My Little Swimmer

Since Tory turned six months old, I've been itching to sign her up for some kiddo classes. Getting her involved in an activity will be something fun for her to do, especially since her weekday excursions usually peak with trips to Target and the grocery store. Plus, I'm looking for ways to meet other moms in our area with similar-aged babies. I started doing some research and found lots of options to get involved including EFCE groups, swimming lessons, story time at the library, baby music classes and more. We decided to start with baby swimming since cabin season is upon us and familiarizing Tory with the water is something important to both Andi and I. We also thought swimming would be something fun for Andi to do with Tory so whenever possible (when he's not traveling for work) he'll participate in the class with her.

Friday was Tory's first swimming lesson at Foss Swim School and she did fantastic! She's signed up for Back float Baby 1 which ranges in ages 6 months - 3 years. There are two other kids in her class and both are much older than she is, but that didn't stop her from getting right in on the action. In fact, I almost think her younger age is an advantage as she wasn't as anxious to put her face in the water or get splashed a little bit. Her instructor at Foss was so patient and fun and Andi and I both loved how much importance they stress in creating a routine in the pool (how to get in and out, etc.) so young babies/toddlers become familiar with safe ways to play. Tory never shed a tear during her 30 minute class. We were so proud of her!

More interested in what the other little kiddos were doing than taking a photo with Daddy, obviously. Come on, Tory! It's your very first swim class! (She could care less about making memories).

The kids sing Humpty Dumpty before falling off the wall into the pool. We just flew through the part where Humpty cracks his head. Minor detail, not to concern you children ...

Miss Tory had to be bribed with a toy to chew in order to put her elbows on the floating bar. (Even at 6 months she has a mind of her own)!

Andi's traveling during next week's class so it'll be just Tory and I at the pool. Logistically, I think it'll be a little more difficult to wrangle a wet baby in the locker room when I, too, will be dripping wet but I'm sure we'll manage. I'm just glad I had one week to get the lay of the land before I have to conquer swim class solo with her!

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I'm curious to hear what other activities you've signed your kids up for? Any suggestions on what class or activity Tory should do next?

Home Sweet Home

Tory and I are back from our whirlwind weekend trip to Nebraska and bonus! Husband came home from his work trip two days early this week. Guess what else? I SURVIVED solo parenting last week and hardly worse for the wear, I might add. The time really did fly by.

On Thursday, Tory and I hopped a late flight to see my family in Nebraska for a few days. I'm so thankful I made plans ahead of time to visit them, knowing I'd be moping around my house all weekend otherwise. It created a nice distraction from barely talking to Andi all week. (We don't usually talk when Andi travels for work. He's busy, time changes and late work dinners usually get in the way, and I don't think I'd offend him if I admitted neither of us enjoy talking on the phone all that much). (On a side note,  I seriously don't know how our relationship survived long-distance the first year we were together). 

This was my second time flying with Tory by myself and it went relatively smoothly, considering the timing. Evening flight options to Lincoln are limited so we were booked on the 9:55pm flight home. Poor Tory was so tired, but refused to close her eyes for even a minute for fear she might miss one piece of action in the airport. Now up 3 hours past her bedtime, she finally tuckered out after 10 minutes of crying once the plane took off. In case you're wondering, I didn't have a boob-isode on this trip. Just my luck, I was seated next to a 30's-something guy again but this time I politely introduced myself and explained Tory *should* be asleep shortly; to please bear with us. I brought my nursing cover which Tory still wouldn't allow to be over her head but at least provided enough fabric to shield my chest from the rest of the plane. The man seated next to me was very friendly (and sort of drunk, I think) and said he had 3 kids so he understood completely. I decided not to care if he could see my boobs or not; it is what it is when you're seated so closely. Who knows if this guy was uncomfortable with my nursing. I didn't pay enough attention to care. My parents picked us up from the airport and Tory slept the 30-minute drive to their house so while disjointed, she did get some sleep throughout the night.

My parents took the day off work on Friday and we drove back to Lincoln for a day of shopping. Strangely enough, this was Tory's first real shopping adventure - at 6 months old! I'm not a big mall person (I much prefer buying online) and I didn't realize until afterwards she'd never actually been to the mall (except during our trip to see Santa). Tory did great, though. I carried her in the Baby Bjorn and she loved watching all the people. I even bought her a little outfit she pulled off the rack at Old Navy because it was cute and I'm pretty sure she wanted it. (Mama = wrapped around Tory's finger).

Later that night, my sister came over for dinner at my parent's house and after Tory went to bed, we sat out on the patio and drank cocktails. Who would've imagined we'd be sitting outside enjoying the beautifully warm Nebraska weather in MARCH? It was wonderful.

Saturday was more of the same; we lounged around my parent's house for the better part of the day. Saturday evening, I drove back to Lincoln to meet up with my best friend Ashley for some much-needed girl time. We got pedicures and went out to dinner. I heard later Tory was somewhat of a pistol going to sleep for my parents which I felt guilty about. I'm sure she was overly tired from traveling and not being on her regular schedule.

My family went to church on Sunday and celebrated my sister's boyfriend confirmation into their church at a reception hosted at her house. Tory and I were able to see my extended family before we left town which I loved. It's so fun to see all the little cousins (Brooke and Lauren) play together and interact with Tory, too. I'm thankful we get to see them as much as we do considering we live so far away. My parents took us back to the airport later that afternoon, and Tory was a peach on the entire flight home. I think she was exhausted from all the excitement of the weekend.

This week Tory and I enjoying our time at home with Daddy, who cut his trip short and came home on Monday. It's still crazy-beautiful weather in Minnesota this week and Andi and I have been taking advantage with walks around the neighborhood and dinner on the three season porch. Ah, springtime I've missed you!

So, I survived my week of solo parenting and surprisingly it wasn't too difficult after all. Andi's home this week and then gone again and although I'm not looking forward to him being away, I'm not dreading it like I was this last trip. Sure, I won't be able to jet-set to Nebraska every time he leaves but I also realize Tory and I will find plenty of things to occupy our time.

Tory - 29 Weeks Old

Tory - 29 Weeks Old

Getting Along Just Fine

While we are missing Daddy around these parts, I have to say the unseasonably warm weather has Tory and I in good spirits during his absence this week. The days have flown by since Andi left on Tuesday and we've found plenty to keep us busy.

After work on Tuesday, I bundled Tory up (even though it was sunshiny 65 degrees outside!) and we took Chloe for a long walk around the neighborhood. She was probably overdressed for the occasion, but I'm having a hard time finding a balance between the seasons with our abrupt switch to spring in Minnesota. I find myself in constant panic she's not dressed warmly enough ... or has on too many layers and is sweating herself to death. Better to peel off layers than freeze her little body, I suppose.

It's nice to finally get some use out of our City Mini stroller. I was too nervous to take Tory outside in September when she was only a few weeks old and she never allowed us to use it on our Florida vacation because she had to sit in the car seat attachment. Now that Tory's big enough to sit solo in the seat (just barely!), she's enjoying cruising around the neighborhood trail.

Working has helped fill the days this week so the few hours I have with Tory in the evenings fly by. Now that she's 6 months old and started solids, it seems like I'm hustling to feed her dinner, clean her up (which often involves a quick bath to wash vegetables out of her hair!), a few minutes of playtime and it's already time for bed. I remember the early days of Tory's life this fall, when Andi was traveling so much, and how LONELY I felt all by myself everyday. Some days seemed never ending and I guess that's what I was dreading more than anything now that Andi's busy work season is upon us. Maybe I'll be busy enough with Tory and that won't be the case this time around ...

I'm amazed at how quickly Tory is growing up. I think she'll be crawling any day now. Last night we were laying on the floor of the sun porch which was wildy reminiscent of my first few days at home with her last fall. I love when those deju-vu moments rush over me in the most fantastic way. I was instantly filled with so much love for my baby girl and could've laid there for hours watching her play on a blanket. She rolled back and forth, back to tummy and tummy to back a million times and couldn't get enough of her reflection in the sliding glass door. She practiced scooting on her elbows, although she's not quite there yet. I hoped she wouldn't army crawl just yet; I don't want Andi to miss it!

Tonight we fly to Nebraska to see my family. Here's hoping Tory Bean is a good little traveler and sleeps most of way there. This time I'll bring a nursing cover so I won't have the same boob situation with a potentially handsome plane seat passenger!

Focus On The Good

Yesterday began the first day of Andi's whirlwind weeks of work travel and I'm trying reeeeeally hard not to be bogged down by his absence. I've been dreading this time on the calendar for weeks because I know how lonely and frustrated I feel when he's gone. Logically, I also know how silly it is for me to feel this way. We're lucky his business is thriving and without all his hard work, we wouldn't be able to live the life we do. Sigh, it's just, I miss him terribly when he's gone ... and parenthood is so much more tiring when I have to do everything by myself.

I'm trying to focus on the good things ahead this week:

• Our beautiful Minnesota weather, sunshine (!!) and taking Tory and Chloe for walks outside.
• It's Spring Break at work and almost everyone is on vacation except for me ... which means few meetings, lots of quiet time to catch-up on projects and little stress.
• Tory and I are flying to Nebraska this weekend to see my family. Planning ahead this time and knowing I'd be down-in-the-dumps with Andi being away, I made plans for the one thing that always makes me feel better - going back home.
• I have a date night scheduled with my best friend Ashley this weekend with big plans to drink wine! Go out to dinner! Get a much-needed pedicure! Ashley wanted to see Tory Bean but like a good friend, obliged, when I begged for a few hours of girl time. My parents will love the solo time with Tory, too.

Time will fly by while he's gone, right?

I should also mention what a lovely time Andi, Tory and I shared at the cabin last weekend. I soaked up every single moment of togetherness before his crazy work schedule began. We drove to the cabin Friday night after Tory's bedtime (and avoided a baby car meltdown, for the win!). On Saturday, we took Tory and Chloe for a walk outside and laid around the cabin all afternoon relaxing, reading books, playing toys and enjoying each other's company.

On Saturday night, we took Tory out to dinner at Hilltop Restaurant for the first time. I'm always too scared to take her into restaurants for fear she'll be too noisy. Plus, how enjoyable is it really to wrangle a wiggly baby for an hour or two while trying to eat? Not very. But Saturday's dinner went well and Andi and I took turns eating while the other held Tory. I suspect things will get easier when she's able to partake in eating with us (even if it's only Cheerios to keep her busy).

We're lucky to have the cabin to retreat to on the weekends. It's a peaceful place for us to spend time together and a nice break from reality. Here's hoping the remainder of this week flies by and my weekend in Nebraska is as fun as the last one.

Tory - 28 Weeks Old

Tory - 28 Weeks Old

Things I Love: 3-6 Months Baby Edition

From time to time, people ask me which baby things I've found most useful. A few months ago, I told you about my favorite newborn baby things. I'm glad I jotted down my thoughts as babies change and along with it, my favorite baby items evolved too. Here's a run-down of my favorites for Tory - age 3-6 months.

- USEFUL -
Halo Sleep Sack
Pre-rolling baby, the Summer Infant swaddle wraps were a favorite of mine. Around 17 weeks, when Tory learned to roll from back to tummy, I turned a little freaky about her swaddling situation. The rolling transition inspired quite possibly my darkest month of parenting (a la, frequent wake-ups every hour or two until Tory learned to sleep without startling herself awake) but the little sleep I did get was peaceful knowing my baby was snuggled up in her Halo Sleep Sack. The fuzzy material is warm enough for her during winter nights and still allows her to move around without the threat of suffocating.

OxyClean
Oh, boy! This age brought lots of "up the back" messy poops. While I'm normally very good at keeping up with the laundry, Tory's diaper blow-outs were causing me to fret over the decision to wash one teeny tiny outfit by itself (because all of my other laundry was caught up) or let the poopy stain sit while I waited for the next round of wash to accumulate. Enter OxyClean. Too many times to count, I soaked the soiled outfit in a bucket in the laundry room until I was ready to wash it clean. The result? Bright, non-stained outfits and a life outside the laundry room.

Baby Bjorn
Somewhere around 3 months of age, I finally had the realization to "wear" Tory around the house and while running errands since she was never content to lay on a blanket by herself or quietly chill in her car seat like every other baby I saw at Target. I had a variety of options and believe me, I tried them all. I use the Moby wrap from time to time, but it's a little too complicated for me to maneuver by myself with a fussy, wiggly baby. I have a ring sling which I use around the house quite a bit but I never feel comfortable enough using it in public (as it looks like baby torture the way Tory's stuffed in there kangaroo style). The Baby Bjorn quickly became our "favorite" baby carrier because it's easy to strap the baby in one-handed, secure enough to wear in busy situations (the airport, on walks, shopping, etc). Speaking of the airport, we wore Tory right through security checkpoints many times which allows two free hands to manage everything else.

- BEST GIFTS -
Sophie The Giraffe
It's a rubber giraffe and the #1 rated baby item on Amazon. It costs $20. I have to admit, I didn't get it either until Tory hit teething age and went bananas over it. Sophie is, by far, one of her favorite toys. She squeaks and plays and chews on it for hours (ok, several minutes ... which feel like hours in baby time). Definitely worth every penny.

Baby Einstein Piano and Take Along Tunes
During 3-6 months of age, Tory discovered toys and especially loves the ones with lights and music. These two Baby Einstein ones are her favorites. The portable Take Along Tunes has diverted many car seat meltdowns over the months and the piano is a favorite for playtime on a blanket. I was surprised when she knew exactly how to push the "piano keys" and move the rattle on the top. What a smart cookie!

Books
My mom looked at me like I was crazy when I was back home a few months ago and proclaimed Tory's love for books. A few hours later, as we were driving in the car and Tory started screaming, I pulled out one of our favorite reads and she instantly stopped to listen to the story. Tory really does love books, especially board books with few words and vibrant pictures. It melts my heart when she touches the pages as I read to her and tries to flip the pages by herself. Okay, she tries to eat them too!