Addiction?

My name is Naomi, and I have an addiction--to the library! I absolutely LOVE going to the library and usually wind up there once a week, generally under the pretense of checking out books for Brennan. But we all know that I tend to wind up bringing home more books for me than for Brennan. It's gotten to the point where I've started to bring one of our cloth grocery bags because I've got so many books that I can't possibly carry them all without dropping them, plus I'm pushing Brennan in his stroller and juggling all the paraphernalia that goes along with bringing a baby out in public. I love books and I want Brennan to grow up loving books as well. I think it becomes a problem, though, when I check out way more books than I can possibly read in the time allotted to me and when I have multiple books on my bookshelves at home that I want to read but am trying to plow through the books I've gotten from the library that have a due date attached to them. So many books, so little time. Sigh. But, hey, if I'm going to have an addiction to something, why not the library? Because at least it's free.

Playdate

Brennan had his second playdate yesterday with his friend Isabelle, who just so happens to share the exact same birthday as Brennan! He really does seem to enjoy being around other babies and is getting way more interactive when he is around other kids. Since he's not in daycare or anything like that, I love to take the opportunity to introduce him to other kids so he can make some new friends and have some new experiences. He and Isabelle enjoyed touching each other's faces, hair, and ears, but then they quickly settled into playing and watching each other. It was a good time!

Eight Months Old!

Our little boy is eight months old today! Still no teeth, but I think they're getting close (John has jokingly called me "Chicken Little" in regards to the whole teething thing because I get so sincere that his teeth are about to break through and it winds up being a false alarm). He's not crawling yet, but his favored method of getting around is rolling. Boy, does he ever roll! He's been trying all kinds of new foods and tasting some juice out of a sippy cup. Today, he just tried a cut-up spaghetti noodle to begin the whole new phase of finger foods and trying some foods that actually require chewing. As much fun as it is to make his baby food right now (and as much as he loves eating his pureed fruits and veggies), it will be nice when he gets to the point of feeding himself and eating things that are not pureed. That day will probably come way too soon!

Finally Teething

After three months of thinking that Brennan is teething, we finally think we're getting the real deal now. He's been chewing everything in sight, even more than before. His fingers are particularly tasty to him. He's also not too keen on having anyone touch his gums and they are finally starting to look white. With all of this teething fun, I decided to get him some teething biscuits and he sure had fun with them!

During his biscuit eating session...

And after the biscuit eating session! I think these will be a special occasion treat...

Yay for Grandma!

My mom came to visit us for several days--all the way from Phoenix! It was her first time seeing Brennan since April, and boy, has he changed a lot! Unfortunately, my dad couldn't get the time off, so he'll have to wait until Christmas for some Brennan-loving. We had a ton of fun showing her around Richmond and she and I got to do girly things like shopping. Brennan had a blast with her, and I know the feeling was mutual! It was a great visit, and I am already looking forward to Christmas when we'll all be together again (Dad included this time)!

Brennan and Grandma Prechel at Tredegar Iron Works

The Italian Garden at Maymont Park, most likely my new favorite spot in all of Richmond.

A waterfall in the Japanese Garden at Maymont Park

John helping Brennan climb a tree at Maymont

My dad occasionally sends Brennan "big money" to put in his bank. He's learning about saving early! Here, he's getting some help from Grandma to put the money in the bank instead of his mouth.

One last shot of Grandma Prechel and Brennan

New Things

Brennan and I just got back from a walk in the park again. I really love going to the park. Brennan is perfectly content to ride in his stroller and I get some good exercise by pushing him around. He also seems happy to just look at everything as it goes by, but we do stop and check out the geese. Some geese came out of the water right by where we stopped to look at them. It was like they were saying hello to him!

As I was walking, I let my mind wander and began thinking of all the new things that have happened in the last few months. The biggest new thing of all is Brennan entering our world and all the new that comes with having a baby in the house. Everything is new to him and he's enjoying learning and exploring the things that make up his world. It's fun to watch him discover new things and take pride in doing things that we take for granted (standing up, for one example).

Another new thing has been our move to Virginia. I just have to say that I really, really like Virginia and living in Richmond. We live in a good neighborhood where the people are friendly and we've actually met several of our neighbors. I enjoy being in a place that has seasons. We are experiencing some seriously perfect weather today, too. So much so that we have our air conditioner off and have the windows open to allow the fabulous breeze to air out the house. That may sound like a small thing, but after living in Orlando for the past five summers and needing to have the AC going non-stop from April to October, this is a real treat!

Another new thing is that I have gone back to work part-time. I am doing part-time HR work on a temporary basis. It's decent work, but a bit challenging because my background is not in HR. The hours are fantastic and the pay is better than I could have ever dreamed of for a part-time position. It was definitely a blessing to get this job and we are hoping that it turns into a permanent position.

We've had a lot of new things pop up for us. Some have been challenging and others have been welcome changes. All in all, as I look at these things, I find myself at a place of contentment. While things can be crazy and messy at times, it's all good. I'm embracing the new things, challenges and all.

New Trick

Brennan learned a new trick, one that he gets really excited about. I would like you to believe that he did this all by himself, but alas. He got some help with standing up from Mama. He is pretty proud, though, of being able to stand by himself (with assistance from the couch and no hands from Mama and Daddy). And he's been standing at the couch for several minutes before getting tired and falling down. Our little boy is growing up quickly!

It's Noisy in Here!

I begin this post with a big sigh. Brennan is finally quiet--with the help of a pacifier and his activity mat. Lately, he has begun crying and screaming when he is not being held. So much so that his voice actually sounds hoarse. We can sometimes put him down and he'll be okay, but only if we stay within about two feet of him. Anything further (even if he can still see us) is enough to bring on the wailing. We certainly enjoy holding him, but let's be realistic. It's impossible for one or the other of us to be holding him all day long. But doing those other things that we do without our extra appendage becomes stressful when the background music becomes the sound of an upset child.

Now, we are first-time parents and have never had to deal with separation anxiety stuff before. This is definitely a trying time for us! Sure, Brennan has had his moments and afternoons before where he got upset when he wasn't being held. But nothing has ever lasted this long before and to this intensity. We're pretty sure he's not sick. He's sleeping well and eating decently. No fever and no other strange behavior. Maybe he's finally cutting teeth? Or maybe he just really is having a hard time with having Mama and Daddy not in his immediate vicinity.

I did have one very small victory today, though. I was actually able to put Brennan on the living room floor and made brownies. He could still see me and hear me, and I could still see and hear him. He was occupied with some toys and he even looked up and smiled at me. It lasted long enough for me to get them mixed up, but the tears came just as I was getting things cleaned up. I'll take those small victories when I can get them!

We really do want Brennan to feel safe and secure and to know that when we leave him, even for just a moment or two, we'll always come back to him. But it is difficult to weather this storm. I try to remind myself that this too shall pass, but it's hard to remember that after enduring hours of endless crying and screaming with pauses only for sleeping and eating.

He's still quiet. The pacifier has fallen out of his mouth and he is engaged in playing with some hanging toys with his feet. Esther is laying nearby and that is helping occupy him as well. I'm enjoying my brief moments of silence when I can get them. It's an all-too precious commodity these days!

Mini-Break!

We had a wild and crazy and wonderful weekend down in Newport News, VA. Several very dear friends also live in Virginia, and we were finally able to arrange a time for all of us to gather together for some much needed fellowship. The wild and crazy part is that we had nine adults and five children under the age of five!

On Saturday, we got to spend some time at Bluebird Gap Farm where we all could enjoy seeing different farm animals, the kids could feed said animals, and the kids could run wild on the playground.

Brennan and I got to meet Data, a retired Thoroughbred racehorse.

Brennan really enjoyed the swing, but he liked it even more when Daddy played with him!

Peacocks just roamed around the grounds.

The next day, we enjoyed some time at the beach. Since it was pretty hot outside, the water felt really good! Brennan did not like the feeling of cold when we first got in the water, but as soon as he adjusted, he loved splashing around and didn't really mind it when a wave splashed him.

Daddy introduced Brennan to the sand, and he had a blast playing in it!

It was a great gathering of people, and we are already looking forward to the next time we can all get together! Now that we are all living in the same state, it will certainly be easier! Now for a couple other random photos from the weekend...

Uncle Chris Lane and his five "nieces" and "nephews"

Just in case you forget what our family looks like...