A Week of Discoveries
May 11, 2015
In just a week's time...
I want to start a running list of all the things that we notice about you. Your Dad was away for a week - he went to Las Vegas for EMC World Conference. He missed you more than words can express. Upon his return he didn't notice that you had grown more - probably because we Facetimed and sent him photos everyday. However, he did notice all that you could do that you weren't doing a week before. You, Harlan, are changing everyday. Not only are your growing tall, gaining wisdom each day and building relationships that will hopefully set you out on a successful and positive journey - but you discover something each day and we all watch in amazement. What a gift that we get to be with you as you discover the world. So it needs to be recorded.
The Window
Most notably - the window. You have discovered the car window. You watch the clouds and the trees, and your favorite is watching the raindrops beat against the window. When I look in the mirror while driving I see you back there - cuddly your silky elephant, talking to him and telling him about your day - and then you go into a trance - watching out the window.
The Books
This week you have also developed a vested interest in books. You hit the pages in the greatest of excitement, and it almost seems as though you are turning the pages and mimicking the sounds we make as we read. Just a few weeks ago you were still frustrated when I would sit down to read to you. Although you tolerated half of "Seven Blind Mice" for Dad, reading books was not your favorite. Now you anticipate it with the most precious little look - tucked into the rocking chair with us - eyeing your favorites - Goodnight Moon and Seven Blind Mice. I tried to read another book to you tonight, but you craned your head to the side staring at the enchanting cover of Goodnight Moon until I put it in front of you and your arms and hands started flailing in anticipation. I love the routine we are settling into - bath and jammies, then a book, and nursing for a bit before you fall asleep. You have fallen into the routine of asleep around 8:00 and I love this new habit because you are rested in the morning - after nursing once or twice in the night.
Another note about books - Aunt Jodie and Grandma read to you all day long. They explore your Black and White books while you are propped against Grandma's Leopard pillow. You have discovered the joy and camaraderie that is reading - at 4 months old.
(Your Papa Rodney was here this week and he insists that you are actually turning the pages).
Singing
The part of your bedtime routine that is most surprising is your pure joy at singing. If it's just you and me we sing Godspeed by the Dixie Chicks. It was my favorite song throughout my 20's and I feel without a doubt that God was preparing my heart to be your Mama each time I sang it. Tonight you looked at me so solemnly while I massaged your soft, post bath skin - if you could talk you would have asked why I hadn't started the song. As soon as I began, "Dragon tales and the water is wide" - you broke out into the most gigantic smile. And then you listen and coo as I sing each verse of the country lullaby. While you listen, coo and smile at most everything, there is something unique about your reaction to this song. It instantly calms you - perhaps because you feel how much of my own heart is in the song. It is our prayer together - our visit with God each evening.
When you are upset, Dad is really the only one that can calm you down on the changing table. I dry your body and start the process of lotion, t-shirt (your least favorite thing) and jammies - while he sings Singing in the Rain, Hey Jude or some other retro classic. You LOVE Singing in the Rain - especially when he whistles the reprise.
You want to move!
Currently you prefer to stand on our lap (or your Dad's chest) vs. sitting or laying. In the morning you take awhile to wake up, and so I sit you on my lap facing your bedroom window and you watch the tree outside your window blowing in the breeze. It is the beginning of Spring here, and its leaves have just turned bright green, and you love it! You watch the tree as you slowly open your eyes, and then, when you are ready to interact with the world - you turn your head toward me and smile - a larger than life smile - and we begin our day with GOOD MORNING. I knew that tree's purpose when I moved into this house, and it is what I dreamed about throughout my pregnancy. It's your green tree Harlan.
Our Routine
I'm not quite ready to begin you on food yet - although you are taking a keen interest in watching us eat. I love that we are nursing as much as we are and I'm so very thankful.
May 11, 2015
In just a week's time...I want to start a running list of all the things that we notice about you. Your Dad was away for a week - he went to Las Vegas for EMC World Conference. He missed you more than words can express. Upon his return he didn't notice that you had grown more - probably because we Facetimed and sent him photos everyday. However, he did notice all that you could do that you weren't doing a week before. You, Harlan, are changing everyday. Not only are your growing tall, gaining wisdom each day and building relationships that will hopefully set you out on a successful and positive journey - but you discover something each day and we all watch in amazement. What a gift that we get to be with you as you discover the world. So it needs to be recorded.
 |
| Getting ready for the car - tucked into your car seat. |
The Window
Most notably - the window. You have discovered the car window. You watch the clouds and the trees, and your favorite is watching the raindrops beat against the window. When I look in the mirror while driving I see you back there - cuddly your silky elephant, talking to him and telling him about your day - and then you go into a trance - watching out the window.
The Books
This week you have also developed a vested interest in books. You hit the pages in the greatest of excitement, and it almost seems as though you are turning the pages and mimicking the sounds we make as we read. Just a few weeks ago you were still frustrated when I would sit down to read to you. Although you tolerated half of "Seven Blind Mice" for Dad, reading books was not your favorite. Now you anticipate it with the most precious little look - tucked into the rocking chair with us - eyeing your favorites - Goodnight Moon and Seven Blind Mice. I tried to read another book to you tonight, but you craned your head to the side staring at the enchanting cover of Goodnight Moon until I put it in front of you and your arms and hands started flailing in anticipation. I love the routine we are settling into - bath and jammies, then a book, and nursing for a bit before you fall asleep. You have fallen into the routine of asleep around 8:00 and I love this new habit because you are rested in the morning - after nursing once or twice in the night.
Another note about books - Aunt Jodie and Grandma read to you all day long. They explore your Black and White books while you are propped against Grandma's Leopard pillow. You have discovered the joy and camaraderie that is reading - at 4 months old.
(Your Papa Rodney was here this week and he insists that you are actually turning the pages).
Singing
The part of your bedtime routine that is most surprising is your pure joy at singing. If it's just you and me we sing Godspeed by the Dixie Chicks. It was my favorite song throughout my 20's and I feel without a doubt that God was preparing my heart to be your Mama each time I sang it. Tonight you looked at me so solemnly while I massaged your soft, post bath skin - if you could talk you would have asked why I hadn't started the song. As soon as I began, "Dragon tales and the water is wide" - you broke out into the most gigantic smile. And then you listen and coo as I sing each verse of the country lullaby. While you listen, coo and smile at most everything, there is something unique about your reaction to this song. It instantly calms you - perhaps because you feel how much of my own heart is in the song. It is our prayer together - our visit with God each evening.
When you are upset, Dad is really the only one that can calm you down on the changing table. I dry your body and start the process of lotion, t-shirt (your least favorite thing) and jammies - while he sings Singing in the Rain, Hey Jude or some other retro classic. You LOVE Singing in the Rain - especially when he whistles the reprise.
You want to move!
Currently you prefer to stand on our lap (or your Dad's chest) vs. sitting or laying. In the morning you take awhile to wake up, and so I sit you on my lap facing your bedroom window and you watch the tree outside your window blowing in the breeze. It is the beginning of Spring here, and its leaves have just turned bright green, and you love it! You watch the tree as you slowly open your eyes, and then, when you are ready to interact with the world - you turn your head toward me and smile - a larger than life smile - and we begin our day with GOOD MORNING. I knew that tree's purpose when I moved into this house, and it is what I dreamed about throughout my pregnancy. It's your green tree Harlan.
 |
| This is you - hanging out in the morning while I get ready for work. |
- Morning 6:00 or 7:00 - wake up, eat a bit and then lay on my bed - watching the sunshine while I get ready for work.
- Head to Grandma's for a nap and a day of fun with Aunt Jodie and Grandma - and whoever else always shows up there.
- I come home to Grandma's midday to nurse.
- We head home between 4:00 and 5:00 - play on the floor, go for a walk and eat dinner - nursing in between.
- Around 7:45 or 8:00 we get ready for bed and you are asleep by 9:00 at the latest.
- You wake up around 3:30 and then 5:00 a.m. to eat.
 |
| Nursing you at Mexican. In the same room and same dress as our rehearsal dinner. |
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