We're hiring a new faculty in the department so I am even more busy than usual outside of work hours. On Thursday evening (and the next few to come) I'm having to wine and dine the person we're interviewing. This is fine except bedtimes are really important so I made my excuses and came home early (though not as early as I needed to be). Somehow I've also managed to be teaching a 3 hour class on a Friday morning.. and between that and interviewing the candidates on that day Friday's have been hectic. But on Friday afternoons Raf and I are taking a baby and me yoga class. It's a bit crazy trying to get there as Rich has to bring me Raf and I have to make a mad dash to Portland in order to make it - all the while trying to squeeze in food for both me and Raf. It;s really worth it, though, as this past 2 weeks it's been a lovely way to spend some time with Raf after a long busy week.
On Thursday mornings there's a storytime at the local library. I hadn't been, mostly because Raf is always napping around that time, but I thought we'd go for it this week. So we did that, too... The children's part of the library is really nice, and the story time was mostly sing songs, which Raf enjoyed (he loves the bouncing). This was another lovely way to connect with Raf after a very busy beginning to the week. He really seems prime to enjoy these type of activities now he's a little older.
These little activities are really helping to make the return to work more bearable. Knowing that I have some peaceful times/slower times with Raf planned out during hectic work weeks provides some solace that 1) I get to spend time with Raf; 2) I spend time with him that is fun and peaceful.
I'm looking for an infant's music group I can take him to. He really does love music, and actually just received the most lovely and sweet 'fiddle' CD from our friend SH :) I wish I could post some of the music here as it really is so delightful, and it does make you happy to just to listen to it (even when you're tired and a bit grumpy).
Whilst getting Raf to bed is entering a new difficult phase (we're transitioning from his Amby to his crib... just for the first part of the night before we go to bed), co-sleeping is really working out well. For one Raf now stays in bed with Rich when I get up early, so now both Rich and Raf are getting more sleep, and secondly when you're away from your baby all day and you don't get in until bed time is looming, it's a very sweet and pleasant way to find a way to spend more time with them. Here he is last night as I got into bed....
Good to hear you are getting into somewhat of a routine! It will be good once things slow down (interviews, etc), hopefully you will feel like you have a lot more fre time!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many groups I would love to go to with my son--story time at the library, there is a great shop in Norwich (if you are ever in CT again you should def. check it out) that has b'feeding and new mom groups--but with all my best intentions, I can never get to them because of nap time! He doesn't have a hard and fast schedule yet, and seems to still be up 1-2 hours (more 1) before needing to go back down again!
Have you tried www.kindermusik.com or www.musictogether.com for music classes? IDK about kindermusik, but I have heard good things about Music Together...that is what they offer in my town.
Alex, it is so good to hear you're finding ways to keep hold of your "real" life while juggling work and school. You are very wise to do this. The activities sound like great fun!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more about the co-sleeping.
And I, too, have heard good things about Music Together. We never got it together to check it out but I wish we had.
Love that last photo! We call that the "Francis of Assisi pose."
xoxo
Jen
'music together' is pretty great, although it would be a lie to say the songs/tunes never get seriously obnoxious :) i used to take kaya, and she loved it. in my area there are a few kids/babies' music classes that are more "indie" and therefore lots more fun, like this: http://www.nerissanields.com/Hoot.html. it's probably worth seeing if there is something like that in the Portland area; it's such an artsy place!
ReplyDeletei'm so glad raf is settling in w/ jen, and that you're finding ways to stay close and connected despite your crazy schedule.
xoxoxo
fia
I'm so glad that Raf is settling in with the nanny and that you are still in somewhat of a routine, I think that's so important and good for all three of you. How is baby yoga? I bet it's great . . .
ReplyDeletexoxo
Ah that is great! Raami loves the music too. It would have been fun if Raami & Rafi could have learn music together - future music icons in building? :)
ReplyDeleteHi all, I think we've found a music group at Birth Roots (a POrtland based pre and postnatal support center.. very crunchy and all that good stuff). it's called Singing Hands and it's sort of a combo of singing, music, and signing with kids age 0-3.I'm very excited about it, especially since it's on a Saturday and Rich will be able to join us every other week.
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