He's a Big Boy Now

Lucas has grown by leaps and bounds in the weeks since my last post.

His comprehension has improved greatly, nodding yes and shaking his head no to questions we ask him. Knowing where to go when asking for milk, running to his change table when we say it's time to change his diaper, and yes, crying or pitching a small fit when we deny him something he wants. I know many of my mommy friends said this, but it really is a relief when they finally start to understand you.

His walking is also less weebly wobbly and more steady steps.

He has taken to feeding himself. Sure, he would do this before with finger foods, but now he refuses help in spooning peas, cereal, soup or anything from a bowl. He must do it himself and whines if my fingers near his utensils.

And the best part of all, he's starting saying Mama. Not indiscriminately, but purposefully when he wants my attention or just a snuggle.

I caught myself looking back at photos from his first few days with us, growing slightly nostalgic for the tiny baby boy I held. Next thing I knew, Lucas had walked up to me and wrapped himself around my leg - and I was thankful for the little boy who now can hug me back.

The Myth of Daycare Germs

I've got strep throat for the third time since Lucas started daycare and I returned to work.

Everyone warned us. Once Lucas was in daycare, we were going to be the sickest we have ever been - exposed to a whole host of germs.

There is a problem with this theory. My husband hasn't been sick once since Lucas started daycare. Every once in a while he's a little tired or achy, but he hasn't had to stay home from work.

Meanwhile, I'm on my third bout of strep, with a few cough/cold symptoms thrown in here or there for good measure. This is making me think that daycare is getting a bad rap.

I realized that I been in a cocoon for a year, spending most of my time with Lucas or my husband, with various infrequent visits with friends and family. But now I have returned to a hot bed of germs - the workplace. After working non-stop for almost 10 years, I regularly had fought off illnesses, but the year of maternity leave took me out of the circuit. All of a sudden, I'm back at square one.

Something to think about when blaming daycare for bringing home sickness - it's likely the person in the office next door that's to blame. I shake my fist at you!

Weebly Walker

It's been weeks since I posted - with good reason.

Lucas has started walking and for all the parents that read this blog, you'll know that means that I've started running.

New things are within reach. A new level of baby proofing, or should I say toddler proofing has begun. I can no longer safely type while he plays a few feet away.

He's also stronger, being able to lift items that should remain on the ground. Lucas is like He-Man. I just realized he won't know who He-Man is.

When he strings a series of steps together, tears come to my eyes. Tears of joy for the newest accomplishment and tears of sadness for my boy who is growing up. I realize that he isn't the baby I could snuggle in the crook of my arm, he's a big boy who walks and feeds himself. With a fork and spoon.

But he hasn't outgrown everything. He still likes his special good night song with a cuddle from Mommy. And hopefully that won't change anytime soon.

Date Night

Before Lucas was born, my husband and I would reserve Fridays as date night. We would either go out for dinner or order in (so no cooking!) and spend the time catching up on work or discussing things in our life together.

Once Lucas was born, date night all but disappeared. Sure, we still ordered in on Fridays, but that was usually followed by an early bedtime due to our baby wake-up calls. In the craziness of being parents, we lost sight of being a couple.

So this past Saturday, we had a date. Lucas' uncle came over to hold down the home front while the little man slept and we slipped out for a meal and a night of fun. It was dinner and a show at Memories of Japan - the show being the Teppanyaki chef. Then off to Cosmic Bowling where my DH had a turkey (three strikes in a row!).

It was amazing to get out of the house without a child on the hip and re-connect as adults, not parents. Now we just need to make sure it happens regularly.

Still Learning

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday. Even though he's on the other side of the country in Vancouver, I know he is always thinking of Lucas. And of me.

I caught a cold during my first week of work. It was to be expected as Lucas got sick his first week in daycare and everyone warned us that we would be a sickly household until Lucas adjusted to the new germs.

So I had a fever, a head cold and lost my voice - quite the return to the office.

I spoke to my dad that weekend and he reminded me that I needed to take care of myself. I was no good to my co-workers, but especially to Lucas if I was ill. Besides me, he's raised twins so he knows of what he speaks. He told me to not let myself get run down, get enough rest and to avoid skipping meals.

I've tried to follow his advice, though lunch is a difficult concept during a busy day. And this weekend, where we found ourselves fighting another bug, we opted for a quiet weekend of playing indoors and napping. It seems to have done the trick.

Just goes to show that we never stop learning from our parents and I will never stop learning from my dad.

Happy birthday Grandpa!

Whirlwind

Life is a whirlwind.

One major change since returning to work - minutes, hours and days seem to fly by. To be fair, there were days during my maternity leave that both dragged and whizzed by, but nothing like I am experiencing now.

It feels like everything is at a breakneck speed. I barely find time for lunch, similar to those early days with Lucas. I have to remind myself to eat, drink water, take a breath.

It's exhilarating. Re-establishing relationships, getting up to speed on projects and finding new opportunities to immerse myself in. I'm really enjoying being back at work, and I haven't felt any twinges of guilt (except the one time I picked up Lucas so close to 6 pm that he was the last one at daycare).

But I wouldn't complain if things slowed down just a bit. I'd like to eat.

365 Days

It was 365 days ago I was lying in a labour and delivery room at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. Lucas' arrival was imminent and I was scared.

I was scared about being in labour. I was scared about staying overnight in a hospital (I had never done that before). I was scared about how my life was going to change. I was scared about being a good mother. I was scared about this little life being put into my hands - to grow, nurture and love.

And then in the wee hours of June 28th, he arrived. More accurately, we went in and got him. He was beautiful - and big at 9 lbs. 1 oz. And he was all ours.

My fear went away when he was first put on my chest. When he snuggled in for a snooze after a rather dramatic entrance into the world.

Sometimes the fear creeps up on me. When we are having an especially hard day. When Lucas is sick or cranky or tired or hungry - or all of the above, which feels like the world is coming to an end.

And then he smiles, giggles, gives me a hug and a kiss and again the fear disappears.

Happy birthday to my little man - the best work I've ever produced.