Squeal Little Piggy!

RJ has gone through many changes in the last week! He's now 5 months and 1 week old. He's eaten rice cereal, carrots, peas, and avocado. He can grasp a binkie and attempt to place it in his own mouth. (usually wrong end first--but we're working on it). 

He also has a cute/not so cute habit of squealing/screaming now. He has discovered his voice! His first public embarrassment of his mother occurred at 11:30 this morning, when he screamed announcing our entry into the public library. Needless to say, the little one does not understand shhh, or quiet. 

We attended story time for infants in a not-so-quiet room at the library. RJ participated by reaching out for the puppet that was singing a welcome song to him and by watching the other babies play. I can't believe that very soon he will be mobile like the rest of them--watch out world!

That's all for now, someone is screaming for my attention......

WTB ad

PEMCO insurance has these Northwest Profile commercials which are HILARIOUS. Anyway, they have a WTB guy one that I have to share.

Has to Bike Vs. Wants to Bike

In honor of National Bike To Work Month, and Jen's Granny Post, I have a rant to share.

There are two types of biker's out in the world today, the Has to Bikes (HTB) and the Wants to Bikes (WTB). Separated by socioeconomic status and possibly number of DUI convictions, these are two very different species. Let's start with the more palatable (sometimes) WTB.

This person is frequently seen the the Pacific Northwest. He typically has a membership to REI, as he is COMPLETELY outfitted in head to toe Bike Gear. As unsavory as those bike shorts can be, the WTB is proud to wear them with his bright yellow commuter jacket, brightly colored biking jersey, special padded gloves, and helmet. My husband was one of these goons on Monday, as he is a stay at home dad on Fridays and did not get to particpate in Bike to Work Day on Friday.

The other species, the HTB has an often varied with optional pieces wardrobe. This one is often seen shirtless, with it tucked into a back pocket for safe keeping. This species does not wear a helmet, opting instead for the windblown long haired look or a baseball cap.

I recently discovered a new stereotype to throw into this mix: I believe it's a HTB, but more b/c of car ownership issues than legal status to drive one. I often observe men who seem to be of Hispanic descent (I'm guessing based on appearance, I didn't stop to take a poll) who ride bikes. The stereotype is that NONE of them have adjusted the seat so that they have proper riding form. They all ride with the seat in the lowest position, resulting in a slumped appearance and knees that come up to the chin. My husband thinks it's some sort of fashion statement, I just don't get it. He also feels that it is not appropriate blog material, but I need to get it out there. Hello all 7 people who read this blog, have you seen this person in your neck of the woods?

New Photos

I fought with Flickr and won! Check it out.

Mother's Day Bliss

After experiencing my FIRST Mother's Day, I have to say, yes sir, may I have another? I didn't do any dishes or laundry, and we got to eat out!
We spent a family vacation weekend at the Oregon Coast. It was RJ's first trip in a car across state lines and his first hotel stay. He did alright. I barely slept, but it was still fun. The weather bordered on terrible, but the sun came out and it warmed into the high 50's on Sunday just before we left.
For my first official Mother's Day gift, I received a beautiful jade and pearl necklace which I opened while sipping a latte and eating a cinnamon roll. PERFECT.

Back To Work

I've been back to work now for about a month, which should be enough time to know if it is working out, right? I think it is working out, but since my baby can't talk yet, I really don't have the greatest view of his perspective on the situation.

Luckily, I work for a small company and am able to work part-time for now. I work 2 days a week, and pump milk for the wee man twice a day on those days. RJ goes to daycare for one day (socialization time!) and spends Fridays man-to-man with CJ for some serious male bonding time.

Fridays alone with the baby have made CJ appreciate how much work it takes being a Mommy. He's very excited to see me at the end of the day, which makes me feel great. 

On the downside, I am much less passionate about my work than I was before baby. This can be a good thing too, but I do find myself thinking about things that should be moving along during the week in my absence, but often find them right where I left off the next week. For the most part, I am not a project manager, which works in my favor, (I'm more of a technical specialist) but there is one project specifically that I can't wait to finish. It was supposed to be all wrapped up while I away on baby leave, but that didn't happen.  Once it is done, I will have less anxiety on the M-Wed I get to spend with my little one.

The first few weeks of leaving RJ were difficult for me, but he seems to be happy when I pick him up at the end of the day, and this week I was actually looking FORWARD to having some time away. (I'm working W-Thurs this week)