Social endeavors

I've been rather lonely lately. Maybe lonely isn't the right word, but I've missed adult conversation. I love staying home with my little one, however our conversations generally consist of saying "AAH!" back and forth at increasing volumes. Plus, he's been stuck like Velcro to me. I thought it would be good for him to socialize with other people - maybe if he's more used to others he won't be a cling on as much. So the other day I started looking for daytime activities that my little guy and I can go do together. We came across and number of groups and have already tried out a couple things.

We went to the library the other day and Ryker had a good time pulling books off the shelves and crawling as fast as possible away from me. The following day we attended story time along with over 30 other kids! It's interesting to watch how he reacts to other kids. He sat quietly on my lap most of the time with the occasional bout of clapping and bouncing during songs. We will definitely check it out again.

Yesterday we busted out the stroller and went jogging with a group of moms. I'm making an effort to meet new people, something that doesn't come naturally to me. I was so nervous and wanted to turn around and head home. But I sucked it up. And managed to get a workout in too. I started the couch to 5k program and hope to stick with it. Maybe I'll even learn to enjoy running!

I have finished a couple of projects and took pictures. I just need to post them....they're coming soon!

Yarn deprivation

I've started yet another yarn project. But I'm happy to report that I'm making significant progress on it. At this rate, I might finish it in 2016! Ha. Kidding. Anyway, whenever I work on a project with yarn, whether it be knit or crochet or whatever, I get a hankering to look for more projects and inevitably, more yarn. Fortunately for my husband, there isn't a Joann or Michaels store on this island, otherwise I would have quadrupled my stash already.

There is yarn here, but quantities are small and it's expensive. I'm contemplating on starting a huge blanket for our bed. Something bright and colorful, and of course machine washable. At this point, I don't buy anything that can't be machine washed and dried. Partially due to the amount of drool, barf and other fun stuff that appears on my clothing and partially because I don't have time or $$ to go to the cleaners. I think we dropped off a pair of pants at the cleaners about 2 months ago and have yet to pick it up. Yeaaaaaaa.

I was perusing ravelry, a magnificent site of a zillion knit and crochet patterns and projects, and found it interesting to see what color combinations people chose. I wonder what draws people to certain colors. For me? I adore bright cheerful combos. And if aqua blue is in the mix, then that's even better. I've always liked a rainbow of color. As a kid, I can remember using all the colors in my marker/crayon/paper pack. Always.

Back to my yarn now!

Projects, colds, and mom stuff

Haha okay so maybe a post once a week as a goal was stretching it. We have had a lot going on though. My guy went on a trip so I was in charge of everything at home. And right before he left, our little boy caught his first cold....then shared it with us. Ryker handled his cold like a champ. I'm pretty sure he barely noticed it. Although he probably wondered why I was constantly attacking his face with tissue. It got to the point that I would put a tissue from the box and he would start to fuss and wave his little hands in front of his face. Poor guy. After he recovered, I came down with the evil cold virus and it knocked me on my butt. Let me tell you, not being able to take cold meds to relieve some symptoms is miserable! (I couldn't take anything because I'm still breastfeeding. I know, TMI.) I finally am feeling human again, but my hands are cracked from washing them so often and I'm pretty sure I killed a small forest due to my tissue consumption.

I finally feel like I'm starting to get the hang of this motherhood thing. Although, whenever I feel like we've settled into a nice routine, something throws me for a loop. My little man and I have fun during the day and I'm able to cook (sometimes) and clean (occasionally). He's crawling like crazy and is attracted to everything he shouldn't touch. I wonder why we buy him toys since he prefers empty boxes. Today I super baby proofed the living room and blocked off a big section so he could roam freely. It was great! I sat on the couch and started crocheting a blanket and he crawled all over and played with the dogs. Total win! It was much easier to keep an eye on him and not have to get up every three seconds because he was trying to turn on the playstation again.

I realized today that I start a bunch of projects and don't finish them. I get caught up in something else or am busy with life in general. And I don't like it. So I'm going to make a stronger effort to finish things. And when I do, I'll post about them. That way I'll have a record of what I've done over the past year. Plus, I hope you will be inspired too. I already have a couple things I'm close to finishing and look forward to sharing them soon!

Bye 2012!

Happy New Year friends! 2012 flew by, didn't it? We had a couple of huge events this year. We welcomed our beloved little boy into our lives. I've learned so much about myself because of him. I'm so thankful every day for a happy (usually) healthy little boy. Ryker is exploring and taking in his surroundings at an exponential rate, and his personality is really starting to reveal itself.

We moved into a new home about a month ago and are still unpacking. Most of the house is set up, but I need to spend some time in organizing my studio. This house feels more like a home. And as much of a pain (and expense) as it was to move, the hassle was well worth it.

Do you all have goals for this year? I have a few that I would like to share:

- work out consistently: I feel better when I do. I want to be strong & healthy, not just for myself, but for my little boy
- read more: I did read a bit more in 2012 than in years past, but I would like to continue to add to my reading list
- make more stuff: as in, art, books, knit, crochet, prints, drawings, anything! I miss making things and I find I'm happier when I do. Plus, Japan has a number of cool craft books and kits that I want to try out while I have the opportunity
- blog once a week: I feel like once a week is a reasonable goal, considering everything else I have going on. Taking care of a baby is a full time job. For those moms out there that manage to work, cook, clean, and excel in other areas in addition to raising your babies, I give you major props. I don't know how you do it all.
- work on school consistently: I'm still working towards a certificate in graphic design, although it is taking longer than I ever imagined.

I know my goals may seem selfish...but I've realized that I need to focus on myself to be a better partner to my husband and better mom to my little one.

I hope your year is one of joy and happiness!

kindness of strangers

i went for a walk a few days ago with little ryker in the ergo.  the weather cooled off a bit (still in the 80's though) as the sun began to set.  as we walked along, i described our surroundings to my little boy and pointed out fun things on our route to the grocery store.  in the store, we had many oohs and aahs and exclamations of "kawaii!!" (cute!!) as people saw ryker's blue eyes and drooly grin.  after we paid for our goodies, we headed out...to find the weather took a turn for the worst.  it was raining.  oh well.  i plopped a burp cloth on ryker's head and away we went.  we passed a couple of small shops and apartments.  suddenly, i hear a woman calling "sumimasen! sumimasen!" (excuse me!) behind me.  i stopped and turned to see a small japanese woman running towards me with an open umbrella.  i gladly accepted her kind offer, bowed and said thank you.

i could not believe how kind and considerate a complete stranger was to me.  i was floored.  that one small act made my day.

adventures in motherhood

the last couple of months have been incredible - incredibly amazing, incredibly trying, incredibly challenging & rewarding.

you know that saying "sleep like a baby"? i imagined a swaddled baby snoozing away peacefully in his crib. my reality: my sweet little munchkin hates to sleep. and when he does sleep, he snorts, coos, kicks and flails his tiny limbs around. but i have to admit it's pretty cute.

the days of 8 hours of sleep are long over. i've had about 3 hours of sleep at the most and no caffeine. i'm functioning at a level i never knew existed - and in college i thought i was tired...HA!

there are some days that i am overwhelmed by taking care of this tiny little person. the only other thing i've been able to accomplish during the day is brushing my teeth. but there are moments during those difficult days that make it all worth it - like when ryker looks at me and smiles when he wakes up from a nap. i look forward to those moments every day.

welcome to the world!

hubby and i are happy to announce the birth of our baby BOY, Ryker! he was born on april 7th at 12:41pm, 8 pounds, 4 ounces and 21 inches long.

he's handsome and sweet and i just can't stop kissing and holding him. i'm so thankful he is healthy and happy.