The first 2 weeks of summer

Dear Max,
So, I am finally on the long awaited summer vacation...It's funny how all these transitions work themselves out. I build them up in my head to be so dramatic, but when the actual time comes to do whatever it is I need to do, it works out. For example, I was beside myself when I had to leave you to go back to work; I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I did it, and you thrived with Mary and Grandma watching you. Sure, I was sad during parts of the day when I would call to see how were doing, but I loved teaching and that would get me through the fact that I wasn't with you. Then, I built up in my head my resignation from school, to be with you next year, and everyone was completely supportive, but again my own anguish and drama over the whole resignation was tough. Nonetheless, I am thrilled to be home with you.
Anyways, let's see...what have you done this week? I found you sleeping on your side last night, which was cute. You're sitting up unassisted really well, especially in your buggy... ahhh, the buggy, another topic in itself. You're loving the pool. Daddy had off all week and we took you to EBC to swim; you loved it. Your fine motor skills are developing beautifully as you are grabbing for your baby spoon and putting it in your mouth. You ate peas. The initial disgusted look on your face quickly changed to satisfaction, and you're eating your toes. Love it.

You're a Swimmer!

Dear Max,
Not only have you now eaten rice cereal and oatmeal, but tonight you tried your first carrots! Your face was priceless. I think you liked it, but you were definitely unsure of what was going in your mouth. Thursday I took you swimming for the first time and you got hysterical, so we got out. However, today I was determined to get you to like the water and you did! You cried at first but then you got the hang of it and hooray you were a little swimmer. It was 90 degrees in Chi town today and very humid, so the only thing to do was swim or be inside. So, here's you're eating/sleeping journal so far:
Wake up: nurse
8:30: oatmeal
9-10/11: nap
11: nurse
11-1:play
1: nurse and maybe carrots?
1-3: nap
3: nurse
3-5: play
5: rice cereal
6: play, bath, nurse, bed
Love you,
Mommy

You're eating solid foods!

Dear Max,
This was a big week for you and me, too. You started on rice cereal, and it is absolutely adorable watching you gobble up it up. You open your mouth wide and wait for the little gerber spoon to hit your lips. Soon enough...we're going to move on to oatmeal and then...bananas..yummy. I resigned from teaching this week. It was an enormous decision, but I think it'll be the best thing for you. I miss you so much during the day, and I really don't want to miss out any firsts. Speaking of firsts, you're also sitting up without help. Not for more than 10 minutes, but you're definitely working up to it. Daddy and I are leaving you for the first time this weekend to go to Ginna and Jeff's wedding in Minneapolis. I'm a little nervous, but I know you're in good hands.
I love you sweet pea,
Mommy