Splish Splash

I think the ability to swim is a basic human life skill.

So as soon as Ryder was old enough, we enrolled him in swimming lessons. Unfortunately, he ended up in the hospital just a few days before his class was scheduled to start, so we had to postpone the whole thing until after Thanksgiving. But he's been in lessons for a few weeks now, and our little water baby is absolutely loving it!

On Tuesday and Thursday evenings we head to Si View Aquatics in North Bend for Ryder's "Parent Tot" class. I really like this program because the class size is small, the teacher is great, and they focus on a lot of important skills: verbal cuing, reaching and pulling arms, kicking, bubble blowing, submersion, climbing out and safe entry. Plus since it's a parent and child program, Stew gets in the pool too — super fun father/son bonding!

Ryder has improved so much in just a few short weeks!

In the beginning, he was a little bit timid and reluctant to try some things, but now he's much more confident in the water, and we see more improvement at each lesson. He still struggles with swallowing water (you'd swear I torture him with dehydration the way he wants to drink the nasty pool water) and he really dislikes floating on his back. But he loves splashing and practicing swimming on his tummy, retrieving floating balls and toys, and "walking the plank." Overall it's been such a fun and positive experience.

Swim lessons have also been a great reason for us to go out and do something as a family on weeknights during the winter (when we'd likely just hibernate otherwise).

Fun times.

10 Annoying Behaviors That I Just Can't Stop

Sometimes it's like I float up out of my body, look down, and I can actually see/hear myself being annoying.

1. I can't stop talking about poop.

I find myself telling uncomfortable co-workers about Ryder's diaper blowouts. I discuss his bowel movements — shape, size, consistency. I tell my friends about how he pooped in the tub. I'm blindly oblivious to the fact that other people (a) don't care, and (b) think I'm grossly oversharing.

2. I can't stop the baby talk.

Before I had Ryder, I vowed to always speak to him like an adult, believing that this would be best for his own mental and verbal development. Instead, I find myself constantly using cutesy nonsense words in a singsong voice. And, unfortunately, this sometimes carries over into my adult and professional conversations.

3. I can't stop complaining about being tired.

I literally don't remember what life was like before suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. Ryder has been a crappy sleeper since birth, and even now, at 19 months old, he only sleeps through the night about half the time. And I'll tell anyone who will listen about how horrible it's been. Also, sometimes I fall asleep mid-sentence like a narcoleptic. 

4. I can't stop shopping online.

Leaving the house and running errands with a toddler is, essentially, torture. But purchasing Ryder clothes and toys is endlessly entertaining for me. So far too often, I find myself spoiling him with gifts from various websites, and packages containing gross displays of consumerism arrive on our doorstep constantly. Stew has not been pleased with the credit card balance.

5. I can't stop finding baby stuff in my purse.

After my maternity leave, I ditched my big, bulky, fancy diaper bag and began using a large purse instead. Whenever I'm going someplace with Ryder, I just toss his stuff in with my own. Then later, as I scramble for my wallet or phone, I'm constantly pulling out pacifiers, diapers, goldfish crackers, boogie wipes, and other toddler necessities.

6. I can't stop reading mom blogs.

I became addicted to several "mom blogs" when I was pregnant, and I still have quite a few that I follow with dedication. Scary Mommy is my favorite, and I never miss a post. I particularly like the comment section, although it tends to encourage judgement and mom-shaming. (But I secretly kind of like the drama.) 

7. I can't stop eating baby food.

I hardly bother to eat real meals anymore, especially when Stew is on shift. Once we started Ryder on solids, it became much easier to just nibble off his plate. Chicken nuggets, strawberries, bits of avocado, bites of mac and cheese... why bother making myself lunch when I can just toss a few crackers and bits of cheese in my mouth and call it good? 

8. I can't stop telling my birth story.

Whenever someone begins talking about pregnancy or childbirth, I always take the opportunity to interject with my own birth story. I can literally hear myself being self-centered, but it's like I'm physically incapable of not taking the chance to explain why my labor and delivery experience was the worst ever. It's like word vomit.

9. I can't stop Googling health info.

Whenever I notice something even slightly out of the ordinary concerning Ryder's health or well-being (a cough, a sniffle, an odd spot, a weird diaper, a strange rash, whatever...) I head straight to Google. This inevitably causes me to irrationally panic and call our doctor. Who usually tells me to stay the heck off Google.

10. I can't stop Instagramming.

A trusted friend once told me that taking over Facebook with photos of your baby is a huge faux pas, but Instagram is an acceptable platform for this narcissistic type of behavior. So whenever Ryder does something adorable (which, clearly, is quite often), you're sure to see it on IG within a matter of minutes. (That is, of course, if you haven't already un-followed me.)

So there you have it. A brief summary of my total lack of shame and control when it comes to being a new mom. I hardly recognize myself anymore. 

Somebody check me in.

It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To

I turned 34 today.

I've noticed that birthdays have started to seem less and less special the older I get.

Maybe it's because once you have kids, you spend all your time, money and energy throwing ridiculous, elaborate birthday parties for them, leaving nothing for yourself. 

We thought about taking a trip this year to celebrate another year of my life, but ultimately decided it wasn't worth the stress and hassle of planning. Instead, we're going down to Olympia this weekend so my parents can watch Ryder, giving me and Stew an entire afternoon and evening of uninterrupted adult fun. 

We're going to go Christmas shopping, catch a movie, and have a nice dinner on the waterfront. Actually a pretty nice little Saturday. Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don't know, I don't know if we'll have enough time. 

But as for today, my actual birthday, it was very quiet.

Stew woke me up with adorable cards and a balloon from him and Ryder, I got some thoughtful things from my new co-workers and bosses, I received an obscene amount of text messages and birthday wishes over social media, and I came home to an exciting mountain of packages on my doorstep, including a birthday Stitch Fix and thoughtful gift from my sister, Erin.

My best friend Tara also sent these lovely flowers, which absolutely made my day. 

Unfortunately Stewart had to work today, so Ryder and I had the evening to ourselves. We went to swimming lessons, and he made my birthday special by whining the evening away until I finally got him to go to sleep.

Now I am cuddled up in bed alone, watching Clark Griswold try to get his Christmas lights working while I write this post on my brand new MacBook Air (I bought one for myself as a birthday gift).

And here I am, one year older. I don't really feel any different.

But I'm looking forward to the year ahead and all the adventures it will bring. 

Onward and Upward

I start a brand new job tomorrow.

I don't talk much about work around these parts, but this is such a significant life event that it would feel weird not to mention it.

I have been working for a real estate development company in a downtown Seattle high rise for the past seven and a half years. It has been an amazing experience, during which I've learned and grown so much, and met some incredible people who have become life long friends.

Sadly, since returning to work after my maternity leave, the mommy guilt has really started to set in. I tried to ignore it, and for a while reducing my hours and working from home one morning a week was enough to make the situation manageable. But, during the past six months, my commute has become a complete time suck. When we first moved to Snoqualmie, it only took me about 40 minutes to get into the city each day. Now, it takes over an hour, sometimes almost two. That's two and a half hours a day that are wasted -- time that I could be spending with my family. 

Enough was enough.

I have been fortunate to find a new position, also in the real estate development industry, with a company located just a mile down the road from our house. Obviously this was an opportunity that I couldn't afford to turn down. 

My little boy is getting bigger every day, and I just can't stand to waste any time that causes me to miss even a minute of his amazing life. 

Life's too short. 

So today I said goodbye to my home away from home. 

So many life changes have happened to me here... We bought a condo, got engaged, got married, bought a house, had a baby. Really, I've become a different person than when I started.

And it's time to move on.

Although I'm very excited about my new position, I will miss everyone at my old company so much. It was an honor and a privilege to work with them, and I hope that we are able to keep in touch.

Until then...

Thanks Again

Stewart and I are super fortunate to have family and friends spread all over the state.

On our way home from Thanksgiving with the Always, we stopped in Olympia for a little visit with my family. My aunt hosted a second Thanksgiving feast, and I think I ate enough in two days to last until next year...

Most of my dad's side of the family.

All the guys...

This would have been four generations, but I have no idea where my brother was for this shot.

Ryder was super excited to help decorate the Christmas tree! 

Of course the shiny Christmas balls were his favorite.

I helped my mom pick out some new decorations at Costco. Aren't these pretty?  

Such a good little helper!

Not a great glamour shot of me, but I love how this captures the fun we're having.

Stew was experimenting with our "nice" camera. 

Family, holiday music, and Moscow Mules made the afternoon super festive.

He couldn't get enough of the ornaments.

Seriously, isn't this the cutest kid you've ever seen?

My little bro and my future sister-in-law!

Grandpa gave Ryder his very first box of crayons. He loved them of course.

Attempting to capture our Christmas card photo for the year... difficult with a squirmy toddler!

My adorable parents.

On Sunday we headed back north for the Seahawks game, who pulled off an exciting win against the Steelers! It was the perfect way to end a wonderful weekend.

GO HAWKS!

Giving Thanks

We spent Thanksgiving at the Always this year, and as usual it was a fabulous day filled with family, food and fun.

We left home at bedtime the night before, in the hopes that Ryder would sleep all the way down to Vancouver, Washington. Luckily he did, and this time he didn't barf in the car first, either.

The next morning, we went for a walk so that Stew's brother Mark could show us his drone. Those things are so cool! It was extra cold out though, and apparently Ryder isn't a fan of being freezing, so unfortunately we weren't able to stay out very long despite the sunshine.

After he got warmed up, Ryder was such a good boy, even taking a long nap with Mommy before the rest of the guests arrived for the big feast. 

Dinner included all of our Thanksgiving traditional favorites. We were surprised to learn that Ryder absolutely loves turkey, but he won't touch mashed potatoes. Strange kid.

Ryder hadn't seen his Uncle Patrick in quite a while, but it didn't take them long to make up for lost time.

Just a little boy and his Daddy.

Family photo. I'm so thankful to have these two. With them in my life, I really don't need anything else in the world... 

Ryder loved building / destroying block towers with Uncle Mark.

If you look closely, you can see his hand is blurred as he swings it wildly, preparing for destruction... 

Drone. The only acceptable way to take a selfie.

We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday, with lots of food and all of your favorite people.

Happy Thanksgiving!