1m2aSandbox

Anybody know any private security firms that specialize in stroller walks?

Madeleine’s been so alert and interested in her surroundings recently that she’s imitating an owl, twisting her head as far around in a perfect circle as she can go while I’m wearing her in the Bjorn.  So I thought it might be time to crack open the “big girl” stroller, our forward-facing Maclaren.

I can’t believe Madeleine’s four months old.  Time is flying so fast and she’s not sitting still for me.  We have to start thinking about solid foods already!  I thought I’d be throwing a party in celebration of moving to solid foods, but I’m already sad that soon I won’t be all that she needs to keep growing big and strong.  It’s her first step in moving away from me, becoming truly independent.  It sucks.

Madeleine turned four months old yesterday, and we celebrated with a fun round of shots for her.  That’s immunization, not alcohol, though I would have gratefully taken the alcohol.  Our doctor’s amazing with the needles, lining them up on the table, then jabbing Maddie in quick succession, finishing almost before Madeleine has a chance to start crying.  I honestly think it traumatizes us more than her.  She handled it like a pro, recovering quickly and heading to sleep during the return car ride.  And then last night, the fever struck.

Madeleine is officially in love.  We went shopping yesterday for a few odds and ends, and while we were out we picked up the Lamaze Multi-Sensory Clutch Cube  for Maddie; she’s nearing four months now and looking for stimulation for all her senses.  This cube was recommended to us, and I have to say, it’s a huge hit.  It’s made of several different fabrics, with a musical bell inside, crinkly paper, and hard plastic rings for her to chomp on.  She can’t keep her hands – or rather, her mouth - off it.  She’d shove the whole cube into her mouth if she could.  And she looks so proud of herself when she manages to pick it up and wave it around, crowing triumphantly!  I have to say, Lamaze seems to make great products.

I’m still thinking about Abby’s labor.  She and her husband Paul opted not to bank baby Joshua’s cord blood, and as I watched the nurse take a sample from the cord for testing, I looked at the umbilical cord lying on the tray, eventually destined for the trash, and thought, “What a waste.”

It’s a boy!  My girlfriend Abby gave birth to her second son yesterday.  As with her first labor, I was lucky enough to be there to support her during such an amazing time.  The birth was absolutely beautiful, and since it was her second, the labor went pretty quickly!  (Though she might argue it felt like an eternity).  Abby opted to go natural if at all possible, so I brought a few props to help out with the labor, and after seeing them in action, I think they helped so much I wanted to pass my favorites on to you.