Let It Snow

Norrin is the proud owner of a new hat...made with love by his Mommy!

I Can Do It Myself!

Well, I guess God gave us the best utensils for the job :).

A Longer Action Sequence

Due to popular demand, here's another video of Norrin walking. I followed him from the dining room down the hall into the living room. There were a couple of stumbles and he was a little distracted by his Baby Einstein video, but this should satisfy the people who wanted to see the lil guy in action longer than 15 seconds :).

Damn! Its Friday.

Most people are celebrating the coming of the weekend...but I have to work :(. Today is a daycare day for Norrin which includes lots of problems. I am the one who drops him off, so not only do I pack up supplies for his day, but I'm the evil person who drags him out of his warm bed, shoves him in a cold carseat and hands him off to strangers at the end of our half an hour drive. I describe the drop off as a scene from a Holocaust movie- mother and child separated, the child crying and reaching out for his mommy...all that's missing is the sad music. To add to my already overactive imagination, the caregivers had the nerve to tell me that Norrin isn't adjusting now. He's there so infrequently that he is sad while he's there. Have these women not worked with moms before? Now I have an extra dose of guilt and a little bit of sad reality to add to the thoughts I have that he's crying the whole time I'm gone. And while he's not crying all day, the caregivers say he's not playing, doesn't smile as much and just "isn't his usual happy self". I hate this, I hate this, I hate this. When he's home, he's a wild man. He runs from one room to the other, playing with toys, knocking pots and pans out of the cabinets and emptying any drawers that will open. I just hate picturing him sitting around, not playing...its just not like him at all. When Todd asked me what I want to do, I told him nothing. We have to see if he adjusts before we start trying to rearrange our life. I hope its just the change of classroom and the age that he's at. I have a consistent work schedule for the next three weeks, until his bday. Then, I have two weeks off and we'll probably have to start this whole process over again.

Cosleeping Rocks

Who wouldn't want to wake up to this beautiful face every morning? He's such a cutie! Today we have a playdate at a park with some other moms from the Peaceful Parenting Group...one of three Moms Groups that I will be participating in. Norrin needs the social interaction. He thrives on playing with other kids right now...and here's a special thank you to the Wheeler children for wearing my child out...he never slept so hard!...can we make it every Friday :)? After our playdate, we'll be visiting Grandpop and Grandmom Milligan. Its a Wednesday tradition and he absolutely loves seeing them...I'm sure it has nothing to do with the Klondike bars, jello and whip cream and Tastykakes they have stocked in their cupboards :). We usually stay there until everyone (except Norrin, of course) starts yawning. Norrin loves their open floor plan (lots of space to run), their dog (Poor Max) and the love and adoration of his grandparents.

More Adventures in Walking

Mmmmm...Grilled Cheese

Just Chillin'

Moms Group Mayhem

Today was Moms Group at Kate's. I love taking Norrin there b/c he naps in the car and since he hasn't been stuck with Mommy all day, he's much more pleasant in the evening (even Mommy can get a little boring). Today he was a little...um...difficult. He played nicely for a large portion of the time, but he had many mini breakdowns. I can't tell if he's sensing that I'm going back to work this weekend or if its just the truly magical age he's at. I spent a lot of the time picking him up, trying to soothe him, putting him down only to pick him up five seconds later. Besides that, we had a great time. Kate has a dog that Norrin loves so much it makes his hands shake. He says "DAH!" every time he sees her...close enough to "dog", I suppose. And since Kate has a lovely open floorplan, Norrin was walking all over the place. He hasn't learned to share very nicely with the other kids and I feel horrible every time my little unruly child takes something away from someone else's kid. None of the other kids have tried to take a swing at him yet, but I won't be surprised when that happens. Speaking of swings, we also took a ride on the swing in Kate's backyard before we left. Norrin loves that...mostly b/c he likes the breeze on his face. The higher I pushed him, the more he laughed. Then, less than five minutes into the car ride home, I hear him chewing on one of his toys...when I look back there he's gnawing the fuzz right off the Philly Phanatic doll his Daddy bought for him. Needless to say, Mommy took that toy away from him. Now we're back home and Norrin is in a much better mood. He's already terrorized our cat, Rolo and climbed the couch. I managed to get a little cantaloupe into him, which is amazing since he doesn't have an interest in eating lately...walking is just too much fun, I guess. And now he's emptying everything out of the desk drawer while I sit here typing. Never a dull moment with this crazy, little man.

Ramblings of the Early Riser

Well, I woke up at 5 am this morning and decided to be a productive human being...I actually function quite well at that hour...its just all the hours in the rest of the day that begin a downward spiral. I started a load of laundry, made coffee, had an English muffin, made the guest list for Norrin's little bday party and sent out an evite (who do you invite to a one year old's party anyway?), added some photos to my facebook page (another evil addiction introduced to me via my doula) and last, but not least, updated Norrin's baby book. I know autumn is here b/c I did all this in a cozy sweater (all the windows are open and it is wonderfully cool). Norrin slept until 7:30 am, which is half an hour past his usual time. Now he's indulging in a lil Sesame Street while Mommy gets breakfast together for the whole family. Last night, Norrin helped himself to Todd's Whachamachalit (sp?) bar. He chewed right through the package and into the chocolate-peanut buttery goodness...more possible allergies to cross off the list. Other than that, today will be spent baking for Moms Group tomorrow (and for here as well because I can't bake for Moms Group without baking for my hubby). We'll see how much Norrin allows. Yesterday he was cranky and high needs, so Mommy spent a lot of time cuddling with him. And that's my oh so exciting plans. Hopefully, I'll be posting some more pics of Norrin today and/or a video of him. We'll see what the day brings.

This Is Not A Stunt Baby

Its Amazing I Get Anything Accomplished

Norrin unloading the dirty dishes before Mommy can start the dishwasher.

Resistance is Futile

Never in my life have I ever seen a child fight sleep the way Norrin does. All morning has been a battle against a nap. He snacked throughout the morning. Then, he helped Mommy load the dishwasher. Then, he helped Mommy empty her tupperware cabinet (I guess he didn't like the way they were stacked?). Finally, he started his sleepy eye rub/head shake. So, I tried to nurse him (no luck), then I tried to rock him (still wasn't buying it) and for my last ditch effort, I tried singing while employing the firm but soothing back rub (whatever, Mom). So, I put Norrin down and he proceeded to play with every toy in the living room for about another half an hour. Then, he climbed on the couch with me, looking exhausted and ready to cuddle. Little did I know that when I started to nurse him that he would make one last attempt to avoid sleep. As he nursed, he began the I Won't Go to Sleep Gymnastics. I don't know how many of you have seen this, but its an extensive performance in which Norrin stays attached to the breast while weaving an intricate web of leg extensions, arm circles and full body flips. Its quite a little bit of choreography, but it usually only succeeds in making him more tired and he is currently sleeping. Still he kept it going until 10:30 and that in itself is pretty impressive :).

Renewed Energy

After the festival, we stopped by Rita and Joseph's to visit with Max the dog while they are away. Norrin napped the whole car ride and when we got in the house, he attacked this Cheez It package with all his baby might. Sorry, Grandmom and Grandpop...I cleaned up every crumb :).

Scarecrow Festival At Peddler's Village

Walking through Peddler's Village with Norrin.

Horton Scares A Crow
A quiet moment with Mommy.
Laughing with Daddy and Big Nutbrown Hare.
Captain Americrow

Norrin was exhausted by the end of this adventure.

2nd Anniversary

Yesterday was my two year wedding anniversary with Todd. As some of you may remember, it was supposed to be the 13th, but thanks to a little old hurricane, not only was I not a Bermuda bride, but I was married a day early :). Todd took a half day and we went out to Bonefish Grille with Norrin...which was pretty comical. Bonefish is pretty nice and there's our child flinging his food like he was at Friendly's or something :). Norrin did sample a little calamari and he didn't spit it out, but his favorite was the vanilla ice cream Daddy shared with him (well, he was grown on plenty of ice cream in utero). That combined with a disco nap in the car had Norrin rockin' out until 10:30 last night. All in all not the most romantic anniversary, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love having my two men with me...its a constant source of entertainment and Todd is such a loving Daddy. I totally put Norrin on his side of the table and left Todd in charge of feeding him (my little nursling would have been pulling at my shirt the whole meal...he knows where the good stuff is). Today we're going to take a drive to Peddler's Village for the Scarecrow Festival. I rarely get a weekend with Todd and Norrin (damn work schedule) so we're trying to pack it full of family fun. I'm curious to see how Norrin reacts to the scarecrows...he wasn't scared of the Easter Bunny...or fireworks...or the talking Halloween displays in Target. I'll have to take plenty of pics.

A Perfect Day

So, Norrin slept in until 9 am, which was really surprising since he usually wakes up at 7 am. Since we were both so well rested, I put him in the car and we drove to Jenkintown. We had breakfast together at West Ave Grille- pancakes for Norrin, omelet for Mommy and we shared my fruit. Afterwards, we went into a little park behind West Ave Grille and we practiced walking around the gazebo. We also spent a good amount of time exploring the grass. Norrin would pick out little yellow leaves and put them in my hand, then take them out, then put them back (its amazing what he finds entertaining). He decided he was still hungry, so I fed him some applesauce. Since he wasn't strapped down in a highchair there was no way to prevent him from exploring the applesauce with his hand...oh,well, that's why God invented washcloths. He loved squishing the applesauce in between his fingers and I got a serious glimpse into my future when Norrin is of mud puddle age :). I read two books while we sat in the grass...Mr Brown Can Moo, Can You? and Are You My Mother? I'm still amazed that my son sits so nicely in my lap when I read to him. Of course, two books seem to be his limit. After that, we got in the car and drove home. Norrin fell asleep and rather than disturb him, I sat in the car and worked on a knitting project. Its such a beautiful day that even sitting in the car with the windows open was wonderful. Now I have no idea how to make the rest of his day as fabulous as the first five hours. I'm just so happy that I have this kind of time to spend with him. I love watching my little scientist explore his world.

Reading is Fun-damental!

Life's Short...Eat Dessert First

Lil sneak! He won't even look at the camera b/c he knows that was for after he finished his lunch!

He's Got Mad Skills, Yo

He can't even take more than a few consecutive steps...but climbing has become an art for Norrin Radd Milligan.

If You're Happy And You Know It

So, this morning I was awakened by a clapping baby. This is not a skill my child has ever displayed before so I was very happy to see yet another amazing motor skill. I asked Todd if he'd clapped at all the whole weekend I was working and he said "no", so it made me feel even more special that he had saved his new talent for a day when I'd be home to see it for the first time :). Other than that, Norrin has figured out how to climb the dining room chairs (that little crossbar underneath is awfully handy for a little boost). He has also continued to show great skill at climbing every piece of furniture in the living room, as well as using a little wagon to give himself a boost onto the guest bed. At this very moment, he is spreading all of his books over the entire living room floor...the cleaners just left and I guess the house was just too clean for him...and making the most adorable trilling noise. As much as I hate working three 12's, it has certainly made me an even more enthusiastic parent (if that was possible). Today we're just going to hang out and see what kind of trouble we can get into around the house. Sounds like a perfect day to me.

Today's Adventures

Disclaimer: No babies were harmed in the making of Today's Adventures. However, the Mommy will never be the same.

A Norrin Update

So, while Norrin naps, its time for an update...should we start with the list of things he destroyed yesterday? He ripped apart the Pier One circular I received in the mail...no shopping for Mommy :( and he destroyed his second table lamp (he broke Grandmom and Grandpop Milligan's lamp last week). He also pulled down the blanket I had draped over the couch and playpen to create a lions den...I guess he didn't want to play that game...and he made numerous attempts to destroy my latest knitting project. Other than that, I'm trying to get as much in order for the weekend. I work Saturday, Sunday and Monday and Norrin starts a new classroom on Monday. He's been moved up to the crawling classroom...little do they know he can walk :). I'm having some difficulty trying to decide what to pack for breakfast and lunch. He's not into baby food...in fact, I've been giving him all regular food cut into bite-sized pieces, but that might not fly in daycare. I guess I'll have to ask his new teachers what works best for them. At least, I won't have to worry about the cat stealing his food there...just other kids :). Other than that, my dad told me to keep an eye out for a Pampers Cruisers commercial. He says the baby looks just like Norrin...except its a girl. The funny thing is I never told Todd about the commercial and last night during the game, he called me into the living room about some baby that looks just like Norrin on TV. I didn't move fast enough to catch it, but now I'm curious to see this baby. That's about it...now I have to stop Rolo from trying to wake Norrin. Why the cat doesn't understand why I don't want him meowing in a sleeping baby's face is beyond me.

Big Boys Don't Cry

So, I tried to be a good mommy and take the digital camera away from my child in exchange for a teddy bear or something more child-friendly...never take anything away from an infant ever! Here's some shots for everyone who thinks our child never cries...naptime occurred shortly after this mini-tantrum.

So Much For Childproofing

Just when we thought we had all the child safety paraphernalia we needed...Norrin finds something new to climb (he's so proud of himself).

I Am Not A Girl!

Every time I take Norrin out in this outfit, people refer to him as a "little princess" or ask me how old my daughter is...since when does green stripes and blue sea turtles equal girl? He does look awfully pretty in this outfit though :).

Champion Walker

Henry-In-Training

My doula's son, Henry is apparently quite the climber. Norrin is trying to grow up just like him :).

Starting Over

Its back to being the full-time Mommy and its always so strange. Because of the 12 hour shifts, I feel like I miss out on so much and Todd and I have such a limited amount of time to fill each other in. I feel like I have to reintroduce myself to my own son! We're in a bit of a teething hell right now. We've been waiting and waiting for his two front teeth to come in. If you look really closely at some of his pics, you'll see that he got his second top teeth and four on the bottom, but those front top teeth were nowhere to be found. Now, they have started to surface and they look very, very angry. His gums are red and he's chewing on everything (and everyone) and he had the worst, most restless sleep last night. At one point, Todd had to get out of bed and just rock with him in his arms until he fell back to sleep. Poor little guy. Of course, when I hear other moms' stories, I realize pretty darn quick that we have it pretty easy. Norrin hardly ever cries and even while teething we've only been dealing with the minimal amount of fussing. Don't think I'm not counting my blessings on that one :). Other than that, today is the day I try to reorganize some of the chaos that working a weekend brings- lots of bottles to wash, dishes to do, a highchair to hose down :). Todd does a great job keeping the chaos fairly contained...especially now that Norrin thinks everything needs to be pulled off every surface and placed on the floor. So, that will be today's plan. I will try to post some pics of our little guy because, let's face it...you can never have too many pictures of Norrin :)!