Kathy Comes to Visit, Xander's Surgery

Being a mother now, I understand in a way that I never imagined what it is to love someone unconditionally.  My roll model for this is my own mother.  The older I get, the more I seem to need and appreciate her.  It's the big things, like the quiet bond that exists and the knowledge that I can call anytime to get her words of encouragement.  It's also the "small" things like knowing I can call on her to help me "anytime, anywhere."

In this case, we had Xander's surgery to correct his umbilical hernia in the same week I would have to leave for school.  I'd only be gone for 48 hours, but having an extra set of loving hands around "just in case" was a really good idea.  Mom came out a few days early to establish herself around our "routine"  (aka: barely controlled chaos), stayed home with Maya the morning of Xander's surgery, and then stayed through the weekend to help Jake while I was away.

The kids really love the grandma, and their faces light up so much to see her, it's amazing.

Xander's surgery went really easily, and he healed fast.  We did need to keep him semi-sedentary for a few days, and I think he watched "Finding Nemo" at least 5 times in 3 days and can now recite large passages of the story to us.  He also perfected some new puzzles and read lots and lots of books.

Maya also enjoyed time with Grandma.  I think they look alike... don't you?

Thank goodness Mom was around, because while I was away and she was at home with the kids, Jake and Blitz went out running and Blitz was killed by a distracted driver (please see our post on this).  Mom helped Jake in all the small ways and big ways that I couldn't, being so far away.  They worked on projects to stay busy, and she supported him with the love of a mother.  Thank you Mom!

Maya the Lounger

Maya has developed a lounging style.  She army crawls to whatever interests her and then props  herself up on one arm to play with whatever seems to interest her.  I don't remember Xander ever doing this, it seems to be a style all her own.

Speaking of crawling, Maya has developed a wicked fast army crawl.  She is still not really getting up on her knees yet, but she sure can get around the room quickly on her belly.  Look out world!

Xander the Shredder in Crested Butte

Our weekend in Crested Butte:  Full of beauty, fun, and.... my take-home test.

Xander taking advantage of the sun and the Crested Butte dirt bike park to practice his ascents and descents. Way to go Xander!

 And just in case you were wondering "What are they thinking??!!" here is ia glimpse of a local just-turned-5 year old clearing at least 12 inches of air. Shredder! 

While I studied and took a take-home test, Jake took the kids to see some fantastic fall glory.

Hiking Green Mountain

Took Xander for a hike up Green Mountain today.  I couldn't believe how well he did.  He walked all by himself almost all the way to the top and had so much fun.  When I say walked I should really say ran, because if he was moving, he was running!  He tuckered out near the top and we didn't quite make it all the way, deciding discretion was the better part of valor, we turned back.  What a wonderful day!

What happens when Xander doesn't want to take a nap and is enjoying "quiet time"

The Usual Suspects

Xander has a desire for order and symmetry. 

It's pretty amazing how much enjoyment he gets out of putting things in order. 

The Wild Things are at home reading

While Mom is trying her darnest to become a fashion expert (at least as far as the maternity world is concerned)  Dad needs a little remedial education...  He actually picked out this outfut for Maya to go out in public.  "It fits!" says Jake.  I'll give him that one- Maya is growing fast and is outgrowing a lot of her clothes- time to switch to the next larger size I think!

A Daddys' day-trip to the Butterfly Pavilion

Our good friend Doug is a stay-at-home dad most of the time although he also teaches soccer (can't wait for Xander to be old enough next year!)  We met Doug here in Colorado, but he went to Virginia Tech with us.  He has two wonderful kids, a boy and a girl, just a little older than each of our kids.  So, since Jake is taking every other Friday off (as am I) to be with the kiddos, it was a perfect opportunity for the dads to take all the kids to the Butterfly Pavilion.  I'm hoping that this can be a regular thing.

Maya at 6 months old

Maya at 6 months is a joyful and easy-going baby.  She sits up pretty well, although not perfectly, is interested in everything around her, and has a ton of energy.  She has so much energy that she often skips her morning nap, and even her afternoon naps can be shorter than her brother's!

She is still struggling with acid reflux and is on Baby Xantac three times a day.  Thank goodness she likes the strong mint flavor.  I'm really thankful for the medicine, as it allows her to drink her milk with so much less discomfort, and has allowed us to nurse through the first 6 months.  Alas, all good things do come to an end, and after my being away for two full weeks for school, even though I pumped to try to keep my supply, it was not enough, and it was clear that both Maya and I would prefer to transition to bottle feeding and formula.  The bottles allow her to drink more quickly, and that is less painful for her.

You'd never know that the girl was "colicky" with all the bright smiles she share with us.  Her smile is something to behold- it takes over her whole face and you just cannot help but to smile back.  I think that smile has magic powers or something.  Maya is the most social baby I've ever met and loves everyone- she loves touching faces and mouths and you can tell she is studying us when we talk to her, trying to figure it out.  She is also very curious about eating, and we have started her first solid foods.  Unlike her brother at the same age, she is still a little uncertain, and still loves her milk best.

Maya's Stats as of 9/13/11:
Length: 26.25",  50-75th %ile
Weight: 15.5 lbs, 25-50th %ile
Head: 16.25", 10-25th %ile