Mother's Day Recap & Iyla's 6 Month Appointment

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day Weekend. It surprised me how important this day was to me, and I truly appreciated everyone who acknowledged & rejoiced in it with me.

On Sunday morning, BC took the morning shift with Iyla (who lately has been thinking 6am is an awesome wake-up time) while I slept in... to 6:45. Darn that internal clock! I had a luxuriously long shower before heading out to my fav coffee shop for breakfast. Then I set off for a MUCH needed pedicure- pure bliss!

The most unexpected surprise of the day? My pedicure guy (yes- it is almost all guys at the place I go to! They are all fantastic) chased me down after I left, saying he had something for me. He disappeared into a back room outside the salon and came out with a beautiful orchid plant. So, so sweet.

My lovely unexpected flowers.

When I got home Iyla proceeded to quickly go down for a 2.5 hour nap! Sam decided to join and snuggle in, and while it was SO cute, I had to shoo him away when Iyla started rubbing her eyes uncomfortably (I think she may have a very slight allergy to him).

Sam and my Marshmallow babe. Sweet while it lasted!

BC and I headed to one of our favorite local wine bars- Uncorked- for dinner, luxuriating on the outdoor deck in the gorgeous spring weather. Our good friends Andy & Julie met us there, and Iyla was hamming it up and charming everyone!

After dinner I asked BC to take a couple photos of Iyla and I for Mother's Day. That little lady was SO tired and ready for bed that the only way we could get any decent shots was for me to play the 'toss the baby in the air' game. Here are a few from our little session:

In other news, I was able to procure a high chair for Iyla over the weekend! I've been intrigued by the Stokke high chair from its Amazon.com reviews, but had never seen one in person and also didn't know that I could rationalize the cost. On Saturday I stopped by a local baby store to peruse their high chair selection, and lo and behold- they had a Stokke complete SET in stock for an amazing deal that included the infant insert, seat cushion, AND food tray. Plus I had a 20% off coupon, so i grabbed it. It goes perfectly with our home's decor and isn't too Disneyland-ish or ostentatious. It is also a piece that will transition and grow with Iyla throughout the years.

Happily Iyla seems to love it as well! For now we are getting her used to it as a new play space. We've decided to hold off on starting solids until AFTER our big road trip, so she'll start that adventure mid-June upon our return.

Big girl in her new high chair.

Iyla had her official 6 month doctor appointment today. She was a bit hesitant & fearful at first- I think because she was remembering her last traumatic appointment to the doctor over Easter weekend. She got her groove on quickly, however, and by the time her regular pediatrician came in she was in full CHARM mode, showing off her "stand UP, sit DOWN" game skills... smiling, giggling, and just being overall darling.

She is still a teeny little thing- 12 pounds, 3 oz and 25 1/4 inches tall. She's in the 25-50% for height, and now in the 2-5% for weight. Her lady parts are no longer trying to fuse together (yay!) and the best news of all was that her neck & flat spot were looking MUCH better since our last appointment, so it looks like we may just avoid a helmet! Praise the Heavens.

Iyla was super brave for her FOUR shots. She initially cried (how could she NOT?), but stopped quickly after they were done and has been a trooper ever since. She did feel a bit warm and has been fussier than usual this evening, so we gave her a little Tylenol & put her to bed early.

My little rosy cheeked post-shot babe! 

She saw herself in my camera & was quite delighted.

Who's that cute baby?

She also loves seeing herself in the mirror! 

All in all it's been a great weekend & start to our week. Iyla and I are pretty much over our colds, the weather is divine, and maybe, just maybe, BC and I will yet get our long awaited date night!

6 Months Old- Happy Mother's Day!

Sweet Iyla Grace, today you are 6 months old! And on Mother's Day proper to boot. How wonderfully auspicious indeed. I had many, many Mothers' Days where I dreamed of celebrating and having a child of my own... and now, after years of struggle and heartache, you are here. We are so blessed! Here are your 6 month updates...

How old? 6 months today!

How big? We'll find out your official measurements at tomorrow's 6 month doctor appointment. For now we'll compare you to your buddy Sam:

Milestones?

*You got your first cold (boo!) You were extra fussy last weekend, and when I took your temperature you had a very low grade fever of 99.8. You've had a cough & runny nose but since that one fussy day have been such a trooper, rolling with this whole sick thing as you do with any challenge. I got sick too, and it has definitely proved challenging keeping up with you physically & energetically when not feeling 100%! Good thing you are so generous with your smiles & kisses, because those always cheer me up.

*You've been noticing the DETAILS in things. You just discovered that your play mat (the one you've had since December!) has patterns & pictures on the bottom of it. You are examining toys in a whole new way- turning & twisting them, really taking it all in.

*You are SO interested in our kitty Sam. You smile at him and are always aware of his whereabouts. He is pretty tolerant with you- I took one for the team last week when you pulled his hair and he turned and bit ME hard- I was grateful it wasn't you, but alas- I am sure that day will come!

Here's Sam laying claim to this play mat toy! 

He still thinks the play mat is HIS special bed and gets a little annoyed when you join him on it.

*You have started crouching. Your favorite thing is having us hold you up in a standing position. Usually you hinge forward at the waist to grab for toys from there, but this week you started crouching down first, then reaching. You also love to play the "stand UP, sit DOWN" game.

*You have gotten more social! When we are out you scan the room to see who might be willing to admire you, then flash them the hugest smile to catch their attention. Last weekend I took you to a small gathering and you were happy to have others hold & play with you.

How could anyone resist that smile?

*You have started giving "kisses!" You definitely know what these are & when I hold you up while you play you'll twist your body around, turn your head, and plant a big drooley open mouthed smacker on me. It is adorable!

It looks like you are blowing kisses here! 

We were watching the rain from the back porch.

*I can tell by your face that you are understanding a few words we use every day in your routine- 'walk,' 'milk,' 'kisses,' 'play,' 'kitty,' 'potty,' and 'bath.' I'm sure you understand a lot more than that but those are the ones where I can see your face shift knowingly. We are going to start using more sign language with you this coming month to help you be able to communicate just what YOU like & want!

*Not sure this is a milestone, but it is something I am always amazed at. You let me cut your fingernails! Meaning, when I pull out the clippers (usually while you are on your changing table) you hold absolutely still and watch as I clip each nail. It's as if you know moving might be dangerous. You are a smart one, sweet girl... and I suspect you will enjoy many manicures in your future.

Love those beautiful blue eyes!

Sleep? 

*You are doing SO well at night! You go to bed between 7:15-7:45- usually with very minimal crying- and only wake up ONE time/night to nurse. That one time totally varies- anywhere from 11:30pm-4:30am- but then you sleep straight until about 6:30-7, waking up all smiles.

*Your naps have just started to take some semblance of a routine... pretty much like clockwork 1.5 hours after you wake in the morning you are ready for a 40 minute nap. Right now that is still in my arms, and we'll work on that in the upcoming month. Then around 12pm at the first signs of your being tired (you show me by rubbing your eyes!) I put on your sound machine & zip you into that sumo-esque sleep suit. You'll usually sleep 1-1.5 hours during this time. There is usually one more brief later afternoon/early nap that varies in its timing, and your Papa and I always appreciate when it coincides with our going out to eat. : )

Current Likes:

*Variety! You get fussy with any one activity after about 3-5 minutes. You definitely keep us on our toes finding new ways to entertain you.

*You still LOVE going on walks. Always your happy place.

*Playing the "stand UP sit DOWN" game. Also playing the "drop/pick up" game.

*My whispering in your ear- you think it is hilarious.

*The silly songs I make up and sing to you (I'm sure some day these will embarrass you!)

*You still love playing with your tutu! Other favorite toys are your Lamb Lovey, your Jellycat books, & your mini Sophie teether.

Here are a few photos of you IN your tutu during our 6 month photo shoot- no crying with it on this time!

Current Dislikes:

*Staying in your car seat when we go out to eat.

*You no longer let me use the 'snot sucker' on you- which is unfortunate given your cold this week! You actively turn your head away & put your arms up in protest. So I end up picking your nose. ; )

*You still HATE being on your tummy and have mastered flipping over from tummy to back extremely well (and fast!)

*Being patient while we prep to nurse. It is pretty hilarious actually- when I get you for your middle of the night feeding or your first morning feeding, the second I pick you up out of your crib you arch your back and grab my face while grunting & whining in a really desperate, impatient way. I hustle as fast as I can to get you settled & satisfied!

Postpartum body?

*The big news there is that my cycle started again last week (May 6th)! It wasn't as bad as I expected the first one might be... no cramps! I will praise the Lord if being pregnant with you somehow helped eradicate the monthly cramps I always used to get.

*This morning I was down 3 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, though it fluctuates daily.

*I still have some extra padding on the front of my belly, but holding you coupled with our daily walks continues to be a good exercise routine.

*My upper back has been really tight and sore this month likely from helping you stand up ALL.THE.TIME.

What do I miss?

*Date nights with your Papa! Your Aunt Sheri was going to come last week to watch you so we could go out, but then you and I got sick. Hopefully next week we'll be recovered so she can come play with you.

*I still miss movies. I don't even have the time to watch movies on TV- by the time you are asleep by 7:45-8pm, I usually crash about 30-60 minutes behind you.

Most looking forward to? 

*Your getting more and more alert, interactive, & mobile! We are entering into such a super fun growth period, and I am loving it so much.

*Our 2 week road trip at the end of the month! I am so glad you are showing new signs of being social, because there are going to be a lot of people wanting to love on you during this adventure.

Here are the rest of the pictures from our 6 month photo shoot. We love you so much Iyla Grace! Happy 6 months, sweet baby girl.

Adventures of a Human Marshmallow

After yesterday's events, I'm now rethinking naps in the swing- even with the straps.

So today, when Iyla started giving me tired signs (rubbing her eyes, fussing) while laying on her play mat, I decided to wrap her cozy 'nap' blanket around her burrito style to see what happened. Her little eyes fluttered in sleepy delight. I didn't think that was the safest way for her to nap, but was definitely on to something.

Then... THEN I remembered the "Magic Sleepsuit" I'd purchased a month ago on recommendation from a few other moms who SWORE by its comforting nature. It's pretty much like zipping up your baby into a padded, pillowed straight jacket. Case in point:

Obviously it is also AWESOME future blackmailing material.

It's as if I procreated with The Marshmallow Man himself.

The best part of this arrangement is that now I can have her napping on the ground right next to my desk. This little one has been up to more shenanigans since yesterday's Grand Flip of 2013- and I am not about to take any chances!

It seems when Iyla has an extremely sleepy day- like yesterday- it's as if she is cocooning new skills that all of a sudden emerge and take flight when she wakes up. Yesterday she figured out how to somersault out of her swing. Since then, she has absolutely entered full throttle into the Wonder Week's 'Relationships' leap. She is inspecting every toy and object in an entirely new way- turning it over in her hands, tasting, throwing, twirling, pulling to see just what happens with each maneuver.

A few examples from the past 24 hours:

*Standing with my support, she wrapped her right arm around the bar of her play mat and slid down it to a sitting position! THREE times in a row... as if to say, 'wow, this is cool- let's try that AGAIN.' I supported her weight (she would topple over otherwise) but let her freely explore the full range of these motions.

*She was definitely practicing her balance with sitting today. I had her sitting in my lap, leaning back slightly against my stomach, and several times in a row she rocked forward just enough to support her own weight, before leaning back again. One time she let herself fall back more quickly and her head hit my chest pretty hard- didn't hurt her but she didn't fall back again with that same intensity! She is actively learning and it is fascinating to watch.

*She is also making a little more effort once on her stomach. She holds that head up high, then rests it on one side, actively taking in the views from that angle and exploring how it relates to the toys she was just playing with from a different angle. She is also getting pretty good at flipping herself back onto her back from that position- I just have to watch what kind of flooring is surrounding her so she doesn't bonk her head (though I'm sure there will be plenty of bonking in the future- that is, after all, how she'll learn).

*Instead of just hinging forward from her waist to grab things while we hold her in a standing position, she is starting to crouch down and then reach out. Sometimes the crouch leads to sitting, other times she pushes back up to a standing position (all with help).

It's times like these where I feel so grateful to get to be home with Iyla. There are many, many days that are long & monotonous where I do miss working more or actively feel like having help would be awesome. But then these fun, amazing days of growth sneak in and rock.my.world. This is fun stuff, folks. Even with two girls who have colds & hacking coughs.

My buddy

 Sam photo bomb

From what I hear, this is when things really start taking off and snowballing in a little one's development. I think I too need to start strapping myself in to be ready for the ride!

My view right now. This won't get old.

Iyla Grace- working on taking over the world, one skill at a time.

A RED Letter Day

What a day we've had! Phew. Let's start from the beginning.

This morning, Iyla finally fit into an adorable collegiate onsie my friend Elli had given her (from the French University where she teaches):

Iyla was obviously pleased at her new French attire! 

For the record, sweet girl, we totally approve of you going to school abroad. 

Just expect us to visit you all.the.time.

I then proceeded to check Facebook with Iyla perched on my lap. There was a new photo of BC's youngest sister Poss, posted by her boyfriend:

Credit to Jared Southard for this lovely shot!

I noticed that Iyla was positively BEAMING at the photo. Seriously smiling with her whole being. I closed the photo, waited a moment, and then brought it up again. Instant smiles! Someone LOVES her Aunt Poss (who she gets to meet in June!) and loves that photo.

Her adoration caught on camera!

I then proceeded to take a video of what I now deem "The Poss Effect:"

This is seriously the cutest thing ever.

Iyla had a VERY sleepy day today. She took a 40 minute nap this morning, followed by a short session of play time before she got really fussy again. She then proceeded to take another 2.5 hour nap! As you've heard before, Iyla still predominantly sleeps in my arms. The problem with super long naps is that I usually end up really having to use the restroom and/or getting really hungry. So about 1.5 hours into the nap I carefully got up and transferred her into her swing. SUCCESS!

I can't help myself- I always have to take photos of her sleeping! 
So sweet & hilarious.

She was down for another hour when I heard her wake (I was in the next room). She was cooing & happily making spit zerberts. I know better than to interrupt a happy baby, so kept working away on my computer, listening for the first hints of her getting fussy. Instead, I heard what no mom EVER wants to hear.... a THUD followed by her wail.

Good gracious almighty that girl somehow discovered how to flip herself OUT of her swing. No, she wasn't strapped in. She has NEVER given us any cause for concern to have to use those straps... but Holy HELL lesson LEARNED and that girl will be strapped in tight from this day forward!

I ran to her at lightning speed -sweeping her up- simultaneously comforting her while inspecting all of her limbs. I quickly started nursing her, and she calmed super fast- seemingly more startled than anything else. She was all smiles again after the nursing session, and it appears her only battle wound is a red mark near her right eye- which looked AWFUL at first but as of bedtime tonight, had faded to hardly being noticeable.

My poor little girl moments after her gymnastic feat.

Already looking much better mid-day. 

Trying to accessorize to distract from her boo-boo.

'Look Mom! I'm fine! Simmer down.'

'I can still stretch and move all my limbs!'

'Fine, I'll let you dress me up in ridiculous things so you feel better.'

In other big RED news today... my period is starting! I am absolutely exhausted, voraciously hungry (which always happens a day or two ahead of my cycle) and have lots and lots of brown & red spotting. I haven't had a period since February of 2012! No cramps yet, but those usually come with the full flow. Not looking forward to that part.

I am actually a bit excited to be having my cycle again, as that means another Little Lambie becomes a possibility. We figure- why prevent?- as it took us 3 years to get Iyla here and there is no telling how long it may take for another babe (if another one is even in our cards).

Anyway- between the beginnings of catching Iyla's cold, my cycle starting, and all the excitement with Iyla's Grand Flip of 2013- I am cooked and headed to bed.

Goodnight!