born.in.japan

Greetings from the Lake

I have so much to say and so many photos to share, but for now all you get is a quick check-in. We are in Lutsen, doing what we do here. Rest, read, explore the lake, breathe deeply, recharge. Even Ewan has caught the vibe.

Celebrating: Foods

It’s official, our boy is an eater.

I wanted to wait until we were settled in Chicago. I wanted to wait until he was able to sit on his own. I wanted to wait to enjoy this last phase of our relationship just a little bit longer. I wanted to wait because I wasn’t ready. But that didn’t matter because there was no denying it anymore. Ewan was ready. Oh boy, was he ready.

We sat at Whole Foods for lunch one day. And Ewan watched, intently, as the banana made its way from the table to our mouths and back again. He watched us, carefully, while smacking his lips. Since bananas are supposed to be a great first food, we decided to share.

He was hesitant at first, not quite sure what to do with what was being given to him. He moved it about his mouth. Some went in, but most went out. It was all about experiencing. Tasting. Testing the waters.

It wasn’t until the third time or so that he really got the hang of it. And loved it. And ate it. Lots. After bananas we gave avocado a whirl. He wasn’t really a fan of that, but liked it quite a bit when a little banana was added. It seemed like it gave it just the right amount of sweetness and flavor to make it go down smooth.

Tonight he tried sweet potato for the first time. Baked and pureed with a bit of breastmilk. Even though it was the first time for that flavor. He ate like a champ and made quite a mess to show for it.

It sure is fun having another little eater in the house. He’s just so excited by it all, it’s contagious.

The First Giggles

Just like the smiles, the giggles have been pretty elusive. But, finally, we were able to get a few on video.

A good friend of ours in Japan said that once the baby laughs started we’d all be laughing and that we’d never stop. I think she might be right.

Shower Creating

Shortly after arriving back from Japan, my parents (Caron and Steve) threw a shower to welcome us and Ewan back stateside. Aside from having an opportunity to introduce Ewan to everyone and catch up after two years away, I wanted more. I wanted everyone, that was so inclined, to have a chance to create with us. To make something for Ewan. I wanted to help fill his life, and his closet, with handmade. Gifts with stories. Gifts with souls.

So, after a bit of thought, we decided on making onesies. Easy enough for anyone to try, approachable. While we didn’t have an enormous response, (So many people said that they “aren’t creative,” those that did decide to participate really impressed me.

And now we have a bunch of custom-made onesies for Ewan to wear in the coming year. Wanna see?

And we have a bunch more shirts that remain blank, ready for us and for friends to decorate and adorn when the spirit moves us.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday does mean that there should be no words in the post, but this time I just want to say that I do have so very much to say, just not enough time to do it. I’m hoping that regular posting should start soon. Perhaps now. Hope with me.

Landing and Regrouping

We have arrived, safely, in Chicago and have been here for nearly a week. Amazing, already, how much life has changed in just that short amount of time.

We have found an apartment, one that we are all excited and happy about.

We have started getting our bearings again.

We have seen some family who we missed so desperately.

We have eaten a lot of very unfamiliar foods.

And now that most of the business in Chicago is taken care of, we are excited to get away for a bit. To venture and visit. To slow down and enjoy things for awhile. To relax and regroup. To give our son a little more time to stretch his legs, rather than being shuttled from place to place so very quickly.

The past couple weeks have been so busy that not much else has gotten done. Very little creating. Very little writing. Very little sitting. But that should start to change soon and, as a result, I should have a bit more to say here soon. Now that I can breathe a bit.

The Last Time

Each day Ewan changes just a little bit, often we don’t really notice the changes until we think back, reflect, on where he started just five months ago.

Just yesterday, Ewan fell asleep on my chest, as we were lying in bed.

As he lay there, his body now covering so much more of my own, I remembered that this is how he slept most of the time when he was younger.

In fact, without even realizing it, we have moved away from that phase of life and into a new one. It has been months since he has fallen asleep there. But, for whatever reason, that is the place he wanted to be yesterday, and so that is where he was.

It may be months before it happens again, it may never happen again, I don’t know. But, if this was the last time that my babe falls asleep there, I am glad that I captured it, even if the photo quality is poor. I want to remember this phase, this time, and remember how snug and cozy it feels to have him close, his chest rising and falling against my own, his breath grazing my neck, and the weight of his body reminding me of how far we all have come.

Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Month!

August is recognized as Breastfeeding Awareness Month, so here I am to celebrate with a photo.

Before I had Ewan, I kind of chuckled at how many things people do these days before beginning their nursing relationship. There are classes to take, books to read, lactation consultants to meet. It all just seemed like so much for something that was supposed to be so natural. Then, as you might remember, nursing didn’t come nearly as easily for Ewan and I as I had imagined it would. Due to his prematurity and our separation, it didn’t come very naturally . It wasn’t long before I was on the phone with a LLL leader here in Japan, crying my eyes out and desperately seeking out answers and support.

I guess that really that is what it all comes down to. Having support. Sometimes that support comes from within the family. Sometimes it comes from outside. But no matter who it comes from, it is important and can make the difference for most nursing moms.

Now, nearly five months after we worked so hard to get nursing established, I am proud to say that Ewan has been exclusively breastfed. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of those I have had around me. From the LLL leader who talked me down during those first few days, to my mother-in-law telling me that she was certain that Ewan would eventually come to prefer the boob, to Aaron bringing me countless glasses of water and snacks, and many more. I have been able to do it because of you. Thank you.