October 7, 2011
Five months already...
Five months already...
October 9, 2011
We went to the pumpkin patch today. Lizzy had her first hayride on Grandpa's lap, played in the pumpkins, and chose the perfect one. She was so excited, that when we got off the hayride and found a place to sit to regroup, she wanted on the table so she could dance for the pumpkin.
We went to the pumpkin patch today. Lizzy had her first hayride on Grandpa's lap, played in the pumpkins, and chose the perfect one. She was so excited, that when we got off the hayride and found a place to sit to regroup, she wanted on the table so she could dance for the pumpkin.
October 11, 2011
For several months, she's been able to pull herself to a standing position with the help of my fingers. Today, however, she pulled herself to standing, without any assitance, in the bathtub of all places. Time to go buy some toys that encourage standing and walking.
October 12, 2011
Elizabeth has begun to talk in her sleep, a trait clearly inherited from the Vail side of the family. It was a great day to go play on the swings.
For several months, she's been able to pull herself to a standing position with the help of my fingers. Today, however, she pulled herself to standing, without any assitance, in the bathtub of all places. Time to go buy some toys that encourage standing and walking.
October 12, 2011
Elizabeth has begun to talk in her sleep, a trait clearly inherited from the Vail side of the family. It was a great day to go play on the swings.
October 13, 2011
Went on a mini-shopping spree at Target to get her a new walker, a toy she can pull up on and walk behind, a ball that encourages her to crawl after it, and some other random toys. She likes all of her new items.
October 14, 2011
She had discovered this week, and most definitely today, that she can drop things, as well as throw them some distance across the room.
October 15, 2011
We went to a food party at a friend's house, and Elizabeth got to play with another baby for the first time. She played very well with Naveen Lewis, and handled all of the overstimulation very well. Started Size 3 diapers today. We then went to the grocery store, and when we got home, she was so tired she went to sleep at 7:00 pm. She slept very fitfully, though. She normally sleeps like a log, but last night was tossing and turning and crying in her sleep. I wonder if this (plus all the drool) is a precursor to teething.
October 16, 2011
This standing thing is going pretty well.
Went on a mini-shopping spree at Target to get her a new walker, a toy she can pull up on and walk behind, a ball that encourages her to crawl after it, and some other random toys. She likes all of her new items.
October 14, 2011
She had discovered this week, and most definitely today, that she can drop things, as well as throw them some distance across the room.
October 15, 2011
We went to a food party at a friend's house, and Elizabeth got to play with another baby for the first time. She played very well with Naveen Lewis, and handled all of the overstimulation very well. Started Size 3 diapers today. We then went to the grocery store, and when we got home, she was so tired she went to sleep at 7:00 pm. She slept very fitfully, though. She normally sleeps like a log, but last night was tossing and turning and crying in her sleep. I wonder if this (plus all the drool) is a precursor to teething.
October 16, 2011
This standing thing is going pretty well.
October 17, 2011
I got on the scale this morning and was so pleased to see I'm now seven pounds under my pre-baby weight. That made me realize I haven't appropriately expressed my love for breastfeeding. Yes, the weight loss is amazing, but it's more than that. It's such a beautiful, profound, physical closeness with my baby. I've really become interested in it and have read up on the subject at length. The longer you breastfeed, the more the "mothering hormone" is released, causing the most intense bond between mother and baby, as well as additional protectiveness, etc. It also makes me so happy to know that SHE loves it. How do I know this? Whenever she knows we're about to nurse, she starts this super-excited laugh, that is distinct to our nursing sessions. She's so warm and snuggly and content when we're nursing. I don't ever want to stop. And I'm not going to impose any artificial deadline - we will stop nursing when Elizabeth decides she's done. It's working for us, she's thriving, and I love it. Why would I want to stop? This sweet face can have all the Mommy Milk she wants.
I got on the scale this morning and was so pleased to see I'm now seven pounds under my pre-baby weight. That made me realize I haven't appropriately expressed my love for breastfeeding. Yes, the weight loss is amazing, but it's more than that. It's such a beautiful, profound, physical closeness with my baby. I've really become interested in it and have read up on the subject at length. The longer you breastfeed, the more the "mothering hormone" is released, causing the most intense bond between mother and baby, as well as additional protectiveness, etc. It also makes me so happy to know that SHE loves it. How do I know this? Whenever she knows we're about to nurse, she starts this super-excited laugh, that is distinct to our nursing sessions. She's so warm and snuggly and content when we're nursing. I don't ever want to stop. And I'm not going to impose any artificial deadline - we will stop nursing when Elizabeth decides she's done. It's working for us, she's thriving, and I love it. Why would I want to stop? This sweet face can have all the Mommy Milk she wants.
October 18, 2011
Someone has a new friend.
Someone has a new friend.
October 19, 2011
I don't ever want her to get teeth, as this gummy smile is the most beautiful thing in the world.
I don't ever want her to get teeth, as this gummy smile is the most beautiful thing in the world.
October 20, 2011
Love is not a strong enough word. It does not do justice to the depth of emotion I feel for this wonderful, beautiful, amazing soul that has captured every part of my heart and then some. I didn't even know I had a hole in my life, until she filled it.
October 21, 2011
Got on the scale again today, and I'm now 9 pounds under my pre-baby weight. I'm considering never letting her stop breastfeeding. :o) In all seriousness, her Daddy came home yesterday from a business trip and Elizabeth was so excited to see him. Those two are so in love with each other. Tommy is an amazing Daddy. He said it's like looking in the mirror when he's with her; he has no choice but to be head-over-heels for her. And it's mutual. This morning, while I was getting ready, she lay in bed with her Daddy, holding his face in her hands and talking and cooing to him. When I picked her up to go change her, she kept leaning out of my arms to go back to him and get more Daddy time. Her eyes light up and the biggest smile crosses her face when she spots him. So sweet to see.
Love is not a strong enough word. It does not do justice to the depth of emotion I feel for this wonderful, beautiful, amazing soul that has captured every part of my heart and then some. I didn't even know I had a hole in my life, until she filled it.
October 21, 2011
Got on the scale again today, and I'm now 9 pounds under my pre-baby weight. I'm considering never letting her stop breastfeeding. :o) In all seriousness, her Daddy came home yesterday from a business trip and Elizabeth was so excited to see him. Those two are so in love with each other. Tommy is an amazing Daddy. He said it's like looking in the mirror when he's with her; he has no choice but to be head-over-heels for her. And it's mutual. This morning, while I was getting ready, she lay in bed with her Daddy, holding his face in her hands and talking and cooing to him. When I picked her up to go change her, she kept leaning out of my arms to go back to him and get more Daddy time. Her eyes light up and the biggest smile crosses her face when she spots him. So sweet to see.
October 23, 2011
Elizabeth's skills at standing while holding on to something have impoved markedly in the last 2 days. She can now stand, holding on to a solid support, for several minutes at a time. She looks so funny, standing there independently, all 26 inches of her. And she's getting quite good at her push-behind walking toy, and can now take 3 or 4 steps before needing supported again. She seems to have much more fun "walking" and still gets frustrated about not being able to crawl, so that's not nearly as fun for her.
Today I tried to teach her to say "I love you". She gets the "I" right, but the rest comes out "boo boo". So, I say "I love you", and she mimics back "I boo boo". It is the cutest thing I've ever heard or seen.
October 24, 2011
Daddy is out of town all week, so this means it's a bit of a challenge when I need to take a shower to wash my hair. Last night, I tried to put her in her Exersaucer so she could see me while I was showering. No dice. She cried and screamed until I got out to hold her. Fine. Why not bring her in the shower with me? I brought her in and held her in the shower, and she loved it. She liked grabbing the streams of water coming from the shower head. She was content, cooing, and relaxed. It was so nice. And she was exhausted, going to sleep at 6:45. And when she sleeps, it's all night. She woke up at 6:00 am, so everyone gets plenty of sleep in our house!
Elizabeth's skills at standing while holding on to something have impoved markedly in the last 2 days. She can now stand, holding on to a solid support, for several minutes at a time. She looks so funny, standing there independently, all 26 inches of her. And she's getting quite good at her push-behind walking toy, and can now take 3 or 4 steps before needing supported again. She seems to have much more fun "walking" and still gets frustrated about not being able to crawl, so that's not nearly as fun for her.
Today I tried to teach her to say "I love you". She gets the "I" right, but the rest comes out "boo boo". So, I say "I love you", and she mimics back "I boo boo". It is the cutest thing I've ever heard or seen.
October 24, 2011
Daddy is out of town all week, so this means it's a bit of a challenge when I need to take a shower to wash my hair. Last night, I tried to put her in her Exersaucer so she could see me while I was showering. No dice. She cried and screamed until I got out to hold her. Fine. Why not bring her in the shower with me? I brought her in and held her in the shower, and she loved it. She liked grabbing the streams of water coming from the shower head. She was content, cooing, and relaxed. It was so nice. And she was exhausted, going to sleep at 6:45. And when she sleeps, it's all night. She woke up at 6:00 am, so everyone gets plenty of sleep in our house!
October 25, 2011
Someone really likes to talk to her Momma on the phone.
While at Grandma's yesterday, Grandma would ask Elizabeth to "make a face." Elizabeth would scrunch her eyes up and open her mouth as though she were about to cry. Then she'd start laughing. I think it's amazing that she's able to start understanding funny requests like that, and finding the humor in them. I was reading that babies don't generally learn to respond to verbal commands like that until at least 9-10 months, so once again she's several months early on development.
Another thing we've noticed is how thick her hair is starting to get. She was born with a lot, but as her head has grown, her hair hasn't kept up. Until recently. It's growing so thick and healthy. I bet we will have pigtails by her first birthday.
October 26, 20111
Last night and this morning, she has (again) wanted to stand and walk. We worked together on pulling up a bit more, and we discovered that the stairs are the perfect exercize in pulling up, standing, and working her leg muscles. After just a few attempts, she's a pro!
Another thing we've noticed is how thick her hair is starting to get. She was born with a lot, but as her head has grown, her hair hasn't kept up. Until recently. It's growing so thick and healthy. I bet we will have pigtails by her first birthday.
October 26, 20111
Last night and this morning, she has (again) wanted to stand and walk. We worked together on pulling up a bit more, and we discovered that the stairs are the perfect exercize in pulling up, standing, and working her leg muscles. After just a few attempts, she's a pro!
October 27, 2011
Playing at Grandma's.
Playing at Grandma's.
October 29, 2011
We had a Halloween party to attend, so we were relieved when Elizabeth had a 3.5 hour nap early in the day. I thought this meant she might be able to stay up past her normal bedtime of 6:30. Fortunately, she did. She got really tired around 8:30 though, so we had to leave the party a bit early. However, she was a great prop. We went as a Carmel family, and she was my "adopted Asian baby", complete with requisite Carmel sweatsuit and Uggs (to match Mommy's!)
We had a Halloween party to attend, so we were relieved when Elizabeth had a 3.5 hour nap early in the day. I thought this meant she might be able to stay up past her normal bedtime of 6:30. Fortunately, she did. She got really tired around 8:30 though, so we had to leave the party a bit early. However, she was a great prop. We went as a Carmel family, and she was my "adopted Asian baby", complete with requisite Carmel sweatsuit and Uggs (to match Mommy's!)
October 30, 2011
For many weeks, Elizabeth has wanted to walk. She's just not interested in crawling. Recently, she has gotten very proficient at standing up whilst holding on to a supportive object. This morning, she was standing, holding on to the couch. She decided she wanted to go over to the ottoman, which is about a foot away. She turned her body, let go of the couch, took a step with each foot, and reached the ottoman. I was amazed. Granted, she's still wobbly and can't stand on her own, but she definitely had her first steps today. And she's not yet 6 months old. Can I shout from the rooftops at how amazed and proud I am about my incredible, beautiful, intelligent baby girl?
October 31, 2011
Elizabeth has so much fun every day with her Grandma and Grandpa. They purchased a little piano for her from the 1950s or 1960s, that is currently her favorite new toy. But she doesn't want to play it. Oh no. She wants to close the lid every time Grandpa plays the keys. When we got home, we had fun standing at the window in Daddy's office, watching the Trick or Treaters go by. On the window sill sits a piggy bank we bought in Vietnam. She decided she wanted the piggy bank. So, holding onto the window sill, she "cruised" two steps to the left to go retreive said piggy bank. First steps on Sunday, crusing on Monday. What's next - crawling on Tuesday?
For many weeks, Elizabeth has wanted to walk. She's just not interested in crawling. Recently, she has gotten very proficient at standing up whilst holding on to a supportive object. This morning, she was standing, holding on to the couch. She decided she wanted to go over to the ottoman, which is about a foot away. She turned her body, let go of the couch, took a step with each foot, and reached the ottoman. I was amazed. Granted, she's still wobbly and can't stand on her own, but she definitely had her first steps today. And she's not yet 6 months old. Can I shout from the rooftops at how amazed and proud I am about my incredible, beautiful, intelligent baby girl?
October 31, 2011
Elizabeth has so much fun every day with her Grandma and Grandpa. They purchased a little piano for her from the 1950s or 1960s, that is currently her favorite new toy. But she doesn't want to play it. Oh no. She wants to close the lid every time Grandpa plays the keys. When we got home, we had fun standing at the window in Daddy's office, watching the Trick or Treaters go by. On the window sill sits a piggy bank we bought in Vietnam. She decided she wanted the piggy bank. So, holding onto the window sill, she "cruised" two steps to the left to go retreive said piggy bank. First steps on Sunday, crusing on Monday. What's next - crawling on Tuesday?
November 1, 2011
One of Elizabeth's favorite games is to kick a ball back to the person who has rolled it to her. She makes such expressive faces of excitement and anticipation. Here is a selection of kickball faces. No, she's not in pain, she's excited!
One of Elizabeth's favorite games is to kick a ball back to the person who has rolled it to her. She makes such expressive faces of excitement and anticipation. Here is a selection of kickball faces. No, she's not in pain, she's excited!
Once we got home last night, there was more cruising. Several steps, whilst holding on, from the couch to the ottoman and back. She's getting good at this! Oh, and bathtime is always fun. Sorry the picture is a little fuzzy - the camera on my phone isn't the greatest.
November 2, 2011
One of Elizabeth's favorite "toys" at her grandparents' house is the assortment of doggies. She loves to chase Cleopatra around the kitchen in her walker. When she sees Gus on the other side of the door, she can't take her eyes off of him. Her other favorite game is to ride in the truck with Grandpa. She also likes to lean out the truck window and eat the truck. Elizabeth was a very sleepy baby today, too. She was outside for hours with Grandpa, playing. When they finally came inside, she was so sleepy, she fell asleep while Grandma was standing her up. She then came home and slept for 12 straight hours, from 6:30 pm - 6:30 am. But before bedtime, Lizzy and Mommy went outside to check the mail. In the mailbox was a package from her Aunt Ai Van. It was a hippo bib! We loved it, and will definitely be wearing it at her mini "6 month" birthday celebration on Saturday.
One of Elizabeth's favorite "toys" at her grandparents' house is the assortment of doggies. She loves to chase Cleopatra around the kitchen in her walker. When she sees Gus on the other side of the door, she can't take her eyes off of him. Her other favorite game is to ride in the truck with Grandpa. She also likes to lean out the truck window and eat the truck. Elizabeth was a very sleepy baby today, too. She was outside for hours with Grandpa, playing. When they finally came inside, she was so sleepy, she fell asleep while Grandma was standing her up. She then came home and slept for 12 straight hours, from 6:30 pm - 6:30 am. But before bedtime, Lizzy and Mommy went outside to check the mail. In the mailbox was a package from her Aunt Ai Van. It was a hippo bib! We loved it, and will definitely be wearing it at her mini "6 month" birthday celebration on Saturday.
November 3, 2011
Another of Elizabeth's favorite things to do at her grandparents' house is to sit in a box with all her toys. This girl has everything the world has to offer at her disposal, and wants to sit in a box. She also loves coasters from Cheeseburger in Paradise. Today, she fell asleep holding one, and wouldn't let go.
Another of Elizabeth's favorite things to do at her grandparents' house is to sit in a box with all her toys. This girl has everything the world has to offer at her disposal, and wants to sit in a box. She also loves coasters from Cheeseburger in Paradise. Today, she fell asleep holding one, and wouldn't let go.
November 5, 2011
We celebrated Elizabeth's 6 month birthday today with a very small gathering of immediate family. Even though I specified it wasn't a gift giving occassion, everyone couldn't help but bring more toys and clothes for this baby that has brought so much joy to everyone. We had a hippo cake for our baby hippo, and she was as beautiful as ever. She entertained guests with laughs when her Daddy would pop out of the closet or tickle her, and she did lots of standing for her amazed viewers.
We celebrated Elizabeth's 6 month birthday today with a very small gathering of immediate family. Even though I specified it wasn't a gift giving occassion, everyone couldn't help but bring more toys and clothes for this baby that has brought so much joy to everyone. We had a hippo cake for our baby hippo, and she was as beautiful as ever. She entertained guests with laughs when her Daddy would pop out of the closet or tickle her, and she did lots of standing for her amazed viewers.