Dear Riley

Dear Riley,

Today marks the day that Daddy comes home from his trip -- the longest he has ever been away from any of us since you were 7 weeks old and didn't know the difference. I just want to thank you for these five days of letting me get to know you all by myself. We all missed Daddy terribly, but it was so fun being able to share this extra special time with you and Winston and Wrigley. The thing that strikes me most as I reflect on our last five days is that I can't remember one single time that you cried or had a melt down or even seemed the slightest bit out of sorts. You slept well, you ate well, you smiled a lot. You giggled, you clapped, you danced, you talked, you walked, you reached for ME when you needed someone to make it better when you stumbled. You were truly delightful. It is like you sensed that Daddy was gone and you needed to be on your best behavior to help Mommy survive the week.

Not only did I survive the week, but I actually enjoyed it so much that I got a little (OK, a lot) sad when I dropped you off at school this morning. You are turning into such a big boy right in front of my eyes, and I couldn't ask for a sweeter, more lovable little guy. I like to think Daddy and I have something to do with that, but I think you would be special no matter what.

So thank you for being you, and for giving me these five days to see you shine when there was only me in your world.

Love,
Mom

A Morning Person

Today Riley amazed me when he talked to himself and played in his crib for almost 45 minutes before he thought to let me know that he wanted to have some company. He amazed me even more when I opened the door to his room to find him standing in his crib, holding onto the side, waiting patiently for me. Another first.

Later in the morning, he amazed me when he pointed to Winston and said what truly sounded like "dah", which I interpreted to mean "dog".

And, as usual, my heart almost melted when I turned around in the car to look at him and he just giggled, as if seeing me was the most delightful part of his morning.

Mother's Day Delights

Today Riley amazed me by just being his happy-go-lucky, easygoing self. Casey was out of town -- at Yosemite with his parents and sisters celebrating his dad's 70th anniversary by going on a whitewater rafting expedition -- and this was my very first Mother's Day together with Riley. Along with Winston and Wrigley, we had such an amazing day. It started with the four of us taking our weekend walk to Starbucks (although on a delayed schedule because Riley slept in until 8:15). Then a trip to Miller Park to play ball. Then Winston and Wrigley stayed home to rest while Riley and I had a normal weekend excursion to Costco. We came home and Riley took a 2-1/2 hour nap, which would've been heavenly except that about 1 hour of it conflicted with the baseball game we were supposed to be at. I actually had to wake the little guy up so that we didn't miss the whole game. We ventured to the new baseball stadium in town to watch the Winston-Salem Dash play a Red Sox farm team (we were conflicted on who to cheer for). Riley loved the game, although little of it had to do with the actual baseball. He loved all of the people, and particularly enjoyed the music. We started the game with me having to flap his arms and bop him all around. We ended the game with him "dancing" all by himself. So much fun to watch!!! After the game, we came home, only to be stopped by our neighbors across the street. It turns out that sweet Casey had left some Mother's Day cards and gifts with them to deliver to me since he was not going to be here with us (it is no wonder that I love him so much). After opening the gifts (which were new charms for my bracelet), Riley, Winston, Wrigley and I went back outside to play in the yard. Turns out that Riley was ready to walk -- with one hand holding onto his emergency vehicle and the other hand holding one of mine, we walked (with Winston and Wrigley surrounding us for "protection") all the way from our driveway to the house 3 doors down.

Now that is what I call a GREAT 1st Mother's Day!!!

Off to the Races

The Steeplechase returned to Winston-Salem this year, and Riley and I (along with several friends) decided to venture out to watch. Dressed in our finest, with big hats and all, we made our way to Tanglewood Park to watch the horse (and terrier races). Riley slept some, ate some and watched some, and all in all seemed to have a great time. It amazed me the most to watch him see the bagpipers and the horses and just point at them. He can't say much, but that pointing lets me know that he is watching and is interested. It is amazing to see the world through a child's eyes -- everything being so new, taking nothing for granted. Makes you wish you never lost that kind of vision.

Our lives are about to change forever

There is nothing more amazing than seeing your child develop in front of your eyes. At this age, it seems like Riley does something new and incredible every day. In the past week or so, he has started pulling himself up to a standing position and ever so slightly "walking" while holding onto furntiture for dear life. I just know that our lives are going to get chaotic here before too long. For now, I just cannot get enough of standing about 10 feet behind him and seeing his chubby little legs, and diapered little backside, wobbling and testing their limits.

Short on Words

Tonight, Riley accompanied me to a parent committee meeting at his school. I have always known him to have tendencies as a flirt, but tonight I got to really see him in full effect. He'd look at one of the other moms in the room and grin, then turn away and bury his face in my shoulder, then turn back and grin again, this time with his head tipped to the side.

Like father, like son. I'm in trouble.

Evening Stroll

Casey left today for a long weekend away to celebrate his dad's 70th birthday with his family. They are going on a white water rafting expedition in/near Yosemite, which is why Riley and I are staying behind (much to our disappointment).

So I am playing the role of a single mom for the next 5 days (Lord help me!!!). I left work early to take Winston to the vet (double ear infection/seasonal allergies) and then picked Riley up from school. For the record, picking up Riley from school is normally Casey's thing (which they both love). I was afraid that this change in routine would cramp his style. However, when I found him playing on a little rocking horse on the playground and he saw me standing there, he just grinned and reached his arms out to me. Makes a mommy's heart melt.

After dinner, Riley, the dogs and I went on our nightly walk to the park. It is not the same without Casey here, but we still had fun regardless. Riley fell asleep on the walk home, and it still amazes me how peaceful he looks when he is sleeping. I just sat and watched him for a few minutes before I took him out of the stroller and started the bedtime routine.

Now I sit here, sipping a glass of wine, hanging out with Winston and Wrigley, and reflecting on what a relaxing evening this has turned out to be. A year ago I would've been huffing and puffing on the walk, slugging massive amounts of water, eating my face off, laying in the bed uncomfortably, stressing about to-do lists that would never be finished in time, and counting the seconds until I could see Riley. I still count the seconds until I can see Riley, but at least now I know that I can peek in on him sound asleep in his crib if I really just can't wait until morning. A year ago, I just had to be satisfied with kicks to the ribs in the middle of the night.