Drool

My happy-go-lucky daughter whose favorite pastime is smiling has been rocked by the time honored tradition of teething. Friday night it was like a light switched was flipped and the pain was now “on.” She was writhing and crying and gnawing on my collarbone.

I had noticed an increase in her drool lately and assumed that the process had begun. But, since she had no real reaction thus far, I assumed that she could be one of those babies who doesn’t really notice the pain. There is lore spread amongst moms that there are kids out there who one day sprout teeth without so much as a teardrop or whimper. I won’t have one of those kids, but I will continue to believe in the possibility if only to keep hope alive for others.

She has been doing well considering how uncomfortable she must be. It seems to bother her most when it’s time to settle down for a nap or bedtime. That’s when she doesn’t have the distractions of toys, books and songs to help her forget the pain. One thing it does highlight is what a great personality and disposition she has. She’s not a recreational crier. When she’s upset, it’s for a tangible reason that we can solve. So, her inconsolable crying this weekend reminds us that we have such a charming baby because instances like this are so rare!

It’s always better when Cara is around.

The Long family made up of Cara, Bob and the fantastically cute Kieran, stopped by the Borough for a visit last weekend by way of Philly. And, after they left, I reflected on how it’s always more calm and peaceful when we’re hanging out with Cara and Bob. She’s my oldest friend and has always carried a sense of ease and warmth around her. We love when we get to see her and this time we were lucky enough to also meet her son Kieran. (Oh, and we love you too, Bob! You bring a sense of fun and sincerity … seriously! And, we wouldn’t think of hanging out with Cara without you!)

Kieran is just over a year old and it was quite the warning signal for us that things change very quickly. So, we are soaking in every minute that Lolo is still immobile. I think I will have to add some Red Bull to my already caffeinated diet when she starts to move about on her own. We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to host them in our home in Jersey when we have more space to share.

Zoe is also a little leary of infant mobility after hanging out with Kieran! 🙂

Back in Brooklyn.

Well, after nearly two weeks in Virginia, we are back in NY and back in our urban groove. It was a treat to be able to have so much time with my family especially over Mother’s Day. And, I’m so glad Lolo finally got to meet her very tall Uncle Charlie. So, thank you Mom and Dad for having us at your place and for flying Matt back over the weekend … and for driving me all the way back home! (Oh, and, Dad, sorry about forcing you to pack your toiletries in a trash bag so all of Lolo’s toys could fit in the Volvo. She’s worth it though … right?)

Lolo, Zoe and I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to get back!

It was truly blissful to have some restful time in suburbia with space to spare, but it does remind you what is still great about living in an urban area. Yes, there isn’t quite as much grass and you have to deal with bus fumes, but there is something easy about walking out of your door and having everything you need within three square blocks including other babies to play with. If only it wasn’t so expensive to have more space here … Although, I think if we took a vote, Zoe’s paw would not rise for us to stay around in Brooklyn.

While in VA, Charlie, Lolo and I got to spend some time with my old friend Sarah (huddled around the piano at Nordstrom) and her beautiful daughter Grace. How is it possible that my friends and I have babies? It’s still just so weird because I still think I got out of college five years ago … and not 10. In any case, I hope that we will see more of Grace each time we’re back!

Here’s to the Commonwealth!

I can try to earn money like all the crazy ladies do.

My mom’s newest idea is that I should enter as many contests as I can to try and earn some cash. In fact, while home in VA, we entered a contest that challenged us to write a short essay accompanied by a photo on “why strawberries make you smile”.

My mother’s reasoning is that not that many people actually enter contests out there and the winners are usually chosen from a small pool of crazy ladies. Matt would argue that this pursuit is right up my alley as I already fall into that category even though I am still on the young side of the demographic.

In any case, I thought I would share the photo I entered on why strawberries make me smile. Wish me luck!

Good Lord, they split.

So, I am out and about enjoying the retail ease that is the suburbs of VA doing a little flip flop shopping when I bent down to pick a pair off the floor of the store … And, I hear a distinct ripping noise. Well, you can fill in the probable blank. Yes, I was wearing my one and only pair of pants, my cherished Lucky jeans that have no expando waistband. They split right in the center of my back thigh. Split, just opened right up. Where once my thigh was covered, it was suddenly exposed. It’s like the fabric just gave out. My first thought was, “Dear God, my thighs are getting BIGGER, not smaller. And, I have such forceful, meaty thighs that I broke factory assembled DENIM that was originally designed to withstand the wear and tear of cowboys and goldminers in the Old West.”

However, my mom’s opinion is that the fabric has a defect in it. It’s really thin where the gaping hole appears and the rip didn’t occur on a seam. Yeah, that’s it. I’m going with my mom’s rationalization.

Oh, and yes, I went ahead with the purchase of my new favorite flip flops and didn’t let split pants dampen my mood. If I wasn’t going to have any pants to wear, I was going to at least own some shoes!

Sidenote: I called Lucky and they said that it sounded like they could exchange the jeans when I got back to Brooklyn. Hooray!

12 even.

I thought I would let everyone know that the little chunker is up to 12 lbs. now. Her cheeks have definitely filled out, and she is eager to smile at anyone who engages her.

I will say that she is wooing the residents of Virginia right now. But, that’s not a surprise.

Suburbia.

I’m visiting my parents down here in VA for just under two weeks to enjoy some suburban perks like clean Target stores with stocked shelves and well, space. Space is everywhere, and it’s not at a premium. I am struck by how many open lots there are just hanging out waiting for a developer to figure out what new shopping center this city needs.

But, this space does come at a price. It means that all destinations must include a trip in the old car seat. We visited Target yesterday (hallelujah) and aside from the fact that I just wanted to buy everything (because it was there and available and not being grabbed by some other hardened New Yorker), I realized that every baby there was being toted in a car seat. In fact, I got some looks because I was wearing Lolo around the store. It’s so funny to me how living in Brooklyn has shaped my experience with her. I really do love being a constant pedestrian and toting that baby around no matter how sweaty it makes me. There is something so fun and natural about being connected to her and sharing the same sites and sounds. I know this stage won’t last for long. Soon enough she will be running circles around me and bounding ahead of us. But, for now, I really enjoy our literal attachment and Brooklyn has afforded me that.