Tristan Drake Lamb

Uber Mom

2009-04-05T19:14:00.006-06:00

Okay so as a new mom I have to admit, I envisioned myself as the gal who could do it all. Food would all be made from scratch, my child clean and dressed in coordinated baby clothes all the time, I'd never miss a beat on my yoga classes, pedicures or skin care. I had it all set. (don't we all start out with that dreamy vision?)
I'm coming to grips with the fact that things are a little different than originally anticipated...

Yesterday: Changing Tristan is a bit like wrangling a greased calf. It takes some bicep strength, speed and use all of the skills I have acquired in yoga over the years; flexibility, deep breathing and setting an intention before I start the task. That being said, when he took off mid-change yesterday, totally naked I didn't think much about it. Cute. He's cute naked. After laughing and informing Greg that he should get a glimpse of him while naked on his riding toy, I guess I missed something. The next thing I saw was Tristan enthusiastically dipping into the storage under the seat of his riding toy and tasting (followed by an mmmmmm!) whatever it was that had collected in the bottom. It took minute to realize that the carpet had wet spots and the seat was covered in puddles when it hit me that the storage under the seat was full of urine and Tristan was getting the full flavor profile right in front of me....

Today: Refreshed after a great night of sleep, a yoga class and a shower (not to go so far as to wash my hair of course - that is only every 2nd or 3rd day), I was feeling pretty on top of it when we headed to Nordstrom for a return. I had also grocery shopped, made a great loaf of bread and dinner was ready when we got home. Life was good. Upon returning from the mall, I suddenly felt a lump on the back side of my thigh. I was wearing one of the 2009 standard issue new-mom uniforms; tight trendy jeans and a hoodie. They were tight enough that this lump was quite obvious (why my husband didn't notice or tell me I don't want to go into here). After digging into the back of my jeans what do I find but a pair of underwear that although clean, didn't make it into the drawer with it's fellow mates...

Weekend almost being over I'm having a glass of wine and hoping my work this week is a bit more orderly...

If Only We Could Bottle This!

2009-04-04T21:31:00.008-06:00

Oh the energy levels. Tristans levels, and that of which is required to keep up with him. It seems to be a pattern, that when we spend any period of time in a public place, strangers (or awe filled observers) ask us if he literally "falls to sleep each night". This kid is 0 to 60 and back again. Luckily he is a total crack-up and brings such fun and smiles to our days that we are excited to start again each morning. Um...at 6am.

Life inside and out

2009-03-21T20:14:00.005-06:00

We have fully surrendered our home to our little guy, and we love it. We sold our kitchen dining table, and replaced it with something Tristan and his friends will hopefully enjoy for years to come. Seeing Tristan sit at this table and eat his little snacks, or play with his cousins is one more step towards our little peanut shedding his "babyness", and becoming a toddler.

Alternating between the table and the highchair seems to keep Tristan a bit more interested in his food, though most of the time he still seems too busy to actually sit for a meal. He seems to be growing and developing beautifully, though I'm wondering if things will change as he seems to be existing on cheese and fruit these days. Greg and I went to brunch with some friends last week and combined Greg and I made six trips back to the buffet to get fresh blueberries. Tristan must have eaten at least 150. We couldn't put them in front of him fast enough.

In the outdoors, spring has sprung, and we have been spending a great deal of time cleaning up the yard. It's something we complained about it years past, but it seems easier this time around. We used to resent having to stay home to do the yardwork; nap time changes all of that. We're home already and loving the fresh air and activity. Once Tristan wakes from his naps he loves exploring. The toughest part of it now is keeping the hawthorn berries out of his mouth. Luckily they aren't toxic, but I'm not crazy about him keeping his mouth occupied with choking hazards. The kid has an amazing oral obsession!

We are looking forward to many sunny days to come with our growing, changing little toddler.

On The Upswing Of The Figure 8

2009-03-07T20:26:00.005-07:00

Okay it's March 7 and I personally have had only one healthy week since January 2nd. But between the three of us in the last six months we have had two stomach flu's, one ulcer, one bout of food poisoning, three (or is it four) sinus infections, an emergency room visit for an allergic reaction to a medication, at least six colds and now influenza type a. Haven't had a clear head for some time - I don't quite know what it will feel like to be healthy! But all we can do is assume that we are at the bottom of the figure 8 and we are inevitably on OUR WAY UP!

I know I just went through the litany of ailments, but the amazing part is that through it all, there is never a shortage of smiles. Tristan not only keeps us smiling through our own ailments with his adventurous spirit, sweet hugs and love of play and wrestling, but he smiles when he isn't feeling well. He simply wants to have fun and enjoy life. It gives us such perspective as to what is really important in life, and in the scope of things we have it all - a happy, healthy (relatively) family unit. There is so little worth getting upset about and so important to keep the attitude and spirits up.

Tristan says it best below as he feels the groove and just lives in the moment!

We're Back!

2009-02-20T20:42:00.001-07:00

Well six months later and I think it's time I get back to some blogging. Just some simple, consistent blogs to help me remember those special little moments and milestones.

Like how right now Tristan walks around like a speed skater with his hands behind his back, or the little Asian man. Its so funny for such an active little man to calmly hold his hands at his backside and wander through the house as if he is making a conscious effort not to touch anything.

Or like how he makes his WOW face - perfect O lips, big round blue eyes and the "WHOA!" whenever he discovers a new toy, hears a new sound or sees a sight he hasn't yet discovered.

Or there is the dancing. This little white boy has a beat and he likes to use it on every occasion possible. He seems to really like upbeat pop, rock music, the sound of every baby toy around and of course mom's great singing! Okay not the latter but he does dance to the rest.

My favorite is that Tristan has started to cuddle up. He loves bringing a book to mom or dad and crawling up on our laps. He loves being carried around so he can see everything at our view. He is wrapping his arms around my neck and putting his head on my shoulder when he has hurt himself. Sometimes he sits on our laps and enjoys spending time just sitting (for a short but cherished time).

Tristan has become a mimic, his vocabulary is growing every day and his gestures are so fun. If we have told him "no" for some reason, he will often try to pass it off on poor Ticker the dog. He walks over and points his finger at him while giving him a stern "NO!" then pats him on the head.

We seem to be on our feet or in motion from the moment we wake until the moment we fall into bed, but the entire day is always filled with more smiles than we knew possible. This blue eyed beauty fills our lives and hearts. That's it for now, I updated the blog, captured a few precious moments and hopefully began a new habit.

Oral Exploration

2008-07-25T14:06:00.000-06:00

Tristan is at that point that EVERYTHING goes in his mouth.
He has no sense of size, and no fear of anything he could possibly put his mouth around.
I've even had him lunge at my chin on several occasions!

I have to wonder if we had a girl if it would be the same...

We are prepping for the last of our "Grandparents Tour". Tristan has so far been to Oregon to visit Grandma Betty, Utah to visit Grandpa Alan and he is on his way next week to Oklahoma to visit Nash, Dana & Rochelle.

Mom & Dad (okay just mom) will have a huge adjustment next week as we are leaving Tristan in Oklahoma with Grandma Rochelle, and his Aunt Keli, Uncle Chad and cousins Jackson and Grace. Greg and I will continue on to Montreal for a work/play trip for 4 days. Should be interesting!

Ok So Its Been A While

2008-07-12T20:33:00.000-06:00

Alright so it has been ages since I've updated. I'll try and throw some fun and interesting items up for anyone who hasn't given up on my ever posting again.

We made it past the tough period and since about 4-months has been a blast - more and more every day.Since April Tristan has obviously grown quite a bit...He's a day away from his official 6-month date and almost 18 pounds. At his 4-month checkup he was 90% in height and about 65% in weight.

We have been on 4 trips - Vail, Aspen, Oregon and Utah. He is a great little traveler and really loves the different sites and experiences. In fact even when we are home, it is important to keep him out seeing some different things each day, He takes after his mom and dad in his love for travel and being busy!

In May at 4-months Tristan started reading and rolling! (okay so trying to read...)

In June Tristan went swimming for the first time, took his first flight and visited Grandma B in Oregon, and ate his first banana:

We had a swim and play day with the cousins (Tate and Daphne) at the end of June:

In July we've been to Utah for a family reunion and to visit Grandpa Giffin. (we weren't great about pix!)

Life is good and fun, and at the end of each day we are pooped out!

Ciao until the next post (hopefully not another 3 months this time!)

New Tristan Videos

2008-04-18T20:21:00.000-06:00

Here are some new videos of Tristan at his official 3-month mark!
Unfortunately when the get posted to YouTube they go very low res, but you will get the idea (of how totally darling we think he is!)

He is getting big - nearly 14 pounds! He is really starting to reach for and grab things, staying up a a bit longer between naps and enjoying play time even more. He is watching his hands and feet quite a bit - fascinated by his involvement in their movement. He really tries to make the "O" sound and watches my mouth closely as I try to teach him how to recite the vowels.
His mouth has found his hands, but as you will see in the videos, his favorite thing to suck on is his lower lip!

I went back to work this week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tristan is with a great nanny who is almost 70 years old and it is just the two of them. I am also doing great and feel a bit more normal with a couple days of work in my week, rather than life as I knew it being turned totally upside down!

Tristan in Bouncer
Tristan Smiles 1
Tristan Smiles 2
Tristan Smiles 3

Smiley Guy

2008-03-11T10:29:00.000-06:00

10 Weeks old, almost 12lbs and we are having more and more fun every day.

Tristans smiles and giggles keep us going every day - as any parent does, we live for those moments!

We had some video fun with Tristan and his cousin Daphne (almost 6 months old). She is obviously going to be a fun playmate for him when he can catch up and play along with her. Use your volume on the video - we got a lot of giggles out of it (maybe it's a parent thing??)

Be Present

2008-02-17T20:30:00.001-07:00

Tristan is now 5-weeks old and growing quickly (check out the cheeks on that little cutie!) He was 9lb 5 oz when we were at the doctor on the 13th, though by the end of last weekend, my arms are telling me he has nearly arrived at the 10lb mark.

These last few weeks have done him well - he is up to the 35th percentile in weight, up from 10% and has hit 50% in head circumference and height (up from 25% and down from 60% respectively). He grunts a lot and now we know why. If we had gained 30% of our body weight and 1.25" in our skull size in just three weeks, I believe we would grunt a lot too!

We are continuing to lay-low through the winter but have been able to make it out on some nice walks recently. The Babywise scheduling has been great for all of us, as we all know what to expect each day and night, and Tristan gets a lot of that great sleep that he requires (and we need!).

This last week was banner for us, for more reasons than just the 1-month checkup. More than anything we are so excited by his new, voluntary, smiling and laughing. His first voluntary smile was for his daddy. Greg approached us and was speaking to us and Tristan turned his head to him and smiled. We are now getting the more frequent smile and occasional giggle. He loves the animal illustrations in his nursery and in particular the monkey evokes a good smile and laugh pretty regularly.

Things are getting easier for us here. I am becoming much more familiar with this role and don't feel quite as out of control ever minute of every day. Don't get me wrong, this is tough stuff and I still can't get over how quickly a day can pass. The days were rapid in my professional life, they are relentlessly quick now. But i am trying to soak up every minute as I can already tell this precious time with our infant son is passing quickly.

We are staying present...the time is cherished.

3 Weeks

2008-02-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

We have made it out on 3 whole walks; feeling like they are pretty big outings at this juncture in our somewhat cabin-fevered state.

It has been cold most days and unseasonably windy for a better part of the last two weeks. The cold & flu season has hit pretty hard so we have made a concerted effort to stay nested at home and keep this little man healthy; though it seems that would only be possible with a first-child. I don't know how one could be so protective once there is more than one kiddo running around. For the time being though, we will enjoy this stage and continue to be over protective parents.

Greg's mom was in town over the weekend and Tristan got the love poured on him. Over the last seven years Rochelle has dedicated her heart to being a Grandma to Jackson & Grace in Tulsa, and she has it down to an art. It was so special to see her with Tristan and he couldn't take his eyes off of her by the time she left today - it brought us all to tears. There is a very special bond between that first and third generation.

Tristan: Day 10 and 2 Milestones

2008-01-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

January 24, 2008
Tristan is now double digit days - it went so quickly!

Yesterday he hit two big milestones, as he broke 7lbs at his weight check, and his little cord finally fell of that night.

You might count the number he did on his daddy between 11:45pm - 2:30am as another event to remember, although Greg is trying to forget it as quickly as possible. We have had to introduce formula into his diet and it seems to be messing with his schedule a little bit, though he is still one cool dude.

Ticker has been wonderful with Tristan. He has been easy on us; understanding that our attention needs to be on this new addition rather than heavily on him as it used to be. He has in act adopted his own new set of responsibilities and keeps a constant, close eye on his little brother. He is very particular about who gets close to him and makes sure that he always serves as a buffer. It's very sweet.

I had several hours alone with Tristan today, and it was good practice. I'm totally comfortable with Tristan, but having a tough time figuring out how to deal with not being at work. This is my first time in 21 years that I haven't had a full time job to go to and it is very difficult to balance demands here and computer time. It will come though, I know it is a new challenge in my life that will help me grow and broaden my perspective of what it takes for many others to live a healthy and balanced life.

Tristan Drake Lamb

2008-01-19T18:04:00.001-07:00

January 19, 2008 - Tristan's Due Date, and the first opportunity we have had to sit down and do any kind of announcement since his actual birth date on Monday January 14.

Tristan was born at 7:10am on Monday after about 9 hours of natural labor. He was 6lbs 14oz and 19.5". A perfect little bundle. He is quite a little peanut as he has lost the typical few ounces and is at 6lb 5oz right now (and gaining back quickly). He is obviously a thinker, as he was contemplating his arrival into this new world shortly after he arrived.

His birth was an amazing experience . Greg was incredible, as usual. He was exhausted trying to catch up from a tiring business trip, when I woke him up at 10:30pm on Sunday night to tell him that although I had assured him there would be another day or two to catch up, I needed him to rally.

The non-stop action started right then. Greg ran a bath for me, timed a few contractions and seeing that they were 1.5 minutes apart, he realized he better pack bags and get us on the road. We arrived at the hospital at 12:30am and things progressed rather quickly from there. With the help of an experienced doula, warm baths and meditative hypno-birthing techniques that we studied over the previous months, we were able to bring our baby boy into the world in the very calm and beautiful way we wished. Tristan worked hard and fast to get here on a beautiful, sunny Boulder morning with great views of the flatirons. True to his mom & dad's love for the first light of the day the sun was just breaking. We're not sure if this particular birth journey has contributed to his wonderful demeanor but we have a very mellow, alert and joyful baby that has made this new experience as easy and peaceful as any new parent could possibly ask for.

His first visitors (besides a thousand nurses and doctors) were Auntie, Uncle and his cousins Tate and Daphne.

We bundled him up on Tuesday night and made the journey home where he was welcomed by his Grandma Baumgart and a couple days later his Grandpa Giffin.

We couldn't have anticipated how busy this perfect little bundle could keep us. Our life prior to Monday was consumed with running a wonderful business and keeping a fulfilling and fun marital, family and social life moving at a pace that we thought (prior to Monday) was very busy and sometimes taxing. Our entire focus in life now is to feed this beautiful little body enough food every couple of hours, catch up on daily tasks and attempt some rest in-between. The feeding is going well, the sleep is coming, but let me just say, running our company comes much more naturally and easily than this seemingly simple new set of tasks. We have been absolutely spinning, even with all the help from Grandma and Grandpa.

Our new life is becoming more familiar, calmer and more joyful each day.
We are so incredibly in love, and in awe with this gorgeous, perfect little soul who has brought new love, life and meaning to our family.