3 and 16 Months

Playing catch-up here and working on backing up our files.  Our lovely little snuggle-bug Camelia is 3 months now and still a total Momma's girl.  She wants to be with me at every waking moment, except of course if her dear Popsy is available. 

Gilana is back to her boisterous self running 500 miles an hour.  During our vacation (Byron had 2 weeks off during the Gigi illness) we spent several days in Cambria, followed by a day at the zoo, then the dreaded sickness.  All this was topped of by painting our bedroom green and the downstairs bath a lovely and very inviting blue.

Pictures!

Gigi with Daddy on route to Cambria via Paso Robles

Gilana explores Cambria

Camelia takes in the bright sights

Gilana leaving the zoo with her big bud Eli

Melly meets Aunt Liney

Melly was shocked by the healthcare bill

Auntie Lizzie comforted Gigi in her sickness with Pedialyte

Beautiful Gilana considers hair accessories at 16 months

Camelia's 3 month shot with the puppy-doll and Moosie's blankie

Still Sick... and Camelia Rolled!

On the good side, Camelia rolled over yesterday with a valiant effort of a baby push-up.  Well done Melly-mouse!

On to Gilana.  She got her fever back the night after it broke and it basically remained at 102* till yesterday afternoon.  She took a very brief nap and then watched Aristocrats with our family who came over.  She ate very little and then bedtime.  After numerous attempts to put her down, I let her come downstairs to hug Sushi around midnight.  Gigi was obviously exhausted but refused to return to her crib to lay down.  Byron ended up camping out the night in her room.  She awoke often with coughing fits and a lot of moaning.  Poor sweet baby broke my heart seeing her in so much pain and discomfort. 

This morning we plan on taking her to the doctor.  Looks like the stomach flu got followed up by an ear infection.  We await the prognosis. 

We appreciate everyone's prayers.  This has been a rough parental road to travel, but God is gracious in our sufferings and is currently working all things for the good of those that love Him.  So reassuring to know truth!

The Fever Broke

Gilana had an aweful night of sleep, followed by a low fever and a very un-Gigi like malaise.  She hardly ate anything and then lost all her food after her second nap, and 104* fever and a blessed visit from Mopsy and Aunt Liney.  Byron had to wash himself down from the mess and forego dinner to soak our Precious in a cool bath.  After some more upset, Tylenol, and cuddles, Mommy went to dry Gigi off and soothe her in the rocking chair.  But Gigi wanted none of that.  She cheerily bolted from my arms on a naked quest for her shoes.  After failed attempts to put them on, she announced her plan to watch the "Meow" movie commonly called "Aristocats" and settled into her chair with great anticipation.

God answers prayers so quickly and oft times comically.

My wife rocks!

Today is daddy day.... or at least for 3 hours. All alone with the girls while Tasha is pampered with shopping and a massage!
It only took 5 minutes of mommy being gone for panic to set in... Millie screaming and Gilana wanting to be entertained. What do I do???
Well I had to think fast...... Aristocats... that was the answer.... Gilana has probably seen it 5 times this week so one more couldn't hurt, so I plopped her in front of it and bounced Millie down stairs to make Gilana some food. I threw a random assortment of string cheese, fishie crackers, veggie fries, yogurt and a pancake together, heated a bottle, defrosted Millie's milk and rushed back up to GG. Chaos continued alittle longer until Gilana finished lunch and I was able to put her down and after a bottle and diaper change Millie was asleep too!
I am so grateful for my bride. She joyfully cares for my kids, supports me, and encourages my leadership. Tasha works so hard, and I am glad she got a little break today! Praise God for my excellent wife!

Sleeping Babes

After two months of an erratic schedule with no rest for the weary-worn Mama, I decided to get the babies on a sleeping schedule.  For the past week, Gilana had gotten into the habit of waking up about 6:30am, and also had late night episodes of crying.  After some research, I concluded that the night-times wakings were due to growth spurts and began giving her a whole banana daily for potassium.  The morning mayhem was treated in much the same fashion as we had previously taught her to sleep in her own room... patience and persistence.  After 5 minutes of crying, I checked on her and left the room.  After ten minutes the same and then 15 minutes after that.  She would eventually fall asleep and then at 8am, without a tear to beckon me in, I arrived in the nursery with Camelia in tow to be nursed.

Breakfast and a (nearly) structured playtime ensued, followed by outdoor activies and a noon lunch.  Naptime was set for 12:30 or 1pm and Gilana was encourage to sleep as long as possible.  Camelia was also settled down for a nap on her belly at this time.  She loves to sleep on her belly, and since the doctor's are all in cohorts to denounce it's appropriateness, I conclude that if she sleeps that way while I can check on her periodically, then all is well.

Afternoons consist of more playtime, dinner prep, occasional afternoon walks, and dinner at 6 or 6:30 depending on Daddy's arrival.  Gilana' bedtime routine begins about 7:30 with her sleeping at 8pm. 

We have only been on this routine for several days, but all is well thus far.  My hopes are that it does not all fall apart tomorrow! 

Appreciating some R&R,
The Mom

Who says motherhood is a thankless job?

This morning presented itself in just the same fashion as nearly every other morning.  The babes awoke, hungry for food and attention.  Of course a diaper change was also in order.  Gilana told me so by pointing to the changing station and reciting "die-da," commonly referred to as a diaper.  I proceeded to lift her up to the pad where she selected a diaper and waited... patiently (!!!) to be changed.  Upon completion of this project my little one gave me a gracious "tank two" for my services. 

Of course, thanks or not, the goodness of the Lord is most obvious in the sweet (and at times difficult) duties of motherhood.  I love my beautiful little blessings!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Dr's Appt

Our girls both had checkups with their doctor yesterday with some impressive results.

Gilana at 15 months:
Height: 32" 88%
Weight: 23lbs 1oz 52%
Head: 19.25" 97%

Tall and skinny!

These numbers mean that Gilana can now have 3/4 teas of Children's Tylenol, 1 teas of Children's Motrin/Advil, or 2 ml of Children's Benadryl.  Good to know!

Camelia at 2 months:

Height: 24" 90%
Weight: 14lbs 11oz >97%
Head: 16" 85%

BIG baby girl with her weight not even registering on the chart!  My sweet little [big] chunk.

Her numbers indicate Melly can have 0.8 ml of Infant Tylenol.

Dr. V. let me know that we should start giving the girls some vitamins.  Polyvisol for Camelia and some yummy Flintstones chews for Gilana.

I love our little monkeys!  Poor Camelia had a bad reaction to the shots she was administered.  She went off her food for most of the day and seemed to be in pain whenever I held her close in her favorite position.  It was heartbreaking!  When I went to get her some Tylenol, I discovered that the front door had blown open and Sushi was gone!!  After trying to feed Camelia some more, we all loaded in the car and searched for beloved Sushi.  My calls for our family dog were faithfully echoed in the backseat by Gilana.  "Ish-ish!!  Ish-ish Woof!"  No Sushi discovered until Byron received a call from a neighbor who had taken her in.  We were so grateful!   All the driving had put Camelia to sleep and she felt much better after a good rest.

The day ended well.

Gilana the Janitor

Our sweet toddler is making daily strides in her vocabulary and yesterday noticed trash on the floor which she proceeded to pick up and deposit in the nearest trashcan.  Tonight, Gilana spotted some trash in the bathroom and pointed at it, saying "trash" to her Daddy.  She then deposited it in the trash receptacle.  Smart girl.

2 Month Camelia

Our sweet little cuddle-bug turned two months old yesterday.  She has been such a delight and treasure to our family.  Below are some photos of her to mark this most excellent occasion. :-)

Sleepy Babe

Sweet Gilana had a very exciting day yesterday with some little girlfriends who came to play, but after all the excitement, slept only an hour before getting back up to play again with some of Erin's piano students. This morning Gilana had a hard time staying awake, so we took a stroll and played at the park for a bit with Camelia sleeping in the stroller.  After a light lunch, Gigi was ready for bed and slurped down her bottle while nestled in my arms during our usual naptime routine.  She actually fell asleep curled up there and I got to enjoy the loveliness of her tender beauty before setting her into the crib to go get Camelia. Motherhood has some lovely tender moments, indeed!

Momma!

Today marks the first day Gilana has called out for me by name.  She yelled out "Mamma" on several occasions when I went downstairs without her.  Then again went I went back upstairs and hid from her in hopes of the same response.  It worked!  My heart got goose pimples.  ;)

She's so Cute and Cuddly

 

  

 

Gilana Makes Excuses

Gilana is not allowed to throw food off her tray while eating in the high chair.  Last night I spied her drop some food down and confronted her about it.

The question:
"Gilana, did you drop food on the ground?"

The response:
A shake of the head and "Woof, woof!"

(The interpretation:  No Momma, I did not drop any food on the ground, I gave it to Sushi!")

Camelia's Smiles

Camelia first started smiling about 3 days after birth, but those weren't yet a cognitive response to the outside world. Those smiles were more of a response to flatulance internal functionings.  Just this week, though (5 weeks old) Melly smiled up at me as I was singing to her.  She did the same thing the next day, so it looks as though she understands! 

She is a very alert and bright little girl, so wonderful to hold as she is content to just cuddle up with me and enjoy the world from my arms.  Precious grace! 

Kissable

Even at 10pm, 11:30 pm, 2:39 am, 3:50 -5:21 am and all times in between when we should be sleeping (but aren't), Camelia has the most lovely kissable and smell good cheeks on the planet!!  Love this little munchkin!