Maya has so much Stuff!

Is there anyone out there who enjoys packing? I'm currently procrastinating like crazy. Maya has so much stuff, it's just unbelievable. She's asleep right now, and I'm telling myself that I can't possibly pack right now, because it'll wake her. So, instead of packing, I'll take this opportunity to make a list of the things we need to bring with us - just for Maya. Here goes...

4 pairs of pajamas
Bathing Suit
Cover up
7 outfits for hot weather
Sweatshirt
2 cool weather outfits
Socks
15 diapers (2 days worth)
Wipes
5 jars of baby food
spoons
bottles/nipples
pump
monitor
Baby Shampoo
comb
hair bows/barrettes
toys/books
Stroller
car seat
Tylenol/thermometer (just in case)

Can you think of anything else? Let me know. We'll be going to a supermarket the day after we get there, so I'll be able to buy dipes, wipes, and baby food. Wow. You are probably bored to tears while reading this. Sorry, but it was necessary. Now I actually feel productive. Excellent.


"Should I wear my Disney princess costume while we're at Disney World?"


"Or do you like it from this angle?"


"I'm a little hot with my clothes under this costume. Please take it off me. Thank you."

One Last Time...

Okay, the title of this entry is way too morbid for the occasion. Today, we went for one last play date at the mall (at least for a while), with Brooke, Ray, Nash, Brooke's mom (Sylvia), and Brook, James, and Keira. Oh, and Maya. On Friday, we are headed to Disney World, and on Thursday night, Brooke is evicting little Baby Pratt #2. We were very excited to see her before the baby makes an appearance, but a little sad that we'll be away until Wednesday. Anyway, this morning was really fun, and now we're home, getting ready for the big trip. Maya can't decide which is better - a new baby in the playgroup, or Disney World...

"Can we share this water, Mommy? I'll eat the cap, and you can have the rest."


"I'm ready to go!"


"I can't wait to meet your liitle sis, Nashy. But I'll always be your Ya Ya."

Am I in the Jumperoo?

This morning, Maya ate plain yogurt (a new food, which she loves), mixed with pureed prunes. She ate so much I thought she might burst. Well, as it turns out... When we got home from the mall this afternoon, I suspected a dirty diaper. Well, I was right, to say the least. Grammy, who loves to change diapers (what??), took Maya into her room, laid her down on her changing table, and within about 30 seconds, she was calling out that she needed help. I knew what that meant. To make a long story short, Maya needed a full costume change. Here she is, halfway changed (pants only - one thing at a time!), playing in the Exersaucer. It seems like she is so used to the Jumperoo, she's getting confused...

Mallrats

Today, we ventured out the The Mills, for some shopping. The Mills, for those of you who don't know, is an indoor outlet mall. They have them all across the country, so you may have one in your nearby city (we had one in Phoenix when I lived there). Anyway, Grammy and Grampy treated Maya to some beautiful clothes and goodies. We considered getting Maya a winter coat, but I'm not quite sure what she'll need. St. Louis is very strange, in terms of weather, and since we have a snuggly "Bundle-Me" for Maya's carseat, we aren't quite sure how heavy her coat should be. Anyone from this area have any ideas? Should we go for a heavy, puffy coat? A fleece jacket? A wool pea coat? Recommendations, por favor. Thanks.


"You like my coat? Or is it too puffy?"


"Thanks for the goodies, Grammy and Grampy. You're my kind of peeps!"








Oh, and by the way, just a warning - first of all, my camera is on the fritz. For some reason, it's choosing when it wants to turn on. This reminds me very much of my friend Brooke's air conditioning in her car. Just when I think the cam is working, it dies on me again. We're looking into the root causes of the camera's death. In other news, we are heading to Orlando on Friday, to spend some time with Maya's friend Mickey. Well, actually, Kevin has a big conference, and he's dragging us along so we can pay a visit to Disney. We are so excited that Brook and Brie's families will be coming with us (see Alex and James and Keira's blogs). Unfortunately, I will be blogless during our trip. I hope you will forgive our brief blogging hiatus. We'll miss you!

Hey Little Pumpkin!

Grammy and Grampy have finally made their appearance. I'll tell you one thing - they love our little Maya. That's for sure. Today, we visited Rombach Pumpkin Farm. It was 85 degrees outside (um, yeah, in mid-October - ugh), and the pumpkin patch was hopping. Actually, it's not much of a pumpkin patch - it's more like a "pick out a pumpkin" area. There is a patch in the back, but it doesn't seem all that popular. They also have vendors and hayrides, and a little bouncy house that Maya is way too little for. Anyway, it was a great time. We bought a giant pumpkin for us, and a teeny tiny pumpkin for Maya. After pumpkin picking, we dropped off Grammy, Grampy, and Maya, and went to a movie. It was nice getting out with Kevin, but I definitely missed my little muffin. I think she missed us too. She was delighted when we got home!


"It's hot, and my hair is stuck to my forehead. Oy. The trials and tribulations of having lots of hair..."


"Mommy, please don't talk while you're feeding me. It's really annoying."


"That was really good milk, Mommy. Seriously."


"Mom? What is this thing? I'm so confused..."


"Thanks Rombach! Your pumpkin patch is good times!"

Sniff Sniff

Maya seems to have the sniffles today. It's no big shock, considering the fact that I just got over a cold. I feel bad for her, and wish that babies understood how to blow their noses. Fortunately, she's behaving just like a lady, and is happy camper today. I think we're going to stay in for the afternoon and rest. Grammy and Grampy are on their way, and we want to be in tip top shape for their arrival!

"Mommy, I think I might have a cold in my nose. Will you suck it out with the syringe, please?"

7:15??

So, I think the sleeping issues are slowly getting better, although I hesitate to say that, because we seem to have setbacks galore. Last night Maya woke up twice - once at 12:30, and once at 4. She woke up a few times in between, but put herself back to sleep. When I went to get her at 4, she was on her belly, sideways, at the foot of the bed. Anyway, the good news is, she's been very good at getting herself back to sleep after being fed. This morning, after her 4:00 feeding, she slept until 7:15. I was actually awake in bed, waiting for her to get up. I think we are making progress, but she is far from being consistent. Anyway, this morning, I realized that the problem we are going to face, is that we are going to Disney World next week, and this always puts a damper on her sleep schedule. Sigh. I wish she could just tell me why she keeps getting up. You know, like, "Mom, my bed is uncomfortable," or "Mommy, the sound of the neighbors' dog is annoying me to pieces." But alas, she remains silent on the matter. Oh well.


"Wait - I'm confused. Can you repeat that?"


"Daddy, who are you talking to?"


"Hey, let's blow this pop stand! Buckle me in, and let's get the show on the road!"

Ha Ha Hiccups

When we got home from temple, Maya played in the Jumperoo for a while. Here she is, laughing at my silly sounds. She had hiccups interspersed in the giggles... She's in a very sweet mood today. I just showed her this video, and she was actually squealing with delight while she watched it. What could be better than that? Oh, and make sure you turn up the volume for this one, so you can hear her!

Day of Atonement

In honor of Yom Kippur, Maya has been talking nonstop, all morning. She chatted all through services, and even when she got home. Here she is, atoning for her first 6 months of naughtiness. I'm pretty sure she is asking me to forgive her for waking up so much in the night...

Any Sleep Specialists out there?

For the past week, Maya has been waking up about 10 times a night. Why, you ask? Well, it's a mystery. She has recently decided that sleeping on her belly is the position of choice, so maybe she's just getting used to it. Whatever the reason, the child is making Kevin and me extremely frustrated. We are moving in slow motion today, as a result of Maya's nighttime shenanigans...


"Good tubby, Mom. Good tubby."


"Time for bed!"


"I'll go to bed, Mommy, but I'll be waking up within a half hour - don't you worry!"


"Sorry I didn't sleep well, Mama."

3 Days to go!

Grammy and Grampy are coming! Grammy and Grampy are coming!

You think Maya is excited?

Maya and Keira Learn to Share

Maya and Keira are big girls, learning to share their toys!

Our Little Pumpkin...

Brook had a little Halloween shindig at her house yesterday, so that we could get the kiddos together for some costume time. As much as I loved the idea, it was about 85 degrees outside, and Maya's costume is basically a a heavy, furry sleeper with a hood. I knew it would be a challenge, so we put her in her Halloween outfit, and changed her into her costume once we got there. She was less than amused by the idea of being in a stuffy costume with a hood in this weather, so for a while, we had a cranky Maya on our hands. Oh well. We had a great time once Maya calmed down though. Brook filled the playroom with orange and black balloons filled with rice and popcorn, so they were like rattles. It was so cute. The kids played for a long time, throwing, eating, and popping balloons. After some chili, meatballs, apples, and cake, we headed home for Maya's bedtime.


"Let's go to the party, Mom!"


"It's hot in here, but I'm happy anyway... for now."


"I wonder if I can fit this balloon in my mouth..."


"Mommy, who is James supposed to be?"


"Keira, I like your sock monkey costume!"


"I'm very overwhelmed. Hold me, Mommy!"


"Can you even see me? Or am I camouflaged in this sea of balloons?"


"Don't throw it at me, Nash!"


"James your shirt is scaring me!"

a-MAZE-ing!

Yesterday, we visited the Godfrey, Illinois, "Corn Festival." Yes, it was as ridiculous as it sounds! The highlight of the festival was the corn maze, but other sights included a petting zoo, and a "Corn Crib," which was a giant sandbox, full of popcorn kernels. In addition, there were many food and drink vendors. It was really fun. We weren't as "lost" in the maze as we wanted to be, but it was good times anyway. Maya loves being carried around in the Bjorn, so she was happy as a clam. Oh, and on a totally different note, Maya had her first Costco sample today! She ate a little cup of strawberry yogurt, and loved it! Thanks Costco! Now you are Maya's favorite store too (that makes 3 of us)!


"Yum! Corn!"


"Mommy, please take me out of the stroller so I can enjoy the tractor pull."


"Dad, you are hilarious!"


"This is the best store ever! Mom, do we have stock in Costco?"

A Happy and Healthy Baby

Today was Maya's 6 month check up with Dr. Putt Putt. I'd say overall, it went very well. In fact, the worst part was the 45 minute wait. Yeah, not such a fan of long waits with sick children all around. Yuck. Anyway, Maya did great today. She is a whopping 14 pounds, 13 ounces (and three quarters), and 25 inches long. This puts her in the 27th percentile for weight, and the 25th percentile for height. She is also in the 68th percentile for head circumference, indicating that she has a gigantic brain - just as we suspected! I talked to Dr. Putt Putt for a long time, about some of Maya's "digestive issues," as well as the fact that she's an insomniac baby. I got some good pointers from Putt Putt, so we're going to try them. Lastly, Maya got 4 vaccines, including a flu shot. She was very sad during the shots, but she recovered like a champ. We're home now, and getting ready for nap time, which I'm hoping will be outrageously long today. I'm in the market for a nap too...

"I'm in the 27th percentile! Top that!"

Ciao for Now.

One of the hard things about watching your baby grow up, is that at some point, they grow out of their little teeny tiny clothes. Today I had to say R.I.P. to an outfit I love.

We'll miss, oh lovely polka dot jumpsuit from Old Navy. Your ruffled hood was most adorable. But alas, Maya has outgrown you, and you will be sent to the giant purple bin, with the rest of you teeny tiny friends... Good bye.


"Um, Ma? This outfit doesn't fit."


"Ahhh. Sweet comfort. Thank goodness for bigger clothes..."

Maya, the Mobility Expert

Apparently, Maya is on the move lately. She's rolling around, climbing out of the Bumbo, and now this! She actually sat in the front of the shopping cart at Whole Foods yesterday! She had the time of her life, just looking around and playing with a bag of potato chips. I'm planning to make a cover for the cart though, because she likes to put her mouth on everything.

"I'll take the butternut squash, 4 sweet potatoes, and a pint of strawberries, please."


"This was so much fun, Mommy!"












This morning, we went to a toy train store. They sell kiddo train tracks and trains, but there are also model railroads for the kids to play with in the store. Maya watched the big boys for a while, and then I let her have a turn. She's still too small though. Anyway, it's fitting that Maya loved the train shop, since she's a girl on the move!


"That looks like fun. Can I have a turn? Pretty please?"


"Thanks, Mom! This is neat, but I'm too short, and my arms don't reach very far..."

Man Overboard!

It's official: Maya can dive out of the Bumbo seat. I think we might need to return it to its rightful owner - Nash. Thanks for the fun times, Bumbo. Sniff sniff. We'll really miss you.

"If you don't give me some water, I'm going to get it myself."


"See? I told you I'd do it!"

Sleepy Time? Ever?

We are back to a very naughty sleeping schedule. Maya woke up in the middle of the night and proceeded to have an all out playdate with her crib. I fed her, and put a completely asleep Maya back in her crib. About 2 minutes later, when I looked at the monitor, she was rolling all over the place and entertaining herself. Now, I realize how wonderful it is that she was having a blast. The problem is, I worry about her getting stuck on her belly and not being able to roll over, thus, falling asleep that way, and possibly suffocating. Yeah, sound ridiculous, but I only feel this way because she just recently learned to roll onto her belly, and she is far from a master. I guess people have me all scared about SIDS being related to belly sleeping. Anyway, her 2 hour sleep hiatus ended at around 4. Needless to say, I am a tired mommy this morning.



















"I love to play! Hahahaha!"

Just Like Old Times.

When I was a kid, we used to go to temple all the time. I mean all the time. To tell you the truth, I wasn't a big fan of the long, drawn out services, and I used to make up every excuse in the book, in order to not go. Actually, there was one good part - the Oneg Shabbat after services was always decked out with excellent goodlies. Anyway, now that I'm an adult, and even moreso since I've been married, and now have a child, I want to attend services more regularly. We don't belong to a synagogue in St. Louis, but we hope to join one when we find a place where we'll settle down. Yesterday we attended services at Central Reform Congregation. Maya and I went in the morning, then to a children's service in the afternoon, and finally, to Tashlich services at Forest Park. It was such a nice day. Kevin met us for the afternoon festivities. It was gorgeous outside, and being at the park felt wonderful. Maya had a great time. Unfortunately, she slept really badly last night. Not sure why. Maybe she was have 6 month growing pains.


"Come on, Mommy! Let's go into the children's service!"


"Ha ha ha! Stop tickling me, Daddy!"


"You're crazy, Daddy! More! More!"


"More kisses, Mommy!"


"Daddy, will you throw my sins into the water, too?"