10 Months!

Today is Maya's 10 month birthday! I can't believe she's almost a year old! I'm feeling a little nostalgic and weepy when I think of my little babe growing up! This past month was a very eventful one. Let's review Maya's great accomplishments:

1. Maya became the proud owner of 2 new bottom teeth!

2. Maya began crawling - forward!

3. Maya just recently began pulling up to standing on tables, chairs, dishwashers, beds, and couches - WOW!

4. Maya had 4 visitors - Nora, Adam, Grammy, and Debs. Everyone babysat for Maya, and she did great!

5. Maya had her first belly bug. Boo hoo. She took it like a champ though, so that's a great accomplishment.

6. Maya started clapping, and is even getting to know her favorite songs. She has "Itsy Bitsy Spider" moves and "If you're Happy and You Know it" moves. Maybe I should show her a Beyonce video. You think she might have some Bootylicious in her?

7. Maya learned that when Mommy and Daddy say, "Can I have that (paci, barrette, remote control, etc.) please?" She should hand it over... and she always does! She loves it when we say, "Thank you, Maya!"

"It's my 10-month birthday! Cake, please!"

"Mommy and I are partying."

"Yeah, I took out my barrette. What's your point?"

On the Mend

"I'm really sick of hanging out at home."

"We're going out?? Where?"

"The bookstore? Yes!!! My favorite!"


We finally went out this morning! After basically staying at home since Thursday of last week, we ventured out to the mall this morning, to meet Brooke, Nash, Margot, and Brook at Barnes and Noble. We happened to run into Mindy, Corey, Jennifer, and Addison too, so it was a party! Maya did some excellent playing at the train table, followed by a trip to the toy store. It was a really nice, quick morning. I love healthy Maya - she's so much fun!

Steam Cleaning

First things first: Maya is feeling much better this morning! She ate almost an entire container of yogurt, and happily played with her toys for quite a while before her morning nap. She still has all her cold symptoms, but I think she must be feeling better, because she seems much more content. It snowed like crazy last night, so we might have to stay in again today - in fact, our street isn't even plowed yet! Gotta love St. Louis. Anyway, last night, we decided that Maya needed to take a shower, as the steam seemed like a good idea for her stuffy nose and cough. Maya loves her showers with Daddy. Soon (very soon), she'll be too big for it, and it'll be sad times. Boo. I guess I have a toddler now...
"Make sure you cover my privates, Mommy! I'm a big girl now!"

"Don't let go, Daddy!"

"I love my Dad. Can you tell?"

Wanna see my Teeth?

Maya had a blast in her high chair this afternoon. Her teeth are really making an appearance lately. If you click the photos, you can get a good look at her new friends!
"Hilarious."

"I am happy and it feels good..."

"Mama is playing peek-a-boo with me from the doorway. Funny lady."

"This game is silly."

A Little Ditty.

This song is dedicated to our friend Alex - lover of music and babies. P.S. Maya is not copying me - I'm holding the camera. She is actually clapping on her own!

Cabin Fever.

Due to the snowstorm that is currently sweeping the country, we are staying in today. Again. Honestly, we've mostly stayed at home since Friday, and boy am I feeling it. All I want is to take a walk at the mall, let Maya crawl around at a friend's house, or play at the train table at Barnes and Noble. Sigh. No such luck. Maya still has a pretty bad cold, so I guess this is sort of a good thing. We went to the doctor yesterday, so he could check her ears for an infection. Fortunately, she is in the clear - she's just full of yucky fluid from her cold. I keep expecting her to wake up feeling better in the morning, but so far, she almost seems to be getting worse. She has a bad cough and a runny nose that won't quit. Oy. I guess there's always tomorrow. Sorry if you're getting bored of hearing about Maya being sick (and the rest of us). I'll try to write something more spicy and interesting tomorrow!

"I'm doing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" in the mirror with Mommy. I love the doctor's mirror."

"Mommy, do you see that baby? She's so cute!"

"Mommy, let me go! I want to play. This examining room is the ultimate playpen!"

Maybe we Should Stay in Today.

Maya still has a bad cold. Oy. I guess that's what you get in the first year of life. She's a trooper though. I'm giving her lots of cuddles so she'll get better. Doesn't love cure everything?
"Mommy is taking self portraits since I won't let go of her."

"These are good cuddles, Mommy. Maybe I should get sick more often... Nah. Nevermind. The snuggles are good, but not that good."

I Think it's Almost Over.

Well, this weekend was a bust. Maya got sick on Thursday night, then I proceeded to get sick Friday, and then, of course, Kevin got sick on Saturday. It was a mess. None of us are feeling 100% yet, but I think we're getting there. Maya has a cold now, so she's been in a funk, and hasn't really eaten in almost a week. She has some bites here and there, but has mostly reverted back to nursing. Oy. It seems like none of us have our appetites back at this point. Hopefully this week will bring better things. This thing really wiped out our house. Now I understand how my friends all felt right around the New Year, when all their kiddos were sick. Anyway, Maya is still as lovable as always, and has been very cuddly and snuggly, because she's been very exhausted. I'm hoping she'll feel like a new woman tomorrow. Not that I don't love her snuggles...

"I gave Daddy my sicky germs. Sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean to - I was just loving you."

"Mommy and I are practicing our Eskimo kisses. We like to rub noses."

"Mommy made matzah ball soup today! My first matzah ball! Thanks, Mommy. It was just what I needed."

"You can put me in my high chair, but you can't make me eat. Well, I'll have a half a matzah ball, but then I'm cutting you off."

"What? A girl can't play when she's sick?"

Itsy Bitsy Dance

Well, I didn't get her to do the whole thing, but these are her Itsy Bitsy Spider moves. She tries really hard to copy me when I show the spider going up the water spout, but it's a really hard move. Oh, and guess what? She's eating a pretzel! Yay! My baby is eating again!

I'll Spare you the Details...

I guess I have my answer. Maya got sick in the middle of the night last night. She hadn't had an appetite for a few days, and then in the middle of the night, we heard her crying. When I went into her room, she had... well... exploded. When I was in third grade, my teacher (Mrs. Meyer) hated when people used the words "barf," "puke," or "throw up." Instead, she insisted that we use the term "unswallow." At the time, I was like, yeah, okay, that's fine. Now I think it's bizarre, but in order to keep Maya's blog pretty and clean, we'll just say that Maya proceeded to, um, unswallow for an hour or so before she fell asleep again. This morning, after her third bath in 12 hours, she seems to be feeling better, and is much happier. She still isn't ready to eat solid food, but she's being her sweet self, and I'm just hoping that she doesn't deteriorate throughout the day. I hate to see that muffin so sick, but I guess it was a good initiation into parenthood. Thank goodness Kevin was home, because there was a lot to be done (laundry, changing sheets, bathing baby, etc.). Tonight I'm on my own (he is on call), so I'm hoping it's totally uneventful.

"Mommy and I did lots of good playing yesterday. I didn't realize I was sick at the time. I thought I just wasn't hungry."

"This is me getting ready for my bedtime tubby. Mommy and Daddy didn't know I had rumbles in my tummy yet."

"I feel a little better today. Mommy put me in these comfy clothes and gave me a paci so I'd feel happier. Thanks, Mommy."

Crafty Mama vs. Whiny Baby

So... it seems that something is up with Maya. I can't figure out if she's not feeling well, or if she's experiencing some discomfort from teething. It's a mystery. All I know if that she's super fussy, and is opting not to eat any solids (besides her sacred Cheerios). Needless to say, we haven't had much time for snapping happy photos... It's a bummer, because today is a beautiful day, and I would love to take Maya outside for a while. Maybe we'll venture out for a walk when Maya wakes up from her nap. Anyway, I've spent the week working hard on a new craft project, courtesy of Brooke (and her mom!). We've been making fabric, fold-up dollhouses (got the pattern from another blog). I've made 2 so far (only because I'm trying to perfect them - I'm not the best seamstress!). I'm having the best time, and I think it's safe to say that Kevin has never seen me excited about a project. I hope that one day Maya can play house with these. Just the thought of it gives me goosebumps!

"I love to empty Mommy's bag. I'm currently eating coupons. You know, the broccoli coupon doesn't taste like actual broccoli. Too bad."

"I'm coming, Mommy."

"Can you tell I feel a little 'off'?"

Maya in Training

We went to play at the train table at Barnes and Noble yesterday. For the first time, Maya was able to stand there and play! The other little boy who was playing there (he was three) didn't really understand that Maya was a little too small to actually get out of his way though. I guess she's still a tad too little to play with the big kids!

The End of an Era

Warning... Long rambling post ahead.

Usually, I post about Maya's daily travels and adventures, but today I'm going to change it up a little. Get ready... Last week, when we went to see Dr. Put Put, the conversation turned to the upcoming introduction of whole milk into Maya's diet. He was actually quite surprised and happy that I am still nursing, being that Maya is almost 10 months old, and apparently (from the research I've done), fewer and fewer people nurse past 6 months. I assume this is because most mommies go back to work, and it's incredibly difficult to keep up with pumping, as it's time consuming, and often (for some) doesn't yield as much milk as actual nursing. Anyway, being home makes it much easier for me to nurse on demand. That being said, I respect those who choose not to breastfeed. It's a personal decision that each person has to make for themself.

Anyway, the reason I am thinking about this, is because I think it will be difficult for me to stop nursing, although I do plan to wean in a couple of months (when Maya is a year old). Nursing has a special place in my heart, because it was an incredibly challenging journey for me. Due to a previous surgery, I knew that there was a great possibility that I would not be able to nurse. In fact, most doctors had told me that it was unlikely, and that even if I was able to breastfeed, I would likely have to supplement with formula. Well, I must be a rebel at heart, because that just made me even more determined. As Grammy says, "I can do hard things." Once Maya was born, I went into nursing with fierce determination. Let me tell you - it was tough. I mean, Jen and Brook can attest to the fact that I nursed constantly. In fact, I remember meeting Jen at the mall one day, and sitting in a Nordstrom dressing room, nursing on and off for at least an hour. But then... it got easier. Yup, Maya figured it out, and so did I. And guess what?! It became the most wonderful thing I've ever done. I do feel an unbelievable bond with Maya, I anticipate feeling some sense of separation when I stop nursing. I was thinking about this yesterday, as I was pumping in the car (in the mall parking lot) because we had to leave the house while Doyle was washing the floors. I kept thinking, "Is this worth it?" Well, in a word - yes. My friend Meg, who is due with her baby at the end of March (she'll be exactly a year younger than Maya), was asking me some questions about how I dealt with breastfeeding while traveling, working, and all that fun stuff. Well, the answer is, you just deal, and it's worth it.

Anyway... whole milk is on its way. Get ready, Maya!

"I get it, Mom. We have a special bond. Now please let me go play."

"Mommy is starting to get sad that I won't smile for the camera anymore..."

Happy MLK Day!

Maya and I observed Martin Luther King Day by doing something for our nation's economy... shopping! Doyle was here washing and painting our basement floor, so we decided to hit the road in order to avoid possible fumes from the cleaning solution. We went to the outlet mall to return a few things, and ended up getting some very fun clothes for next winter. Maya is now the proud owner of two pairs of jeans - one with a panda on it, and the other with a little cupcake. She also got a cupcake shirt and a cute panda shirt. Lastly, she now has 2 adorable cupcake barrettes (featured below). I just couldn't help myself. Anyway, we came home in the early afternoon, just in time for Maya's nap. It was a good day. I feel so lucky - we have fun together every day. Just like little playmates. I'm not going to lie - I think Maya likes me!

"Mommy, it's always fun going to the mall with you!"

"Thanks for buying me some winter clothes for next year. It's going to be so cold in New Hampshire!"

"Like my new barrettes? Mommy couldn't resist."

This Weekend was a Yawn.

We had a nice weekend, but it was pretty boring. Kevin was on call yesterday, and we didn't have much to do, so we ran errands, played at home, and took a walk at the mall. It was a nice day, but we missed Kevin. Today was also pretty low key. Tomorrow, we are getting our basement floor painted, so Maya and I are going to leave the house for the day. I'm pretty nervous about it, since I'm not exactly sure what we'll do for an entire day out of the house, but I'm sure we'll make it work. We need to go to the outlets to return some things, and I'm hoping Maya will get some sleep in the car on our travels. We'll see. I'll let you know what we decide to do!

"Mommy, what are you doing back there?"

"I see snacks! That's what happens when I take my bath in the kitchen!"

"Um, Mommy? What am I wearing??"

"No pictures, please. This outfit is ridiculous!"

"You mean I have to unload the dishwasher?"

It's Raining in Here!

Maya likes when Daddy holds her up in the shower like the dad in The Lion King. It's getting to the point where she's a little too big to hold in the shower, but we're still doing it because it's so much fun. She loves clinging to her daddy and getting rained on at the same time. What a little sweetie. Oh, and check out the new activity table that Brook gave to us. She had 2, and was looking to get rid of one of them. What good luck for us! Thanks, Brook!

"I'm feeling shy about my privates."

"Okay, I'm over my shyness!"

"I like this table, but I've been standing at it for so long, and I don't know how to sit down... boy am I tired!"

Parents as Teachers

Our parent educator from Parents as Teachers came for Maya's 9 month visit today. Parents as Teachers is a program run by the state, where a parent educator comes to your house 4 times a year (until age 3) to visit your child and talk to you about whether or not your child has reached their milestones, and what to expect in the next few months. They usually bring all sorts of toys and watch Maya play with them. Today, Cathy brought wooden beads on a string necklace, a tiny glass bottle that we filled with Cheerios (to see how she'd try to get them out), lots of board books, and some blocks and bells. It was a really neat visit. Cathy went through the list of 8-month and 10-month milestones, and we checked off all of the things Maya is currently doing. She has fully mastered her 8-month milestones, and most of her 10-month milestones, which is pretty good for a 9-month-old.

"It's cold outside. 5 degrees. Keep me inside, Mommy."

"Look, Ma! No hands!"

"Mom, why do you like taking post-tubby photos of me?"

"Eating is the best."

"I'm done! But not for long!"

My Lil' Musician

Maya and I attended our first music class this morning. Well, it wasn't really a "class" as much as a "Mommy and Me sing-along." It was called "Music Together," and it was a class hosted by WUMCHA (the women's organization for spouses of residents at WashU). The leader of the class led the songs with his guitar and a CD, and we sang along, played instruments, and danced around with our little ones. It was super cute. Maya might be a little too young for a class like this though - she was much more interested in crawling around, climbing all over me, and eating Cheerios, but we had a good time. I'm considereing signing up for more of these classes, but at the same time, I'm not too sure that Maya can appreciate it yet, and I think we might just make music at home instead for the time being. What do you think? This video was a self-portrait, so please excuse the strange camera work!

We're Moving Soon.

Maya and I are trying to find a more balanced schedule these days. Since Kevin and I will be putting the house on the market in about a month, it's crucial that I do some work on the house - like keep it clean and de-clutter... Anyway, I'm trying to find a balance between errands, social time, and home time. Yesterday we went to Brooke's house in the morning, and then we came home for a nap, followed by cooking, cleaning, and exercising. It felt like such a nice, low key day. It was also great when Kevin came home to a bright and clean house, complete with a lovely dinner on the table. I guess I'm a sucker for being a homemaker. It felt so good!

"Now that I'm done with my dinner, I would like to eat your dinner."

"I love family dinner!"

"Pick me up, please! I want to be on your lap!"

"I use this stool as a table while Mommy exercises."

"Did Mommy tell you? I'm crawling everywhere now!"