Someone is growing and some things are changing around here. 

Growing.

Changing.
I have more patience for things that I didnt prior to Max.  I am slowly accepting that I cannot do it all, each day.  Something has to give.  Its becoming easier to prioritize.  My view of the world, and life and how precious it is.  Incorporating more self-talk for the times when The Negatives have shown up unannounced.  Taking deep breaths and talking myself out of a frenzy. 

Doing all of this now, at my age, basically half way through life, I somewhat kick myself for not doing it sooner, when I was younger.  But I cant look back, only forward and I am just so thankful that I am able to do this now, so I can enjoy my life, I can enjoy Max. 

What do you do to incorporate Change into your life?

S.W.A.B., sealed with a brrrrrrrrrrrr, brrrrrrr. 

That's the face and noise I've been hearing around here.  Love hearing it at 4am thru the monitor. 

Since you cant hear it, we'll just say this is a kiss for you!

Happy Weekend!
(though its almost over!)

*violet, january 2011.

I am fond of my camera, and taking photos.  I do real well with capturing life in the moment, when there is no pressure of others around me.  (unlike the Santa event this past holiday season, I completely freaked out and could not get my brand new camera to focus.)  Its been a bit hard to remember to pull out the camera and document since Max arrived.  I believe I've been doing an okay job at it.  But that isnt good enough for me. 

I had stumbled upon a photography project, called Twelve.  A blogger had designed this free project on Flickr.  Each month she provides inspiration to the group and we are to capture how we define or interpret the inspiration.  I signed up after I read the details, and realized this is perfect for me.  Just enough commitment required, but all the inspiration in the world.   

For the first month, January, the inspiration word is Wish.  The inspiration colors are Violet, White. 

Tonight when I was feeding Max his dinner, I noticed I used a purple bowl and spoon (normally our dishes and utensils never match!).  Max loves being able to play with the bowl and spoon when he is done eating (a ritual that developed naturally), except for tonight.  He wanted to basically feed himself, grabbing for the spoon each time and then grabbing for the bowl. 

Not that this is news to anyone, but dinnertime is one of my favorite times of day (atleast Monday thru Friday).  Its the time where Max and I get to be together, 'talking' about our day with no distractions.  This is the time I get to be Mommy, after being Systems Analyst all day. 

Starting this weekend, I've implemented a new naptime ritual.  Reading.  I used to read all the time before Max.  I've read two books, simple all fluff books since Max, and all I can say is that I miss my books.  So instead of cleaning up after Max or the kitchen or taking a shower, the AM naps will be spent reading. 

To jump start my reading I had to pick up something super light, cheesy and easy peasy to read.  This will allow me and my brain to get used to the idea of reading again.  And in a few months I'll be back to my heavy, non-fiction pieces. 

I think I used to read anywhere from 10 to 15 books a year.  That might not seem like a lot, or it might, but it was my average.  This year, my goal is one book a month.  Obviously, starting with the one above.  (if you  havent noticed, the Reading side bar section has had the same book for almost a year now.  I will finish that book this year!)

Do you have any favorite books?  Any highly recommended? 

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Want to join me on this quest?  I would love to hear what book(s) you are planning to read or are reading.  You can also 'friend' me at Goodreads.  A great website to use to share recommendations and reading lists.  Hope to see you there!

*taken at 10:30p thursday evening. 

 I had this post all written out about how I've been blogging since 2005, and have captured my life for the last five years in an online journal.  But that all got thrown to the side tonight when Max had a bad, and I mean B.A.D. case of heartburn / stomach ache.  Since he couldnt tell me exactly his symptoms, I had to go on the incessant smelly burps and toots. 

If you look at the carpet on the first floor you will see the path I took tonight for about two hours.  Just walking and walking and walking, I had to catch myself a couple of times from not falling asleep!

So here we are at 10:30p and it seems as if the indigestion has passed for the most part.  He's still burping and tooting.  I am afraid he is hungry and wants his bottle that he normally has right before bed.  And I am leary of giving it to him if its going to upset him again.  I'll wait it out for a few to see what happens. 

But if anyone wanted to know ... this is my life.  Right now.

Every year for work, I have to write up goals for me to attain that year.  I always dread them because I never know what will happen or what to shoot for if I cant predict the workload.  Since its January again, I have been thinking about what I want to attain this year.  Most of these thoughts are around work, but after reading The Nester's post on her home goals for the year, it made me think, what is it that I want to accomplish this year for my home? 

Since moving is really out of the question with the housing market as it is, and I am not ready financially to take on that expense, I've decided to make some upgrades in the current residence.  I pulled out a notebook last weekend, and walked through my entire house writing down what I want to change.  Three pages later, I realize I dont have the budget for everything this year.  So I prioritized them. 

Numero Uno.

Replace the carpet on the first floor.  I have been going back and forth with should I get new carpet or laminate flooring?  I see the benefits of both.  Carpet - soft floor for Max's quest to move and be independent.  Absorbs some of the cold living on a slab.  Laminate - updates the look of the first floor, can provide a seamless look.  And can handle all sorts of spills of food and drinks. 

Number Two.

Replace the kitchen cabinet doors.  When I had the house built, I had a small upgrade budget.  I had to prioritize all the upgrades I wanted and these awful cabinets didnt make the list.  Thankfully the cabinet frames are solid wood, just the doors are crap. 

Number Three to Infinity.  All sorts of things ranging from replacing light fixtures to a complete master bedroom redesign (new bed frame, proper nightstands, paint, curtains, etc).  I think Number 25 is replace stove, dishwasher and fridge with a stainless package (not only for updating to a more efficient model, but it seems to be a selling point). 

We'll see if Number Two gets completed this year.  Numero Uno might suck up the entire budget.  If so, I could probably squeeze in a few little things ... light fixtures, faucets, paint. 

What are your house goals for 2011?  Do you have one thing in your house you roll your eyes at everyday (ie, my cabinets!)? 

Dear Max,

On Sunday, Jan 2nd, the second day of 2011, you turned eight months.  Eight months.  Where does the time go?  I am so afraid that I am not going to remember each month of your first year.  You've changed so much in the last couple of weeks.  You are now more independent and your personality is starting to shine through.  I love it.

You celebrated your first Christmas.  Santa brought you a bumble bee Pillow Pet and a crawling toy.  On Christmas morning, I put you down in front of the tree and your gifts and you smiled, and didnt know where to look first. 

You met Santa for the first time, you had absolutely no interest in him, but rather the other kids that were there. 

We traveled to Florida again to see your Aunt Sharon, Uncle Geno and cousins Nicholas, Erika and Zachary for your Uncle Geno's retirement from the Air Force.  You love being around all the kids.  You just watch them and observe.  Once again, you did awesome during the travel.

You are SO close to crawling.  You get up on your hands and knees and rock back and forth.  Then you drop to the floor and wildly kick your legs.  Or you'll lift one leg up in the air. 

You are rolling all over the place.  I had to put up the baby gate for the first time so that you wouldnt roll over to the stairs and find yourself at the bottom. 

You are exercising your pincher grasp everyday.  I will put whole grain snacks on the high chair tray for you and you'll pick them up one by one and put them in your mouth. 

When sitting, you are able to get items that are out-of-reach. 

You have learned that you have a voice and that you can yell or raise your voice.  You like hearing yourself.  You prefer yelling over anything else.  You are babbling more and more and you are putting together consonants and vowels.  You are currently saying, or what sounds like, 'ah-dah'.

You cut another tooth.  That makes tooth number three.  This one is on the upper jaw, left front tooth.  You had a loss of appetite and lots of disruptive sleep. 

You love the bouncy chair.  You'll bounce for a while, then you'll start to whine or cry to get my attention.  I'll say, 'I see you!' or 'Way to go!' and you smile and back to bouncing. 

Like always, I look forward to each day with you.  I cant wait to see what you will do next.  You are a trooper when you are dealing with my new mom insecurities and worries about your NORMAL development.  I am sorry you are the guinea pig.  But I am thankful it is you that gets to be with me on this journey.  You are currently sleeping in your crib and all I want to do is tip-toe into the room and watch you sleep. 

I love you Max.

Love, Mom

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This month's montage.  Little dude will be walking away from the scene! 

Happy New Year Everyone!  We are back from Florida, and getting back into the swing of things here.  I am currently experiencing a high level of Hope for 2011.  How do you feel about the new year?

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Here's a quick post with photos from our trip to Florida.  It was a great time.