Anniversaries have past...

Ok so how funny is it we both got some inspiration and energy to blog tonight??? I have not read Gary's yet so appologies for any repitition.

Anniversaries have past, but Ben has kept me too busy and tired to write before now.
4/29 was 1 month with our son
4/30 Ben turned 17 months
Coming up 5/9 1 month home
But 5/9 is also Mother’s Day!! The first one in 40 years I can celebrate for it’s meaning to me and not hide out or ignore. Apologies to my Mom for all those years I ignored this day beyond sending her a card. Even going to the card aisle was tearful back then.
This year may bring some tears for the grief of the past and the joy of the present.
We wish we could celebrate with those we lost last year but rejoice for who are still in our lives now.
Ben has had his first doctor visit with vaccines and was a champ. Then blood work at labcorp from the vein, traumatic! We will be going to the Clifton office from now on because Shaka was wonderful after we left the office by our home angry and frustrated from a few missed attempts. We do need to learn by his example once it was over he was a happy boy that morning, mom and dad had to let go a bit more. I was quite emotionally exhausted that day.
Ben is still on the cusp of walking, he holds on still to one hand mostly. We just got him a Thomas the train walking riding toy to help with that and for some more fun things to do outside.
He has 3 new teeth coming in! and is really just drooly and a little cranky. He is an amazing kiddo.
Sleep time is still challenging, Mom and Dad limit staying in the room to 30 minutes or he just plays on and on no matter how tired he is. He has begun doing his version of downward facing dog as he unwinds to go to sleep. We need to try and get that on video it is just too funny. At nap time we do relaxation breathing (Benson’s mini exercise) he may learn to count backwards before forwards…oops. Coordinating naps has been my biggest challenge to structuring the day. When he lets me, I do reiki to the bump that fluctuates in size on his temple. I am working in my holistic pieces to parenting as I begin to relax into momhood.
Tonight was the first time he cried when he got out of the tub instead on when he got in! He was having the best time splashing his dad till he was SOAKED! And playing with the lil boat and turtles.
I seem to be the only one who thinks he’s starting to look shaggy and could use a trim of his hair…I will manage this before his welcome party 5/22.
We have been going out and enjoying the unusually sunny hot weather. He has been to Harriman park for a picnic and to Hoboken for an art and music festival. Yes we have been adding to his culture. Gary has begun his music education, Beatles and Rush top his favorites…hmmm…dad isn’t influencing him much ya think?
He is doing well with grandma and will stay with her while I do a few things around the house. Ant genocide in the living room… ugh don’t ask it was a traumatic Monday for mom with flashbacks to college when under the couch was a moving mass ooh bug. YUCK!
Seems the cat spends more time in the pack and play than ben does. JAX you crazy kitty.

To end, our thoughts and prayers go out to the many families we know who are traveling this week to meet their children in hina. God Bless.

with loving kindness
Nancy