Baby's Got Tricks
I have taught Sydney to touch her tongue to her chin in hopes that it will avoid choking in the future. She's such a smart little girl! Not to mention how funny it looks....
Another tooth!
Sydney's third tooth cut through today! Looks like she has 3 more on her way, bottom two and the second top. She was acting normal this time, which I was very happy about. No cranky baby for this mommy!
Your First Thanksgiving
Yesterday was your very first Thanksgiving, Sydney. You enjoyed herb roasted turkey breast with pan gravy, autumn potato gratin, apple and onion stuffin' muffins, pumpkin soup with chili cran-apple relish, and green beans with apple cider, crescent rolls, and cranberry sauce-all made by Mommy. It was the very first Thanksgiving that Mommy ever cooked for. I was very excited to do this for you, and to start this family tradition. Daddy even helped chop the onions and apples. We had the best day with you and look forward to many more yummy days to come!
Playdates and Christmas Crafts
Today was an exciting day for Sydney. She had TWO babies to play with! A couple of my girlfriends came over for a visit with their daughters, who are close in age with Sydney. It's not often we get to do that and I enjoy the playdates just as much as Syd does. While the babies napped, the adults got crafty painting glass Christmas balls.
This was mine:
Later on, we also did a photo shoot with one of the girls, Isabella.
I really wish Gymboree would lower their prices as Syd would really enjoy the interaction. She is very selfless with her toys, very friendly, and loves the action.
This was mine:
Later on, we also did a photo shoot with one of the girls, Isabella.
I really wish Gymboree would lower their prices as Syd would really enjoy the interaction. She is very selfless with her toys, very friendly, and loves the action.
9 Month Well Check-up
Syd had her nine month check-up today and everything went great. Well, almost. Jason had forgotten to put the stroller in the car (yes, totally not MY fault...) so I had to carry Syd on my hip across a parking garage, down a flight of stairs, through the medical building, up an elevator, and down a hall. I was also carrying a bag on the bend of my opposite arm. Needless to say, I thought my arms were going to fall off. Upon arrival, I set Sydney on the floor of the doctor's office so I could sign in. I wasn't even finished when we were called in and I scooped her up and off we went. While in the exam room, my germophobic pediatrician walks in and says hi. The second thing he says is, "Let me get you (addressing Sydney) a wipe for your hands because I saw you sitting on the floor out there."
How horrible did I feel? Whatever.
He went about his usual tummy squeezing exams while I asked my questions. He discovered her first top tooth was about to break through-news to me! I hadn't noticed. Oops! Apparently, I also give Sydney a lot of orange foods and her nose has the color to prove it. Her skin is really dry too and after telling him I lotion her up all the time, he told me to lotion her up all the time.
I declined the flu shots and that was pretty much it. She's a picture of perfect health. She weighed in at 17lbs, 11oz, 26" long. We have less than three months till her one year check-up! Hopefully we can keep up the breastfeeding through flu season and also so I can begin weaning her to whole milk at one year, avoiding formula all together. I was advised not to give her milk any earlier. It will be quite the accomplishment to make it that far. I'm very proud of myself for sticking it through the hard times of nursing so my baby could reap the benefits. I can't believe my little pumpkin face is almost to her first birthday already!
How horrible did I feel? Whatever.
He went about his usual tummy squeezing exams while I asked my questions. He discovered her first top tooth was about to break through-news to me! I hadn't noticed. Oops! Apparently, I also give Sydney a lot of orange foods and her nose has the color to prove it. Her skin is really dry too and after telling him I lotion her up all the time, he told me to lotion her up all the time.
I declined the flu shots and that was pretty much it. She's a picture of perfect health. She weighed in at 17lbs, 11oz, 26" long. We have less than three months till her one year check-up! Hopefully we can keep up the breastfeeding through flu season and also so I can begin weaning her to whole milk at one year, avoiding formula all together. I was advised not to give her milk any earlier. It will be quite the accomplishment to make it that far. I'm very proud of myself for sticking it through the hard times of nursing so my baby could reap the benefits. I can't believe my little pumpkin face is almost to her first birthday already!
Baby Plates
We decided to go have dessert at the Cheesecake Factory last night and were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary baby plate of breads and the cutest little banana slices. Sydney was obviously thrilled as we were approached by strangers on how well behaved (and cute) she was.
This wasn't the first time a restaurant catered to our comfort when it comes to dining with a baby. It definitely makes the experience more enjoyable when Sydney can join in on the action. We don't get to do it that often, but when we do it's nice.
This wasn't the first time a restaurant catered to our comfort when it comes to dining with a baby. It definitely makes the experience more enjoyable when Sydney can join in on the action. We don't get to do it that often, but when we do it's nice.
Clapping
Less than one week ago (the 14th to be exact) Sydney started clapping. I can't begin to explain what an adorable sight that was!
Friday the 13th
Happy 9 month birthday Squidward!
You were born on a Friday the 13th, so today is extra special. Despite many people's superstitions, Friday the 13th will forever be a lucky day for me. You are 3/4 of the way to your first birthday and we are very excited about that. It is bittersweet though. Your personality has really bloomed over the past three months. You are silly, and sweet, and extremely focused. You now know who Mommy and Daddy are by name. You are working on calling Beaker "Cat". You have no desire to crawl, but get around by rolling. You practice talking in your crib. You love playing Peek-A-Boo. You have learned to point, and prefer using this skill when it comes to wanting my breasts. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't make me laugh.
Yesterday, I decided it was time to cut nursing out of your sleep routines. We still nursed, but it was done ahead of time. You did fantastic with the adjustment, as you always do to change. You instead get to snuggle up with your dolly for comfort. There is no crying for mommy and no protests to sleeping. I have done my very best since day one to be attentive to your needs, shower you with love and affection, and always keep you safe. While I consider all the books and your pediatrician, I have made all my parenting decisions by looking for what's best for you as an individual, and what's best for you in the long run-even if it means letting go of your newbornness. Yes that's a word. It may not be in the dictionary, but it's MY word. I wish I could cradle you in my arms forever. I wish you would always look to me for comfort. I wish you would always be tiny and cuddly and innocent. I realistically know this is not the case. You get bigger by the hour. You push away from me when you want to be by yourself. You don't need me like you used to. I know you must explore your independence and learn from your own mistakes to grow. I will give you the opportunities-just don't be in a hurry, ok?
I love you, sweet baby. Always.
You were born on a Friday the 13th, so today is extra special. Despite many people's superstitions, Friday the 13th will forever be a lucky day for me. You are 3/4 of the way to your first birthday and we are very excited about that. It is bittersweet though. Your personality has really bloomed over the past three months. You are silly, and sweet, and extremely focused. You now know who Mommy and Daddy are by name. You are working on calling Beaker "Cat". You have no desire to crawl, but get around by rolling. You practice talking in your crib. You love playing Peek-A-Boo. You have learned to point, and prefer using this skill when it comes to wanting my breasts. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't make me laugh.
Yesterday, I decided it was time to cut nursing out of your sleep routines. We still nursed, but it was done ahead of time. You did fantastic with the adjustment, as you always do to change. You instead get to snuggle up with your dolly for comfort. There is no crying for mommy and no protests to sleeping. I have done my very best since day one to be attentive to your needs, shower you with love and affection, and always keep you safe. While I consider all the books and your pediatrician, I have made all my parenting decisions by looking for what's best for you as an individual, and what's best for you in the long run-even if it means letting go of your newbornness. Yes that's a word. It may not be in the dictionary, but it's MY word. I wish I could cradle you in my arms forever. I wish you would always look to me for comfort. I wish you would always be tiny and cuddly and innocent. I realistically know this is not the case. You get bigger by the hour. You push away from me when you want to be by yourself. You don't need me like you used to. I know you must explore your independence and learn from your own mistakes to grow. I will give you the opportunities-just don't be in a hurry, ok?
I love you, sweet baby. Always.
Footed Pajamas
There is something about footed pajamas that just oozes the essence of childhood. Maybe it's the look of cozy cotton prints draped over protruding little bellies. Maybe it's the distant memory of snuggling up with my favorite stuffed animal at bedtime wearing them. Maybe it's because the first thing that comes to mind ISN'T a six foot MAN sporting Ariel from head to toe.
There have been many moments where I just look at Sydney and feel like I've been smacked right in the face with cuteness. Too many to count actually, but many of those moments happen on the nights she doesn't take a bath. I get her dressed for bed and we play on a big comfy blanket and wait for her daddy to come home. Then I watch them play together. She laughs and calls him Dada. She rolls around and grabs his face. He scoops her up high for a thrilling game of airplane.
I wish I could remember moments like these with my father, but I don't. I'll just have to relive them through my daughter. She lights up in her daddy's presence like I used to with mine. I feel so blessed to have found such a worthy man to parent Sydney with. She is one lucky little girl.
There have been many moments where I just look at Sydney and feel like I've been smacked right in the face with cuteness. Too many to count actually, but many of those moments happen on the nights she doesn't take a bath. I get her dressed for bed and we play on a big comfy blanket and wait for her daddy to come home. Then I watch them play together. She laughs and calls him Dada. She rolls around and grabs his face. He scoops her up high for a thrilling game of airplane.
I wish I could remember moments like these with my father, but I don't. I'll just have to relive them through my daughter. She lights up in her daddy's presence like I used to with mine. I feel so blessed to have found such a worthy man to parent Sydney with. She is one lucky little girl.
In Context
This afternoon, Sydney woke up from her nap and yelled, "Mama!" I opened her door and her hands went crazy as she looked at me, smile on her face, and she said once again, "Mama." I gave her the biggest hug when I scooped her up. She made my day.
5pm rolled around (aka the witching hour) and my sleepy baby started whining, arms reaching out for me, and she cried, "Mama!" I picked her up for a snuggle and a walk around the living room and she's soothed.
6pm and Jason came home from work. He ate yummy baked beans in front of Sydney as she stared at him and yelled, "Dada!" He gave her a taste and she smiled with satisfaction. A communication barrier is broken. She was pleased.
After her second dinner of the night, she enjoyed an hour of playtime with Jason, frequently taking a break to look up at him and say "Dada." I don't know what was more beautiful, hearing her say her Daddy's name, or seeing her Daddy's face as she said it.
Ever since Sydney was born, Jason and I were in competition over what her first word would be. We were convinced it was going to be Mama or Dada. Each of us were convince it was going to be them. I'm not sure what the odds were of having her first two words happen in the same day, and be THOSE words in context, but it was pretty incredible.
I love my family.
5pm rolled around (aka the witching hour) and my sleepy baby started whining, arms reaching out for me, and she cried, "Mama!" I picked her up for a snuggle and a walk around the living room and she's soothed.
6pm and Jason came home from work. He ate yummy baked beans in front of Sydney as she stared at him and yelled, "Dada!" He gave her a taste and she smiled with satisfaction. A communication barrier is broken. She was pleased.
After her second dinner of the night, she enjoyed an hour of playtime with Jason, frequently taking a break to look up at him and say "Dada." I don't know what was more beautiful, hearing her say her Daddy's name, or seeing her Daddy's face as she said it.
Ever since Sydney was born, Jason and I were in competition over what her first word would be. We were convinced it was going to be Mama or Dada. Each of us were convince it was going to be them. I'm not sure what the odds were of having her first two words happen in the same day, and be THOSE words in context, but it was pretty incredible.
I love my family.
Pumpkin Face,
Tonight you copied Daddy when he touched your nose by touching his. After my heart melted into a puddle of love, I realized I should grab my camera to capture this AMAZING moment. I captured two more pokes before you followed with a sweet, darling repetition of Mama and Dada's.
It's been almost three hours since then and I STILL can't wipe this smile off my face. Every day we spend together, you do something that makes me so proud to be your mommy. Whether it's just a few extra smiles or reaching a new milestone, I treasure these moments. I wish I could bottle the bursts of excitement and awe and love I feel for you. This way, when you are having a bad day or ever feel any doubt, you can rest assured no matter how big or small your accomplishments-I have always been proud of you.
Love,
Mommy
It's been almost three hours since then and I STILL can't wipe this smile off my face. Every day we spend together, you do something that makes me so proud to be your mommy. Whether it's just a few extra smiles or reaching a new milestone, I treasure these moments. I wish I could bottle the bursts of excitement and awe and love I feel for you. This way, when you are having a bad day or ever feel any doubt, you can rest assured no matter how big or small your accomplishments-I have always been proud of you.
Love,
Mommy
Cheese, Spills, and Birthday Parties
Sydney seems to be growing with every blink of my eyes. That's WAY too fast if you ask me. It hit me today that her first birthday is only three months away. Instead of getting teary-eyed, I decided I would get excited. I began my search for her birthday party theme and instantly fell in love with the Baby Einstein idea. I know it's not original, but I have many years ahead of me filled with pink princesses and pretty fairies. Maybe next year she'll want Micky Mouse. Maybe in five years she'll want G.I. Joe. Right now she likes Baby Einstein, and besides, how awesome will it be to make a bright and complicated caterpillar cake? Pretty freakin awesome. I'm going to make a huge caterpillar cake, for three people. Anything for THIS baby!
Now for some parenting woes. I'm having an interesting challenge drawing the line between letting Sydney become independent and being cautious. I allow her to stand against the couch because she likes it. You've seen the pictures. I'm always in an arms reach and she is never interested in trying to take any nose dives. Duh. Of course that would change. Silly me. I look down at my camera for one second today and she goes head first into her METAL jumper. Two minutes of screaming and a fashionable bruise later, I feel like a bad mom. I know it won't be the last bruise she gets, but I hope at least the next one isn't from my stupidity. Mental note: one second is all it takes.
So after Sydney's nap this afternoon, I decided some cheese and bread would be a nice surprise snack for her, especially since I failed to catch her earlier. She loved it of course. I'm beginning to wonder if there is any food this kid DOESN'T like? Since she's doing so well with table foods, I think tomorrow we'll try a steamed medley of carrots, peas, and corn. Cooked pasta sounds like a winner too. We shall see!
Now for some parenting woes. I'm having an interesting challenge drawing the line between letting Sydney become independent and being cautious. I allow her to stand against the couch because she likes it. You've seen the pictures. I'm always in an arms reach and she is never interested in trying to take any nose dives. Duh. Of course that would change. Silly me. I look down at my camera for one second today and she goes head first into her METAL jumper. Two minutes of screaming and a fashionable bruise later, I feel like a bad mom. I know it won't be the last bruise she gets, but I hope at least the next one isn't from my stupidity. Mental note: one second is all it takes.
So after Sydney's nap this afternoon, I decided some cheese and bread would be a nice surprise snack for her, especially since I failed to catch her earlier. She loved it of course. I'm beginning to wonder if there is any food this kid DOESN'T like? Since she's doing so well with table foods, I think tomorrow we'll try a steamed medley of carrots, peas, and corn. Cooked pasta sounds like a winner too. We shall see!
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Wait, did I just call my baby a monkey? Oh well...
Sydney started mimicking me! Not only is it funny, but it's quite the milestone. She understands! It started yesterday when she clicked her tongue against her teeth. All day I'd start it, and she'd copy. She also copied me when I said dada (but that she's been doing). Today I was trying to get her to clap. She didn't go for it, but when I put a block in each hand and clanked them together, she followed! The best part is how happy she was over herself. I can't wait to play with her again tomorrow!
Sydney started mimicking me! Not only is it funny, but it's quite the milestone. She understands! It started yesterday when she clicked her tongue against her teeth. All day I'd start it, and she'd copy. She also copied me when I said dada (but that she's been doing). Today I was trying to get her to clap. She didn't go for it, but when I put a block in each hand and clanked them together, she followed! The best part is how happy she was over herself. I can't wait to play with her again tomorrow!
A Big Girl Moment
Sundays lately have been a day where Jason and Sydney spend quality time together, playing and of course watching football. It's a lazy day where we lounge in our jammies, and watch tv all day-even Syd. I don't think babies this young should be watching tv, but times like these (daddy-daughter time) don't bother me one bit.
Tonight, Jason made a delicious dinner for us while watching the World Series and I decided it was time Sydney got in on the action. So we sat her next to us on the couch, Boppy hugging her securely, with the intention that I would give her a taste of a real dinner off her very own baby spoon. I gathered her itty-bitty bite-sized pieces of chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice, and put them in her own little bowl. She took one bite off the spoon and decided she didn't want my help. I had to lay a towel down over her lap, hand over the bowl, and let her at it.
It was a moment of her independence, and a moment of me letting go. I know this is so minor an accomplishment compared to those that are coming, but it was major to me.
Sniff, sniff. My little girl is growing up...
Tonight, Jason made a delicious dinner for us while watching the World Series and I decided it was time Sydney got in on the action. So we sat her next to us on the couch, Boppy hugging her securely, with the intention that I would give her a taste of a real dinner off her very own baby spoon. I gathered her itty-bitty bite-sized pieces of chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice, and put them in her own little bowl. She took one bite off the spoon and decided she didn't want my help. I had to lay a towel down over her lap, hand over the bowl, and let her at it.
It was a moment of her independence, and a moment of me letting go. I know this is so minor an accomplishment compared to those that are coming, but it was major to me.
Sniff, sniff. My little girl is growing up...
Daylight Savings
I've been dreading turning the clocks back for quite some time now. I worry about the dumbest things sometimes, I swear! I was worried how Sydney would adjust, and selfishly, if I would be stuck waking up an hour earlier for a week. Well today she slept till 8am. That's exactly an hour PAST her normal wake up time. Sweet, huh? So her naps were all on schedule according to the new time. Bedtime is coming up and I'm not expecting a challenge. Do I really have the easiest baby, or what?
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