On a Sunday drive through a snowy arboretum.
Archive Page 58
This parenting gig sounds like it’s just going to get harder; I have so much to learn. Thank God a few people have done it before I took a stab at it so I can try to copy their brilliance.
This morning I was sitting on the floor with Bear when AO handed me a cup of coffee. Bear immediately became interested in the cup. Or the coffee. Or both. I was sitting cross-legged so, as she would reach for the cup, I would put it to one side of me. And then the other. And so on. She was gaining speed, though, so I had to change tactics. I began to place the cup behind me and then move it clockwise as she approached. The cup made one lap. Bear made one lap. The cup made a faster lap. Bear made a faster lap. After these two laps, my belly hurt from laughing. After three and a half laps, AO chimed in. “Why are you being so mean to her?” Shocked, I said, “What am I supposed to do? Give her the hot coffee?” “Yes,” he said. Hmm. Lucky for me, after the fourth lap, I didn’t have to decide between being accused of torturing her with my coffee game or giving her a second-degree burn. Bear had had enough and moved on to eating and babbling at Sophie.
I have longed for someone brave enough to post this viewpoint. A case that is actually for formula-feeding, as opposed to the almost du jour articles that merely state I’m not horrible for having fed my loved one the powdery substance as long as I gave breastfeeding a good try and was instructed to supplement by my doctor. An article that criticizes the science behind the “breast is best” campaign as flawed. Perhaps breast is best, of course, but it doesn’t seem we actually know that just yet. I know some of you may find it abhorrent, while others may shrug. For me, though, it is a breath of fresh air and a welcome relief. And it made me cry a little. Bravo and thank you.
As you may know, Mollybear’s first birthday was last Saturday. We hosted a party for her and were so grateful for all those able to attend and for all of those who sent their good cheer from afar. We know how lucky we are. In Bear’s honor, I’d like to take this space to celebrate a few of her firsts from the past year. Ok with you?
First day outside the womb
That was quite a day for all of us.
First Brewer game
We had a bit of a hiccup on this trip (forgetting that I was no longer able to breastfeed and that Bear might want to eat something), but I think a good time was had by all.
First trip to Monticello, WI
One day, while still on leave but with wheels available to me, Bear & puppy & I piled in the car and went for a drive. I got a little turned around so we turned around in Monticello, but not before taking in the view.
First time meeting Auntie GAOOG
What a treat.
First high chair experience
She didn’t want us to think she was TOO grown up, so she stuck out her tongue for the camera.
First time wearing a slicker
And certainly first time wearing a slicker while sitting on a table.
First Christmas
She warmed up to Steve eventually, but all Maggie has to do is look at her and Bear is in heaven.
First Valentine’s Day
This was a big one for me because I actually remembered she was supposed to wear red (or white or pink) to school AND I put her in a red shirt. Yes, I will pat myself on the back for this thank you very much.*
First time waking up as a 1-year old
And it was waaaaaaaaay too early. Way. Too. Early. Way.
First time wearing a birthday hat
And she handled it with aplomb! Or, maybe I should say she tolerated it sorta.
*I know it doesn’t quite make up for the hodge-podge of an outfit she was wearing for her first picture day, but I’m trying to go easy on myself here.
life and puppies 