I see you baby!

Two weeks from today I'll be halfway through my first day back at work. In some ways, it's hard to believe. My maternity leave has passed by quickly--and largely in a bit of a blur. And while I'm a bit anxious about this new transition (I feel like I can hardly get anything done now; how will I get anything done when we add work to the equation?), it's also helping me enjoy these days with Stella that much more.

Of course, I'm still going to miss her and worry about stuff like having enough breastmilk on hand while I'm away, but part of my feeling better about going back to work has to do with some changes Tyler's making professionally. Rather than going back to a full-time design job, he's going to make a go of it as a freelance designer and illustrator. Which means that he'll hopefully get to do more creative and professionally fulfilling work...and be home with Stella more. We're going to need less child care, and even when we do, he'll be downstairs working. So while the financial aspects of starting a new business can be a little scary, both of our minds are much more at ease about Stella.

And now that we've figured out what foods I shouldn't eat, she's a joy to be around--smiling and interested in things. It's amazing to see her world expand a little day by day. Lately she's been really into sucking on her hand and fingers. She's been trying to for a long time, but she's recently gotten enough motor control to get them where she wants them and to keep them there, so now we regularly hear loud slurping noises.


Looking cute in a sweater knit by Nana.


More of that morning's photo op


Night-time cutie. You can't really tell in this picture, but we like to call her "hombow baby" in this hat


I kept wanting Stella to be more of a sling-baby. She's finally old enough to face forward and seems to like this a little more.


I get a lot of comments that Stella looks like Tyler. In this photo from this morning, I totally see it.


She can be a daddy's girl, as evidenced by "reading" comics with dad last night.

You always hear that dad's play with kids differently. Here's some video proof (it will make more sense if you have sound):



Now we're off for a walk in this lovely sunny January weather. This weekend, she'll finally get to meet her Uncle Tim and Aunt Jeanne!