3 Months and Counting

3 months

2 months

It's hard to believe that David's already 1/4 of the way through his first year, but he really is 3 months old. Last month he had figured out how to make the pull-toy on his chair play music if we helped him grasp it. This month he's learned how to grab it on his own (although it usually takes him a few tries). He reaches for other toys and objects as well and enjoys trying to sit and stand while we hold his hands for steadying. He smiles, gurgles, and coos more than ever and his most recent achievement includes rolling from his tummy to his back. He's more fun every day and we are so excited to see his little personality unfold.

Au Natural

For those of my readers who feel eating whole grains is "radicalist" behavior this post will come as quite a shock. Some of you however are environmentally and/or health conscious so I thought I would share a little about the book I've been reading lately. It's called Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home. While it is geared toward parents, it's a good resource for anyone wanting information about the potentially harmful chemicals in our homes and how to avoid them. I don't suscribe to alarmism or the idea that all chemicals are bad. Many medications for example save lives when used correctly. I do believe in exercising caution though, especially when it comes to synthetic chemicals our bodies were never designed to handle.

Many topics the book addresses I was already at least somewhat familiar with. However there were a few things I had never even considered, such as the harmful repercussions of household cleaners. Cleaning solutions are probably among the harshest and toxic chemicals in your home. If a child were to drink a bottle of Lysol or Bleach you would call poison control and have them rushed to the ER. Cleaning products have been linked to asthma, allergies, and possibly cancer. When washed down the drain they contaminate our water supply and eventually leach into the soil affecting our food supply.

I'm as germ-conscious as the next person and would not consider a solution that put my family at risk for disease, but fortunately there are some good and more natural alternatives you can buy or make. Considering that I would use these cleaners for the surfaces that David will eat off of, play with, bathe in, and crawl over I think it's worth a little extra caution.

Back to the Grindstone

Last week David and I flew out to Washington state to visit my sister and her family for a bit of fun before my maternity leave is up and I'm back to work. Between our 3 kids and everyone managing to get sick in some form or another we didn't manage to do much, but I'm still glad we went. I haven't been out to see her since they bought their condo and this is the first time she and David got to meet. Michelle's my lifeline when I need some advice or a friendly ear as a new mom. She's probably saved my pediatrician dozens of panicked phone calls and I'm lucky to have her for a sister. She also took a few pictures of me with David which I appreciate because I don't have many pictures of me with him, and none that I would consider flattering.

This week I'm back to work. I'm only returning part-time and my office coworkers have agreed to watch him for me while I'm out doing visits. It's a great arrangement and I know a lot of moms would love to be able to have that kind of convenience and flexiblity. But I'm still so sad to see my days with just me and my little buddy coming to an end. Even though I did feel isolated and housebound and even though I do miss my patients part of me wishes I could just stay with him and not miss a single part of his babyhood.

Although I was technically supposed to start on Monday, between David still being sick (he just has a very minor cold) and other office happenings all I've really done so far is to attend a meeting. Tonight I do have a visit scheduled though and will be taking call so hopefully all goes well.