I thought it was time for a little update. I don't have anything in particular to write about, but Joel just took Ben and Emma for a walk so I thought this was a good time to write a blog post.
It's Saturday. The house is clean, Curry Veggie Stew is simmering on the stove, and I have a cup of tea here with me. Life is Good. This week was my second week back at work and it's gone surprisingly well. I'm not worried about Ben. Even when he got clawed in the face...or when he eats only a few ounces...or when I know he's being infected with germs...I sometimes pretend I'm worried and tell people the "drama", but in reality, I'm pretty at peace with everything. I think talking about the "drama" is kind of a bad habit I have. Maybe I feel like the "drama" is the only interesting stuff I have to talk about, so that's what I tell people...but it's really not that big of a deal to me (lately, at least).
The weather has been beautiful (as it has been all summer). When I take Ben to daycare in the morning, I see stunning views of Mt Rainier and the gorgeous sunrises. The views, along with my happy, smiley guy and my morning coffee make me feel so happy. Joel and I do have a few stressful things going on, but somehow I'm able to keep those from really bothering me. Normally, I let stress consume me...It takes concious effort, but I'm learning how to let the silly stressful things go and focus on the important things. This is a big accomplishment for me! I'm the queeeeen of anxiety (I share that title with certain sisters and a few friends)!
Ben. What's new with Ben? He seems sooo independent! As long as he's fed and well-rested, he can spend forever on the floor by himself or in the jumparoo! He loooooves the jumparoo (we switched the exersaucer with Brenna for their Jumaparoo for a while). He also likes reading in our laps, but he only lasts for a few minutes before he starts getting squirrley. This boy is CONSTANTLY MOVING! He is the energizer bunny and his battery never dies! It's pretty funny! Even when he's sitting still, he's always marching his arms up and down or stomping his feet.
Every day his attempts to crawl get more and more advanced. Today, he displayed his backwards scooting skills. He's not scooting fast by any means, but he definitely moved from one side of the living room to the other. It's sad because he tries to go forwards towards his toy, but he ends up pushing himself further and further away. Today he discovered the wood floors for the first time. He scooted from the blanket over to the wood floor. I think he likes how easy it is to move on the hard, smooth surface! He spent a good 30 minutes playing with his toys and scooting around there. He drooled so much, he ended up mopping a good section of the floor ;)
He's still waking up every hour and a half. But, honestly, I don't really mind. I somehow manage to get enough sleep to function well at work. I think I would
prefer to get a solid 8 hours, but the frequent wakings don't reaaaallllly bother me. The only time I'm bothered at night is when he takes a long time to fall back asleep, and then I get so frustrated I want to throw things!! Thankfully, that has been improving the past few nights. Joel asked me today when we're going to start "sleep training"...I told him I didn't want to talk about it right now. I know it has to happen eventually, but it's hard to do it when I'm not really motivated. There's no reason for me to do it. I like the snuggles I get with my little guy at night, especially since I see him so little during the day.
As I re-read that last few paragraphs, I realize that he has the perfect blend of independence and needing me. I love that he can entertain himself for long periods of time if needed, but he looooves his mommy snuggles at night :) I cherish this time because I know it won't last forever!!
Ben is such a champ with this whole daycare/going back to work thing. Since he's usually in bed with us when the alarm goes off at 5:30, Ben wakes up when Joel and I do. He makes a few little fusses as he wakes up, but then he's super happy and smiley and chatty. I put him in the bouncy chair while I get ready and then I feed him right before we leave for daycare. He usually falls asleep in the car as soon as I pull out of the driveway. No crying or screaming. Just my happy little guy. In the evening, when I pick him up from daycare, he's usually so exhausted that he passes out right away in the car again and he snoozes for an hour. That gives me time to wash his bottles and make our lunches for the next day. It's a nice little routine we have. Joel is coaching soccer right now, so he's gone till late on Tuesday and Thursdays when they have games.
I wish I could think of more little details about Ben, but my mind is blanking right now. I think his changes are at a little lull right now. I'm sure some big changes are right around the corner! Hopefully those changes don't include teeth :)
Morning view from the neighborhood where Ben goes to Daycare:
Four Months Old:
Another Morning View:
Trying out a sippy cup because he decided to refuse a bottle days before daycare started!:
His preferred bath position:
He started out on the blanket. I came back from the kitchen to find him here:
