Crab crawl

Check out Drew crawling!!

On the move...

Drew is not only walking around the house...holding onto walls, tables, toys, couches, drawers - you name it...but he has learned to CRAWL. I never thought the day would come. As he inched his way forward for the first time, he looked up with excitement and joy. A loud chuckle followed along with more crab crawling. He is really on the move. He's even trying to sneak out of the house (already!).

Beach bum...must be the genes

I quickly discovered Drew's love of the ocean. Much like mommy, when she was little, Drew can spend all day in the water. At this point he mostly just sits at the water's edge, splashing a bit. But despite "big" (it's all relative) waves rushing over him, he's happy as a clam.
We've been going to Bonnet Shores Beach near grandma & pop's house. It's very kid-friendly and not too crowded. This past week we were accompanied by a few friends, which made the day more exciting for all of us.
It's nice to see my son enjoying Bonnet Beach as I have for many years. Bonnet Shores is still a second home for me...and I can see it will be for Drew too.

Drew's girlfriend

Drew's first girlfriend...ahhh, the innocent romance. It began last September when they first met and they've continued seeing eachother nearly every week since. They've gone on many walks, spent hours chatting at coffee shops and restaurants, watched the still waters of East Greenwich, and played! Sadly, she is moving to California.

Will he move on? Most certainly. Will he ever forget this first love? Absolutely not.

Perhaps one day their paths will cross again and their affections will re-surface. Perhaps.

In the meantime ladies, Drew is back on the market.

Drew shows empathy

Today, after a few hours at the beach and lots of trips around the house escorting my little man, I dropped a knife on my foot while cutting food for Drew. (Tired mommy brain) I didn't "cry" per say, but I yelped. I look down to find my foot covered in blood and stood there saying "ouch" - unsure of my next move. I then look at Drew and find him in a state of shock. He begins horrifically crying as if he can't stand seeing his mommy in pain. (How sweet.) I immediately calm myself and assure Drew that I am fine...and give him kisses after cleaning up my mess. I thanked him for caring about me and showed him my bandaid. Pretty cool.

In the past, Chris and I have fake cried when Drew "hurt our feelings". He usually laughs; and sometimes I pretend to cry just to see him giggle. So, I was taken by surprise when he cried as I hurt this afternoon. It's nice to know he cares.

Daddy and Drew

The picture on the left is of Drew and Daddy at Drew Morgan's first birthday party. She is one of Drew's friends and Chris and I like her mommy and daddy lots too. I was late to arrive (at a baby shower) but Daddy handled things just fine. Drew played happily with his friends. He was also a big fan of the tree house roll-a-round toy they had there. (Something we must now run out and buy!) Anyway, this picture, taken by Melanie, is just too cute. I had to post it. My guys rock!

Horray!

I was sitting on the couch, talking on the phone, when what should I see across my coffee table...but a little boy with a large grin STANDING all on his own. No hand needed to escort him to a raised position. No support from mommy or daddy. Standing. All on his own. And so very proud. Amazed, I clapped and cheered...while he smiled and banged on the table. Horray!

On his way...

Drew is on his way to walking! This is both exciting and exhausting. Walking around with my back hunched over has gotten old. The alternative is to prop him up along a table, toy box, excersaucer, or couch where I risk him tumbling backwards and bumping his head (Yikes!). So, whether I'm holding his little hands as he takes his steps or sitting on the floor to protect his fall, I'm trapped. He is no longer content to sit on his activity mat and play. Unfortunate for mommy, but exciting for Drew. Occassionally he will let go and stand on his own for a few seconds, free from all support. Although he may have a drunken stagger, he usually catches his balance and avoids a crash landing. This puts quite the smile on his face. It is amazing to see the progress he makes every day. I know that walking is just around the corner. Both exciting and exhausting, right?!?

I've learned...

• I am more patient than I thought
• sometimes it's ok to cry
• sometimes it's ok to let baby cry too
• just because it doesn't work today, doesn't mean it won't work tomorrow
• I have more love in my heart than I ever imagined
• we all have bad days
• each day is a new beginning
• organic is best
• it won't all get done today...and that is ok
• if the shoes don't fit, go barefoot
• making a mess can be fun
• laughter is catchy
• it's ok to take time for yourself
• a good husband is a true partner, lover, and friend
• being a mother is the most important job I'll ever have

Boys will be boys...

I am accutely aware of stereotypes. Boys play "rougher." Girls play with dolls. What really captures my curiosity is: how much of this is nature and how much is nurture? I think I will need to be a parent of both a boy AND a girl before I can identify how I might treat them differently, but in the meantime, I am very affectionate with my son. One of my baby updates claimed that boys as young as 6 months were receiving less affection (hugs & kisses) from parents than girls. I find this so hard to believe. Maybe I'm just a very touchy-feely person in general...I love cuddling, hugging, kissing...and maybe I'm making an earnest effort to raise a sensitive son who is not afraid to show his feelings and love. But more than anything, how can one not hold their baby and shower him with affection?!?
Now, my son likes to play rough. He enjoys swinging at a very fast pace...and even tries to increase the momentum in his stroller by tossing his body forward and back. He likes to grab my mouth, ears, nose, FACE and rip it off! Seriously. And he'll chuckle as if causing this pain is some kind of mad joke. Very funny. Chris and I both have Drew injuries this week! He loves being tossed upside down, thrown on the bed, or spun around endlessly. He seldom cries when he falls - a real tough guy - and falling doesn't intimidate him to stop what he's doing. All of these behaviors represent a little boy to me. He doesn't want to cuddle (although he can't escape my hugs and kisses)as he hates to sit still; he wants to be free to pursue new adventures. My question is: Is this typical boy behavior? Are little girls out there doing the same thing? I don't know as I have yet to parent a little girl. I also wonder, am I encouraging this bold spirit...and if so, will I be the same parent to a girl?
I don't want to treat my child(ren) according to their gender. I think that's ridiculous. I want to raise sensitive, affectionate, independent, confident, strong people.
But I wonder if I will really treat all of my children the same?