Up, Up and Away

Today, Jeremy climbed the entire flight of stairs. Under his own power. Eek.

Did I mention that he did this in about one minute?

I think I just decided that his first birthday party will be at Joshua Tree, complete with carabiners and belay lines.

So Tired

Naptime Mantra

Force eyes wide open.
Bounce up and down and fight it.
I might miss something.

Out for a Morning Run

A Mother in Training

He dozes. I run,
Nudging the stroller ahead.
His toes point the way.

Face Time

It's a precious thing, to dance cheek to cheek with Jeremy. Mommy Barb's time at home on family leave is dwindling, as she prepares to go back full time in September. She spends her last days at home getting as much skin contact with her boy as possible.

Jeremy's Cheek
Silky smooth, warm, brown
Pulls back and high with his smile
Presses into yours

The Swedish Connection

Jeremy seems somewhat stunned by the welcome if voluminous gift from his Aunt Wendy and Uncle Richard, who are traveling internationally this summer. This hand-painted t-shirt arrived in the mail without any note, but we learned from the Internet that Arjeplog is a region in the far north of Sweden that nonetheless has a growing economy -- auto-makers have discovered that the climate is conducive for cold-weather-testing their vehicles. Apparently the reindeer are also thriving.

Jeremy is receiving more things from Sweden than just t-shirts. By coincidence, in a couple of weeks a wonderful young woman arrives from Sweden to live with us and be Jeremy's au pair for a year. Bella was born in India and raised in Sweden, and will turn 25 shortly after she arrives. We are all thrilled. Especially Jeremy. Who wouldn't be, at the prospect of having three women waiting on your every need?