She's One Year Old!!!

Our darling little daughter turned one year old this past Tuesday, November 17th.  We are so exceptionally grateful for the Lord allowing us this vibrant little bundle of joy!  This has been a year of great changes for us, consisting mostly of experiences unexpected given our naivete of parenthood.

Gilana had her one year checkup on the 18th, and her stats are as follows:

1. Height: 30 inches, 78%
2. Weight: 21.3 lbs, 52%
3. Head: 18 3/4 inches, 97%

She received a round of shots and did not enjoy the experience, bursting into tears before the final shot was even administered.  She made quite a good impression on the doctor, however.  Gigi is apparently above the average development in her physical abilities (she's been running for some time now), has good comprehension of what is said to her (the doctor asked Gilana to stick out her tongue, and she responded admirably!), and can say quite a few words (apparently the average at this point is three).

Gilana's current words are:

1. Daddy 
2. Doggie
3. Duckie (the D words often sound alike, though)
4. Mama (her oldest word, but it refers to several things, occasionally me)
5. Nana (Banana- refers to all food in general)
6. Hot (she whispers this one very seriously when referring to a hot object, [oven, candle, fire, steaming object] shouts it when referring to an object she is not allowed to touch)
7. Hot Tea (a steaming mug or any mug in general)
8. Chank Choo (Thank you- she says this when giving us something)  :) 
9. Uh-Oh (when something drops or she is about to drop something)

I will post more when I can!

It's almost 4 am

Am I supposed to be sleeping right now?  I guess this is all part of pregnancy.  The wee little babe is practicing her tricks at keeping Mom awake in the future.  This time is a great reminder on how I should make such occasions profitable by reading something beneficial and going through a prayer list.  Moments like this make me so keenly aware of the blessings that abound in my life.  The hope of heaven, an excellent husband, beautiful daughter, coming-soon baby, sweet family... So much to inspire praises lifted unto heaven!!

Now, to sleep!

Hot Words!

I have recently been teaching Gilana about hot things, such as the oven, fireplace, candles, and mugs. After pointing to objects that she has been warned about she whispers "Hot" very seriously.  She really understood the concept after she waved her hand over a lighted candle and I reiterated the word.  Now she knows not to touch!

Yesterday morning Gigi brought me her Curious George book and we read about his birthday party. When it showed pictures of George blowing out his candles, Gilana looked ready to participate.  I explained that he had to blow out the "hot candles" and she started blowing at the picture.  So cute!!  In preparation for her birthday celebration in two weeks, I figured candle-blowing would be a good thing to practice, so I lit two candles and watched as she expertly blew them both out!  Will she still remember how to do that when party day comes? 


Gilana is becoming increasingly observant about speech.  Yesterday she copied me after I said "Thank You" when she brought me a toy.  She said "Chank Choo." Brilliant!  ;-)

All's Well!

Our appointment with the doctor went great! On Thursday, October 29th, the baby was estimated to weigh 5lbs, 1oz and appeared to be very healthy. There is no obvious reason why I went into labor at 32 weeks, but for now am instructed to gradually increase my activity level. I was pretty shaky at first, but am feeling very good now and can pick up Gilana! Trekking up the stairs with her is a little rough at times, but in desperate moments, I just encourage her to take herself upstairs to bed!

I am so grateful for the Lord's provision in caring for our little family during this time. It all has made me much more appreciative for all we have.

A Startle on Tuesday

Everything was planned and our lists were made for a successful dinner event for 30 people. I had just started on dinner and Byron had been breezing through his list of things to-do. I was grateful Byron had the day off to help get things organized around the house so that I wouldn't be too busy chasing Gilana whilst doing all manner of other things. But then I noticed a problem.

I had been experiencing more prominent contractions for some days by that point, but suddenly they were growing increasingly persistent. Byron thought a call to the doctor was in order. After we both had spoken to the head nurse, I was begrudgingly convinced that we needed to rush to Labor and Delivery, now. I burst into tears and allowed my sweet husband to pack me a bag and relinquish all dinner prep and Gilana care to friends.

The hospital assured us I was in labor, and that analysis left me grateful for the urgency we had in getting to the hospital and my Love's tender care of me and our growing family. After being on the moniter for some time, contractions came as quickly as every 5 minutes when I was given a shot of Tributeral (this is only a guess on the spelling). This shot sped up my heart rate to a rapid fire in attempt to supply more oxygen to my uterus, and thus stop contractions. It worked! After another hour and a half hooked up to machines we were allowed to leave with instructions that I must be on partial bed-rest. Specifically, no work of any kind, including lifting Gilana. Ach!

We arrived home to a full house of 30 satisfied bellies (dinner had come and gone without us) and everything was well cared for. Blessings!!! The Junior High Staff had been praying for us, and had even planned a surprise baby shower that night. Thankfully we came home before they all left and were able to enjoy their sweet company for a time before the house emptied.

The following morning left my heart rendered to tears as I heard my baby crying for a morning hug and I realised I wasn't allowed to lift her into my arms. Sweet Erin (who is living with us for a time with her husband, Daniel) was on hand to do the baby lifting and brought Gilana to me on the floor. We have had a great deal of help caring for Gilana this week thanks to Byron's parents and the thoughtful Junior High staff ladies.

We look forward to knowing more of the status on Baby2 at our doctor's appointment this coming Thursday. What we do know is this, since I am at 32 weeks, we would like the baby to stay put at least 5 weeks longer!

Diaper Discounts!!

I have just become a fan of Diapers.com
I just made a large purchase of diapers and other necessities for Gilana and the new baby, and got a great discount, will receive the order via free shipping tomorrow, and paid no taxes!!

For any first time customers of diapers.com, please use coupon code (diaper101) for any order of diapers $49 or above for $10 off your order. This code can be combined with other offers and lets the company know that I referred you.

Thanks!

10 Months Milestones

Our sweet little girl is quite the mover and shaker now, literally! She loves to shake and rattle whatever objects come into her grasp (including the puppy's tail), and she is walking!!! Gilana starting taking hesitant steps over Labor Day, and now transitions easily from crawling to walking with ease. She is very fun to watch as she scampers across the room with arms outstreched and mouth blabbering endlessly. Gilly-bean enjoys climbing things-- another baby-proofing hazard and is learning to climb down safely. She scales the stairs with ease, but going down is another story. On another front, our sweetheart appears to be rather obstinate! The Gila-monster does not appreciate hearing "No," and must be quickly repremanded for any naughtiness. It breaks my heart at times, but is so rewarding to see her turn and go the opposite direction when she is moving forward and hears a "no touch."

Parenting is so exceptionally rewarding despite the difficulty. We are having another one soon!!!!!!

All Done!

Gilana has been growing increasingly proficient at her use of sign language, namely, "all done!" I started using it as a way for her to express when she was done eating, but recently it has come into play when she doesn't want to be held anymore, when she has determined that diaper changing has gone on long enough, and a variety of other uses. This little lady is opinionated!

Steps!!

Gilana took her first step before her tenth month, on Friday, September 11th. Why? Gigi was out exploring the back yard (eating grass, leaves, and dirt) and did not like crawling in the stuff. Naturally, that meant she had to walk over it! That day she took 1 step twice. In the two weeks since, she has progressed to 2 steps (quite nearly three!!!).

From Gilana Public

Gilana is becoming very adept at playing the little comedian for her audience, where bigger means better. She makes the funniest little faces of grins smirks and grimaces for the benefit of those watching. An applause sets her off for a grander display of cuteness.

She learned on Saturday last week (9/12/09) to play peek-a-boo by her own volition while in the car. We were driving down to La Jolla and she wasn't napping well. I took up post in the back seat with her and threw a blanket over her head as a distraction from tears. Seeing the opportunity for a game, Gilly-bean whipped it down from before her eyes, gave me a grand grin, and abruptly covered herself again with a chuckle. Priceless!! The following Monday (still in La Jolla) she played for the first time in the sand, and determined that wet sand is better to walk in than the dry variation.

From Gilana Public

From Gilana Public

From Gilana Public

I am currently working on some quilting projects and am taking every available nap-time for stitching. My hands hurt! It is worth it, though.

9 month stats and a surprise

I realized that I had neglected to post Gilana's stats from her last doctors appointment.

On 8/18/09 Gilana measured:

Weight 18 lbs (35%)
Height 28" (65%)
Head Cir. 18.25" (35%)

So, we can say that she is tall and skinny, just like her Daddy.


I am currently typing this at 8:38 am without any distraction because Gilana has chosen this day to sleep in! She is usually our 7am wake up call, but today is doing something much different. How strange! She is just now waking up, which means that she slept 13 hours last night. WOW!

Some more 9 Month Gilly-bean updates

Here's the word from Babycenter, and right now it's pretty accurate. She took a four hour nap today--must be having a growth spurt and I enjoyed that time to be productive!

"Because of separation anxiety, this can be a tough time to be away from your baby for any length of time. But it may also be hard to travel with your baby right now. He's become used to his surroundings and familiar faces, and he likes predictability. So being on the road can disrupt his sense of security and routine, especially when visiting a new place or meeting lots of strangers.

At this age he doesn't grasp the concept of travel, but he'll realize he's in an unfamiliar place. Be ready for some cranky, clingy behavior and prepare plenty of distractions — picture books, noise-making toys, nesting blocks, hand puppets, and definitely his lovey, if he has one. Schedule plenty of downtime away from all the strangers to let him decompress."

It is very sweet to see her give an extra-tight hug to whomever is holding her before consenting to a pass-off. She doesn't get fussy about it, though. Gilana still enjoy new people, and enjoys exploring new territory at her own pace.

Loving this little girl!!!!

9 Months Old!

What a sweet little monster we have the priviledge of hiding from... Gilana loves to growl at us as she chases Daddy and Mommy around the house. She is quite a ferocious little terror (ha!) and we love seeing how fast she can move. Gigi is handling her sprouting teeth with the strength of a little lion cub and rarely complains about those 6 little toothies. Her toothy display is now centered with two on the bottom and 4 on top. She's a trooper!

For my birthday (Tasha), we headed down to Long Beach/San Pedro for a fun romp around the town. Gilana greatly enjoyed the aquarium experience. Byron decided to do it up proper by revisiting the restaurant where he proposed. We reflected on the fact that just a few short years later we were back with a baby and another in the oven. Gilana was a smash hit at our lovely dinner at the Reef restaurant. We were out till 10:30pm, and Gilly-bean spent the evening munching Prime Rib and waving at the other patrons in her sweet pink frock.

Good times!

From Gilana Public

8 Months Old

Today marks Gilana's eighth month, and what transformations have occured in her!

Here is some information on what her development should look like from babycenter.com

Your baby's newfound mobility means that she's now entering the land of bumps and falls. These are an inevitable part of childhood, and although your heart may occasionally skip a beat or two, try to enjoy watching your baby explore her surroundings and discover her limits.

She certainly is discovering things as she "crawls" about the house and moves along on all fours fully extended. She greatly enjoys walking with help from Mommy or Daddy and pulls herself up to stand and shimmy over obstacles, such as the dog. Of course there are quite a few more tears now as she bumps into objects, falls down and gets frustrated about not being able to reach everything she wants to. Gilana has recently been discovering the great mystery of the doggie door and will crawl over to the sliding glass door and knock at us if we are outside. Our sweet girl is also learning to say "hi," and wave a welcome or goodbye.

A tooth, then teeth!

Yesterday Gilana sprouted her first tooth (upper left incisor). Then today she sprouted a second one on the bottom left! She is getting toothy quickly!

On the Go!!

Today was the first time I ever called Gilana and she came to me!!!! Also, Gilana discovered the bookcase and the joys of taking items off of it. Yesterday she did a speed crawl across the bedroom (with the help of a water bottle trapped under her toosh). She also decided to walk just a few hours later with some adorable high-stepping action while I held her hands for balance. Poor Byron missed all this while he is out of town working on the Big Bear house, but he will sure see some impressive Baby G progress when he returns! The camera needs some new batteries, so no pics until I find replacements.