Watermellons and Sugar Babies

As I mentioned in another post, I have a watermellon that needed support rigging. I headed outside the other day in the terrible Florida heat to set up some sort of make-shift hammock thing with a pair of pantyhose. I really had no idea what I was doing. I had heard of others doing this, supporting their produce with support garments, but hadn't had anything to try it with. Two years into gardening and there is still so much I don't know, which is okay. It's exciting learning little things, especially on my own even if they don't work out and I disappoint myself.

I found a circular tomato stake lying in my gardening supplies and set to work.

It's not perfect but, so far, the watermellon seems supported quite nicely. The hose gives it breathability and are strong to hold up the quickly growing fruit. They were also only $2 for a queen size. I don't think I'll let it get tremendously big though.

In other new, Max -my sugar baby- has taken up co-sleeping again. During his horrible week of being sick two weeks ago, his only comfort at bedtime was sleeping on my chest while I was propped up a bit. It helped to keep his lungs and nose clear of congestion. Max is almost eighteen months now and had quickly grown out of co-sleeping as an infant, preferring to sleep in a bed in our room on his own. 

We considering ourselves Attachment Parents, taking cues from our children as to what they need when they need it. Cordelia co-slept for close to two years, Olivia only about six months and still dislikes sleeping with others. Alex slept in our bed for about four months then returned to our bed at about two and a half years old. Emmy was in her own bed out of our room before she was one.

This morning, I woke up with baby Max snuggled next to me. His head supported by my arm. His toes wriggling against my leg. He turned and looked at me through sleep-slit eyes and smiled. He climbed up and threw his whole twenty-three pound weight against my chest in a great big good morning hug. Tiny arms wrapped around me as far as they'd go. My own grin split my face as I hugged him tightly back.

He's my baby boy. He's my last baby. I am going to miss this.