Haven't had a lot to say here lately. It isn't that I am not thinking of things to write...I just don't find the quiet still time to sit and tap on the keys. Right now Daniel is clipping his hair, the basketball game is in the background, Nora is sleeping for the night, and a gentle dusk light splatters across my jeans. It has been a whirlwind week of Claire arriving from Chicago (thus, two beautiful visits to her canyon home), Daniel's family visiting from Vegas, hosting a bbq for friends, birthday celebrations at my mom's, taking care of our neighbor's puppy, and my dad's visit from Washington. I sit here saturated with the exhausted love that comes from a constant stream of visitors and hugs and cooking and talks and merriment and puppy licks.
At one of Claire's parties, I met a lovely woman (and mom to three kids). She spoke of the independent spirit in her daughter...who attends a Waldorf school. She explained a bit of the educational philosphy to Daniel and me. We both soaked in each detail and I knew we were both on fire about it. Excited about a notion of imagination and no television or "screen time" and stories and role playing. We know that if we stay here in the LA area we will face a decision about schools. To attend a public school ...which we both struggle to embrace. To attend a private school...which we hope would encourage and support divirsity of religion, culture, sexuality, and creative expression. To attend a religious school...which would necesitate many home conversations about the role of women and about being open and respectful of all the faiths, family structures, and belief systems of the world. Regardless, the latter two options require an investment of research and finances.
Alas, there's time for school decisions. It's only when talking to people from the West Side that you feel pressure with a baby to consider it already.
38 weeks into Nora's life and she's standing one-handed. Reaching out to everyone with her palm. Going for the "high-five" that my mom taught her. It's adorable, really. I can't believe soon she'll be 40 weeks. The same number of weeks that I carried her within. What a mind trip.
Here are some of the best photos from this past week. Claire also took great pics of Nora and our family here.
38 week shots
Nora's first little friend, Noah, came for a bbq. They are starting a band.
Daniel's parents were pretty excited to see Noodle.
Showing off her toy.
Ruffa shines her smile...Nora is amazed.
Lolos and Lolas lavished some attention on the child.
Nora and her Lolas ("grandma" in Kampampangan).
Uncle Kenny comes to visit.
Showing my dad her favorite toy.
Dad, Carolyn, and their miracle dog, Buddy.
Snuggles with Carolyn.
Getting closer to bed time...can you see it?
OMG, the pressure I'm feeling around here to get my kid into a $20K/year school right away has been overwhelming. We need to talk about this situation.
Posted by: Claire Bidwell Smith | June 14, 2011 at 08:19 AM