Body Image

I find it fascinating that I could weigh just about the same as before the pregnancy but look utterly different. I know vanity really has no place in the wonderfully grand scheme of things that my precious baby brings, but it would be a big lie to say I didn't cry the first time I looked at myself in the mirror (or the second...and third) after coming home from the hospital. My body hadn't changed much at all in the previous 20 years and I had grown to love it. Seeing what a wreck it turned into was very disorienting. Now five months and thirty pounds later, there are still days that I mourn my old self a little. But then I would touch my stomach and remember that my baby was there and feel thankful that I could nurse her with these new boobs. A few weeks ago I packed away old clothes that I knew I would never fit in again but not quite ready to part with. It was kind of therapeutic. It just made me realize that cloth sizes were pretty much like age: they only affected me if I allowed them to. I've been in size zero and I've been a twelve, and I can tell you that I worry just the same that a certain pair of pants would make my rear end look enormous. Good to know that at least there's THAT consistency in my life. That and a sweet and kind husband, who tells me everyday that I look beautiful even while wearing his t-shirt that is covered in breast milk and spit up. I know I'm lucky. Just need to get used to the old me in this new body. Work in progress...

Fall Colors

This time last year I spent most of the time hanging my head over the toilet bowl or a garbage can. By the time I looked up, all the trees were bare and bunking in for the upcoming winter. I didn't even get one single picture of the beautiful turning leaves. So yesterday when we actually woke up to a semi dry weather and sunshine, I insisted that all of the Steinhams go out for a stroll around post. It made me so happy to see the spring in the boys' steps, since the rain had kept them out of the park all week. Nothing is sadder to be around than miffed puppies.

September Redeemed Herself

I'm thinking that when Chase's teeth finally cut, I'll wake up one morning to her sporting all 20 at once. She's still so uncomfortable, fuzzy, and on some kind of napping trike, yet there's no sign of pearly whites to report. Wil has taken to rubbing her gum when she wakes up screaming at night, which apparently works like magic and calms her right back to sleep in no time. I wouldn't know because I've been sleeping through her crying. I have no idea how this happens. The first time I failed to wake up with her, I contributed it to a very delicious glass of Federweisser, my first drink since the beginning of my pregnancy last year. I personally think it's the greatest beverage ever created and have been drinking it by the gallon. Literally.
It's the one in the big container in the front. We have a vintner, who brings this divine drink to our little town in a refrigerated barrel. I'm going to say that trying to consume 3 liters of this stuff in a few days is a little beyond me at this point. It was still really fun to try though...

Last week we had the kind of weather I remembered September to be. We took advantage of it and took the kid out for some fresh air and sunshine. I've kept her inside so much lately it's beginning to feel like I'm growing a mushroom instead of a baby. We went to a farm festival at Hitcherhof on Sunday. There were lots of vendors and farmers selling everything from produce to handmade soap.


Her pooping face.
And this is what happened when papa left her hat in the car and it got windy.

I was especially looking forward to taking pictures of Chaster at a pumpkin patch, and apparently so were 5,000 other parents there. It was hard trying to take a picture of the baby with a stranger's elbow in my face, but at least she was in a very close proximity to at least one pumpkin.




My husband can change diaper ANYWHERE. Is that not porn for a new mom?


She was watching kids play in the hay with great amusement.
We found an even more yummy federweisser there and split a glass. And brought another liter home...
What a gorgeous day to be outside!

We came home and it was the boys' turn to enjoy the weather. We drove out to Frauenburg to let the pups play in the river and run on the bike trail. Fun was had by all!


What difference a year make!

These three are my new favorites.

Maybe She Can Just Get By With Dentures?

I know I've been seriously lacking with our updates, but I'm certain you'd forgive me considering Chase wakes us up every 20 minutes from 2-5 o'clock every day this past week. The poor child is so uncomfortable and gassy. I'm beyond tired and so thankful Wil is here to share the nighttime parenting fun. We take turns getting up with and trying to console her, but there are times, normally after the 5th or 6th trip to her room in two hours, that we play "it's-your-turn" game. I normally win after I pull "I-gave-birth-therefore-I-win" card. Really need to not abuse that one since I do need his help in getting another baby. A LONG LONG TIME FROM NOW, GRANDPARENTS.

Our weekend... Where shall I start? How about that I will never again expect a quaint dinner party when being invited to a "Girls' Night In"? When I called to confirmed my attendance, I was informed that it was the "toys" party. I'll spare you all the details, but I can just tell you that faking an illness to get out of something I already committed to will be seriously considered the next time.

Ok, I've gotten up 4 times in the last hour to try to make Chase take a nap and it's beginning to make me crazy so I'm going to wrap here. I'll leave you with some pictures of our 5-month old baby, at her much happier times.

Almost sitting up on her own.
Her constant cheerleader, Brother Paddy.
She's going to kill me for posting this picture, but how can I resist that cute chunky butt?
Her official 5-month old portrait.

I'm Still Here...Sort Of

Chase is REALLY teething. Drool, diarrhea, GAS, FREQUENT NIGHT WAKING!!! Good thing I love this child...

Wil just put her down for the night. We're going to enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet. Will elaborate more about our weekend later. Hope yours went well.

I'd Like to Return This Weather and Get My Money Back, Please

The overnight low's are going to be in the 30's for the foreseeable future. October was always my favorite time of the year, and September was a close second. No longer. I disown you, September.

The Face of an Exhausted Parent

He was talking and suddenly went quiet. It was barely 8:30.