Jobs

At 13 I babysat for the first time.

At 17 I worked at Cold Stone.

At 18 I was a custodian.

At 20 I worked at a bowling alley.

At 22 I was a teacher.

At 24 I had Maxine. I am a mom.

Maxine.

When I think about her, tears well up in my eyes. I have never, ever, felt joy the way I do with her in our family.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom. Growing up, Cami and I would play MASH for hours and the jobs I would choose for myself, ranked, were mom, teacher, nurse, and then Cami would pick something terrible like grave digger. I would dream about having children, what their names would be, what they would look like, what songs I would sing to them etc. When it got close to having Maxine I wondered if I had built up being a mom so much, the reality would let me down.

The reality is better than any fantasy I had ever dreamed up. I love her more than I can even describe. When I take care of her I feel strong. When she smiles at me I feel warmth. There is a clear sense of purpose when I am with her every day. I have never felt the way I do since she has joined our family.

Being a mom is the best job I have ever had. Maxine, thanks for coming to me.

Talking

Maxine and I spend a lot of time together....all our time together. I have always chatted with her, but she has been chatting back to me a lot more lately. We practice new sounds and sometimes she gets in the mood to copy me. I love it.

So Strong Maxine

I don't know if this is normal or not, but Maxine is going through a "I want to lift my head up all the live long day" phase. She won't lay it back on my legs when I hold her on my legs, and she loves when we sit her up. I tried to capture her practicing her strong neck muscles. Of course, she was doing it a million times before I got the camera out.

Two Months Old

Maxine turned two months old ten days ago. She is getting super big to us! We went to get her pictures taken, they turned out really cute and some are super funny. Here are a few pictures from that day.











Stats:
Head 15.5 67%
Weight 11 lbs 6 oz 65%
Length 23.25 in 82%

Maxine's First Game Day

Hail! to the victors valiant

Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes

Hail! Hail! to Michigan

The leaders and best!

Hail! to the victors valiant

Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes

Hail! Hail! to Michigan,

The champions of the West!

Ah, how I love fall Saturdays. Michigan will have a better season, I know it. I feel it. Maxine feels it too, you can see it on her face.

Bath Time

My girl Maxine, she likes to be clean. :)

My Baby and My Baby's Bills

Hospital bills are paid. Is she worth it?

But of course!