Growing Pains

G's been walking for about a month now, and with the walking has come a sense of fearlessness that has instilled fear in my very being. He was climbing on the couch today and took a tumble, smacking his face on the coffee table. Of course, this was the one moment that I was putting on my shoes and I happened to not be within close enough distance to catch him.

He's fine, probably going to have a nice black and blue mark on his face, but it shook me up something awful. I haven't been able to get back into the swing of things all day. I know falls are part of growing up, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Also a part of growing up? Disobedience. See the aforementioned climbing on the couch. This kid loves to climb, and nothing I nor my hubby does can stop him. I've done the whole "get down to his level, and say no in a firm voice" thing, but he just laughs. I've also removed him from the couch and distracted him with other things, but this only lasts for a short while. I'm really struggling with how to discipline my child at this phase. I'm thinking today's fall may curb the climbing on the couch though.

And, I'm trying for a second kid? Really? Glutton for punishment. Going the mother nature route at least until the fall. I'm sure I'll be going back to the clinic by then, but figured we'd give it the ol' college try, just in case there's a good egg in there somewhere.

As for me, the employment situation is improving. I'm doing some work for a friend right now, but the money's not nearly as good. I was holding out for a full time position with a friend's company and passed up a lot of opportunities for it. Of course, it fell through. Note to self: don't count on friends for jobs in the future. It sucks how complicated finding a job becomes once you have a kid. "Having it all" has become a myth, but I'm ok with it.

You've got mail

I got my first Mother's Day card today. A Mother's Day card? For me? Seriously?

It was sent by my oldest friend and his wife. I'm so truly touched by their kindness in sending. I'm also floored when I think about how lucky I am, and how two years ago on Mother's Day, I had gotten my period after thinking that things had finally worked and was devastated.

Funny how things work sometimes.

Groove is in the heart...

So, I think, THINK we are finally getting into some sort of groove. I have now been able to shower 3 days in a row and am able to get more things done than before while still tending to Gavin's needs.

Speaking of, the little G-man is now 5 weeks old. I have no idea where the past month went. My days are broken into intervals of feeding, diapering and cuddling (this used to be crying, but has gotten significantly better). I am so lucky to be his mom - he is the best thing I have ever done and is so cute that I could just eat him up.

Here are some quick bullets so I can get this post completed before he wakes up from his nap.

• Sleeping - Was an issue at the start and is finally getting better. Waking up in the middle of the night for feedings is not the problem, but getting him to go down to sleep initially is the rough part. He's a fidgety kid - kicks his legs and flails his arms about, which prevents him from relaxing. I bought him a sleep positioner this week which seems to have helped.
• Feeding - I started out breastfeeding, but have since switched over to bottle. I do not regret this as my son is thriving and I am much happier.
• Development - He is starting to smile, which is just the most amazing thing. Other than that, I hope I'm providing enough stimulation for him. How much should I be doing with a 5-week old? Any advice? I play music, let him study my face, talk to him, tummy time (but probably not enough)...Just hope I'm doing enough.
• Work - I've actually started working again. As a contractor, I don't really get a maternity leave, and I need to get a paycheck. I have help 2 days a week (parents and inlaws), and this allows me to get in my conference calls and get some work done. I'm still way behind and probably will be for some time, but at least I get to work from home.

I'm glad to see that all of you are doing well - even though I haven't been posting, I have been checking in on all of you. Hopefully, now that we're down to this "groove", I'll be posting more.

Free time? What's that?

Clearly, I have been neglecting my blog. An update is forthcoming, I promise. Gavin is a demanding little boy, and all of my "free" time is spent getting stuff done around the house and sleeping. Writing thank you notes now, and then will string together a post.