my first wristband

DSC00566
Originally uploaded by filo4pres.

Sunday, we drove 3 hours to George, Washington to attend the Sasquatch Festival at the Gorge - an outdoor music venue overlooking the Columbia River. We went early in the day, partly to avoid the crowds and noise (ha), and so J could meet with some of the sound folks. Luckily, we got backstage and hung out in the artists' hospitality suite where Z took a nap in my lap (and where Josh took this photo). Also backstage was a 3 month old - the child of one of the Decemberists.

Besides Z and the Decemberist offspring, there were only two other babies. Meaning that we were some of the oldest folks there - most others haven't even thought about kids. I felt old! Most everyone there must have been in their early 20s - about the age when we were attending these types of shows. Although, there was one woman there with an 8 and a 10 year old who let us know that her children have been attending festivals since they were Z's age and "it makes for good people."

We carried him in the hip hammock and as usual, he enjoyed the ride - he was curious, alert, and reaching for beer.

We were only there for about 3 hours then drove the 3 hours home. It was primarily an experiment in travel and Z held up pretty well...I did ok, too. :)

shots and grins

Yesterday, Z received 4 more vaccinations - two in each thigh. The first set of four (given at two months) was almost traumatic. He wailed, then nursed. We spent about 15 minutes in the doctor's office chilling out after the shots. At first, I suggested that J not accompany us because it would be too much. Then I changed my mind because I wanted J to drive so that I could distract Z in the back seat on the way home. However, I didn't expect Z to grin during the shots! Not one tear.

getting back into the rhythm

Early on in the pregnancy -- when I started making plans for maternity leave and returning to work -- my initial plan was to work until I went into labor, take 3 months off, then return to work full-time. Thankfully, I followed my friends' advice: I stopped working 10 days before my due date, took three months off, then returned to work part-time. The plan was to work part-time for 3 months then return to full-time.

In March, as I prepared to return to work part-time I wrote:

I return to work in less than 2 weeks. I feel change in the air although I'm not sure what will change or how. To figure it out I've consulted a variety of sources: friends, family, coworkers, the tarot, and my heart. The voice I'm hearing loudest is my heart and I'm trying to muster the courage to listen to it.

A year ago, as we were getting used to the idea of being pregnant, J and I pruned our spending. After Z was born, we pruned some more. At the beginning of April we pruned again, sold the truck, and experimented with living only on his salary. By the beginning of May, we were confident that we could make ends meet - at least well enough that quitting my job was an option.

With everything lined up, it was up to me to decide if I had the courage to listen my heart. At the beginning of May, the path was clear and I gave my notice. Starting July 4th - Independence Day - Z will have my undivided attention...

Well, not quite. I'll be gardening, selling the Subaru and various other things, and perhaps prepping the house to sell next spring - maybe we'll move north to find a big yard for the dogs and Z, to trim J's commute, and to lower our mortgage payment. Mostly, I hope to find the rhythm that I wrote about before and to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity to watch, learn, teach, and play with Z.

People who know me haven't been surprised by my decision; it seems the one most taken off guard is me. :)

sleeping monkey

Z loves his monkey.

Yesterday, he started making raspberries and various other noises while sticking out his tongue, blowing, and drooling. Saliva - it's good, clean fun.

genes

Z's height and head size are finally catching up to his weight - all between 75th and 95th percentile. We've been treating bouts of eczema for a couple weeks - the worst flare up covered his whole back and while it's calmed down, it comes and goes. Doc gave us an antihistimine and some steroid cream - I'm very familiar with both because of my own allergies and bouts with eczema (including the recent one that's cleared up). At least I don't have to feel guilty anymore that he's not been sleeping through the night - with as bad as his rash is it's no wonder he's waking frequently for comfort. I had been feeling that was the case, but it's good to hear confirmation. Let's hope that taking care of his allergies means more sleep for both of us.

goodbyes

Monday, we said "goodbye" to Yo - our 1978 Toyota truck that hauled the dogs to the dog park and the contents of several friends homes. After attending Burning Man in 2000, we were inspired to create an "art car." We had grand plans, but all we did was paint purple stripes and stars on the sides, install purple ground effects, and create custom door and roof panels - I learned how to meld a funky Asian-inspired cotton print to clear plastic.

Tuesday, we said "goodbye" to our neighbor's 50-foot cedar. Every morning the tree is the first thing I would look at. If the brown bark had an orange hue I knew the sun was out and it was going to be a gorgeous day. I could guess the temperature: if the branches slowly bobbed in the wind it would be warmer than if they were wildly whipping around. Three times I've seen a hummingbird hover near the branches. Our flower beds and deck are covered in sawdust. On the up side, our view of Puget Sound is beautiful and a smaller tree is visible out the window.

Also Tuesday, we said, "see you later" to Granny Nanny (a.k.a., Grandmomma). She and a friend began the drive to Wisconsin. I am so thankful for the time that we had together and the support that she gave to our family. She shared so many of Z's firsts with us! I learned about mothering, being a daughter, and an artist. We had weekly adventures throughout the Seattle area. But, this isn't the end of the story, it's just the beginning. We know she'll be back, we don't know for how long or when...

This week I have had some emotional moments. We both listen to NPR and would often start our days with, "Did you hear the local story about such-and-so?" How many times in the last 3 months have I been nursing Z in his room, looking out at the tree tops, listening to the radio, and wondering, "I wonder if momma is listening?" and been able to picture her sitting in her cottage - just a mile and a half away - listening to the radio as she works with photos. Yesterday, I knew the answer was "no" - she was in a van driving through Idaho and didn't hear the local stories...we've still got the national news, right? :)

With every season, turn turn...

We are also saying, "hello." Zeb discovered his feet and while he can't quite suck on his toes (The Belly gets in the way), they are sure to become favorite toys. We're greeting colorful flowers around the yard and planting new ones each week (Rhodis were on sale at Swanson's yesterday...). Ah...but The Belly needs filling again...