The Merfett

So I don’t get much time to stroll through the internet, but when I do I really try to be picky about what I read. I want good, life giving content. Stuff that makes me think, but also makes me happy. Not always joyful things, but things that pull at my heart, shift my perspective and sharpen my focus.

Motherhood can be so isolating. And hard. Supa hard, amen? But there are these days, the good and full days. When you know in your bones you’re right where you are supposed to be, doing the hard work what will pay off for a lifetime to come. When our Grandparent’s were raising babies community was a different thing. There was a village around you to help raise your tiny humans. They would play in the backyard of the neighbors house, or your sister in law would pop over with the cousins for dinner and it was a big, messy, collaborative thing. In other places I’m sure it’s still that way. But in LA we hardly even share more than a polite nod with our neighbors. So when the days are rough we long for that community, and to have a support system that will encourage us.

So. Back to the interwebs.

There’s some good stuff out there. Yea. There’s some icky stuff, but there really are some awesome people out there in the world, living in the trenches of raising tiny humans right along side you. And they may look like they have it all together, but remember – no one does. We all need grace and kindness. And just when you think you have this parenting thing all figured out – you are humbled. I am. Daily.

A few things I’ve read lately:

This post. Oh, yes. It’s truth and honesty.

Her blog is such a joyful and fun window into her life as a Mama.

I look up to and admire her so much. As a Mama, and a businesswoman.

Beauty and honesty on this one.

Encouragement from a Mama of 4 boys.

She had me at the blog title.

Happy Friday Friends!

a YEAR old

Weight: He’s a BIG kid. The first comment we always get is, “HOW old is he?!” He’s still not showing much hair, but I think we’re getting a few little patches. Maybe he’ll have something up there to keep his head warm in the winter – I hope. 24.5 lbs and 32″. 90% and 98%.

What Riley is up to: Saying “da” (dog) “bud-ee” (buddy) “itsy” (betsy) “na-na” (banana). Clapping. Standing for a short time. Walking when he’s holding onto something. Walking when you hold his hands. He still loves the water. We’ve been spending a lot of time around and in the water since it’s been so warm lately. He giggles and splashes around. I took him to a splash pad last week and he went nuts. He can crawl SO fast and was zooming all over the place weaving in and out of the big kids playing. We started taking a music class and he’s all about the instruments and clapping and bouncing along to the songs. We have a CD of the music we listen to in the car sometimes and I promise it sounds like he’s sining in the backseat.

Thoughts: It’s still crazy that we have a one year old baby. A toddler. I know everyone says to soak up that first year because it goes fast, and they’re right. I’m so thankful I got to spend every single day of his first year of life with him. We never were apart for more than a few hours at a time. Sure, the days are long and the years are quick. But I really, really tried to slow down and be present many times. I would stop and think about how I wanted to remember moments. His first swim lesson. Christmas Eve. First hotel stay. Sharing a snack at the park.  I’ve also realized how universal parenting and motherhood can be. It’s such a social icebreaker to see another parent and child and instantly bond over your shared experiences. I’ve never talked to more strangers in the grocery store in my life. Sure, sometimes you get advice you aren’t looking for – but most of the time it’s a comforting nod or smile from another parent that’s also in the trenches of raising tiny humans. It’s hard work, but man am I thankful for it.

ELEVEN.

Weight: He’s heavy! Probably close to 22 lbs? It seems like he’s leaner now, especially with all the crawling. His arms and legs are super long.

What Riley is up to: Saying “uh-oh” “mama” “hi” “up” and waving “bye-bye.” He’s a super fast crawler, and can pull up on everything. He’s starting to creep along things to get what he wants. Doesn’t like hearing “no” and will test us to see if we really mean it. The best was a few weeks ago, he was trying to crawl on the stairs so we told him “no.” Each time he would lay his hand on the step, he would get a firm “no.” Finally, he looked directly at us, placed his hand on the step, smiled and waved with the other hand!! So hard to not laugh when he does things like that! He’s also a big fan of dog food, and getting into the kitchen cupboards. We have a few area’s “baby proofed” and a few that he’s learning about boundaries. He loves the park, and swimming. Crawling on the dogs is another hobby. And his favorite songs to “dance” to are “Happy” and “Come Get it Bae.” Silly. He’s so much fun, and we’re really loving this age. He’s eating all kinds of foods, and can stay awake for most of the afternoon with 2 naps around 1.5 – 2 hours.

Baby Gear: He’s all about baby spoons and plastic straws. He will carry them around for hours at a time, day after day. Through eating, bath, car rides, diaper changes and playtime. He even gets anxious when he drops one. He has to carry both spoons at once and will adjust them in his hand until he’s happy with the set up. I’ve heard of kids becoming attached to blankets and stuffed animals, but spoons? Only our kid.

Thoughts: The year mark is SO close. In some ways I totally get that it’s been a year, and sometimes I feel like we just brought him home and I’m still trying to figure everything out. I think I’ll always be trying to figure it out, but it still feels so new. I love spending time with him, and family outings and trips are even more fun as he’s getting older. His personality is growing each day, and he’s so curious. I love watching him figure things out, and learn about his likes and dislikes. It’s such a crazy adventure and I’m so thankful he’s our tiny human.

** Photos by Kaitlin Kelly Photography, check out her gorgeous site here **