*So the story goes …

Jackson had the wonderful idea to visit the local park that is full of enormous trees and tons of grassy areas to run in. So, we packed up Ruby, some poop bags, a bottle of water, the camera, and ourselves. When we got there, Ruby sprinted across the grass, while Jackson, Archer, and I had a look around. We had a chance to walk around for maybe ten minutes, when something awful happened! A snake was 6 inches from Archer’s foot! A normal person, I’m guessing, wouldn’t have reacted in the way that I did. My first reaction was to run! But, wait! The baby! So, I grabbed Archer by the arm, picked him up, and began a swift walk away from this horrid snake. Each step I took I was looking down at my feet to avoid any other sneaky snakes that may have been lurking in the tall grass. 10 steps into the swift pace, I am startled by a toad in the grass! I scream, Jackson starts running, and so do I! While I’m sprinting Archer is in my arms being bounced around and is laughing. Finally, we reach the car where I strap everyone in and start driving. My heart is racing, my hands are shaking, and I am SO glad to be out of there! You might be thinking, ‘Wow. What a loser. It was just a little snake.’ Yeah, well, in my head I see a snake and the instantaneous picture that then comes to mind is a snake raising up with mouth open wide ready to attack! I don’t know the difference between a harmless snake and one that could really do some damage. So, unfortunately, they all get grouped together into the “Stay the Heck Away From Me, Because I May or May Not Bite You And/Or Wrap Myself Around Your Neck and Choke You” kind of snake. Sorry, snakes, I don’t really like you. No offense.

This time last year I was making big plans for Jackson. I wanted to have each day scheduled with things to keep him stimulated and busy. He is such a high energy little boy, I wanted to make sure I offered him all he needed to learn and grow. In January I was too huge and tired from being 9 months pregnant to really focus on organizing our days. Plus, I wanted a little vacation before Archer was born. Well, February brought a newborn, and all the plans for structure went out the window. And now, Archer is 11 months old, and we still have no set plan. And we aren’t going to. There is so much going on with our family, that a structured day doesn’t work. But, we’ve managed just fine. I’m very happy with how the past year has went. Everyone is happy and healthy, so that tells me we’ve been doing something right.

So, for the year we are upon I plan to keep things similar to how they are. I’ll let life and the kids lead me to where we need to go. If Jackson has an interest in music, karate, or swimming, then that means we look for an activity to suit his interest. He’s old enough now to decide what things he’d like to learn more about, which is really exciting for me. I can’t wait to see what he excels at. As for Archer, we’ll continue mastering the walking thing, as well as learning to talk and eat solid foods–the normal one year old stuff.

We had a family meeting the other night about each of our goals. If you’d like to read about it, go here. But, there was one goal left out: my goal to have a garden! I’ll post about this at another time.

I called my Aunt (who is absolutely wonderful) today. She was a nurse, a lactation consultant, had a homebirth, and practiced extended breastfeeding with all 3 of her children. To say the least, I admire her. Anyway, I was telling her the tale of Archer biting, and she said this was a “great problem to have”. Her intention was to say that it’s wonderful that I am breastfeeding and that I have all of this time to spend with my little one for such a problem to arise. I agree! What a lovely point of view! Thank you, Aunt Peggy.

Back to today! After lunch, we drove John to work and then Jackson to school. Arch and I came home for what I thought would be his nap time and my me time, but he had other plans. We hung out, played, then he finally slept for a little while. 2:40 rolled around, so I woke him up and we got ready to get brother. While I was walking around the house Ruby proofing (our dog loves trash, loves scattering dog and cat food, and LOVES to lay on forbidden furniture when we leave), Archer was in his normal spot, my hip, and was chewing on my finger. And behold! A tooth! He got his first tooth today! He’s 9 months old and is just now sprouting teeth. I am so excited! So far he has been pleasant. Maybe he’ll get lucky and the teething process will be pain free. Or, should I say maybe I will get lucky.

Happy 9 Months, Archer!

I’m holding each of these quickly passing months with baby Archer close, because I know how fast babies turn into 4 year olds going to preschool. I also think this will be the last of the children we have, so I’m enjoying every last drop of cuddling, slobbery kisses, first claps, and toothless grins.

And while I am trying to savor these precious times with my boys as they are little, I still have to stop and remind myself to do so. It’s so easy to get caught up in getting the kitchen clean or getting the clothes folded and put away. And, I don’t stop there. I’ve got at least one project going at all times. I’m either sewing something for a customer or knitting a scarf for Jackson. It’s usually hard to get me to just relax and sit on the couch. This is a good thing and a bad thing. I’m efficient at getting things done and taking care of the house, but sometimes I get too wrapped up in it and forget about what is really important. Hanging out with my kids is number one. And the time flies so fast, that I really have no room to let myself get so distracted from my babies. This is not to say I should let the house go or put my own interests aside; I just need to be more mindful (which I have been lately) of how I am spending my time.

My Dad is the one who sparked this thought. We were sitting around the table for dinner at his house, as we try to do every couple of weeks. As we were all sitting there talking, being full, and watching Archer crawl around the kitchen, my Dad pointed out that this is what life is about. This is what we need to spend our time doing: enjoying the people we love.

And so, that is what I’ve kept in the front of my mind, lately. As the weeks go by, and months pass, I am so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. I am most thankful for a happy and healthy family.

AND, we now have a 7 month old that is sitting up, crawling, and standing with support. So far I’ve had a hard time taking my eyes off this beautiful baby, and now I have many more reasons why I shouldn’t avert my eyes from him. I really don’t like the sound of Archer hitting the floor, SILENCE, and then an enormous cry. So, I’m always on my toes ready for the catch. Needless to say, I’m much busier.

Another (exciting for me, maybe not for you) milestone that we have reached is breastfeeding for 7 months. I really wasn’t sure how nursing would go with Archer after having a very short and frustrating time with Jackson. I also was not sure how much I would want to breastfeed. It’s quite the responsibility. It turns out I love breastfeeding and it has made so many things much easier. Archer is tired and fussy, he nurses and calms down. Archer gets hurt, he nurses and calms down. Archer is upset that we are going on yet another car ride, he nurses and calms down. It’s amazing how truly handy breastfeeding is!

And by the way, no, Archer is not like your average baby that will fall asleep in the car. He despises the car at certain times of the day. He dislikes it so much that he will cry and cry and cry AND CRY until the situation is compromised by him not riding in that horrible car seat. So, we take many breaks on long trips, and try to avoid car rides of the late evening.

In summary, life is moving quickly and we are having a fabulous time.