Out and About

Like many folks in NW Ohio today, Ben ended up getting the day off. Yes, BGSU closed! But by noon the sun was a'shining and calling my name! Oh how I wanted to go for a walk. I didn't think the double stroller could handle the slush, the wagon was all the way back in the shed, but with Ben being home, I thought of a way we could make it work. He took Asher in the back pack, all bundled up and ready for a ride. And I put Millie in the good 'ol sling and covered her head with my coat. We trudged up to the library and then made our way to Panera to finish off a gift card and grab some dinner. It was SO nice to be out and about. I love being able to walk downtown from home. It was a great family adventure and something I'll remember when those snowy days come each year.

3 Months

Time for Millie's 3 month pics! About a week late, but here they are nonetheless :)

Words, Thoughts, Phrases

Just a few things that were floating through my head as I nursed my daughter...

tiny hands
feather finger tips
float across my arm, my chest, my breast
lavender eye lids
flawless skin
not yet scorched by the sun
nor cracked by the wind
the world stops for a moment
just a moment or two
to breathe my baby in

hear gulps of satisfaction
see utter bliss
my body gives her nourishment
she gives me peace

Inventory

2 pairs of boots
6 pairs of shoes
4 belts
9 sweaters
12 pairs of pants
4 pj bottoms
5 skirts
19 tops

That's 62 items of clothing that will be escorting themselves out of my home this Sunday. Yup, we're doing the Great Clothes Swap again this year. And this time I ain't holdin' nothing back. There's one less bin in the attic and more space under the bed. Less crap cluttering my head. Seriously, what did I have that many clothes for? My closet is still full. I'm not running around in the buck here. I am flabbergasted at myself. And not in a good way...

Firsts

So, both of these firsts were from about a month ago, but I need to post them nonetheless. I'm hoping what I lack in scrapbooking I'll make up for in blogging. In fact, I've been toying with the idea of starting a blog unto the kiddos. A blog for my babes. I like it...

Anyway, here is a video of Millie's first few times smiling (and some comic relief from her brother).

Smiley Millie from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

And whatdaya think of Asher's crayola skills?

2 Months

Happy 2 month Birthday Millie! This little lady started smiling a few weeks ago and just hasn't stopped! She's long and lean and just about out of those newborn clothes... She is gaining weight nicely though, per the lactation consultant. We'll get the full set of stats at our doc. appt. Thursday. We are loving this sweet, smiley, contented little girl whose eyelashes are starting to pop out around those shiny blue-grey eyes.

Babywearing

It may sound silly, but one of my favorite things about having babies has been being able "wear" them around with me. The house, the store, the office, for a walk, etc. It all started with the Moby Wrap. A little complicated to put on, but not too bad once you get the hang of it, and totally worth it once baby is in. I also have a Snugli that someone gave me, similar to the Bjorn, but these things kill my shoulders, even though they are quicker and easier to put on than the Moby. Now with #2, babywearing is essential to get through my day. Don't know how esle I'd get Asher (or myself) some lunch, change his diaper, yada yada. I mean, I could do it without holding the baby if the timing is right and she's napping. Or if I don't mind listeneing to screaming in the background. Don't get my wrong, Mills does have some great quiet, alert time when she just hangs out, but babies like to and need to be held! And not to mention that mommies (and daddies) need to get things done sometimes. Insert babywearing.

My love for babywearing grew this Monday when my dear friend Kelli offered me her sling. I've seen them in magazines and read about them (and their recalls), but I'd never seen anyone wear one. I was surprised how easy it was to put on and get baby into. And the comfort- for her and me! Both arms were free, but my right arm had complete freedom as there was not a strap or anything wrapped to it at all. I've been in love ever since. I did read up on slings and the big recall that happened this past summer. Babies have suffocated in them apparently. But really I think it's just one of those things that was used improperly in those cases or the parents wasn't as aware as they should have been. On the plus side, one study I read said slings were the best type of carriers because they put the least amount of stress on a baby's spine and lower back. Carriers in which baby's legs hang out tend to not support the baby's lower back and spine very well. At least that's what they say. At any rate, I think baby carrying in any fashion is an awesome and convenient way to stay connected to your child and practial for everyday life. Mama's who stared this movement thousands of years ago had the right idea! Love it. Love it. Love it.

Here we are now:




Super cute isn't it? She's pretty zonked cuz it's bedtime, but she does spend some awake time in here too, taking it all in from a front row seat. Millie even got to walk up to Panera today tucked under Mama's coat while Amy pulled Robby and Asher in a wagon through the snowy streets. What an adventure girl!