Here's a clip of Mila taking laps around her "Baby Condo." Watch as she stops during the lap to go through the "tunnel" ... LOL! So cute!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
We Have a Walker!!
Ok it's official... We can't deny it anymore, Mila. You're a walker!!! You're definitely walking more than you are crawling! EEeeeeeee!!!
Here's a clip of Mila taking laps around her "Baby Condo." Watch as she stops during the lap to go through the "tunnel" ... LOL! So cute!
Here's a clip of Mila taking laps around her "Baby Condo." Watch as she stops during the lap to go through the "tunnel" ... LOL! So cute!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Playtime with Daddy
Jorge does anything to make Mila laugh! He's such a great daddy! This is why I married this man! He's not afraid to be silly. LOVE HIM! :)
"Something's different about Daddy... but I can't place it..."
"Peek-a-boo!"
"I see you, Daddy!"
"I'm going for the Macho Man look..."
"Daddy, I think you have something on your head..."
(This face is PRICELESS!!!)
"Daddy, what's that?"
"You got something on your face..."
"...want me to get it for you?"
"It's a big red booger!"
"I'm scared to touch it!"
"EEeeeeee! I got it!!"
"Oh no! Booger's on me now!"
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Playdate
Playdate with B! Mila loooves it when B comes over to play...
Mila waving hello... and sucking her tongue
Sweet B!
BFFs!
Tunnels
Mila has discovered she can crawl under things and it is so funny to watch. She'll get under anything she can... she used to get under her little activity table and get stuck, but now she's figured it out. Cracks me up!
In she goes...
"How do I get out, Mommy?"
"Ack! I'm stuck!"
"Which way out?"
"Let's try this way..."
"Whew! I made it!"
In for round two...
"Ok, can't go that way, there's a wall..."
"... can't stand up..."
"Oh, I remember..."
"Yay! I did it!!!"
Monday, October 11, 2010
Baby This Week: 39 Weeks Old
A baby who has discovered cruising will "walk" around a room while supporting herself with furniture and other surfaces. To encourage walking, hold your baby's hands when she's standing facing you and see whether she can step toward you. Some 9-month-olds are ready to practice walking with a stable push toy. One prop not to use is a walker, as they are associated with serious injuries and can impede normal development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
By this week, your baby will start to remember more specific information, such as where her toys are in your house. She'll also be able to imitate actions she's seen as long as a week before. These skills indicate that she has recall memory — the ability to remember some details of a specific experience for a short time — though she still doesn't remember most of her experiences. Long-lasting conscious memory of specific events won't develop until your baby's second or third year, when real language emerges.
Your baby can now put objects in a container and remove them. Give her a plastic bucket and some colorful blocks so she can practice this new skill. (Make sure they're not so small that she can swallow them.) She also likes toys with moving parts, such as knobs, levers, or doors that open and close. Big plastic cars that your baby can wheel around on the floor are fun playthings, too. If you take a toy away from her, your increasingly assertive baby is likely to object. She's really starting to be able to make her needs and wants known. Some sound advice: Give her something new before you take the other object away. About half of babies this age will initiate passing games — giving away objects and then taking them back. Be her playmate. Try rolling a ball to your baby and see whether she rolls it back to you. Give her a sorting toy or stacking rings and see if she sorts or stacks or hands the pieces to you. She'll also like to share her food, so accept these "gifts" graciously.
- BabyCenter.com
By this week, your baby will start to remember more specific information, such as where her toys are in your house. She'll also be able to imitate actions she's seen as long as a week before. These skills indicate that she has recall memory — the ability to remember some details of a specific experience for a short time — though she still doesn't remember most of her experiences. Long-lasting conscious memory of specific events won't develop until your baby's second or third year, when real language emerges.
Your baby can now put objects in a container and remove them. Give her a plastic bucket and some colorful blocks so she can practice this new skill. (Make sure they're not so small that she can swallow them.) She also likes toys with moving parts, such as knobs, levers, or doors that open and close. Big plastic cars that your baby can wheel around on the floor are fun playthings, too. If you take a toy away from her, your increasingly assertive baby is likely to object. She's really starting to be able to make her needs and wants known. Some sound advice: Give her something new before you take the other object away. About half of babies this age will initiate passing games — giving away objects and then taking them back. Be her playmate. Try rolling a ball to your baby and see whether she rolls it back to you. Give her a sorting toy or stacking rings and see if she sorts or stacks or hands the pieces to you. She'll also like to share her food, so accept these "gifts" graciously.
- BabyCenter.com
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Strep Throat, Antibiotics and Breast Feeding
Last week on Thursday I was feeling really run down. I thought it might be from our day at the Fountains at the Baby Class and didn't think much of it. Then Friday I woke up with a really bad sore throat. Ugh. Then came headaches and hot flashes and cold flashes, which later I realized was a fever.... not a good weekend. Monday Jorge convinced me to go to the doctor. After she took a look at my throat and seeing I had no congestion and still had a fever, she was convinced I had strep throat. But the strep test would take a week to get the results and since I had already been sick for 4 days, she wanted to start me on antibiotics as soon as possible. She said my throat looked really bad and that it was most likely strep. If it wasn't strep, the antibiotics would kill the virus anyway. Ugh--- I was dreading that she would want to put me on antibiotics! Since I'm still nursing, I'm always concerned about any medicine I take. I was even reluctant to take ibuprofen for my fever!
I asked her how safe this would be for me to take since I'm nursing. She paused and said everything affects the baby. She thought it would be best for me to stop nursing while I'm on the antibiotics (5-7 days) and give the baby formula until then. When she said this, immediately, I thought, "Ok, then I won't take the antibiotics. I'll just wait it out until I get better." I told her it was very important for me to keep breast feeding and that I would rather try something else. But then she said that not treating strep throat effectively could lead rheumatic fever, and that rheumatic fever can cause permanent heart damage! Give up breast feeding, or feel sick for who knows how much longer and risk more health problems. I know the choice was clear, but I was devastated.
I left the doctor's office with a huge lump in my throat. What do I do?????!!!! I couldn't imagine not nursing for a week! I mean, Mila's eating lots of solids, but she still nurses after every meal, as a mid-afternoon snack, before bed and during the night. She doesn't just nurse for nutrition either. She nurses for comfort and closeness. When she's fussy or upset, she nurses and cuddles and feels much better. How could I take this away? I was so not prepared for this news! My mind was racing with all the issues this would arise... Flashbacks of pumping when Mila was just born came back to me -- oh how I HATE pumping! They caused horrible clogged milk ducts too. It was torture! Not to mention that Mila doesn't take a bottle. She doesn't know what to do with it. She used to take a bottle, but it's been months since she's had one and the last time I tried giving her one about a month ago or so, she had no idea what the bottle was. She would just chew on the nipple. How would she get the formula??? And what formula would I use??? I'd have to try different ones - which would be the gentlest on her stomach? How long would it take for me to figure it out? Would she even take the formula?? Would she figure out how to use a bottle? AND that's not even the biggest problem: If I were to stop breast feeding for a week, I know for sure Mila would forget to nurse and she wouldn't take the boob again! I was sobbing at this point.
I called Jorge, who had stayed home with Mila during my appointment, and told him what the doctor had said. Immediately, he suggested calling the pediatrician to ask his opinion. He was right. My doctor is great for me, but the pediatrician knows babies best. He would know what was best for Mila. Brilliant! Why hadn't I thought of that? I left a message with the doctor's office and in the meantime, I looked up on the internet about strep, antibiotics and breastfeeding. Interestingly, everything I read were experiences from moms in my situation where the pediatrician said it was fine to continue breastfeeding. There was hope! The pediatrician returned our call an hour later and laid my fears to rest. He said that the antibiotic I would be taking is a low dose one. That, yes, it will still transfer over into the milk, but that it should have a minimal effect, maybe an upset stomach in the baby. He said he thought it was ok for me to continue breast feeding. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Although I hate the thought of her having anything transfer to her through the milk, I can't imagine the thought of suddenly not nursing anymore. It would be very difficult for both Mila and for me to stop cold turkey. Difficult physically and emotionally. I know I have to wean her at some point, but I plan to do it gradually so we can both adjust.
This experience has made me realize how important breast feeding really is to me. I didn't use to think it was that big of a deal. I almost looked forward to having to nurse anymore. But after almost having to give it up all of a sudden, I see how much it means to me. When Mila nurses and she's curled up in my lap, it's a beautiful bonding experience. I love watching her face and seeing her excitement knowing that she's getting her favorite treat. I love watching her nurse and knowing how happy it makes her. I love when she's done and she's full and ready to play. I love knowing that only I can provide her with that. Not just with that nutrition, but also with that comfort. Yes, it's a pain though when it's 1am or 4am or when I'm in the middle of doing something.... but it's not that bad. I realize I really love it. I can't imagine not having that connection with her anymore... at least not yet. I know we'll stop someday, but I'm just glad that day isn't today.
I asked her how safe this would be for me to take since I'm nursing. She paused and said everything affects the baby. She thought it would be best for me to stop nursing while I'm on the antibiotics (5-7 days) and give the baby formula until then. When she said this, immediately, I thought, "Ok, then I won't take the antibiotics. I'll just wait it out until I get better." I told her it was very important for me to keep breast feeding and that I would rather try something else. But then she said that not treating strep throat effectively could lead rheumatic fever, and that rheumatic fever can cause permanent heart damage! Give up breast feeding, or feel sick for who knows how much longer and risk more health problems. I know the choice was clear, but I was devastated.
I left the doctor's office with a huge lump in my throat. What do I do?????!!!! I couldn't imagine not nursing for a week! I mean, Mila's eating lots of solids, but she still nurses after every meal, as a mid-afternoon snack, before bed and during the night. She doesn't just nurse for nutrition either. She nurses for comfort and closeness. When she's fussy or upset, she nurses and cuddles and feels much better. How could I take this away? I was so not prepared for this news! My mind was racing with all the issues this would arise... Flashbacks of pumping when Mila was just born came back to me -- oh how I HATE pumping! They caused horrible clogged milk ducts too. It was torture! Not to mention that Mila doesn't take a bottle. She doesn't know what to do with it. She used to take a bottle, but it's been months since she's had one and the last time I tried giving her one about a month ago or so, she had no idea what the bottle was. She would just chew on the nipple. How would she get the formula??? And what formula would I use??? I'd have to try different ones - which would be the gentlest on her stomach? How long would it take for me to figure it out? Would she even take the formula?? Would she figure out how to use a bottle? AND that's not even the biggest problem: If I were to stop breast feeding for a week, I know for sure Mila would forget to nurse and she wouldn't take the boob again! I was sobbing at this point.
I called Jorge, who had stayed home with Mila during my appointment, and told him what the doctor had said. Immediately, he suggested calling the pediatrician to ask his opinion. He was right. My doctor is great for me, but the pediatrician knows babies best. He would know what was best for Mila. Brilliant! Why hadn't I thought of that? I left a message with the doctor's office and in the meantime, I looked up on the internet about strep, antibiotics and breastfeeding. Interestingly, everything I read were experiences from moms in my situation where the pediatrician said it was fine to continue breastfeeding. There was hope! The pediatrician returned our call an hour later and laid my fears to rest. He said that the antibiotic I would be taking is a low dose one. That, yes, it will still transfer over into the milk, but that it should have a minimal effect, maybe an upset stomach in the baby. He said he thought it was ok for me to continue breast feeding. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Although I hate the thought of her having anything transfer to her through the milk, I can't imagine the thought of suddenly not nursing anymore. It would be very difficult for both Mila and for me to stop cold turkey. Difficult physically and emotionally. I know I have to wean her at some point, but I plan to do it gradually so we can both adjust.
This experience has made me realize how important breast feeding really is to me. I didn't use to think it was that big of a deal. I almost looked forward to having to nurse anymore. But after almost having to give it up all of a sudden, I see how much it means to me. When Mila nurses and she's curled up in my lap, it's a beautiful bonding experience. I love watching her face and seeing her excitement knowing that she's getting her favorite treat. I love watching her nurse and knowing how happy it makes her. I love when she's done and she's full and ready to play. I love knowing that only I can provide her with that. Not just with that nutrition, but also with that comfort. Yes, it's a pain though when it's 1am or 4am or when I'm in the middle of doing something.... but it's not that bad. I realize I really love it. I can't imagine not having that connection with her anymore... at least not yet. I know we'll stop someday, but I'm just glad that day isn't today.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Baby This Week: 38 Weeks Old
Your baby may be the most sociable young creature around — until somebody unfamiliar comes near. Many babies this age have begun to show signs of fear or shyness around strangers. Some even start withdrawing from familiar relatives and friends, and want to be close to no one but you. This phase can be so brief you barely notice it, or it may last for months, depending on your child's temperament.
Now, and for the next few months, separation anxiety is at its peak. Although it's normal now for a baby to show an extreme attachment to you and fear of everyone else, it can be difficult for doting grandparents and caregivers. You can help ease transitions for your baby by warning people to approach slowly and let your baby make the first move. If your baby uses a thumb or pacifier to soothe himself as she tries to cope with his anxiety, that's okay. Sucking is one of your baby's only methods of calming herself.
Because of separation anxiety, this can be a tough time to be away from your baby for any length of time. But it may also be hard to travel with your baby right now. She's become used to her surroundings and familiar faces, and she likes predictability. So being on the road can disrupt her sense of security and routine, especially when visiting an unfamiliar place or meeting lots of strangers. At this age, she doesn't grasp the concept of travel but she'll realize she's in a new, strange place. Be ready for some cranky, clingy behavior and prepare plenty of distractions — picture books, noise-making toys, nesting blocks, hand puppets, and definitely her security object, if she has one. Schedule plenty of downtime away from all the strangers to let her decompress.
- BabyCenter.com
Now, and for the next few months, separation anxiety is at its peak. Although it's normal now for a baby to show an extreme attachment to you and fear of everyone else, it can be difficult for doting grandparents and caregivers. You can help ease transitions for your baby by warning people to approach slowly and let your baby make the first move. If your baby uses a thumb or pacifier to soothe himself as she tries to cope with his anxiety, that's okay. Sucking is one of your baby's only methods of calming herself.
Because of separation anxiety, this can be a tough time to be away from your baby for any length of time. But it may also be hard to travel with your baby right now. She's become used to her surroundings and familiar faces, and she likes predictability. So being on the road can disrupt her sense of security and routine, especially when visiting an unfamiliar place or meeting lots of strangers. At this age, she doesn't grasp the concept of travel but she'll realize she's in a new, strange place. Be ready for some cranky, clingy behavior and prepare plenty of distractions — picture books, noise-making toys, nesting blocks, hand puppets, and definitely her security object, if she has one. Schedule plenty of downtime away from all the strangers to let her decompress.
- BabyCenter.com
Daddy and Mila watching the San Francisco Giants win the
National League West Championship Game! Woo-hoo! Go Giants!!!
Mila is 9 Months!
Dear Mila,
As of today, you have officially been an "outside" baby longer than an "inside" baby! I can hardly believe it. You're such a big girl!! You can do so much now. You're on the verge of me calling you a "walker"! You're taking steps here and steps there, although you still crawl more than you walk. But this weekend you took 13 consecutive little steps all by yourself!! Mommy and Daddy were in AWE! We are so excited for you and at the same time a little nervous... cuz this means you'll be getting into everything - as if you haven't been already!
You're also just starting to babble. You're usually pretty quiet and have been focusing more on motor development rather than on language, but just these last couple of days you've started "bwaaabwaaaahhh"-ing and it's hilarious to see you trying to sound out words. I've read that babies who hear two languages at home usually start speaking about a month later than other babies, so this may be the case. I try to speak as much spanish with you as possible, but Daddy and I speak english and our playdates are all in english, so you're exposed a bit to both. I hope you're picking up the spanish though! I know it'll be easier to learn it now!
You're eating so much more now too. We've really been trying to ease you from breast milk to solids, but things are going well, so now we're picking up the pace a bit. You're now eating breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks in between.
You have breakfast around 9am and you have oatmeal (2 tbsp) and then you nurse. For lunch, you'll have a fruit (3 tbsp) and some water and then you nurse. Then comes a breast milk snack. Then you'll have a vegetable for dinner (3 tbsp) and some water, with some nursing afterwards. Then you'll go to sleep for an hour or so and wake up for a bedtime nursing and will wake up 1-2 times a night to nurse, with the last (or only) nursing anywhere between 4:30am-7:30am. You do pretty well at night and don't usually wake up too often, usually once, but no more than twice. You don't fall asleep on the boob anymore though, and your daddy or I will have to rock you to sleep. That's a bummer. It used to be so easy when you'd fall asleep on the boob!
You love to explore and put everything in your mouth. Your Little Playzone has been awesome in keeping you safe! Now that you're venturing everywhere, I would be chasing you down if we didn't have it! Don't worry, we'll let you explore the apartment soon enough, but for now it's the baby jail "baby condo" for you!
Lately, separation anxiety has definitely been apparent. You can be extremely clingy and whenever anyone wants to pick you up, you'll whine and cry even if I'm standing right next you. It's really sweet, but Abuelita and BisAbuelita, your Tia Cathy and Aunt CC and Abuelito all want to hold you too! They all love you so much! Give them a chance, ok? They're not so bad! :)
On the other hand, you get so excited whenever you see Mommy or Daddy or one of your favorite toys! If you're sitting on the ground you'll start jumping up and down with your little tush and it's almost like you're hopping with your butt! It's hilarious to watch! Daddy always gets a good chuckle when you do that.
One of your favorite toys is the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Musical Table. We got this for you a month or so ago. You loooove it and can play with it for hours. It has a little laptop (so you can read Mommy's blog and catch up on Facebook, LOL!), a book, a phone (so you can call Grammy and Bijou) and a piano. The laptop if your favorite and will just open and close it over and over again. I hear "Open. Abrir. Close. Cerrar.... Open. Abrir. Close. Cerrar." Allllllllll day long! What I love about it is that it has a Spanish setting, so it says "Cat. Gato. Dog, Perro." It's great! Mila doesn't have too many bilingual or spanish speaking toys. I love that it speaks spanish... but the only problem is that the spanish pronunciation has an american accent to it! So "perro" sounds like "pero" and "rojo" sounds like "row-ho." But the worst one by far is the "Yellow. Amarillo." Amarillo should sound like "ah-ma-ree-yo" sounds like "ah-ma-reel-yo" -- it's pretty funny, but it also sounds like nails on a chalkboard. Let's hope you learn to say it correctly! Mommy is trying her best to make sure you speak spanish well!
You still love to wave at everything, although your "waving" looks more like you're screwing in a lightbulb, LOL! You don't do it with the intention to wave though, seems like you just do it when you're excited. It's super cute.
You're hair has gotten soooo long now. Your Daddy and I talk about getting you a haircut. Your bangs are forever in your eyes and we have to keep pulling your hair back with a hair tie, but you always seem to find it and pull it out. I'm debating weather I should cut it or not... lately I've been putting you in your pink headband cuz it's the only thing you won't pull out. You look totally 80's and I love it!
Every day that goes by, you're looking more and more like a big girl and less like a baby. It's so bittersweet. I love seeing you walk and play and crawl... but other times I see your newborn pictures and those of you when you were just a couple of months old and I wonder where that little baby went? You were so little and now you're so big! And you're first birthday is around the corner! Ahhh!!!! Ok, I gotta stop thinking about it because I'm getting teary-eyed just writing this.
I love you my Milaroni Macaroni. You drive me crazy and it's the best thing ever.
Your Mommy
As of today, you have officially been an "outside" baby longer than an "inside" baby! I can hardly believe it. You're such a big girl!! You can do so much now. You're on the verge of me calling you a "walker"! You're taking steps here and steps there, although you still crawl more than you walk. But this weekend you took 13 consecutive little steps all by yourself!! Mommy and Daddy were in AWE! We are so excited for you and at the same time a little nervous... cuz this means you'll be getting into everything - as if you haven't been already!
You're also just starting to babble. You're usually pretty quiet and have been focusing more on motor development rather than on language, but just these last couple of days you've started "bwaaabwaaaahhh"-ing and it's hilarious to see you trying to sound out words. I've read that babies who hear two languages at home usually start speaking about a month later than other babies, so this may be the case. I try to speak as much spanish with you as possible, but Daddy and I speak english and our playdates are all in english, so you're exposed a bit to both. I hope you're picking up the spanish though! I know it'll be easier to learn it now!
You have breakfast around 9am and you have oatmeal (2 tbsp) and then you nurse. For lunch, you'll have a fruit (3 tbsp) and some water and then you nurse. Then comes a breast milk snack. Then you'll have a vegetable for dinner (3 tbsp) and some water, with some nursing afterwards. Then you'll go to sleep for an hour or so and wake up for a bedtime nursing and will wake up 1-2 times a night to nurse, with the last (or only) nursing anywhere between 4:30am-7:30am. You do pretty well at night and don't usually wake up too often, usually once, but no more than twice. You don't fall asleep on the boob anymore though, and your daddy or I will have to rock you to sleep. That's a bummer. It used to be so easy when you'd fall asleep on the boob!
You love to explore and put everything in your mouth. Your Little Playzone has been awesome in keeping you safe! Now that you're venturing everywhere, I would be chasing you down if we didn't have it! Don't worry, we'll let you explore the apartment soon enough, but for now it's the baby jail "baby condo" for you!
Lately, separation anxiety has definitely been apparent. You can be extremely clingy and whenever anyone wants to pick you up, you'll whine and cry even if I'm standing right next you. It's really sweet, but Abuelita and BisAbuelita, your Tia Cathy and Aunt CC and Abuelito all want to hold you too! They all love you so much! Give them a chance, ok? They're not so bad! :)
On the other hand, you get so excited whenever you see Mommy or Daddy or one of your favorite toys! If you're sitting on the ground you'll start jumping up and down with your little tush and it's almost like you're hopping with your butt! It's hilarious to watch! Daddy always gets a good chuckle when you do that.
One of your favorite toys is the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Musical Table. We got this for you a month or so ago. You loooove it and can play with it for hours. It has a little laptop (so you can read Mommy's blog and catch up on Facebook, LOL!), a book, a phone (so you can call Grammy and Bijou) and a piano. The laptop if your favorite and will just open and close it over and over again. I hear "Open. Abrir. Close. Cerrar.... Open. Abrir. Close. Cerrar." Allllllllll day long! What I love about it is that it has a Spanish setting, so it says "Cat. Gato. Dog, Perro." It's great! Mila doesn't have too many bilingual or spanish speaking toys. I love that it speaks spanish... but the only problem is that the spanish pronunciation has an american accent to it! So "perro" sounds like "pero" and "rojo" sounds like "row-ho." But the worst one by far is the "Yellow. Amarillo." Amarillo should sound like "ah-ma-ree-yo" sounds like "ah-ma-reel-yo" -- it's pretty funny, but it also sounds like nails on a chalkboard. Let's hope you learn to say it correctly! Mommy is trying her best to make sure you speak spanish well!
You still love to wave at everything, although your "waving" looks more like you're screwing in a lightbulb, LOL! You don't do it with the intention to wave though, seems like you just do it when you're excited. It's super cute.
You're hair has gotten soooo long now. Your Daddy and I talk about getting you a haircut. Your bangs are forever in your eyes and we have to keep pulling your hair back with a hair tie, but you always seem to find it and pull it out. I'm debating weather I should cut it or not... lately I've been putting you in your pink headband cuz it's the only thing you won't pull out. You look totally 80's and I love it!
I love you my Milaroni Macaroni. You drive me crazy and it's the best thing ever.
Your Mommy
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