Drew claps!

Big news this week...Drew clapped! Yes, with his little palms open (he's been clapping fists for quite some time). He is also standing quite well (while holding onto something) which he loves. He's had some new dishes too: a veggie trio with ricotta and polenta. I'm still making my own baby food and freezing the left-overs. It's fun. Unfortunately, I'm not cooking often for Chris and myself. Drew is definitely the healthiest in the family. He loves to snack on fruits: strawberry, blueberry, melon, grapes (without skin), banana, .. you name it! He loves his soy yogurt - he can actually eat an entire yogurt in one sitting! I see him as my little baby, but he's growing into my little boy. He still loves to be held and rocked when he's tired; and I still love to breathe in his sweet scent. I'm not ready for him to grow up.

A big boy!

Drew and I went over to the Narcession's and met Nicholas yesterday. He is 2 years old and absolutely adorable. He was running around the house, dancing to the music of Laurie Berkner and Baby Genius, and playing "near" "far" with Grover from Sesame Street. So fun! Drew was fascinated by him. His excitement was clear by the way he waved his arms and screamed excitedly. I was able to see for a moment what it might be like having two children. The baby mesmerized by the big boy - who finds the baby somewhat interesting. I imagine Drew as that big boy (oh no, not yet!) practicing gentle touches with the baby. It's kind of sweet. Most of my days I am so enamored with Drew that the idea of bringing another baby into our family seems unfair. I don't feel ready to divide my attention...or ready to give Drew less than 100% of me. However, on days like yesterday, I can imagine how a second child can really add to the family; and I know someday I will be ready for our family to grow. But for now, it's just mommy, daddy, and our favorite little guy!

Time keeps on slipping...

...into the future. So, it's been days since I blogged and I don't know where those days went.

Chris borrowed some studio lighting to take photos of Drew this weekend. It's really unbelieveable how expensive it can be to have professional photos taken. We went to Portrait Simple for photos when Drew was about 4 months and were robbed! And, most ironically, Chris has a more updated version of the Nikon camera they use there! Crazy. So, we have the lighting and back drops and we can do the same thing here. If anyone wants to save some serious money, give Chris a call!

Aside from fun photos and dinner with the Morgans, the weekend was rather mellow. We got some much needed rain which kept us inside. Drew finally got the upgrade to the Britax car seat...which means no more sleeping in the carrier. Oh, how I'll miss that! Which brings us to the topic of naps. Has anyone discovered the mystery behind the naps?!? I am trying to get him down to two naps from three, but I am not meeting success. I would also like him to stretch his naps a little longer, and so of course they seem to be getting shorter. I can't win. If you've figured it out...you've discovered some magic formula for napping...please email me!

Drew's First Day at the Beach

Today (4-20) Drew went to the beach for the very first time. It was the first time he sifted sand between his fingers and lost his feet beneath the grains. He loved it! He was certainly fascinated by the texture of the sand...and enjoyed people-watching as well. It's beautiful to see the world through his new eyes. I find myself feeling giggly and excited along with him. I am young again.

Demolition: The act or process of wrecking or destroying, especially destruction by explosives.

Yesterday Drew and I watched the demolition of the old Jamestown Bridge. It was an awesome site to see; and while the crowd cheered I found myself feeling a little saddened by the whole event. Since when is destroying something a celebration? My view was from a distance, but I could see the explosion and the collapse with great clarity. I couldn't help but be reminded of the only other time I saw the collapse of a structure that stood for years. Both fell straight to the ground leaving behind a trail of dust. Both happened in mere seconds, but the shock -or awe- lingered. I wish I had been celebrating, but instead I just absorbed another moment in history.

A visit from an old friend

It's funny how years can pass between visits and you meet an old friend and it feels like no time has passed at all. We hadn't seen each other since before I was married, before we both got pregnant, before the births of our sons. Sometimes when you share a special friendship I think you always know each other - no matter how much time has passed. It was nice to see Liz as a mother too. Ella está hablando español con su hijo. She is raising her son to be bilingual. Necesito hacer lo mismo. What a gift! I hope another 3 years won't pass before I see her again...but if it should, I hope we can pick up where we left off today.

Easter Sunday

Drew's first Easter and he got lots of bunnies! I was proud of him because he behaved so well (very happy!) and even napped in his pack-n-play at grandma's. Good boy!
Now if only I wasn't eating all this chocolate...

A rainstorm...

Yesterday was a beautiful day! Drew enjoyed a nice walk around Narragansett in his jogger; followed by a visit to Brewed Awakenings where Mommy & Daddy enjoyed their chai tea. We all sat outside in the grass embracing the warmth of the sunshine. We came home and were soon greeted by a dark sky. As the rain began to fall, I noticed Drew's attention to the sounds outside. We had our glass door wide open; so we sat on the floor in front of the screen watching the storm gather strength and pass us by. There was thunder, lightening, and heavy rains. I kept telling Drew how cool the storm was and he seemed fascinated. I was reminded of stories I'd heard of my great grandmother, Nonni, who was afraid of such storms. She used to hide in closets until they were gone. As parents, we have the ability to pass along fear...or excitement...with everything. I found peace in the beauty of the storm and was happy that Drew shared that with me. I hope I can be aware of how my feelings effect him and bring that peace and fascination to other potentially "scary" situations. It was a special moment: mommy, daddy, and drew watching the colors of the sky change and the return of the sun.

So hard to say goodbye

My little peanut is spending the night at grandma's so mommy and daddy can go out with Brian McKenna and friends. I should relish in the freedom and find joy in knowing I can sleep in tomorrow...but I sit in my empty house aching for Drew. My mom said now I know how she felt when we left the house. I replied that at least she had 18 years with us; I've only had 8 months.
I miss him when he's not with me. He fills the space here with love, laughter, and happy energy! Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to have time to see my friends and spend time alone with Chris. But he and I agree - maybe we should pick him up after dinner.
:)

Thursdays with Mama

Drew and I spend every Thursday with Mama. Week after week we share lunch at Papa Razzi in Cranston. We've been there so often that we know the lunch manager, Donna, quite well and they always have a booth waiting for us. Months ago Drew would sleep in his carrier, finding comfort in the steady background noise. More recently, he's joined us from the high chair and enjoyed some crackers or cheerios along with water from a straw. Today, however, he napped so late that we weren't able to join Mama at the restaurant. Mama brought home some pasta for me and we spent time together at her place. She still enjoyed her time with us and delighted in Drew's good spirits. Who knows what next Thursday will bring...but it will always be our day with Mama.

What a beautiful day!

The day started magnificently - Drew slept until 7am! Way to go, bud! (Although daddy doesn't mind when Drew gets up at 5am because it gets him to the gym early. C'est la vie.) We went to the Y where, oddly enough, Drew showed some 8 month stranger anxiety. I always find it to be cute when he experiences "stranger anxiety." Perhaps I like thinking that my holding him makes him feel secure, which it does, which might be a little selfish of me. Anyhow, his regular YMCA friends weren't there, but he managed to do just fine in the exersaucer while I worked out. Then we met friends for a walk at Goddard Park in the afternoon. We were joined by Melanie & Max (see Drew's friends!), Kady & Donovan, Quinn & Eamon. All little boys! As you can imagine, it isn't "a walk in the park" to walk with 4 babies. We had to stop for bottles, to be carried, to pick up socks and toys, to shield the sun...and for mommy breaks too. What could've been a 40 minute walk became an hour and a half. Oh well. It was fun, the sun was shining, and Drew was happy ALL DAY! Can't beat that!

8 month birthday!

April 11, 2006 - Drew's 8 month birthday!
I can't believe how quickly time passes and how far Drew has come! I know it's only been 8 months, but - already 8 months have gone by! It's kind of weird...realizing that he has his entire life ahead of him, but knowing how much he's grown already. Today his friend Luke came by and they watched the Red Sox kick some butt. Mommy Meg and I made some new foods for the boys...squash, spinach, and cauliflower. The latter two were new for Drew and he loved them both! He is a very good eater and enjoys just about anything. Today he snacked on strawberries and blueberries while mommy prepared the food. He spent some time playing the drum too - which he loves - upside down! Yes, he plays it upside down...but the joke is on us really because the sound is quite good :) Overall he had another good birthday (we do celebrate each month!).

Drew's friends!

The Drew Crew... here are Drew and Drew. Although the female Drew is a few months older, they have a lot in common. Strong personalities...little interest in crawling...patient mommies.




Drew and Hannah ~ more than just friends?!?
This photo was taken in February at a coffee house in Newport. Hannah is Drew's first girlfriend. He has a reputation of liking older women (see Drew above, 2 months his senior, and Hannah born in July) and they seem drawn to him as well. He's very mature! Hannah remains one of his best friends, although he doesn't get to see her as often as he'd like.


Introducing...Trent!
Trent and Drew were immediate friends (as in when Trent was just a few weeks old he was already coming to our parties!). They both enjoy hanging out in coffee houses, spending time with their great-grandmothers, and spending time outdoors.




Leos Unite! Max and Drew were born on the same floor of the same hospital just two days apart. These leos have much in common...from their challenging early days (when only bouncing, swaddling, and shushing seemed to soothe) to their love of Laurie Berkner. Their dads work together at Atrion while their moms try to keep sane entertaining them all day.

Yankee Fans Beware! These two Red Sox Fans are not afraid to fight for their team. This photo was taken on opening day at Fenway and Luke was showing support for his team by sporting the jersey. Go SOX!

CHS Alumni Babies Unite!

Drew and his friend Regan - whose mommies were best friends at CHS years ago. Mommies became close friends while abroad in Spain with a high school program. Fenomenal! Regan is bilingual...and encourages Drew and his mommy to speak Spanish too!

Welcome to our Blog!

April 10, 2006

Drew, the great joy in my life, is the real motivation behind this blog. We also started a photo website in his honor! Have you seen the latest pics? He seems to be growing so quickly and new things happen almost every day! It's so exciting.

I guess the news of today is that our incredible hulk ripped down his mobile from the crib. Yup, just snapped the plastic in half. The next thing to go will surely be the bar from the exersaucer. I'm calling up for replacement parts. This couldn't be normal!?! He is clearly a muscle man trapped in the body of a baby. We are in so much trouble!