. . . when you don't know what else to do with an almost one year old when it's not quite bed time.
Showing posts with label baby z. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby z. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Agust in review. . . as promised.
Lately when folks ask what's been going on around these parts, it seems hard to recall. As it all comes back, it's hard for me to believe that the month is OVER!!!!!!!! So where to start? Well, why not at the very beginning.
August 3rd.
HD and I celebrated SIX years. I know it's not long but, it just has passes so fast. We've had more than our share of ups and downs in this relationship but we are doing our best to realize that we aren't the One holding us together. In an effort of doing that, we had our second annual spiritual retreat. It was a fantastic time focusing solely on God and recommitting our relationship to Him.
. . . all the other stuff.
The month seemed to pass in a blur and I'm not quite sure if the following highlights occurred in August or July but here we go.
Zealand is walking! She was very cautious about the entire process. There was a lot of walking with support and then gingerly lowering herself, like a sumo wrestler when she was feeling unsteady. Suddenly she wasn't holding on. A few steps at first by herself, then more and more!!! Now she's everywhere. No, we haven't baby proofed the house. But we've created a Zealand-contained area in half of the living room where she can "run" and play.
Words are coming. She is signing a bit to let us know the basics such as, food, milk, more, potty, etc. Don't be surprised of you receive a call from Zealand.
Give this little lady a cell phone and she knows just what to do with it. She's already called a few folks by accident and then will answer, "HI". Even when no one is there she'll answer then, hand it over as if to say, "It's for you."
She'll even "text".
Or she may be trying to get in touch with you to share the news about her first birthday party!! I can't believe a year has nearly passes already. HD and I are finally feeling like we are getting our footing on this parenting thing. Although, curve balls are coming at us left and right we are playing on the same team.
So of course there are big party plans. Were having a butterfly themed party. This is my consolation for not including my favorite insect in her name, Mariposa, as I'd originally intended. Though we'll be celebrating Zealand's arrival it will be more of a celebration of, "Wow we happened to keep another living being alive for more than a couple months." This is the reason we don't have plants or animals. . .
All in all, things are going well. On a business note, I recently completed an introduction workshop for Birthing From Within. A childbirth education alternative. This is the first step in becoming a Mentor, not a teacher, with this particular birthing ideology. I am VERY excited and in order to share more about the actual workshop, it would need about 50 post to share all of the revelations personal, professional and spiritual that were gleaned from this experience.
I hope that September will bring more frequent posts. This month boast of big things, not only sweet Z's first birthday, but a visit from my dear friend, Heather! There'll be plenty more fruit picking and hopefully even some canning. Stay tuned.
August 3rd.
HD and I celebrated SIX years. I know it's not long but, it just has passes so fast. We've had more than our share of ups and downs in this relationship but we are doing our best to realize that we aren't the One holding us together. In an effort of doing that, we had our second annual spiritual retreat. It was a fantastic time focusing solely on God and recommitting our relationship to Him.
. . . all the other stuff.
The month seemed to pass in a blur and I'm not quite sure if the following highlights occurred in August or July but here we go.
Zealand is walking! She was very cautious about the entire process. There was a lot of walking with support and then gingerly lowering herself, like a sumo wrestler when she was feeling unsteady. Suddenly she wasn't holding on. A few steps at first by herself, then more and more!!! Now she's everywhere. No, we haven't baby proofed the house. But we've created a Zealand-contained area in half of the living room where she can "run" and play.
Words are coming. She is signing a bit to let us know the basics such as, food, milk, more, potty, etc. Don't be surprised of you receive a call from Zealand.
Give this little lady a cell phone and she knows just what to do with it. She's already called a few folks by accident and then will answer, "HI". Even when no one is there she'll answer then, hand it over as if to say, "It's for you."
She'll even "text".
Or she may be trying to get in touch with you to share the news about her first birthday party!! I can't believe a year has nearly passes already. HD and I are finally feeling like we are getting our footing on this parenting thing. Although, curve balls are coming at us left and right we are playing on the same team.
So of course there are big party plans. Were having a butterfly themed party. This is my consolation for not including my favorite insect in her name, Mariposa, as I'd originally intended. Though we'll be celebrating Zealand's arrival it will be more of a celebration of, "Wow we happened to keep another living being alive for more than a couple months." This is the reason we don't have plants or animals. . .
All in all, things are going well. On a business note, I recently completed an introduction workshop for Birthing From Within. A childbirth education alternative. This is the first step in becoming a Mentor, not a teacher, with this particular birthing ideology. I am VERY excited and in order to share more about the actual workshop, it would need about 50 post to share all of the revelations personal, professional and spiritual that were gleaned from this experience.
I hope that September will bring more frequent posts. This month boast of big things, not only sweet Z's first birthday, but a visit from my dear friend, Heather! There'll be plenty more fruit picking and hopefully even some canning. Stay tuned.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Preview of things to come. . .
This week we celebrated 11 months with Zealand! Because her Auntie Jeanene has left the country for the semester, we had a mini "practice" party before her leaving. I think we need to work on blowing. . She was utterly amazed and confused when her lighted cake was set before her.
There were no qualms what to do after the candle was out!
A longer post to come, updating life in the last few weeks.
There were no qualms what to do after the candle was out!
A longer post to come, updating life in the last few weeks.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wordy Wednesday. . .
Here's the mega post, as promised. . . If you hang in there multi-media surprises await.
Zealand @ 7-8 months!
Time just seems to be flying. The last couple of months this little person has obtained so many new skills, such as clapping, jumping, dance/swaying, waving, kissing, crawling, pulling herself up and walking with support.
At seven months we introduced more solids to Zea's diet, which in turn, introduced us to a more solid and stinky poop. Neither Mama or Papi wanted to change those diapers. HD had the brilliant idea to have her pass her bowls like we do, on the potty. She gives clear signals when it's time to go potty so we've been putting her on and she knows now that's where business gets taken care of.
There were no official photo sessions from seven months but, here's one that was taken on a trip to the National Arboretum in DC. At that time she had barely three little teeth but was biting EVERYTHING.
Shortly after her eighth month birthday, Zealand rode on an airplane for the first time!
There have been quite a few flights I've shared with crying babies and my heart always goes out to the parents. Needless to say, I was a little bit leery about our experience. Our plane was scheduled to leave around her bed time so, we had her bathed and supped before we boarded. Upon take off I breastfed her and sang like we usually do before going to sleep and she drifted off and slept the entire flight! Boy, was I proud. As we disembarked a few folks commented that the didn't even know there was an infant on the flight! She did well on the return too!
We went to Vero Beach, FL, same as last summer. This time instead of having a baby inside, she was out and there were so many things to introduce to her. . .
Why a daughter needs a dad!
#077: so mom can take fun dad/daughter photos.
#083: to teach her how to be cool!
#094: to show her how the waves can tickle her toes.
#101: to be held tight in his strong arms when she's afraid!
#115: to hide her face in his shoulder when she doesn't want see what frightens her.
#121: to give her rides up high and hang on to ear handles.
#138: to have someone to enjoy each day with the breeze in her face and a song in her heart!
Though the initial beach intro didn't go so well after going everyday for nine days she grew to like it.
Her favorite part? The sand. Yum!
One last highlight of the beach trip: While out jogging HD spotted this little fellow making his way out to sea. You may remember him from wordless Wednesday a couple weeks back. Well here's a close up of the baby logger head turtle. We're not sure if he was last to go or just an early bird but it was so cool to see him.
Saratoga Surprise
Our vacation time was completed with our annual surprise destination. Each year the one of us plans a surprise destination for vacation this year it was HD's turn. He was craving the mountains. After much research decided to take us to the Adirondacks. We visited Lake George and stayed in Saratoga Springs, New York. It was soooo beautiful. Our first day there we hung out at Lake George and toured the surrounding area. I'm sad to report that I forgot my camera to capture the amazing vistas. The following days we did a driving tour and visited the city of Saratoga Springs. Very quaint little place and it made it to the list of places HD and I want to live when we grow old. I really only took pics of the baby, but in a local park HD shot this one of Zea and me!
Odds and Ends
As of today, Zealand has 5-6 teeth. (that last one just broke the surface this morning)
One of her favorite hang outs is the laundry basket.
And next week she'll be nine months!! I can hardly believe that time has past so incredibly fast.
On different note some of you may know that I was working with a group of doulas at Holy Cross Hospital (a local hospital here). Due to budgetary restraints they've cut the program but I'm soooooooo proud to announce that we are going into business for ourselves!!!! These wonderful ladies and I
are now part of a private doula group named: By Your Side Birth Services !!!!
I am still taking minimal private clients but being in this group gives me flexibility to be with Zea and still do what i absolutely love!! I'm working on expanding my career so stay tuned for future updates!
Well I hope you enjoyed this "little" catch up post and as promised here's a little video of Zea with some clips from about a month ago.
Zealand @ 7-8 months!
Time just seems to be flying. The last couple of months this little person has obtained so many new skills, such as clapping, jumping, dance/swaying, waving, kissing, crawling, pulling herself up and walking with support.
At seven months we introduced more solids to Zea's diet, which in turn, introduced us to a more solid and stinky poop. Neither Mama or Papi wanted to change those diapers. HD had the brilliant idea to have her pass her bowls like we do, on the potty. She gives clear signals when it's time to go potty so we've been putting her on and she knows now that's where business gets taken care of.
There were no official photo sessions from seven months but, here's one that was taken on a trip to the National Arboretum in DC. At that time she had barely three little teeth but was biting EVERYTHING.
Shortly after her eighth month birthday, Zealand rode on an airplane for the first time!
There have been quite a few flights I've shared with crying babies and my heart always goes out to the parents. Needless to say, I was a little bit leery about our experience. Our plane was scheduled to leave around her bed time so, we had her bathed and supped before we boarded. Upon take off I breastfed her and sang like we usually do before going to sleep and she drifted off and slept the entire flight! Boy, was I proud. As we disembarked a few folks commented that the didn't even know there was an infant on the flight! She did well on the return too!
We went to Vero Beach, FL, same as last summer. This time instead of having a baby inside, she was out and there were so many things to introduce to her. . .
Why a daughter needs a dad!
#077: so mom can take fun dad/daughter photos.
#083: to teach her how to be cool!
#094: to show her how the waves can tickle her toes.
#101: to be held tight in his strong arms when she's afraid!
#115: to hide her face in his shoulder when she doesn't want see what frightens her.
#121: to give her rides up high and hang on to ear handles.
#138: to have someone to enjoy each day with the breeze in her face and a song in her heart!
Though the initial beach intro didn't go so well after going everyday for nine days she grew to like it.
Her favorite part? The sand. Yum!
One last highlight of the beach trip: While out jogging HD spotted this little fellow making his way out to sea. You may remember him from wordless Wednesday a couple weeks back. Well here's a close up of the baby logger head turtle. We're not sure if he was last to go or just an early bird but it was so cool to see him.
Saratoga Surprise
Our vacation time was completed with our annual surprise destination. Each year the one of us plans a surprise destination for vacation this year it was HD's turn. He was craving the mountains. After much research decided to take us to the Adirondacks. We visited Lake George and stayed in Saratoga Springs, New York. It was soooo beautiful. Our first day there we hung out at Lake George and toured the surrounding area. I'm sad to report that I forgot my camera to capture the amazing vistas. The following days we did a driving tour and visited the city of Saratoga Springs. Very quaint little place and it made it to the list of places HD and I want to live when we grow old. I really only took pics of the baby, but in a local park HD shot this one of Zea and me!
Odds and Ends
As of today, Zealand has 5-6 teeth. (that last one just broke the surface this morning)
One of her favorite hang outs is the laundry basket.
And next week she'll be nine months!! I can hardly believe that time has past so incredibly fast.
On different note some of you may know that I was working with a group of doulas at Holy Cross Hospital (a local hospital here). Due to budgetary restraints they've cut the program but I'm soooooooo proud to announce that we are going into business for ourselves!!!! These wonderful ladies and I
are now part of a private doula group named: By Your Side Birth Services !!!!
I am still taking minimal private clients but being in this group gives me flexibility to be with Zea and still do what i absolutely love!! I'm working on expanding my career so stay tuned for future updates!
Well I hope you enjoyed this "little" catch up post and as promised here's a little video of Zea with some clips from about a month ago.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Three faces of Zea. . .
This little girl has about one million plus expressions here are three as a pre-cursor to a mega update post about 7 and 8 months and vacation. Enjoy.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
You name it!!
This pics says so much. Share your title for this picture in the comments!!
Check out more photos from this day!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Memories.
So this my official first Mother's Day Weekend was celebrated with the mommas closest to us. Saturday, Zea and I hung out with Abuelita while Pastors Papi and Abuelito were engaged in church related activities. Us ladies made our escape to the National Arboretum. It's a beautiful park in the middle of the city. The weather was ideal for an afternoon outdoors. Simply Perfect!
Sunday, we hung out my family at home. We had a terrific spread with all sorts of treats then took some photos in the yard to commemorate the day. Each event ended by sharing a movie.
As the day past I thought a lot about how others in my life have mothered me whether they know it or not. I want to wish each of my friends, with kids or not, Happy Mother's Day. Know that your inner mother is ever present and making a difference in my life. (d.p.m, j.a., j.s., e.m., a.m., m.m., h.l., h.m., s.f., e.p., d.b., k.m., j.m., k.s., l.s., m.z., m.w., c.s., m.j., h.w., v.m., m.e.) THANK YOU! I love you all dearly, more than words can express.
Sunday, we hung out my family at home. We had a terrific spread with all sorts of treats then took some photos in the yard to commemorate the day. Each event ended by sharing a movie.
As the day past I thought a lot about how others in my life have mothered me whether they know it or not. I want to wish each of my friends, with kids or not, Happy Mother's Day. Know that your inner mother is ever present and making a difference in my life. (d.p.m, j.a., j.s., e.m., a.m., m.m., h.l., h.m., s.f., e.p., d.b., k.m., j.m., k.s., l.s., m.z., m.w., c.s., m.j., h.w., v.m., m.e.) THANK YOU! I love you all dearly, more than words can express.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Spring Holidays!!
Spring, already being my favorite, brings two holidays that weren't highly celebrated in my family as a child. Now that Zea is in my life, we are deciding how to introduce her to life as she will know it.
We were fortunate enough to celebrate both Easter and Passover this year. Easter was done traditionally with a special presentation of Christ's death and resurrection from the perspective of a centurion. And we all know that Easter brings beautiful dresses. Zealand was privy to this tradition. Our very own Lalita gifted her a magnificent dress. (and we all know how Mommy loves pretty dresses) Church was followed by family dinner/birthday celebration with Yaya and Gramps.
Then came Passover. HD and I are true admirers of Jewish culture. It is so rich with ritual and meaning. Messianic Jews have tied the traditions of Passover to Jesus, our Passover lamb. Each portion of the program teaches children of the first Passover and Jesus' sacrifice. Were were blessed to share the Seder and Feast with friends of ours. Enjoy the holiday pics!
Traditional Seder Plate (vegan style)
Zealand participating in ritual hand washing
We were fortunate enough to celebrate both Easter and Passover this year. Easter was done traditionally with a special presentation of Christ's death and resurrection from the perspective of a centurion. And we all know that Easter brings beautiful dresses. Zealand was privy to this tradition. Our very own Lalita gifted her a magnificent dress. (and we all know how Mommy loves pretty dresses) Church was followed by family dinner/birthday celebration with Yaya and Gramps.
Then came Passover. HD and I are true admirers of Jewish culture. It is so rich with ritual and meaning. Messianic Jews have tied the traditions of Passover to Jesus, our Passover lamb. Each portion of the program teaches children of the first Passover and Jesus' sacrifice. Were were blessed to share the Seder and Feast with friends of ours. Enjoy the holiday pics!
Traditional Seder Plate (vegan style)
Zealand participating in ritual hand washing
Friday, April 3, 2009
Spring Awakening.
My all time favorite season is Spring! Followed closely by autumn. Seeing new life break forth after months of dreary winter (especially one with minimal sparkly snow), inspires me. Since our return to Maryland I've begun incorporating a new tradition in our family, visiting the Cherry Blossoms that were gifted to the U.S. by the Japanese. They were planted around the tidal basin that is also home to the Jefferson Memorial.
Last year during my visit I could only touch my belly and imagine what it would be like to introduce BC to the beautiful blossoms. This year we were able to witnessed it as it unfolded. And now we share it with you.
Here are some other pics from our excursion.
Last year during my visit I could only touch my belly and imagine what it would be like to introduce BC to the beautiful blossoms. This year we were able to witnessed it as it unfolded. And now we share it with you.
Here are some other pics from our excursion.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Zea @ 5 Months
I think I'm going to give up on the idea of doing a five month photo shoot of Zea. There were about a million things happening in the very short month of February and we did not manage to squeeze in our monthly shoot. Although, there were about a million and one photos taken of the girl as her fifth month was celebrated.
Here are a the to ten highlights of the fifth month:
10. We sort of successfully took a family self-portrait.
9. Zea thinks she's big enough to sit in a rocker that belonged to her autie as a baby
8.Tooth number two is in and working extremely well. (I found out the hard way:(
7.Her Valentine's was spent with her one and only man, Papi by going to church and letting mommy get a few extra Zs.
6.Zea and Lalio have been spending Q.T. together.
5.She has the most mischievous smile.
4.I just LOVE all the cute dresses.
3.We've discovered that she can make a toy out of anything.
2.And she's constantly sticking her tongue out to make sure her teeth haven't disappeared.
1.The mama and the papa can't get enough time with her.
Here are a the to ten highlights of the fifth month:
10. We sort of successfully took a family self-portrait.
9. Zea thinks she's big enough to sit in a rocker that belonged to her autie as a baby
8.Tooth number two is in and working extremely well. (I found out the hard way:(
7.Her Valentine's was spent with her one and only man, Papi by going to church and letting mommy get a few extra Zs.
6.Zea and Lalio have been spending Q.T. together.
5.She has the most mischievous smile.
4.I just LOVE all the cute dresses.
3.We've discovered that she can make a toy out of anything.
2.And she's constantly sticking her tongue out to make sure her teeth haven't disappeared.
1.The mama and the papa can't get enough time with her.
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