An update all around

Life is getting easier around here. In the past week we have started seeing improvements in Oliver's nighttime sleep. That makes for a slightly more rested mom and dad. And more rest equals more patience on my part and more time in the day to get things done when Oliver is napping. Happier all around!

Tony has been playing a lot of basketball lately in the evenings. He participated in a tournament at church and his team won the championship! They are now beginning the next round of play in a bigger tournament. He's been having a lot of fun and his play is definitely improving. Tony only has about 5 more weeks of work at Reed College. I'm really looking forward to the month or so break before moving to Washington. We really cherish the time we can spend as a family.

I'm feeling like I'm starting to get a hang of this mommy thing. It is harder than anything I have ever done before but it is also so rewarding. Life has changed so much! There are lots of happy and joyful times but with all major changes there are big challenges as well. I'm not as patient or selfless as I initially thought I was. I guess having a baby has magnified my imperfections and helps me to see where I have room for improvement. And there is definitely plenty of room for that!

One of the biggest things that has helped my transition into motherhood is spending time with other mothers. I have met a lot of women through church and really am enjoying the friendships that we are making. It is so wonderful to spend time with women with experience and to share in the joy of motherhood as well as commiserate about the difficulties that come with it. Not only do I enjoy spending time with such good company, but getting out of the house for a walk or playgroup helps to energize me and change things up a bit.

Oliver also loves to get out of the house. He is so alert when we get around others, especially children. He loves to watch all that is going on around him. Ollie has recently found his feet! They seem to be his new favorite toys as he grabs his toes constantly. It really is fun to watch him learn and grow. He is 14 weeks old now!