The Many Faces of June

Longer out than in.....

Dear June Apple,

It is unfathomable to me that you have now officially been outside of my body longer than you were inside! These past 9 months went by so fast in a whirlwind of laughter and squeals (with a few tears thrown in). You continue to be so, so delicious. These days you are so close to crawling and you scoot all over the house and climb over Papa and me so you can get to Rosco, who still views you with a general wariness reserved for older brothers. Now that I am away long days for half the week, you move in closer and reach out for me, not wanting others to hold you. Once in my arms you strain to turn around a face the world, so eager to go go go! Wanting to hold on tight, but rarin' to run.
You seem to enjoy good food like me and I aim to make a foodie out of you yet. You savor each morsel, like its a truffle, even when its just a cherrio. You and Papa spend your days growling and prowling the neighborhood, as he pulls your stroller behind him with a rope so he can simultaneously wrangle the dog. You love bath time, especially when I flick water in your face (who, but you, likes this?!). You like to bend down and put your whole face in the water and blow bubbles until you sit up sputtering and laughing. People are always remarking on what a happy baby you are. And while you do have your moments of anger and frustration, you are, by and large, very happy. And what more could I ask for?
Your current stats at your 9 month doc visit were as follows:
Weight: 15 pounds, 14 ounces
Height: 28 inches
Head Circumference: 43 1/4 cm
Your weight holds steady in the tenth percentile while you shoot to the 75th percentile in height. SO basically, you're a super model. I can't believe you have grown 10 inches taller since you were born. Even when I was growing like a weed in early adolescence, I never grew 10 inches in 9 months. That's crazy talk! I hope it didn't hurt too much, and if it hurt and you cried, that Mama and Papa made it better.

I love you. I adore you. You remain to be, awesome.

Mama

8 Months

Is it truly true?! I cannot believe Ms. June is 8 months! Wasn't she just 7 months yesterday?! This month she continues the fine art of cracking us up with her army crawls around the house and her funny faces and her toothy grin and her beautiful babble. Everyone and everything is "Dadada," even Dadada, himself. She thinks pureed baby food is for the birds (not to mention babies). But she is a big girl who likes green beans and carrots the way big girls eat them. Not to mention that she flips her shit when I shake the canister of rice puffs her direction (which, by the way, taste like mildly flavored, textured air) Lots of jumping and squealing insues. She sleeps with her butt in the air. With her arm wrapped around Sammy the Lamby. Oh, and she is obsessed with electrical cords. She can spot a cord from across the room and scoot there in 20 seconds flat. In a house full of cords, this is an issue. Right now, our temporary solution involves putting blankets and pillows over them, because, you know, thats really safe. Okay, we need a new child proofing plan, stat. Oh! And big news, June is sitting up, like a champ, just in time for the interventionist to come tomorrow morning. She'll probably tell me June Apple is a genius.

Animal Whisperer

In one of my classes this past week, we began talking about what influences children's interests. Is it entirely the 'nurture' that leads children down certain paths...say toy trains, or the Republican Party? Or are children born with innate leanings that shapes them? I'm sure its both, as thats how the whole nature/nurture thing usually works. When I was pregnant with June Apple, Amos' number one worry was that she wouldn't be a musician. My number one concern is that she wouldn't be funny. Clearly these are two talents that have served Amos and me well. And, naturally, we would want any child of ours to possess such social lubricating talents as these (who doesn't LOVE a funny musician?) And now, as we watch Juju's personality and individuality emerge, it has become evident that she does love music and she does love to laugh, so its looking good on those fronts.

There is also another love of June Apple's that has emerged that seems to be so innate. Something that clearly brings her so, so much joy. Animals. Whenever an animal comes close to June she shrieks with delight. Amos comes from a long line of animal whisperers. You know the type of folk who can get chipmunks to eat from their hand in 3 minutes flat. So its no wonder, June Apple has seemingly inherited this gift. Amos and I both have grown up with many beloved animals in our lives and we absolutely plan on encouraging this love of June's. Perhaps she'll become a vet, or a primatologist, like Jane Goodall. Or maybe she'll be an animal hoarder. Who knows? In the meantime, we will nurture her nature as much as we can. Luckily, we have two animals that are very tolerant of her screeching and tough love. Other animals, like the guinea pig, Peeve, are not as tolerant.

Sunday Reflection

A moment from the past week, that sums it up, when words don't suffice....

Rainy Day Man

‎4 years ago today, there was a double rainbow over Deer Mountain which ended in the Saxman Tribal House. For just a moment, it was a triple rainbow. Everyone should be so lucky as to have it rain on their wedding day! An amazingly blessed beginning to what has been a beautiful 4 years of marriage to an amazing friend, husband, and Papa. Happy Anniversary, Amos Hopkins...

A Sunday Reflection

A moment from the past week, that sums it up, when words don't suffice....