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Big Laugher

Helping himself

I really wanted to wait until Henry was a year old to change our blog title description from "everyday life with a baby..." to "everyday life with a toddler..." but it is becoming very clear to me that my little baby has burst onto the toddler scene. Here is the definition of toddler: one who toddles, or is learning to walk. Does this apply to Henry? Check.

Here he is thinking the refrigerator is uncharted territory. In our house, you better know what you want from the fridge, get in, and get out. As soon as the door opens, he's right in there to check it out. Good luck getting the door closed again.

11 Months & Milestones

Henry turned 11 months old this week. I can hardly believe it. In celebration, there was a big to-do in Washington: the swearing in of a new president! While Henry won't remember, I know that for me it will be a moment of "where was I when..." to mark the historic occasion. I believe its a wonderful milestone for the country.

I made a quick trip to Iowa to see some family, since Mom didn't have to work on MLK Jr Day. We were very productive: I now have a new tablecloth and matching cloth napkins, sewn on my new (used) sewing machine. I'm looking forwad to investigating other sewing projects in the near future.

The visit was very entertaining for Henry, who bonded with Tator, my parents' dog. Henry was shaking with excitement from head to toe upon first seeing Tator. He spent the remainder of the visit just following Tator around the house, much to Tator's dismay. Tator isn't exactly a huge fan of kids and has learned to always stay just out of arms reach. He was fairly patient, however, as we encouraged him to sit still so Henry could poke him in the face, er I mean, carefully pet the doggie.As far as any stats, without an 11 month visit to the doctor (we'll see him for a 12 month appointment) we had to estimate a few. I believe he's holding steady around 22 lbs, my sister Jessica measured him at 30 inches, and his head size continues to fit his 18-24 month sized stocking hat. Oh, and the overalls in these pictures are fitting him best when used on the largest size snap setting.

He is quite the busy body these days doing laps in the house, carrying most of his toys from room to room so that he's never more than a few steps from a toy. I fight what I like to call "the great toy migration" by placing them back on the shelves and in the toy box daily. In this battle, I recall the lesson from my high school chemistry class: the energy of the universe is moving toward increasing chaos. This makes my effort seem very valiant, but futile. He also wants to eat everything we're eating. Not that I'm looking forward to more of the teething process, but we could really use a molar right about now to make eating "big people food" a lot easier.

Snow and Cold and Cold and Snow

Snow. Cold. Need I remind you those are four letter words? Harumph.
Seriously. Madison likes to keep a fresh layer of snow out for its citizens, so every couple of days we get another dusting. Of 4-6 inches. This week, just to mix it up a little bit we are experiencing some frigid temps. Brrr. Hey, let's look at the bright side of life. It is SUNNY today!

What to do, what to do...well, naps are good for staying warm and cozy. Here's a picture of how I'm usually greeted post-nap by Henry. He's generally all smiles, and crazy hair. One of my favorite moments during the day is getting him after he's woken from a nap (though it's sometimes bittersweet because I LOVE his nap time--a much needed break).

Here's a photo of a dedicated Dr. George, taken last month. He's all bundled up to walk to clinic. (We are quite thankful that is an option).

The back story: bit of a snow storm, no "delayed start" for clinic, George is shoveling the driveway, realizes that the street is not plowed. Even if the car exits the driveway, dicey street going. Gives up on driveway, bundles up to walk to clinic. 5 minutes before leaving, snow plow goes by. Now driveway not cleared....ha ha ha...not to mention new snowplow mound at the driveway entrance. Frustration!

Little Sous Chef

Henry has been very interested in my work in the kitchen. Or in the very least, kitchen items hidden behind closed doors.

Quite the little "helper."

Look Who's Walking

Henry made some huge developments today! He's been practicing his walking very hard for the last couple of days (meaning I've been stooped over offering a finger for support) and today he found the courage to let go! He was so excited and we were equally thrilled to witness his milestone.

A Year in Review

I'll be honest. I don't take New Year's Resolutions that seriously. What I do enjoy, however, is taking the time to reflect on the old, and ponder the new.

2008 was a milestone year for us in so many ways.

• Henry! The lyrics of that new Christmas song sum it up nicely, a baby changes everything. Our life has slowed down a bit. We spend more time tickling, rocking, gabbing, playing, singing, reading and making funny faces. We shower with rubber ducky, Cheerios litter the back seat of our car, and every day I nearly kill myself as I slip on an abandoned match box car.
  

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajneesh

• Graduation! George graduated from medical school and began his residency in family practice. The road was long and difficult, but his dedication and hard work paid off. We are very happy to be a part of the top notch residency program, and we are enjoying life in Madison, Wisconsin.

• New House! Moving with a baby (twice) was a huge challenge this year. As I've said before, and I'll say it again, it feels good to be settling into a permanent living situation. Slowly and surely we are making our new house a home.

Hhmmm. Now that I think about it, each of these bullet points will somehow effect our tax return for 2008. The IRS will hardly recognize us! :)

While 2008 brought many of our friends and family heartache, financial stress, or other burdens, I am sad to see it go. 2009, in our book, will have a tough act to follow.

New Year and Another Year Older!

Each New Year brings another celebration, George's birthday. This year he joined the "thirty-somethings!" He claims it's not a big deal because I'm already charting the territory nine months before he does.

As a bonus, my sister, Jessica, was visiting us during her winter break. We took advantage of the on site babysitting and had the opportunity to enjoy some Indian cuisine. For those who are familiar we ordered (and please forgive any misspellings): stuffed nan (bread), palak paneer (creamed spinach), navarattan korma (veggie curried stew), and vegetable pakoras (veggie fritters). In a word: Delicious! Jessica was able to sample these new foods from our leftover box, and Henry got in on the action, too, polishing off the creamed spinach.

On New Year's day, we also enjoyed a little homemade meal. Standing in for birthday cake this year: homemade pecan pie. Yum!






Happy 30th Birthday, George!

Baby's first Christmas

This year we traveled to Boston to celebrate Christmas with George's family. Nicholas returned from South Africa for a few weeks as well.

Given the unpredictable weather (snow, ice, sleet, or rain), our travel went rather smoothly (thank goodness!).

Judging by the amount of gifts Henry received, his name must have been on Santa's "nice" list. Though the adventure of unwrapping gifts was lost on him, once a gift was opened, he was happy to check it out. He received several new books, some blocks, and toy cars. Very exciting stuff for a 10 month old!

Baby's first Christmas was a lot of fun. Our first Christmas as parents was equally memorable. I was slightly surprised by my feelings as a new parent. I can see how assisting Santa can be a major source of stress during the holidays (shopping, wrapping, etc). However, I now better understand what it means to say "it is better to give than receive" - seeing Henry's reaction to a gift was delightful.

George and I decided not to exchange gifts this year (a new baby, new house, new job, and new furniture seemed like more than enough of a "gift" this year), and instead focused on spending time with each other and family. We were able to relax together, which helped us feel like a "normal" couple again (the demanding intern year is now half over!).