How's it going?

The question everybody asks when discussing my life as a stay-at-home dad.

My new answer is going to be something like...

I prepare Julia's breakfast, I feed her, I clean her up and I try to get her to sleep. Followed almost immediately by I prepare Julia's lunch, I feed her, I clean her up and I try to get her to sleep. After that I prepare Julia's late lunch, I feed her, I clean her up and I try to get her to sleep. Finally I get to prepare Tara's (and mine) dinner, then I clean the kitchen.

After I get to eat I still have time to prepare Tara's breakfast and lunch, clean the kitchen again and wait to change Julia's diaper before I go to bed.

A Mind of Her Own

Tara and I have joked since Julia was born that she was gonna do things her way. She, at the last minute, flipped into the breech position forcing the c-section. She is a very distracted nurser and she's gaining weight about as slowly as you can.

As she's grown she's started to exhibit other "do it my way" traits. She is very quickly moving towards walking - she holds her balance unassisted for several seconds, she's cruising and pulling herself up from all sorts of positions - but she has yet to crawl on hands and knees, she's only about the commando crawl. She didn't start showing teeth until about a month ago and her first two to erupt are her top front instead of the bottom four.

Over the past couple of days, but I especially noticed today, she gets extremely upset when you take away something she is enjoying or remove her from a situation that she's enjoying. This afternoon she was playing with the phone, her new fav toy, and I took it away so we could do something else and she SCREAMED and let loose a flood of these huge movie tears.

Again, the changes are amazing to watch.

International Babywearing Week

Thanks to our friend Angela we can participate in this with either a Baby Bjorn OR a "ring sling".

International Babywearing Week:

"It’s not too late to get your baby on!"
This week celebrate the love and closeness with your baby and wear him or her often. Studies have shown that babies who are worn tend to cry less, sleep longer, and eat better. It has also been found that parents who wear their babies are more likely to be content which in turn equals a relaxed baby.One huge benefit of babywearing is being hands-free. Babywearing allows for tasks to get done around the house while keeping the baby comfy and secure.There are many different types of babywearing options. From slings, carriers, wraps, a piece of cloth or handmade they all have the same outcome. A happy baby and happy parents! Babywearing can br so much fun. Having your baby close to kiss as often as possible and being able to snuggle so closely all while- hiking, bowling, mini golfing, exercising, bike riding, grocery shopping, some house chores or just a simple walk is what makes babywearing enjoyable. It’s worth the investment. The fact that I’m able to move around and be hands-free with a toddler makes the day so much less intense. Both of my sons from birth loved to be worn.

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Snaggletooth

Julia's first tooth is finally appearing - "rearing its cute little head"!

Julia is handling it well, too. She had more teething issues a few months ago and we thought a tooth or 2 would appear any time. Then NOTHING! Then we wondered when would a tooth happen - before she is 12 months old?!

It is adorable! She looks even cuter than ever!

I don't know how long I'll think it's sweet - maybe she won't nip me with it. : )

Weight

Weight Watchers - I started it again after my sister's visit and her mention of how much I eat. Even with breastfeeding, I know I take it too far and let myself eat more than necessary. It'd be different if I was exercising like I used to, but I'm not. I haven't been to the Y in weeks! I cannot remember the last time I rode my stationary bike. No sit-ups or push-ups - how am I going to get my Michelle Obama arms? I know I will get my pre-pregnancy body back or a version of it; I'm just impatient and I really want to wear my favorite jeans. : )

Ironically with Julia's weight issues, I wish I could give her some of my calories and fat, especially my back fat. I could exercise more consistently, but I'd rather sleep or watch TV then figure out an exercise routine.

Jai &d I say we're donating to the Y right now. It happens - we'll (mainly me I suspect since that was the norm before Julia) get back there eventually. Also we (read Jai) go to the park some - got to take Johnders to the dog park so he gets exercise, too.

We constantly hear "she's so petite" and many people marvel at her abilities ... they assume Julia's much younger so they are surprised she can sit up or crawl or whatever it is. Then they are amazed when we say how old she is. Julia wears clothes sized 0-12 months, but most are 6-9 months - usually she's about 3 months less than her age. Some babies and children are too big - childhood obesity is a major issue.

However, I wish she weighed 1-3 pounds more than now. My issue I know!
Julia's doctor says that gymnasts, for example, are born with a small shape/frame, they don't start big and then lose weight. Someone has to be smaller and that is definitely Julia. We believe that Julia will be a gymnast.

Luckily she's healthy AND really strong and has not been sick yet. Seriously not one cold or sniffle or cough, no green mucus, NOTHING! Thank goodness for healthy living and breast milk.

I'm 9 months old!

Today is 09-09-09 and I am 9 months old.

How cool is that?

I'm sure there are tons of couples getting hitched at wedding chapels in Vegas or families anticipating the arrival of a new baby... to have this date marking a momentous occasion.

Sometimes I cannot believe that I am 9 months old - well, really I hear my mom & dad say it often. I continue to grow (longer mostly, still light & lean) and explore my surroundings. I'm a master cruiser, especially enjoy moving around my crib and Pack-N-Play. My nickname is Spiderwoman - I climb up the sides all the time!

I am really enjoying food, too. I am "my mother's daughter" as the expression goes. Banana has been my favorite; slimy, but delicious. Then I tasted yogurt ... even plain soy is yummy. My taste buds are open to new discoveries. I've also tried sweet potatoes - YUM-O! Yesterday dad fed me some applesauce. Good stuff! Dad talks about the day when he can introduce me to "real" bacon... turkey bacon is not real to him.

I am talking as much as possible - the "b" sounds are fun! Babblish is what we call it. Cute, huh? : )

I also enjoy laughing, especially when my mom & dad start and then we cannot stop! My mom gets really tickled by my laughter. I know she misses me while she's at work all day. Thank goodness I have dad to keep me company until she comes home.

My best bud is Johnders. He loves to lick me, especially my face, but mom & dad don't like it. It really tickles! I like touching his face and there's all that hair to grab! We enjoy staring at each other, usually from the opposite sides of the mesh when I'm in the Pack-N-Play.

Until next monthiversary ... always ready for the next adventure!

P.S. I forgot that I can wave. I really get excited and wave to Johnders when I go up the stairs with mom at bedtime. I also get excited & wave when I see other babies, especially at Las Maracas - very family-friendly restaurant!

"Wicked" is AWESOME!

I saw the musical last night with my friend, Niki!

It was the last official part of my birthday celebration.
I asked Jai for TWO tickets so I could invite a friend.

I didn't know how much the tickets are!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIKES!
It was so worth it.

Niki hadn't seen it and we had a GREAT time!
Thanks for being my guest and for being my friend, Niki! : )
Thanks for the COOL Hello Kitty gifts as a thank you. Love them!

Thanks, Jai! You are the best husband.
I'm glad Julia slept (eventually!) after we left for the theater.
Pick out a movie so you can be ready to leave when I get home on Thursday.
Get some sushi at Watanabe and see some sci-fi flick and get some popcorn! : )