Down and Back

And the most exciting thing of it all, is that Miles has figured out the walker. He took to it about a week before we came up here, but he has practiced and has really gotten better. He can't walk by himself... yet.

Santas and Snow Globes

Miles got the full tour of grandma's santas and snow globes on Christmas eve. While he liked them at the time, they have since lost his favor. It's really interesting to watch him figure out what he does and does not like.




...complete with the fake laugh!!

Fake laugh

Of all the weirdest things, Miles has developed a fake laugh. He does it for the same reason he does his "O-Face" (see week 42 in the weekly photo).

He is turning into a really funny little guy. I think he has a quirkly sense of humor, and he loves to make people laugh. He has his grandparents in stitches on an hourly basis and we are just enjoying the heck out of our funny little guy!

Merry Christmas!

Yes, we are several days delayed on posting!!! We are all up in Reno visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Reeth! Our days are filled with playing and laughing (Miles and his Grandparents) and napping (me and sometimes Tim)! I think the arrangement is working out perfectly for everyone!

hristmas day was a big success. The cousins (Kevin, Jeannie, Cody & Kylie) came down from Incline in a blizzard to spend the afternoon and early evening with us. Miles did a pretty great job with all of the commotion, but needed to have a couple of lower sensory moments when I took him aside to read to him. Miles more than cleaned up on gifts and such with lots of toys and clothes. He has spent the last week on the floor playing with most of them. Such fun!


More postings to come! We have lots more photos and videos of our little man and our vacation!

Week 0 - 42 :: Visually

Time for an update - way past due actually.

9 Months!!!

Wow.

9 months old.

So wonderful!!!!! He has changed so much and so quickly lately. He is really engaged with us, he is learning all sorts of new tricks, and continues to be such a lovely and happy boy.

We had our 9 month well-baby visit this morning. Miles only had to have a flu shot and didn't even cry -- big boy!!!

Here are some of his stats:

• Height: 28.5 inches 55th percentile.
• Weight: 19 lbs 7 ozs. 25th percentile.
• Head: 47.2 cm. 90th percentile.... I think I'll call him "noggin".

He is doing really well. He is advanced on his leg strength and standing up. He is super interactive and chatty. The doctor thinks he looks great and we are thrilled. Just love our little guy so much!

Get up, Stand up....

This weekend was a big milestone for our little man. Miles started practicing standing unassisted. Without any provocation from Mom or Dad. While standing and holding on to his radio flyer cart, Miles let go of the bar, first with one hand, steadied himself, then let go with the other. He stood, much to our amazement perfectly straight for a good 3-4 seconds. I rushed over to get my arms close enough to slow his inevitable fall. Miles gently plopped down into a sitting position. We were amazed. Quickly we fired-up the video camera and caught several practice sessions. The first to get on video is our favorite as it has Miles giggling at his own success in balancing himself.

What a wonderful experience. Our Miles is teaching himself.

Video from the Holiday Train

As promised, here are 2 quick videos from the Holiday train last Saturday night... clearly going to be an annual tradition!!!

Scoot, scoot

Miles still isn't up on all fours, but he is getting faster and faster! The other day he startled us as he darted a couple feet to get something that he really wanted. I imagine this kid is going to TAKE OFF once he figures out how....

"I promise I've been nice!!!"

Miles met Santa for the first time on Tuesday at the Intuit Winter Wonderland party for kids. Tim brought Miles down for about an hour, and the 3 of us walked through the party. They had tons of crafts set up for the kids including stuffing your own teddy bear, making a teddy-bear-t-shirt, painting maracas or clay figurines, building gingerbread houses etc... The only thing Miles could get into (he was a little young for all the crafts) was the maracas --- and there was no painting, just chewing. Tim and I did do the bear (frog) and the t-shirt mostly to commemorate the event, but we really enjoyed the party and the week-day time as a family. It's wonderful to work for a company, that despite these economic times, can still put something small scale together for us "working parents" I really do enjoy working for Intuit.

I can stand!!!

Peekaboo

Baptism Video

It's taken me a while to get the video software loaded onto my new work computer - but I've done it!

Here is the video of Miles being Baptized.

Best Bowler

Seriously.

On Monday, we had a Quicken Health Group team offsite at a bowling alley. Of all the crazy things (ever), I bowled a 185 - which meant that in all but 1 frame and my bonus frame, I scored a strike or a spare.

People kept asking me how often I bowl.... which is never... but they didn't believe me. The next highest bowler challenged me to a bowl-off, but I decided to "retire" at the top of my game.

Photos from the Holiday Train

I am still looking to get some of the videos downloaded, but here are some stills.

Miles Catch Up

I took some photos off the computer and am (finally) posting them up to Flickr.

Featuring Miles' 2 Teeth!!!

Crawling into (and out of) the bottom of the exersaucer

Showing Dad how well he can stand up!

Too many updates!

Ok, so work is still crazy. I have never been this busy in my entire life! Days are crazy hectic at the office, I just picked up 2 more projects with nothing removed. Evenings are crazy: Tim hosts engineers for dinner and work on a regular basis, I am jamming to needlepoint a stocking for Miles (won't have it done in time), I make Miles' food in the evenings, not to mention other household basics! It seems like blogging and keeping up to date on all that stuff has been de-prioritized for the time being!

Thanksgiving: (Yes, I know, 10 days ago!!!)
My folks came out this year for thanksgiving which was wonderful. I think we all agreed at the end of it, that it didn't really "feel" like thanksgiving normally does, but then, I am not sure what hosting thanksgiving with an infant actually feels like - so maybe it did!

I didn't make a whole turkey for the 5 of us, considering 1 of us (Miles) isn't quite there yet on his eating journey. I made a wonderful stuffed cornish game hen with a cream corn thing that was great - loved it!! I also made the requisite mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and herb rolls. Yeah, I think there was enough food for the four of us!!


On Friday and Saturday (11/28 & 29), we prepped the house for Miles' Baptism. Aside from completely redoing our landscaping (seriously), we gave the house a full wash-down. When Sunday arrived, we were off to the church for the event. Miles was in the baptism gown I wore, along with his 2 cousins Mary and Owen. He was great! We have a video of the event which we will try and post. It was past his nap time, but when the minister told him that he looked very serious, he let loose one of his world class smiles much to the delight of the congregation. After he was baptized, Tim took (our slightly fussy guy) out of the sanctuary and Miles fell asleep in his arms. So wonderful.

We got home and had around 32 for brunch. After and hour or so, Miles excused himself for a nap, but he was really a joy and a well behaved little man.


On top of everything else in our lives, last week we started with a new nanny. It was a hard decision for us and the Barretts, but we ultimately believe it was the right one.

This past weekend, we really got into the holiday spirit. On Friday, Tim avoided the crowds and picked us up a tree. Much to my surprise, it was gigantic and had to be trimmed a couple of times before it would fit! It is a beautiful tree and has been smelling up our house wonderfully all weekend.

On Saturday, Tim accompanied a friend of ours to pick out his engagement ring for his girlfriend. They actually spent a 1/2 day on Friday as well, but as of 3:00 Saturday, a beautiful ring was in hand, and by 8:00 pm, they were engaged. (Congrats Brandon & Jen!!!!!)

Saturday night, the Reeths came over and we went to see the Caltrain Holiday train. They basically put 40k lights on a train and drive it down the peninsula. They have a flat car, and in certain stations, they stop, and a band and choir appears on the flat car to preform. Santa, Mrs Clause and the reindeer were there as well! It was a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. Certainly Miles didn't get it, but it was a wonderful new tradition and a great way for us to get into the holiday spirit.

On Sunday, we spent the better part of the morning stringing lights onto our Noble Fir. I think we probably put up more than 2500 into the tree, but it looks wonderful! After Miles woke up from his nap, we went back down to Burlingame Ave where they had the whole street blocked off for an "open house" and parade. It really is wonderful to be in such a great community. After the Reeths took off, Tim and I put on more christmas music and finished the tree and the garland over the mantel. Before we put Miles to bed, we took a stroll through the neighborhood to look at all the holiday lights. We found a really wonderful house in-progress and met the man behind it. We will be sure to visit it again soon, and take photos.

Besides from busy, we are really blessed in our lives and find ourselves glowing in our love of one another - sometimes its just hard to keep it in.

Why so quiet??!?!?

LIfe is super busy these days - sorry for the silence!

Miles is doing super (of course), he couldn't be more cute or more special (says the doting mom) and we just fall more and more in love with him on a daily basis. Tim and I literally spent about 30 minutes on the kitchen floor playing "Hide and seek" with him as I held him up and Tim hid behind my back and on the floor while Miles tried to find Dad's face. How wonderful that he interacts so much - it is so rewarding.

Tim is crazy busy and finding that he is working well into the early hours of the morning. Needless to say, he is exhausted by the end of the week, and I just miss my husband!

I am pretty frantic myself. It seems like work is trying to put 2 weeks of meetings into 1 as next week is the holiday. Speaking of which...

NEXT WEEK IS THANKSGIVING!!!!

Good gracious, how did it get to be late November? I am in whirlwind with respect to timing these days. The weather hasn't helped set the Autumn tone either as last weekend was 80 degrees and feeling like summer. Everything seems to be going by so quickly and I wish I could slow it down. I hear that it continues to get faster and faster as life goes on. I guess you just need to stop an appreciate each day for what it is... and today, I am happy. In fact, I don't think I have ever been happier. Life is wonderful, we are all healthy (except for the occasional cold), I am in love with my husband, we have a spectacular little boy, and our house is our home. As we approach Thanksgiving, you need to stop and take stock. My stock is on the rise.

Rodeo doodie doodie do do

Miles prepares for the Longhorn World Rodeo Championship in just a few short weeks.

Giddy up little doggie!

8 months!!!

It's been a busy week, but our little 8 month old is still fabulous!! Can you believe it's been 8 months?!?! I can't!! It really does just get more and more fun every day. Here are some of his new 8 month 'Tones:

Object permanence:Miles is right on track for becoming more aware of his environment. If I am holding him, and Tim walks out of the room, he will watch him go, and wait for him to come back. If Tim is holding him and I am out of site but around the corner, her will leeeeeaaaaaaaan waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy over to try and peek around the corner and find me. All this is wonderful, and suggestive that he has discovered "object permanence"! Except that it comes with a new bout of separation anxiety. Miles now gets really upset if we walk out of rooms while we are in his view. Apparently, this is totally normal, but very sad for him. He now realizes that when we aren't in his view, its not that we no longer exist, but that we just aren't there with him. We just need to teach him that even though we are gone, we always come back.

Signs: We are starting to use sign language with Miles for some basic things. Apparently, children can do sign language before they can figure out how to speak. We aren't going hog wild, but are starting to teach him "milk", "food/eat", "play", and "finished". We may work some more into the equation as we get more and more into it. This is only relevant to his 'Tones in that now he totally (and consistently) lights up when it is time for "milk" or to "eat". It really is as if he is beginning to understand us, and that is wonderful.

High fives: much on the same note as the above, Miles is learning High 5's. If Tim or I hold up one hand while holding Miles with the other and chant "high 5, high 5" to him, he will reach out with his hand to ours. I think he is getting the hang of it... and it's super cute.

Crawling: while Miles' hasn't figured out how to get around on all 4s yet, he is fully into the army crawl and amazingly finds his way into trouble. His favorite thing to do in the playroom is not to actually play with the toys, instead to crawl over to one of our red chairs, hold it by its legs, and move it. I tell him that he is very good at moving furniture... I think he likes that. All I do know, is that when Miles does figure out how to get moving faster - he is going to take off like a light!

Eating: Miles is a pretty good eater. He (of course) loves any fruit we introduce, but he is also getting into some veggies. Yesterday he had zucchini for the first time and it went down great! He loves peas, and will tolerate spinach if it is mixed into his peas - but I don't think he likes the texture. Speaking of which, I made him some greenbeans that didn't puree all the well and he just HATED them (think potatoes). He'll also eat anything orange: carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.

Milk & the Bottle: I am still nursing Miles, though it is on "alert" since he started growing teeth!!! I know I am not going to be doing this much longer, but am enjoying it while it's still here. Interestingly, I did it in the beginning because I felt it was the right thing to do, and other than some pain, we didn't have too hard of a time doing it. I then continued doing it becuae it was convenient - all I needed to pack was me and Miles could be fed. I now do it because it is dear to me. I am pumping daily at the office, and our freezer is full of milk. When I am not there, Miles can totally give himself his own bottle... provided he is reclining or lying down. I don't think he fully "gets" the notion that he has to fully tip the bottle backwards - maybe because he hasn't really needed gravity to feed while nursing.

Finger Foods: I've started to try and give him finger foods on his high chair tray while I make his meal. He has chased Cheerios all over the tray until they are on the ground. Occasionally he'll pick one up... but he has yet to put it in his own mouth... I swear, it's the only thing that I've ever seen in his hands that DIDN'T make it to his mouth... except the tiny chunks of bananas that I use the same way. Oh well, he'll get it soon enough

That's the big update. Needless to say, we just adore our little guy. He is getting increasingly more interactive, which is tremendously rewarding. I couldn't imagine life without him.

Miles turns 8 months

Stinkin' Daylight Savings....

The transition to the new timezone has not gone too smoothly. Miles is still doing a 5:00 am feeding, which has been a 4:00 feeding, and then he is up at 6:30, instead of 7:30. I am still putting him down at 7, if not a little beforehand, but he is just getting less sleep. I hope that he gets used to it, but between that and the teeth, we have not had a good night's sleep all week. :(

(Funny) Observation

This week we are at the Barrett's house. In typical California autumn, it's been cold in the mornings (like 50 degrees), so I have been bundling up Miles in a hat for the ride. Yesterday, he was playing in his carseat with his hat and kept pulling it down over his eyes. He didn't much like it in his eyes. I kept looking into the rear view mirror to watch him, and kept telling him not to take his hat off....

And then I realized that his arms aren't long enough to take his hat off. Isn't it funny how these little people have giant noggins and small arms? So cute!!!

Autumn's Best

This photo was taken 2 weeks ago at the pumpkin patch with Kevin & Jeannie's family. I know this is old, but I just think it is the greatest.

(Another) New Trick!

Our little man seems to be getting more and more clever. Now, after naps, he greets us through his crib rails by pulling down the bumper and peaking out - with a huge grin! I love waking him up from naps. In fact, today, Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Grandma Betty, Tim and I all snuck into his room to see him peak out at us. I am sure it was a little surprising to have so many people hiding behind his bumper, but life could be worse than waking up in a room surrounded by love.

Halloween recap...

Miles' first Halloween was awfully festive! Not only did he get his first (and second) tooth, but he got to hang out with his Reeth grandparents and Great Grandmother, and he got to see where mommy works!

That's right, on Friday, I brought him into Intuit to our annual Halloween party. Last year I took second place as "pregnant in the fifties" with a martini and a cigarette. This year, Miles was my King Bee and I was a Worker Bee with a utility belt complete with diapers, burp clothes, toys, a rattle and a pacifier.... and we got first place! We won an iPod Nano!! I get to pick it up tomorrow. Super fun!


When we got home from the office, Alison met us to take pictures of our matching pumpkins. We happened to have both gotten a pumpkin outfit from Carters and it was too cute of an opportunity to pass up.... yes, Miles wore 2 costumes on Friday! (Miles is on the left and Augie is on the right.)


At 4, Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Grandma Betty came to visit for dinner. They just finished driving across country for the winter and bee-lined (get it??) to their grandchildren. We had a wonderful visit with them on Friday night. We did get a number of tricker-treaters, but not nearly enough to go through the candy we got - and still have!!!

...and second tooth

After getting his first tooth on Friday, I was feeling it this morning and he now has 2! He has both his bottom teeth starting to come in. He hasn't been too fussy or irritable and we're so proud of our little man. It's funny to think that we've seen the last time that he will have no teeth in his mouth. He is growing up so fast!!!

First tooth...

It seems like Miles' first tooth is starting to come through! His front bottom right tooth seems to be it, and it feels like the top has already made it's way through the gum. It's a long way from a full tooth grown in, but it is definitely on its way!!

Happy Halloween!!

When we went to dinner at the Baptist's two weeks ago, I talked Tim into showing up "en costume" just for our entrance. Really, there was no purpose, but for a laugh or two... we mostly got odd stares, but it was fun! I love that Tim supports me in doing cray things like that!!

In a very UN-PC way, we call this one, "Pumpkin Jihad".


And to end on a sweet note...

He sees me!

Miles has a new trick! (He's full of them these days.)

Previously, when you held him, Miles would look around the room - interested in anything but you. Holding him was always gratifying because you got to touch him and smell him, but if you wanted to see him, your best bet was to have someone else hold him so he would look at you.

Now, he leans a little back, and will just stare at you. It's like he is just now noticing who has been taking care of him all these months. It feels like he is making a connection with us. Now holding him is wonderful - you get everything from before, plus the sense that he knows who you are... and he appreciates it. (Maybe I am projecting the last bit, but it really is getting more and more wonderful.)

Can't seem to delete this photo... so enjoy!

Welp, I guess we asked for it...

Check out the video of Miles crawling (if you can call it that). He's finally and perhaps regretfully mobile. He has a range of about 6 feet and hour :)

We're so happy for our little man and can't wait to see how fast he progresses to a blazing holy terror.

The above is angled (sorry) so we could capture the vast distance Miles was able to cover in our little digi-cam frame. He's pretty quick compared to standing still.

All Fours?

Miles is starting to get the hang of the whole crawling thing. Though I (certainly!) wouldn't call him a crawler yet, he is getting up on all fours and starting to rock. He has also started to do the army crawl to get across the rug. He pulls more with his arms than he pushes with his legs, but he has come really far really quickly... and we expect our lives to change dramatically soon.

Fun in the tub!!

Last night our little man couldn't have been cuter in the tub. He has really taken to bathing, and as his muscle control is getting better, he is splashing and playing more and more - which is really fun to watch....except for the fact that our kitchen floor is SOAKED at the end of it. We know we'll need to start bathing in the tub soon, but I really enjoy hanging out with him on

Action shot of the splashing

TIRED!!

This whole full-time-mom and full-time-employee thing is really taking its toll on my body. Last night after I got Miles to bed and Tim cooked up some pasta, I fell asleep on the couch... at 8! Tim woke me up at 8:30 to go to bed. After I pumped and read for a minute to re-unwind, we were in bed by 9:26 and asleep almost immediately... at least I was.

Miles has been mostly sleeping well. He typically is down at 7 on the dot. He has been off and on about waking up around 5 for a feeding and then back to sleep. Last night, he woke up at 4 screaming. We waited a bit, and when he didn't settle down, Tim went in to comfort him. Miles then slept until 6:50. Though this isn't ideal, one waking in the early morning is certainly manageable, but towards the middle / end of the week, I am spent.

Cutie PANTS

I am not sure when these were taken, but Tim sent them along to me last night, and I think they are about the cutest photos to date.... I say that with every photo I have seen of Miles - but it just feels like his personality is oozing out of these.

Halloween Around the Corner!!

For the first time in 25years, I'm looking forward to Halloween. Was never much of a trick or treater as a kid and certainly did not do the whole Halloween dress-up parties as an adult; in my mind, the two never really went together. This year its different.

The Grand-Reeths sent Miles a costume to wear (or not) for Halloween. We gave it a test run this weekend at the annual Burlingame Mothers' Club Halloween Parade. It was Saturday and we with a few other families met first for coffee and pastries before heading to the parade. Miles was all dressed up as a small orange pumpkin, He looked great and was a hit on "the ave". It was great fun to dress him up and take him out...I must admit.

On Sunday, Lina, Miles and I joined Kevin, Jeannie, Cody and Kylie at Lemos Family Farm, where we went on train rides, walk-thru the Haunted House (with the lights on), sat in the pumpkin patch and watched Codey and Kylie of ape sh*t in those air filled bouncing houses.

We even had Cody, Kylie and (look close) Miles take pictures in the wooden character cut-outs (ANYONE with the actual or better name please help).

It was a great weekend and we're looking forward to the actual day to go out and do some trick or treating.

Dear Miles:

We watch you sleep - arm in arm and in total awe. We stand over your crib at least twice a night to see you breath and surround ourselves with your scent.

I can't help myself, but I sometimes have to lean over and touch you, I need to feel your warm little body and soft hair. Sometimes I'll put my finger in your hand and wait for a little sleep-sodden twitch to touch me back, albeit briefly. I can't go to bed without saying goodnight to you again.

You are amazing, and we can't believe how perfect you are and how blessed you have made us.

Bags of clothes

I just love our local Mother's Club!

Someone in the club posted that they were selling 2 garbage bags of clothes for boys 12 - 18 months for $50. I bought them.

It was like going through a grab bag last night as I pulled out more and more clothes from baby gap, gymboree, children's place, and other such stores. I feel like I won the lotto! Some of the sweatshirts from there would probably cost $15 - $20 brand new! Maybe I am cheap (which I am), but I am definitely practical, and purchasing a wardrobe for Miles for $50 that he'll wear for 6 months, feels just about right!

Epicurean?

Miles seems to be a pretty easy going little guy when it comes to food... other than potatoes. He is a champ at fruit - at least apples and pears. And he has been taking to his veggies to: sweet potatoes, carrots and peas. He like peas!!!

The other night at dinner, I was feeding him rice cereal with apples in it. And then a side order or sweet potatoes. He seemed more interested in eating his hand (which he does when he gets tired) than his food, so I mixed it all together. He still wasn't too interested in eating it until I started calling it his "fall harvest risotto" at which point the hand came out of his mouth and I shoveled it all in. Apparently, he likes his risotto.... my little foodie!!!

New 'Tone?

Yesterday, Jennifer reported that Miles sat up in Augie's crib... by himself.

Apparently he wasn't sleeping well in the pack 'n play, so she tried the crib. She put him down and walked away, but within about 10 seconds he was across the crib and sitting up on his own. Crazy!!!

I tried my hardest to get him to do it once we got home, but no luck. We're certainly keeping our eyes peeled for it!!

Yesterday's photo from Jennifer's phone

Happy 7mo. Birthday!

Today we celebrate Miles' 7mo. Birthday!! Its been a wonderful 7 months watching our little man grow. He has brought Lina and I so much joy. Its hard to believe that he has been here for 7mos and at the same time, that its only been 7mos. Can't hardly recall a time without him.

Miles is 73% crawlable. This means he throws his arms, legs and head around violently while resting on his torso; all the while huffing and puffing as if he was closing on the last 5 yards of a 7K crawlathon. Mom and Dad sit at the imaginary finish line applauding his effort; with open arms we smile and await his crossing the tape...come on Miles, come on...

Miles now sleeps thru the night - regularly. In the past few weeks, he has slept 12 hr. nights, all uninterrupted and we have had to wake him in the AM a few times for feeding, changing and dressing as we start the day. Its great to sleep thru the night, but the best is standing over his crib with Mom to wake him and watching his tired eyes open for the first time, his struggle to wake fully and his first recognition of his parents smiling back at him.

Happy Birthday Dude! You are loved immensely.

Nanny Sharing!!!

This past week marked the first time we actually started the "share" part of the nanny share.

Rob, Allison, and Augie Barrett are officially in our lives (which is great because they are wonderful people). As a group we hired Jennifer and she will watch our 2 little boys during the day while we work. Allison goes back to work on Wednesday of next week so Miles and I met Jennifer over at their house both Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

On Wednesday, there was certainly a "transition" which I knew there would be. Miles was totally excited by the new house, new rooms, new people, new sounds, and new toys! Needless to say, he wasn't a dream napper. Apparently at one point, the 2 boys totally lost it. But Jennifer figured out how to get through it and by the time Allison got back from errands, the boys were calmly playing in Augie's crib.

Yesterday went better. Miles napped well and I think Jennifer is getting her feet underneath her figuring out how to balance 2 infants. Augie is 3 months younger than Miles so he isn't quite as predictable with naps, but Jennifer is getting them under control. The great part is that the boys are FASCINATED with each other - though I was told yesterday that Miles was acting a little jealous that he didn't get all of Jennifer's attention. I think it is wonderful that Miles gets to grow up with Augie as most of the other babies we know are all girls!!

Yesterday afternoon, Jennifer took the boys out for a walk. It was before we got the double stroller (which is now in our possession) and apparently Miles fell asleep in the stroller while Augie was in the baby bjorn. This was apparently fine until Augie decided (decidedly!!) that he did NOT want to be in the bjorn anymore. At which point, Jennifer was trying to carry Augie in her arms while pushing Miles up a very long and steady (sometimes steep!) hill. Needless to say, she didn't need to go to the gym last night.

All in all, Miles seems to be enjoying the experience. Jennifer sent this from her phone to me yesterday while he was in Augie's jumper. I am thrilled with how the week went, how well Jennifer can handle the two boys, and generally excited about the solution to Miles' care while I am at work.

Lobster: 1. Lina: 2

Since I was a little girl, I've had lobster on my birthday. This year was no exception.

However, this year, one of the little buggers was trying to make up for years of my murderous tendencies, and threw boiling water on me as we put him in the pot. It splashed up on my eyelid and my bicep enough to burn me a little - but no blisters like the noodle. (Not my week for burns!)

He may have won a battle; but I ate the bastard so I think I won the war.

Family Photo

Joely took this early Saturday morning before she scooted. It only reminds me of how few family photos we have.

Thanks Joely!!!

Weekend Roundup

What a good weekend.

Friday night, Joely (who moved to Texas last year) spent the night with us. She had a good visit with the little man before he went to bed, and then we talked long into the night. Ok, it was until 10:30, but that is the latest I have been up for a while!

On Saturday morning, we had another visit before she left for the airport. Tim scooted out to the grocery store for me and I frantically cleaned the house to prep for my mommies group coming over. We didn't have all of Miles' girlfriends, but he did spend some quality time with 2 of them. They left around 12:30 and I cleaned up again. At 3:00, Frances (who rang the bell at our wedding) came over and we had a lovely visit with her. After Miles woke up from his last nap, we headed down to Burlingame Ave for the early-bird special at one of our favorite restaurants. We had a bottle of wine, some tapas and appetizers and were home by 6:15.... and in bed by 9!

Today was far less social, but we had some good family time, while getting things done around the house. I have a new sadness for Sunday night as tomorrow I have to leave my little love for the week. This week is going to be a frantic one for me at work. We will also have 2 days at the Barrett's house (for the nanny share), so I am sure that will be a bit disruptive to Miles and our schedules. Oh well, we have to figure it out soon anyway!!!

Cockadoodledoo!!!!

Jennifer got Miles giggling yesterday...




It makes me super happy to see him super happy when I am not around. He is in love with Jennifer and flirts mercilessly with her when I get home... all good things!!!

Noodle: 1. Lina:0

Tim and I were making a pasta dish this week with little shells. I went to test the shells doneness and completely burned my lower lip from the liquid that was caught in the shell. I have been walking around all week with a red stripe right down the middle of my lower lip - almost like I tried to paint a "rosebud" lip over my natural lips.

Nice.

Sweet Little Love

I came home from work yesterday and Jennifer said it was time for a bottle and Miles was "ready" for a nap. I fed Miles and put him up on my shoulder to burp him. He settled quickly into the nook of my neck, and immediately fell asleep. It was the first time that Miles has slept on me in months -- and I cherished it!!!! We started sleep training when he was 16 weeks old, and he has been sleeping in his crib since then. I loved him snuggled into me. As he gets older, I imagine these moments will be harder and harder to come by, so I will appreciate them as I get them. What a way to wash the day off -- it's amazing how all the noise of work can disappear into the sounds of a sleeping six month old.

In sad news, he's lost his infant smell. I am not sure if that went away when he started solid foods or if he just grew out of it, but he doesn't smell that sweet baby smell. :(

Cute Little Sicky....

So I came home to a super gooey little guy tonight - lots of snot and drool. The good news is that other than being exhausted (!), he was otherwise a happy enough little guy with me. I fed him when I got home, and he slept over an hour in my arms. (so sweet.) When Tim came home, he was still asleep in my arms downstairs, and every time Tim whispered in his ear, our sleeping boy smiled. I think we both got teary with how wonderful that was. We then woke him up, played a bit, set up a humidifier in his room, fed him, bathed him, and put him to bed. He fell asleep well - but who knows what will happen tonight.

I had done some reading on teething symptoms, and some people think that some of them could include cold-like symptoms. As such, I was determined to photo my little guy smiling without any teeth - after this, he will always have teeth - at least in my lifetime - if we're lucky! Miles was an easy model, and he kept smiling a HUGE smile every time I sang his wake-up song to him... which, if you're lucky, we'll get on tape someday.


Is he cute or what??!?!?!??!?!!!!!

Not the phone call I want to get....

Jennifer just let me know that Miles is coming down with something and he is really uncomfortable. Apparently he has a super runny nose, is coughing some, is exhausted, but can't sleep.

As any first time Mom is likely to do, I called the pediatrician who told me what to look out for:

1. Fever greater than 102
2. Respiratory distress - excessive coughing where he can't breath or terrible wheezing
3. Dehydration - he hasn't urinated in 6 - 8 hours

Though Miles doesn't have any of these symptoms, it devastates me that I am here in the office and not there with him. The good news is that Jennifer has been all over it, and has been in touch with me several times today. She's done all that she can think of, and all that I can think of. We finally just gave him a small dose of Tylenol and he has fallen asleep. I think it's great that she is as attentive and conscientious as she is - I feel like I have a partner there with him who can get him through this as comfortably as possible.

And yes, it's just a cold, but I still feel bad.

Sitting Fool!

Jennifer has really been working on sitting with Miles - and it is paying off! He still will bail over and take a spill from time to time, but he is improving daily.



Wow, it feels like he is growing up so fast!

Ma - ma - ma - ma

I think he's calling for me!!!



Ok, so I know he has no idea that I go by "mom", but it still warms my heart. He has been mister chatter box since he figured out this new trick!

So many updates!!!

So I am at the office... :(

Things with Jennifer are going really well, but I'll come back to that.

On Friday, we took Miles in for his 6 month visit! He looks really healthy and is on track for his developmental milestones, like rolling over. He is still growing well, but is not on the track he has previously been on. His height has previously been in the 75th percentile, and weight in the 50th. His height is now in the 50th and weight in the 25th... so he is still long and skinny!! The doctor told us not to worry too much - some parents introduced solids earlier than we did and many kids are on formula by now. So I am not worrying. His stats:

- height: 27 inches
- weight: 16 lbs 2 ozs
- head circumference: who knows but it is still in the 75th percentile

On Saturday, we had a day of birthday parties. For lunch, we went to the 1st birthday of the daughter of a former colleague of Tim. It was fun to be at a party with other small kids running around. It was actually really interesting to watch parents quasi interact with other parents, while focusing with laser attention on what their kids are doing. It's hard to believe that Miles could be walking in another 6 months.

When it was time for Miles to nap, we put him in the car and drove to Oakland to see Erin and John Knight for his birthday. We took the long way to Oakland (through Dublin and Concord) so that Miles could sleep a little longer! Miles won the flexibility award as he later napped in his portable bed there and later went to bed. We did his bedtime routine and put him down just like at home (without the bath) and he fell asleep great. It wasn't too nice of us to later wake him up and stick him in his car seat, but he fell back asleep, and then back asleep once we were home. Miles was a total infant rock star on Saturday!

Sunday was the usual blur of cleaning the house, doing chores, and trying to nap before Tim and I had work this week. AND it was my Pito's birthday - I called him in the evening, but he never called me back. :) (Love you big brother!! Happy Birthday!!!!!!)

On Monday, the tears began. Driving away from someone has never been so hard... particularly someone who I will see again in 8 hours! I do feel very guilty about coming back to work. I do love being in the office, but it feels selfish and indulgent. Like anything, this is a transition. I am giving myself some time to get used to it, but I keep reminding myself that if this isn't right, I can always make a change.

I cried again this morning when I left, especially because I have a work event tonight and won't see him until he wakes up tomorrow morning. :( However, this is my first time out of the house in the evening, and I am looking forward to it... but I again, feel a little selfish and indulgent. (see a trend?)

I perked up today, however, when Jennifer sent me the following to my phone...I guess carrots make everything better!!!

A New Day...

So it has been a wonderful 6 months, but I am now back at work. I am working remotely this week to give myself 1 more week of rest on my back. The choreography is actually great because I get to be here with Jennifer, Miles' new nanny to help get her used to our little man. I have tried to stay out of their hair so that Miles can get used to her and so she can get used to him. Overall, it has been really positive - I've heard lots of giggles coming out of the playroom. They haven't quite gotten into the rhythm of eating and napping that I had Miles on, but I am confident that they will get there. Miles gets really excited having new people around him and playing new games so he doesn't let himself relax and show his tired signs - once the novelty of Jen wears off, I think the two of them will settle nicely into a routine.

Yesterday, the two of them were playing in the playroom and they came out and Miles had no clothes on... apparently he puked up so much he drenched his entire outfit, and covered a good part of Jennifer as well. She changed him, and it is great to know that she puts him in outfits that match!!! (unlike his father...)

We're actually doing a nanny share, so in a couple more weeks, the two of them will be joined by Auggie, another little boy who's mom doesn't start work until mid-October. I am glad that Jennifer and Miles can get into their own rhythm before Auggie comes into the picture - it should make the transition easier for both of them.

As for me - it is really bittersweet. I had to go into the office on Tuesday to meet with the ergonomics consultant and be measured for a new standing desk with a high chair. I coupled that with 2 other meetings where it was better to be in person than over the phone. I basically left Miles and Jennifer for 6 hours - and driving out of our driveway was the hardest thing I have ever done.

"No more potatoes for Miles"

Growing up so fast!

Yesterday morning, I had a long overdue brunch with my mommy's group. All the moms are doing great and all Miles' little girlfriends are growing up so fast. Malia is a champ at sitting up, Jenny is all about all types of solid food (except meat), and Eliana gets the award for most changed since our last visit. Miles is still enamored with all the girls, and they seem to take to him kindly....

Big boy sleeping

Last night, Miles slept 7 -7, and Mom woke up feeling human again. Good sleeping has gone beyond the nighttime, in fact, yesterday's afternoon nap went from 3 - 5:30, and today he napped perfectly all morning and then took a 2:15 - 5:00 nap. I guess his teeth have been feeling good and he is starting to consolidate his naps.

He woke up so happy this morning - he has all sorts of giggly and smiley. Tim held him and every time I called him a "cutie", he laughed hysterically. He found "cutie" equally funny this afternoon. I will try to get a video of it - but if not, you'll have to take my word for the fact that it is the CUTEST thing ever. I never knew how in love with this little man I would become.

Sippy Cups!

On a whim, I gave Miles his first (empty) sippy cup tonight. He held on and put it immediately into his mouth. I was a little surprised at his dexterity, so I put a little milk in it so he "gets" what these things are for!

Labor Days

To celebrate the Labor Day weekend, we did what any family of 3 with 1 working adult would do - we worked!! We actually started the weekend picking out my Miles-gift (thanks honey, for carrying my son for 9 months, being in labor for 21 hours, and pushing for 3...) which is a new watch - which I love. And the fun thing is that every time I look at it, I think of Tim and Miles, which will be great for when I go back to work next week!

On Saturday night, we had dinner with my folks and my brother and his family up in San Francisco. It was quite entertaining as our reservation called for 6 adults, 1 high chair, and space for 2 car seats. We tried to do Miles' bedtime routine before dinner, have him fall asleep in the car, and sleep through dinner. That didn't work. So Miles, as cute as he could be (while being tired and cranky) spent the better part of dinner looking over Tim's shoulder and flirting with the women behind him. As Melissa said, what wouldn't the ladies want - he has gums and can rock his jammies!!

On Sunday and Monday, we went to work. Tim is cleaning up the garage while I was taking our bedroom and closet. I went through all my pre-pregnancy clothes that I had put away. The good news is that I fit most of it, but some of it, not well. My shorter shirts just don't work well with a post-baby stomach!! I am in the process of getting rid of bags of clothing. My goal is to have a place in our closet for all my clothes - bold, I know! I am also trying to attack Tim's side of the closet as he has about 50 pairs of pants, most of which he doesn't wear.

We also picked up our combined birthday present bookshelf from my parents so we have a matching set in the sun room off the kitchen. We spent Monday painting the interior of the shelves and they look great! I am in the process of refilling the shelves, but it is the last of the touches to make the room look great. Since we did it, I have spent a lot of time playing in there with Miles - the room is quickly becoming my favorite room in the house! It lastly needs a window covering for the window and the sliding glass door.

Week 0 - 23 :: Visually

Boy is he growing! So proud of our mid-sized man!

Filling his fathers shoes...

Someday but not today. Think this is such an adorable photo - Lina took this a few weeks back and everytime we look at it we chuckle. Wanted to share this with everyone. Its on our Flickr account, but I felt this was deserving of its own post.

Whoa

So it's been a long time, but we've kept ourselves busy with grandparents, siblings, cousins, and cortisone shots. Miles is growing and growing - here are some of the highlights!!

• -After a good month of rolling over onto his stomach in the crib, getting stuck and wailing, Miles has finally figured out how to roll back over!!! He still favors going over his left shoulder, but now that he has it all figured it, he can do it both ways.
• -Miles has become an inch-worm. He has figured out (probably has part of rolling over) how to lift up his butt while he is on his stomach, and slide forward on his face. He goes inches at a time, but between this and rolling over, he is all over his crib at night. I'll put him down in the middle of the crib and find him anywhere.
• -He has found his hands and his feet! In fact, we can't keep hands out of his mouth, and now his feet are in his mouth, actually, everything is in his mouth.
  
• -He took his first ride on a big boys swing! (okay, it's still a little kids swing, but it was definitely a wonderful event.) He took to it cautiously, but was never afraid. He started liking it the more he went.
• -He's started to get ticklish. Not all the time, and not always in the same place, but we can now tickle him and get him to laugh. What a wonderful thing.
• -He's starting to teeth... or at least I think. He has stopped sleeping through the night (dangit!!) and now wakes up crying 2 - 3 times a night. I am ready for that to be over, but it seems like we have a whole mouthful of teeth to go before that happens!
• -We started him on solid food. Well, it's really soupy rice cereal, but we started!!! I've been hoping that the night crying has been related to hinger, so we started him with an evening meal of rice cereal. As soon as I get a spoonful in his mouth, the spoon is immediately followed by a hand, then the other hand, then the first hand again. Needless to say, it has started being a very messy endeavor. Tonight as I fed him, Ihe got tired, and he started rubbing his eyes - with his ricey hands giving his face about 98% coverage in cereal. As you can imagine, meals are quickly followed by baths.
• -He's growing out of another set of clothes - so sad!!
• -We've started putting him in the stroller without the carseat. He loves looking forward.
• -He's found an "mm" in his cooing.
• -He is really happy kid. He greets everyone with a huge smile. Even when he's sad about taking a nap, once he wakes up, you get the biggest grin in the world. I can't believe we are so lucky to have such a happy little guy.
  

Another new 'Tone

Miles had another new milesTone today!!!! I was trying to take a photo of him and he kept leaning forward. So I decided to put him on the floor and see what he would do... and he stayed sitting up-ish!! It was only for a couple of seconds before he toppled over, but he can do it! He is changing so much and so quickly and we are so proud of him... and as you can tell, he is so proud of himself, too!!

More photos here, too.

Miles' New Trick

Miles has learned to roll over!! Yesterday, when Tim went to get him from his morning nap, he was on his stomach and crying. Later in the afternoon, he was super tired in the stroller and I expected to put him to bed and have him fall asleep quickly. There were a few noises (grunts and squeaks) from his room so I went to check on him - he was on his stomach again. So I rolled him over and stayed and watched him out of his view. He rolled over again. So I rolled him back over and he finally went to sleep. We heard him wake up, but he was fine in his crib so we left him for a minute. He then started crying so we went to get him - and he was on his stomach again. I caught the above on film last night as we were playing before bed.

He is apparently doing the baby thing of once they learn a new trick, practicing it all the time. He hasn't yet learned how to roll over onto his back (though he does it accidentally when he holds up his head too high).

He is growing up so quickly -- and we just crossed the threshold of mobility.

Social Reeths

Yesterday, we threw a very successful barbecue - and it was the first time since Miles was born, that it was almost like before we had him - but better because he was here!

It started with my weekend to host the Burlingame moms. I sent out an invitation to bring their babies and spouses, but only 1 of the 3 other ladies could come. So we invited to other couples we haven't seen in ages to come and join us. Then yesterday morning, I was on the phone with my mommy mentor and asked her how spontaneous she was feeling, and she, her husband, and son, got in the car and came over from Pleasanton to join us. I served some easy, but yummy recipes, some of which I picked up from magazines, others I "invented". (Like chicken satay sandwiches: marinated curry grilled chicken on sourdough rolls with cucumbers, cilantro and mint leaves, and homemade peanut sauce. YUM!!!!!)

Miles was the world's best baby. Right before the party started, we put him up for a nap, and he went down easily. A couple hours into the party, we put him down (easily again!) for a nap which he took as we laughed and joked in the living room right below him. And then at bed time, I took him upstairs, had a little Mom & Miles time, gave him a massage, read him a quick story, fed him and put him to bed. I was back in the party in 20 minutes and he was asleep for the night. (well, except for his midnight and 4 am feeding... can't figure out why he is doing that still...)

It was a wonderful afternoon / evening. Lots of good friends, lots of great conversation, and a day well spent.

Fun with Beebles!!

My mom came into town early this week on her way to Soda Springs for the remainder of the summer to help me out with Miles. She had a nice visit with her grandson, and was critical to me in terms of helping lift my 14 1/2 lb baby and start to heal.

Miles enjoyed the reprieve from boring old Mom and loved having someone else around to love him all day.

As for my back, things are going better and I am feeling encouraged. I have had 2 physical therapy sessions already and another 1 tomorrow morning. We're starting really basic trying to calm down the muscles that are still in total spasm, and starting to strengthen some of the ones that are atrophying. I got my hair cut today (first time in since before Miles was born) and sitting in the chair for the hour bothered my back. It's going to be a long road to recovery and a lifetime of trying to manage it, but at least I am on a road to recovery!!!

Thanks for coming out to help, Beebles!!!