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July 9, 2003
Please don't pass out from the shock of seeing a new entry already! I know, it's only been *three* days since my Fourth of July entry, but there’s just so much more to talk about!
Don't get spoiled though... I'm sure it will be weeks before I get another entry written!
Besides his first fireworks, another important milestone has occurred in Aden’s life. Last Thursday my mom came up for the day and brought Aden an early birthday present: his first “bike”! He’s been wanting one for ages, ever since Derek got a bike for his birthday and we started going on family bike rides. Some of you may remember my entry earlier this spring about the day we looked at bikes and tricycles at Wal-mart, only to find that Aden couldn’t reach the pedals on any of them. We had to leave without one that day--a heartbreaking experience for Aden, to say the least.
Well, my mom, bless her heart, searched and searched until she found a Kettler tricycle with an adjustable seat and frame, so it can start smaller than most. It cost more than I thought it should, but she really wanted to get it for his birthday, so how could I resist? The look on Aden’s face when he came down from his nap and saw his “bike” was priceless. It is definitely his new favorite toy. He can steer fairly well and he gets the concept of the pedals but he can’t make it go by himself, so we use the push bar on the back to help him out. In the spirit of true toddler independence, though, I often hear, “No Mama, no! Aden pedal myself!”
We went to our county health department’s environmental office and Aden was able to pick out his own bike helmet. The best part was that it only cost $7.50 because of a safety grant they have. I was very impressed to hear that they offered this service. Aden wants to wear his helmet all of the time, which I (of course) find utterly adorable. Need I tell you how amazing it is to see my “baby” riding his own bike?
Speaking of my “baby,” he will be turning two in less than two weeks and I have started formulating some birthday plans. We have quite a few relatives who live nearby, which makes me feel very blessed but also means that every event becomes rather larger (and more costly) than I would really like it to be. Usually I have to sacrifice inviting our friends to keep the numbers low, or if I do invite our friends it becomes awkward to play hostess to so many people who don’t know each other. No matter what I try to do to keep things simple, I always end up incredibly stressed.
But I’ve had an idea! I’m going to invite all of our family to come at lunch time for a low-key barbeque and some cake and homemade ice cream. Eventually Aden will have to take a nap so that will provide a natural ending to the party. Then, I’m going to have a few of our closest friends and their children over in the evening. We can order some pizzas, finish off the cake and ice cream, and the kids can play. I think it will be really fun and much more relaxing. I know, it seems like such an obvious solution, but it has eluded me all these years. :) Anyway, I bought the party invitations today and am looking forward to a stress-free day of celebration.
On a more solemn and introspective note, I was talking to my mom yesterday and she confided to me that, as Aden’s second birthday approaches, she has been thinking about what was happening around my second birthday. My mom and dad separated and my dad moved out shortly before my second birthday. Their families found out about the situation at my second birthday party so obviously it was a very difficult and awkward time. I was so young that I don’t remember anything about the separation or divorce but I definitely feel that those events and the ones that followed have made a life-long impact on me. My mom was an amazing single mom and honestly, she is my hero. It was very special growing up in a family where it was just the two of us, but I know how difficult it must have been for her at times. Having that background makes me appreciate how lucky I am to be in a strong and healthy marriage, and to be raising my son with a committed, loving partner. :)
All right, how about a brief little anecdote after all of that seriousness? I was getting dressed the other day and Aden patted my chest and said, “Mama milk,” to which I replied, “That’s right, that’s where the mama milk comes from. Do you remember when you used to have mama milk?” He nodded and smiled, and then he said, “Yeah, yummy mama milk!” Awww...
Now, about this TTCing stuff. I know this will sound frivolous considering this is only month #2, but it might make me crazy! Not the waiting and hoping in vain for a ++hpt... oh no, we’re not even there yet. How about just waiting and waiting to see the signs of O? Or trying to follow this dumb Shettles method for a girl? Like I said, patience is not one of my virtues. We were aiming at a cut-off of 3-4 days before O, which judging from previous cycles and the signs of this cycle was day 16. So we stopped BD’ing after that, and then... nothing. Instead of seeing the signs of O in 3 days, it has now been 6 days and I think it will *finally* happen tomorrow. I’m thinking that a 7 day cut-off pretty much makes this cycle a bust.
But... we may try for an O+12 attempt instead. That is another gender selection theory that I heard about on the TTM board of Lori from MT. It is based on a New Zealand study that showed the most girls were conceived on the day *after* ovulation (actually, a chart of their findings shows more girl conceptions at 6 days before O and one day after, so I might be covered either way, LOL). So, expanding on that, you are supposed to BD once between 8-20 hours after O, and the man is supposed to abstain for at least 7 days before that attempt to increase the ratio of female/male sperm. Normally you couldn’t attempt both in one month, and I just figured we’d try the Shettles method with this baby, and if we were blessed with a boy, we would try the O+12 method for the third and possibly final child. But I hate to waste this cycle (impatient, remember?) so I figure, why not now? Any thoughts?
Now I have a final confession to make, and I promise this is the last thing, really! I am becoming addicted to looking at the little baby girl clothes at Wal-mart! I think I have wandered through that section during every shopping visit in the last month. I’ve even bought 2 little outfits! I mean, even if I never have a girl, someone I know will and I can use them as baby gifts. But still, I know it’s rather pathetic and I’m trying to break the habit, really I am... but not until after I find the perfect little soft cotton knit dress, LOL!
Hope everyone has a great week! Thanks for reading!
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