Happy Holidays

I have three or four posts that I’ve started but some how haven’t had the chance to complete so I’m writing a very, very quick post. Please forgive my lack of editing on this one. [Here's a little apres bath photo.]

The holiday season is a busy and this year is no exception. It is a fun kind of busy, though. Attending holiday festivities, baking scrumptious delicacies, searching for that special gift for a certain someone, and spending time with friends and family are a sample of the activities that I love this time of year. Of course, having a little one makes everything even more special and meaningful.

Kairat continues to amaze us every day with how much he understands and how many new skills that are developing. His favorite game is putting objects in containers and taking them out, dropping things, pushing his ball or stacking cups out in front of him and chasing them, walking around the house while holding on to our hands (he can stand alone for a quick second or two),  and trying to feed himself with a spoon.

The other day he climbed off the couch to a standing position and was found sitting up in his crib when I went to get him yesterday morning, proving that he is becoming much more mobile and stable in his movements and positions. “No” and “nyet”  are words that he definitely understands (and even listens to) along with many other comments and commands. Of course I could go on and on as these little achievements are what impress us parents who carefully watch their children grow from day to day. [Here Kairat is trying SO hard to reach the dog who is just out of his reach. Good dog!]

Christmas is close at hand and I’m sure Kairat will be more fascinated with wrapping paper and ribbons than any gifts. Whichever it may be, it will be a joy to experience this day of thanks with our little one who is already enriching our lives more than we can imagine

WISHING ALL THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS!

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy

O.K., I’ve been lazy about writing on the blog and, perhaps, experiencing a little Blog burnout. I could use being a new mom as an excuse but that wouldn’t be honest. Sure, things are busier and my downtime is limited but I’ve been spending my free time playing on Facebook and doing…well…nothing.

One thing that has been keeping us a little busy is wonderful visits from friends from all over Maine and even California. (O.K., the California friends were in Boston but they did drive all the way to Freeport to meet Kairat.) This picture is of a recent Saturday spent with Tougy (so beautiful) and her parents before they headed to the Polar Express in Portland. We love seeing friends!!! It has been great to reconnect with so many people!

However, it is time to be more motivated and productive when I’m not with my kiddo. New knitting projects, Blog posts, Christmas cookies and decorations, and exercise!

Speaking of exercise, Kairat and I had our first visit to the local YMCA this week where they will watch your child in a daycare room for up to two hours while you work out in the gym. I’ve been anxious to get back to a regular exercise routine but even more anxious to have Kairat exposed to more children. (Every time he sees a picture of a small child he kisses them with his big, open mouthed baby kiss.) He did have one afternoon of playing with his cousin, Connor, but he is definitely craving more child attention. We have friends with young kids but it is a hectic time of year to plan play times.

We did a little pre-visit to the gym last week to get a feel for the day care facilities but, of course, it wasn’t remembered by K. I tried to quickly drop him off on Wednesday and leave while he was distracted so that he wouldn’t be upset.

The staff know where the parents are in the facility so they can retrieve you if needed. Wanting to get Kairat home before 10 a.m. for his morning nap, I worked out for about 45 minutes and headed back to the daycare. I found him in a rocking chair with one of the caretakers, looking very sleepy. Along with his enjoyment of music and the murals on the ceiling tiles, it was also reported that he cried for about 10 minutes when I left, which was not bad for a first timer according to the staff.

I’m looking forward to making the YMCA a regular part of our routine. I know we’ll both benefit from these visits!