Stuff 'n' Things

It has been one week since I gave up Facebook for 99 Days of Freedom. It is already so much easier not to be on FB than it was when I started 7 days ago. My mom texted me to tell me that she misses me being on there, which makes sense. I am the only child of hers who doesn't live within 2 hours of her, and FB was our way to easily stay in touch. Though truth be told, I prefer that people have to actually reach out to me and TALK to me to know what's going on in my life. As opposed to just quietly looking at what I'm up to and not actually taking the time to communicate with me. But funny thing: I'm also not sure that many people do "creep" on my FB page. I have only had 2 views of my last blog, which could very possibly even have been the same person. Probably my mom, "Hi Mom!"

Alas, I will keep writing, really more because it gives me something to do. Not that I am in that desperate of a need to find something to do. I have been considerably occupied. Thus far I think I actually am happier with my life now that I am slightly more disconnected from social media. Henry is a hoot. An absolute hoot. This child is getting crazier by the minute. He is pulling himself up on everything right now. I mean EVERYTHING. He gets better at it daily. Watching the wheels turn in that little brain of his is amazing. Tonight we went on a walk, which we try to do every night as long as the weather permits and we have time. Lately when we're getting ready to go out, he has started diving out of my arms into the stroller, I assume, because he is excited to go on a walk. When he sits in his stroller he puts his hands on the little tray in front of him, he leans forward and watches EVERYTHING. I took the time to watch him watch everything tonight. A bird flew by and he followed it. Some girls were riding their bikes and as long as he could see them, he watched them. As we get closer to signs he stares at them and then when we pass one he moves to the next sign. His little brains just take in so much.

In other news, we officially have a place in Minnesota! It is in Golden Valley - our first time living outside of Minneapolis. It is a wonderful apartment complex, we had toured it last year before we knew we were going to move to NY. They had one apartment available on Oct 1 and we snatched it right up! This move is getting so close but it still feels so far away. We think we're going to hire UPack, a moving company that brings a cube to our apartment, we fill it up and then it moves it to Minnesota for us where we unload. This is a great option because it allows us to all travel in the car together as a family instead of Jason driving the moving truck while Henry and I take the car. It's all so exciting! I just want to jump up and down and cheer like a silly little girl.

Something New

A friend of mine posted something on Facebook yesterday called 99 Days of Freedom. It is challenging people to give up FB for 99 days. I would love to disconnect completely, but letting go of FB is a good way to start. So for 99 days (which I think puts me at Oct 22nd) I will not use FB at all. I haven't even gone 24 hours yet and can't believe how many times I have mindlessly reached for my phone to check my FB (I removed the app from my phone). Like when you give up anything, I imagine the first days are the hardest and then it'll get easier over time.

This is actually the best time in my life to "Look Up." I have the rest of this summer home with Henry and I likely won't have the chance to spend free time like this with him again for a good chunk of years. It's been a struggle so far (not even 3 days in) because I just really don't know what to do with him. For the record: I am not ignoring him right now, he is taking his morning nap. I've been saying this throughout the last year, but this time off would be incredible if I had family or friends around. Today I sat down and made a list of different things he and I can go do together. I just don't want to sit in the apartment with him day after day. I think that would drive us both crazy. I might actually plan out daily activities. If only Albany had more to offer. I think the nearest zoo is in NYC...

Henry is so silly these days. I've been marveling at how much he has changed in the 8.5 months of his life and at how he hasn't changed at all. His favorite thing to do right now is to stand. Which is great, and would be even greater if he would realize that if he stands, he needs to hold on, or else he's going to fall. It's really hard as a mother to watch your baby bonk his head (chin, nose, cheek, etc) over and over again. Naturally I step in and move him to another area, or put my arms around him so I can catch him - prevent a bonk if at all possible. Then immediately I wonder if I need to just let whatever happens happen. What if my stepping in is making it harder for him to learn that he needs to hold on? Quite the metaphor for the rest of his life, huh?

Well, I'm going to do something productive around the house while Henry naps. Perhaps do some apartment hunting in Minnesota. I'll likely be getting around to posting on my blog a bit more than usual, so check back in periodically :)