Well, in reflecting on my life now, I also wanted to reflect on a question that has been asked of me a lot lately: "Do you even remember what it's like to not have a child?" I mention this qeustion not to scold those who've asked, but rather to give my candid thoughts which maybe aren't brief enough to share in passing. First off I think that's sort of a dumb question - of course I remember. Oscar has been around for about 2% of my lifespan - mind you, it's been the best 2% of my lifespan, but still... When it's asked of me, I feel obliged to say, "No, of course not!" because that's what good parents say, right? The truth is I don't forget how nice it is to run into Target for a few items without buckling and unbuckling, carrying a 25lb baby and having him grab at everything in sight, and then stopping in an oh-so-clean public restroom for a diaper change. I don't forget the luxury of using a hair dryer. I can't forget how nice it was when Alex and I could sit down and eat at the same time. I think what this question really aims to highlight is a change in perspective. It's not bad that I remember the luxuries of pre-baby life. As a matter of fact, I think having that perspective makes life much sweeter now. Running into the grocery store has now become an outing - an adventure. Who cares if it takes a little longer - it's free entertainment for Oscar (he loves people watching), and I'm accomplishing something while we're at it. Who cares if I go to work with my hair wet most days? I end up getting a little more sleep in exchange and on the rare occasion I do get to do my hair, it's a treat. Eating a meal doesn't need to be a big production every night - but when we do get a chance to have a meal together, the conversations are more meaningful and we're more appreciative of the time. So, all in all, I think that although being a mom is an incredibly humbling lifestyle, the reward is a shift of priorities and a heart that puts people first. I'm thankful everyday for my crazy life and for my wild and wonderful family.
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| Notice the side braid - my specialty these days :-) |
So in the spirit of our growing boy (and the length of this blog entry), here are few snippets of how Oscar is changing and who he is becoming:
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| Hey, look! Another side braid! |
- He has been cruising along the walls and furniture for well over a month. He'll crawl occasionally but is waaaayyy more interested in walking. I have no doubt that he'll be walking within the month - hopefully not while I'm in Nebraska for a week *fingers crossed*
- He has teeth - three of them (two bottom center) and one upper left. He didn't follow the so-called "normal" pattern as he got his lateral incisor before getting the central ones (the teeth next to the top middle). When he smiles really big he looks like a jack o' lantern. It's adorable.
- He loves giving kisses. He thinks they're funny. It's adorable.
- He thinks his dad is the funniest person alive. Sometimes he cracks up just looking at a picture of Alex. I tend to agree.
- He's super independent. He wants to feed himself, walk by himself, he even resists getting dressed because he wants to contribute. But the good news is that he still finds moments when he wants to snuggle with mama.
- He loves big kids. I think he has Beckett-syndrome where he actually thinks he is a big kid.
- He is very patient with my amateur photo sessions.
- He is more loved than he can ever imagine.
Amateur photo sesh - work it! Who knows when my next blog entry will happen - I'll aim for a few more this summer while he's napping but no promises! :-)
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