When I was a kid, road trips were kind of the norm- we lived in a different state than most of our extended family at various times. No one worried about fuel efficiency or gas prices- it was just taken for granted that sometime in the pre-dawn hours my two sisters and I would be packed into the backseat of some 1980’s sedan to drive to my grandparent’s house… whether that was a 2 hour or 20 hour trip didn’t really matter- that was just the way we traveled. Of course I was a little more concerned about getting the good coloring book to draw in at that time, so what did I care about the logistics?
In keeping with that tradition, the great American baby tour of ‘09 is about to commence. Now that I’m on the other end of the planning process, I’m a little bit more concerned that we won’t forget anything during the series of 8 hour car trips we’ll be taking. In the next week the residents of the Cotterpinhouse will be heading to three different states, and taking scenic highway tours of three more…get the kids started young, right?
I guess this means that all those random house projects (and sewing projects) will be on hold for another week. And, you know what? I’m totally ok with that.
Pictures to follow, I’m sure.
I’m starting to learn that completing a few projects can be possible- as long as I can take frequent breaks for feedings and diaper changes…and that the projects aren’t too ambitious. Drywalling will have to wait a few more months- but sewing? Completely possible…I just hope Li doesn’t pick up any of the swear words that mama mutters under her breath when she has to rethread the sewing machine for the 90th time.
After receiving some inspiration from Sweet Juniper- I decided to recycle an old sundress I had into a smocked sundress for Li. After a few false starts, it turned out better than I expected, but I’m looking at it as a learning experience.
Oh, and Li also seems to like it…as much as a 6 week old can enjoy a sundress.
Before I went on maternity leave, I imagined I would have tons of time to do various projects around the house- the baby would be sleeping most of the time after all.
Those porch boards that need replacing? No problem.
Touching up the paint, oh, in ever room I’ve painted? Shouldn’t be a problem.
Weeding the garden and cleaning up the increasingly overgrown yard? That’s what playpens are for, right? The baby will like the fresh air.
Meanwhile, cleaning out the basement/finishing up the new bedroom/decluttering our house? Well, I’d have eight extra hours in the day, and no basketball stomach to contend with- so it’ll be a snap.
I laugh at my old naive self. And shed a tear or two.
Yes- I definitely have more time now that I’m off- but it seems to get eaten up in tiny baby-size bites- a few bottles, a load of laundry, a few dishes, and a small mountain of diapers and next thing I know it my dear husband is walking in the front door.
And blogging? What’s that again?
It’ll settle down soon right? Then I’ll be able to tackle a few more things- right? Right?
Dear Little Girl- (also from now on referred to as Li)-
It’s official- you’re one month old today! Well, tonight at 9:48 exactly, but that’s ok, I’ll only remind you of that fact on every birthday from now until forever…
I’m honestly surprised at how fast the last month went, though I suppose minor sleep deprivation does that to someone who likes a solid 8 hours of sleep each night. Yes, there were tears- from both of us…but overall, it’s gone so fast! I’m surprised how much personality you have at this point- having only been around older kids when I was in prime babysitting age I had no idea- but your personality has taken both of us off guard. I swear some of the looks that cross your face will probably cross your face in ten years- and every time it does, you’ll be thinking “Who is this woman and why is she insisting she’s my mother?” I’m also surprised that you laugh… Of course, it’s kind of a deep grunting sort of laugh that sounds like you’re plotting to take over the world, but it’s a laugh.
And 0ther than seeing three a.m. more often than I have since college, you are an amazingly good baby. You rarely cry- except to eat- which is just like me. I KNOW being hungry makes me feel like the Hulk is about to spring forth from my forehead- so I can only imagine what it does when you’re on a 100% liquid diet. I just hope the lack of fussiness holds out for another month (or lifetime) or so- but also recognize that this probably means any siblings you have will be holy terrors. I won’t care though, right? Parenting will be so routine at that point that I’ll be able to make a bottle/change a diaper/soothe a teething infant while juggling chainsaws and wallpapering my dining room, right?
Who am I kidding…I hate wallpaper.
And even though you’ve completely turned your father and my life upside down- we wouldn’t trade you for anything. That’s not to say that I won’t pull out your 9lb 4oz-gigantic-head guilt card in public when you’re being a bratty teenager- but I think that’s only fair.
When I started this blog, I had intended it to only talk about my house renovation. And now? Now I can’t even conceive of starting another house project that involves more effort than a quick vacuum or wipe down with a soapy rag. Does this mean my renovation days are numbered? That I’m going to turn into a <gasp> mommy blogger? That I’m going to post picture after picture after picture of you and your adorable toes?
No, no and maybe…the jury’s still out on the last one.
love,
Mom
How in the world did that happen?
Oh, yeah. Don’t mind me- I’m just lucky I’m not currently covered in baby vomit and other baby secretions.
Because some days?
Totally that woman.
Anyway- until I can get into the groove of blogging while the little one sleeps- have a great holiday!
garden flowers
