reflection

It's a quiet Friday morning at home.  The kind of mornings I love where the baby is napping, the dog is asleep on the couch next to me, and the Spotify is playing.

...

It took us a long time to get here this week.  And, honestly, it isn't how I pictured my Friday this week.  Last night I was angry, frustrated, and exhausted.  I had no patience.  And I was feeling guilty.  Because, honestly, I didn't want another day off with just me and the baby.

This isn't a pity post.  This isn't me reaching out for sympathy or empathy.  It's a thankful post.  Thankful we've gotten to this point.

Yesterday, we went to the clinic.  Gideon had had cold symptoms that seemed to worsen and worsen.  He wasn't napping at day care.  He was fussy and whiny, which is so uncharacteristic for him.  I had fears of ear infection.

Good news.  No ear infection.  Just a cold.  Could last 14 days (!).  Keep doing what you're doing.  Trust your instincts, mom, we're glad you brought him in.  He looks like a happy, healthy boy.  This too will pass.  Here's some saline drops if you need them.

No. No. No. No.  You mean you're not going to give me medicine that will fix him?  You mean I should stay home with him tomorrow instead of send him to daycare like I'd planned, but he'll probably be a pill to take care of?  You mean I have to cancel my plans for tomorrow?  You mean I took a half day off of work for you to tell me you can't really do anything?

Except I did get something out of it.  I got peace of mind.  I know my baby's okay.  And I know he'll get better.  In fact, he's better today than yesterday.  Is he still sick? Absolutely.  But does he cuddle a little more when he's sick?  Yes.  Does he nurse a bit longer, curled up close to me?  Yes, please.

Last night I didn't want today to come.  I was dreading spending yet another day with my almost-8-month-old.  Let's be honest, we all have days like that.  It doesn't make me less of a mom to dread a day of wiping a snotty nose, short naps, and whining even when we're not tired.

But God blessed us with a solid night of sleep, which hadn't happened since Sunday night.  He gave us a morning wake up time after 6am, which is pure gold these days.  And now?  He's been napping for 2 hours.  2. hours.  He hasn't done that in the morning for almost 2 weeks.

So, we're getting there.  Spotify is playing.  Dog is next to me on the couch.  Slippers are on.  Baby is napping.  Laundry should be done (it might not be today).  Groceries will be bought later.  High today of 32.

Sweet mercy.  Blessings.  What else could I ask for?

6 months, 7 months, and more!

It's been a long time since posting!  It's incredible to me how time can fly between working 4 days a week, checking things off your weekly to-do list, and a million other things on the calendar!

In November, this little boy turned 6 months old!  It flew by so quickly, but was so fun.  During his 6th month, we celebrated Thanksgiving and saw LOTS of snow.

 In December, this cutie turned 7 months old!  He's showing off 2 bottom teeth and still loves to smile, laugh, and giggle.  He loves to throw things on the floor and watch them fall, and then enjoys someone picking them up for him :)

We spent our first Christmas experience at Grandma and Grandpa Ehrenberg's house.

We learned this boy loves boys from gifts and eating them (of course!).  It was a lovely first Christmas and this little boy was SPOILED!

 Then, we took our very first plane trip to see Oma, Papa, Granny, and more family in North Carolina.  G met Granny for the first time, along with a lot of cousins and other family members.  Spoiled again, this boy had a great time!

Early morning Christmas napping...

 Playing with sweet Miss Paisley and new toys.

Playing with Auntie Anita - she sure knows how to play with little babies!

Goodnight time with Uncle Jack. 

It was a great extended Christmastime!  We're so blessed to have spent time with loving family both near and far and miss them all already.  Can't wait to see them again soon!