January 2010

Mikey's Changes
In January Mikey continued to grow. He began cooings and caaing. Mostly he likes to sing along with Mama with music in the background. Sometimes he just likes to join conversations. No matter what it is just adorable to see him try out his words. He also calls me to his nursery sometimes. I found it amazing when he called me in once just to spin his butterfly mobile.

Mikey is also bigger and finally fills out his swing. Before his bed bobbled forward and we were worried that he would cut off his own airway (a concern with new babies). Now he sits in his swing for his alone time...just to change things up when he doesn't want to be in his pack-n-play (called "Stimulation Station").

He is also more coordinated with his hands. I have caught him on several occasions handling his toys. Once I looked over and he was holding on to Mr. Smile that was dangling precariously from his mobile at work. Another time I saw him grab a hanging monkey with both hands and I was jumping up and down and clapping with pride! The last example was when Mike went to grab Mikey's hands to say goodbye for the day. As he approached Mikey, Mikey reached out and grabbed him before Papa could grab him! The look of surprise on Mike's face was priceless.

Visitors
The beginning of the month we celebrated Nichole's birthday before sending her off to California. The end of the month we said farewell to Grandma and Grandpa. After two months of visiting, it was hard to see them go. We had spent as much time as possible visiting. I took Mikey over whenever I had time to hang out. Other times they came to visit. However, since classes were starting anxiety trumped any other feelings.

Mama and Mikey on their Own
The week before classes began Mike went to a conference in Washington DC. So Mikey and Mama were on their own and totally successful! Of course, Grandma and Grandpa were on speeddial and slept with the phone nearby just in case I needed them but we managed just fine every night.

A New Car
In December we drove to the Lumberjack in Lolo and on the way we watched our headlights fade away. In the past we didn't worry about breaking down and waiting for AAA for a tow. But Mikey changed everything. We really didn't want to worry about our car not starting or breaking down (due to age). So we bought the car we've been lusting after for years: a Subaru Outback (2010). It is so sweet!! It is so easy to get in and out of. Two favorite features: heated seats and the spotlight on the ground when you open the door.

Classes Begin
Classes began on January 25th and it went relatively smoothly. I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays immediately after Mike teaches. He finishes class, comes down to his lab where he has let me set up shop, takes Mikey, and I head two doors down to lecture. In the afternoons I have office hours baby permitting and so far about half of my students have stopped by and Mikey hasn't been a problem. Pretty sweet! During my second class I thought to myself, "this is nice...to be teaching."

Hello from YouTube!

I have joined the YouTube community. My channel is JulieUzelacSchneider and you can find me using my email address but here is a shortcut: JulieUzelacSchneider. I intend to use it mostly for keeping people up-to-date on Mikey's life. I also have a link on the right side of this page that will "hold" after I've posted away this entry. Enjoy!!