Milestones: Emma's Firsts

I've never really used the word "milestone" before. In context it seems over-enthusiastic, even cliche and I really haven't had much reason to use it, either. Yet, here I am, once again offering more evidence that motherhood can cause one to see things very differently than those pre-parenthood days. And that's my opener for my overwhelming desire to write about the collection of firsts -- or milestones -- that Emma (Joe and I included) has recently experienced.

It all started on September 13th when we decided to take an impromptu day trip to San Francisco. I'm pretty pleased that Emma's first day trip was to an international city (even though she won't have an inkling of a memory of it). We hit up a funky Caribbean restaurant near Golden Gate Park (she was awake the WHOLE time), shopped and walked down Haight-Ashbury, stroller and all, took in an amazing view of the beach near the Cliff House restaurant (pictured above) and even managed to make it out to a local hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant later that evening. We had an absolute blast and Emma was a well-behaved adventurer (we were sure to gather photographic proof as we may need to remind ourselves sometime in the future that it IS possible).

Then we started Mommy and Me "swim" lessons on the 15th. Everyone says that babies take to the water naturally after having been in the womb and I felt it was important to tap into and extend that comfortability by taking Emma to the water at 3 months old. It gets us out of the house to spend some outdoor time together and also involves interaction between her and someone other than her parents. Most importantly it's a great outlet for her boundless energy. She's getting adjusted to what she can and cannot do in the water and as a result has blown bubbles, splashed around and dipped her face -- by accident, of course. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the myriad activities Joe and I will expose her to.

September 20th was yet another adventure of sorts. We took Emma to get her ears pierced. As much as I envisioned putting some beautiful diamond studs in her virgin ears, I had to abstain. For one because I don't even have a pair of diamond studs! All kidding aside, I felt weak in the knees when we walked through the entrance of Claire's in the mall. We got up to the counter where the mean piercing gun sat and I thought, "I don't think I can do this!" I started to imagine the blood curdling cries that would accompany her bright red face and infamous (and absolutely heart warming) pouty bottom lip sticking out as she stared us right in the eyes with a look that begs to know why we did this to her. I feared I would never forget the horrible sound and tortuous image. And I was right. Joe and I were terrified. But we all managed to get through it and it didn't take Emma long before she stopped crying. Of course, Joe flying her through the store and then through the mall as Super Baby helped tremendously. I do believe her ears were made for earrings. She makes them look GOOD.

Best Practices

Over the years, I've heard so many tips on things I can do to help make my life easier and more enjoyable. Some, MAJOR adjustments and some, little lifestyle tweaks. The other morning I realized that I still practice quite a few of these suggestions! It might be a good idea to take a refresher course on others, though. So, in hopes of reminding myself of some of the most logical rules to follow, I thought I would share them. Here they are:

1. Exercise in the MORNING - it gets your metabolism going and adrenaline flowing first thing. As tough as it is to drag your butt out of bed and into workout gear, it feels amazing to start the day with that sense of accomplishment that carries through until the evening. And you don't agonize all day about that trip to the gym later, either.

2. Get plenty of rest - sleep for at least a 7 hour stretch. Studies suggest those who take in at this amount of sleep, are slimmer and live longer than those who don't. And the exercise ties into providing better, more solid sleep. Also avoid caffeine 4 to 6 hours before night-night time.

3. Don't have a TV in your bedroom - I understand this one...it's a total mood killer! And it affects our ability to ease into sleep mode.

4. De-stress - this one's so vital to our overall health and life span. It breaks our bodies down. Stress also triggers the release of cortisol, a chemical in our brains that is responsible for lowered immunity and abdominal fat. I've gotta learn how to meditate!

5. Be kind to others - because it makes you and the other person feel good. And not that I practice this philosophy for this reason, but kindness comes back to you. Even the smallest acts of kindness pull you in closer to that other person and can enrich your relationship.

6. Have lots of sex - it seems easier said than done lately, but I've always known sex to have amazing health benefits. Doing the deed a few times a week stirs up and brings to the surface all those "feel good" hormones and even lengthens your lifespan. As if we need any more reasons to have sexy time!

7. Eat breakfast - it wasn't until I became a voraciously hungry pregnant woman that I ran with this one. There are many healthy ways to do this. Whole grain cereal (preferably with fiber) gives you a great a.m. jump start. And don't forget to squeeze in protein - it makes you feel fuller longer. There are TONS of great tips to follow on the link I provided. This article identifies what kind of proteins to eat, suggests what to have for breakfast, what to snack on throughout the day and which foods can boost your energy.

Rules like these are so ingrained in my mind that I don't even realize I follow them. And there are so many more! So when I conjure up more little tidbits from my fact-infused brain, I plan on hitting my blog and laying them out there proudly.