Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Places to go and things to climb

"We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery." ~ H.G. Wells

My sweet little baby is moving out of infancy and into toddler-hood... he's learning to rely on himself to get where he wants, as well as developing a tremendous drive to explore what's beyond his immediate surroundings. How he can change and learn so fast is amazing! He floors me everyday!
Please watch and enjoy his antics!




Sunday, March 21, 2010

Flashback


I had an intense flashback of the memory of Xander's birth the other day. It happened when Jenny Orona texted me to say that my good friend Prema's water had broke while they were eating dinner at Habana's on S. Congress. Now, mind you, I didn't have the pleasure of my water breaking on it's own (or even in a public venue!), but Prema is with the same OBGYN and was to deliver at the same hospital we did.
I felt my stomach drop and clench at the same time... like butterflies that grew into bats! She called me 20 minutes later, letting me know that she had had 3 contractions in a row that were 5minutes apart. I remember thinking that she should probably hang up with me and call Dr. Sebestyen back right away! My heart was with her as she talked to me about her excitement and wonder, while bravely trying to keep the panic out of her voice. Before hanging up, I made sure she knew she could call on me to go the hospital and be with her if she needed me.
I don't think I slept very well that night... I had so many dreams. One of which was that I was on the phone with Prema again, this time she was at the hospital, and she told me that she needed to call me back in 10minutes, as the baby was just ready to be born!
Jenny O texted me at 6:30am - Prema was pushing! Aparently, Jenny didn't know what hospital Prema had gone too, so she texted her to find out... Prema's reply was "pushing". Now, for all of those mama's out there, I'm sure your jaw just dropped, I know mine did.... for those who are not in the "pushed a baby out of my V-Jayjay" club, I cannot express the amazement that anyone could still text during labor. But leave it to Prema!
I got a final text a few hours later, informing me that little, perfect baby Evan Grayburn Vaughan Landin was born on March 18th at 7:58am after only 11 hours of labor. Welcome to this wonderful world my sweet boy... Xander has been awaiting your arrival!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Curiouser and curiouser...


"At least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then." - Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)

My cousin-in-law Casey Tabor remarked to me the other day, "I swear, I see Xander at least once a week, and he still seems to change constantly!" I guess because I am with my wee babe (or not so wee anymore!) for most of everyday, his changes see more gradual. Although we do have momentous moments, like crawling backward on the bed and pulling up in his crib, his general appearance and demeanor don't strike me as very different from day to day. With that said, when I look back at pictures of him from even as close to a week ago, I can see the remarkable difference! Xander changes constantly, from the minute he wakes up to when he goes to bed at night, it just me whose to slow to see it most days! Everyday he vocalizes more, understands more, and wants more... it makes me think about my own self. Am I as committed to my growth and evolution as a human being on this little blue planet? Sad to say, no, I am not... what happened? Where did that drive go? He has utterly inspired me to finish projects and start adventures that have been neglected far too long. This tiny little being has put new life into this tired and complacent dame... now only if he would allow me the time....

Monday, March 8, 2010

Gotta Earn It


Funny... I came across a Marilyn Monroe quote today and it made me think about Xander.
Here's the quote:
"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure.
I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle.
But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

It reminded me that I have to earn the title of Mother. I signed up to raise a human being, and at times, it ain't so pretty. Growing up is hard... it's frustrating... and sometimes it hurts. Xander is sometimes grumpy, tired or fussy, and he doesn't have the freedom to fix whatever is bothering him on his own. He has to rely on me and hope that I understand what he's asking.
Even on the particularly "bad" days, I'm always rewarded with a stellar smile and a clutching hug... I gotta earn this title... I want to deserve him at his best.

Friday, March 5, 2010

To Grandmother's House We Go!


It's been really nice having family nearby that we can visit with. Xander and I have been making a point to go and see our cousins in San Marcos. It gets me out of the house and out of my little hermit-like town of Kyle and lets Xander socialize with Zoe, his cousin (second cousin to be exact), who is 2 years old. Casey (Zoe's mother) and I usually meet up around noon at a great little coffee house called "Wake the Dead" where we have a warm drink and a snack while wrangling her toddler. This entails trying to keep Zoe from pinching Xander's face or taking his toys away, as well as supervising her attempts to climb into Xander's empty stroller. Xander sits on the couch with me, watching EVERYTHING Zoe does... I'm assuming he's taking notes on how to full embrace the terrible twos! Inevitably, we go outside (they have a fabulous outdoor patio/courtyard) where I sit with Xander in the sunshine, and poor Casey tries to keep Zoe from hurting herself or anyone else.
By Zoe's third temper tantrum we are ready to go, and we meet back at my Aunt and Abuela's house. I've been visiting that house for more than 20 years. I used to spend one month every summer of my childhood in that house, playing on it's 3 acres, and now, it's Xander's turn.
We usually go in and see my Abuela Mercedes, and her sister Eva, who looks after her during the day. Although my dear Abuela has dementia, she's still lucid enough to remember me and remember Xander's name. He, in turn, flirts with them by smiling and showing off his new vocal range.
My cousin Chas set up a swing in the gazebo, so we end our day there. It's the highlight of Xander's excursion... he'll easily spend a good 15-20minutes just swinging back and forth, smiling the entire time. It reminds me of when my Abuelo used to swing me in the tire swing on those long Texas summer nights so long ago...

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A New Jeep Stroller


Well, we broke down and got the Jeep stroller. With all the forays into Zilker Park and the Austin Botanical Gardens we decided that we needed a stroller that could "off road". I can't wait to take it out for a spin! It has a cute sound interactive "steering wheel" for Xander as well as an IPod doc for mama (or daddy)! AWESOME!
Daddy, thankfully, put it all together while Mommy was at work. Pheww!
In other news, we've recently discovered that Xander talks to our oldest cat (14yrs) Easter. While going through some of his recently grown out clothes, we witnessed Xander answering Easter's graveling 30year smoker-like meow, with his own gravely meow. Very cute... he even reached his little arm out to her as he replied. Thank goodness John put the record app. for the IPhone on his phone. This call and answer (or copy) went on for 5 minutes!
Also, due to the 2 teeth Xander has, we've recently started brushing his teeth. He loves it! He even opens his mouth to fully get the gum message experience! Dental hygiene rocks!