Dear Baby: A Shout Out

Kisses from Coso

July 13, 2012

7 months, 3 weeks

I could blame the fact that I have been a horrible blog writer on lack of internet access for the past month. Or I could be honest and simply say, I’ve been busy. Shocking, I know!

I must think about what I would write in a blog at least once a day. This blog has become a means of journaling my journey as a mother and I someday look forward to reading back through all of these and, hopefully, reflecting on how far I’ve come. There are weeks when I feel like the Super Mom that a few of my friends call me… and then there are weeks.

I had one of those weeks just recently. We got back from a week with my family in New Mexico celebrating my cousin Sarah’s wedding followed by a few days in Santa Fe. For the record, it was a grand trip (see pictures below). But I wouldn’t call it relaxing. In fact, that is a word I very seldom use anymore. I have learned to cherish those few moments a day when I sit down, put my feet up and close my eyes. They are truly splendid.

June 26 Family Hike in Sedona

Anyways… we got back and you know the phrase well: I felt like I needed a vacation from my vacation. 1200 miles in 6 days with a 7 month old. Colter did fabulous, CJ did fabulous, Owen did fabulous. But no matter how fabulous it was, I was still tired. Naturally, the week back from vacation progressed quickly and before I knew it three days had passed and I had yet to have my “Heather Time”. With this realization, I spiraled down and down and down into “I Need Heather Time Now” mode. With a hard-working husband who puts in crazy amounts of overtime in the summer, two dogs (we are dog sitting my sister-in-law’s dog, Coso, for a month) and a baby, I was dreaming. I kept right on smiling and playing and cleaning and cooking and washing…

And then a saving grace: my next door neighbor. As if sensing my growing panic at not having any time alone, she knocked on my door and offered to take Colter for an afternoon. I think I almost cried. She said, “Go and do something fun!” My idea of fun? Putting the dogs outside, taking a long shower and lying in bed and reading. But it was just what I needed.

My realization of the month? Being a mom means giving 100% 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you care to or not. Why? Because I grew that little adorable munchkin for 9 months. And because it’s a sacrifice I want to do. Because 99.9% of the time it’s FUN. And because 0.1% of the time I have the right to complain (just a wee little bit!). Whatever percent you might find yourself in today - here’s a shout out to Moms!

Sweet Nothings from Mama

On to bigger and brighter things: Colter! He is just as happy as ever. This morning I snuck in on him in his crib. It was the cutest sight: stuffed animals all around him and his blankee over his head. I swear he was just pretending to be asleep because I made the slightest sound and he whipped his blanket off from his head, perked up and gave me the biggest grin (with a “gaaa”) you ever did see. Precious.

He loves crowds. He blends right in and basks in the attention. Passed from one set of hands to another, I have a hard time keeping my eyes on the dear boy. He does do me the honor of giving me a huge smile if he happens to see me. Melts my heart every time. I am the proudest Mama ever. 100% of the time.