March 7, 2012
How is this possible that we have a 10 month old?
Because we had a beautiful day, I opted to do her monthly photos at the park. Unfortunately, since her Daddy is out of town again, it fell to me to play photographer. Thus, the quality isn't as good as if he had done them.
How is this possible that we have a 10 month old?
Because we had a beautiful day, I opted to do her monthly photos at the park. Unfortunately, since her Daddy is out of town again, it fell to me to play photographer. Thus, the quality isn't as good as if he had done them.
I have realized that I have never felt as complete and confident and "together" as I have since I've been a mom. This mothering thing has come so naturally. It has felt so right. Things have just clicked. Not that this has happened only recently or anything, but it's just recently that I've realized how gosh darn right having her has been for us.
And I have a confession to make. I'm an "Attachment Parent". I've known this all along, but it's time to come out with it. But, unfortunately, there is some sort of stigma attached to this, as though it's somehow wrong. But it's the way we (as a species) have been parenting for thousands of years. It's only in the last 200 years that these notions of "Oh, the baby must be independent". "The baby must cry herself to sleep". "The baby must learn that her parents aren't at her beck and call" nonsense has been around. And, for us, it feels right. This isn't a judgment on anyone who practices non-AP techniques. It's just me publicly putting out there what has worked for us.
Yes, we co-sleep. Safely. In our King-sized bed, without risk of smothering or crushing. It works for us. She is able to find me for comfort, warmth, or for a quick nursing session if she's thirsty in the middle of the night. We snuggle all night. It's beautiful. It's warm. It's safe. And she's a confident, independent, smart, loving baby even though she hasn't spent her nights alone and "learning" to be independent. There's just something not right, at least to me, about the "Cry It Out" method. I couldn't do it.
Also, one of the other benefits of AP is that we've foregone pacifiers (since about 8 weeks). Because if she needs pacified, she just finds Mommy. This is great, because it means that we won't have to break her of a pacifier habit in the future. One battle won before it's even begun :o) I only bring this up, because I saw a child the other day who was probably 4 years old still walking around Wal-Mart with a pacifier. Not judging, just saying that won't be us.
I've already spoken at length of my love for nursing. I'm pretty sure that, if I didn't have a full time career, I could see myself being heavily involved in La Leche League, spreading the word for new mothers about the importance of nursing. The health benefits. The incredible closeness. It's magical.
So, yeah. I'm an Attachment Parent. And I'm proud.
http://www.attachmentparenting.org/principles/principles.php
March 8, 2012
Elizabeth has such a great time each day with Yaya and Ed, that she has begun to forego at least one of her typical two naps. This results in a VERY sleepy baby when I pick her up after work. Today she fell asleep in the car on the way home, around 4:30. She stayed asleep while I got her out of the car seat. She nursed in her sleep. She didn't wake up until 7:00 pm. Tired little boo!
The best part of this extended nap was that she was able to stay up to see her Daddy when he came home at 9:00 pm. She has taken to standing at the front window, so she can see him pull in. Last night, when he pulled in, she was so excited that she put her arms straight up in the air, began saying "Dadadadad", and turning in circles. By the time she stopped rotating, she was so amped up that she barely knew which way to walk to go to the door to greet him. I wish I could have caught this on video!
March 9, 2012
One of Liz's new favorite things to do is to take all of her nappies out of the storage basket they're in.
And I have a confession to make. I'm an "Attachment Parent". I've known this all along, but it's time to come out with it. But, unfortunately, there is some sort of stigma attached to this, as though it's somehow wrong. But it's the way we (as a species) have been parenting for thousands of years. It's only in the last 200 years that these notions of "Oh, the baby must be independent". "The baby must cry herself to sleep". "The baby must learn that her parents aren't at her beck and call" nonsense has been around. And, for us, it feels right. This isn't a judgment on anyone who practices non-AP techniques. It's just me publicly putting out there what has worked for us.
Yes, we co-sleep. Safely. In our King-sized bed, without risk of smothering or crushing. It works for us. She is able to find me for comfort, warmth, or for a quick nursing session if she's thirsty in the middle of the night. We snuggle all night. It's beautiful. It's warm. It's safe. And she's a confident, independent, smart, loving baby even though she hasn't spent her nights alone and "learning" to be independent. There's just something not right, at least to me, about the "Cry It Out" method. I couldn't do it.
Also, one of the other benefits of AP is that we've foregone pacifiers (since about 8 weeks). Because if she needs pacified, she just finds Mommy. This is great, because it means that we won't have to break her of a pacifier habit in the future. One battle won before it's even begun :o) I only bring this up, because I saw a child the other day who was probably 4 years old still walking around Wal-Mart with a pacifier. Not judging, just saying that won't be us.
I've already spoken at length of my love for nursing. I'm pretty sure that, if I didn't have a full time career, I could see myself being heavily involved in La Leche League, spreading the word for new mothers about the importance of nursing. The health benefits. The incredible closeness. It's magical.
So, yeah. I'm an Attachment Parent. And I'm proud.
http://www.attachmentparenting.org/principles/principles.php
March 8, 2012
Elizabeth has such a great time each day with Yaya and Ed, that she has begun to forego at least one of her typical two naps. This results in a VERY sleepy baby when I pick her up after work. Today she fell asleep in the car on the way home, around 4:30. She stayed asleep while I got her out of the car seat. She nursed in her sleep. She didn't wake up until 7:00 pm. Tired little boo!
The best part of this extended nap was that she was able to stay up to see her Daddy when he came home at 9:00 pm. She has taken to standing at the front window, so she can see him pull in. Last night, when he pulled in, she was so excited that she put her arms straight up in the air, began saying "Dadadadad", and turning in circles. By the time she stopped rotating, she was so amped up that she barely knew which way to walk to go to the door to greet him. I wish I could have caught this on video!
March 9, 2012
One of Liz's new favorite things to do is to take all of her nappies out of the storage basket they're in.
Today Daddy took the day off of work to spend with Liz since he's been gone so much. As I was working from home this day, we went to Gymboree over my "lunch" hour rather than going to the normal Saturday morning session. It was fun, as always, and there were so many fewer kids (only 4 others rather than the normal 20-or-so other kiddos), so we had the whole place almost to ourselves! She, as usual, ran and played. What was really funny was that, during parachute time, she decided she wanted go to back over to the play area, so she stood up and took off running toward the "gym" area.
March 10, 2012
Last week, Liz and Ed have begun a call and response game, where he yells "Lizzybeth" (his name for her) from another room, and she bellows back "Ed" until he emerges.
Every weekend morning, she and I always call Ed when we wake up, since the three of us make up the early morning crew. He said "Lizzybeth" over the phone, and she immediately started shouting back "Ed!" over the phone. This went on for awhile. She is so funny.
After a LONG (9:45 - 12:30) nap, we headed to the Mall to get her some new shoes. We went to Finish Line (obviously!) and picked her out some pretty sweet kicks. Check these out!
March 10, 2012
Last week, Liz and Ed have begun a call and response game, where he yells "Lizzybeth" (his name for her) from another room, and she bellows back "Ed" until he emerges.
Every weekend morning, she and I always call Ed when we wake up, since the three of us make up the early morning crew. He said "Lizzybeth" over the phone, and she immediately started shouting back "Ed!" over the phone. This went on for awhile. She is so funny.
After a LONG (9:45 - 12:30) nap, we headed to the Mall to get her some new shoes. We went to Finish Line (obviously!) and picked her out some pretty sweet kicks. Check these out!
Our original dinner plans for the evening got cancelled, so we decided to head out to Yaya and Ed's, since they would have otherwise gone FOUR DAYS without their Liz! We headed over there for hours and hours and hours of play. It was a beautiful day, so we played outside, rode the lawnmower, rang the bell, played with doggies, played in the dirt, planted radishes and more. She fell asleep there, but woke up when we put her in her car seat. The whole way home, she kept saying "HUH!", which is her favorite word of the moment. She gets the word from somewhere deep in her belly, and comes out with "HUH!", almost like James Brown. It's hilarious.
We finally get home, and she's still so wound up, that I couldn't get her to sleep until 9:30!
March 11, 2012
Since I've now come clean about our co-sleeping, I can share some of the funny ways we wake up. 90% of the time, I do wake up first, which isn't surprising since she's so cuddly and comfy and warm in bed with me, and often sleeps until I start noisily stirring. However, on the rare occasion that she wakes up first, sometimes she lays and strokes my face, sometimes she starts playing drums on my belly (one of my personal favorites). This morning, I was woken up by her singing sweetly to herself.
Is there any better way to wake up than that? Her little sweet bird/angel voice singing? I think not.
Once we were all up and ready, we headed to the Children's Museum for her (and her Dad's!) first time. We had an absolute blast. We played in the baby area at Playscape, where we encountered two 11 month olds. Liz, once again, was GIANT compared to these two kiddos. And of course, walking, etc. The moms asked how old she was. I said "she just turned 10 months last week" and they said "Oh, I thought you were going to say 2 years or something!" She is a BIG GIRL, in case I haven't mentioned that...
After the baby area, we hit the sandbox (which led to brief tears when I moved us on), and then the water station. Liz and her Dad rode the Carousel, we played in the mirrored funhouse and so much more. We found a nice place to nurse, and she fell asleep. She wore herself out!
We finally get home, and she's still so wound up, that I couldn't get her to sleep until 9:30!
March 11, 2012
Since I've now come clean about our co-sleeping, I can share some of the funny ways we wake up. 90% of the time, I do wake up first, which isn't surprising since she's so cuddly and comfy and warm in bed with me, and often sleeps until I start noisily stirring. However, on the rare occasion that she wakes up first, sometimes she lays and strokes my face, sometimes she starts playing drums on my belly (one of my personal favorites). This morning, I was woken up by her singing sweetly to herself.
Is there any better way to wake up than that? Her little sweet bird/angel voice singing? I think not.
Once we were all up and ready, we headed to the Children's Museum for her (and her Dad's!) first time. We had an absolute blast. We played in the baby area at Playscape, where we encountered two 11 month olds. Liz, once again, was GIANT compared to these two kiddos. And of course, walking, etc. The moms asked how old she was. I said "she just turned 10 months last week" and they said "Oh, I thought you were going to say 2 years or something!" She is a BIG GIRL, in case I haven't mentioned that...
After the baby area, we hit the sandbox (which led to brief tears when I moved us on), and then the water station. Liz and her Dad rode the Carousel, we played in the mirrored funhouse and so much more. We found a nice place to nurse, and she fell asleep. She wore herself out!
Her Dad and I finished exploring the museum while she slept in her stroller. Then we decided to go get some Turkish food for lunch. Yet another new cuisine for our adventurous eater. She had pita and hummus, and lamb for her meal.
After lunch, we headed to Monkey Joe's for a bit of bouncing.
After lunch, we headed to Monkey Joe's for a bit of bouncing.
We figured Monkey Joe's would have completely worn her out, but when we got home, she was somehow STILL full of energy. So, Dad took her for a bike ride in her Burley Buggy.
We had an amazing day.
This is what I love. Doing things as a family. It is such fun to see the world through her eyes. To experience things with her. It's days like this that bring me such joy in my soul. I love spending time with her. I know her Dad feels the same way. She has made my life so unbelievably happy, that sometimes I can't wrap my mind around it. But I can wrap my heart around it just fine.
Today she finally was able to stand up, without pulling up or having any other assistance. And, she's off!
March 12, 2012
We had the day off of work, so Liz and I went into the FINL Corporate Office to say hi to everyone, and then we went to visit my Grandpa Dink and Grandma Sherry. He had just turned 70, so we gave him a birthday present of a photo of Ed, me, and Liz together. I think he liked it :o)
This is what I love. Doing things as a family. It is such fun to see the world through her eyes. To experience things with her. It's days like this that bring me such joy in my soul. I love spending time with her. I know her Dad feels the same way. She has made my life so unbelievably happy, that sometimes I can't wrap my mind around it. But I can wrap my heart around it just fine.
Today she finally was able to stand up, without pulling up or having any other assistance. And, she's off!
March 12, 2012
We had the day off of work, so Liz and I went into the FINL Corporate Office to say hi to everyone, and then we went to visit my Grandpa Dink and Grandma Sherry. He had just turned 70, so we gave him a birthday present of a photo of Ed, me, and Liz together. I think he liked it :o)
March 13, 2012
What a day this girl had! She got to play in her new sandbox that Grandpa Ed made for her. Then splash in the pond. Then ride the lawnmower. Then play with the dogs. And somewhere in there, she squeezed in a 1 hour nap. By the time I got home, she was BEAT! She went to sleep before 6:30, and slept until 7:15 Wednesday morning.
She also learned a new word - "Doggie". She says this when she sees Gus or Bella, or a picture of a doggie. She whispers it, like she's not quite sure she's saying it right, but it is very clearly "Doggie". Although it is in two very distinct syllables, with a pause in between, so it sounds more like "Duh (pause...) gie". But, another word to add to the list. She is such a little chatterbox.
March 14, 2012
Elizabeth is unusually interested in mechanical items, cranks, locks, gears, etc. Today, without having ever been shown how, she opened a crank-operated window at my parents' house. Is that normal 10 month old behavior?
Today she helped take her shirt off at bath time. She's been putting her arms through the sleeves for months now, but taking it off, over her head, is a new development. She also will help pull up her pants, or help step out of them when they need removed.
March 15, 2012
New noise today..."Nah! Nah!"
She helped get herself dressed today, as usual. Once she was dressed, she grabbed her coat, too, thinking she needed it to go outside. I guess she hasn't figured out that a coat isn't necessary if it's 80 degrees :o)
March 16, 2012
A new picnic table, so she can enjoy more of this beautiful "winter" weather.
Elizabeth is unusually interested in mechanical items, cranks, locks, gears, etc. Today, without having ever been shown how, she opened a crank-operated window at my parents' house. Is that normal 10 month old behavior?
Today she helped take her shirt off at bath time. She's been putting her arms through the sleeves for months now, but taking it off, over her head, is a new development. She also will help pull up her pants, or help step out of them when they need removed.
March 15, 2012
New noise today..."Nah! Nah!"
She helped get herself dressed today, as usual. Once she was dressed, she grabbed her coat, too, thinking she needed it to go outside. I guess she hasn't figured out that a coat isn't necessary if it's 80 degrees :o)
March 16, 2012
A new picnic table, so she can enjoy more of this beautiful "winter" weather.
March 17, 2012
Today at Gymboree class, I noticed a tiny drop of blood on her gums. When I wiped it away, there was a tiny little hole where the first tooth has finally, just barely, broken through the gums. We will have a beautiful smile, with teeth, soon! Although I will miss that gummy smile, I'm so grateful we were blessed with almost 10.5 months of it.
March 20, 2012
Happy first day of Spring! A record 82 degree today meant OUTSIDE baby. She played in her sandbox, played with her octopus sprinkler, and rode the lawnmower.
Today at Gymboree class, I noticed a tiny drop of blood on her gums. When I wiped it away, there was a tiny little hole where the first tooth has finally, just barely, broken through the gums. We will have a beautiful smile, with teeth, soon! Although I will miss that gummy smile, I'm so grateful we were blessed with almost 10.5 months of it.
March 20, 2012
Happy first day of Spring! A record 82 degree today meant OUTSIDE baby. She played in her sandbox, played with her octopus sprinkler, and rode the lawnmower.
March 21, 2012
Today, at long last, Elizabeth was finally able to successfully put a quarter in the coin slot of the slot machine. Quite a feat of manual dexterity! She then proceeded to do it three times in a row.
My Dad and I were talking last week, and he pointed out that all of our family and friends in Heaven must have collectively chosen this amazing baby for us. They knew she would need extra special care and love, which they knew we were capable of providing. I'd like to thank them for choosing her for us. She is amazing.
My parents dug out this photo of me. At first glance, I thought "where did they get this picture of Elizabeth"? Look at the resemblance (except for the eyes, of course):
Today, at long last, Elizabeth was finally able to successfully put a quarter in the coin slot of the slot machine. Quite a feat of manual dexterity! She then proceeded to do it three times in a row.
My Dad and I were talking last week, and he pointed out that all of our family and friends in Heaven must have collectively chosen this amazing baby for us. They knew she would need extra special care and love, which they knew we were capable of providing. I'd like to thank them for choosing her for us. She is amazing.
My parents dug out this photo of me. At first glance, I thought "where did they get this picture of Elizabeth"? Look at the resemblance (except for the eyes, of course):
She most certainly has my nose, chin, ears, hairline, and cheeks. Only she is so amazingly beautiful.
March 22, 2012
Elizabeth kept making a funny scrunchy face whenever Grandpa Ed would put his glasses on. They realized it was because she wanted to wear his glasses!
March 22, 2012
Elizabeth kept making a funny scrunchy face whenever Grandpa Ed would put his glasses on. They realized it was because she wanted to wear his glasses!
Oh, you see that shirt she's wearing? It's a 2T. And it fits.
March 23, 2012
For the past two or so weeks, when Elizabeth is thirsty, she will make the "Aaaaahhhhh" noise (that one makes after a refreshing beverage) to indicate she wants a drink. She has become quite the effective communicator! This is in addition to her 7-word vocabulary (Mama, Dada, Ed, Yaya, Uh Oh, Poo poo, and Doggie). She also occasionally says "buh buh buh" when waving Bye-bye, but it's not consistent/frequent enough yet, so I don't count it as word #8. Same with "huh huh huh" for "Hi".
Another example of her ability to communicate what she wants happened today. She wanted a drink of Ed's bottle of water, so she said "Aaaaaahhhhh". He handed her the bottle. Only, the cap was on. She couldn't quite get the cap off, so she grabbed his hand and put it on the cap, indicating she wanted him to remove it for her. After taking her drink, she then placed the bottle back in the cup holder in his truck.
So, while she might only have 7 (or 9, depending on how you count it) words in her vocabulary, she certainly can tell us what she wants!
Also, I have been following this developmental chart on Baby Center for 10 months now, and it always amazes me how she's just a bit ahead of the curve.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-13-to-18-months_1496589.bc
She can already do everything through the first column, up to the 15 month level, except "Walks Backwards." In the middle column, she checks all of the boxes through the 14 month level, including especially "initiates games" (she will start a peek-a-boo session, or come up and "scare" someone), she tries to make people laugh, point to someone's nose or mouth, and has been giving kisses on command for months now. And, she can do both items in the 13 month "Advanced Skills" column. Also, she's also hitting some of the 16 month middle column milestones, such as using the telephone (she can answer my parents' wall phone when it rings, and hold it to her ear). She can use a hairbrush on other people, brushing Mommy's hair, or Grandpa's face. She plays pretend at her little play kitchen, putting things in the microwave, and giving "bites" with the play spoon to anyone nearby. And climbing. Oh, the climbing! Oh, and check out that 17 month milestone. Six words? Well, she has 7 words at 10 months...
She's a pretty smart little baby. And I'm a wildly proud Mama.
There are not enough hours in the day to spend with her. There are not enough hours in the day to love her. Her light and joy reaches deep into my soul, and leaves an abundant, peaceful tranquility and happiness I have never known. She is our perfect angel.
March 26, 2012
One of the videos Elizabeth likes to watch is "Twinkle, Twinkle", and in this video, there is an owl who says "Hoo hoo" during the song. This is one of her favorite parts of the video.
Today, Ed was playing Twinkle Twinkle (just the melody, not singing along or anything). Elizabeth, recognizing the melody, touched his arm, and said "Hoo hoo", just like the owl.
March 27, 2012
March 23, 2012
For the past two or so weeks, when Elizabeth is thirsty, she will make the "Aaaaahhhhh" noise (that one makes after a refreshing beverage) to indicate she wants a drink. She has become quite the effective communicator! This is in addition to her 7-word vocabulary (Mama, Dada, Ed, Yaya, Uh Oh, Poo poo, and Doggie). She also occasionally says "buh buh buh" when waving Bye-bye, but it's not consistent/frequent enough yet, so I don't count it as word #8. Same with "huh huh huh" for "Hi".
Another example of her ability to communicate what she wants happened today. She wanted a drink of Ed's bottle of water, so she said "Aaaaaahhhhh". He handed her the bottle. Only, the cap was on. She couldn't quite get the cap off, so she grabbed his hand and put it on the cap, indicating she wanted him to remove it for her. After taking her drink, she then placed the bottle back in the cup holder in his truck.
So, while she might only have 7 (or 9, depending on how you count it) words in her vocabulary, she certainly can tell us what she wants!
Also, I have been following this developmental chart on Baby Center for 10 months now, and it always amazes me how she's just a bit ahead of the curve.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-13-to-18-months_1496589.bc
She can already do everything through the first column, up to the 15 month level, except "Walks Backwards." In the middle column, she checks all of the boxes through the 14 month level, including especially "initiates games" (she will start a peek-a-boo session, or come up and "scare" someone), she tries to make people laugh, point to someone's nose or mouth, and has been giving kisses on command for months now. And, she can do both items in the 13 month "Advanced Skills" column. Also, she's also hitting some of the 16 month middle column milestones, such as using the telephone (she can answer my parents' wall phone when it rings, and hold it to her ear). She can use a hairbrush on other people, brushing Mommy's hair, or Grandpa's face. She plays pretend at her little play kitchen, putting things in the microwave, and giving "bites" with the play spoon to anyone nearby. And climbing. Oh, the climbing! Oh, and check out that 17 month milestone. Six words? Well, she has 7 words at 10 months...
She's a pretty smart little baby. And I'm a wildly proud Mama.
There are not enough hours in the day to spend with her. There are not enough hours in the day to love her. Her light and joy reaches deep into my soul, and leaves an abundant, peaceful tranquility and happiness I have never known. She is our perfect angel.
March 26, 2012
One of the videos Elizabeth likes to watch is "Twinkle, Twinkle", and in this video, there is an owl who says "Hoo hoo" during the song. This is one of her favorite parts of the video.
Today, Ed was playing Twinkle Twinkle (just the melody, not singing along or anything). Elizabeth, recognizing the melody, touched his arm, and said "Hoo hoo", just like the owl.
March 27, 2012
Elizbeth's eighth word is "duck". She said this repeatedly while playing with one of her little rubber ducks. It's clear as day! "Duck!"
March 28, 2012
Two new words in two days. Today's is "bite". Grandpa Ed was singing "bite bite bite" to get her to take a bite, and she kept repeating back "bite bite." Word #9.
Mommy and Daddy have bought her a swingset for her first birthday, that will stay at Yaya and Ed's. It arrived today, and Grandpa got it assembled.
She does her victory cheer every time she comes down the slide :o)
March 28, 2012
Two new words in two days. Today's is "bite". Grandpa Ed was singing "bite bite bite" to get her to take a bite, and she kept repeating back "bite bite." Word #9.
Mommy and Daddy have bought her a swingset for her first birthday, that will stay at Yaya and Ed's. It arrived today, and Grandpa got it assembled.
She does her victory cheer every time she comes down the slide :o)
March 30, 2012
Elizabeth and I have been staying with Yaya and Ed while Daddy is out of town. There were storms last night, so this morning, when we got up, their dog Gus was inside, laying by the kitchen door. Lizzy couldn't believe this, and kept saying "Dog!" "Dog!" Like, "Do you guys see this? There is a dog in the house!". She is such a good enunciator, too. It's very clear what she is saying. This girl gets more and more amazing, and beautiful, every day.
When she and I got home after I had finished work, we began playing a proper game of hide and seek. She would go around the corner in the entryway, and wait a few seconds for me to go hide. She didn't even try to peek! After a few seconds, I'd say "Where's Mama?", and she'd walk out to come and find me. She'd check a few spots, and every time she would find me she would scream her excited laugh. We played this for upwards of an hour before she finally tired of it! I am amazed that a 10 1/2 month old baby can play hide and seek so well! Granted, she's the "seeker", not the hider, but she seems to fully understand the fun of this game. I am so proud, and even more so, I am having so much fun with her. Like I've said before: There are not enough hours in the day to enjoy her. I cherish every minute I get with this angel.
March 31, 2012
Elizabeth's Daddy arrived home Saturday morning from Las Vegas, about 30 minutes before she and I had to leave for Gymboree. She greeted him, as usual, at the dining room window with excited screams of "Dadadadada!" Then she showed him how well she can say "DUCK!"
She and I went ahead and went to Gymboree. I was talking to her teacher, who will also be "hosting" her 1 year birthday party. She told me that they have a set schedule of events they normally do for a 1 year birthday party. But, since Elizabeth is so advanced, she will have to think up some different activities to keep her interested.
Have I mentioned how proud of her I am? Maybe once or twice, I have.
April 1, 2012
We had a few errands to run today, and she was such a good girl, as usual. We had an early dinner/late lunch at a Chinese buffet, and she sat and happily fed herself for a good 30 (or more) minutes, giving her Dad and I a chance to eat. After our errands, we went to the playground to swing. There was, of course, a "DOG!", so she had to inform me of the dog's presence about 30 times :o)
April 2, 2012
Elizabeth and I were nursing together, and she looked at me and gave me the biggest milky grin. This was followed, not too long after, by my Mom sending me this beautiful poem:
Wean Me Gently
I know I look so big to you,
Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.
But no matter how big we get,
We still have needs that are important to us.
I know that our relationship is growing and changing,
But I still need you.
I need your warmth and closeness,
Especially at the end of the day
When we snuggle up in bed.
Please don't get too busy for us to nurse.
I know you think I can be patient,
Or find something to take the place of a nursing -
A book, a glass of something,
But nothing can take your place when I need you.
Sometimes just cuddling with you,
Having you near me is enough.
I guess I am growing and becoming independent,
But please be there.
This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,
Please don't break it abruptly.
Wean me gently,
Because I am your mother,
And my heart is tender.
The decision to continue to nurse her is one of the best, and most important, decisisions I will ever make. It's not just nourishment. It's relationship building. I cherish it so much.
Elizabeth and I have been staying with Yaya and Ed while Daddy is out of town. There were storms last night, so this morning, when we got up, their dog Gus was inside, laying by the kitchen door. Lizzy couldn't believe this, and kept saying "Dog!" "Dog!" Like, "Do you guys see this? There is a dog in the house!". She is such a good enunciator, too. It's very clear what she is saying. This girl gets more and more amazing, and beautiful, every day.
When she and I got home after I had finished work, we began playing a proper game of hide and seek. She would go around the corner in the entryway, and wait a few seconds for me to go hide. She didn't even try to peek! After a few seconds, I'd say "Where's Mama?", and she'd walk out to come and find me. She'd check a few spots, and every time she would find me she would scream her excited laugh. We played this for upwards of an hour before she finally tired of it! I am amazed that a 10 1/2 month old baby can play hide and seek so well! Granted, she's the "seeker", not the hider, but she seems to fully understand the fun of this game. I am so proud, and even more so, I am having so much fun with her. Like I've said before: There are not enough hours in the day to enjoy her. I cherish every minute I get with this angel.
March 31, 2012
Elizabeth's Daddy arrived home Saturday morning from Las Vegas, about 30 minutes before she and I had to leave for Gymboree. She greeted him, as usual, at the dining room window with excited screams of "Dadadadada!" Then she showed him how well she can say "DUCK!"
She and I went ahead and went to Gymboree. I was talking to her teacher, who will also be "hosting" her 1 year birthday party. She told me that they have a set schedule of events they normally do for a 1 year birthday party. But, since Elizabeth is so advanced, she will have to think up some different activities to keep her interested.
Have I mentioned how proud of her I am? Maybe once or twice, I have.
April 1, 2012
We had a few errands to run today, and she was such a good girl, as usual. We had an early dinner/late lunch at a Chinese buffet, and she sat and happily fed herself for a good 30 (or more) minutes, giving her Dad and I a chance to eat. After our errands, we went to the playground to swing. There was, of course, a "DOG!", so she had to inform me of the dog's presence about 30 times :o)
April 2, 2012
Elizabeth and I were nursing together, and she looked at me and gave me the biggest milky grin. This was followed, not too long after, by my Mom sending me this beautiful poem:
Wean Me Gently
I know I look so big to you,
Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.
But no matter how big we get,
We still have needs that are important to us.
I know that our relationship is growing and changing,
But I still need you.
I need your warmth and closeness,
Especially at the end of the day
When we snuggle up in bed.
Please don't get too busy for us to nurse.
I know you think I can be patient,
Or find something to take the place of a nursing -
A book, a glass of something,
But nothing can take your place when I need you.
Sometimes just cuddling with you,
Having you near me is enough.
I guess I am growing and becoming independent,
But please be there.
This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,
Please don't break it abruptly.
Wean me gently,
Because I am your mother,
And my heart is tender.
The decision to continue to nurse her is one of the best, and most important, decisisions I will ever make. It's not just nourishment. It's relationship building. I cherish it so much.
April 3, 2012
Elizabeth's Daddy said "Hi Lizzy" to her. She replied with "Hi Dada".
Last week, Yaya started playing "Pat-a-Cake" with Elizabeth, doing the "roll 'em up, roll 'em up, throw them in the pan" verse among others. Today, Lizzy was walking around, doing her arms in the "roll 'em up" motion. Cuteness overload.
April 4, 2012
Yaya and Ed got Lizzy a playhouse for her birthday, complete with working doorbell, and a mailbox that was promptly filled with collected dandelions. They also affixed a steering wheel to a post, where she can stand in her sandbox and "drive".
April 5, 2012
Yaya and Ed took LIzzy to the park to feed the ducks. While "DUCK!" is currently one of her favorite words (along with "Dog" and "Dada"), she did NOT like the real thing at all. The ducks were calm - not quacking, not flapping. The ducks quietly waddled over to get the bread, and she had a complete meltdown. Poor baby. We will try again another time, I suppose.
Yaya and Ed took LIzzy to the park to feed the ducks. While "DUCK!" is currently one of her favorite words (along with "Dog" and "Dada"), she did NOT like the real thing at all. The ducks were calm - not quacking, not flapping. The ducks quietly waddled over to get the bread, and she had a complete meltdown. Poor baby. We will try again another time, I suppose.
April 6, 2012
I think we have entered a new stage where she has become fearful of things. Yesterday, the ducks. Today, I went to do her Oscar the Grouch Jack-In-The-Box, and she hid behind me, crying when he popped out. It makes me sad that she's starting to exhibit fear. I guess it's a natural human reaction to things that are unknown and scary, though!
I think we have entered a new stage where she has become fearful of things. Yesterday, the ducks. Today, I went to do her Oscar the Grouch Jack-In-The-Box, and she hid behind me, crying when he popped out. It makes me sad that she's starting to exhibit fear. I guess it's a natural human reaction to things that are unknown and scary, though!