Edmund's 1st Visit to the Museum of Life and Science

Edmund and Mommy Check Out "Rhapsody in Blue"

Steven and I both have two weeks off for the Christmas holidays, so we decided to make the most of our time with Edmund. We received a coupon in the mail for free adult admission to one of North Carolina's hands-on science museums, The Museum of Life and Science, and decided it would be the perfect place to spend one of our days off. This was not because we thought Edmund would necessarily get much out of the museum at his age, but because his mother uses any excuse she can to visit. For those of you who don't know, I love museums.


When we arrived at the museum Edmund was fast asleep. Steven decided this would be the perfect time to explore the space section. The museum has recently added new exhibits and done an excellent job of updating, but the space exhibit has remained fairly stable for the last ten years. Steven showed me all his favorite parts from childhood while Edmund slept. I'm amazed that in a few months he'll be able to show these exhibits to an Edmund who will actually appreciate them.

After a relatively short nap, Edmund awoke. Our first stop with an alert Edmund was the museum's new section for children 6 months to 6 years. When we entered the young children's area, a little girl was pumping water through a big tube, which in turn created bubbles. Edmund was mesmerized by the bubbles. Steven and I took over pumping when the little girl decided she had had enough. Edmund would have looked at the bubbles all day, but after about five minutes of pumping his parents had had enough. As there was not much else Edmund could really do until he began crawling, we left the area to go view the Holiday Springs and Sprockets exhibit. The exhibit was perfect for Edmund. It involved a bunch of random materials linked together to create movement. To give an example, one of the installments looked like the scene in the movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" where Professor Potts makes breakfast for his children (let me know if you get the reference). With that we concluded Edmund's first trip to the museum.

There is much more to see and do outside, a butterfly house, a petting zoo, a wind exhibit, a nature exhibit with bears and lemurs, etc., but seeing as we chose one of the coldest days of the year thus far for our visit, we decided to skip them until Edmund is a little older. Believe me, I can't wait!

Edmund Gets in the Spirit of Christmas

Edmund and Santa

As the holidays approach it seems as if time has flown by much too quickly. When I was a child Christmas couldn't come fast enough. Now that I'm an adult, I simply want time to stop or at least slow down, so I can accomplish all I want. There has been so much I want to expose Edmund to during his first Christmas season, despite the fact I know he won't remember most of it. It is important to me that I establish traditions, as it is the Christmas traditions I look back on fondly, not the presents.

During my childhood one of my favorite Christmas traditions was visiting Santa at Macy's in NYC. While I had no intention of taking Edmund to NYC this year, I did want him to visit Santa. Edmund is currently at an age where he knows who his mom and dad are, but will go to new people briefly. I was willing to stand in line with Edmund at our local mall knowing with almost absolute certainty he would not scream when we handed him to Santa. Edmund slept forty minutes out of the hour wait and spent the other twenty minutes watching the "big kids" and making friends with their parents. When we finally arrived at Santa I wondered if I would live to regret my decision to wait in line. I had watched at least ten babies around Edmund's age go ballistic upon being handed to the jolly old fellow. I sat Edmund in Santa's lap facing out to make sure he could see me. Since Edmund was not quite himself on account of his shots the previous day, it took several rounds of the laugh provoking "ah tu tu tu tu tu" to get him to smile, but smile he did. We got our picture, so I went to retrieve my baby. I thought Santa would hand him back right away, as he had been none too quick to give the other children back to their parents. Instead Santa turned Edmund to face himself and started asking him what he wanted for Christmas. Edmund studied him intently, and made a reach for the beard. Fortunately he didn't grab hold or we may have had an angry Santa on our hands. I don't think Santa wanted to hand over my baby as this may have been the first cooperative one he had all day, but I thought a few minutes of bonding time with a stranger, Santa or not, was plenty. Santa promised Edmund a Thomas the Tank Engine set. Santa sure is a better gift giver than Edmund's parents who think a box and wrapping paper will be just perfect for his first Christmas.

Edmund had quite the morning with Santa, but that evening would top it. Edmund was to play Baby Jesus in our church's children's musical, "The Perfect Gift." No pressure there! Since I assist with the musical I knew the child playing Mary well enough to know she would do just fine for the few minutes she was to hold Edmund. Unfortunately, when I agreed to the acting gig I forgot that Edmund was getting his shots the previous day. He had no problem with his last round of vaccinations, but this time the flu shot was added into the mix. I have yet to know a baby who doesn't react at least somewhat negatively to the flu shot, regardless of their disposition. Steven did all he could to make sure Edmund's understudy, the doll, would not fill in. He brought Edmund to the musical well rested and fed him during the first few minutes. Edmund was doing great until the scene prior to his appearance. Edmund started to get fussy. Did I mention his debut was to occur at 7:15, right at bedtime? Edmund hadn't reached full meltdown mode, so I gave him his pacifier and passed him off to Mary. When the lights came up Edmund looked stunned, but no crying did he make. Despite the modern socks and pacifier, Edmund made quite a wonderful Baby Jesus. As his Aunt Becca commented, "the 2nd best Jesus in history." Little Mary was so relieved when the scene ended, she exclaimed backstage, "He didn't cry!" Edmund is quite the little actor. He makes a repeat engagement as Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve, this time with an even bigger role. We hope to see you all there.

Edmund Chows Down

Edmund's Dedication Sunday

Last weekend was an eventful one for Edmund. On Saturday Edmund took his first bite of rice cereal. I had really wanted to wait until Edmund was 6 months old before he got his first bite of food, but his signs of readiness could no longer be ignored. He had been trying to pull the fork from my and Steven's plate for several weeks. At Edmund's 4 month check-up (much closer to 5 months) he chugged the rotavirus vaccine causing the doctor and nurse to comment that he would probably take to solids well. At 5 1/2 months we decided to take the plunge. Steven put a bib on Edmund as I carefully mixed Edmund's cereal and milk. After deciding the consistency was perfect I brought the cereal to Edmund's mouth. To my shock he opened his mouth wide and leaned toward the spoon. He didn't even give a face of disgust when the cereal hit his tongue. I'm hoping Edmund is as thrilled with the homemade peas his mommy is going to make for him this weekend, as he was with the rice cereal. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that this means Steven and I won't have a picky eater on our hands.

Edmund also had a weekend surrounded by grandparents. This marked the first weekend he has had both sets of grandparents together since he was one day old. My mom and dad traveled from Harrisonburg, VA for Edmund's dedication at Chapel Hill Bible Church. We feel so blessed that both sides of the family could be there for this important milestone. Aunt Becca was unable to make it as NYC is quite a drive for a weekend, but she was there in spirit as Edmund donned the argyle socks she got for him. Edmund was quite the well-behaved baby as he stood with his mommy and daddy on stage. He even refrained from spitting up until the final parent/baby introduction. Way to go Edmund!

The next few weeks bring many more firsts for Edmund as he celebrates his first Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family, and look forward to establishing new traditions and ushering him into the old. I want to thank you all for helping make the first six months of our life with Edmund such a joy. It really does take a village to raise a child, and what a phenomenal village you all are.

Edmund Develops a Sense of Humor

Edmund the Comedian

I have recently taken to going to bed immediately after putting Edmund down for the night. After spending much of the day with Edmund and six other roly-poly babies I am exhausted. In order to go to bed after giving Edmund his nighttime kiss, I have started doing my nighttime routine while Steven plays with Edmund. This means that when I go into Edmund's room to start the bedtime routine I am wearing my glasses.

One night last week I went into Edmund's room and sat down in the rocking chair while Steven finished putting Edmund in his pajamas. When he was done, Steven handed Edmund to me. Edmund studied my face intently for half a minute. I thought he was going to cry, perhaps because he wasn't accustomed to seeing "glasses mommy" at night. To my surprise Edmund didn't cry, but quickly reached his hand up and yanked my glasses off my face. Edmund looked intently at "no glasses mommy" for a few seconds and began to laugh hysterically. I took my glasses from Edmund and quickly put them back on, since without my glasses Edmund was simply a blob. Edmund stopped laughing, and again with a quick motion yanked off my glasses. If Edmund was capable, I'm sure he would have been on the floor rolling with laughter. I let this exchange go on a few more times before putting it to a halt.

Although it wound him up a little more than I would have liked before he went to bed, I saw this "glasses on-off" game as a cognitive milestone. For the first time Edmund laughed at something he caused, and not simply his mommy or daddy saying "ah to to to to to."

Edmund's 1st Halloween

Mama Bear, Daddy Bear, and Baby Bear

After a month of playing with gourds, singing pumpkin songs, and chewing on Halloween cards sent by relatives far and near Edmund finally got a chance to experience all this "Halloween business". Halloween was Steven's favorite holiday as a child, so he made it his goal to make sure Edmund's first one left him wanting more.

Edmund went to school wearing his "so cute it's scary" outfit. He is definitely "so cute", but it's scary that he's almost too big for the outfit. We're glad he was able to get one last wear out of it on Halloween. It was the perfect outfit for school and one my co-teacher was happy about. She had quite a time trying to change the diaper of Edmund's "giant pumpkin" classmate, so was relieved to find that Edmund had on a functional, yet holiday appropriate outfit.

This morning Edmund's preschool held a mini fall festival. Edmund and his classmates enjoyed sitting in the laps of teachers while listening to the toddlers sing fall songs. They also loved watching the older children jump in piles of raked leaves. It is hard to believe that next year Edmund will be jumping in leaves with the best of them, since currently he doesn't even possess the muscle control to sit unassisted. After the exciting morning the day continued on like any other, that is, until daddy returned home.

When Steven arrived home we packed a well-rested and well-fed Edmund into his carseat and headed to the Chapel Hill Bible Church's Fall Festival. When we arrived at the festival we put Edmund in the bear costume his Aunt Becca sent him. The costume was perfect for a chilly night, not to mention a big hit. People couldn't tell at first there was a baby hiding behind the fuzzy bear hat. When people finally saw Edmund they gave a chuckle and commented on how cute he was. Of course I wouldn't expect anything less. As we entered the festival Edmund dutifully delivered the bag of candy required for admission. His mommy and daddy took advantage of the food the candy got us. Edmund didn't seem to mind that we ate his share, as he had yummy bear paws to chew on. After eating we walked around and looked at the games Edmund can participate in next year. His mommy and daddy would have loved to participate in the games, though we may have looked strange playing games intended for preschoolers. After taking a hayride around the parking lot, Edmund showed signs of fading fast. Edmund had as an eventful Halloween as any four month old could hope for, but all good things must come to an end. We took our little bear home to hibernate, until next Halloween that is!

Edmund's Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Mommy and Edmund at Ganyard Hill Farm

Saturday was an exciting day for Edmund. Edmund's Grandma Kay Kay made a short trip to NC to visit Edmund. We decided it would be fun to take Edmund and his Grandma to the pumpkin patch. Steven and I have been going to Ganyard Hill Farm for the past four years. Ganyard Hill Farm does a wonderful job of making the pumpkin experience kid friendly, and we couldn't wait for Edmund to pick out his first pumpkin there.

We first visited the animal pen full of goats, pigs, and chickens. Edmund got up close and personal with a goat who was making an inquiry as to whether or not Edmund had food to share. Edmund ignored this encounter in favor of chewing on the Baby Bjorn. He is in the "everything goes in the mouth" phase. Next we made our way to the small cotton field. I picked some cotton and held it up for Edmund to feel. Edmund grabbed the piece of cotton and clutched it in his fist. He is also in the "if I can grab it, I'll take it" phase. I tried to make this a learning experience by rubbing the soft cotton on his face. Again he found chewing on his Baby Bjorn of more interest. Oh well!

Every year Steven and I venture deep into the corn maze to find corn to feed to the animals. This year I didn't venture, as I had Edmund with me. Steven went on a mini search and found a few ears. Unfortunately when we shucked the corn they only had a few kernels each. I'm afraid the animals wouldn't have been pleased with such minuscule meals, so we left the corn on the ground. I'm sure the older children found plenty of corn to give the animals their fill. After making our way through the maze we boarded a hay ride. Edmund stayed awake for the first half of the ride, but despite the bumpiness of the ride managed to fall asleep before we completed our circle.

With a sleepy Edmund in tow it was finally time to pick out our pumpkins. In past years we have picked our pumpkins straight from the vine, but this year there were few to be found. We settled for choosing prepicked pumpkins, though hopefully next year Edmund can have a true pumpkin picking experience. This year he didn't even contribute an opinion as to which pumpkin would be best. He was out cold! We decided to go with daddy, mommy, and baby sized pumpkins. Next week we plan to carve our pumpkins. We may even let Edmund feel the slimy pumpkin guts--that is if he promises not to put them in his mouth!

Edmund's One Way Conversation with Daddy

Edmund is 1/3 of a year old

I have some time to write this afternoon because Edmund is spending the day with his Aunt Sharon, who is visiting from Pennsylvania, and his Grandma Pattishall.

Last night Steven was talking on the phone with Nancy (Edmund's Chapel Hill grandmother). The two of them were making arrangements for Edmund's visit with Aunt Sharon. I was holding Edmund facing Steven as I finished dinner. About a minute into the phone conversation Edmund started "talking" more pronouncedly than I had heard before. He made a series of dramatic "ahh, ooh, ahhs." After a minute of this Steven told Nancy that Edmund wanted to talk to her and put the phone up to Edmund's mouth. As soon as he brought the phone near Edmund, Edmund went silent. So Steven took the phone back and continued his conversation with Nancy. Again Edmund started emphatically making his "ahhs and oohs.". Steven eventually finished his call and said his good-byes to his mom. When he ended the conversation Edmund, too, stopped "talking." It was then that Steven and I realized Edmund believed he'd been having a pleasant chat with his daddy. Fortunately for him he has yet to realize his father was having a conversation with someone else.

Juggling Work and Motherhood

Edmund Playing with His School Friend

In each of the last few posts I have mentioned how amazed I am at how much time has passed since I've had a chance to write in Edmund's blog. This post is no different. I really don't know where the time goes. Although I do have an inkling some of my time is sucked up by work. Unfortunately I returned to work as our school is preparing to undergo reaccreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). I have even toyed with the idea of writing a book about my love/hate relationship with NAEYC, but that's a story for another day. I selfishly hoped I would miss out on the NAEYC accreditation while on maternity leave, but I had no such luck. I wouldn't call myself a work-aholic, but I do strive to do my best when it comes to work. Shortly before Edmund's birth, however, I made a promise to myself that I would stop working outside of school hours. I assumed my director would be especially pleased with this, especially since she is often on my case about the amount of work I do outside of school. Unfortunately it appears I have returned to my old ways. This is not because I wanted to however, but because now the director is asking us to put in outside school hours to get ready for NAEYC. If we pass we will be offered a bonus, but I'd rather have the time with Edmund. At least I know the end will come sometime in late October.

Now that I've blown off some steam about NAEYC, it's time for the important topic--Edmund! Edmund is quickly acquiring new skills. There are days I'll think to myself "when did he learn to do that." For one, he has now mastered the art of sucking on his hands. You will recall that when he discovered his hands he would often end up hitting himself in the face. He now steadies his hands with ease. Once steadied, he brings his hands to his mouth and begins merrily sucking on them. He is also showing signs that he may forgo the pacifier for his thumb. Future postings will reveal his final choice. Edmund also prefers his hands to toys. I'll offer him a toy and he'll drop it in favor of bringing his hands together and waving them in front of his face. One day I decided to try this action to see what the appeal was, but I'm afraid it did not have the same mystifying effect on me that it has on Edmund.

Edmund is also consistently grasping toys when they are offered. He can even use two hands to manipulate his toys, and you guessed it, bring them to his mouth. At school I try to get pictures of Edmund playing with a toy, but by the time I have the camera ready he already has the toy to his mouth. I should also take the time to describe Edmund's favorite activity at school. He absolutely loves the kick gym. The toy has a foot pedal that the baby must kick in order to get the overhead toys to spin and play music. Edmund gets so excited and kicks so vigorously it's hard not to laugh. My description can't do it justice. I hope to get a video before he outgrows the toy, which unfortunately will be in the not too distant future. The babies all seem to lose interest once they can sit up. But for now I simply wonder if Edmund thinks I bring him to school simply to kick the kick gym. When I look at how focused and engaged he is while at the kick gym I picture him as a little baby worker who must carefully time each kick in order to be productive at his baby job.

On Sunday Edmund will be 4 months old! Everyone says "the time goes by too quickly," and I have to say that "everyone" is right. I love watching my baby grow into a little boy, but wish his babyhood wasn't so fleeting. While my job can be exhausting at times, I have to remember how fortunate I am to be with my baby everyday. I will be present for all his milestones and it can't get better than that!

Laughing Edmund

Edmund was the talk of the school in this outfit from his Great Uncles

I'm happy to report that both Edmund and I survived the first week of preschool. Edmund is still as laid back as he was the first day (phew!). Edmund is already making friends. There is a little girl in his class named Emma who is exactly one week younger than Edmund. One day I put Edmund and Emma side by side on the floor mat. My intention was to see how their sizes compared, but to my surprise they linked arms. I don't think they realized they were separate beings seeing as how they both attempted to eat the other's hand. I must admit it was quite a cute sight. After about 5 minutes of this I realized I had my camera, but unfortunately by the time I retrieved it they had unlinked arms--oh well.

Edmund Has Tummy Time with a Classmate

I should also take the time to mention a very big milestone. Edmund is now laughing, allthough it took us awhile to figure out that the funny noise he makes from time to time is a laugh. He sucks in air repetitively, making somewhat of a long, low sound. After he does this for about 30 seconds he gives himself the hiccups. We're hoping he eventually figures out how to laugh without hiccuping because it cuts his laughing sessions short. And his laugh, funny as it may be, is contagious.

Edmund Goes to School

Edmund in His Going to School Outfit
(he peed on it before the end of the day)

Greetings Edmund Fan Club. It has been quite awhile since I've had a chance to sit down and write. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. Steven started his Ob-Gyn rotation last week and this week Edmund and I started school.

So far Edmund has been quite the wonderful pupil. He is a happy little guy. It is only his third day, but to this point he has yet to let out a full blown cry. I wish the other babies would follow his example. I am not jumping up and down over his easy going nature at school just yet, however. It could be that he is simply taking everything in right now to one day drop his bomb of fury. Seeing as he has always been an easy going baby, he probably will remain happy. Pray that he does! Unfortunately a happy baby in childcare is a catch-22. It means he is the child everyone loves, but is often ignored because he doesn't demand attention. I try my best to talk with him about everything that is going on while I play with and tend to other babies, so he knows he is not forgotten. I have heard working moms say that they treasure time with their children so much more than they would otherwise. Even though Edmund is with me at work I feel the same way about our time together. Our afternoons have become very special. Afternoons and evenings are now a time to cuddle. So I will bid you all farewell for the evening as I go lavish my son with love and kisses.

Edmund Meets Aunt Becca

Yesterday Steven and I put a sleeping Edmund in the car. When Edmund awoke he found himself in Lynchburg, VA where we had traveled to meet Edmund's Aunt Becca and to see his Grandma Kay Kay. When we arrived at Panera, the meeting place of choice, Edmund was greeted for the first time by his boisterous aunt. His initial reaction was one of confusion, although this seems to be his initial reaction to anyone new. Eventually Edmund decided Aunt Becca was very entertaining and gave her a great big smile. Edmund was ravenous after a two hour car ride, so Aunt Becca did the honors of feeding Master Edmund. As Edmund thinks the moon of anyone who feeds him, the two soon became fast friends.

After wearing out our welcome at Panera, we again loaded a sleeping Edmund into the car. When Edmund awoke this time, he found himself wandering the Lynchburg Mall. Steven commented that there must not be much to do in Lynchburg if the tiny mall is the local hangout. I have a feeling he is right. While at the mall we made a stop in Baby Gap. I mainly go to Baby Gap to drool enviously over the miniature, trendy clothes. Edmund, or his mom as the case may be, hit the jackpot though because Grandma Kay Kay and Aunt Becca were present to spoil him. That's what grandmas and aunts do best. Becca helped to pick out an adorable argyle sweater vest, pants, and matching argyle socks. If Edmund wasn't the best dressed baby on the block he certainly will be now.

By the end of our tour of the Lynchburg Mall Edmund was again sleeping. The next time Edmund awoke he found himself in the Lynchburg Olive Garden. It occurred to me that a baby must get quite confused if he constantly wakes up in a new place. That or he thinks that people teleport to get to their destinations. Just think, he went to sleep in Chapel Hill and awoke in Virginia. If only I could travel long distances without the monotony of a long car ride. We all enjoyed our time at the Olive Garden, especially Steven who claims it as his favorite restaurant. Edmund entertained our table by giving everyone his world famous grins. Eventually we had to say good-bye after an all too short visit. Edmund had a great time, however, and is already begging for another visit with his aunt and grandma.

Silly Mommy

My Mommy Makes Me Laugh

I've heard that pregnancy brain never really goes away after pregnancy. The following story confirms this claim.
Last Thursday evening Steven, Edmund, and I headed to the mall. Steven decided to study in Panera since they have wi-fi and I wanted to walk Edmund around the mall until he decided to nap. If you will recall from an earlier blog posting, Edmund refuses to nap during the day. After walking around the first floor of the mall a couple of times Edmund was still wide awake. I needed a change of scenery, so I decided to take the elevator to the second floor. I pushed the up button. When the elevator opened I pushed the stroller into the elevator and pressed the button to close the doors. After about a minute the doors reopened. Edmund and I got off the elevator while making room for the next mommy and stroller to enter. We began our walk on the second floor, or so I thought. After walking 100 feet or so the stores seemed all too familiar. Edmund and I were again walking on the first floor. Edmund's very silly mommy had forgotten to press the 2 while in the elevator. We had stood in a non-moving elevator for a minute and I never noticed. Fortunately no one was around to see my blunder except Edmund, and for the moment he's not talking!

Edmund's Week with Mommy

Edmund Sneaking a Nap in Mommy and Daddy's Bed

This week has been quite an adventure for Edmund and me. Monday marked the first time Steven was away for more than a few hours. Steven started his first rotation on Monday, leaving me and Edmund alone to fend for ourselves.

What surprised me more than anything was how exhausted I feel. At work I take care of six infants on a day to day basis, though somehow have never felt so tired. I wonder if perhaps it is because my baby now refuses to sleep during the day unless I am holding him. I vowed my child would be an excellent napper, before he was born of course. I have gotten somewhere in the range of 20 babies to sleep in their cribs for naps, but not Edmund. Edmund has a mind of his own, and is keeping his mom on her toes.

This week I've learned that as much as I want order I can't have it. With Steven here I could hand Edmund off and get things done. That's not the case anymore. Edmund is teaching me to be more flexible, but that's a good thing. In two weeks the two of us will make another transition, a transition filled with five baby friends and lots of new caregivers. Edmund will begin attending Chapel Hill Cooperative Preschool and I will start back to work as his teacher. I think Edmund and I can handle it, but we'll see if CHCP can handle Edmund and me!

Edmund's Visit with Great Aunt Zann and Nannie

Watching Edmund Sleep After 2 Month Shots

I can't believe it's been over a week since I've had a chance to write. So much has happened in such a short time.

Last Friday Edmund went for his 2 month check-up. He now weighs 11 lbs 4 oz and is almost double his birth weight. He is in the 25th percentile for weight and his 22 1/4 inches puts him somewhere between the 10th and 25th percentile for height. I'm still convinced the nurses aren't doing a great job of measuring him, since I often get a good half inch taller when I measure, not to mention the fact that Edmund had apparently shrunk on his first pediatrician's visit. Edmund checked out just fine. He is all smiles and cooing frequently. He is tracking objects and faces very nicely. When the pediatrician got out the light to check Edmund's eyes, Steven and I both exclaimed "oh he loves lights." Apparently not this particular one. Edmund thought it was a bit too bright.

Unfortunately the 2 month check-up brings with it immunizations. Edmund was so happy playing on the examination table and smiling at the doctor and nurses, that when they gave him his shots my heart broke for him. The little guy had no idea what was coming. He had made some new buddies and then they went and stuck him with giant needles. He came through it just fine, however, and was given some neon band-aids to cover his battle
wounds.

After Edmund's doctor's visit we thought what better than to hand him over to relatives. His great Aunt Suzann and great-grandmother Nannie made the trip all the way to Chapel Hill from Owensboro, KY. They made quite a fuss over him even though he was making quite a fuss over the fact that he had just gotten poked in the legs. I have heard horror stories about the 2 month shots, but Edmund did quite well. He mainly slept, giving Aunt Suzann and Nannie time to hold him.



We spent the rest of our visit catching up. Suzann spent most of her time standing over Edmund's crib and watching him sleep. I know it made him feel quite special. Nannie and Edmund even took a short snooze together. Steven got a picture to prove it. Edmund was certainly a king while they were here. Unfortunately for him, when Nannie and Aunt Suzann left, Edmund went back to being a mere prince

A Growing Boy

This week I've had to come to grips with the fact my baby is growing up. As we were driving home from church Sunday, I looked back and saw that Edmund's head was flopping forward. I had Steven pull over so I could rearrange Edmund in the carseat. Edmund has much better head control now and was not flopping forward because he couldn't hold his head up, but because his head had outgrown the newborn insert. When we got home I reluctantly took the insert out. I had to acknowledge not only that my baby is no longer newborn size, but has a big head! For those of you who may be concerned, Edmund actually has a normal sized head.

Last week I made sure that Edmund wore some of my favorite newborn outfits and sleepers, as I knew he would probably never wear them again. Of course an outfit is not as cute when the neck is stretched and the baby has to curl his toes to fit into it, but I wanted to hang onto the newborn stage just a little bit longer. On Saturday I washed the newborn clothes, then carefully packed them away. I would be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear.

I have made it a goal to make sure Edmund wears all of his outfits at least once before outgrowing them. Most babies outgrow the 0-3 month size before hitting 3 months, but Edmund seems to be following clothing sizes almost exactly. Unfortunately one of his bigger looking 0-3 month outfits was deceptive. After Edmund had one of his infamous peeing extravaganzas all over himself and his outfit I decided to put on the aforementioned outfit. To my shock he was too big for it. He's only 2 months old and I've already failed at my goal. Fortunately, the outfit, although a cute one, was a hand-me-down, so I didn't feel quite as defeated. All of this goes to show my baby really is growing. I love watching his new achievements, and wouldn't trade his smiles for anything, even the opportunity to have him wear an adorable outfit.

Edmund Meets a "Moo Cow"

This week has been a lazy week for Edmund and his parents, and I must say it is quite nice. We've had no appointments or places to be. This leaves time for adventures and exploring.

One of the things I have wanted to do all summer is visit the Belted Galloways (or Oreo Cookie cows) at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. The weather has been quite mild this week, so Steven, Edmund, and I took advantage and headed over to Pittsboro on Monday. There really is not much to do with the cows other than ooh and ahh over them for a minute or so, but nevertheless we had a good time. Edmund did as per usual on his outings and slept. He didn't even budge when Steven took a picture of him up close and personal with the new "Oreo Cookie" goats. The trip to Fearrington was fun for all as it ended in a cone of Maple View Ice Cream.

Our new house is close to several major highways, but Steven is a fan of using back roads. One such road we now frequent quite a bit is Fearrington Road (not to be confused with Fearrington Village). Every time we go down this road we pass a sign for Patterson's Mill Country Store. It's one of those place you pass and think "I ought to go there," but never actually do. Steven and I decided we had done the "I ought to" one too many times and finally turned in the gravel driveway. The store is piled high with antiques and Americana. One room contains an abundance of old pharmaceuticals. I was taken aback at the variety of laxatives available in the early 1900s. I suppose back then people figured laxatives could cure all ills. They definitely might solve some of little Edmund's problems. Patterson's Mill is certainly off the beaten path. I'm glad that after 14 years in Chapel Hill I finally made my way into the store, though it's probably an experience I won't have for another 14 more. 14 years from now Edmund just might be awake for the experience too!

Well Mannered Edmund

Edmund has been a trooper this past week, considering he spent quite a bit of time accompanying me to various doctors' appointments. Edmund really is a well behaved baby. While I would like to think that my parenting is responsible for such a happy, easygoing baby, I've been around enough babies to know better. I've heard many a story of well behaved first children making way for loud, boisterous second children.

On Wednesday I had my annual visit to the eye doctor. Steven came along to drive me around after my dilation, as it is not good for anyone if I am let loose on the road with dilated eyes. Edmund came along because he and I had playgroup immediately following the appointment (not that he had a choice in the matter anyway). I must mention here that playgroup is not so much a chance for the babies to play as it is a time for the babies to eat, sleep, poop, and cry. We moms spend our time talking about the babies' aforementioned activities, and how they fit into our lives. When we arrived at the eye doctor Steven and Edmund came back to the exam room with me. After a short wait Dr. Chow walked in. He asked if Steven and I were newlyweds. We responded that we had been married two years in May. Dr. Chow went on to say that he was a newlywed too. I thought it rather odd we'd had this exchange without any mention of the adorable baby sleeping soundly in his carseat. I let it slide, as I figured Dr. Chow must not be a baby person. Suddenly, about halfway through the appointment Dr. Chow got a startled look on his face and said "there's a little one there." Edmund had been so quiet he went unnoticed. After Dr. Chow made his startling discovery he attempted to be quiet, but we assured him there was no need. I suppose when you see a doctor only once a year, a baby can come as quite a shock.

On Thursday Steven and Edmund accompanied me to the dentist. The past few years have proved me to be a nervous wreck when it comes to the dentist, so I wanted moral support. Since Steven and Edmund had no morning plans, they were gladly willing to give it to me. They sat in the waiting room while I had two (one more than I had anticipated) cavities filled. An elderly woman commented to Steven that her children were never so well behaved. I heard that other people were in agreement. I'm glad Edmund was well behaved because I'm afraid his mother was not so well behaved while sitting in the dentist's chair.

Steven and I know we are very blessed to have such a well behaved, playful little boy. Fortunately my doctors' appointments are done until I return to work, so I can simply enjoy my baby. Unfortunately for Edmund, he has a doctor's appointment and his first round of immunizations in a week. Pray they don't faze him too much!

Happy Morning Bath

Edmund Lounging Around in His PJs

Things around the Pattishall house have been quite laid back the past few days. We have had numerous days of intense heat, and have avoided taking Edmund out except in the cooler hours of the day (unfortunately cooler hours are few and far between). Edmund appears to have quite sensitive skin like his parents and doesn't take to any heat well. Due to Edmund's sensitive skin we give him a bath only every other night and are still avoiding soap. He does get a shampoo to help prevent cradle cap though.

This morning started out like any other. Edmund awoke and ate his morning meal. While I finished pumping, Steven took Edmund to change his diaper. Steven was cleaning Edmund's bottom and made sure to hold his "Wee Squirt" over him to avoid getting sprayed. The "Wee Squirt" also known as a "Pee Pee Tee Pee" is something we never would have purchased for ourselves. We received it as a gift from Steven's Aunt Connie, and are thankful we did. It gets used at least once a day. Unfortunately, today Edmund waited until the moment Steven removed the "Wee Squirt" to put on the new diaper, to pee all over himself. I entered Edmund's bedroom the moment this event was taking place. I went to get a washcloth to wipe Edmund down. Normally a small wipedown would suffice. However, as I finished cleaning Edmund's tummy and legs, I noticed he had peed in his hair and ears. It appeared a wipedown would not do the trick. I asked Steven to get a bath ready even though last night was "bath night." We hoped this extra bath would not confuse Edmund. Actually we hoped more that it would not anger him, as he currently only tolerates his baths.

I brought Edmund into the bathroom and laid him in the tub. He looked at me with an expression that could have gone either way. As I started wiping him with the warm washcloth he gave me a sweet, gummy grim. I breathed a sigh of relief. As I continued to talk to Edmund he smiled more. It seems we may have turned a corner in the quest for a happy bathtime. Now if only we could remove Edmund from the bath without a wail!

*Edmund is hoping for more outdoor adventures soon. He hears there will be a break in the heat tomorrow. Let's hope he heard correctly.

The Durham Bulls' Newest Fan

Last night Edmund attended his very first sporting event--a Durham Bulls baseball game. We had been wanting to go to a Durham Bulls game at some point this summer, but have been putting it off due to heat and evening thunderstorms. A few days ago Steven found out that if we were to bring a new or gently used children's book to the game on Thursday night we could get a free ticket. Fortunately we had an extra copy of "Barnyard Dance" lying around. "Barnyard Dance" is an excellent children's book by the way, and it seems many people are aware of this fact, given the number of copies we have received in the last few months (Edmund just loves the book). We had already passed along a couple of our extraneous copies to grandparents and decided donating the last copy to a good cause was a great idea.

Yesterday was another scorcher and evening thunderstorms were again predicted, so we figured we wouldn't be able to attend the game on book donation night. However, a thunderstorm made its way through Chapel Hill around 4 pm and the radar showed that no sort of rain was to follow. The air also cooled down considerably, so at 6 pm I changed Edmund into his baseball outfit. Edmund semi-willingly went along with the outfit change. We then loaded up the car and headed off to downtown Durham.

Once we got inside the stadium, we headed right for the food. We also lucked out and attended on "family night" which meant we were able to get popcorn and hot dogs for one dollar each. I have been craving hot dogs for quite some time now. Hot dogs were on the "forbidden" food list while I was pregnant, which made them seem all the more appetizing. For one dollar, I felt it was time I finally had a hot dog. While in line a woman and I exchanged stats on our babies. She had a four month old dressed up in a baseball outfit too, but in my unbiased opinion, Edmund was much cuter in his. Steven was absorbed in food purchasing and somehow missed this exchange, as he later pointed out this same baby to me.

After the food purchases were made we headed to the stands. Our seats were behind the screen. I felt much better knowing Edmund was protected from stray balls. Let me take this time to mention that I go to Durham Bulls games, not for the actual game, as much as for the silly events that take place between plays (ex. the mascot and a child race around the bases). I took Edmund out of the Baby Bjorn and sat him on my lap. Immediately he noticed the stadium lights. As far as Edmund was concerned we had taken him to Disney World. He is a huge fan of lights. Although I know it is very normal for babies to be fascinated by lights, his infatuation slightly worried me, that is until the babies in his playgroup came over to our house and stared at the same light he does. I guess if I was a baby and had to look at the ceiling all day, a light fixture would be a breath of fresh air.

For the next hour Edmund sat happily on either my or Steven's lap and watched the game. He is quite the squirmy baby, but barely squirmed once. We think he was taken aback by his first foray into the world of sports. Eventually though a baseball game was not of interest enough to keep Edmund awake. At this point we made the decision to head home. This morning we found out the Bulls lost to Buffalo 12-2, and I'm guessing it's because they didn't have their littlest fan to cheer them on!

A Tarheel Fan is Born

Edmund with Daddy at the Carolina Basketball Museum

Chapel Hill is having another mini heat wave it seems. However, that didn't stop Steven, Edmund, and I from making our way to the new Carolina Basketball Museum yesterday. We simply made sure to keep our bouncing baby boy cool. The nice thing about being on maternity leave while Steven is off is that we can explore our town together. Unfortunately, Edmund will only have the pictures to prove he was with us.

The basketball museum is very well done. When you walk in you are escorted into a stand up theater that plays a short movie about Carolina basketball. The theater screen is essentially shaped like a basketball giving one more of the basketball experience. Once the movie finishes, museum patrons make their way to the main exhibit. The room is a Carolina basketball lover's dream. Of course Edmund slept through most of his first true Carolina experience, but did look up at his mom a few times throughout the visit, as if to say "where am I?" Of course we told him he had entered the most wonderful place in the world. We believe the best memorabilia in the museum is Michael Jordan's letter of intent to attend Carolina placed next to his rejection letter to Duke. As we departed the museum, we headed through a room which houses the National Championship trophies. Edmund looks forward to one day being on the Championship team. And to think right now he is barely bigger than one of Sean May's shoes!

Edmund Goes to the Nursery

Edmund Enjoying a Sunday Afternoon Nap

There's not much to report on the home front. Edmund continues to do what he does best...eat, sleep, play, and more sleep!

Yesterday was Edmund's first trip to the church nursery. If you will recall Edmund is quite the noisy baby whether or not he is asleep or awake, making any sort of concentration during church impossible. I must admit I did quite well handing off my baby. This was the first time he has been out of the hands of relatives. However, it does help that I was a lead caregiver for the infant nursery before Edmund was born, and knew all the workers. The woman who shares the lead caregiver position with me is great with kids, and a nurse. Thus I knew my baby was in great hands. According to Martha, Edmund did beautifully. Steven and I were shocked he was still awake when the service finished, as he had been awake all morning. Edmund must have been quite interested in all the hustle and bustle of other little children around him to forgo sleeping. I'm glad he handled it well as his preschool is quite the busy place!

Edmund Discovers His Hands

This has been quite the busy week for our family. With all the coming and going we've been doing, there has been little time to update the blog. I'm glad to finally have a chance to sit down and breathe, as well as update you all on baby Edmund.

Wednesday was Edmund's first truly rough day. Unfortunately, this was also the day Edmund was to be in a research study with Steven. The study looked at interactions between fathers and babies around Edmund's age. Steven said there would be researchers to look after Edmund if I wanted to stay home, but seeing as neither one of us had ever met these people before, I decided to go. It was a good thing too, as Edmund had not quite been himself. I wouldn't want to make him more anxious by handing him over to people, who I'm quite sure had spent little time actually taking care of babies. I took care of Edmund for an hour while Steven answered a variety of questions. Eventually a researcher came and took Edmund for the "interaction" part of the study. Almost immediately I heard my baby's wails. I was quite confused as I knew Steven would be interacting with Edmund, and knew how to calm him down. After a few minutes of hearing Edmund's loud cries, I was about ready to go get him, thinking the researchers had him. Just at that moment they brought him back to me. At this point they told me Edmund was strapped in a seat while Steven attempted to interact with him. Feeling relief in knowing why my baby was crying I said, "oh, he hates any form of restraint. He won't even play in his bouncy seat at home." When Steven finally finished his part of the study he told me that he knew there would be trouble when he saw the seat. Apparently he hadn't been informed that he would have to interact with Edmund while he was restrained. Oh well, at least we made some money out of the ordeal.

Edmund woke up his cheerful self on Thursday morning, and I'm happy to report, has been that way since. He has obligingly accompanied his mom and dad on many an errand with no complaints. Now that Edmund is bigger I've been carrying him in the Baby Bjorn. He loves the closeness he feels and also relishes in the fact it means less time in the carseat. I'm definitely a fan of this particular piece of baby paraphernalia!

And now for Edmund's fascinating discovery...I noticed on Tuesday that Edmund was opening and closing his fists much more so I put a rattle in his fist. He actually grasped the rattle for more than a second. I have since put the rattle in his hand multiple times. He haphazardly swings the rattle around and finishes by either throwing it across the floor or hitting himself in the face with it. The latter abruptly ends playtime with sounds of distress. Although this is a big accomplishment Edmund did not grasp the rattle of his own accord. Last night however, Edmund brought his hand to his face and studied it intently for quite awhile. He then brought his hand closer and closer to his face, went cross-eyed, and hit himself in the nose. This action startled him, but he went back to cooing. Eventually his hand made its way in front of his face again. He steadied his hand to get a better look at it, brought it close to his face, and hit himself in the forehead with it. Edmund continued to find his hand several more times, each time ending his discovery with a hit to the face. Steven and I were glad we skipped a movie last evening, as Edmund's antics were much more entertaining than any blockbuster film.

Edmund Takes on Harrisonburg-Part 2

Having exhausted the majority of Harrisonburg's major attractions, we decided nothing beats ice cream on a hot day. We have been told on many occasions "there is always a line at Kline's," so we figured "do what the locals do." Steven, Edmund, Sandy (my mom), and I loaded into the car and headed to Kline's Dairy Bar. Kline's always has vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, but rotates their flavors weekly. Raspberry was the flavor of the week upon our visit. While I have never had raspberry ice cream, I love raspberry flavored anything, so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Steven and I got a double dip of the raspberry in a cup, as we had been warned by the prominently posted sign "ice cream melts in hot weather, so we strongly suggest a cup." Nothing like the the obvious. I strongly encouraged Sandy to get the milkshake flavor of the day (cake batter) because of course I intended to sneak in a bite here and there. While I was sneaking bites of Sandy's cake batter milk shake, Edmund sneaked a bite of my and Steven's ice cream. So that's where it all went!

*Disclosure (Yes I know babies shouldn't have ice cream, and in case anyone is confused, the above is a posed picture.)