teething...

Our sunny little man has been a bit cloudy the past few days. At first I thought he was just maxed out from all the activity. But now we think he's teething. He seems to be in actual pain. We have some frozen rings and other teething toys and we went and got some gel to put on his gums. Guy had a rough day with him yesterday--Miles seemed to be half-asleep and still crying. Amazing how it just rips our hearts out when he cries. He fussed quite a bit in the evening but I managed to get him to nurse and fall asleep. Sigh. Sweet little man.

I've also noticed he's started doing this thing when he's upset where he sort of stiffens his body or arches his back. Oy. I need to read up on how to handle it, if at all. I expect he's still too young to really "misbehave" or be manipulative. He's just trying to figure out how to communicate. But I need to spend more time understanding just what is going on in this stage of development.

How do we walk the line? I want to have enough structure and discipline that Miles is a decent human being--treats people well, has respect and care for those around him, and generally behaves well. But I don't want to create a situation where he feels like he can't express his emotions or be who he is.

I grew up in a pretty strict environment. In some ways, it worked well. In others, not so well. I watch situations where, in my opinion, the parents haven't taken a strong enough stance and the child is very difficult to be around or, worse, gets into all kinds of difficulty as they get older.

Much to ponder....

holidaze

Miles got to visit with Santa on Christmas Eve and we lucked out--Santa looked quite authentic with real hair and beard. He even wore Birkenstocks which amused us greatly. We got some lovely photos so someday we can show him. And potentially embarrass the daylights out of him when he's older. (In addition to his Santa suit he has a little elf outfit.)

It took three rounds of opening presents to get through Miles' stuff because he kept getting sleepy or hungry or both. He's pretty well set for the year.

After running Friday, Saturdy, Sunday and Monday morning, by Monday afternoon he was so tired that when we got home he and I slept all afternoon. He perked up for just a bit but mostly slept all evening and night.

Dear Miles...Can you stop being SO cute?

Dear Miles,

You make it nearly impossible to leave you in the morning. Your upturned sleeping face stirs my soul in ways I can't adequately put into words. I could gaze at you forever and it wouldn't be long enough. I savor every second that I spend with you...and then revisit those moments in my head throughout the day.

As I left this morning you lay on your belly, head turned to one side, perfectly clear and peaceful. I watch the expressions play across your face...a smile, a frown, then expressionless...Next to you, your dad sleeps. My two greatest loves in Dreamtime...I want to stay and watch the two of you...or snuggle up close and join you. The last thing I want to do is break the spell, leave the warmth, enter the big world outside of our warm, snuggly space.

Much love,

Mommy

snorty

Last night I loaded up Miles and took him to, of all evil places, the mall. We're not doing gifts this year (except a few for Miles) so it was mostly just a fun ramble. We saw lots of people. Miles still doesn't meet a stranger and he's started doing this thing where he smiles (still no teeth, just gums) and makes this sort of heavy breathing/snorty sound when he gets excited. It's very cute.

closing in on forward gear

On Sunday we finally put up a tree. And I think it might just push Miles over the edge to the forward crawl. He's got sideways and reverse down pat, now he just needs forward and there's no stopping him. The fuzzy green and sparklies definitely intrigued him. Bare feet and the carpeted living room floor seemed to help too. He does this thing where he stretches as long as he can and he's getting the hang of pushing with his toes. So amazing to watch.

new skills

Good weekend. Lots of time with the munchkin. He's still only going in reverse and circles as he crawls, but yesterday a shift happened and I think forward crawling may be very soon. He also discovered how to make the popping sound with his lips. Too cute. He does it then, when we imitate him, he gets this deliriously happy grin. I love it.

snow! woohoo!

(squealed with glee)IT'S SNOWING!

I just arrived at work in the last hour. I stayed home for a bit this morning to let the accidents and the people who drive bigger vehicles than me (which is almost everyone) clear...oh yes, and to introduce our little man to the snow for the first time. He didn't seem as intrigued as we thought he might be but the dogs went mad. Yes. We are obnoxious, digital camera-wielding new parents. You can see the fun here: our pictures on Flickr.