Mileage

What an extremely busy week we have had!  I have not been diligent about blogging this month because we have been too busy living!

Last Saturday, on the 22nd Joss had her first birthday party.  She loves the attention and all the company!  We ate yummy pizza and Jossy tore up her smash cake!  She got some great presents and was the perfect little guest of honor.  I can't believe my baby girl crossed another milestone.  

Last Sunday we set out to drive across the country to Maine.  We left at 12 and made it as farm as Florence, South Carolina.  The first day was a little rough on Josslyn because she hates to sit for a long period of time.  Thank God for the portable DVD player.

The second day of driving, we drove to Hersey, PA.  Joss was excellent and made the travel very easy.  She did however have a difficult time falling asleep in the hotel.  I feel badly because she mostly ate junky food on the trip.  She didn't complain.

The third day we made it to Gilmanton, NH.  Joss met her Auntie and Uncle Billy for the first time.  They both spoiled her rotten, including hosting 3rd birthday festivities!  It had been 17 years since I saw my Auntie.  Way too long.  But we quickly fell into the ease that come from love and being family.  We stayed 3 days and had such a fun and relaxing visit.

Yesterday, we made the last 7 hour drive to Maine.  Again, I couldn't have asked her a better behaved baby.  We are settling in to Grammy and Grampy's house and really feeling the loss of Grampy.  He is loved, missed, and remembered.  We will spend the next 3 weeks breathing in the fresh Maine air and exploring a little nature.

In the hush of the cool and damp night, I am listening to my baby girl sleep deeply and peacefully.  This is the feeling I want to hold onto.  I am so happy that I get to share the serenity of my childhood home with Joss.  I hope it shapes her and that she always carries the calm of this rural treasure with her.

Birthday baby

Today Josslyn turned 1.  She was so full of it all day long.  We sang and played.  I spent some time preparing for her big 1 year old birthday bash on Saturday.  We met the Barrett family at Red Lobster for dinner.  Josslyn loved seeing them but she sure was a handful!  1 year old and already seeking trouble :). Trouble better run :)

Week in review

•First fever

•Blotchy Rash

•Fussy and Tired

•Taking baths in the big tub

•Saying doggy, ducky, and baby

•Watched her first cartoon movie

•Sang along with the peguins

•Climbs in her rocking chair and rocks

•Tries to climb back down the stairs

•Waves goodnight and blows kisses to Grammy 

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!