Our Quiet Baby

Our little (well, not so little anymore) baby has been quite silent. He's always seemed very content, doesn't even cry much. I guess with all the other things going on in the house, we didn't notice this as a negative thing. We even rejoiced in his silence (finally, a quiet one). But we started to be concerned when he wasn't meeting his "verbal milestones." These milestones came from his pediatrician and our parent/child preschool. Everyone was concerned that he wasn't making ANY sounds. I began doing "primitive" hearing tests (snapping my fingers behind his back, shaking things out of his sight) to see if he would turn (very official, I know). I started to OBSESS over his lack of speaking and possibly hearing. The last two weeks of my life have been consumed with worry for him.

I have been reminded once again that children have their own timetables! He just started babbling this week. In the span of four hours he began saying several sounds (baabaa, maamaa, waawaa). He is silent no more! He's been a babblin' ever since!

Baby Photo Tour Continues

Baby L is building up quite the collection of "celebrity photos" (the term "celebrity" used loosely). Here's his latest--U.S. Senator, Norm Coleman. They had a really cute interaction before I took the photo, but I couldn't get the camera to work. They both looked at the camera right as I took this. (Check out his teeth!) We were at a BBQ for the Senator's campaign. Too bad babies can't vote!

Thinking

Crazymama is going to turn serious for a minute...or rather, an entry. Over the weekend a friend of the family was killed in a car accident. She was so young, only 23. I've felt very reflective as I've seen everyone come to terms with this accident. I don't believe in being down on myself about every little thing. Generally, I know that I do the best I can. It just emphasizes the fact that life is so fragile and I feel like I need to step up my game and be the best I can be. I hope that I'm a good wife and mom. I hope that I'm a good friend. I hope that I can make a positive impact in some small way.

Gift Ideas

Anyone have any favorite holiday gift ideas? It seems I always buy the wrong things. I need some fresh, fun ideas. And what do you buy a baby? Santa has to bring babies presents when they have older siblings who will think they are "loved less" if they don't get something exciting. I struggle with baby toys because it seems like we have a lot already and they are all kind of the same. Tell me your favorite family games, toys, etc.

Here's some of our favorites from years past:
*Storefront Bingo (A simple game that can be played by all ages.)
*Cranium Fort Maker (Snap together pieces that can be made into ANYTHING!)
*Lakeshore Learning Animal Bags (Drawstring bags full of large plastic animals...I think they're being played with right now!)
*Ultimate Potato Head Set (If you know anyone going to Disney World, they have bins of very unusual pieces that you can buy. Kohls also carries little sets of unusual pieces. I like this because we can all do it.)
*GeoTracks Train Set (Even the girls like this one. Remote control trains that are easy to work.)

Crazymama Goes Local!

Follow up to previous post: OK, I finally satisfied my need to "be heard." I got through to the local radio station and was able to vent for my cause (voter fraud). I feel vindicated at last!!! Everyone get out there and be a part of this political process!

Crazymama Goes National (Almost)

I have strong feelings about this presidential election. I've kept myself "in the know" as much as a "Crazymama" can. The Sean Hannity Show called me about a comment I sent in and I MISSED THE CALL. They were going to put me on, but I MISSED THE CALL. Blast! They line their callers up days in advance (even though it doesn't seem like they do), and they accept approx 10 callers per day out of hundreds. It seems my chance to "go national" has come and gone...but stay tuned. I CAN'T BELIEVE I MISSED THE CALL!!!

Baby Casting Call

We were shopping on Saturday and happened to see a "Casting Call" at Baby Gap. The line wasn't long, so we jumped in. (JUST FOR FUN!) Here's L's photos. He wasn't too sure what was going on with all those big lights...but he must have thought it was serious business judging from his expressions.