We interrupt this regularly scheduled weekend without blogging to bring you this Breaking News. AJ took his very first unassisted steps. Two or three steps, from his excersaucer to the couch. Steve and I were both present, and let out sounds of shock, like someone had just told us some big secret. “Were those his first steps?” Steve asked. “I think they were.” The crazy part was how natural he looked. Like he’s been walking his whole life. Normally he staggers around, holding onto something, but looking like he’s drunk. These were the steps of a confident, stable, sober kid. Very impressive.
Its kinda crazy how full of pride I was at that moment. Prior to this, I didnt think first steps were all that big of a deal. But man, I was near tears with pride for my baby, which quickly turned to “he’s growing up so fast!”
Yay AJ!

I know you’re not going to believe me, but AJ and I went to the park last night. I only lasted about 10 minutes (due to an obscene amount of mosquitoes). But it was still fun. I’d noticed that he enjoys swinging in his Johnny Jump Up thing, so I thought he might enjoy park swings. And he did. He also enjoyed watching the little kids running around, and the squirrels rustling in the grass. But when all was quiet and he was swinging, he smiled and laughed. So, there may be more park visits in our future. Joy.

Prior to finding this, I was decided that there was no reason to buy AJ a Halloween costume. He wont remember it, we probably wont do anything Halloweeny, and he doesnt eat candy (but I do… hmmm…). But now that I have the opportunity to dress him up like a monkey? I dont think I can pass that up!

I had every intention of mailing out traditional baby announcements. Months before AJ got home, I found a great idea online, and enlisted my graphic designing friend Christin to help me out. I was excited to do something traditional, and announce AJ’s arrival into our lives.
But, you know how it goes. It took a couple of months, but we did get the announcement designed and looking awesome. I even got them printed. But, somehow, the prints came with all sides cut off, and parts of words missing, and I knew I couldnt mail them out. I even tried to get my money back from Flickr, but they ignored me. By then, it felt like it was too late in the game for a baby announcement and so I threw in the towel.
Still, the announcement is super cute, and Christin deserves all the credit. So, here it is. Pretend like you got it in the mail.

Well, it is officially my first day off maternity leave. I cannot believe 12 weeks have gone by. I’ll admit I’m surprised that I’m okay with going back to work. It will be a lot to juggle, but I dont mind it as much as I thought it would. I thought every moment away from AJ would be torturous, but its not. I think this has a lot to do with how childcare worked out, though. You might remember how the thought of finding a daycare made me sick to my stomach. Thankfully, we found a solution that actually puts me completely at ease. Steve has changed his shift so that he will be home two weekdays (this, unfortunately means he’ll work longer days and Saturdays, so we’ll see each other less. But I think its worth the sacrifice right now). The other three days a week, my very good friend Rachel will be coming to our house to take care of AJ. This is awesome for many reasons. First of all, we know Rachel well. We totally trust her to care for AJ. Plus, he gets to stay home, sleeping in his own crib and all. I really couldnt ask for a better situation. The deal is just through the end of the year, but I hope by then that AJ will benefit more from group care. Hopefully his sleep will be better adjusted and the social aspect will be more appealing. For now, I can go to work everyday, knowing my son is in the best hands (next to mine :)).