Pilot - 6 Months Old and Crawling!

Pilot officially started crawling 2 days ago and is already climbing up the stairs from our living room. He is so thrilled with himself and practices his new skill morning noon and night. Pilot is such a joy to have around. His personality is so happy and inquisitive. His eyes sparkle and draw attention everywhere we go. He can melt any heart with his toothless grin, even ours when he keeps us up all night. I would say, if I am going to have to nurse someone all night long and only get 1 hour of sleep at a time, I am glad it is Pilot. When he sees me it is as if he is saying, Hi Mommy! You have the best milk! Thank you SO much for giving me what I need. Your the best! So, with tiered eyes and a warm, fulfilled heart, I say, I can't imagine anyone luckier than me.

Magic TV Scarf

New rules in the house about TV.

Magic TV Scarf whenever you're down, we can't watch TV 'cause your not around.
Magic TV Scarf when you're up, we can watch one show because that's enough

We are Just Big Kids

I have come to the conclusion that we (adults) expect way more out of our babies and children then we do ourselves (big people). Having a 4 month old who hasn't slept a full night since he was born and a little girl who cries at the drop of a toy, makes you have the sense that you have done something wrong. This time around I know better and am not obsessing over each monthly " milestone" and yet I have to wonder why every other parent in the world is getting SO MUCH SLEEP! Or are they?
Well, it dawned on me this morning how messed up we adults all are. With all the sleep meds, physiotherapists, divorces, family feuds, chronic pains, anger management issues, paranoia, addictions, and self absorption (the list could go on) ,why do we expect our children to be perfectly adjusted, ever happy, able to share their toys, fall asleep and stay asleep with ease, and never ever hurt anyone...........hmmm..........
It seems like great ideals, but the more you realize that we are just big kids who don't have a parent saying don't do this, be nice, go to your room, say your sorry, the better parents we will be. I know I am going to try a little harder to understand that these are real human feelings and instead of focusing on the kids being perfect, lets try and focus on our own big people messes. Maybe we all would do a lot better with a parent keeping us in line or maybe we should just trust that our kids will follow in our foots steps. Lets just hope these foots steps are going in the nice direction.

"The sky is here."

This morning I got into Jetta's bed with her to try and put her back to sleep. I had just a sliver of space between all her animals. I closed my eyes and Jetta said to me. "Mommy, wake up. The sky is here."

Pilot 3 months, Jetta almost 3

Jetta is performing a little ballet dance with her class. She took pictures yesterday with her little flower tutu on. At first she was not going to put it on and started to cry. I felt terrible and told her she didn't have to. Then as she saw all her other little flowers friends running around she wanted to put it on, but made sure that I knew "no dancing, just pictures, OK?" that was so funny because she always loves class. I definitely don't have any expectations for the show. I just want her to have fun doing it.

We have also been going to the pool a bit. It took Jetta a few hours to get back into the 'swim' of things, but she is now trying to swim underwater and hardly comes up enough to take a breath. She loves it.

Pilot is such a character and has such a great disposition. He seems to be tickled by everything and everyone. I will catch him looking at me while I am talking to someone and as soon as I give him eye contact he will break out into the most infectious smile I have ever seen. We are still up a lot with him in the night (nursing, not crying), but Jetta sleeps in her own bed!(her new PINK bed :-)) Most nights I just read her a book , turn out the light and give her a big hug and kiss. I leave the room and I hear her tucking in her bear or doll, whichever she has decided to sleep with that night. I am always in shock as I close the door to my bedroom. I never thought this day would come. All the night time parenting with Jetta and sleepy sleepy days were all worth it. This time around with Pilot, both John and I are just savoring every moment, because we now know it will end sooner than later.

Pilot Chandler Earle-Smith

Dear Friends and Family,
I would like to introduce you to Jetta's new brother,
Pilot Chandler Earle-Smith.
Born on Saturday, March 3, 2007, at 6:23 pm.
He was 7lb 14.5oz and 20in long.

"Birth Day Story"

The day of his birth was quite magical. I woke up to some contractionsI though may be labor, but went to teach my voice class because I wasn't sure. It was such a gorgeous day that after my class I made a picnic lunch (bratwurst sandwiches) and invited Boo to come downtown to the park with us. After eating lunch on the park bench we strolled down to the dock to feed the ducks, and ran into Jetta's best friend, Diane, and her parents (and our good friends). I let everyone know I thought I might be in labor and we we went about enjoying the morning in the sun. I really had such a wonderful time talking and laughing (working through contractions all the while). At about 2pm John thought we should go home and so we went. I snuggled with Jetta and put her down for a nap as she cuddled with Pilot (in my belly), telling him how much she loved him, Saying, " You my best baby". I got up and walked down stairs to call the midwives and see what we should
do next. At that point the contractions got stronger and by 4 we were
making snacks to take to the birth center with us. Boo came over to watch Jetta and we were on our way. I still had this feeling that when we got there the midwife would tell me I was only 2 or 3cm but upon arrival at 4:45 I was 8cm! I couldn't believe it. I guess I wasn't making the whole thing up huh? So I labored in the tub for a while with John doing an upside down bench press hip squeeze on me (can you
picture that) while I am moaning, HARDER (I thing he got the workout of his life). I ended up pushing him out a little less then 2 hours after arriving and just as the the total lunar eclipse was takingplace. I could not believe that he was really here and so beautiful and perfect. I feel so grateful to everyone who was there helping make this birth so special. John was my strength both mind and body and continues to amaze me. Jessica, my sister, was my Doula and brought such a healing energy to the birth. Pilot is so lucky to have the best aunt in the world. And my midwives were wonderful. When I thought I couldn't do it, they just continued to believe in me and remind me of my power as a birthing woman. Pilot was nursing within 30 minutes of being born and hasn't stopped yet. We came home from the birthing Center that night at about 10:30pm and had a blissful night together with our new little boy. Grandma Boo has been SO AMAZING. She has taken Jetta to her house and watched her for us with such joy and openhearted nature. She has given us the gift of this time with Pilot. Jetta has come to visit each day and just loves her new brother. She still doesn't know why he can't "do anything" yet. I told her, soon he will be chasing you around the house and playing. Pilot has the most gentle disposition and seems to be a very happy baby. We are still adjusting to everything but feel so blessed and joyous to share this good new with all of you. We love you all and can't wait for you to meet our little Pilot.
with deepest love,
Priscilla

Sauerkraut Anyone?

She just loves to eat sauerkraut. This is Jetta yesterday afternoon eating a little snack of it. It is a testament to Nourishing traditions and to giving your children these traditional foods. She loves them and asks for them daily!