Reflections on a Year

One year ago, I was in my midwife's office VERY ready to have this baby. I was huge, I was uncomfortable, and I couldn't wait to meet my little boy. Fast forward to today: I'm a mommy. And I have a one year old. And it all flew by in the blink of an eye.
Happy birthday my son. You have transformed me in a way I didn't know was possible. You are the reason I evolved into someone stronger. You changed me, and I am forever blessed by this change.

Singer, thank you. You made me a mother. And there is nothing in this world that fulfills me more. You challenge me every day to be a better person...for you. You bring me such joy, and sometimes I can hardly catch my breath because the love I have for you knocks me over.
To my son on his first birthday!
Mothering always,
Jess

Prayers for Pam

My best friend since highschool is going through a rough time right now. I'm not sure all the details, but I know that she needs our prayers. Her mama is sick and in the hospital, and her mama is one incredible woman. When I think of what Peace would look like if she were a person, I think of Pam.

Send a little energy to Anna and Pam, please.


Friendship Bread for everyone,
Jess

All you need is....

a really great blanket!

A million hugs and kisses to my dear friend Jill who sent us this lovely wool fabric. Jill forewarned me--she said she wasn't sure if the fabric would be good for anything other than a blanket. Perfecto!

I ran a couple quick seams, and we now have the perfect park (and Phish shows) companion.

Nothing like a little easy sewing.
Love to Jill,
Jess

the National Aquarium: Pioneering for Pisces (John's suggested title--haha)

When Singer and I decided to visit the National Aquarium in DC, we thought we were in for another great day at the tanks. Remember: babies love fish! Little did we realize that this aquarium is really a conservation project, and learning about what this team of scientists is doing for the aquatic world was pretty cool.
A little history for you: The Aquarium is OLD. In 1873 it was established as the nation's first. Since 1932 the aquarium has been housed in the Department of Commerce Building. And in 1982, the aquarium was established as an independently operated, non-federally funded entity. This makes me a little sad to think that the federal government has better things to spend their money on than this gallery. But, at the same time, I think it's really amazing that the independent researchers are committed enough to keep the project running despite the lack of federal funding.
The aquarium's National Marine Sanctuaries Gallery is by far the soul exhibit of the institution. Each tank represents a different species that is protected by the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. Singer discovered the Loggerhead Sea Turtles exhibit, and we ended up spending a lot of time with the baby turtles. We learned that when the turtles are about one year old, they are released back off the coast of North Carolina into the wild blue to start their adult journey.
If you are in DC, you should definitely check out this beautiful and important space. The fish need our support. Also, the DC Aquarium partners with the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and a membership buys you access to both locations.

Viva la (fish) revolution!
--Jess

A Hippie baby goes to DC (during Cherry Blossom fest)

We just got back from four days in Washington, DC. It was such an amazing time, and I couldn't help but laugh as I was going back through our photos. Our kid looks like a little hippie. Wonder where he gets that from??
The Smithsonian's Natural History Museum boasted a Rastafarian exhibit and a crocheted coral reef. Nice.
Enlarge the following kite association pics by clicking on them. The kites are beautiful.

And for Yaya: Singer's first McD's french fry.
He barfed approximately one nano-second after this pic was taken.

Spring in DC reminded me of a 60s love-fest for some reason. Maybe it was the kites, or maybe it was strolling in and out of history with my son. We really tried to see everything, and when Singer is older, I can't wait to show him the pics of his historical vacation as an 11-mnth old :)


To the past (and the future),
Jess

P.S. Stay tuned for a post about a cool D.C. conservation project we got to experience.

Hello Goodbye

Singer has recently said goodbye to his beloved Moos. These weird stuffed-animals-on-soothies were a saving grace during his baby days, and I honestly thought he'd be sleeping with a Moo forever. But, with the introduction of Snuffles (a Gund teddy bear that my sister sent from Oregon) into the crib, Singer has given the Moos up. He's moved on to bigger things.

I wanted to take a photo of Singer and Snuffles, but my camera makes this really loud noise when it clicks a picture. So, to assure that I wouldn't wake him up, I took a video. Without further ado, here's Singer & Snuffles in an intimate embrace, and you also get a tiny tour of my row home :)


This new hello goodbye symbolizes so much for me: my baby is growing up. Singer will be a year old in a couple weeks. I pray for the strength to get through his birthday party without bawling the whole time. It went by fast.

Watching him grow,
Jess

Crepe Date

My two "first friends" in Philadelphia were Kira and Jane (remember Jane from this post). We met while we were cast-mates in this really artsy Fringe show, and we've been getting closer every day since. They were there when pregnancy was a little scary, and they threw me a baby shower, and they're still my friends after those sleepless new-mommy days, and I was there when Kira announced she was preggers, and I waited patiently for her baby girl to be born because I had one secret desire: to stroll in Philadelphia with my baby alongside my friend and her baby :)


This week I got my wish! Singer and I went strolling with Kira and baby Eloise. We visited our favorite spot--Cafe L'Aube on South Street--for some real French crepes and coffee. Singer sang and Eloise slept, and I couldn't help feeling so blessed by the moment. I told Kira that I can't believe we are both here with our BABIES. Who would've thought?? I guarantee that neither one of us two years ago when we were half-naked wax sculptures writhing on a stage in front of a Fringe audience ever guessed we'd be where we are today. Ever.


And is there anything funnier than a baby pointing to a baby and saying "baybee"???

Here's to friendships that evolve into something bigger than you could have ever imagined.
For Kira,
Jess