Meeting Auntie JoJo

 

Your first time at a restaurant was very exciting. You were so good though and only grabbed for my soup once.

You were fascinated by the lights at the restaurant.

Your first time at a pumpkin patch. It was so sunny that we're both squinting in this picture.

My Smiley Boy

 

National Son's Day

Happy National Son's Day to our Turtle. Every day is a bit easier because you're in it. Your smile and your giggle makes everything brighter. Thank you for choosing us to take care of you.

Mama & Dada

 

Dada's Name

 

Your dada's name is Tyler Andrew.

The meaning of the name Tyler is “tile maker.” It can also mean “one who lays tiles,” “roof tiler,” or “one who works with tiles.” It is often used to refer to someone who is hardworking and dependable. And his middle name Andrew means “manly and powerful”.

Remembering My Pregnancy

•  Has motherhood changed your perspective on the world in any way?
  Motherhood has changed my perspective about everything. Honestly everything. Not only do I care more about this new creature than anything else on this planet, but I care about myself now. I never really did care about myself, what happened to me in the long run. My patience for trivial things, especially things going on at work, is incredibly lax at this point. When I could've endured the gossip and the pettiness, I just simply don't care to waste my time and energy on it anymore. I also don't care how that comes across. I have a son that I could spending my time with, but instead I'm listening to yet another complaint about signing out keys or walkies that are broken because they've been mishandled.
  My perspective on our future is different. Before I just knew I wanted to get to the next day. I didn't care how or what I was doing. I had no aspirations, no goals, and no real expectations for myself. Now my entire world revolves around this creature that I want to make proud when all I have to do is come into his eye-line and he smiles.
  

• What was the worst advice you got while you were pregnant?
  Most of it. People use their own experiences and instead of offering their stories, they say it like it gospel and that's how it is for everyone. I learned very quickly after you were born that no pregnancy, no birth, no baby is the same.
  
• What was the hardest part of pregnancy for you?
  I didn't really sleep for the last month or two. I was so restless and itchy. SO ITCHY. I could've scratched my own skin raw if I could. I would have to get out of bed because my body would get so restless that it would hurt. I would spend hours just pacing or bouncing on my yoga ball. That ball was a lifesaver.
  
• What surprised you about pregnancy?
  How well I took it. I worked right up until a few days before I was induced. I got sluggish toward the end, but I had become a blimp so... you can't blame me. I was also surprised by the addiction to ice that came about. I had anemia-induced Pica, which caused me to attack the ice cube tray like a rabid raccoon at all hours of the day and night.
  
• Are you happy with your childbirth experience? Is there anything you wish would have gone differently?
  Our hospital staff was absolutely amazing. Everyone there was amazing. If we have a second baby, I might just kick everyone out of the room. It would have been nice to not have the added stress having more than just me and your dad there. I think our experience would have been totally different had it just been the two of us.
  

 

The first time I got to hold you. My whole world.

I was huge!

This was when they started putting me in different positions so, we could finally convince you to come out.

I would try to stay awake so, I could keep you with me as long as possible, but eventually I'd have to put you back in the little plastic bassinet.

Moving Up in the World

 Hi, baby boy. I just finished my third and final interview for the position of Communications Coordinator at Blain's. I'm nervous, excited, scared. What if I'm biting off more than I can chew? What if it even further complicates our schedules?

But what if it's amazing? What if it makes everything easier? What if I become happy with myself, my work? What if we can finally be comfortable instead of struggling every single week?

I just want you to be proud of me, Turtle. You are my inspiration to expect better from myself and everything around me. I hope one day, you're proud of me, of your Dada, and everything we've been able to do together and individually. No matter how much we struggle before we get there, I know one day we'll be able to look back and just remember the good memories.

We learned using Mickey was a great way to get you to enjoy tummy time again. Look at that drool!