Sixteen Months

August 29, 2011

Dear Riggins,

Apparently a mark of 16 month olds is maturity and seriousness, because you had no plans to smile for this photo!  We were on our way to church, so perhaps you were entering a contemplative, worshipful state before spending time in the nursery?  Whatever it is, I will say that this photo is not representative of my spunky, funny, sweet, and noisy 16-month old!

You are so much FUN these days!  Busy and curious, you spend most of your days on the go, moving from room to room in the house, climbing the furniture, following Weber, and jabbering all the while.  I am really enjoying the independence that has come with your increased mobility and stability.  Now, when we leave the house, I can say, "Come on, Riggs, let's go!" and you toddle out the door with me, hold my hand as we descend the front steps, and then walk across the front yard to the car.  You sometimes resist coming when called, but you have gotten very good at responding when I yell "STOP!" as you head for the street.

In spite of your busy-body spirit, you continue to become even more affectionate.  You periodically stop your rushing around, push on my leg to turn me toward you, and then reach both arms up until I scoop you up.  If I'm sitting on the couch, you climb up and snuggle for a few minutes before shimmying back down to resume your business.  You love to read, and will snuggle up for a good while on the couch or on the floor of your room.  You learned how to turn around and sit in my lap this month, which you love to do after handing me a book.  But you especially love it when I climb into your crib with you to snuggle and read!  (I might love it more!)

Your communication skills continue to increase.  You say mama, dada, book (boo), boat (bo), and uh oh.  You sign all done, milk, more, eat, and please.  From the second we get you out of your crib each morning, you are signing "milk!"  I have been most amazed by your increased understanding; you respond correctly when asked to go get something or to do something, and you can point to a few body parts.  And of course, you still love to squeal and scream!

This month we flew to Maine for my cousin's wedding.  While there, you visited the beach for the first time, took your first boat ride, and met an entirely new side of the family.  It was a greta trip, and we made so many sweet memories together.  In spite of the changing time zones and travel craziness, your routine has stayed the same this month.  Still sleeping 7-7 with two naps each day.

Your favorite things include airplanes, Weber, the zoo and playground, walks in the stroller or wagon, playing in the front yard and walking down the sidewalk, fruit of all kinds, Ritz crackers, mac and cheese, watching Daddy leave for work and greeting him when he comes home, wrestling and tickling with Daddy, stacking blocks and whacking them over, music, and Praise Baby.

Speaking of music, our favorite development this month has been your killer dance moves!  You have really gotten into music these days, and if you hear anything you immediately start bee-bopping.  You will even go over to the CD player in your room and sign "more" for me to turn it on.  Last week we turned the Ipod on and you started your usual move: wide stance, bent knees, bouncing.  Then, you popped up one toe, hunched over, started shaking your head, and then periodically bent over to slap the floor as you bounced.  We were pretty much rolling on the floor with laughter.  I'm not sure where you learned your moves, buddy, but you're going to rock the dance floor some day!

Just in case you haven't noticed, we think you're pretty amazing, and we love you to pieces.  Thanks for bringing so much joy to our lives.

Love,
Momma

A Season Ends

J just left for the last day of his summer externship.  And we are sad.

For the past year and a quarter, our little family has enjoyed a sweet season of life, and that season ends on Monday.  When Riggins was born, J began his 3rd year of optometry school.  You may remember that 3rd year included the first part of board exams that were taken last Spring.  In preparation for those exams, third year students have a significant amount of free time built into their schedules that is intended to be study time.  Last January and February, J used that extra study time to the fullest.  But last fall and last spring once boards were over, he enjoyed at least one day off per week (sometimes two), and the luxury of coming home for lunch quite often.  He came home at a decent hour every night.  

Then, this summer, his externship down in Mississippi had an awesome schedule.  The practice was closed on Mondays and didn't open until 2 on Thursdays, so all summer he has been working 3 1/2 hour days.  It has been bliss.  

Honestly, this schedule has made my first year of motherhood so much easier.  I fully realize that.  If I really needed to run an errand without Riggins during the week, or desperately needed some girl time, I could almost always arrange for J to watch Riggins at some point during the week.  Most importantly, we have been spoiled to enjoy so much quality time together as a family, and J has been given an opportunity that few fathers are offered: frequent one-on-one time with his child.  

On Monday, J will begin his rotation at the VA Hospital.  He has to report at 7 a.m. each morning for his first patient at 7:15.  He does not get a lunch break.  And he cannot leave the hospital until every other extern is finished with their patients.  All for one and one for all, or something like that.  They are going to be long days, for both of us.  And then next Spring he will finish out his extern year with a rotation back at the optometry school clinic.  Word on the street is that hours at the school are actually the worst.  

So basically, our family is mourning the end of an era.  We realize that what we are about to experience is what most families experience from day one (and some of you medical resident wives are probably scoffing at how much you would kill for even our new schedule!), but this is a change for us.  Jonathan is sad to know that he will never get the kind of time he has enjoyed with Riggins with any of our future children.  I am nervous to embark on longer days alone, just as my little toddler really starts to exert his independence and wild side.  But mostly, we are sad to lose so much quality time as a family, our mid-week trips to the zoo, our mid-day errands, trips to the park and walks around the neighborhood, kitchen dance parties and lunches together.  It has been a sweet season of life and I will always hold my memories of this time close to my heart.   

And then, before we know it, he'll be graduating.  And we'll be moving.  So I guess we're just sad knowing that this fall kicks off one last year in Memphis, a city that we have grown to dearly love.  I am sad knowing that so much change and transition is on the horizon.  I am not ready to say goodbye to friends, our home, our church, our neighborhood.  I am not ready to start over again.  

But none of that is happening tomorrow, so the mission is to savor this year.  To be fully present with my little boy each day, even when the hours drag on.  To fully enjoy this great city.  To soak up time with our dear friends and church family.  To thank God for his provision here, and to trust him for his provision as we move forward.  

A Maine Adventure

Well, hello there!  I'm enjoying a delicious rainy morning at home with my boys, which has been just what the doctor ordered after our wonderful (but exhausting!) week in Maine.  

My mom is originally from that great state, and I am lucky enough to still have a whole crew of family members along the New England coast.  Last weekend, my cousin Lindsay was married in Falmouth, Maine, and we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate with the whole family!  It was also the first time that Riggins had met that side of the clan; he enjoyed lots of introductions and lots of firsts!  

Here are a few shots from the trip...

The three of us soaking up a beautiful sunset at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  I've been cracking claws there since I was a little girl!  

Riggins splashed in the ocean for the first time and is a bonafide surfer dude...he loved the water and waves!

Riggins enjoyed his first boat ride when the whole group took a ferry out to Peaks Island for a lobster bake rehearsal dinner.

It was a perfect Maine night...cool breezes off of the water, clear skies, delicious lobster, and great company.

He passed on the lobster...  (I, however, ate so much seafood that I was actually tired of it by the end of the trip.  I had no idea that was even possible!)

We soaked up a perfect morning at the Portland Headlight, another spot that I've been enjoying since I was a wee little girl.  

And, of course, my man and I enjoyed a lovely (baby free!) evening at Lindsay and Shaun's wedding.  It was a gorgeous ceremony and a FUN reception.  I'll just say that my family knows how to party, and that our entire crowd (including my 82 year-old grandmother!) was out on the dance floor from the first song to the last.  It was an absolute blast.  

In the days after the wedding, our crowd relaxed in the way we know best...hanging around the fire pit with Red Snapper (or "snappah") hot dogs and mussels. 

It was a wonderful getaway with my boys, and another reminder of how much I thoroughly enjoy my extended family members.  Maine is a pretty wonderful state, and I often found myself wondering why on earth we aren't moving there after optometry school.  Then I just remember the winters, and the South sounds just fine to me!  But come the end of summer in the South, an escape to Maine is a breath of fresh air.  

Weight, Baby.

This is a bit of an awkward topic for a blog post, but I do recall that a few weeks ago I talked about breastfeeding and used the word nipple, so I think I've already gotten that ball rolling.  :)  Once again, this is just my personal story of a personal issue, but hopefully some will find it encouraging!  

So...let's talk about baby weight. 

I hesitate to talk about this, because since my story has a happy ending I don't want to sound like I'm tooting my own horn or something.  I think a lot of women have unrealistic expectations about how quickly they will lose baby weight or get back into shape, and since my journey was definitely a journey over time, I wanted to share my story.  My story that does not involve a c-section/tummy tuck combo a'la Hollywood.  ;)  

I gained about 38 pounds when I was pregnant with Riggins.  (But I was super swollen at that last weigh-in so I like to think it was more like 35! ;)  Before I got pregnant, I had not been working out at all.  Sure, I was active.  Jonathan and I took lots of walks around our neighborhood and I walked all over campus for my job, but I wasn't actually exercising.  That was definitely a disadvantage because once you get pregnant you are advised against starting any kind of new, intense exercise routine.  So I kept taking lots of long walks throughout my pregnancy, but that was about it.  (TIP: If you are thinking about starting a family soon, get in a good workout groove so that you can continue it throughout your pregnancy!)

After Riggins was born, one of my biggest surprises was the awkwardness of my post-baby body, and the challenges of dressing it.  My maternity clothes were too big, my pre-baby clothes were too small, and things were just different.  My chest was bigger, my hips were fuller, my arms were softer.  Add in the challenges of finding nursing-friendly clothes with easy access, and every wardrobe change had me near tears.  I soon realized that I would need to invest in some inexpensive clothing to get me through the awkward period, and Old Navy pulled through with a small rotation of tops and dresses.  (TIP: Set aside a bit of cash to shop after the baby is born.  Having a few items that you feel cute in can do wonders for your mood after having a baby.)

Even after my six-week check-up, I didn't do very much to loose the baby weight. I maintained a healthy diet and took frequent long walks, and little by little I slowly began to slim down.  Still, things weren't as they used to be, and I began to get comfortable with the idea of a different post-baby body.  Around September, I finally gave in and bought some new jeans in a bigger size.  

Then, at six months post-baby, something just clicked in my metabolism and those last few pounds came off.  I was back to my pre-baby weight.  But the pre-baby body was a different story.  That's when I realized that pre-baby weight (a number) and pre-baby body (a shape) are two totally different things.  Everything was a bit softer, some things were a bit bigger, my hips were wider.  But I was thankful to be where I was, and to have gotten out there without any major amounts of sweat and with a normal, healthy diet.

In January, a Groupon was issued in the Memphis area for Jazzercise classes.  After hearing about Jazzercise from some fellow bloggers, I looked up the locations and found that one meets in my neighborhood.  My friend Emily and I bought the Groupon, fully expecting to join a bunch of senior citizens in leotards and legwarmers dancing to The BeeGees.  

Much to our surprise, it turned out to be an awesome workout.  Our instructor is in incredible shape and is a great motivator.  I've realized that group classes are the best fit for my personality; I guess I have enough of an ego that I need other people around me to keep me from wimping out!  While the instructor gives a full range of intensity options for each move, I committed early on to doing everything that she said would make a move harder or more effective.  If Jodi says to squat lower, jump higher, or squeeze tighter, I do it!  I even progressed from 5 lb. to 8 lb. free weights after she challenged me to do it, and I am able to do push-ups for the first time in my life!  The best part is that Jazzercise is FUN!  The first 40 minutes are dance-based aerobics that really get you sweating, and the last 20 minutes are toning exercises involving free weights and mats.  The music selections always get me smiling and are a great release for this former dancer!  

Within a month of attending class 3-4 times a week, I was seeing obvious results.  After our Groupons ran out, Emily and I both got official memberships.  Despite our tight budget, Jonathan and I both saw that the physical and emotional results of my attendance were worth the monthly fee.  Even after Jonathan's schedule change and kept him from watching Riggins during class, Jodi allowed me to bring Riggins in his Jumparoo.  He has a blast jumping to the music, and all the ladies just love him!

Now, after over 7 months of Jazzercising, and 15 months post-baby, I weigh 5 pounds less than I did when I got pregnant.  Most importantly, I feel toned, strong, and in the best shape of my life (although some things are still different, of course!).  My husband, friends, and family members have noticed the difference, and I love that they aren't saying "You look skinny!" like they did when I lost too much weight before my wedding, but "You're in great shape!" or "Look at those muscles!"  I even got a random compliment from someone at Wal-Mart the other day!  

The moral of this story?  In a nutshell... 

Give yourself grace when it comes to getting back in shape after baby.  It took 9 months to put it on, and it's going to take some time to get it off (I don't care how fast Heidi Klum lost it!).  Know that while you might lose the weight, some things will just be different, but it's all worth it.  Getting into shape will probably require an investment of time (for you and your spouse), energy, and maybe even a little money.  Find something that gets you excited enough to stick with it!  Find a buddy to keep you accountable!  And when you feel ready, don't be afraid to push yourself to new fitness levels.

So that's my story.  What's your perspective on the baby weight journey?  

Fifteen Months Old!

July 29, 2011

Dear Riggins,

You are 15 months old!  At your last doctors appointment, you weigh 24 pounds and are still a tall guy.  You wear 12-18 month clothing and bumped up to size 5 diapers this month.  You still nap in the morning and in the afternoon, and sleep from 7pm to 7am at night.  You still only have 8 teeth.  Eating is still a favorite pastime, and you like most everything you try (other than potatoes, which baffles me!).  This month you even tried your first lollipop, and it was love at first lick!

It has been HOT here this month, with most days reaching 100+ degrees.  That means that we've spent a lot of time indoors, but also a lot of time at our local splash pad!  You really enjoy the water, but you love watching the big kids even more!  Indoors, you've enjoyed story time at our local bookstore, the children's area at our library, and moseying around the grocery store or Target (although you're less tolerant of the grocery cart these days).  Reading is one of your favorite things, and you are constantly bringing books for me to read to you.  When we finish one, you usually ask me to read it again!  Favorites include your DOG book, "Just Like Daddy," and anything by Eric Carle.

You're a speedy little walker now.  Other physical developments include your new ability to climb up the slide and slide back down, playing peekaboo with your hands over your eyes, sticking out your tongue on command, and fake sneezing.  You've also developed some dance moves, your trademark being what we like to call "Drop it Like It's Hot," where you squat repeatedly.  If Daddy says "flex!", you squeeze your fists, shake your arms and neck, and clench your teeth.

Sign language is still a huge help to both of us, and your "vocabulary" now includes more, all done, eat, milk, and please.  Although you jabber all day long, you still don't use many actual words.  You love to say "woof woof" and "vroom vroom."  Your trademark syllable is "eh," which you say over and over when trying to communicate what you want.  You sound like a little Canadian!

You are such an affectionate little boy.  Throughout the day, you walk up to me for a hug, lay your head on my chest, and sometimes pat my back or squeeze my arm.  You give kisses when I ask for them, and sometimes you surprise me by giving me one on your own!  You love to snuggle when we read or when you first wake up, and you especially love it when I put the side down on your crib and crawl in there with you.  We have lots of good snuggle and reading time curled up in there and in your cardboard box house.  You also love Weber and often give her pats, tug her ears, or lay your head on her back.  She is tirelessly tolerant of you, and is always ready to run into your room when I open your door in the morning or after a nap.

Favorite things this month include your stuffed hippo and giraffe, playing outside, cell phones, your new red rocking chair, rolling around on Weber's bed, carrying around the honey bottle (something about that bear!), and being tickled.  You love airplanes (our home is in the line of the Memphis Airport, so lots of planes fly overhead all day long), and any time you hear one you point to the sky and look up.  A fun new activity that we've started this month is having you help in the kitchen.  You love to stand at the counter on your step stool to watch me cook, and you especially enjoy helping to stir and push the buttons on the food processor and microwave.  We've been very thankful that our new dishwasher has a lock function, or you'd be starting a load several times a day!

Discipline is still creeping into the picture.  Particular strongholds for you are getting into the pantry, pushing the buttons on the DVD player, and feeding Weber from your high chair.  We do lots of "No" and distraction, but we have also found that a one-minute time-out works well for you too.  You really resist holding our hands when walking, so we're practicing that.  When you get mad at our attempts to thwart your independence, you arch your back, throw yourself down on the ground, and stick out your bottom lip before wailing.  We don't mind; we know you're just trying to figure out where you fit in this big world, so we just sit back and try not to laugh at your dramatics! :)

You are definitely a toddler, quickly on your way to becoming a little boy.  I am savoring these days with you, my little sidekick, and so is your Daddy.  His summer schedule has offered him a lot of extra time at home, and we are both just soaking up this sweet, simple time in our lives with you.

We love you so, so much, buddy!
Momma