One Year

One Year Old.

It's official. My baby isn't a baby anymore. My sweet, observant infant grew to a cheerful, active crawler, and is now a swift & spunky walker runner. At 1 you are energetic beyond belief and very inquisitive - always examining and testing things to see how they work. You have an incredible understanding of the whole action & reaction concept, and your father and I are constantly impressed by how quickly you learn.

You get those smarts from Dada, but your sass is from me. You have a whole range of 'looks' you give - everything from a daring What will you do if I touch this? to a doe-eyed Pretty pleeeeeease, Mama? When you're frustrated with something, you make the most grown-up faces - furrowed brow, cheeks sucked in, jaw set. On more than one occasion, I'm sure you've tried using The Force to get your way. And I can't say for sure that it didn't work.
 
You march in place when you're happy and give the biggest, most awesome squeals when chased or tickled. We sing a lot - you love it and have started to sing along to your favorites. You also love Dora the Explorer, Elmo, pushing your stroller around the house, running, playing outside, dogs, and your cousins. When you're upset or not feeling well, you prefer to be held and snuggled and read to (I'll Teach My Dog a Lot of Words and What Am I especially). You've just started discovering the wonder of books and all they hold. It makes me giddy. I have planned our entire reading list until you're in middle school. No joke.

You went through a brief period in which you didn't like strangers. Very brief. Now, you run to greet people in our neighborhood, at school, at the mall without fear. When they're bigger than you, you stand at their feet, arms stretched high, begging for them to pick you up. When they're your size, you wave hello and wait for them to return the greeting. And woe to the babe who doesn't return your greeting. You have no issues invading someone's personal space and yelling HI! to get their attention. Apparently you've already learned social etiquette and get quite peeved when it's not followed.

As friendly as you are, you also appreciate your space. There are times, particularly in the mornings, when you just want to be left alone. You will pick out a toy or two to concentrate on, claim a spot in the living room, and entertain yourself for up to an hour. This is another trait you inherited from me. And even though I get it, I can't help but marvel at the calm that takes over. When you're still like that, I can see you five years from now enjoying a quiet read, or 15 years from now studying for a test. It gives me a glimpse at the little girl you'll soon become. And it excites me and breaks my heart all at once.

Happy birthday, my sweet little Peep.

Love, Mama

Eleven Months

Eleven Months Old.

Emma could've been a March baby. 

At our appointment March 9, I was only 1 cm dilated and 10% effaced at that point, so the midwife sent us home, satisfied with where things were.  At our next appointment not even a week later, however, I was 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced with Emma's head at -2 station. Braxton Hicks contractions hit a few days later, so I spent a lot of time relaxing with my feet up and drinking lots of water. The midwife thinks that helped us make it to April; she had predicted a March 25 due date.

But we're not celebrating Emma's first birthday just yet - she made it past the midwife's prediction.

Likes: Animals! Especially dog-dogs, ducks, lions, and Elmo. Doors! Mostly closing them on your parents and laughing maniacally. Sippy cups - now with straws - and feeding yourself. Books, bubbles & bath time (our nightly routine). Playing outside - especially running free or being chased in Abuela & Baboo's backyard.

Dislikes: SWINGS - man do they scare you. When it rains and you can't play outside. Being in the dark by yourself (like when you close yourself in the pantry). When your parents won't let you climb onto the coffee table, kitchen island, or dining room table. Most vegetables all of a sudden - what gives?

I'm preparing for next month's party - we're only inviting close family to keep things from getting too out of hand, but that still means we'll be cramming more than 10 people into our little duplex. Carl & I are making cupcakes and chicken, beef, and veggie kabobs; doing some serious cleaning; and getting a few decorations Emma will appreciate (Dora, of course).

I'm prepared for all that. I'm totally unprepared to be mother to a 1 year old, though. How did this happen?

Ten Months

Ten Months Old.

For my birthday, I wished for you to slow down - you're growing too fast.

Obviously, that didn't work.

At this point you're learning new things so quickly, I don't even know where to begin. You went from creeping to crawling to cruising to walking in the course of a month. What am I supposed to do with that?! Mama can't keep up!


Independent. This is still your most obvious trait. Walking gives you freedom - freedom to go where you want to go and explore what you want to explore. When Mama and Dada let you, anyway. Those fascists put up a baby gate - the nerve! There was a time when you were content to hold our hands while traveling from here to there. No more! Holding hands is so last year, Mama.

Curious. About everything. Phones, animals, noises, what's in the dishwasher, what's under the sofa, what's outside the window, how does this so-called-child-proof lock work? You get into everything because you want to know everything. You've always been persistent, but it's your curiosity that drives you to try, try, try. I'll never tire of watching you discover and learn things. I just hope you never lose the interest in doing so.

Stubborn. You know what you want and you aren't afraid to go get it. Now if only everyone else would get outta your way! Last month I must've done something to piss you off, because you refused to say Mama until this week. I tried bribing you to change your mind, but you'd look at me sternly - furrowed brows, set lip - and give me an emphatic no! instead. I know where you get it. And so does Abuela, who thinks it's hilarious.

Sweet. You say hi to everyone - at school, at the grocery store, at the mall - and you want them to say hi back. You wave bye-bye. You blow kisses. You're concerned when your friends at school cry. You're concerned when Mama cries. You give me pats on the back as though to say It's OK, we're in this together, and my heart melts.

Sickfest 2010 has carried well into 2011, but you still manage to keep a relatively cheerful disposition. We're all looking forward to spring. In two short months you'll be 1 year old. And then you'll be 5 years old and then 10 years old and then 16 years old, and my brain just can't handle anything beyond that. So how's about we give this whole slowing down thing another try, huh?

First Steps

The little Peep has been pulling herself up and coasting from object to object at day care and at home. Around the house, she's taken to moving the bar stools from our kitchen island around. But today she finally let go of all that and took her first step toward mobile independence. Carl and I were in the middle of a heated argument about nothing important, and Emma, sensing our attention wasn't on her for a whole couple of seconds, did what she could to redirect us - she walked from me to Carl.

Then for good measure - and to ensure neither of us would ever remember what it was we were arguing about - she made sure she had our undivided attention and walked from Carl back to me.

The kid's got impeccable timing.

Nine Months

Nine Months Old.

Don't let this sweet face fool you. She throws a mean tantrum. 

Granted, the tantrums come partially because no one in this house has been 100% healthy or 100% rested since Thanksgiving. Yes, the winter sickfest continues - not a single day has gone by in which I haven't had to change my clothes at least once because of this little thing. We had an epic day last week in which I changed five times - five times - and Carl changed three times. In addition to all the outfits that had to be washed, we also cleaned all of our bedding, all of Em's bedding, and the glidder seat cushions. Gross. So gross.

Likes: Brushing your teeth (and now that we have that little yellow guard, you're not gagging yourself with the brush, which Mama likes!), and spices (vanilla, cinnamon, thyme, basil, oregano, and maple are all hits)

Dislikes: TEETHING. BEING SICK. And deja vu. :P

Spring cannot get here soon enough.

Eight Months

Eight Months Old.

This has been sick central since Thanksgiving, and the Christmas holidays aren't looking much better. There are lots of stomach bugs and pinkeye going around daycare, and Emma's been kind enough to bring it all home. Our girl's very good at sharing.

Between the illnesses & teething, I haven't been taking regular photos, and the few I have taken have been either pre- or post-puking - so, yeah, those will remain in my personal collection.

Likes: Pulling up on furniture to dance and cruise around (!!!); eating (current favorite is yogurt, but have also enjoyed spinach, pumpkin, and white potatoes); and playing in the kitchen, which you've just recently discovered (sliding things across the smooth floor, banging on the dishwasher, and trying to sneak into the pantry to play with the recyclables).

Dislikes: TEETHING. BEING SICK. (OK, maybe those are Mama's dislikes, but I'm sure you feel the same way!)

We've introduced Emma to Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and Fraggle Rock (an oldy, but goody), and have really enjoyed watching her bounce-dance to the music. She loves dancing. And when she gets really excited, she lets out this loud gasping sound. Scares the snot outta Mama & Dada, especially when she does it from the backseat of the car. Not cool.

We also have our first recognized word, I think. When we ask where her ball is, Emma will crawl around saying bah, bah? And when she wants it, she'll repeat bah bah bah until we bring one of her balls over.

Ah, communication - it's a beautiful thing.

Seven Months

Seven Months Old.

Yep, we officially have a crawler. Emma's like Jack-Jack from Pixar's The Incredibles - superfast, zoom-zoom! One second, she's at the coffee table, the next second she's under the dining room table, and if I blink my eye, she's under her high chair in the kitchen. Yeah, get around 'round 'round.

Likes: FOOD all sorts of flavors and combos; feeding yourself - you've perfected the pincher grasp; and crawling at supersonic speeds!

Dislikes: Cutting teeth (your poor gums are so pink and swollen!). :(

Carl is a picky eater, and there are a few things Mama flat won't eat (seafood) or doesn't like (the gourd family), but Emma seems to have the least-picky palette in the house. We have been trying a lot of different foods with our adventurous eater in a curiosity-driven attempt to find something she doesn't like. New flavors this month included: apricots, avocado, ham, turkey, beets, pumpkin, chicken, and all varieties of Gerber Puff Cereal. All hits. Next up we'll try different breakfast-type foods.

Keep it up, kiddo!

Six Months

Six Months Old.

Oh, Emma.

This has been my favorite month, by far. There's so much going on inside that little big head of yours, and it sometimes pains me to think I'm sitting in a cubicle at work missing all these tiny developments and breakthroughs that turn into neat tricks like rolling over and creeping, and pulling apart your stacking rings.

Independent. Your military-style crawl cracks me up, but your determination to get where you want to go is fierce - and frankly, a little frightening coming from a six-month-old. You always want the toy that's just out of reach. You always want to go check out unfamiliar spaces and objects. And you're always frustrated by those who don't let you accomplish these things on your own. I know where this comes from. But don't fret - you'll be full-on crawling soon, and I just know you'll be walking before you turn one.

Persistent. Your favorite toys are the ones you haven't figured out how to use yet. You practice and practice, watching Mama or Dada do something, and then do your best to imitate our actions. Alas, your motor skills aren't quite there yet for some of these toys, but that doesn't keep you from trying again and again anyway. I adore this about you. Don't get discouraged.

Adventurous. Right now this mostly applies to your palette, but if it's any indication  to your developing personality, I believe we have a little explorer on our hands. We haven't found a food you don't like. The sweets - applesauce, bananas, carrots, peaches, plums, pears, prunes, sweet potatoes - are no surprise, but you're also a fan of brown rice, corn, green beans, peas, and squash. We're going to have to step up our game and try more non-typical baby foods. I'm thinking avocado and mango, two staples from Mama's Spanish roots, are definitely must-try items.

Talkative. You've been practicing your syllables with the same persistence you apply to mastering tricks & toys. The first non-baby-babble syllables came earlier this month when you started saying dada. That was only four days ago. You're now working on lala and baba, which is just awesome. You know what would be even awesomer? If you started practicing mama, too. No pressure.

Love, Mama

Five Months

Five Months Old.

We finally found a routine, an easy-going ebb and flow, that works. Which means our little Peep will be changing things up soon, of course. But for now, it works. She spends mornings with Dada, feedings with Mama, and is totally in love with her adopted daycare family.

We're currently on our first family vacation. The trip down was tough - it involved crying, frustration, and many not-nice moments, but things immediately got better when we arrived at Hilton Head. My parents and siblings (minus the youngest sister) and Carl's mom are all here. We took over two timeshare suites that are practically next door to each other and have been floating back and forth between them, visiting, cooking, eating, playing games, laughing, being family.

Tomorrow is Carl & my fourth wedding anniversary, so we're planning on sneaking away while the grands care for Peep. Our first official date since her arrival. We waited way too long to do this (make note, new parents: it is important to date your spouse).

Likes: family, cuddles, the water, maybe the sand, rice cereal (solid food success!) spoons, and sucking on her fingers (of course).

Dislikes: long car rides, sitting still in her Bumbo for more than 58 seconds (unless being fed), and missing naps*

*For the record, Mama strongly dislikes that, too.

Next is a trip to Columbia, S.C., to visit some old college haunts, aging college buddies, and their new kiddos before heading home to see what's left of this little routine of ours.

Four Months

Four Months Old.

We have more baby toys than a Toys 'R' Us, but all Emma wants to do is play with her fingers and toes. It's criminal. BUT we're down to one occasional feeding in the middle of the night (fist pump!) and the doctor has recommended introducing cereal to her diet. Progress.

Likes: fingers & toes, tummy time (finally!), rolling and creeping (very slowly), reaching for toys, bouncy and jumper seats, songs, and reading colorful books.

Dislikes: milk that didn't come from Mama, being cold, any form of baby sling, and socks (blasted things make it so hard to reach those yummy toes!)

We've been brave this month and have taken several trips to market and the mall, taking Em along in her carrier instead of just using the stroller. We tried a few slings, but she prefers the Chicco Ultrasoft carrier more. It's much less cute than the slings, but she snuggles right in and doesn't fuss. So the beautiful slings I was so excited to use are going into storage. Mama is now sporting a plain-jane black baby carrier everywhere she goes.

The things we do for our children, eh?

Three Months

Three Months Old.

After three months of sleep deprivation, we're working on eliminating Emma's 3 a.m. feeding so we can all sleep through the night. Our normal morning routine includes a lot of wonderful baby babbling, clapping, and singing, and during the hours when normal people are awake (like, not 3 a.m.), we take walks around the neighborhood.


Likes: Songs - lots and lots of songs! Music in general, really. And trips in the stroller with your favorite toy, a Pooh Bear woobie/rattle.

Dislikes: Girl, you are violently opposed to tummy time. What gives?



I'll be going back to work this month, and I'll really miss our time together. So I'm trying to soak as much up as possible while it's still just me and her and the Elephant Song (or Itsy Bitsy Spider or the ABCs or the 10 Little Monkeys or...).

Two Months

Two Months Old.

The little zoo at the foot of our bed has moved! Emma is now sleeping in her own room, giving Carl & I some much needed sleep. She still wakes up every three hours or so to eat, and Mama gladly - though slowly - obliges. I've finally found the breastfeeding groove, and my milk supply is getting better and better. It was touch-and-go there for a while (too much stress, not enough sleep/food/sanity), but we stuck with it with the help of the most awesome lactation consultant. 

Likes: Her bouncy chair, Being held, kicking her feet, reaching out with her hands, and smiling back at all the new faces that have come into her line of sight. I know it's probably just gas, but she sometimes gives the biggest smiles. AND she's been holding her head up really well.

Dislikes: Not being held, naps (naps are you friend, little girl!), and construction noises (which interrupt the few naps we do manage to take - hmph). 

Next month I'll be going back to work, so I've been busy making arrangements for day care and slowly weeding through my work inbox so I can hit the ground running. But every time I open an e-mail, my mind wanders. We have our tough days, Peep & I, but these few weeks home alone with her - chatting and snuggling and watching and enjoying her - have really been priceless.

I'm going to miss them. I'm going to miss her.

One Month

One Month Old.

There's a small zoo at the foot of our bed.

At night, when all is quiet and still outside, Carl & I are treated to the most amazing show of neighs, trumpets, honks, and snorts. I hope that means you're sleeping soundly, even if it's only for a few hours at a time.

Soon these sweet sounds will be replaced by giggles and coos, and though I'm looking forward to hearing your first laugh, your first words, I will miss the noises of my little Peep greeting a new, unfamiliar world.

One Week

One Month Old.

My dear, sweet Emma -

You'll never know how much you can love until you have a child. I love my husband - the most amazing partner, father, & friend. I love my parents, who gave me life and set an example for how I should live it. I love my siblings, who have given me the type of support & encouragement that only those closest to you can provide. My heart was as full & happy as it could be. And then I became a mother.

Somehow my heart could love more & my happiest moments became more joyful than I ever thought possible. In the first days of pregnancy, you taught me the true meaning of love. And after you were born I became your student all over again. Who knew someone so small could teach you so much? I look forward to our future lessons. There are sure to be many - and not all of them pleasant or easy. But I hope you know everything I do for you comes from a place of unwavering, unconditional, & everlasting love.

Love, Mama