Babywearing Conference 2008

AJ and I went to the International Babywearing Conference last week. I have written about this in the past and apparently my sister now thinks I am a crazy hippy. I figured the people watching opportunities would abound, and I was right.

There were many kinds of mothers there from many parts of the US and the world. I met ladies from Colorado and Kansas, as well as from Madrid, Germany and Switzerland. Some mothers were like me, and some mother were VERY VERY DIFFERENT. But we all had a common love of carrying, holding, and wearing our babies.

I learned a few things and got to try out new wraps, carriers, and slings. AJ was very agreeable and let me tie us up together in some new ways. As long s he got a break and scooted around a bit he was happy. I did not get any pictures, however. I felt weird asking people I didn't know if I could take their picture, so I missed the opportunity. However, there was a photog there and I found that she posted some pics she took. I want to give her credit as these are not my pics (I am a terrible photographer) and these pics are great! Stephenie Dame Photgraphy's link is http://www.stepheniedamephotography.com/index2.php. She is the one that took these:

I enjoyed my time there and picked up some tips- some info didn't suit me and I feel fine disregarding it and will use what I found helpful. I can't wait to read comments my 3 readers leave...many people think I am nuts regarding this topic, so this will be a treat! :)

Miss you, Daddy!

Mike left for an extended business trip to Florida this morning. AJ and I are sad, but we have to make the best of it, I guess.
AJ is crawling all over the place and very interested in all things dangerous. His first tooth made an appearance this morning, too! After our adventures in Babywearing at DePaul last week (more on that in another post), he is coming down with what sounds like a case of kennel cough. And if that wasn't enough, he gave up sleeping. Naps were always a problem, but now he has given up all sleep-daytime or otherwise.
So this makes Daddy being gone extra hard on Mama. Besides that fact that he is, of course, her favorite person and her bestest friend...Maybe AJ and I will make a paper chain to count down the month like I do at school for my class. It always seems to make things go faster!

Family Outing

We went to Brookfield Zoo this morning. The weather brightened up and is was a very nice day. AJ enjoyed the animals and Mike enjoyed showing him the Tropic World monkey/ape house. We ate substandard burgers for which we paid out the nose...now I know why we always took coolers of food everywhere we went as kids! We saw planty of animals enjoying the summer and took some pics. Here are the highlights.

Giraffe Mama and Baby

Adrian James

These are Okapi. I love their striped butts.

Zebras rule.

This is the only Elephant we got close enough to see.

This bear was trying to take a nap. I hope after our day at the zoo, AJ will find a nap suitable, too.

Go Cubs Go!

The Crosstown Classic started... Cubs Win!

'Puter Time

I love the internet. Where else can you find a recipe for braised shortribs, a list of past presidents with curly hair, and view some lady's collection of trolls all in a span of a few minutes? I have a group of internet friends I call the "Invisifriends" as I have not actually met any of them in real life. I met them over a year and a half ago when we were all going through a tough time, so we decided to get through it together. I have "talked" to these women almost everyday from October 2006 to now. I look forward to logging on to see how everyone is doing, what cool things new babies are doing, what everyone is making for dinner, or read some funny stories.

Not only do I enjoy logging on, but AJ has learned that the Invisifreinds are pretty important to Mama and he wants in on the action. He is learning to crawl and I have found the perfect tool to help him practice his new abilities. Watch the video to see his mad skills.

Mobile One...

AJ is moving all over the place. He learned he can roll to his desired destination, and he can squirm and inch his way around, too. But Sunday he perfected what we call "frogger" moves. He gets up on all fours and jumps his knees forward then pushes his hands up and does it again. I was unsuccessful at getting it on tape, but it is funny as heck. He works so hard at it and gets frusterated, but he can get objects that were unavailable before. Some of the objects were unavailable on purpose. Like the phone cord, the laptop, the books under the coffee table, THE STAIRS. Needless to say, we will be completing baby safety work this week before things get too out of hand.

I also discovered him nearly destroying his mobile the other day. Rather than risk him hurting himself, we lowered the crib mattress and he can again enjoy his "guys" playing him music while he has quiet time.

Everyday brings new adventures!

Happy Father's Day!

We had a fun weekend celebrating Mike's first Father's Day. AJ couldn't wait to give Dad his presents, so on Friday night he helped Mike open up a new golf shirt and some Titleist Pro-V balls. On Saturday, our friend from the city came out to spend the day. We went to the track and bet on a horse named King AJ. He won us $4.00. On Sunday, Mike and his buddies played golf in the morning. After that, we hung out and played together and Mike watched a very tense and exciting US Open.

AJ and I love Daddy and hope he had fun this weekend!

6 Months!

I can't believe my little guy is half a year old already. It seems like yesterday we were bringing home this little 6 pounder with fuzzy black hair. Now that little bundle gets stuck under the coffee table and is losing his hair. He also loves vegetables and trying to work out how a sippy cup works. His favorite pal is Daddy and he loves Mama's cuddles. He can't get enough of Lola and Lolo and Grandma and Grandpa. He blows raspberries and gives hugs. He weighs 17 lbs 13 oz and is 27 1/2 inches long. Pretty soon we'll be buying him school supplies and tiny golf clubs.

Happy Half Birthday, Little Boo!

Giggles

A baby laughing is pretty great. I have a baby with a pretty silly laugh. I hope he makes you laugh, too.

The Life Aquatic

I love the pool. Before AJ came, I went to the pool almost every day and would stay for hours- swimming, floating, reading, napping, listening to music, etc. Last summer, I swam in the water with AJ swimming inside of me...a strange feeling. I knew my pool lounging days as I knew them were numbered.

The pool opened last weekend and I felt a bit sad, but Mike and I took AJ swimming today and I realized that a whole new adventure is starting with my new little fish!