I gave away a huge amount of infant clothes last weekend and today. A HUGE amount. Like, probably $2K worth new. I’ve never done this before. When Lucas grew (grows) out of things I always boxed (box) them up and put them in our ever-more-crowded garage for Asher. Asher has already grown out of so many things, and we think he is our last baby, so there’s little point in keeping them. We’re out of space. 

I gave a bunch of things to my friend J, who just found out she is having twins. She got the newborn to 6 months things. I figure her babies (BABIES!) will be able to use the small sizes for a while, as they are likely to be born somewhat smaller than singles. We’re talking a 25 gallon tote plus another full box and a shopping bag full of tiny, adorable things!

I gave a handful of outfits to my friend D, whose son is 4.5 months old. She didn’t need much, but took what she wanted.

I gave the rest to my friends C and M, whose son is 3.5 months old. He got the 6 months and up clothes that don’t fit Asher: A giant box full, a kitchen garbage bag full, and another shopping bag full. FULL!

C asked me if I wanted the clothes back again. I said no. They will get good use out of them and then pass the clothes on to another family when they are done with them. M said they have two sets of friends who are expecting boys.

Somehow, saying “no, we don’t need them back again” makes me really sad. 

Sometimes being a woman with hormones is really weird.

 Asher is 7 months old in these pictures. Lucas is still 5.

I soundly defeated the Ninjas and Zombies. Oh, and the Bandicoots, but they weren’t very threatening. The fight against the Aliens rages on.  Only, now its several types of Aliens in a whole new galaxy. Soon racing cars will jump into the fray.  I don’t yet know whose side they’ll be on. 

My work is weird.

This past Monday was a day of triumph and celebration for Lucas. He learned how to ride his two-wheeled bike without training wheels! It was thrilling to watch his determination, courage (in trying again after falling), and exultation when he figured it out. 

We started a couple of weeks ago. Lucas had a friend over and they rode bikes together, but the friend didn’t have training wheels. That day, Lucas decided to take his training wheels off. At the neighbor’s suggestion, Ian took Lucas to the school field at the end of our street and he rode down a grassy hill into the field, to take advantage of the soft landing.

Then on Monday, Lucas, Asher and I went to the field and tried it on the big hill. He rode down that about 15 times. Each time he pedalled halfway across the field before hitting the grass, getting a feel for the needed balance. Each time, he got up and ran back toward me with his arms open wide and exhilaration on his face. I picked him up (as best as I could) and swung him around in the air. Then he ran back to his bike and trudged it up the hill to do it all again. I hollered and cheered myself hoarse. The hill gave him the speed he needed to pedal and feel his balance.

On our short walk home, he must have decided it was lame to walk his bike because he got on it at the street and rode. One crash. Two crashes. Then he RODE the bike. He breaked. He put his foot down. No crash. He did it! And again. Then again. It was fantastic!

Later on, we went out to ride some more. That’s when I took these pictures. Lucas was riding his bike when Ian came home from work, so Ian got to see him in action.

These pictures do not adequately convey how FAST he is! We are so PROUD of him.
 

When working late on a Sunday night editing shitty writing featuring commas sprinkled like confetti (apparently there only for decoration) and subject matter that is violent and monotonous and goofy all at the same damned time, at least I can drink smooth, velvety red wine. I couldn’t do that at my old corporate job. 

See, I’m stickin’ it to the Man, one sip, one comma at a time.

 
Yesterday Asher was playing in his crib. Then he got up on his knees! I ran to get the camera. We expect him to crawl soon.

Then, he surprised us!

    This is where I dropped the camera and ran to keep him from toppling over the edge. He’s rather top-heavy and would have gone right over! Time to lower the crib matress. Yikes!

Asher seems to enjoy our moments alone together, curled up in the big bed, post shower.  His skin is damp and fresh, toes wrinkled. His little mouth is open wide, waiting for the nursing that comes next. He grips my body with tight little fingers, sometimes squeezing too hard. He doesn’t know about hurting yet. He is smooth and plump, hair downy and thick, now, I see. Feet wiggle and toes grasp as though they don’t yet realize they aren’t fingers, too. Eskimos have got nothing on Asher’s kisses. Big, slobbery, whole-face rubs tell me I’m his beloved. His arms go around my neck and he pulls the back of my hair so hard I’m forced to come close. His mouth tries to close over my nose, his eyes squint and he squeals his urgency to hold on. I think it’s instinct; he clutches at me for safety, food, and love. He doesn’t judge me. He’s comfortable in my curves. They are home to him. We are nose to nose, cooing at each other, with nothing in between us, until a little foot intrudes and he brings his toes to his mouth. He is a ball of roly-poly boy, folding himself any which way, practicing and exploring. He smiles when I warm the sweet-smelling lotion and rub it into his skin. Asher accepts his massage as if it were his due; the Universe bestows pleasing experiences on him as a matter of course. He expects it, and this makes me happy because he knows no other negative experience. He babbles and hoots and hollers. His breath quickens and blue eyes sparkle when I produce the silk and let it flutter down on him. He knows the game. The silk is warm to our touch and he pulls it off his smiling face. He’s expecting my greeting and he delights in it as if we’ve been apart longer than just the moment he’s been covered. When the breeze blows through the window, he sucks it in greedily. Fresh air, soft bed, warm cuddles, and milk: these sensations define our alone time. He complains when I dress him.

Have a couple of moments just now. More aliens and ninja are on their way and will arrive in my inbox soon.
We had a really nice weekend. I didn’t have to work too much, and that was a treat. 

We have been feathering our nest, so to speak.

 Aliens and Ninja and Zombies! Oh My!