Earlier this week, while simultaneously waiting for portraits of Henry to develop, nursing him in the parking lot of an REI and talking on my cell to a high power antitrust lawyer in DC for work, I got to reflecting about my new life as a mother. Multitasking has taken on a whole new dimension!
The love I have for my son grows deeper by the day. I have never been bonded to another human being like I am bonded to him. I never tire of spending time with him. I can't hug, kiss and cuddle him enough. His smile is infectious and his laugh contagious. I'm totally and completely into being a mom. Motherhood is amazing.
Henry will be 4 months old on Tuesday. He now smiles, coos, laughs and squeals regularly. He can grasp things in his tiny hands, like rattles, his stuffed Mickey, and Mommy's hair. He is starting to suck on his thumb or a few fingers rather than his whole fist (although, when he is particularly hungry or tired, the whole fist still gets thrust into to his mouth). He also really likes to stand with assistance and jiggle back and forth (a.k.a. dance). When we go out for walks he now looks around at the world rather than just nestle in for a nap (although usually by the time we return home he is zonked out). He really doesn't enjoy tummy time, so I think crawling and rolling over may come a little later for him (I can't bear to hear him scream on his tummy so his tummy time is limited). I can't believe how much he has grown and developed in just a few short months.
Going back to work was surprising less traumatic than I had anticipated. It has been 5 weeks now since I have returned to work and I think we are starting to get into a groove. The most stressful part of being back at work is juggling the rest of life, like the household chores. The last few weeks though my mom has been helping with some of the chores when she comes over to care for Henry in the middle of the week when both Ryan and I are at work. I never asked her to do this, but she took it upon herself to help out since she knew I was stressed out about the chores. She is a lifesaver. I have the best mom in the world! Speaking of which, it is the sweetest sight in the world to see how bonded she has become with Henry. Although she would say she isn't a kid person, she adores my little man. I couldn't have asked for a better a match. It makes going to work so much easier to know that he is at home with someone who tirelessly loves and adores him, perhaps (almost) as much as I do.
Henry loves his Bumbo! Sadly though, his love affair with his bouncy seat has ended.
Play date with Jade on Sunday. Jade was born just a week before Henry. Henry can't wait until he and Jade can plot against the moms. Thanks Shira for spending the morning with us and bring over such yummy Oregon strawberries and cherries!
Tummy time may be tolerable now...but just in small doses. Henry can get his legs moving, then the arms, but the belly stays firmly planted.
