It’s official, Autumn is a morning person. I just wanted to eat her she was so precious this morning.  I’m jealous that Joyce gets to hang out with her instead of us. Tomorrow Autumn. Tomorrow. Let’s go play.

Love,

Mom

“Let’s take the babies on the ferry and go to Tiburon for lunch!” This was the idea my friend Shayna had when our girls were only a few weeks old. But, it wasn’t until March 13th that the weather finally cooperated and we were organized enough to pull it off. And I’m using organized very loosely here.

After our regular Friday swim date, five of us and our babes hauled ass out of the JCC. This was the day we learned our friend Heather had the mad driving skills of a salty old cabbie, Shayna’s husband would forgive a giant dent in their bumper, and Ali was nearly left at the dock. Organized? Not exactly, but it happened, and in the land of being a new parent – that’s what matters.

It was one of those crystal clear days that reminds us why we love living in San Francisco. This was the first boat trip for all five kids and we blended in with the rest of the tourists with our cameras and giddy smiles. When we landed in Tiburon, we made a beeline for Guaymas (an upscale Mexican restaurant at the dock) and settled into our apps and beers. We were a scene without question. Five moms laughing it up, and five babies falling somewhere on the spectrum between peacefully napping and hysterics.

As we were wrapping up our meal, the ferry was pulling up and a quick check on someone’s iPhone revealed that this was in fact the last ferry until after the kid’s bedtime. Oops! We were working off the wrong schedule. Again, we tested our ability to pack up quickly and barely made it on board for our ride home. Luckily, I had packed “dessert” (a box of Matt’s Yummy Lovin’ Chocolate Chip Cookies) and we devoured them on the trip back. Anyone who’s tried them knows what a huge hit they were.

Despite the rush, the day was a huge success, and it felt good to get out do something beyond the ordinary. Next time: Angel’s Island.

It’s not a coincidence that I returned to work the first week in January, and this is my first real post in 2009. I’ve certainly thought about writing them, almost everyday really. But like most working moms, I get about 1-2 blessed hours to myself in a whole week. (I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s even less with more than one child.) I’m working part-time, three days a week. It hasn’t been without its hiccups. Trying to carve out a meaningful career in 2/3 the time, be the mom I dream of being, and the wife Matt deserves…well, it ain’ t easy. But I’m confident that everyday that goes by, I will get better at all three.

Thursday nights are blessed in our home. Between knowing my work week is over, looking forward to four uninterrupted days with our girl,  and Thursday Night TV, it’s has become the gateway to my weekend. Fridays are even better. This is our fun day. Back in December, Autumn and I started swimming every Friday with a group of friends at the local JCC pool. The first time we went, she looked like she was absorbing everything but the water. Older babies splashing, senior citizens doing water aerobics, and countless old women coming over to comment, “Look at all that beautiful hair!” Yes, our little Autumn and her lovely locks draw lots of attention.

After three continuous months, she seems to love being in the water nearly as much as her mom and dad do. Last week she spent nearly the entire time fixed on a mini-basketball floating in our area. Her hands outstretched for nearly a half hour, she never gave up trying to pull it towards her and figure out a way to get it into her mouth. I’m predicting we have a little baller on our hands. Soccer? Basketball? Water Polo? We’ll see what interests her tomorrow during our Friday dip.

We also get together with our “play group” on Fridays – a group of moms that have been hanging out once a week to enjoy frosty brews and our babes since they were all about four weeks old.  Think of it as a conversation circle where we can sip mimosas and talk about poop without anyone flinching.Two weeks ago we hosted playgroup  in our little apartment and I snapped some photos of Autumn’s friends (see below). Tomorrow we’ll be enjoying the weather and going for a walk together in Golden Gate park.

Thursday just ended. Friday is here… finally.

Because I’m 5 months old, sportin’ pig tails for the first time and Smokey the Bear is my friend! Life Rules.

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and football. And Autumn’s first introduction to this special day included all of the above. We celebrated with a group of 17 in Novato, and Autumn was passed around like one of the side dishes. She didn’t want to miss any of the fun and insisted on staying awake nearly the whole day. She was passed out in Grandma Mary’s arms by the time her dad’s delicious pumpkin pie was served.

My heart swells when I think about all I am grateful for this year. We were blessed with a healthy happy pregnancy and now we have this new little life that makes us a family of three. I’m a mom. Wow. How do you begin to give thanks for a gift like that?

I’d like to dedicate this post to the following people:
Camilla, Amy L., Amy K., Mary, Mom, Lindsay, Shayna, Ted, Brian, Marisa, Jena, too many of the GGMG (Golden Gate Mothers Group) members to count, my wonderful husband Matt, and all of the other people I hit up for advice. Drum role please…

Autumn Sophia Pritchard slept for eight straight hours last night in her co-sleeper. Those of you who helped us get there know what a big deal this is. Of course she’ll probably be up every hour tonight since she knows I’m so well rested. Oh well. Onward into the night…

Two Mondays ago Grandma Mary played hooky from work and came to the city to hang out with her girls. The weather was gorgeous and we went for a walk and had lunch out in Laurel Village. Autumn enjoyed a day full of cuddles and songs and Mary indulged in some one-on-one time with her fourth grandchild. We’re hoping she’ll decide to skip work again and come play with us soon!

The last week in October Autumn got to meet Grandma Eileen, Jody’s mom. Grandma sang funny songs and proved to be the ultimate cuddler. She and Autumn spent each afternoon wrapped in each others arms napping, and falling in love. It was so great having her here during the first week Matt was back at work. Autumn seemed to enjoy every minute.

The following weekend Uncle Brian, Aunt Marisa, and first cousin Bodhi flew in for a visit from Vancouver, WA. Having a 20 month old son has turned my little brother into a seasoned baby soother. Brian took Autumn during a fussy evening and magically put her to sleep in 15 minutes while I got to enjoy a hot meal. (Thank you, thank you, thank you!)

On that Sunday we enjoyed a trip with the Great Grandparents to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Bodhi had a blast playing with all of the great interactive displays and we quickly decided we will be getting a membership here as soon as Autumn is crawling. What a great place to have so close to home!