Month-By-Month: Eight

This month began like any other. The transition occurred during out family’s  weekend getaway to Tucson to visit family and have an excuse to stay at a luxury resort. Normal, right? Not really, but you and your sister enjoyed exploring the hotel, swimming at the pool, and having plenty of opportunities to be held by family.

On a famous, "Great-Uncle D ride" while gnawing on a blankie that was your sister's.

The next week we discovered that your breakout of hives is related to food allergies. We now know the wicked foods are: peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and banana. Staples of a child’s diet growing up… some of the only foods your sister will eat! All of the foods I ate while pregnant with you. Especially PB and banana. Especially eggs, because breakfast is my favorite. Needless to say, I have struggled these past few weeks as I debate about what to feed you, worried that any new food might trigger a reaction.

An Apple A Day...

We are fortunate it was caught early and the reaction was not so severe it warranted a trip to the emergency room. We are also lucky that we have an EpiPen now, despite the recent controversy. The doctor was kind and gave us a coupon that helped make it more affordable. I pray we need not have an experience where we use it, but I am thankful to have it nonetheless.

Student_Parent_School photos for Lil'Paws Daycare at PetSmart. Student: Parent:

Despite the allergy wake-up call, we have been exploring and you have been moving all over the place! Crawling has led to climbing, which has created the path to cruising and standing for a few seconds at a time as you surprise yourself with your newfound freedom. Nothing is safe from CJ! Especially your sister’s Barbies and hair! Especially the dollhouse she has meticulously pieced together in her own logical sense.

Student_Parent_School photos for Lil'Paws Daycare at PetSmart. Student: Parent:

I try to correct, but being the inappropriate mom I am, I laugh. How can I not chuckle when she shouts, “don’t touch me! He’s looking at my doll! Don’t crawl by me! That’s mine!” She still has quite a bit to learn about sharing. You will help teach her. She will help teach you. Seeing the two of you interact makes me count my blessings and makes me pray for a close sibling relationship. The two of you will share secrets and protect each other. You two make me so happy and bring my joy despite the trials parents face as we struggle to make the best decisions to help guide you to a successful future.

Here is to my early walker and nature-lover who did great on his first camping trip. Who will no doubt be exploring with his sister on the next trip.  

Thanks for taking this one Aunt Rachel! Our Labor Day camping trip to Christopher Creek, in north-eastern Arizona. Camping with children and infants. Thank you for taking this one, Aunt Rachel! Our Labor Day camping trip to Christopher Creek, in north-eastern Arizona. Camping with children and infants.