Kennedy @ 7 Months

What a happy girl! 7 months is definitely a fun time. I'm writing this a little late, but that's just because we've been having so much FUN! At 7 months, Kennedy:

• Creeps around on the floor, like an army crawl! She can get from one end to the other, using her arms and dragging with her tummy on the floor.
• Sleeps pretty well - takes 2-3 naps a day and wakes usually twice a night to eat, but is in the crib for at least 12 hours at night.
• LOVES reading. Has been more interested in sitting in our laps and reading than in playing with her toys by herself.
• Started saying "da-da"! I read that they don't know what it means yet, but she likes the sound it makes and says it all day. We're hoping the letter "m" is next on her list to tackle. :)
• Loves bananas and carrots the most. She's a good eater, and has also started being able to feed herself small bite-sized food, like the sweet potato puffs and yogurt melts.
• Drinks from her sippy cup (by herself sometimes and with assistance sometimes) and likes taking a sip of water in between every bite
• Still loves her jumperoo and jumps like a crazy girl! She shows a lot of pride in her jumping skills and wears that pride on her face after a good jump session.
• Wears 6-9 month clothes and onesies - right on track!
• Is very independent, curious, expressive, and interested in learning and trying everything. But at the same time, is very sweet and sometimes welcomes being comforted.
• Loves the bath and her rubber duckie
• Loves her pacifier, taking it out, putting it back in, keeping it close by at all times
• Doesn't have any teeth yet. We're wondering when those little buggers might pop through!
• Sits up very well on her own now, and sits in the shopping cart seat when we go to Target now too! She really seems to enjoy that vantage point and looking around at everything while we are shopping.
• Loves music of all kinds. It's been fun pulling out the old Raffi music!

The Noise. -OR- Intro/Extro/Ambiverts.

Last week I had one of those moments at work that reminded me what I love about my job. I love every chance I get to think deeply about things, gain perspective, and use my head to learn about people and grow. Specifically, by reflecting about myself and others. This chance  last week came in the form of an event called “Diversity of Thought: Introverts and Extroverts.” The session started with a video by the author of the book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking.” Here is a link to the video: (I highly recommend carving out 20 minutes to watch it.) Susan Cain - TED video

I love being reminded of the definition of extrovert vs. introvert. It's not about being shy or outgoing; it's about where we recharge and get our energy. Think about it. Do you get energized or overwhelmed in a crowded bar; are you energized or bored while at home reading, writing, or gardening by yourself? The more I think about it, I realize that while I have qualities of both (called ambivert), my tendencies have shifted over time. My cure for being sleepy used to be calling my friends to head out on the town, shopping or to grab a drink. Now, I find it easy and refreshing to get immersed in doing things by myself or with just a few friends or family. 

Maybe part of it is also an age thing and our capacity to fill our lives with THE NOISE after we complete our required tasks and obligations for the day. THE NOISE. Our lives are full of it. Cell phones. Words With Friends. Facebook. iPods. Radio morning shows (and afternoon shows). Reality TV. Gossip magazines. Gossip. Twitter. Email. Hallway conversations. Cubicles. Office pranks. Fantasy football. E! News. Facebook. Email.

It seriously never shuts off!

The session following the video was kicked off by a senior leader, who talked about how early on in his career he would go home from work exhausted every day. He began to recognize the style of our workplace and how it lends towards being an extrovert. He talked about fitting his style at work vs. being who he is. A few points that really resonated with me:  

• Don’t try and go against the grain of who you are- you won’t be as productive or your complete “effective self” if you try to operate as an extrovert but you’re really an introvert.
• If someone in the room sits and thinks quietly more than speaks up quickly, it doesn’t mean they're not engaged. Maybe they're processing information. Maybe they will have the best solution of everyone, better than all of the people who get their words out quickly.
• Extroverts might think that introverts seem like a 'fly on the wall.' Instead, they might just be trying to take information and make something of it quietly to themselves. 
• There is a place for both styles in this world. The world needs introverts and extroverts. Both can be successful - the key is being comfortable and confident in what we each bring to the table.

I remember when Jake and I attended our pre-marital counseling and learned that extroverts like to work through problems out loud, while introverts like to work through them in their head and then share. Jake and I definitely handle things differently, and it makes us a better team because of it. 

I think I'm learning more and more how important it is to stay true to myself. And to shut out the noise when possible, so that the things I take in are better received by my brain. And that there really is not one right answer. 

And so she sleeps.

Oh yes, she is a gorgeous sleeper. And sleeping she has been doing now, for a solid week! One week ago tonight was Kennedy's first real solid effort at sleeping through the night. Any new mom knows that this is a HUGE deal. I say 'effort' because although I didn't see or hold or feed her all night, she did wake up a couple times to fuss, and was able to put herself back to sleep in 10 minutes or less. That's another huge deal! We've been going strong for 6.5 months with at least one time up each night, and more like 5-10 times up each night. Anything under 4 times has been a blessing. Now, I can safely say that we've made it a week without getting up more than 3 times a night. And the average is now somewhere between 1-2!

It sounds like magic. Yes, it feels like magic too, and it was a long time coming for us. My secret (maybe it was only a secret to me?) is this book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It is by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, a doctor who has done extensive research on sleep in children and adults. The main point: we were putting Kennedy to bed overtired and depriving her of some much needed sleep! When put to bed overtired, it is hard to sleep without extreme restlessness all night (especially for babies, but I think we can all relate.) The book was super enlightening! Babies need plenty of sleep- they will do it on their own! It's a matter of parents recognizing the drowsy state and creating optimal sleep environments and at optimal times. 

So we moved her bedtime up an hour. And if she seems tired, it's up 2 whole hours from what it used to be! And her naps are happening more regularly- the entire 24/7 sleep cycle (which he explains is very key) is more predictable, more intentional, more routine. We feel this awesomely newfound freedom and commitment to sleep as a family, and it shows in all of us. If Kennedy could talk, I think she would say so too- her personality sure sparkles to demonstrate that she is well slept!

On the topic of talking, I noticed a sound tonight that sounded an awful lot like like da-da. I'm not entirely sure yet, and studies show that she would merely be making letter sounds with no association to anything yet, but I am quite sure that her daddy will be happy to hear her say it. :)

Baby K at 6 months - AKA sleep deprived

Reading with Grandpa

So we're still having a blast with Baby K. She's a ton of fun. However, month 5-6 has been a trying one as it relates to sleep. I write this a week and a half late, and we've JUST stumbled on something that might be the answer to our problems. More on that later, because her first "all night long in the crib extravaganza" merits its own post. I'll try to stick to the monthly updates. Baby K:

• Wears 6 month clothes and 6-9 month onesies
• Weighs 16 lb 3 oz (50th percentile) and measures 27 1/4 inches (95th percentile). Still long and lean
• Has started to sleep with a blanket - the crocheted one from Great Aunt Annette
• Loves the bath and splashes a lot
• Just started sitting up with more stability. She still topples over, but will stay up for a minute or two
• LOVES jumping. Her jumperoo is still her favorite! Wants to stand more than anything else.
• Scoots around on the floor but not crawling. Can move an entire 360 degrees on her tummy
• Loves saying the letter "p". Constantly saying "puh, puh" - thinks it's amusing when we do it back!
• Still loves the letter "b" but "p" quickly took over. No mamama or dadada yet, as much as we try :)
• Is generally in great spirits. Which is interesting, considering her sleep issues.
• Goes down easily, but gets up every 1-3 hours all night. Wants to be awake, fusses, sometimes falls back asleep, and often cries to be nursed. We are sleep deprived!
• Has started food! Green beans, then carrots, then avocado, then sweet potatoes. Mixed with milk and rice cereal or oatmeal. She loves food!
• Loves books. The pic above is a great capture of her interest in books, and really, the entire world around her. She is curious, focused, engaged, and intent on learning about everything. It's awesome to see.
• Loves the outdoors and going on walks. She's started being carried in the back carrier, and she loves it because she sits high and can see all around her. 
• Generally is laid back about being held and passed around, but is starting to show preference for her mommy and daddy over strangers. Especially men - she's now cried when being held by every guy except her daddy (grandpas included).
• Gives big kisses by pulling our faces in with her little hands, and planting a big wet gummy mouth on our cheeks/chins/noses/foreheads. So sweet!

We are still in love! (and don't plan on that changing anytime soon) I can't believe it's been half a year already!

Exactly as it should be.

For fear of sounding sappy, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, and am really about to burst at the seams. BECAUSE, I feel like life is exactly how it should be. I feel confident now that on a daily basis, true happiness is within my reach - that I have found this amazing combination of luck, blessings, action, and decision-making on my part to achieve happiness in the purest sense of the word. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs paints human needs into a pyramid, with the most basic at the bottom (food, water, shelter) then moving up next to safety and health, followed by love and belonging, then self-esteem and confidence, and lastly, self-actualization. I often think of the idea of self-actualization, and what it really takes to achieve it. There are lots of definitions out there, but the simplest is, "the full realization of one's potential." I think by reaching potential, one develops confidence and strength, which in turn, brings happiness.

There have certainly been times in my life when I have felt completely less than my potential, and there will be times again in the future. Confidence ebbs and flows, but I think right now I've found that being a mom has stretched me into a true place that I was meant to be. I keep saying, "I was meant to be a mom." And it's true! I can feel it. Being a mom is tiring, confusing, and frustrating at times, but I can already see how fulfilling that part of me has made me more fulfilled in other aspects of my life (i.e. work, hobbies, family, friendships). I've found a certain calm amidst this current state of chaos, and it feels great.

Being a parent doesn't help everyone realize potential. For some, it's hobbies, marriage, getting promoted, mastering a skill (like running a marathon). I love that we each have different things that make us tick. I hope that you will also take a moment to think about where you find your potential, where you can stretch it and where you can realize it. Because for this very moment, self-actualization feels really great.

Baby K @ 5 Months!

Celebrate with me! I'm 5 months old!

Kennedy is just an amazing little girl. We're having so much fun! At 5 months, Kennedy:

• Wears 3-6 month onesies, and mostly 3 month clothes, with a few 6 month clothes
• Is long and lean. She's tall! Her thighs are the chunkiest, and thus, most irresistible little things ever.
• LOVES standing with a little help (like the picture above). Will do this all day if we let her. Jumps and bounces from standing position - her legs get quite the workout!
• Isn't thrilled by tummy time. She wants to be on the move, and without the ability to crawl, tummy time is SO frustrating!
• Loves when Mommy and Daddy sing. I've never gotten such a positive reaction to my singing voice!
• Sucks her fingers and her toes all the time. She's quite flexible in that her feet easily reach her mouth!
• Sleeps okay, but this has been the most trying month thus far. She wakes up a lot and seems in pain from teething. No teeth yet, but the cries are definitely painful.
• Stays in her crib 11-12 hours, even though she wakes up a ton. She easily goes back to sleep, and we are grateful for that.
• Gives kisses! It's my favorite thing. She reaches out for my face and literally grabs it with her pincer hands, pulls it in and plants a big, drooly, open-mouthed kiss on my face. We can exchange kisses for a solid half hour and stay entertained.
• Is starting to love tags on blankets and toys. Is super into textures and grasping/holding everything.
• Still loves her bouncer, jumperoo, and is starting to enjoy her cradle swing more. She will be outgrowing this soon, though!
• Coos and "talks" quite a bit, but nothing even slightly comprehendible yet. 
• Loves bath time - splashing, chewing her fish or rubber ducky and her washcloth
• Loves books. She even knew to start "reading" when Grandma opened a book for her - she started talking up a storm. She's still silent when I read, so I think she was showing Grandma how it's done.
• Is really just the happiest little girl! Which in turn makes us SO happy! We are so blessed!

3 Years Ago... Plus a Little Food for Thought

Three years ago was a glorious day. Not only did I get to execute the event of a lifetime (which was super cool in itself), but Jake and I got to commit ourselves to each other forever. And gosh, do I feel lucky. Not a day goes by that I doubt our decision to marry - even if some days are stressful, sleepless, and as of late, completely crazy! We are the perfect balance for each other through everything that comes our way. Of course, most recently, as parents.

Look at this face, those kind eyes!

I am so happy!

                                                             

Yes, I did love the event. I really enjoyed planning the wedding, seeing my ideas come to life!

We will continue to embark on this journey, and we are lucky to have found each other.

I also am taking a moment today to think about the upcoming vote for or against the amendment to the MN State Constitution, which if passed, would make it even harder for some very dear friends to do what many of us take for granted. There is absolutely NO GOOD REASON that people in loving, committed relationships should not be able to take those same vows to one another that we did. We're not talking about a political issue here; we're talking about a human issue. A real, human dignity issue. I grew up getting to envision my wedding and seeing it come to life. There are people today - even in the 21st century - who have not yet had this chance in their life. I'm really hoping this will change, and I really do have faith in the people of Minnesota.

If you are still deciding, I urge you to truly consider voting NO (not to limit the freedom to marry). Consider what little negative impact voting NO will have on your life. I promise you, the vote will have a much greater POSITIVE impact on the lives of many others than any parcel of negative you think you might experience. If you don't know yet where you stand, I want you to really put yourself in the shoes of others - of really wonderful human beings - and consider how important this stance for equality will be for them, for our kids and for our kids' friends. I certainly don't say it best, so here are a couple great reads: www.minnesotaforequality.com and http://www.owldolatrous.com/?p=288 (I realize the second isn't solely about marriage, but gets at the point of support for equality nonetheless.)

And, I am so happy to say: Happy Anniversary to my love!!

Celebrating 30

I have been totally MIA, I know. I have been soaking up every single day of life! It's been a blast of a summer, and of course totally different than all past summers, but I'm finally taking a moment to write and reflect. I recently read an article where 90-year-olds were interviewed, and if they had to do it all over again, the three biggest things they would change are: Take more risks, take more time to reflect, and do more that would live on when they are gone. I feel I have improvements to make in some of these areas. But for now, reflection.

Before I was even pregnant, as my friends started turning 30, we decided we would take a trip to celebrate this great milestone in life. Only a couple weeks after my 30th birthday, we took off for San Diego, and more specifically, a beach house rental in Encinitas, a small beach town in Southern California. It was glorious!

Six women celebrated being 30 together, lazed on the beach, reflected on our past decade and looked at the one ahead of us.

We spent a couple days at the beach, and also ventured to the San Diego Zoo for a full day trip. This zoo is crazy! Lots of ground to cover, lines for the "really cool" animals, and strollers lined up everywhere! Kennedy definitely would have been right at home with all of the other babies visiting the zoo. Maybe next time.

Here are a few of my favorite animal pics:

Wise old man!

These next two pictures show something that I found immensely cool. The cheetah and wolf pups are brought into an Animal Ambassador program, where they are paired with a domesticated dog that serves as a lifelong companion. It's almost like the dog is a mentor to the wild cheetah or wolf throughout life! They become best of friends, playmates, and look out for each other. They develop a deep bond and the dog helps the wild animal "take things in stride." I suppose I could say that Jake is like my dog buddy. :)

Oh, and this little dude hung upside down to drink water. So wily.

The last night in Encinitas, we had gourmet cupcakes to celebrate our milestone birthday. As we sat around, watched the Olympics, and spent some high quality time together, I reflected on how these women make my life a million times sweeter. I am blessed and lucky beyond my 30 years!

Kennedy's 4 Months Old!

This is such a fun stage! We're just enjoying every single day right now. Kennedy is getting more and more of a personality, and we are loving it! I absolutely love getting to know the little person she is turning into. 

At 4 months, Kennedy:

• Weighs 13 lb 9 oz, which is 50th percentile. She is 26" long (97th percentile) with a bean head (25th percentile)! Long and lean. And utterly perfect.
• Wants to be "on-the-move" all the time. She wiggles and stands and kicks whenever she is sitting with someone, and always has to be looking out at everything going on in the room.
• Sleeps 12 hours at night, but gets up 2-3 times to eat (Mama's getting tired!)
• Takes 3 naps a day, usually. One in the morning, a long one in the afternoon, and a cat nap in the early evening.
• Rolls over! She rolls from her back to her tummy all the time, and holds her head up high. She easily plays with her toys and reaches for them while on her tummy with her head at 90 degrees.
• Babbles/talks to us on a regular basis, especially while on her changing table.
• LOVES books. She reaches out and touches the pages and textures, and tries to grab the books to chew on them
• Per the above, she loves chewing on everything. Her hands, toys, books, blankets. We are pretty sure teeth are on the way. (lots of drool too!)
• Loves her muslin blankets from Grandma. We always have one at her side, and she cuddles with them when she is sleepy. They are her favorite!
• Smiles a lot, especially at people she knows. She loves having conversations, both with words and with facial expressions.
• Loves baths, and has gone swimming a couple times, but definitely likes the cold water less than the bath water.
• Is extremely expressive. We are never left guessing what Kennedy is thinking/feeling. She makes her thoughts known and her voice heard!
• Fits 3 month clothes and 3-6 month onesies perfectly
• Is a complete delight to be around 99% of the day. She is truly the light of our lives and an amazing little girl!

How We Help the Less Fortunate

One thing I love about my job is our chance to volunteer as a team during work time. We recently went as a team to Feed My Starving Children, a Christian organization that sends food to those who are hungry around the world. It has always been a struggle for me comprehend what so much of the world struggles with - true hunger - and even more so now with my baby girl. It makes my heart hurt to imagine a mother who does not have the means to feed her child. To have to listen to her child cry, to see the tears and have nothing to provide.

As I was already thinking about and missing Kennedy, we learned that we would not be packing the usual Manna Pack (chicken, veggies, soy, rice!) but instead, a meal called Potato-W, specially designed for 7-12 month old babies who need more than just breast milk to get all their nutrients. This formula was developed with soy, sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes for the most fragile of tummies to thrive.

Being my baby is almost 4 months, as I was thinking about my love for her, I almost lost it.

The entire time, I thought about Kennedy and how she has to wait about 30 seconds for me to get in position to feed her, and how sometimes those 30 seconds cause tears of frustration. And I find myself in awe of this organization that provides so much food to people of all types around the world. We learned that there is truly enough food for every single human to have enough to eat. The problem is not the quantity; it's the distribution. Food simply does not reach those who are less fortunate.

Feed My Starving Children provides meals that cost 22 cents per person, so our money goes a long way. They also have a 99.7% success rate on the food reaching its intended destination. Having worked in supply chain, this is impressive, especially considering the places in the world where the food is sent.

With my mind on Kennedy, I worked hard, packing every meal with love and care. I figured it was only fitting that we donate some money to the cause. I especially want those fragile tummies to be full, and I'm so happy that they've come up with a potato pack which can help this cause. We bought some onesies from the FMSC store, which will help give food to little ones who are less fortunate. Kennedy will be rocking this onesie around 12 months.

It says "I can't cook yet, but my onesie just fed 36 kids." Touched my heart to make such an impact!

And we are so humbled by this work and the reality that exists for so many across the world.