Sweet fancy Moses, what a gawd-awful blogger I've been. The holidays were a whirlwind both in the lead up and the wind down. I've kept meaning to sit down and post something, anything, for what seems like ages, but I just never found the time. I don't even have a good excuse. I have been reading other blogs (thank you iPhone) without commenting as much, so I do feel somewhat up-to-date with what's going on out there in the blogosphere.
Maya is four months old now! She is getting more amazing every day. She "talks" all the time now, and has added words to her repertoire such as "boy", "ooh-gah", "my", "goy" and her favourite, "b'wah". She has full-on convos with me, her daddy and her toys. It's beyond adorable.
She is also sitting up really well now. She still needs a little bit of support, but has become very steady over the past couple of weeks. She loves sitting up so much that she whines when she is laid down again. She just loves to be a big girl! And she really is - my four month old Maya is in 9 month clothing now. Wow!
We've started playing "games" with her as well. She smiles and laughs all the time. Maya is getting more and more interactive every day. She is just getting so fun.
Christmas was fun but exhausting. And truth be told, I think it was hard on our little one. Poor thing was dragged place to place and passed from person to person. Her naps were a complete afterthought and her solid little schedule went right out the window. We've spent the last few days trying to get her back on track. Also, Maya's eye (the one with the blocked tear duct) got a bit infected again over the holidays - I think a result of the crazy schedule, lack of naps, and all around non-stop excitement - and we had to take her into the clinic on Christmas Eve to get it looked at. Thankfully, we got some ointment and it seems to be all better now.
Christmas is hard on little babies, in my opinion. They're not old enough to be excited about, or even understand, Santa and presents, but they're still forced to participate in all the festivities that surround the holidays. Party after party, relative after relative, get together after get together. By December 27th, our poor kiddo didn't know if she was coming or going.
Maya did, however, get really spoiled for Christmas (of course, you knew she would). Grandma and Zeda (Grandpa) went nuts as did her Uncle and Auntie (my brother and his girlfriend). She got a play gym, a Jumperoo, a bunch of cute clothes, an Elmo toy, a little musical thing that plays classical songs and flashes lights (she loves it), some books, some stuffed animals, and my parents even set up an education fund for her. Totally awesome. Her favourite Christmas gift, however, is a little Winnie The Poo doll which makes her grin ear to ear every time we bring it out.
Speaking of the holidays, tomorrow is New Years Eve - can you believe it? The last day of 2008. I'm usually not a big one for New Year's resolutions, but this year I felt like making some. After a lot of thought, I came up with 5, and they are all near and dear to my heart.
For 2009, I resolve to:
1. FINALLY lose the rest of my baby weight. I don't have that much to lose, but I'm sick and tired of looking at that extra bit of belly that I'm lugging around. I'm really not a "dieter", but I think I'm going to make an exception in this case. I just want my old body back. I'm still up a couple of sizes and I want to wear my pre-preg clothes again. I figure, if I'm disciplined, I can lose the rest of my pregnancy weight in about 2-3 months. I can do this!
2. Keep my promises. I have a very bad habit of reneging on things I've vowed to do. It's really uncool. I don't know what on earth has made me so unreliable in this regard, but it's got to come to an end. 'Nuff said.
3. Be kinder to my hands. I wash my poor hands waaaaay too much (of course when one is changing a dozen diapers a day, I'm not sure how to get around it...). My hands are so dry and rough that they sometimes crack and bleed from all the washing. My nails look horrible lately and my cuticles are wrecked. Someone once told me that a woman's hands are her second face, and I think this is true. So, 2009 will be the era of better hands. I shall wash more gently, moisturize regularly and keep them pretty.
4. Spend less/save more. I think this one is on everyone's resolution list this year.
5. Be more mindful of my words and actions. I often speak without thinking, and act without consideration. I put my foot in my mouth and probably slightly offend people on a regular basis. It's only later that I realize and regret what I've said or done. I'm not by any means a mean person, but I can certainly be thoughtless. I'm not proud of it, and it's certainly no way to live. So, more thinking and listening and less speaking and acting is in order.
What are YOUR resolutions for 2009?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
now that we've all come to know each other
Amazing the difference a few short weeks makes. Maya is creeping up on four months old now, and we have really come into a solid routine.
My little girl is now, and has been for over a month now, a reliable little clock. She goes down for three naps at day - at 10:00am (for half an hour), at 1:00pm (for one hour) and at 4:00pm (for half an hour). She's in the bath at 7:00pm and asleep for the night at 8:00pm. We've got this thing down to a science.
And I must admit, I'm loving it. Having a good routine makes planning the day so much better. It's so funny, sometimes I forget to look at the clock and I'll wonder why Maya is being a cranky-pants (is she hungry? is she dirty? what's wrong?), and then I'll realize, "OH it's 12:58, she's telling me it's nap time". And so down for a nap she happily goes.
In other news, the baby babble is in full force. She says SO many consonants now. She's even said "words" - for example, "mum", "doo doo" and "Pulau". Of course she has no idea what she's saying but I still like to think my daughter's a little genius.
And the dairy-free living is still going great. I really don't miss it at all. Plus it seems to be helping me shed the last of my baby weight. But of course the best part is that Maya is feeling fantastic. She never has a minute of gas anymore and even the spitting up has been greatly reduced. I guess some kids just aren't meant to have dairy. Our doctor says that she'll probably have a hard time with dairy for the first few years of her life but she should grow out of it eventually.
We bought Maya a Jumperoo for Christmas this year and gave it to her a bit early (mummy was too excited and couldn't wait). She loves it! Behold:
And here's Santa's Little Helper donning her Christmas hat:
My little girl is now, and has been for over a month now, a reliable little clock. She goes down for three naps at day - at 10:00am (for half an hour), at 1:00pm (for one hour) and at 4:00pm (for half an hour). She's in the bath at 7:00pm and asleep for the night at 8:00pm. We've got this thing down to a science.
And I must admit, I'm loving it. Having a good routine makes planning the day so much better. It's so funny, sometimes I forget to look at the clock and I'll wonder why Maya is being a cranky-pants (is she hungry? is she dirty? what's wrong?), and then I'll realize, "OH it's 12:58, she's telling me it's nap time". And so down for a nap she happily goes.
In other news, the baby babble is in full force. She says SO many consonants now. She's even said "words" - for example, "mum", "doo doo" and "Pulau". Of course she has no idea what she's saying but I still like to think my daughter's a little genius.
And the dairy-free living is still going great. I really don't miss it at all. Plus it seems to be helping me shed the last of my baby weight. But of course the best part is that Maya is feeling fantastic. She never has a minute of gas anymore and even the spitting up has been greatly reduced. I guess some kids just aren't meant to have dairy. Our doctor says that she'll probably have a hard time with dairy for the first few years of her life but she should grow out of it eventually.
We bought Maya a Jumperoo for Christmas this year and gave it to her a bit early (mummy was too excited and couldn't wait). She loves it! Behold:
And here's Santa's Little Helper donning her Christmas hat:
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
a post in three parts
Part Un:
One is enough, I've decided. One kid is all I need. I am so utterly happy, content and satisfied with my one sweet little baby, I really don't feel any desire for a second. (Plus, Maya is such a good-natured, calm, easy baby - you just know if we had a second one we'd get a little stinker.) I always thought I would just want one but everyone warned me that once I had one kid, I'd want more. At this point, I just don't think so; but of course, never say never.
I have virtually no desire to be pregnant again, either. I see pregnant women all the time and I just feel so thankful that it's not me. (How's THAT for a crazy turnaround from this time last year?) It's not that I didn't enjoy my pregnancy; I absolutely loved being preggers. But it was an anxious time for me, full of worry, anxiety and fear. I guess that's the gift that the miscarriage left behind.
I have everything I've ever wanted, all wrapped up in the sweetest little package. Maya is my whole heart and I just can't imagine loving anyone more. And I don't want to have to share any of my attention, I want her to have it all. And she does. And it's perfect.
...now that I've actually put all this in writing, watch me get pregnant again by accident...
Part Deux:
D bought me an iPhone over the weekend and I am having a love affair with it. Man the things it can do! I never thought something like this could exist in my lifetime. But here it is! I don't have too much more to say on this subject but just had to let you all know that I am having way too much fun with my new toy. (In fact, I stayed up until nearly 2am last night playing with it, while husband and baby snoozed away...)
Part Trois:
We took Maya to get her picture taken with Santa Claus today. Santa made his appearance at a local department store downtown, so we dressed Miss Maya up and took her down there to sit on his lap. Meanwhile, mummy was having a breakdown. Why? Because of the germs. I know I am far too crazy about this stuff - seriously - like right now I have Kleenex boxes on my feet a la Howard Hughes. But seriously, I was envisioning long lines filled with snot-nosed children and oh the germs on Santa's lap and hands. (Is it just me or do other peoples' kids just seem so...dirty?)
Anyway, I know this is all about me and my insanity and it makes no sense. In fact, the thinking part of my brain knows that it's actually good for her to be exposed to all kinds of situations like this to help build up her immunity. But like I said, I am crazy. A germaphobe is a kind way of saying what I am.
And I really don't want Maya to miss out on any fun or opportunities because I am crazy. So I sucked it up, took her to see Santa and sit on his lap, cringed as the photographer put her finger in Maya's mouth to wipe off some drool, and couldn't help but notice Santa's dirty fingernails. And there did end up being, in fact, a dirty little boy in line behind us who was positively plagued with green snot pouring out of his nose. But whatever. We did it. I survived. Maya smiled the sweetest smile for the camera. And then we rushed home to give her a bath.
The pictures were promised by Wednesday - will post as soon as I get them!
One is enough, I've decided. One kid is all I need. I am so utterly happy, content and satisfied with my one sweet little baby, I really don't feel any desire for a second. (Plus, Maya is such a good-natured, calm, easy baby - you just know if we had a second one we'd get a little stinker.) I always thought I would just want one but everyone warned me that once I had one kid, I'd want more. At this point, I just don't think so; but of course, never say never.
I have virtually no desire to be pregnant again, either. I see pregnant women all the time and I just feel so thankful that it's not me. (How's THAT for a crazy turnaround from this time last year?) It's not that I didn't enjoy my pregnancy; I absolutely loved being preggers. But it was an anxious time for me, full of worry, anxiety and fear. I guess that's the gift that the miscarriage left behind.
I have everything I've ever wanted, all wrapped up in the sweetest little package. Maya is my whole heart and I just can't imagine loving anyone more. And I don't want to have to share any of my attention, I want her to have it all. And she does. And it's perfect.
...now that I've actually put all this in writing, watch me get pregnant again by accident...
Part Deux:
D bought me an iPhone over the weekend and I am having a love affair with it. Man the things it can do! I never thought something like this could exist in my lifetime. But here it is! I don't have too much more to say on this subject but just had to let you all know that I am having way too much fun with my new toy. (In fact, I stayed up until nearly 2am last night playing with it, while husband and baby snoozed away...)
Part Trois:
We took Maya to get her picture taken with Santa Claus today. Santa made his appearance at a local department store downtown, so we dressed Miss Maya up and took her down there to sit on his lap. Meanwhile, mummy was having a breakdown. Why? Because of the germs. I know I am far too crazy about this stuff - seriously - like right now I have Kleenex boxes on my feet a la Howard Hughes. But seriously, I was envisioning long lines filled with snot-nosed children and oh the germs on Santa's lap and hands. (Is it just me or do other peoples' kids just seem so...dirty?)
Anyway, I know this is all about me and my insanity and it makes no sense. In fact, the thinking part of my brain knows that it's actually good for her to be exposed to all kinds of situations like this to help build up her immunity. But like I said, I am crazy. A germaphobe is a kind way of saying what I am.
And I really don't want Maya to miss out on any fun or opportunities because I am crazy. So I sucked it up, took her to see Santa and sit on his lap, cringed as the photographer put her finger in Maya's mouth to wipe off some drool, and couldn't help but notice Santa's dirty fingernails. And there did end up being, in fact, a dirty little boy in line behind us who was positively plagued with green snot pouring out of his nose. But whatever. We did it. I survived. Maya smiled the sweetest smile for the camera. And then we rushed home to give her a bath.
The pictures were promised by Wednesday - will post as soon as I get them!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
they grow up so fast
Maya is asleep right now, sound asleep, in her crib.
For the first time ever.
She is fine but I am losing my shit. I miss her terribly and she's only in the next room!
I realized that since she was born - three and a half months ago - that we have never been separated. Never ever. Not even by one room's distance (except for maybe 5 to 10 minutes at a time). Partly because she won't take a bottle so I can't leave her with anyone for any real amount of time. And partly because we're joined at the hip and I seem to be addicted to my daughter. I can't help it, I love her so.
So yeah, we've got the baby monitor going and D and I are sitting downstairs trying to watch TV and keep ourselves busy on our respective laptops but truth be told, we're both eyeing the baby monitor intently for any slight movement or sound.
I know what you're thinking - you must let her grow up, she needs some separation from her mummy for her own sake. I know, I know, you're right. It's time. And I'm sure I'll get used to it. But in the meantime, I feel kinda sick. And antsy.
This is hard. Like really hard. Does it get easier? Tell me it gets easier!
For the first time ever.
She is fine but I am losing my shit. I miss her terribly and she's only in the next room!
I realized that since she was born - three and a half months ago - that we have never been separated. Never ever. Not even by one room's distance (except for maybe 5 to 10 minutes at a time). Partly because she won't take a bottle so I can't leave her with anyone for any real amount of time. And partly because we're joined at the hip and I seem to be addicted to my daughter. I can't help it, I love her so.
So yeah, we've got the baby monitor going and D and I are sitting downstairs trying to watch TV and keep ourselves busy on our respective laptops but truth be told, we're both eyeing the baby monitor intently for any slight movement or sound.
I know what you're thinking - you must let her grow up, she needs some separation from her mummy for her own sake. I know, I know, you're right. It's time. And I'm sure I'll get used to it. But in the meantime, I feel kinda sick. And antsy.
This is hard. Like really hard. Does it get easier? Tell me it gets easier!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
32 and keeping busy
I've been meaning to post an update for a few days now. This last week has been crazy. I was my birthday - turned 32! - and my parents and my brother came to town to help me celebrate.
What a great birthday I had. I woke up, rolled over in bed and peeked in the bassinet only to find my beautiful little girl grinning back at me. Right then and there, I knew it was going to be a fantastic day and an amazing year.
I had lovely time with my family and a great (dairy-free) dinner. And I already have the best present I could ever imagine, but I also got a cute pair of Juicy Couture sweats from my brother, a couple of sweaters and an awesome baby book from my parents and a winter coat from D.
I've also been kept busy by planning a surprise birthday party for my friend L. She is turning 30! It's incredible how much work goes into planning a party; thank goodness her husband is really taking the reins on this one.
Vegan(ish) living has been tough, but worth it. Maya's poos have been beautiful since I gave up dairy/meat. She has had virtually no gas either, which has been great because gas was a pretty big problem for her before. And the spitting up has even been greatly reduced. I just wish I'd gone dairy-free sooner!
I just need to find some better vegan resources. It's amazing how much sneaky dairy is in foods you'd never expect, like crackers and cereal. Whey powder, calcium stearate, casein - plus a million other ingredients - all "code names" for dairy based ingredients. Maya is so sensitive that I have really had to cut out any trace of dairy, even if it's just a little bit waaay at the end of an ingredients list. But it's so worth it. She feels better. I feel better. Down with dairy.
In other news, I'm almost finished with our Christmas shopping. It was soooo fun shopping for a kid this year. Maya is getting this from mummy and daddy this year. I think she's going to love it! It was a toss up between the Jumperoo and a play mat, but I think ultimately this will last a bit longer in terms of her interest.
I am finding myself so giddy thinking about the holidays this year. I haven't felt like this since I was a kid. Having a baby changes everything. I am so excited, happy and blessed to be seeing Christmas through Maya's eyes. She's going to have so much fun. I can't wait!
Speaking of Christmas, I am having Maya's picture taken with Santa this weekend. I think it's obligatory, despite the fact that I'm going to have to disinfect her afterwards (ewwwww just think of all the germs). But it's Baby's First Christmas and it's a must. I'll definitely post those photos when I get them.
What a great birthday I had. I woke up, rolled over in bed and peeked in the bassinet only to find my beautiful little girl grinning back at me. Right then and there, I knew it was going to be a fantastic day and an amazing year. I had lovely time with my family and a great (dairy-free) dinner. And I already have the best present I could ever imagine, but I also got a cute pair of Juicy Couture sweats from my brother, a couple of sweaters and an awesome baby book from my parents and a winter coat from D.
I've also been kept busy by planning a surprise birthday party for my friend L. She is turning 30! It's incredible how much work goes into planning a party; thank goodness her husband is really taking the reins on this one.
Vegan(ish) living has been tough, but worth it. Maya's poos have been beautiful since I gave up dairy/meat. She has had virtually no gas either, which has been great because gas was a pretty big problem for her before. And the spitting up has even been greatly reduced. I just wish I'd gone dairy-free sooner!
I just need to find some better vegan resources. It's amazing how much sneaky dairy is in foods you'd never expect, like crackers and cereal. Whey powder, calcium stearate, casein - plus a million other ingredients - all "code names" for dairy based ingredients. Maya is so sensitive that I have really had to cut out any trace of dairy, even if it's just a little bit waaay at the end of an ingredients list. But it's so worth it. She feels better. I feel better. Down with dairy.
In other news, I'm almost finished with our Christmas shopping. It was soooo fun shopping for a kid this year. Maya is getting this from mummy and daddy this year. I think she's going to love it! It was a toss up between the Jumperoo and a play mat, but I think ultimately this will last a bit longer in terms of her interest.
I am finding myself so giddy thinking about the holidays this year. I haven't felt like this since I was a kid. Having a baby changes everything. I am so excited, happy and blessed to be seeing Christmas through Maya's eyes. She's going to have so much fun. I can't wait!
Speaking of Christmas, I am having Maya's picture taken with Santa this weekend. I think it's obligatory, despite the fact that I'm going to have to disinfect her afterwards (ewwwww just think of all the germs). But it's Baby's First Christmas and it's a must. I'll definitely post those photos when I get them.
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