SOLIDS!!

Soon after Ryan's 4 month check-up, with the full support of our Pediatrician, Ryan started on solid (if that is what you call the mush he's eating!). He took right to it, and he's LOVING it! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Very first food: Rice Cereal...YUM!

Peas! He wasn't so sure at first...but he came around!

Carrots: He LOVED them. He also tried to do it all by himself, which made a mess...but a cute mess! (And why won't blogger let me center this picture???)

Such a big boy with his sippy cup!

He also had avocado. But I forgot to take pictures of that.

What everyone says is true. He really is growing up so fast!

Sometimes...Life just works out...

I'm generally not one of those people who believes "everything happens for a reason." (DISCLAIMER: I pass no judgement on those that do, and can say I am somewhat jealous of those who do, as there must be tremendous comfort in believing that.) However, recent life events have me feeling that at least sometimes things happen for a reason.

Very soon after I posted my previous post--the post in which I reflected on my changing identity as a mostly stay at home mom--an amazing opportunity came my way. I was contacted by an organization in Baltimore that is developing the first ever pediatric inpatient hospice on the East Coast. They were looking for a Social Worker with extensive experience in this area (check!) and who was willing to work part-time (check!). I went and interviewed, and was offered a Consulting position on the spot.

I am THRILLED! This is an area about which I am tremendously passionate. It is something that will really put to use the year I spent completing a challenging fellowship in Pediatric Palliative Care. It is something that will allow me to improve the lives and deaths of many children and their families. It is something that will enable me to spend most of my time at home with Ryan (much of the work can be done from home) while still being intellectually challenged. It's a role that I feel was meant for me and I am honored to take it on!

Life really is working out pretty nicely for this Cam Fam. I am very grateful!

Remind Me, What Do You Do??

As I mentioned in my previous post, Ryan had his 4 month pediatrician appointment earlier this week. At one point during the appointment Dr. P, who now knows Matt and I from numerous visits turned to us and said, "Remind me, What do you do?" I paused, I stopped, I fumbled for words. I didn't know how to answer. It was the first time I had been asked this question since I resigned from my job.

Hmmmmm, let's see. Well, I was a medical Social Worker. Now, I'm a stay at home Mom. In a few months I'll be a "Nanny" to my nieces. I definitely plan on going back to being a Medical Social Worker. No, wait. I am a Social Worker. I will always be a Social Worker. I have years of training, experience, and expertise under my belt. I went into this field because I love the work. I love working with families, I love children, I love being able to support people during difficult times. The knowledge base that I have comes into play in my personal life on an almost daily basis. Being a Social Worker is part of my being. Not being employed in that role does not mean I am no longer a Social Worker.

It took me a bit of thinking and processing to get to the conclusion that I just came up with above. And while I initially felt a little sad when I didn't know how to answer Dr. P's question, as I felt like a part of my identity had been lost, I am glad he asked it. I now know exactly how I will answer: "I'm a Social Worker. But right now, I am focusing on being a Mom."

4 Month Check-Up

Ryan had his 4 month check up yesterday. Ryan now weighs 15 lbs 8 oz (70 %) and measures 26 1/4 inches long (90%). His length has him growing out of clothes at an alarming rate. We fortunately have VERY generous friends and relatives who gave him a TON of clothes as gifts, so I haven't yet had to buy him very many clothes. But that's going to change soon. I will soon have to take the advice of some of my fellow bloggers and enter the world of consignment shops, yard sales, and end of season sales....not my forte, but I'll learn. I tend to prefer conveinence (I am a big fan of Target!) but it seems that some of the best deals can be found elsewhere. Any advice on where to look?

Ryan currently has his first cold :(  I have one too. Taking care of a little one when you yourself do not feel well is not fun. Fortunately Ryan's cold doesn't seem to be as bad as mine. Either that, or he has an amazing capacity to remain a happy, smiley guy even when feeling crummy. It kind of breaks my heart that I have no idea how bad he feels. I mean, my throat hurts, and his might too, but I don't know. I can tell he is congested, but other than that, I have no idea what is going on. I am glad his check-up fell while he had the cold so I at least know that he doesn't have an ear infection. Let's hope that continues! And let's up this cold goes away soon!

That's all for tonight!

Goodnight!

4 Months

Dearest Ryan,

You turned 4 months old today. And what a big boy you are becoming! I know I say this every month, but it's hard to believe how much you've changed in just a few short weeks! This was a big month for you, and for Mommy in so many ways.

Towards the beginning of this month (on the 16th) Nana and Pop-Pop babysat you at their house for the first time so that Mommy and Daddy could go out with Auntie Cindy, Uncle John, Auntie Catharine, and Uncle Mark. Daddy and I had a wonderful time. You....well, you did NOT. You cried a lot for Nana. Pretty much the only time you didn't cry was when you were eating, and when you finally went to sleep. Nana said she could tell you missed me so much. While I am flattered, I felt like you were a little young to have stranger anxiety. You're still not thrilled when Mommy is out of sight, but you're getting better and better about being in other people's arms and hanging out with them. Daddy and I have tried SO HARD since you were born to be relaxed and calm about letting other people hold you, snuggle you, and hang out with you. We really want you to be comfortable with all the people in your life who love you and offer to babysit :).

On the 23rd of April you had a special photo shoot with Mommy and Nana for Mother's Day. You did great! We got some fabulous pictures of you in the same adorable outfit you wore for Easter. You're becoming quite the ham for the camera!

This month you also really giggled for the first time. You've laughed before, but this time it was a true giggle, coming straight from your belly. It was one of the best sounds I have ever heard! Daddy and I caught it on camera. We're not sure what you thought was so funny. Mommy was singing the same "Sweetly sings the donkey" song that I always sing, but Daddy started bobbing up and down. You found this HYSTERICAL! I love to hear you laugh. It makes my heart leap with joy!

On April 25th you were Baptised. It was a busy weekend, with LOTS of out of town visitors, and you were a little out of sorts for much of the weekend. But on the day of your Baptism you were wonderful! You let anyone hold you, and you were just such a happy boy. You looked soooo handsome! Auntie Catharine and Uncle Mark became your God Parents and we have no doubt that they will have a very special role for you throughout your entire life.

On the 30th of April we began "Operation No More than 1 Feeding A Night" and you have been doing great! You go to bed at 8:30, wake up around 6:30 (sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later) and you usually only wake up once a night sometime around 2:00. We'll take it!

This month also marked the first time you rode in the jogging stroller. You LOVED it! When you're in the jogging stroller you face forward and can see so much more than you can in the Snap and Go stroller. It's a whole new world out there now and you love looking at it!

You also now blow raspberries all the time. You usually do it to mimic someone who is doing it to you. But you also do it for no reason sometimes. It is very cute :)

You'll note that I didn't write anything in here about naps. Those still continue to be a challenge. We're working on it. Hopefully next month I will be able to report that you consistently sleep IN YOUR CRIB on a solid schedule. I know its a loft goal, but I think you can do it!

As for changes for Mommy, I already alluded to those in a letter I wrote to you a week ago or so. Mommy is officially now a stay at home Mom. It is a privilege to get to be with you every day! It is the best, hardest, and most important job I will ever have!

Other than that, you continue to bring such joy to our lives. I love watching you change and grow every day. You are developing such a personality. You are joyful, determined, and strong-willed. I love every little part of you!

Happy 4th Month-day!

Love,

~Mommy