The Breeders: Okay, NOW We Are Officially Parents

Sure, we have been a family of three for nearly a year. There is ample proof of our progeny on all our s networks and we have cheered The Kid's many milestones, but it turns out there are parenting milestones, too.

What are they you ask?

Well, there is the "" (take your pick) milestone. But we achieved that early on and that period is suprisingly brief.

No, the milestones I achieved recently have ushered us in to a bit longer (though I'm sure it will fly by) era of our lives:

The Cheerios milestone — This one is a bit delayed these days, thanks to new developments in baby food that offer us overprotective 21st century parents peace of mind. There are now organic, dissolvable cereal-like puffs that seem to disappear on the wind when they are accidently stepped on. But, those suckers are pricey, and now that The Kid is a pro at eating we've gone to the old standby. This weekend Cheerios left the high chair and entered the car seat for a quick snack before heading into Ikea, which means they have entered the car and will haunt us for the rest of our lives.

The My Purse is Full of Baby Toys milestone — Last Monday I arrived at work and a co-worker had forgotten a pass-card to get into the elevator. "No, problem!" I said and dug into my purse for my wallet, only to bring out a maraca. Luckily the security guard was not on a coffee break and I had remembered to bring a lunch. It took two more days before I switched out the maraca for the wallet. Much more useful, far less fun.