable of cutting the grass and blowing the leaves regularly, but we never do, it's time for a change)
21. Take a family photo (or a few)
22. Wear a dress to work (this seems pointless but, I want to incorporate non pant items as professional wear)
23. Finish watching The Wire (just started the third season- totally addicted- Omar blows me away)
24. Use my Bikram Yoga Groupon
25. Eliminate Debt
26. Save at least $250.00 every month and rebuild our savings
27. Potty Train L (I keep putting this off)
28. Be able to park in our garage
29. Grow out my hair and go more blonde
30. Go out without D and L more often

Creeping up on two years....

 

I haven't been blogging much...obviously.

This has been a very trying time for me with all the changes, moving, starting my practice, raising a strong willed toddler, slowly weaning, financial issues.  It's incredible how much I have been thrown off balance.  Just when I felt like things were picking up with my practice and I was gaining some ground financially- we get a huge expense over at our rented house.  Basically washed away all I have saved up.

L is getting so big and smart - but honestly I have been really burnt out with his whining and tantrums.  It's not that I can't find peace during these moments, it's that I often wake up at 6am to L staring me in the face screaming/whining.  He is an early waker and it's no lie I am NOT a morning person.  So it's been overwhelming for me to have to deal with the fussiness the second I open my eyes.

L and I are doing swim lessons- we are having a much better experience with L being around other toddlers/kids at the swimming class then we did at Little Gym.  The water has always been his favorite thing, and maybe - I don't want to jinx it - but maybe he is growing out of that stage a little bit.  Hopefully by September when he starts preschool it will be a lot better.

The weaning has been going ok- I have been nursing him on average about 3 times a week.  In dire situations at night I have nursed him to sleep- but we avoid it at all costs.  he still asks for it and even cries and tantrums some days int he morning.  But I am working on distracting him and finding other ways to comfort him.  I notice I am more emotional on the days I nurse now versus the way it used to be- where I got emotional on the days I didn't nurse.  Hormones are shifting.

But the main point of this post- L is now 22 months, he is almost 2 years old!  He is so quickly becoming less and less baby.  We are planning on doing a small mainly family and close friends birthday party at our home.  We plan to discourage presents because seriously, L doesn't need any more toys, especially since we plan on getting him a few things our selves.  I know that grandparents will still get gifts- I won't take that joy away from them...

Above are a few pics of L in the wagon with his "lily muffins".  She isn't a huge fan of staying in the wagon, but was compliant enough for a few pics.  Below are pics of L wearing his PG&E dress up outfit- his first dress up outfit.  D worked on a shoot for PG&E and they didn't need these any more so D was able to snag some new "gear".  

"Innocent"

We are officially weaning and it's making me a little sad/mopey.  Yay for hormone changes!

Right now L is only being nursed in the morning.  We decided to cut out all night time nursing first because we think it will help him sleep and also be able to soothed by someone else besides me (like daddy).  He seriously wakes up and cries and screams "booby!".

In other news I'm really struggling with L's behavior towards other children- he basically hates them/fears them/hits them.  And I know it's not out of aggression or rage- it's so clearly because he is fearful and mistrusting of other kids.  This makes me incredibly sad- I wish my little baby could have a few more months/years of being truly "innocent".  I don't think he should have to be so weary and cautious of new situations/people this young.  It's hard for me not to wonder how this temperament and these traits will evolve as he grows.  And I wish everyone would stop telling me how "normal" his behavior is...because where are all these other supposed "normal" kids.  I have probably seen one or two children act like L- out of A LOT.  Maybe their moms never bring them out because their kids hit and it's too much.

L had his early well baby Dr visit today.  We are so lucky and I randomly picked a great pediatrician.  L is also still growing along the same curve except in height.  He had a huge gain in height and is now in the 94th percentile (usually was hovering around the 50th).  L did whack a girl in the waiting room with his toy bus...I can't help but feel bad for the other kids he hits because he was so impacted by being hit.

1st Hair Cut

Done by me...

 

21 months

L is 21 months today- Last night marked the first night he fell asleep in a bed.  Ok, so it was our bed not his, and Kiki's Delivery Service was playing on the TV (go ahead judge me;)- but it's a start.  The plan is to gradually get him used to falling asleep in a bed, then remove the stimulations/distractions as he gets more used to it.  Then move him into his own bed and fall asleep without us.  Progress....

Here is L enjoying his yogurt for breakfast while being his big 21 month old self.

20 months!

Today L turns 20 months- full toddlerhood, starting the "terrible" two's, talking up a storm, running with no fear, learning patience, getting ready to potty train, being able to be away from me more, lover of hugs, constant kisser, continual demander of booby, amazing-adorable-f*cking fantastic little guy.

L now calls D and I "mommy and daddy"- graduating from mama & dada- he says "no" A LOT.  But recently the way he says "no" as evolved and I kinda adore hearing him say it.  So it's less frustrating cause he is so damn cute.

People are always saying he needs a little hair cut but D and I don't feel it's necessary- we like watching his little waves and curls form- maybe before he turns 2.  We had a housewarming party this weekend but didn't take a single picture!  L started to learn everyone's name at the party and loves to repeat them.  He has also been bouncing back and forth from awesome sleeper to terrible sleeper.  I think his 2 year molars must be making an appearance because he is chewing on everything.

Wheels are turning for his 2 year birthday party- it's nice to have a home with a very usable back yard.  Hopefully before June I can start L in swimming lessons.  He likes to lay in the bathtub on his tummy and say swim while kicking in the water- seems like he is ready.

18 months!

Yep- we've made it to the 18 month mark- which seemed so much older and un-baby-like when you were just a few months old...

You are so strong willed, and I am so happy about that- but at the same time I'm struggling to find a middle ground when you want something sooo bad, but its actually bad for you (like playing with screws/ lamps/hot light bulbs).

You are super smart- you know basic colors, can say a-b-c (but stop at that), know numbers 1-2, understand "wait" (but that doesn't mean you are always willing to do it), and so much more.   Your vocabulary grows every day and I haven't kept track of all the words you actually say- but its A LOT.

Remember when your dada and I took actual camera photos for your milestones- instead of just iphone photos?  ha- hopefully we can get back to that...

Here you are after receiving a valentines day card from grandma and papa- you picked up on mickey mouse after one afternoon at their place- Disney has marketing down!  Oh and elmo is a constant companion in our home.

Here you are playing with your water table- you continue to be a water baby- baths, cups of water, toilets, water tables- anything with water is your favorite thing.

Today we went to a local park (that I grew up playing at)- we rode the train and merry-go-round.  You were serious throughout the whole ride.

15 months!

Yep- my little guy is 15 freaking months!  He is growing and challenging me more every day.  This last month has been particularly difficult with all the sickness and the major stressor of my final exam.  Oh, and L showed me what tantrums can REALLY look like- lets just say there can be lots of hitting, screaming, kicking, and not a lot of sleeping or hugging.

I think a lot of L's frustration comes from being so smart (yes I am that kind of mom) and understanding so much more but still not being able to express it or execute it himself.  His vocabulary is growing and he has these new babble sounds that I adore- they are sweet and pluck my heart strings just like his first coos.

Our little guy also speaks broken Slovak- thanks to mama not knowing much and babka only able to teach him when she is around.  But seriously this guy doesn't really know the english words for a few things...and I like it that way.

13 months come and gone...

So it seems as though the monthly photo shoots stopped at 12 months- that doesn't mean we aren't taking a ridiculous amount of pictures and video (usually just with our phones).  L is over 13 months now and had his 1 year well baby appointment today- yes, a little late.  Our little guy is 23.5 lbs., 31 in. tall, and super cute- yes the Dr. measured for cuteness.

L is in love with B words- ya know; baba (mama and bottle), bur (bird), bow (bowl), baa (ball), bu (book).  He also says da (dog), moo (moon), dada (dada, and the general term for anything he can't say).   His fussy period seems to be ending and we are once again in love.

Last night I was getting giddy thinking about his developing personality, growth, and how truly amazing this little guy is.  I started reading up on potty training too- I was so clueless about when and how to start, but after reading and talking with a few people I think we have a plan.  Soon I hope to get L a potty (or two) and some books on it- this kid loves books.  I must confess that I want to hide certain books of his because he ALWAYS wants to read them and I dread it when he picks them up to bring to me!  Kids books are not always very entertaining for us adults...maybe time for some new ones.

I really want to get him this: Tickle Monster Laughter Kit

Tickle Monster Laughter Kit

Help?!?!

L learned how to climb on the couch today...

Happy 1st Birthday!

L turned 1 and we had a party.  It was stressful- I get crazy anxiety when hosting anything- add in that most peple got lost on their way and weren't in the best space when they arrived and a baby and husband that just over the stomach flu...

I joke that I probably had several small strokes through out the event...seems plausible.

But it was also incredibly fun and I was so grateful to have such wonderful family and friends there to love our little guy.  My mom made most of the food and it was delicious (though I barely ate while the arty was going on).  L loved the cupcakes.  And advice to anyone throwing a party with kids- bubble machine and beach ball- those two things entertained all the kids and made for some awesome pictures.

So here are a few many pictures of our little birthday boy.

1 year ago today...

around 6:30 pm...

Milestones

First, when did my little guy become a toddler!?!?!  He is just walking, or as D calls it "toddling" around the house, motor-boating with his mouth, rearranging our kitchen supplies, playing our piano, and just plain cracking us up!  It's amazing to watch, yet it feels like only yesterday he was learning to roll over.  I have to say I love that I can put him down now and he can stand by himself- this kid is getting heavy!  His 1st birthday is just around the corner and I've heard other mothers share about sadness over the 1st birthday- the loss of their infant, baby, etc...I'm not sad, more excited.

D and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary earlier this week.  We went to Michael Mina's in SF.  The food was awesome- it had been so long since I had enjoyed butter and cream due to L's sensitivity to dairy, that I actually became a little emotional when eating- yes, it was that good!  And L seems to be doing great with small amounts of dairy- no need for cow's milk though, still breastfeeding away.

Yesterday we returned to the city to visit my cousin.  L looked absolutely adorable in his Gap outfit- Gap is killing it with baby clothes right now- if you have a baby/kid check this out.  We grabbed some food at Tartine then had a picnic in Dolores park.  Hopefully my cousin sends over the pictures he took.

My toes are still healing but I have been able to run a few miles.  The Dr. told me about 3 weeks (it's been a week and half) and I can get a  pedicure- that's my light at the end of the tunnel...

Walking

11 months!

We are a little late getting to these pictures, but I have to say they are my favorite so far.  You are getting more and more beautiful as you grow.  You officially took two tiny steps unassisted the other day, I know you will be walking soon.  But right now you are satisfied with cruising around, holding onto furniture, and even our hands.  You have seven little chompers, that I can tell- you do not like to let me search around in your mouth- I don't blame you.  You now clap- especially when I say "good job", and wave (but you have interesting timing for your waves- like after we leave somewhere and are getting into the car), and you started having some temper tantrums!  You amazed me the other day by copying something I have done with you (taking your felt tomato toy and putting it on the turning part of your other toy)- it sounds simple, but it showed me just how much you are absorbing and taking in.  Daddy tells me now I have to cuss less.  Food is still one of your favorite things, though like your mom, you love something and can eat it a lot, then get sick of it and don't want it for a while.  It also seems your ability to tolerate dairy is increasing- I have been able to enjoy a small amount of cheese, and you LOVED the goat cheese we let you taste.  Next month you will be a year, time flies.

Love you!!!