Being A Mommy

I’ll be traveling soon with Tessa into brrrrrrrrr-cold Wisconsin and I’ll just admit it – it’s stressing me out. Mostly I’ve been stressed because she’s recovering from a double ear infection and I really didn’t want her to be sick while traveling and in more pain because of the air pressure in the plane. However, I think she’ll be fully recovered before we leave.

That being said, I have still sought advice from my mommy friends and pediatrician (who had some great suggestions). But this is my solicitation to all of you. What are your most helpful hints with traveling with an infant, particularly into cold weather?

Thank you!

BTW – This is Tessa in my baby bunting from when I lived in Wisconsin . . .a long time ago. Precious!

The decision to baptize Tessa was and wasn’t harder than I thought. There have been times in my life when I figured “of course I’ll baptize my kid” and times when I rebelled against the machine and would be horrified to do such a thing – I mean who was I to make such a big decision on behalf of another human being?!

So the decision forced me to reflect on my own experiences as a baptized Catholic. What did it mean to me? Was it necessary?

Like many people, there have been times in my life when my faith brought me much-needed comfort and other times when life’s troubles made me question faith altogether. I’ve also questioned religion in general because of the overwhelming death and devastation it has created.

But at the same time, I – always – come – back.

I always end up returning to my faith. My only guess is that is because it’s part of my foundation – and that’s due partly to having been baptized.

When I thought of Tessa’s reaction in the future when she asks if she was baptized and we say “no,” it made me think: would she feel lost? Would she feel like she didn’t have a foundation in faith? Like she didn’t have a spiritual relationship if she wanted one? I didn’t want any of those things.

And maybe because there were times when I drew so much comfort from my faith – even if that faith at times was solely meditation and daily yoga practice – I wanted the same for her. I don’t care what that looks like – and it is bound to grow, evolve and morph but I want her to have this in her core and, yes, as part of her foundation.

Sure, Tessa could rage against the machine someday. That doesn’t bother me. But I don’t want her to feel lost . . . and I do want to offer any and every avenue for comfort that’s available.

So we baptized Tessa on Valentine’s Day. It was full of love, joy . . . and faith. And Tessa was a true angel; I swear I could see wings on the cute cute cherub. And at the end of the day, she was tiiiiired.

Lying

Tessa is learning to lie – in the cutest way possible (obviously). The other day, I went to work leaving behind a sleeping Rob and Tessa. When Tessa woke up and wanted some snuggle-cuddle-loving-eske attention so, naturally, started CRYING, Rob ran upstairs to find her giggling. This video is what transpired. I absolutely love it: both for Tessa’s amazing cheeks as she smiles but also Rob’s adorable voice while he teases her about lying. Be still my heart – I love my little family.

Tessa and I went to her four-month doctor appointment today. Everyone was in awe of her because, you know, she’s awesome. The doctor thought she looked perfect: great weight gain, tracking things, sitting (kinda). She’s in the 90^th percentile for height, 50^th for weight and 25^th for head circumference (I love that small noggin!). And then the doctor told me . . . she has an ear infection . . . in both ears?! WTH? I immediately felt like the worst mother ever. How did I not know she had an ear infection? She hasn’t been super fussy and I take her temperature periodically just for the heck of it. How did I miss it?

I don’t know if it made me feel better or worse that the infection is already on the mend because she’s had it for awhile. So no need for antibiotics but I am giving her drops for ear pain. The poor angel!

So now I need to work with her on a cry that means “my ears are red, puss is coming out of them and how the heck can’t you see it?!” because clearly I’m dense. At least she’s on the mend. And I’m thankful for that.