Groove

In the past month or two, I've noticed that Avery and I are really finding our groove. Over time, I've had moments where I've realized things were much easier than the month before. But today I realized we have really got our routine down pretty well, despite the fact we seem to do something different each day.

One of our routines is daily story time. I don't read to her before bed because when she is ready for bed, there is no holding her back from the bottle. She will let you know that you must give her the bottle and now! I also know if I do a story before bedtime at this point, I would end up reading only a short little book to her once a day - at least until she is old enough to ask for another book. In any case, what I have found works great is afternoon story time. We reach a point during most days when we're bored. Yep, I said it. We've done the bouncy chair, we've done the Jumperoo, we've gone out and about on an activity, we've walked around endlessly in the Beco whilst Mommy does chores, we've played kicky games on the floor, we've played with every single toy, we've stared at the dogs, and drooled excessively. At this point, we march upstairs to her room and lay on the floor. I pull out the books then lay next to her and we plow through the small library we've assembled. When she sees me pull out the books and lay down next to her, she starts kicking like mad. I love looking over at her while I'm reading and watching her little eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. I cannot wait until she is able to request a book to be read to her! I know I'll reach a point (probably sooner rather than later) when I won't look forward to reading the same book over and over and over, but right now, I am so looking forward to that. For your viewing pleasure, here is Avery during a reading of her favorite book Peek-A-Who? I did edit out me reading most of the book so you could see her reaction when the book disappears and then magically reappears.



While I can't wait for book requests, D is so very anxious for her to talk. He keeps double-checking with various people as to when kids start to talk - as if he might get an answer that will indicate every other person has been wrong and it turns out babies start to have full conversations at 1-year-old. He is visibly anxious and excited to have a conversation with her.

Another constant in the house has become gushing over how cute she is. When she goes to bed, one of us will say out of the blue, "She's just so darn cute!" The other will readily agree. 30 minutes later the other will be thinking about it and then will recount something cute she does. Prior to becoming parents, if you told me we'd be doing this - and not annoyed with the other for doing it - I would have said you were nuts. I'm not a gusher, particularly an emotional one. I typically give people a little congrats when I hear good news and then that's it. I don't harp on it. But damn! Parenthood sure does makes you gush over your own kid.

Oh, and the other thing parenthood makes you is a little more brave. At least in certain situations. I have found two tiny, harmless spiders in Avery's room on two occasions. Megan before motherhood would have screamed and then fearfully put the glass on the spider and then screamed while taking it outside. Megan after motherhood doesn't want to startle Avery, so I'm very calm about the whole process of capturing the spider and releasing it outside. Motherhood seems to be a cure for fear of spiders!