Week 32

Well, January has been a month of leaps and bounds for Aria developmentally. I feel like she's gone from a little lump to an actually full blown interactive, trouble making little tot.

Let me start with what is probably the most important thing. Aria is finally getting a tooth!!! I've been feeling her gums faithfully for month now, waiting for that little hard spot to appear. There has been zilch, until low and behold 2 days ago during my routine feel around my finger very barely felt the tip of something hard and decidedly sharp poking through. It's on the bottom right side. Initially I couldn't see it at all. But over the last 2 days it has poked up father and now looks like a little line on her gums. By baby had a tooth!!!

Another very impressive feat is the fact the she can get up on her hands and knees. She rocks back and forth in what I know is the pre-curser to the inevitable first glorious crawl steps.

Aria loves her toys. And she believes anything and everything is her toy. She loves electronics especially; switchers, cell phones, wires, mixers, iPads, laptops…they all belong to her. Raph had a white rubber full sized football that she decided was a wondrous toy. She likes to feel the skin on it. She likes this football so much that yesterday it entices her to roll over, front to back, 4 times to get across the room and feel it. She has toys for the different times of the day. In the morning she get to sit on the counter in her bumbo and play/slobber on spatulas. She like the yellow plastic smiley face one and the wooden one pretty much equally. It keeps her entertained for ages. During car rides and walks she gets to play with her happy birthday monkey and her colorful dog toy/bendy gapped wiffle ball/ball. These toys are all tied together with rings that can easily attach to the stroller or car seat. During bath-time she gets to play with her yellow ducky, which she absolutely loves. Changing up her toys for different important events seems to keep her entertained and focused longer that busting out the same toys. She loves to play with her little baby einstein piano at all times, it's the back up go to toy. Other toys that vaguely keep her interest are her Sophie the giraffe, her Cromwall pink mouse and her baby books that are soft and back squeaks. Bailey is jealous of Aria's ability to collect so many toys. She wishes everyone would give her toys, after all she loves them just as much!

Oh another very big event was dun dun duuun, Aria learned how to clap!! It's so freaking adorable how proud she is of herself. The first day she did it, she just kept looking at her hands and then looking at me with pure joy in her eyes. She now claps her hands and bangs her feet at the same time like a little drummer girl.

Yesterday Kevin and I walked her to the park and she had her first official ride in the baby basket swing. She LOVED it!!! I am going to have to take her often. It was so much fun to take her with Kevin and just watch her little face light up every time Kevin gave her a push. While we were there some kids showed up and sat in the other baby swing right next to us. I was a little annoyed because she though they were being so funny, 10 year olds sitting on top of the bucket and commenting how they were swinging higher than Aria. I don't know if they realized and if they did they probably wouldn't care, that they were tainting our first park experience. But I didn't let them bug me too much, after all, I suppose Aria will grow up to be a little kid that does annoying things too someday, I better get used to it ;)

On Friday, I met up with Emily and Carlo at Aqui's in Willow Glen. Emily was feeding Carlo some of these puff baby crackers that dissolve in his mouth. I think I should get some for Aria, I think she would enjoy them. Carlo looks like he is still a bit smaller than Aria, though he definitely has more hair and bigger hands. He is such a cute little boy! Later on Friday I visited Kevin at Apple. Kevin had a wonderful time showing Aria off to his co-workers. Unfortunately I had to try and make small talk to Paul again. And yes, we talked about the weather again. Poor Paul. While I was waiting for Kevin on a bench down the street a boy rolled up on his skate board and stopped in front of us. Her asked me "So is this her?" "I just saw you in Apple." I responded that yes this was Aria! I asked him if he worked with Kevin and much to my surprise he said oh no, he had just seen us in Apple. LOL, he said he couldn't resist her smile, he just had to say hi. I ended up chatting with him for about 20 minutes while he sat on his skateboard and played with Aria. I learned that he was a junior at Berkley and that he had an 8 month old nephew named Paxton Bradley Wexley. He showed me several pictured of him. Kevin finally walked up and was a little weirded out to see Stanford (his name) sitting there with his long hair talking to his wife and child. It's so funny the things that happen now that I have a baby with me all the time. Makes life interesting.

Well, I'll update more about my life later. Just wanted to mark down some of Aria's new talents while they were fresh!

Until next time, xo Rosie

Week 30!

Well hello there. Can you believe my little tiny is 30 weeks old! I know, me neither! She's officially made it to another year. 2011 will always be remember by me as the most amazing year of my life thus far. With all the ups and downs, no one, and no thing can take away the fact that my Aria Rose came into our lives this past year. That fact alone makes my life amazing and worthwhile no matter what.

Aria can sit! No help needed for my little peanut. The last 2 weeks she has made a huge leap from wobbly "omg she's tipping over" baby to "let me sit here and play with my toys" baby.

She loves to squeak her Sophie the Giraffe. I know it's usually used as a teether, but since there is not a tooth in sight (plenty of drool though) she seems to prefer just licking and squeaking.

Aria has a achieved 3 new uses for her mouth. She discovered how to lick her lips with her tongue. It's so cute to watch as she full heartedly plasters her tongue al far out as it can go on all sides. She also learned to gurgle in her through. She likes to tip her head back and let her drool collect and aid for some awesome gurgling. Lastly she learned to make "fish noises" with her mouth. She will open and close her lips so that they make that little popping sound. It's so freakin cute!

Aria finally had her doctor check up on Wednesday. I know, bad mommy, I haven't had her in since her 2 month check and she is now 7 months. I have many different reasons and excuses, but of course I know I should have made the appointment sooner. After much researching I decided that the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Mountain View would be the best facility. It's big and has all the latest and greatest equipment. The doctors all interact with each other in all departments, there is online access to medical records and the pediatricians got good reviews. I was able to get in with the doctor I chose, Dr Jane Auh (sounds like "Oh") even though her practice was closed, I didn't beg or anything, see it doesn't hurt to ask. Aria did great at the appointment. Kevin had the day off work so we went together to the 11am appointment. At first we went to the wrong line and waited for a while then realized that we were in the lap section when we got to the front, oopsie. Hence when we just started filling out the paperwork our name was called so we went in and they said we could finish it later. Kevin thinks the nurse man was gay though I'm not sure why. He seemed rather un-personable, I guess my gaydar needs work. Dr Auh said her normal nurse Yolanda wasn't in that day so hopefully next time will be better. Stinky got weighed all naked sitting on the little weight machine. She was 18 pounds and 12 ounces (85th percentile) and she measured 28.5 inches (95th percentile). So she is going awesome!! The doctor said she is very strong and she won't be surprised it she is crawling by her 9 month appointment. She said it was fine that we missed the 4 month visit they will just delay then to the 9 month one since usually there are no vaccines at 9 months. Poor Stinky did great for her shots. She didn't hardly cry for the first one and wined a little more for the second. But the third one was the "burning" one so she did let out a sad little wail. Overall the doc was nice. She is a Stanford fan so she chatted with Kevin about Oregon as he was obviously wearing his Oregon sweatshirt. Aria hasn't had much bad effects from the shots, just a little grumpy.

We are starting Aria on some baby foods, I am making her sweet potatoes pureed and she gets one feeding a day for the first month. She is still not a big fan but we will keep offering it to her. I'm excited to make her more interesting and tasty foods.

On the Tuesday after New Years day Kevin and I took Aria to the zoo. It was so much fun to get away and spend time together with my little family. I think Aria enjoyed the animals and just riding around and looking at the scenery. She is so aware and curious of everything!

Well, I secretly starting writing this update when I was supposed to be drying my hair. I've got to go make sure Yaya is okay with the little princess her self.

Until next time xo Rosie

Week 29

Well, we made it! Our very first Christmas with our wonderful baby girl Aria has come and past. What a joyful day is was. I feel so incredibly blessed to have her this year. So blessed to have a family so full of love and joy in our hearts. So blessed that togetherness is all we need to truly have a home, no matter where we are currently resting our tired heads at night. It truly doesn't matter as long as we are together.

So this year, of 2011, my beautiful little family celebrated with my larger family and extended family here on Clinton road. We opened gifts in the morning. Santa was very good to us this year. When Kevin came out and saw all the presents, he said,"Weren't we supposed to be having an off year this year?". Well yes, but we all worked together very hard to pull of just as fine a spread as ever. It was very helpful that Santa's especially dutiful elf (Auntie Gabby), had a little extra pocket money to spoil us all with (benefit of slaving at three jobs). And spoil each and everyone of us she did! I got Uggs! So comfy and snuggle heaven for my footseses. Also a beautiful down blanket and duvet cover. Sentimental items came up this year as well. Gabby got my a matching vintage pearl necklace to the one I got her for her birthday this year. It has a an extra ring on it that says "if i didn't have you". A reference to our favorite childhood movie Quest for Camelot" and the two headed dragon that perfectly represented our very special relationship. I love it! Kevin got me an iPhone 4s! How excited/lucky/surprised/overjoyed am it! Yayness to the 10th degree!! I got Kevin a Buck knife Vantage Force Pro (he asked for it to increase his manly status with his Apple gang). I got Gabby a cookbook that I made the cover of. It's going to be a cookbook scrapbook of all our delicious and favorite recipes. I also got her cooking paraphernalia. I got Dad a cup that says "Pops Rocks". We got mom and dad stockings that say "Yaya" and"Pops". Th boys got shirts, Sonic for Billy because it reminded me of being young and playing with him and Johnny Cash for Raph cuz well it's Johnny Cash and Raph likes music. Mom also got a german bird ornament and a vintage pearl necklace that has my childhood poem on it "upside down or right side up, we will love you to the top" and "yaya" in the middle. Gabby finally got the baby doll mom had started making for her years ago. She finished it! So cute :) Billy got all the "cooks" a mini burger maker and "santa" got Billy a mini burger maker. It was pretty funny. Well now that I've rambled about our loot for a good 10 minutes, I will move on :P After the presents, there was a mad scurry to get the house ready for guests. They arrived promptly at 530pm. Aunt Lucy brought a gorgeous white fur coat for Aria (which we immediately tried on her). Mom aka Yaya made a glorious feast for everyone to share in. Sweet potatoes, roast, bacon beans… Everyone else pitched in as well. It was a great night of family and fun.

Today I fed Aria some left over Christmas sweet potatoes. I got her little Gerber spoon and we had a grand time. She loved them! She kept opening her mouth for more! I think my little baby is ready to start some solids. I will of course keep nursing her but it will be fun to make her baby food and feed her. I intend to make all her baby food in the future (mark my words).

Aria can pretty much sit up like a pro now. She can even almost bring herself to a sitting position for laying down. It's amazing how much stronger she's gotten.

She continues to use her "Donald Duck" voice to communicate. It's hilarious to listen to her. She grumbles on about everything and anything.

Oh how could I leave it out. Aria got a Jumperoo for Christmas from Santa. She LOVES it! She jumped and jumped in it on Christmas day until she fell asleep. It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. I'm so glad to find something can can tire her out enough to nap.

Which brings me to her sleep schedule. She's still an absolutely horrid sleeper. Last night she slept in her crib a total of 2 hours and I held her the rest of the night as she squirmed and grunted. She finally got out a "present" for me in the morning and I think she felt better. Most nights she wakes up at least 3 times.

Aria has mastered her pinched grasp. It's so fun to see her see something she wants to hold and then go for it with her little fingers. She loves to just move her pointer finger back and forth on anything, feeling it.

Aria also now sucks on her 2 middle fingers with her palm facing out. It's so cute!

Baby's First Christmas! 2011

Today is Christmas, mt sweet baby Aria's very first. Yesterday our neighbors stopped by with a gift for her (who can resist buying baby presents). It was an adorable red dress by firtimpressions from Macy's. I had to have her wear it to church. We went to 4pm mass at St. Nicks. Even though we got there at 3:45pm, there was no room at the inn fir us so to say. The church was PACKED! The hall was packed! We ended up standing outside the hall in the freezing cold (seriously icy cold for CA). I forgot Aria's blanket, so I took off my coat and wrapped her in it. She fell asleep on her daddy during her 1st Xmas Mass. After mass we walked back to the car half froze, with Bo feelings in our toes. Raph went to to feed James so Auntie Gabbt came with us. Off to Grammy's annual Xmas Eve party we went. At this point I was becoming seriously tired because I had been finishing my craft projects all morning. Almost killed me. Everyone at Grammy's was happy to see Aria. They all lover her so very much. Grammy's eyes just light up when she sees her abs she drops everything to hold her. Dinner was yummy and the Xmas program started shortly after. My cousin Chris did a fabulous job hosting. Billy and Grandfatger had grand musical accompaniment as well. Chris set it up for max singing participation by having a challenge before each song. The winner fit to...not sing. The loser had to pick 2 victims from the croud to join him leading the carol in front. It was awesome. There was "santa's village" pictionary, Xmas tree tearing behind the back, present wrapping with oven mits on, minute to win it style Oreo on the face to mouth, and spelling "JC" with m&ms with just a straw and your mouth. After the fun Santa came out and we exchanged secret Santa gifts. Aria got a Sophie the giraffe from Aunt Sue. Ive been seriously yearning for one of these most popular baby toys, so I was extatic! I got a 2 year subscription to Parents magazine which is great! When we got home Santa had come and left PJ's in front of the fire just like when we weee little. It was magical (I think Auntie Gabby knows Santa!). I, genius that I be, saved all my wrapping til after we got hone. Again almost took the life from me wrapping til 12am!

Bur today is Christmas morning at 7am and I have the very best Christmas present I could hope for in my arms. Aria is lightly snoring (maybe dreaming of reigndeer, probably boobies though). So happy :)

Until next time, xo Rosie

Week 26! My baby is 6 months old!!!!

Well hello again. Today is the day! Aria Rose is 6 months old! Happy half birthday to the best little princess in the world!

Today I was out with Holly at Trudy's Brides. She is getting married!! It was so fun looking at her trying on all those gorgeous dresses. The appointment was at 10am so Aria stayed at home with Daddy because he didn't work til 1pm. After the dress fittings we went out to eat at Hobbee's. I missed my baby but she was in good hands and it was really very nice to get out. I hardly ever leave the house! After brunch I checked in with Kev and since Stinky was doing so well, I decided to drop by some flowers and candy to Kevin's mom. She hurt her knee at work yesterday so was taking it easy today and I thought it would be a nice surprise to brighten her day. I stopped at Whole Foods and got some Shooting Star Hydrangeas and See's Candies for a box of assorted chocolates. Her apartment was only 2 miles from Trudy's. I dropped off the gift and left a note inside since she wasn't there, though her big kitty Evil did come out and say hello. I think he likes me know that I took care of him and his sister one day last week while Carol was in Oregon. Or he might of just been bored. When I got back home here it was 1pm and it felt absolutely fabulous to have been out and about int he morning time and still have lots of day left. Aria and I have been snuggling and napping since I arrived back home. We are going to go shopping with Auntie Gabby later today I think. (yaya is watching her now so I can get in a quick update!)

On Sunday we went to dinner at Emily and Josh's new house. It's a beautiful craftsman style home in Willow Glen, right near Carol's place. It was so much fun hanging out with another marries couple who also had a baby. Their little Carlo is just 5 weeks younger than Aria. When we got there Emily was giving us the grand tour and when we finished viewing the cute upstairs we were walking back to the kitchen and Kevin stepped right in a heap of dog poop. Poor Emily, it was quite comical. Kevin's a good sport and dog poop don't phase him. It was kind of a funny ice breaker for him I think, hehehe. Their dogs are super cute and friendly. They are Italian Greyhounds so definitely not snuggly like our pouches but I loved them anyways. I'm just a dog person I guess. Aria forgot her shoes at their home (more like I forgot them) so we must go back and retrieve them at some point. Yay for new friends!

Well miss Aria has been up to a few tricks this week. She seems more and more aware of how the noises she makes affect the people around her. I think she has learned a little pro baby manipulation. She will give out the saddest wail if I lay her in her pac n play and act like I'm walking away. She is fine if I stay and play with her though. The little stinker. She now gets a huge smile and laugh/squeals when she sees someone she loves like Daddy or Auntie Gabby. It's the cutest thing. She is getting better at sitting. She is not completely face down on her knees anymore and actually tottering up a bit and then to the side and they she falls over. Still no teeth in sight, though she drools like no other.

Well it's time, my 20 minutes are up! If I think of more I will update more later. But who knows when that will be.

Until next time xo. Rosie