Rowan's Mirthday

Happy 34-month mirthday to Rowan... a few days late!

Rowan has had an eventful month. The first week in December was "All About Rowan Week" at school. Each student in the class had one week to share things about themselves with their friends. The point was for everyone to learn about how they are all unique, but not so different.

For Monday, I made a poster with photos of his family and him doing all kinds of interesting things: being outside, riding his bike, eating, being at the beach, gardening. It was difficult choosing from all the fun events and outings we've had. The poster hangs in the classroom with ones from the other kids. On Tuesday he showed off his favorite toy (his red truck with doors that open). Wednesday, he brought in his favorite book: Big Frank's Fire Truck by Leslie Maguire. Thursday was snack day and Friday was music day.

Raleigh and I spent some time with the class on snack day. Since we like to spend time outside as a family - especially having a picnic - I thought it would be fun to share a little of that with Rowan's class. I spread out a red and white checked blanket on the floor and read My Picnic Basket Book by Kathleen Daly, one of my childhood favorites. (The outfits are dated and hilarious, but the concept is timeless.) After the story, we made trail mix and hot chocolate. It was a lot of fun. The kids are so smart and very funny. I was laughing almost the whole time. I would definitely like to spend some more time in the classroom this year.

I made a Rowan mix for him to take to school. He had asked to bring PB&J sandwiches for snack, but the entire campus is nut-free (Jeremy says he would beg to differ, but that's another post.). In lieu of the sammiches, I sent in the Peanut Butter song for all to enjoy. No worries with that one, except for those allergic to dancing. I think you have to be an electrical engineer or something similar for that to be a problem, though. Please enjoy a helping of peanut butter, with or without milk. It's your call.

Happiest mirthday wishes to my sweet, funny boy!

On my mind

Here are a few things that I've encountered lately that I just can't shake. I figured you wanted to know about them, too. Yes?

• Bitchin Kitchen: I saw this the other night and was transfixed. The host, Nadia G, is such a character. I like her irreverent sense of humor and her kickin' style. I can't really tell you about her cooking but I would like to see some more of her show. I was a tad distracted by her curious accent. Sometimes it sounded Italian, sometimes eastern European... It doesn't really matter in the end, though. Check her out.
• The Walking Dead: Zombies in Atlanta. Sounds like a regular ol' Tuesday to me! It's an interesting concept that leaves me with so many unanswerable questions. Jeremy and I critique and analyze the show and plot as we if have first-hand experience in battling Walkers. Is it far fetched? Yep. But it is a fun escape. Thank you, AMC.
• Chobani Greek Yogurt: It's yummy. And, you can get a lot for a great deal at Costco. Don't be afraid. Try it.

What's new in your world that I need to know about?

Raleigh is 8 months old!

Eight months ago I was lying in bed at Northside hospital, trying to get some rest and wishing I didn't feel like a garbage truck just ran me down. Thank goodness I had a sweet little bundle of goodness named Raleigh Maclaine to help me through it all.

Fast forward eight months and here we are. We are all adjusting to our still-new family of four status. But, it's hard to imagine what things were like without our baby girl. I know Jeremy would say that it was a lot quieter!

Here are some of things that our Raleigh-girl has been up to this past month.

• Likes: kisses; watching people dance or do cheers; doing anything that big kids are doing; being carried around while you do chores (all the time would be preferable, though)
• Dislikes: Being left on the floor or in her crib while you are trying to get stuff done (like blogging); people wearing sunglasses
• Skills: She's getting really good at picking up small foods and getting them into her mouth. She can bang two toys together. She's a crawling champ and likes to pull up to her knees using the coffee table or whatever is close by. She is also babbling a lot more.
• Food: I introduced yogurt and cheese this month. The yogurt is a big hit. I think she's still trying to figure out the cheese. She's only had shredded bits so I think a little cube might go over much better. She's eating almost all fruits and veggies - at least the ones that I can think of or that are in season. I also gave her some couscous mixed in with her veggie baby food. She likes it even though it takes a while to get all those little couscous bits chewed up and swallowed.
• Sizes: She's moved on to the size 3 diaper. I can hardly believe it. I found a stash of leftover newborn nappies and got a little teary thinking about how she is growing so quickly.

It has been so fascinating to watch Raleigh's personality emerge, especially these past few weeks. I sometimes try to imagine what she will be like next year or in 5 years. I don't know what it will be like, but I do know that we will have lots of fun on the way.

Lots of hugs and kisses to my sweet baby girl!