Facing Fears

On Friday, I presented my colleague's and my work at a conference in Philadelphia. While I was appreciative of the professional development opportunity, it meant facing some pretty serious fears. First, I would have to fly (and I HATE flying). Second, I would have to speak in public...at a podium...did I mention in public? On top of all that, I would be away from Dexter for 2 days. But thanks to the support of Ben and some friends at work I mustered the strength to face these fears and everything went wonderfully. We had a small but highly engaged group for the talk so I was quickly able to forget about how uncomfortable I was at the front of the room and actually enjoy the intellectual exchange. And there was nothing like getting off the plane in Chicago and having Dexter run towards me with open arms saying, "Mama!" I can't say that my public-speaking fears have been obliterated but I can say that I'm not as terrified of it as I was a week ago.

Potty Update

Well, Dexter is certainly not scared of his potty. He happily sits on it and looks around (no poops or peeps though). However, when he's not sitting on it, he pulls out the cushy potty "seat" and chews on it (his 17th and 18th teeth are coming in so he's teething at the moment). Not exactly the kind of familiarity with the potty that we were looking for. Dexter's potty is now put away for a little while - we'll bring it out again later and hope he's no longer intensely interested in eating it.

Top Notch Field Researcher

For all the years that Ben and I have been together, I have helped him with countless gigs, lugging equipment and providing support. The other day, he had the opportunity to help me out with one of my "gigs". Ben, Dexter and I spent the morning documenting community-based organizations in a south side neighborhood - Ben drove, I located and photographed, and Dexter chirped happily in the back sea. Having worked up an appetite, we all enjoyed a Top Notch Beefburger at Top Notch Beefburgers on 95th.

The Ins and Outs of Dexter's First Sandwich

It was a delightful chicken salad with red grapes.

Potty

I told the doctor that Dexter gives me the sign for potty when he's doing a poops and I asked if we should try to potty train him now. She said we should get him a potty and let him try to go on it but not to expect much. She thought it was a good idea to get him used to the potty so he's not afraid when we really start to toilet train him between 18 and 24 months. We stopped at KMart and bought Dexter his potty on the way home from the doctor's office. Wish us luck!

The Latest Stats

Dexter had his 15 month check up today. The doctor was impressed with how friendly he was with her. He's doing great in all areas - no developmental concerns at this point. He weighed 26 pounds and 11 ounces and measured 32 inches long. He's up to 75% percentile in height, and 90% in weight. The doctor wasn't concerned with his weight - he's a solid little growing boy.

Music To My Ears

Dexter has been perfecting "DaaaaaDeee" for weeks now but it was only after we got back from our roadtrip that he began to call me Mamma with intention and meaning. This past Wednesday, I called home from work to check in and when Dexter heard my voice he exclaimed, "Mamma!" I couldn't hold back the tears.