It’s a tradition in this household to acknowledge the anniversary of our partnership on a monthly basis (Tandy and I have been together one hundred and fourteen months!). So it’s no surprise that we similarly acknowledged Arden’s two month birthday. She had her doc appointment yesterday and is doing well, weighing in at 4.87kg (10 lbs 12 oz). She is 55cm long and has a head circumference of 39.5cm. That equates to being 33 percentile for weight. 14 percentile for length. And 84 percentile for head circumference…. That means she is short and chubby has a big head. Sounds about right!! 😆. Before I share about the DC leg of the trip, here is her first big milestone upon coming home. WAH!
It’s been incredible that the trip went as smoothly as it did, and I am clear that would not have happened if not for some really amazing friends and family that offered to host us, hold the baby when we needed the load the car, or take a shower. All these amazing mamas KNOW what it is like “in the trenches” and literally insist on helping because they know we are too shy to ask for help. I’m talking about you Syd and Amy and Angela. THANK YOU SO MUCH. And to everyone who has showered little baby Arden with lovely gifts — the outpouring of love and support for this phase in our lives has been truly heart-warming —thank you.
I have two more months of maternity leave left, and I have some projects set out for myself. The first is getting my milk production up so that I am feeding Arden 100%. The second is getting her to nurse at least some of the time. The third is getting all my doc appts in place (pelvic floor therapist, lactation consultant, chiropractor? acupuncturist? — thank gawd for Tandy who will help with this). The fourth is getting ready for my family to descend upon us over thanksgiving through mid Dec! I am so excited to be with them and for everyone to meet Arden.
And as I wrap my mind around all these projects, I am infuriated at the public policy priorities that AGAIN, undervalue the enormous amount of healing and care-giving that needs to be done when a child is born — the bulk of which is shouldered by women. And completely livid that this was in essence blocked by a single male senator. Sadly, no surprise given powerful folks like Elon Musk have the perspective they do on what fathers do. Paid family leave IS NOT a job perk. It is a foundational requirement for a healthy society and workforce. I am grateful to be one of 20% who enjoy paid family leave, and it is the lack of federal support for programs like these that contribute to significant inequalities in our world. Yes, we are making great strides in many other areas with this bill (climate change! early childhood education! child care!) but it still isn’t enough, and we all must keep advocating for greater support.
Adventures with Arden 