The Park

Tonight we went to park and met Aunt Amy and the kids there.   Josslyn did so well!  She walked, went down the slide, climbed up the slide, kissed baby Jacob, and terrorized James.  She had so much fun and it made me realize its time to get my baby girl out and about more often!

A Peace Flag

This week has brought peaceful bed times.  It's almost as if Josslyn is saying "I'll teach you to blog about me."  She has gone down easy for the past 4 days. That's my baby!  Always keeping me guessing.

Memorial weekend was simple and relaxing.  We did a little swimming and shopping, but mostly stayed close to home.  It was so nice just to play and hang  with my daughter.

Less than a month and she will turn 1!  Where is the pause button?  And will she ever slow down enough to let me hold and cuddle her?  At least there is no acceleration in the World that can keep me for loving her.  And there liess the constant! 

Disturbing the Peace

Okay, I've heard of the terrible 2s, but the terrible 11 months?  Grammy and I went out to eat with Josslyn tonight and what a complete menace to society :). She screamed, threw food, banged on the table, and mean mugged everyone!  Including me!  Mom said that Jeter woke her from her nap too early and after that display of terror, I know she didn't sleep enough.  Tonight she went down to bed without a fight because she left it all at the restaurant.  I thought about leaving her at the restaurant, but even when she's grumpy she's still pretty darn cute and Grammy would have been mad at me :)

"Do not go gentle..."

Josslyn is 11 months old today.  She embraced the morning with a smile and said good bye to the day with a series of tortured wallows.  That seems to be the phase we are into these days.  My sweet adapting baby does not go gentle into that good night.  Eventually, she cries herself to sleep, but my heart breaks at how upset she is when it's time for bed.  She's exhausted, but so determined to let me and the Universe know that she does not want to close her eyes just yet.  I have never been one that has had trouble finding my voice, and it's apparent, my daughter doesn't either!  I take pride in the fact that I'm able to let her cry it out because my heart wants to just pick her up and give in to take away her sorrow.  Luckily, my head and momma voice tell me that I need to be strong because my daughter needs sleep and this is what is best for her.  Knowing that I am able to balance my desire to nurture and my need to set boundaries gives me hope that I might get this mom gig right every now and then!  As all Mommas know, there is nothing in the World that makes you feel more insecure and vulnerable than being a mother.  I will take every little triumph I can get.

 

Dream big my little 11 month old.  I hope you always find your voice and never give in too easily!

Sugar and Sass

My child wore me out today! She will not sit still in a shopping cart or find contentment riding in a carseat. She grabs for anything nearby on a shelf, kicks off her shoes and throws them in public, and whines until I hold her! On days like today, I am happy and excited to see her in the morning, and I'm equally as excited when she falls asleep at night!

Inside Out

Josslyn walked on her own tonight, without prompting! Little by little she is gaining confidence and learning to trust herself. One of my greatest hopes is that she will always find her strength within even when the world tries to break her down. I owe it to her to help her feel as sure about herself as I feel about her.

Mother's Day

It was our first Face to face Mother's Day today. People keep wishing me a happy first Mother's Day but the truth is I felt very much like a mother last year when she was still growing in my belly. A mother's love and work begins at conception.

I had a relaxing day loving my child, just like any other Sunday. As always I feel so fortunate and lucky to have her. I also always feel blessed to have my mother.

Joss swam in the pool for the first time today. She did pretty well. She doesn't love it yet, but she was curious and brave and loved being with James, Stella, and Thomas.

So happy Mother's Day, today and always!

Stepping out

Yesterday, right in the middle of dinner, my baby girl took her first unassisted steps! She is 10 days shy of 11 months!

Getting by

It's the little things. A game of peek a boo, an unexpected kiss. A sudden explosive giggle at the dog, sneaking by me to climb the stairs. The sound of mamamama, or splash time in the tub.

This is how I get through the day.

Soup's On!

Aunt Amy made us dinner tonight. Jossy loved eating it and wearing it. We were covered in love and chili.

If you build it, they will sleep

I came home to an exhausted baby girl today. She got a late start on her morning nap and didn't go down for her afternoon nap. As busy, inquisitive, and independent as she is, she is also quite predictable. She has a routine and reacts quite similar when that routine falls apart. As much as she is a little free spirit, she also feels comfort from structure. Some people thought I was crazy to establish a feed and sleep schedule so early and to wake my sleeping baby to feed. But at less than a few months old she has slept 12 hrs a night without waking. She is a great eater, and most often a happy baby.
And if anyone doesn't believe in a consistent schedule for babies, they should spend just five minutes with my butter bean after she doesn't get her afternoon nap. They will pray to a scheduling GOd :)