Making friends

When I was pregnant, I managed to hook up with a great group of local mamas. They have kids of all ages, but there happened to be a baby boom around the time of Chase's birth, with 10 (or maybe more) babies born within a month either side of his birth. Because of that, he's going to (hopefully) have a lot of friends to play with when he gets to the point of wanting to play around and then with other kids. In the meantime, I take him to "playgroups" mostly for me to spend time with other mamas. It can be tough trying to entertain a baby all day, and this week was especially hard since James went back to work.

Monday, we went to Urban Grind and hung out with the adorable Zel and her übercool mama, Rebekah. The mamas talked about jobs and writing and family while the babies tried to steal each other's toys and showed off their new sitting abilities.

Tuesday, we had a Mamilates class (pilates for new moms & their babes) at Zenana Spa, where we saw Liam and his mama, Savannah. Liam is SO strong! He can "fly" on his tummy for a really long time. And Chase covets his cool wooden rattle. After class, I put Chase in the Ergo carrier and we walked up to Mother Nature's so I could buy some new bumGenius diapers. Chase has outgrown his small FuzziBunz and we needed to replace them with something that fit. He fell asleep on the way back to the car, so I had time to buy some groceries, have a sandwich at the coffeeshop and even do part of the crossword before he woke up and we went home.

Wednesday, it was HOT. And not just for Portland. It got up to 94(f). Chase and I met up with a large group of mamas at Grant Park and sat in the shade. Some of the kids and even some of the mamas cooled off in the fountain. It was a nice respite. We sat next to Gracie and her mama, Summer. It was while we were measuring Chase against Gracie that the girl made her move. She hung onto Chase and didn't want to let go! He did try to slobber on her as well, but she really had the upper hand. Luckily another mama was there with her cell phone to make sure the moment was forever captured.

I wonder how many more pictures I'll have in years to come of Chase hugging a pretty girl?

...and then Mama kissed me!

Today, I woke up snug and warm between Mama and Daddy. They were still sleeping, so I sucked on my fingers and played with and talked to my toes. I rolled over and patted Daddy on the cheek, just so he'd know I was awake. He smiled. I rolled the other way to do the same as Mama, but she was already smiling at me. I patted her cheek anyway, and she snuggled up to me, patted my back, tickled my cheek with her nose and then Mama kissed me.

Today, she gathered me up and took me into my room. She changed my diaper, said the Snap Rap* and kissed me.

Today, we had milkies in the glider chair. When we had finished, Daddy was there, fresh and clean from the shower. He gathered me up and hugged me. Mama stretched, told Daddy he smelled nice while she hugged us both, and then Mama kissed me.

Today, Daddy played with me before going to work. We cuddled on the floor and he held up Giraffe for me to chew on. He changed my diaper, and tickled my tummy, and then Daddy kissed me. Soon he had to leave, and I was alone with Mama and the doggy.

Today, Mama and I went to exercise class. I got to play with Liam while his mama and mine stretched all their muscles and waggled their toes above us. Sometimes Mama held me while she moved around, and for a while she was above me on her hands. She dipped down over and over again, and each time she did, Mama kissed me.

Today, we went shopping at the grocery store. I like shopping; Mama carries me in a pouch and I can see all the neat packages and different colors and even all the people who are also shopping.

Today, the clerk smiled at me and at Mama and told Mama how cute I am. I smiled and ducked my head when the clerk smiled back and then Mama kissed me.

Today, Mama and I took a nap together. And then we played on the floor. Mama put me on my tummy and I showed her what I've been working on. First, I worked my way around to my left until I was facing a bit away from Mama. Then, I pushed and pushed with my arms until I moved backwards all the way off the mat. This scared me a little; I'd never gone that far before. I cried, but only until Mama picked me up and cuddled me. I pulled her hair and put my nose in her neck, and then Mama kissed me.

Today, Daddy brought a drum home from work. He sat on the floor with me and showed me how to bang my hand on the top. I could do this already on the table, but it makes a better noise when I do it on the drum. Then he let me lie on my back, stretch my shoulders off the mat and make loud noises with my mouth. I think this is my favorite thing, aside from sucking my fingers.

Today, Mama gave me my own spoon while she and Daddy ate dinner. I played with it, banged in on the table, and even got it in my mouth a couple of times. I think I got it wrong at first, though, because Mama took it from me and then gave it back the other way 'round. She laughed when I got my cheek instead of my mouth. Daddy laughed, too, and then Mama kissed me.

Today, Mama rubbed me with oil and gave me a clean diaper and changed me into my pajamas. She read me a book, then I cuddled in Mama's arms while I had milkies and she rocked me, back and forth, and I fell into a deep sleep. She carried me gently into the other room and put me to bed. I rolled to my side, and she covered me with a cozy blanket.

And then Mama kissed me.


*The Snap Rap is a little patter Daddy made up to calm me down at the end of diaper changes, while he does up my Onsie. It goes like this: "Are you ready for snaps? (high voice)Snap One! (low voice)Snap! Snap Two! Snap! Snap Three! Snap! (high voice) Snaps all done!"