'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013'
So much light and love in this face!
Fathers
I have been meaning to write a post from Rick's perspective for about a month now. I have tried - no really - I have, but no matter what questions I ask or how I lead the conversation, he just isn't quite as comfortable sharing all those warm and fuzzy moments, the hardships, or the heart aching AND melting days.
I understand. But early this morning our little guy woke up with a stomach bug. What does that have to do with fathers?
Soren woke up at 4:30 and walked into our bedroom and laid on the pillows next to the bed. Usually when he wakes up in the middle of the night he crawls in with us. Rick and I both woke up and chuckled at the change in events. Rick scooped him up, noticing right away he felt warm, when he walked into his bedroom he realized what happened.
Quietly he rested him down next to me and told me Soren's state. He proceeded to wrap up Soren's sheets and start cleaning up. I got up to help cleaning so we traded holding Soren and I wrapped it up. Without a second thought he laid the little guy back in with us and watched him. Like a hawk.
Incidentally - the purge began, as the stomach bug does. I got the bucket and Rick comforted (sorry if you have a weak stomach, motherhood... and being a doula desensitizes you a bit...). He rubbed his back and held him for almost all of it. I feel like I saw it in slow motion. It was Soren's first time sick like this - I thought surely he would be frightened or scared. Not at all. Rick just kept talking to him, quietly and re-assuringly.
He was made to be a Dad.
I remember our parents taking turns with us - sleeping by our beds when we were sick and I watched myself and my partner doing the same. It made me feel so safe and secure when I was young. Soren didn't shed a tear, didn't show any distress - even explained what had happened with a chuckle afterward!
I am so grateful to have a partner in this with me. One I watched early this morning as he soothed our babe. He may not be able to share his experiences of the past 4 years with an audience - but I have watched. I have seen him become a Father - a really amazing one, and so naturally. He loves this little family of ours and admires, respects and adores our Son.
I am lucky.
(here are some pics I snapped of the dudes goofing off about a month ago, Soren is doing really well and kicking this bug like a champ!)
35/52
'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013'
35! This year is going so fast - happy September! This week comes with a little twist. After going through photos I had to share these two along with Soren's. Pappa on the left and me on the right - I am actually around Soren's age - Rick is 9, but no matter what age, the two look so similar! I suspect Soren will play baseball too... Rick secretly looks forward to coaching his little league team. Makes my heart smile!
lately...
I have been reading this great book. And this parenting classic.
I ran my first 5k in years and have picked up jogging with the little guy. He loves it! We use this stroller (a hand-me-down, so lucky!) and fitted myself for shoes at a wonderful store down the street. Planning on running this Sunday at the Zoo!! Any ideas for IT band support??
I am still on the Lumenocity high with the Symphony. Work is really starting to feel more settled... in a good way. I know it's taken 7 years, but I am really finding my happiness in recording.
However, I am still a doula by late night! My profile will be here soon and you can check out my services here.
I am hoping to DIY this shelving unit soon, staining the shelves to match the refinished table (an insane DIY I chose to do this summer. Whew! However... it looks a bit like driftwood, but I love it. It's OUR's)
I love this canvas printing service and know exactly where I'd like to put a special picture of our little guy. This DIY kitchen is right up our alley. Hope to paint some cabinets soon!
Trying to stay in our budget more these days with this app. Seems to be working - Rick and I just received free admission to New York's AES convention. He's never been to the big city so I am hoping we can make this a reality - tips for hotels and such???
'Once again, a toddler is teaching me to slow down and enjoy life' - Dr. Sears from The Discipline Book .
This book has been amazing. I wish I would have read it before Soren was born. Although we opted for attached parenting anyway (co-sleeping and all!), this book has great insight into the way our young (to 10) year old children think. I don't know that I ever gave Soren the credit he truly deserved. He's willful, lively and energetic. I admire his tenacity during play and learning. He won't be interrupted (but re-directed *wink) and he will always be questing for something new and inspiring.
I love and cherish his spirit.
Cincinnati Weekend
It is SO nice to grab a couple more weekends in Cincinnati before the season starts up again. This weekend was packed and perfect.
After a Saturday morning play date, we swapped with Pappa at Coffee Emporium - then I headed off to a fantastic Underground Tour with a friend ending at the Taste of Belgium. Our evening was filled with excellent Indian food from Dusmesh and large train tracks, dump trucks and cranes.
Sunday we woke up at dawn (literally) and I ran the Erlanger Friendship 5k - which was an incredible feat. My first run after having Soren, completely unprepared - was able to run the entire race and even finished 3rd in my division. We came home, I caught a quick nap, we all showered up and headed to Eli's BBQ - SO.... GOOD! We went around 4, so the wait wasn't as long as usual. There was Rhinegeist on tap and Dojo Gelato in tow. Soren and I dropped Pappa off at work, and headed out to the park to round out our evening.
Perfect.