swimming lessons

I can't believe I am posting photos of myself in this state, but they are too cute of Daniel to not have for posterity.

Aunt Johanna and I took Daniel to his first swimming lesson on Saturday. It was fun! The water was a tad chilly, and Daniel did not take to it so well at first. His little gums chattered! But, after we started blowing bubbles and going through the various holds for parents, he seemed to settle right in. He was splashing and cooing at the other kids in the pool.

He had a great time with his favorite aunt this weekend! Jo is so great with him. He pitched a big fit after she left today. He knew one of his top spoilers had left the building, that is for sure! Now that I think of it, I didn't take a pic of them together. I will have to be sure to do that next time!

Shmuley

I have a new show to watch faithfully. "Shalom in the Home." Shmuley is the rabbi who is the family counselor leading the show. He is amazing at mediation. Everything he says is right, and I have learned lessons about family and parenting in each of the three episodes so far. It's on TLC on Mondays at 10 p.m. I am sure it reruns throughout the week. Even though the families seem to have such extreme issues (think "Supernanny"), there are themes that can hit home for anyone. I admire Shmuley for his work and teaching. He is my new favorite TV personality!

More Firsts....

Big week last week! Busy, busy, busy as always. Don't ever let anyone tell you that a stay-at-home mom does not have a lot going on. Except for the last hour of the day before Scott gets home, the days tend to fly by. I substituted at a private school in DC on Friday. It's a way to get some cash since we still own two properties! Anyway, it was a pretty easy day. As much as I enjoyed teaching, it does not compare to being at home with my child. I left marketing for teaching because I wanted to be more fulfilled in my profession. And, teaching definitely fit the bill for me. Parenting on the other hand, is a million times that.

To commemorate his great-grandmother D's birthday, Daniel rolled over stomach to back! Finally! He is doing this thing occassionally, where we get him all ready for bed, put him in the crib, and he kicks and coos. Eventually, he cries. Not because he wants to be held, but because he is NOT sleepy. So, we just take him out. The two times he has done it, he stayed up until 10:00! Wednesday, he rolled over during this time! Yeah!

To commemorate his great-grandmother C's birthday, Daniel put his toes in his mouth for the first time while I was getting him ready for bed. Too cute. I have it on video, but will get it on digital cam soon.

On Tuesday, (we're going backwards now), he got in the infant swing at the park for the first time. LOVED it. I will post the pic of that as soon as I figure out where the camera is. I have a bad habit of putting that, and my keys, in different places every time.

Thusday, (skipping forward again), Daniel also went on his first nature hike at the National Arboretum to see the azaleas. Let's just say that Daniel seems to consider nature for the birds. I had to carry him UP most of the hills because he was NOT happy in the stroller. I wore a sleeveless top the other day, and I think for the first time since high school, my upper arms are toned! An 18 1/2 pound kid can do that for you!

Saturday, Daniel shared his first bath with his best buddy Christopher. I did not have the camera with me, but oh, I wish I did!! They were so cute. Our saints for friends, Alison and Nick, came over and installed a new exterior door for us, so that we don't have to take out a third mortgage and have home depot do it. They were here into the evening so we put the boys in the tub together. Christopher is 4 1/2 months older than Daniel, so he was showing Daniel the ropes on playing with the bath toys. They splashed and squawked at each other.

This week Scott will go to Vegas for a trip, so we will have our first extended time without Dad. It will be hard work because Scott is such a great dad. Aunt Johanna is coming to the rescue though!

MORE!

If Daniel could bang a fork and spoon on the table to demand more food, I think he would. Yesterday, I fed him cereal, carrots, and green beans, and he wanted more. How did he let me know? By screaming and turning red. No buildup from fussing, as soon as I said, "All gone," he threw his head back and yelled. I ran to get him some bananas, didn't even warm them up, and he demanded MORE. So, I got more bananas. MORE. I just gave him his regular bottle at that point. I thought he would pop from all of that food.

Too funny.

Easter was a very nice day. We spent the morning with Scott's parents and the afternoon with our friends. Here are some pics.

squealing and baseball

We took Daniel to Nationals' Opening Day on Tuesday. It was a beautiful, sunny day. The verdict is still out on whether or not Daniel enjoyed himself. He did not know what to think of the noise. Everytime the crowd clapped and cheered, he cried. Not for long though. He would just do a 10-30 second crumpling of his face and shout. We walked with him A LOT, which I know he enjoyed. Daniel is all about what is going on around him. During the 5th inning, he started fussing and rubbing his eyes, so I walked him to sleep. He took a 30 minute nap, which I thought was good amid the continued cheering.

Yesterday, Daniel started yelling. Loudly. He was not upset; I think he was doing it because he figured out he could. I was holding him and talking with Scott's mom and he just lets out a roar. His face got red and he clenched his fists. Then, he laughed.

I am going to download some pictures today, I promise!

6 months, half a year, 180-ish days

Dear Daniel,
You have been in our lives for six months, two days, as of today. Because we have just moved, my letter is 48 hours late. You are the light in your dad's and my life. Everyday is new, and improved, because you are here with us. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you. My life has changed completely since having you. No longer are days driven by earning a paycheck, but by meeting your needs, watching you grow, and trying my hardest to be the best mother I can be for you. You amaze us every day with your new developments. You are sitting up by yourself and playing with your toys now - banging rattles, chewing on teethers, and grabbing anything your dad and I have in our hands. You have a fondness for paper and silverware! You can sit in a highchair at a restaurant and in the cart at a store. You are eating baby food and enjoying it! You find your feet FASCINATING and grab them and pull them whenever you lay on your back. Tummy time is no longer such a bother! If you decide you don't like it anymore, you just roll over. Rolling from your back to your front is still a bit of a challenge. You get 2/3 of the way there, but can't quite make it over the arm underneath you. I know you'll figure it out soon. Lately, you make these high-pitched squealing sounds, and you belly laugh when we tickle you and make noises at you. Everyone says you look like your dad, which is true. I think you have my eyes though, and we hope you'll have my vision! At your appointment on Friday, you weighed 18 pounds, 6 ounces and you were 27 1/4 inches long. The doctor was very impressed with how you sit up.

I look back on the last six months as the happiest of my life and I look forward to every new day with you. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for you. I know that I am a better person because of you, my son.