Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Off to the Bronx we go
Made a day of visiting my parents today. First we hit up my dad's house. Visited with my dad for a little bit. Tomorrow is his birthday, shares it with Kain. Then we went to my mom's, ate some chinese, hung out and then headed back to the Island. I miss my family so much. I wish I could spend more time with them.
Fact of the matter is I could if I would suck it up and get my damn driver's license already. But in the meantime Matt is awesome for taking me to see them. I know his idea of fun is definitely not driving around on the weekends. Thank you boo!
Fact of the matter is I could if I would suck it up and get my damn driver's license already. But in the meantime Matt is awesome for taking me to see them. I know his idea of fun is definitely not driving around on the weekends. Thank you boo!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Chilling with the family
Went to Bernice's today with her grandparents. Had some lunch and hung out there for the afternoon. Leah's Great-Aunt Michelle and her kids were there. Its crazy Karen will be in college next year. I can see just how fast kids grow when I look at the ones around me. Trying to enjoy every bit of Leah while I still can.
Here are some pictures I took.
Leah spent a good portion of the afternoon playing on the floor. She even turned over and tried desperately to crawl for everyone. Amazing how she entertain a room full of adults for hours.
Here are some pictures I took.
Leah spent a good portion of the afternoon playing on the floor. She even turned over and tried desperately to crawl for everyone. Amazing how she entertain a room full of adults for hours.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Leah spends a good portion of her day playing. Playing with me, playing with her toys, playing by herself and playing with everyone who comes to visit.
Yesterday Julia was awesome enough to come upstairs and watch Leah for a lil bit so I could sort some laundry. Leah loves spending time with her.
I am really lucky to have so many people willing to help me out. I wish I had some way to show just how grateful and appreciative I truly am. If I had endless amounts of money I can assure you I would show my gratitude really well :D
But unfortunely I don't so all I can say is thank you. And hope that when the time comes I can be helpful as well.
Yesterday Julia was awesome enough to come upstairs and watch Leah for a lil bit so I could sort some laundry. Leah loves spending time with her.
I am really lucky to have so many people willing to help me out. I wish I had some way to show just how grateful and appreciative I truly am. If I had endless amounts of money I can assure you I would show my gratitude really well :D
But unfortunely I don't so all I can say is thank you. And hope that when the time comes I can be helpful as well.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Pretty in Pink
Took out some of Leah's 6-9 clothes I had stashed away. I have a few outfits from the Children's Place I got a while ago. Adorable velour suits.
6 Month Marker
I tend to read everything on babies pretty religiously. I have my collection of baby books. I have a few textbooks on baby development, baby care and baby health.
I also read articles everywhere I can. I get tons of baby magazines in the mail. And I post on messageboards quite a lot. All baby, all the time.
Today I was looking over the developmental stages that a 6 month old has usually reached by this time.
These are a few of the big ones:
Exploring with his hands
By the time he's about 6 months old (though sometimes it takes a little longer), your baby's hand control is developed enough that he can rake an object toward him. Once he's learned to grab a toy, he'll start to practice moving objects from one hand to the other. He may also discover that letting go of something is as much fun as picking it up. Once he understands the concept of cause and effect, your baby's world will become more interesting — and yours a good deal messier.
Leah has figured this out. I think she did almost a month ago. She also knows to loko for the things she drops. She tries to move stuff from one hand to another but has not quite mastered this yet.
Yesterday we were in Walmart and she kept whining about being in the carseat so I gave her a toy to play with. And then the cause and effect game began. We would move along, she would take the toy, drop it and I would pick it up, all the while she sits there looking at me smiling. Then I give it back to her, she giggles and proceeds to throw it back on the floor. She was quite amused and needless to say I didn't give it back to her much after that.
Is he a lefty or a righty?
At this stage, most babies seem to favor one hand for a while and then switch to the other. But you can't really tell whether your child is a lefty or a righty until he's about 2 or 3.
Leah doesn't have a preference at all. Does everything with one hand one day and switches to the other the next. Should be interesting to see if she does turn out to be a lefty. Though I suspect she'll be right handed.
Learning to roll over
Most babies this age have learned to roll over in each direction, a milestone that will probably awe and amuse you. Of course, while rolling over is fun for your baby, it can also be nerve-wracking for you. Keep a hand on your baby during diaper changes, and never leave him unattended on a bed or any other elevated surface.
Leah will roll over from her back to her stomach if you give her a reason to. Otherwise she is perfectly content being on her back. And don't you dare think of laying her on her stomach. Within 30 seconds she begins to cry. I play with her on her tummy but it takes a lot of patience on my part and hers. This is a side effect of having to lay her on her back to go to sleep. Doctors have found that since the back to sleep directions they give parents, babies just don't crawl as soon, or at all or enjoy being on their stomachs as much as they used to.
It is recommended that the baby play on it tummy for at least 15 minutes a day, surpervised of course. I do this with Leah. And it seems to be working. She minds being on her tummy a lil less than she used to.
Your little social animal
At this age babies not only tolerate attention from others, they often initiate it. Though you may soon notice the beginnings of stranger anxiety, 6-month-olds are still fairly indiscriminate: Anyone who approaches your baby with raised eyebrows or a grin delights him and becomes an instant friend. But don't worry — he still needs and craves lots of TLC and attention from you.
Leah has some anxiety with people, but it tends to be with people who are being serious or who she senses aren't really playful. Right now if you walk up to her smiling, she is likely to like you right away. I have also noticed that if I don't particurly want someone around her, Leah picks up on it pretty quickly.
Your baby is also learning that his behaviors, both the ones you like and the ones you don't, engage you, so starting now (and for years to come) your child will do just about anything to get your attention. Right now almost everything he does is endearing, but as he gets older, he's more likely to get into mischief to provoke a reaction from you. Just don't forget to lavish attention on him when he meets with your approval.
Leah is well aware of the fact that I think its funny when she takes the food in her mouth and razzes it out. I have since stopped laughing when she does it, though its not easy. She is just too cute.
One thing will become clear: Your baby is beginning to vary his attention-getting repertoire beyond crying. So expect him to work hard to get you to notice him by wriggling, making noises, and so on. Over the next three months, he'll develop a uniquely personal way of letting you know what he thinks, wants, and needs.
I have noticed the above with Leah. She talks a lot when she wants your attention. And her whines no longer sound non-verbal. They include a lot of different sounds when she really wants you to play with her. She is definitely developing her signals.
Playing turn-taking games
Six-month-olds love turn-taking games, especially ones that involve sounds and language. Let your baby be the leader sometimes, and mimic his vocalizations. When it's your turn to lead, a good way to teach — and amuse — your child is to make animal noises ("quack-quack," "bow-wow").
I've been playing this types of games with Leah since she was born. She loves it when you mimic her. I can do it for hours at a time if she let me.
I have two things that I do with Leah that I love more than anything in the world.
Singing and playing music for her. I also dance with her. And the other is reading to her. I can't get enough of doing it.
Getting a kick out of story hour
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud to your child daily starting this month, as it's about now that he'll really begin to enjoy looking at books with you. No matter what your child's age, of course, reading provides an opportunity for cuddling and socializing that both you and your baby can appreciate. You'll also improve his language skills and prime him for a lifetime love of reading.
I think its pretty obvious that Leah is read to everyday. She eats books up, literally. I do it in the morning and most of the time at night. I read everything aloud to her. Newspaper, books I read, her baby books (which Ruth has gotten her plenty of and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Reading is such a big part of Matt's parents' lives and mine. I love that Leah is taking part in it already)
I would say Leah is right on target with her progress.
I love her so much and I worry immensely that I am not doing right by her. But when I look at all this information and I see that she is perfectly okay. Well I feel just a little better (for about 5 minutes) before I start worrying again :P
I also read articles everywhere I can. I get tons of baby magazines in the mail. And I post on messageboards quite a lot. All baby, all the time.
Today I was looking over the developmental stages that a 6 month old has usually reached by this time.
These are a few of the big ones:
Exploring with his hands
By the time he's about 6 months old (though sometimes it takes a little longer), your baby's hand control is developed enough that he can rake an object toward him. Once he's learned to grab a toy, he'll start to practice moving objects from one hand to the other. He may also discover that letting go of something is as much fun as picking it up. Once he understands the concept of cause and effect, your baby's world will become more interesting — and yours a good deal messier.
Leah has figured this out. I think she did almost a month ago. She also knows to loko for the things she drops. She tries to move stuff from one hand to another but has not quite mastered this yet.
Yesterday we were in Walmart and she kept whining about being in the carseat so I gave her a toy to play with. And then the cause and effect game began. We would move along, she would take the toy, drop it and I would pick it up, all the while she sits there looking at me smiling. Then I give it back to her, she giggles and proceeds to throw it back on the floor. She was quite amused and needless to say I didn't give it back to her much after that.
Is he a lefty or a righty?
At this stage, most babies seem to favor one hand for a while and then switch to the other. But you can't really tell whether your child is a lefty or a righty until he's about 2 or 3.
Leah doesn't have a preference at all. Does everything with one hand one day and switches to the other the next. Should be interesting to see if she does turn out to be a lefty. Though I suspect she'll be right handed.
Learning to roll over
Most babies this age have learned to roll over in each direction, a milestone that will probably awe and amuse you. Of course, while rolling over is fun for your baby, it can also be nerve-wracking for you. Keep a hand on your baby during diaper changes, and never leave him unattended on a bed or any other elevated surface.
Leah will roll over from her back to her stomach if you give her a reason to. Otherwise she is perfectly content being on her back. And don't you dare think of laying her on her stomach. Within 30 seconds she begins to cry. I play with her on her tummy but it takes a lot of patience on my part and hers. This is a side effect of having to lay her on her back to go to sleep. Doctors have found that since the back to sleep directions they give parents, babies just don't crawl as soon, or at all or enjoy being on their stomachs as much as they used to.
It is recommended that the baby play on it tummy for at least 15 minutes a day, surpervised of course. I do this with Leah. And it seems to be working. She minds being on her tummy a lil less than she used to.
Your little social animal
At this age babies not only tolerate attention from others, they often initiate it. Though you may soon notice the beginnings of stranger anxiety, 6-month-olds are still fairly indiscriminate: Anyone who approaches your baby with raised eyebrows or a grin delights him and becomes an instant friend. But don't worry — he still needs and craves lots of TLC and attention from you.
Leah has some anxiety with people, but it tends to be with people who are being serious or who she senses aren't really playful. Right now if you walk up to her smiling, she is likely to like you right away. I have also noticed that if I don't particurly want someone around her, Leah picks up on it pretty quickly.
Your baby is also learning that his behaviors, both the ones you like and the ones you don't, engage you, so starting now (and for years to come) your child will do just about anything to get your attention. Right now almost everything he does is endearing, but as he gets older, he's more likely to get into mischief to provoke a reaction from you. Just don't forget to lavish attention on him when he meets with your approval.
Leah is well aware of the fact that I think its funny when she takes the food in her mouth and razzes it out. I have since stopped laughing when she does it, though its not easy. She is just too cute.
One thing will become clear: Your baby is beginning to vary his attention-getting repertoire beyond crying. So expect him to work hard to get you to notice him by wriggling, making noises, and so on. Over the next three months, he'll develop a uniquely personal way of letting you know what he thinks, wants, and needs.
I have noticed the above with Leah. She talks a lot when she wants your attention. And her whines no longer sound non-verbal. They include a lot of different sounds when she really wants you to play with her. She is definitely developing her signals.
Playing turn-taking games
Six-month-olds love turn-taking games, especially ones that involve sounds and language. Let your baby be the leader sometimes, and mimic his vocalizations. When it's your turn to lead, a good way to teach — and amuse — your child is to make animal noises ("quack-quack," "bow-wow").
I've been playing this types of games with Leah since she was born. She loves it when you mimic her. I can do it for hours at a time if she let me.
I have two things that I do with Leah that I love more than anything in the world.
Singing and playing music for her. I also dance with her. And the other is reading to her. I can't get enough of doing it.
Getting a kick out of story hour
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud to your child daily starting this month, as it's about now that he'll really begin to enjoy looking at books with you. No matter what your child's age, of course, reading provides an opportunity for cuddling and socializing that both you and your baby can appreciate. You'll also improve his language skills and prime him for a lifetime love of reading.
I think its pretty obvious that Leah is read to everyday. She eats books up, literally. I do it in the morning and most of the time at night. I read everything aloud to her. Newspaper, books I read, her baby books (which Ruth has gotten her plenty of and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Reading is such a big part of Matt's parents' lives and mine. I love that Leah is taking part in it already)
I would say Leah is right on target with her progress.
I love her so much and I worry immensely that I am not doing right by her. But when I look at all this information and I see that she is perfectly okay. Well I feel just a little better (for about 5 minutes) before I start worrying again :P
Monday, February 14, 2005
Valentine's Day
Went to work today but I took Leah along with me. We got together her papi's presents and waited for him to make his appearance. (While he did his last minute shopping, literally:P)
He got me the nicest Ruby set from Kay Jewelers. Nice ring, great stud earrings and a wonderful necklace. Matches with the other ruby jewelry he has gotten me over the years.
Then I worked, Leah went home, then I came home. Took some pictures of her in her Valentine's Day outfit. So cute.
He got me the nicest Ruby set from Kay Jewelers. Nice ring, great stud earrings and a wonderful necklace. Matches with the other ruby jewelry he has gotten me over the years.
Then I worked, Leah went home, then I came home. Took some pictures of her in her Valentine's Day outfit. So cute.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Decisions, Decisions
I wrote out Leah's feeding schedule today. I spoke to her doctor on Friday about her current diet and stuff.
Her solids are going pretty well. He said to cut off on the fruits for now and just stick to rice cereal, then oatmeal and the veggies. Then fruit, then mixing it all together.
She had squash, she seems to like it enough. No food allergies to report as of yet. :D
Other thing I was going to get her ears pierced, being that I am puertorican and we traditionally get our daughter's ears pierced by their first birthday if not sooner, I was going to. But I kind of like her being my lil baby for now so I will probably hold off on it a lil longer. Her doctor does it in his office, so that when and if I do want to, I can just go to him. Which is cool. He puts a lil painkiller and then pierces, well his PA does, not him.
Anyway enough of my grammatically incorrect run-on sentences :p
Her solids are going pretty well. He said to cut off on the fruits for now and just stick to rice cereal, then oatmeal and the veggies. Then fruit, then mixing it all together.
She had squash, she seems to like it enough. No food allergies to report as of yet. :D
Other thing I was going to get her ears pierced, being that I am puertorican and we traditionally get our daughter's ears pierced by their first birthday if not sooner, I was going to. But I kind of like her being my lil baby for now so I will probably hold off on it a lil longer. Her doctor does it in his office, so that when and if I do want to, I can just go to him. Which is cool. He puts a lil painkiller and then pierces, well his PA does, not him.
Anyway enough of my grammatically incorrect run-on sentences :p
Thursday, February 10, 2005
"I can touch my toes!"
If only we were all in as good shape as Leah :P
Leah got the most wonderful playmat at the baby shower. I love it, she loves, works out well when I have a few things to get done or I just need a breather.
Here she is playing on it while I update her lil website.
She has the cutest lil footsies.
Leah got the most wonderful playmat at the baby shower. I love it, she loves, works out well when I have a few things to get done or I just need a breather.
Here she is playing on it while I update her lil website.
She has the cutest lil footsies.
GRABBY, GRABBY
I used to be able to get chores done around the house or spend time on the computer doing website stuff, and Leah would never be anything but perfectly still. I could carry her around, sit her on my lap and no problems. But now, I think not! She must grab at EVERYTHING. She is lucky its cute :P
She bangs on the keyboard and gets very upset if I do not let her. She takes everything I am reading and wants to crumble it or tear it up. The days of when I could read a book with her on my lap are gone. How did the time pass by so quickly?
Her latest fascination is with my hair. She wakes me up by grabbing at it, she goes to sleep with it in her hands. And don't let me dare take it away from her.
She bangs on the keyboard and gets very upset if I do not let her. She takes everything I am reading and wants to crumble it or tear it up. The days of when I could read a book with her on my lap are gone. How did the time pass by so quickly?
Her latest fascination is with my hair. She wakes me up by grabbing at it, she goes to sleep with it in her hands. And don't let me dare take it away from her.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
6 Month Visit=Ouchies!
Leah had her 6 month well baby check up today. Ruth picked us up and accompanied us to the visit. Had some paperwork to do because of the move and some money crap to take care of. Then it was off to be weighed and measured. She is now 15 pounds, 4 ounces, and 25 inches long.
She got two shots. Only cried a tiny bit when she got them. Nothing like the last visit. I didn't realize they gave her the flu vaccine the last visit. Felt kind of stupid. The doctor scolded me for not having her nails cut. Saw that one coming. I don't keep up with it as much as should, mostly cause they get so long in about 2-3 days. I will do better in keeping up with them.
Hmm...that was about it at the visit. She is thriving well and right on target in terms of all the stuff she should be doing now. She grabs at stuff, holds her head up and can roll over a bit. And she coos.
Then afterwards we went to lunch with George. Had a nice yummy meal. Thank you!
I have some pics to put up and a few other updates I will try to get around to soon. And I need to scan the pics of Leah with Louie and the girls. Too cute :D
She got two shots. Only cried a tiny bit when she got them. Nothing like the last visit. I didn't realize they gave her the flu vaccine the last visit. Felt kind of stupid. The doctor scolded me for not having her nails cut. Saw that one coming. I don't keep up with it as much as should, mostly cause they get so long in about 2-3 days. I will do better in keeping up with them.
Hmm...that was about it at the visit. She is thriving well and right on target in terms of all the stuff she should be doing now. She grabs at stuff, holds her head up and can roll over a bit. And she coos.
Then afterwards we went to lunch with George. Had a nice yummy meal. Thank you!
I have some pics to put up and a few other updates I will try to get around to soon. And I need to scan the pics of Leah with Louie and the girls. Too cute :D
Monday, February 07, 2005
Lil Sleepyhead
She looks so at peace when she is asleep. I can just sit and look at her for hours. It is something I don't believe I will ever be weary of. Nope never.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Leah's First Superbowl Sunday :D
Today my dad, Gilberto and Vivian came to visit. We all hung out and watched the Superbowl. It was just awesome. My dad met Laurie and Louie, checked out the apartment. He loves it. And then paid all his attention to Leah. Amazing girl she is, she can pull men away from football!
I took some pics of them together.
Abuelito and Leah just chillin'
And here he is with her and Gilberto peeking from behind. He loves being on that computer:P Gilberto cut all his curls off and even has a lil dirt above his lip coming in. I can't believe he is going to be 15. *Edit* He is 15. Doh! Just turned 15 on the 1st. Must get sleep *End of Edit* Growing too fast. Must enjoy all the time I can with Leah. Thats for sure.
Vivian also seems to enjoy her time with Leah. So lucky this girl is to have so people who love her.
And a close-up.
I took some pics of them together.
Abuelito and Leah just chillin'
And here he is with her and Gilberto peeking from behind. He loves being on that computer:P Gilberto cut all his curls off and even has a lil dirt above his lip coming in. I can't believe he is going to be 15. *Edit* He is 15. Doh! Just turned 15 on the 1st. Must get sleep *End of Edit* Growing too fast. Must enjoy all the time I can with Leah. Thats for sure.
Vivian also seems to enjoy her time with Leah. So lucky this girl is to have so people who love her.
And a close-up.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Delilah comes for a visit-twice! :D
Deliah and Kitti came over to hang out, Leah's first real playdates. Well not really cause neither of the two babies play but still cool.
Wednesday we hung out a bit. Delilah is active and observant. And Kitti is just beaming. I love to see the two of them together.
Then Friday Kitti came over and we hung out all day. Just BSing about life and the men in our lives, and the babies. I can't explain how wonderful it is to be able to have someone to talk to and not have them look at me with that look in their eye, you know the one that says "God I don't care how much she spit up today!" Heh.
Then we went out to Applebees to celebrate Kitti's birthday, which followed Delilah's 1 month birthday. 1 month already! Unbelievable how quickly time flies.
So Leah will have her cousin Kain, Aidan and Delilah all basically the same age as her, all the same school age. Not too shabby.
I had so much fun with Kitti. Soon she will be back at work and I can spend even more time with her.
Thank chika for coming over and spending time with me. :D
Wednesday we hung out a bit. Delilah is active and observant. And Kitti is just beaming. I love to see the two of them together.
Then Friday Kitti came over and we hung out all day. Just BSing about life and the men in our lives, and the babies. I can't explain how wonderful it is to be able to have someone to talk to and not have them look at me with that look in their eye, you know the one that says "God I don't care how much she spit up today!" Heh.
Then we went out to Applebees to celebrate Kitti's birthday, which followed Delilah's 1 month birthday. 1 month already! Unbelievable how quickly time flies.
So Leah will have her cousin Kain, Aidan and Delilah all basically the same age as her, all the same school age. Not too shabby.
I had so much fun with Kitti. Soon she will be back at work and I can spend even more time with her.
Thank chika for coming over and spending time with me. :D
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