Speech Update

Jack has yet to go to speech therapy, due to all the issues with my leg, but I just wanted to quickly report that, in one month, Jack's vocabulary has grown from 4 words to just about 20. He's also putting words together (adjective/noun), i.e. blue fish, Mommy fish, etc... Hooray!

Mommy Wars?

I found this blog at random the other day. It's an interesting blog, and basically her whole premise is, as a working mom, she's sick of stay-at-home moms looking down on her. Unfortunately, as a result, the whole site takes the tone that all stay-at-home moms are a bad breed.

Before I found this blog, I did not realize that the mommy wars could be so extreme. I mean, I knew about breastfeeding vs. bottles (I'll own up, we did formula; will try BF with this next one but will make no guarantees), public vs. private vs. home schools, etc (we plan public)... I guess I was naive and did not realize that the battle between working moms and stay-at-home moms was still raging.

For disclosure, let me explain my position. I think I have a rather unique situation that allows me to straddle the line between both worlds. You see, I've worked for a small publishing company (circulation) for over six years now. I really like the company, and while pregnant with Jack I completely planned to continue in my role as circulation manager for one of the magazines we publish.

Then Jack was born.

After two months of maternity leave, I decided that I would rather stay home with our son than return to work full-time. After some number-crunching, A and I realized that I could work part-time to help make ends meet, allowing me to stay home during the day with Jack. So Jack was in daycare all of three weeks so I could wrap up things at the office (and no horror stories from daycare - they were good folks and I would recommend that daycare to anyone). Since then, for the past two years my wonderful company has allowed me to work from home during the week, and come into the office on Saturdays to take care of some stuff that just must be done there.

So I guess I don't really have a solid position in this particular battle of the Mommy Wars, since I am both a stay-at-home Mom and a working Mom. I guess that's why I find this blog so interesting, and yet disturbing at the same time. I know all types of moms - moms like me (both from the office and playgroup), full-on stay-at-home Moms, and full-time workin' Moms. And I make no judgements about their work situations - maybe because I straddle the line, I don't know. My personal opinion is that each should do as is best for their families, and for themselves.

Thoughts, anyone?

Walking Boot!

So A took me to the orthopedist today - while we were waiting, we chanted "Boot...Boot...Boot".

And so it happened that the orthopedist saw fit to put me in a walking boot vs. a cast. YAY!

I still cannot put full weight on my left leg, but at least I can put weight on my leg. I'm trying to get used to walking again with TWO legs, with the aid of my crutches. I hope to be down to one crutch at the end of the week. I also see a physical therapist Friday, so hopefully that will help me further.

Thanks to all those who expressed their "Get Well" wishes in my blog post of about 3 weeks ago. I really appreciated everyone's thoughts.

I've been especially appreciative, though, of family at this time. My cousin came all the way from northern Alabama to spend four nights with us (five days) - she played so well with Jack and brought loads of food; my mother-in-law has stayed often and been a tremendous help; my mom has come on Fridays, her day off, to haul me to the doctor or wherever else we needed to go. And my poor husband - so much has been on him these past three weeks. Hopefully I'll be back to 100% soon - I'm definitely getting there. Thank goodness for family.

The Haircut

I'm going to blog quickly - Jack's still asleep, but I am sure he will wake up any minute.

Jack's had several haircuts, starting from the time he was about 11 months old (no, we did not wait until he was one year. His hair was all around his ears, did not seem comfortable, and was wild, so he got his cut early).

As many of my "regular readers" likely have noticed, Jack has some curly hair. It's nice and thick and blonde, and it grows fast. He's been due a haircut for a couple of weeks, at least - he comes in with his head dripping with sweat when spending a morning outside in this Tennessee heat, and I know his hair was probably making his head pretty hot:

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Check out that tongue while the man commits some serious work to his art!

So, off we went on Monday to get Jack's haircut (and mine, for it was too long and I needed that hair off my neck - did I mention the Tennessee Heat?). I'm lucky to still have family caring for Jack and me - I see the orthopedist Tuesday, so knock on wood that this cast will be off and replaced by something I can walk in.

A requested that I ask the hairdresser to take clippers to Jack's hair, as it's just so hot (80's-90's during the daytime here in middle Tennessee) and this would give him a nice, short summer 'do. Our hairdresser, Shelly, seemed a little reluctant, but went right ahead. Curls fell to the floor. Here's the result (doesn't he look happy):

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I have to admit, I had a "Whoa, did we do the right thing" moment at the hair salon. I think because the haircut transferred him from looking more "baby" to looking more "little boy". This is definitely "little boy" hair, as a playgroup mama friend commented. I really like the haircut now, three days later, but when the haircut actually occurred, I had some serious doubt and regret.

Everyone really likes the hair too - except for my mother (who reads this blog). She was trying to bargain with me over the phone to let him have curls in the cool weather, but keep it cut like this over the summer. I think she mourned the loss of his curls - but they're not lost, believe me - those curls aren't going away.

My husband LOVES the hair. He had an ear to ear grin when he saw the little man's new 'do. The haircut looks almost exactly like A's, and they look like such a pair - it's pretty cool.

So, how will you celebrate June 6?

We don't have any plans for tomorrow - not really our thing - but apparently if celebrating 6/6/06 is your thing, then you should head here.