I took a test on Facebook that "revealed my Power Animal." It turns out, I'm an owl. I have to say, the description fits!

The owl represents brilliance, perspective, intuition, quick-wit, wisdom and clairvoyance. You have the ability to see and know things that others do not. A simple intonation that might go overlooked by another will be immediately recognized by you. You find yourself overcome with a special energy in the nighttime hours, and often feel the most creative and in tune when others are sleeping. You would do well in jobs that require a high degree of intuition and wisdom, such as a psychiatrist, a judge, or a position working with children. Just beware of making yourself too open to your outside surroundings. A sensitive such as yourself always need be aware of protecting your heart and mind.

22.2 Pounds

Tristan is nearing 9 months and as of yesterday, he's hit the 22.2 mark on the scale. In case you haven't checked a weight chart for infants lately, let me tell you that this is a big kid. We've lately encountered many a one year old tot who can't hold a candle to my near nine month old. My son is HEALTHY.

Teething Is So Hard

Redhead Momma wrote me last week to say that she remembers how her son's sleep habits changed at 8 months. She recalled how hard it was.

As I sit here typing, waiting for dinner (at 9:06pm), I listen to my son JUST going to sleep. Granted, there was a time change that moved us an hour into the future. So, it's 8:06 to him. Regardless, he's been tired and I've been working to lull him to sleep for over an hour.

He cries. I attend to him. He cries again. Twice in the last 24 hours, he would only be consoled if I held him and rocked him, like I did when he was a newborn. Today he actually fell asleep on me sitting up, head bobbing like a buoy.

I just re-read that last paragraph. I said he cries. That's an understatement. He screams like he's going to die. Maybe it feels that way to a new little person who has had a good life to this point with attentive parents and lots of love.

I'm resisting going to him right now. He's not crying, just kind of babbling with an occasional staccato that sounds like he's trying to conjure my presence. Relief. D went to him.

I can't imagine how hard it must be to raise a child(ren) as a single parent. I'm sure I could do it if pressed, but I don't envy those mothers and fathers their solidarity.

If you are reading this, know that I intend to actually post photos and some up-beat thoughts on parenting. This is part of the experience, so I had to relate it - more for myself than for you.