Thoughts vs. Time, and Everything Else

I have stopped and started so many blogs in the last couple of weeks; it seems I never sit down long enough to finish a complete post and have it the way I like it.  I feel like I'm on the verge of another change or shift in mentality, and this changing has me questioning my blogging-ness.  As if that were a word.  

birthday girl enjoying a cupcake

So, instead, let's just play catch up!

...and enjoying the
cupcake batter

Mia's birthday and birthday party went swimmingly.  If less is more than we certainly scored on that front.  For now, park playdates doubling as birthday parties are a big win in mine and Greg's book.  It was minimal upkeep while still providing fun, some outdoor activities in the FL sun, and the chance for parents to mingle while their kids burned off some steam.  

We met several of ours and Mia's friends at the park on Saturday morning, decorated the covered (and tiny) pavilion area, and went for it.  Mia's really been into Hello Kitty lately, so her cupcakes--which, I tried my best, but they still melted a bit--were decorated with a little HK flair.  Our other sides were grapes, cheese, crackers, and chips & salsa.  Can't really go wrong there.  

Hello Kitty!

It's kind of crazy that on the very same day we celebrated our munchkin's 3rd birthday with lots of her friends, Gabe & I packed up to head northward to Indiana.  We flew out early Saturday evening with a nonstop flight into IND.  Thankfully, Gabe did super well on the flight and even had he not, we sat next to two soon-to-be grandparents who were pleasantly more than thrilled to sit next to a mom and baby.  The guy even motioned to his wife, and said, "Honey, do you want to sit here next to the baby?"  Not usually the response you get on a plane.

Gabe chilling at Mia's party

Being in Indiana was good.  It was good to see family, extended and immediate, and remember Mamaw's life.  Rediscovering your roots is a little bit grounding, so it was helpful for me in a way to get out of my normal zone and think about other things -- some important things -- while I had the chance. I get so easily caught in my own life, even though it's not all that complicated, that although it came in the form of a death, I was thankful for a "reprieve."  I also find it comforting that even at a time of loss, we're still encouraged and still inspired.  Call it the circle of life or just call it God, but having that helped me move on.

Gabe at the TPA airport

Landed! at the IND airport waiting for Uncle J

Gabe hanging in his "chair" at M & PJ's

Mommo's fav: Gabe falling asleep on her at the luncheon post-funeral

resting with Mommy in Indiana

Who can resist a baby post-bath!?

Hang time with Uncle J

Touchdown!  Back in Tampa/St. Pete

Let me not forget to mention he cut his two bottom teeth while we were in Indiana! As you can see from these pictures, he likes to chew on his fingers, and most of the time while we were there, he could be found in this position.  He'd been wearing a baltic amber teething necklace, which is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory, helps reduce drooling and is noted for its natural healing processes, so I'm chocking it up to that amber that I never heard him whine or fuss about his teeth coming in while we were there.  However, I've had to take it off because he's had a persistent neck rash, perhaps from the amber necklace, and I'm trying to give his skin a break.  I hate that, because I really feel as if it helped, but some babies can react to the amount of (helpful) succinic acid in the amber.  I'll be researching that a bit more.

Since then, it's been back to the grindstone.  There are still many days around here that I feel like I'm just staying afloat.  Today, both kids fell asleep at a really good time, and despite Gabe's newborn-like antics last night (something's going on), I was only able to konk out for real for about 10-15 minutes.  My brain only turned off for so long before it turned back on and said, "Check on the kids."  I sort of hate that, but I know it's just a mommy instinct.  And they were both fine.  I just know overlapping naptimes are not something to take for granted...which is why I'm blogging right now.

Sleeping, and angry about it

Dressing up at a friend's house

The man chub who would rather stare at me the other day than nap 

Both kids had their check-ups the other day.  One nice thing about their birthdays being about 6 months apart is that I can double-up on dr's appts in one day...Gabe's 6 month appt and Mia's 3 yr appt conveniently coordinated and so we hit up the pediatrician's office to get their stats.  Mia's over 3 feet, woohoo! and Gabe grew another inch since his last check-up (27.5") and is tipping the scales at 17lbs, 12oz.  No question that these kids are growing, but have slightly varying frames.  Mia is on the sweet petite side, and Gabe's turning out to be some kind of long, stocky kid.  I like it, although it's a little bittersweet to already be pulling out 9 month clothes & saying goodbye to the 3-6m section!  *Sigh*  Time is relative, but if I didn't know otherwise I'd say this time it's moving quite quickly.

6 month dr's appt! Bright & early (for mommy) at 9am

Morning Business: Coloring & Exersaucing

That's about as good an update you'll get from me now...

Next time, I'll tell you about how well he was going to sleep on his own in his crib, and then how he stopped. :P