Life with cats...

For the most part, our cats seem disinterested in Milo. They are neither pleased nor annoyed by his presence. But as Milo gets a little stronger, a little bigger, and a little more assertive, I wonder how much they will put up with. Fortunately, I think we have the best cats for little kids; in terms of their fight or flight nature, they definitely go for flight. And even when they are cornered, or in this case try to take the "don't move and maybe he'll go away" technique, they are declawed and might nibble, but don't bite. The funny thing about this one is that Charlie just doesn't move; he's got plenty of opportunity to flee, I even encouraged him to do so, but he kept coming back. Glutton for punishment. The other thing that you probably can't see in this video is that Charlie is molting profusely. This is beyond mere shedding: when he finally did get off my lap, there was about as much fur there as was still on his being. I would feel bad for them, but like I said, they kind of encourage it!

Frustrations...

Milo seems to be on the cusp of walking. Or at least standing unassisted. He pulled himself up in the bathtub last night, little scary; seriously, kid, couldn't think of a safer place to do this for the first time? And today, I'm in our kitchen that overlooks our living room, he's chasing Sally around, and then all of a sudden he's pulled himself up on our wingback chair, which is fantastic and exciting, but also inches from our coffee table with metal protruding legs. Oiy.

He's loving this, but also super cranky as he does new things and finds all kinds of new limitations. It's like learning to drive, but then you realize you have to pay for gas and give people rides; great new freedom and more things to limit you all at the same time. Plus, he's getting a little better with communication, some words, a few signs, but again, same deal here. He can get a few things across, but not everything, and I think he's annoyed with us that we're not reading his mind.

And this brings new frustrations for me too. I want to help him, support him, but I want him to figure stuff out. I want him to stand and walk, though I perfectly happy with him just scooting, much easier to keep track of him, but I don't want to deal with the tears, bruises, and scrapes that come with the falling. Where is that balance of being a supportive mom, without being overbearing and overprotective? I'm sure all you experienced parents out there read this and laugh: oh silly mommy! But don't forget, I'm new at this, and now I'm in a new place too with not many people to talk to, let alone people in similar places in life. Milo and I are making new friends, it just takes some time. So in the meantime, you all will be my sounding board for the time being...

Lazy Sunday... sort of...

Life as a mom, wife, and housekeeper has started to lose a little of its shiny newness. It's one our first weekends home together, just the 3 of us, and Mike and I are at each other's throats, and I'm not exactly sure why. I think we're transitioning into our new roles, and like any transition, it's not always so smooth. He slept in yesterday, so I slept in today, which bugs me because I really want to go check out a couple of churches, but somehow I couldn't haul myself out from under my sleep cave. That makes me feel guilty, so I pick a fight with Mike while I clean up after him. We need neutral ground, so we decide on brunch and the park. Nice breakfast, beautiful hot afternoon of swinging and a walk in the not-quite-cool shade of the woods. Until I pick another fight. Granted, I think I have valid points, and I think we should be talking more, but somehow I'm nagging and he's defensive. Typical of marriage in general, neither of us is really right or wrong, but we're not seeing eye-to-eye. I'm sure it will pass, but in the meantime, we've retreated to our respective corners. Don't really want any advice, not in the mood for it. In fact, hoping Mike doesn't see this post as another picking of a fight. Sometimes I just need to put my real face on.