Interruption

Axel in his kitchen bed while mommy tries to get some kitchen chores done.

This week has not been what I had anticipated as both Ram and Axel have been sick. Usually, I am able to take care of Ram a bit more when he is under the weather, but, this time, he has had to do without as most of my efforts have been aimed at taking care of Axel. This is his first real illness, aside from the fever and rash 3 months ago. Now, we have full blown cough, cold and fever. I am sure his throat hurts, too. Poor little guy. Once again, though, we realize what an easy baby Axel is. I have only had to get up with him one extra time at night. I have heard him moaning and coughing a bit from my temporary bed on the couch, but I don't think he is waking all the way. Much better than I expected!

It hasn't helped that the washing machine stopped working the other day. There goes money I didn't want to spend! Hopefully, it will be an easy fix. They say, When it rains, it pours." I hope this is the end of it for now.

In all, I am trying to enjoy this week for what it is. After all, I have a usually uncuddly baby wanting to be held and comforted a bit extra. So, as I sit and enjoy his warm little body curled up on mine, I thank God for the opportunity to take some time to slow down and give more of myself to the ones who need it most.

The Mobile

Santa (Daddy) spent some time in his workshop making a nice gift for Axel's first Christmas.

Axel just sat there staring and smiling at his new toy.

Christmas in the City

Following a very cold and foggy walk to catch the 7 am train to San Francisco, we were off to spend a couple of days admiring the holiday lights.

Axel and I sat and looked at the lights in Union Square while we waited for Daddy to finish up at work.

Then, we had a late dinner where, thankfully, Axel was entertained by a balloon string the WHOLE meal.

We always enjoy meandering through the hustle of the crowded city just before Christmas. Of course, we really enjoy coming back to our quiet home and sleeping in our own cozy bed, too.

Art Appreciation

This time in San Francisco, Ram and I spent an extra day, so that we could have some time during the day together, since he is usually working. Saturday, we visited the gift shop of the Contemporary Museum. We really only had time to swing by to appreciate the architecture of this new addition to the city's landscape.

We then visited the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA). We had not been there since the new rooftop garden has been open. It was such a beautiful day! We were able to see some great pieces of work, including:

Alexander Calder, Etablissements Biémont, Big Crinkly, 1969

Barnett Newman, Donald Lippincott ZIM ZUM 1, 1969

Robert Arneson No Pain, 1991

The elements used in the structure of the garden were beautiful. I tried to pretend we were in our own back yard enjoying an afternoon of sunshine.

Kiki Smith Virgin Mary, 1993

Axel was so intrugued by this lady who did not move and was all one color. I could tell he was perplexed. Somehow, he knoew it was a human, but different.

Nine Months Old

This months has been so much like all the rest in that we never have a moment to savor the present without seeing how much Axel is growing and changing every day. He is standing at the front door instead of sitting and is rarely still laying down in his crib by the time I get in there when he wakes up. I would imagine that it won't be long at all before he takes his first steps. Though, I don;t think it will be in this next month.

To celebrate this nine month milestone, we had spinach and brussel sprouts. Above is some fun Axel had with the bag over his face. We thought he would hate our gifts (I shuttered as I tasted the pureed greens), but he seemed to enjoy these as well. Seems like our little guy will eat any green thing put in his path. No doubt he will grow up to be big and strong.

Happy 3/4 of a year, my little sweetheart. I love you more and more each day.

The Weather Outside Is...

Freezing!

But, oh so beautiful.
We love staying cozy in our little house when it's frosty outside.

First Snow

This morning, we woke up to Axel's first snow! We had just enough for a snow man on the top of the car. Axel was intrigued, but not amazed.

I think the little guy will be melted by noon.

First Day Back

After a long and wonderful 10 month maternity leave, I returned to work today. I was not looking forward to it (I could be a stay at home mom, for sure), but it went really well. I did not even plan on having any clients, as I was just going to do some Christmas decorating and get myself settled back into the space. I did end up having one client come in for a facial, which I really enjoyed.

My mom is planning to do childcare for me one day a week for a few hours, so I can work about a half of a day. Right now, this is all the work I plan to do. Axel is still nursing full time, and I really don't want to leave him any more than that. I missed my little boy, but I am so comfortable leaving him with his grandma that I didn't worry a bit. It was fun to be making a little bit of money, too.

Thank you, Mom, for taking care of my baby!

'Tis The Season

Yesterday, I had the urge to go to the garage and get the Christmas decorations out. If you have known me for any amount of time, you know that this is rare. We have not had at real tree for 9 years and have decorated this fake one maybe twice. I am positive this new festive feeling is because I am a mommy now. I want my child to have something sparkly to gaze at and to feel the excitement of the season, as we celebrate the winter in all it's beauty and the birth of Jesus later this month.

So, when it began to get dark, Axel and I walked around the house lighting candles and enjoying their glow.

After Axel went to bed, Ram and I got to decorating. It didn't take long, given the scope of the project, but we had fun. This tree does not in any way help to hide the wires of the lights, so we just embraced it and had our fun.

It looks so beautiful to me. I was so excited to show the finished product to Axel the next morning.

Here is his first look.

He seems happy with our efforts.

It's just out of his reach. Hopefully, he won't learn to climb in the next month.