Big Week Coming Up

And I mean HUGE.

First of all, I have really gotten a lot of my motivation back and I really feel in the swing of things. I am taking great pleasure in cooking and even in plating new recipes and so mealtime has gotten a hell of a lot more interesting. I don't think I've made a pasta/pink sauce (our old staple) since... before Turtle was born. I also want to start baking again. Since I'm walking (and DH is making the effort to come with me), it would be nice to try out my skills on some new cupcake creations. Yum.

We had a bit of a milestone today. Turtle gave me a smile. Now, it could still be gas, but he's been working on this for a couple of weeks now, and I think today, he got the hang of it. Check it out - I believe it's the real thing! It kind of melted my icy heart.

And a new toy was introduced: I call it the Ocean Activity Playmat of Doom. This thing is hardcore. There are toys and links (new mommies: these links are absolutely essential to existence) and mirrors and lights and music, oh my! I was kind of worried that Turtle would be overstimulated by all the bells & whistles (because Mommy sure was), but as usual, he took it all in and after a momentary look of "what the heck, mom?", settled right in.

Apparently, the playmat is also a place for him to practice his kung fu fighting, shown here.

Now, for the fun. Wednesday, we have our "newborn photo shoot." It's not really newborn anymore, due to all the complications, but Jaime Smith is coming to the house to shoot us as a family, and I am stoked. I have this crazy obsession with pro photos, for some reason. I think I'm getting good with taking my own (I attribute it all to the new camera), but there's just something about a pro pic that gets me.

In the afternoon, one of my best friends is flying in on business. She is going to spend the night in the city so she can visit on Wednesday afternoon. It's going to be great. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, my other best friend and her boyfriend are driving up this weekend for a family function and they'll be coming here, too! We have a block party on Saturday, but whatever. I am just so delighted that these women, who are like my sisters, will be here to meet Turtle. Of course, there will be tons o' pics of their visits, later in the week. :)

Wish me luck getting everything done!