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!