Reaching milestones...

Gabriella has recently reached two more milestones in her little life. Last Friday (01/22/2010) we were over at our friends' house and Gabriella was lying on the floor playing with her toys on her blanket (she loves to do this by the way) then she started rolling like a rolly polly! She had done this once before but never a few times in a row. Too bad I didn't have my camera to capture it. Now she does it all the time-she thinks she's too cool:)

She also has a new favorite toy-her feet! She discovered her feet last Saturday while we were getting ready to go shopping. Now as soon as I put her down she reaches for them and starts to play. I'm sure they'll be in her mouth in no time-eeewww!

Edit-Like I thought would happen, Gabriella thinks her toes are yummy:)

Evidence that I'm getting old

Seriously, who has white hair in their twenties? Well I hate to admit I've had  it for maybe a year now and it has gotten worse. Geez, people I didn't expect for white hairs to come out until you were, hmm say in your 50's? I mean grandmas have white hair, not a woman in their twenties, right? But mine are right there poking out as to remind me every day that I'm getting older. I have to seriously dye my hair every two months sometimes sooner and I won't dare let anyone see it!. I tried to hide it from my husband, because its a dagger to my heart to know that I have some type of evidence of old age, this worked up until my first trimester during pregnancy when I had to wait to dye it. It was awful! One moring while lying in bed my husband noticed and asked, "wow did you know you have white hair?" I of course acted totally suprised and responded with a huge "Really"? Little did he know I'd been keeping my dirty little white secret for some time now. This totally sucks because I can only imagine what I'm going to look like at 50-when they should just start to come out. I suppose it genetics beause my dad's family all had a head full of white hair at 30, ok maybe not that young but very young indeed!

Cute book

Hubbs bought this book for Gabriella when she was a tiny newborn and now we both enjoy reading it to her. Its such a cute book. She is not yet eating solids, but I suppose it will be an adventure when the time comes!

Reviews on Gabriella's favorite toys

As a new mom you are pretty much clueless about what your child may or may not enjoy so most of my purchases have been based on reviews and recommendations from other moms. Who really wants to spend/waste money on a toy that is hardly ever going to be used, right? Well these three toys have been a life-saver and Gabriella has appreciated being entertained. I have links to two of these items on my sidebar.

Freddie the Firefly by Lamaze

This colorful little firefly designed with soft velour body and busy wings with multiple textures and crinkles and full of bright colors is just too much fun! Gabriella loves to put in her mouth and squeeze it (as its mostly what she does with her toys these days), but it keeps her entertained which is most important. It has awesome reviews so that is always a plus.

Sophie the Giraffe

This little giraffe is adorable! Not only is she so cute, but Gabriella loves playing with her. Sophie is a perfect size for babies to handle her with their tiny hands. She is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint which allowed me to give it to Gabriella with ease and not had to worry about toxic products. She sqeeks when you squeeze her and Gabriella loves that! Her poor little gums have been drooling like crazy-thanks to Sophie for allowing Gabriella to calm her little teething pains.

Carter's rag doll

I found this little doll at Target. It's totally cute but could not find a link to it. I bought it because she is a burnette and I liked that since it matches my daughter's hair. Most dolls are blonde so when I saw her I had to get it. She is super cute too with her pink and brown dress. She's made out of cloth so Gabriella squeezes her and chews on her, as she does with everything she can get her little hands on. She was only $7.99, which was my favorite part! They actually have a Valentine themed one for sale at Target now. I'm thinking about getting her that one to take and leave at daycare.

So here you have it! The toys that have saved us from teething cranky spills and boring car rides.

Happy Birthday Hubbs

Today Hubbs turns 29! Wow, I still remember when he turned 21! I can't talk because I'm right behind him. This year is quite different from any other birthday he has ever had-he's a dad now and awesome at that!

My father-in-law had a birthday gathering for hubbs yesterday and it turned out really nice. Its always nice to hang out with family and he really enjoyed it. Today the three of us are going to have dinner at Pappas -his fave restaurant. I bought him the whole series of band of Brothers and Gabriella bought him a "cupcake" candle.

Have a wonderful, stupendous, awesome day Babe, I love you~

Gabriella loves her Sophie

Sophie has been Gabriella's best friend since she started teething. I had read great reviews about this expenive little French teething toy so I gave it a shot and ordered her one. Needless to say Gabriella is yet another child that swears by this toy. She loves Sophie!










And she likes her rings also!

I feel like I'm being cheated....

on time and on Gabriella. I always envisioned myself raising my children. I always knew I wanted a career, but being a mom was always more important. Not being able to stay at home with Gabriella makes me so terribly sad and a bit resentful at the situation. I feel like time is passing by so quickly and I'm missing the chance of seeing her grow every single day. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my career but that's just it. My career will always be there and Gabriella will soon be all grown up. I guess it must have been today...I just missed her. I missed her so much! I quickly rush to daycare to get her but as soon as we get home she crashes out as she's so utterly tired, needless to say she naps for 2 hours. What am I to do wake my sweet baby? Of course not, she's had a rough day too. So in all I spend about 2 hours each evening with her. That's it. That's only it and its not enough. Maybe I'm just having one of those moments, but then again that can't be it because I find myself feeling this way more often than not. I'm almost crying as I'm typing this, but what can I do, these are just my feelings...Thankfully tomorrow is another day.

Can you blame me, look at this precious little girl...

Decisions, decisions.....

Being a parent is all about decisions, right? What to feed my baby breast milk or formula, cloth diapers or disposable, bassinet or crib? And then later in life it will be more like private or public school, how much tv should they watch, is junk food ok..etc etc you get the point! Well since Gabriella has grown a bit more now there are several questions we've asked ourselves if we're doing right. After all they don't sell a "Dummy for Parents" or some sort of manual that instructs you how to raise a happy, healthy, independent, sociable, successful human little being. You simply gather your morals, values, opinions, and experiences and put them to the test on your child and hope for the best.

So here's the dilemma, since Gabriella was a baby we rock her to sleep. That is one of the most precious moments that has allowed us to bond with her and I will cherish that forever. Thankfully she is a great sleeper (knocks on wood). We rock her and pat her back/butt and she's out for the night. It sounds wonderful, right? I mean it doesn't bother me one bit to have to put my baby to sleep. But then we've heard of people talking about sleep training, hmm? Sleep training, this is basically a way to wean baby from being put to sleep by their caregivers. You put your baby down in their crib and walk out to allow them to learn to fall asleep on their own. Well that would be glorious if your baby wouldn't cry which is also a part of sleep training- letting them cry-it-out, as many old school folks did to "let their child's lungs develop"...that's pretty funny but a whole different story to talk about.

So of course we want the best for Gabriella and since I read about how wonderful The Ferber Method by Dr. Ferber is, well we put it to the test on Saturday night. My god, was that just pure torture? Gabriella cried for an hour-ONE HOUR people, my poor little baby! We went in there to soothe her but we could not pick her up, that is part of the plan. Now talking about it makes me sad, because sure she fell asleep but because she was completely exhausted from crying for her mommy, is that even necessary? I want my baby to enjoy falling asleep and feel secure while doing it. Of course the advocates for this method would probably tell me that it gets better in time and its the best thing for baby, but really the best thing is what works for each individual family. PERIOD.

I started reading more about the subject and honestly sleep training is just not for us. I mean why even have to sleep train my baby when she is sleeping wonderful on her own. And better yet, I love rocking her to sleep anyway. Isn't that why I had a baby to begin with, to nurture, snuggle, put to sleep and meet her needs? Now of course if it works for you that's great! I think its also about different personalities, just not for us.

Before I know it Gabriella won't be a baby anymore and definitely will not want to be put to sleep, so for now I will cherish and enjoy every.single.night that I have to put sweet Gabriella to sleep.

I am not by all means, disrespecting any parenting style, because that should be left to what works for each individual family. Here is one of the many articles I read about attachment parenting, which mostly describes us.

Gabriella's favorite youtube video...

This video of these twins made my day today. It's hilarious and Gabriella thinks so too! Enjoy~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7mOzWQSnaQ

Diamonds are a girl's best friend and Gabriella got some!

We finally went to get Gabriella's ears pierced. After having such a good day at the doctor yesterday by taking it like a champ when she got her shots, I figured she would do just fine getting her ears pierced(poor baby has had a rough weekend). Well she screamed bloody murder for about 2 minutes but thank god managed to stop. She was smiling after not even ten minutes past, whew! Of course daddy held her because I'm such a chicken when it comes to stuff like that. I felt so bad when she started crying, almost felt like maybe it was a bad idea after all. She soon stopped crying and well she looks beautiful! Poor G, she's had a rough weekend, first her shots and then getting her ears pierced. I promise to post some pictures soon-she looks bea-u-ti-ful!

Here are some pictures of Gabriella that shows off her earings. She was in stroller playing with toys while mommy and daddy worked on the yard-it w as a beautiful day in January.

Gabriella's 4 months appointment....

Let me just say that I'm so proud of Nunie for taking Gabriella to the doctor all on his own today.He's so great with her! I was a little sad that I couldn't be there, but I knew she was in good hands. Best of all, Nunie called and said she didn't even cry-AT ALL! That's amazing. She cried a little at her 2 months shots but I was sure she would cry, scream, and be mad this time around, but I guess mommy was wrong. Gabriella is such a big girl, it makes me so proud. Nunie said that she moaned a little after her third shot but he gave her her bottle and she was content...that always seems to do the trick.

We had several questions for Dr. Filak, one being on when to start solids. I've been reading a lot on it and basically we are in no hurry. We would like to let Gabriella take the lead and let us know when she is ready(developmentally). Dr. Filak agreed with us, so that is what we'll do. We don't think she is quite ready yet as she has shown no signs but that can always change since she grows so quickly. I plan on making her baby food like my mom did for me, so that will be exciting.

Gabriella had also been sleeping in our room in her pack-n-play, and it's time to make that transition. We're starting this weekend, so please pray that she cooperates and is content sleeping in her beautiful room. Dr. Filak mentioned that at 4 months babies start to acquire the skills that will affect them as they get older, sleeping in their own room for example. It's probably going to be harder on us than on Miss G-keeping fingers crossed.....

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Gabriella turns 4 Months!

Oh geez, can we please freeze time for just a bit? Really? Gabiella is just growing up too fast and I want her to stay a little bitty baby forever. Its such a mix of emotions because every time she reaches another milestone it brings me so much joy but then I see her gaining her independence and it makes me sad. Just to think that in just a couple of more months she will be roaming the halls and we will be chasing after her.

She is so much fun these days! As soon as she is up in the mornings, she greets us with a huge smile-wet diaper and milk mustache but still smiling. It amazed me yesterday when I saw her via the daycare cameras that she was in the exersaucer and apparently loving it. Her daycare teachers tell us that she is very mature for her age-much like her momma! There is a section reserved in the daycare room for the older babies that are crawling and getting around. Well guess who hangs out there, yup Gabriella. While the other babies her age nap all day long or stay in the bouncer, Gabriella likes to be lying on the floor or under the gym mat. She is not a good napper, it's almost as if she doesn't want to miss a thing! She definitely didn't get that from mom, cause I can nap any hour of the day. As long as she is still sleeping through the night, there are no complaints from our side. I now leave you with more of Gabriella's news...


Gabriella's 4 month stats:

Weight: 15lbs 14 oz
Length: 25 1/2 inches
Eating: 5 oz every 3 hours
Clothing size: 3-6 months or 6 months
Diapers size: Size 2 Pampers Swaddlers or Huggies
Sleeping: Bedtime at 8:30pm-6:00am
Activities / Milestones: She chuckles more, recognized her bottle and reaches for it, plays in the exersaucer, screams loud, tries to hold her bottle, stands up on lap while holding her hands.

From Parents.com
Month 4

Senses: As a newborn, she would only respond to black and white and high-contrast colors. She can now distinguish all the shades of the rainbow. Could it be reason that she stares at things much more these days?

Body: Your baby is starting to sit with the support of her hands or a pillow. She's also beginning to reach out for objects. Gabriella sits with the support of her boppy and sits on her bumbo. She reaches for her bottle and the toys in her playmat.

Brain: She's becoming more aware of his surroundings and connecting the sight of things with pleasure -- her mother's face with warmth, the breast or bottle with nourishment. Again, when Gabriella is hungry and she sees the bottle she stops fussing and kicks with excitement. When I pick her from daycare and she sees me, her eyes light up and gives me a huge smile.

Communication Skills: Cries are now more deliberate. She may pause between sobs to see whether you're coming to the rescue. She may also cough or squeal to elicit a response. Umm, yeah she tries this when we put her down for bedtime.

Aww Factor: Your little one has started giggling, and all is good in your world. Gabriella is such a happy girl. If you smile, she smiles right back at ya.

Fave Toy: Gabriella is loving her "Maddie" and Freddie the Firefly.
Playtime: Lay out a playmat or a blanket and scatter toys around. Get down on her level and encourage her to reach out and start rolling or inching toward them. She loves loves doing this. She plays on the playmat at daycare and at home every evening.

Starting to plan...

Ok no not really, but I have a few things in mind for Gabriella's 1st birthday party.Yes, I know its like 8 months away, but can you blame me? Anyway I have a cupcake theme in mind. Its one that I had came across since I was pregnant-its a 1st birthday party cupcake theme. But most recently I came across this blog. This lady makes adorable custom made shirts, hats, etc-check them out. This is the one I'm liking for Gabriella:


Can you imagine this with a tutu?

Over The Holidays

Like I mentioned in a post below Gabriella was pretty fussy over the holidays. I'm not sure if it had to do with being out of her routine or its that she's teething. I've read babies may start to teeth 2-3 months prior to their first tooth coming in, so we shall see. Every day she does something new and it was great when I was able to spend all day with her. She has become very squirmy and only likes to cuddle when she is tired. If she's on my lap and I'm holding her little hands, she will push up against my lap and stand up(I hope I make sense), I'll have to take a picture of this. She loves playing with her Sophie teething toy and doll, and can spend hours in her room, she loves it in there! Gabriella started wearing her 6 months wardrobe which she has a lot of. Her persoanlity is showing even more and she will tell you exactly what she wants, that's right people and she's only 3 1/2 months-yikes! We attempted to get her ears pierced over the holidays, but we didn't have her shot record, she lucked out but we will be getting them done real soon. So enough babbling, here are the pictures.Enjoy~

Exhausted from daycare-(last day before the break)


With the hat Daddy bought her


Posing for Mommy



Hanging out with Daddy


Another one of her many hats


Too cute


Little reindeer turns 3 months


Playing with Sophie


Smilin'


This is what teething does


Fell asleep playing on her gym


Hard workout


First Christmas


Waiting for her bath


New Year's Eve


Going out


First pair of jeans


At home with Mommy


Playing in her room

2009 in Review

January We had our very first Dr's appointment and heard "bean's" heartbeat. We also celebrated hubb's 28th birthday and shared the news that we were expecting with our family.

February Morning sickness kicked in and I became a couch potato after work. I was so tired, I became to love naps even more. Celebrated Valentine's Day at Pf Chang's with Jose and Melissa.

March Spring break came around and we started clearing the guest room for "bean". My baby bump appeared during my 16th week of pregnancy. My grandma came to visit and we celebrated Karina's 19th birthday.

April We had our big ultrasound and found out "bean" was a girl. Soon we started deciding on a name and room decor.

May I celebrated my first Mother's Day even though I technically wasn't a Mom yet. Nunie and my family decided to celebrated me also! I had my first baby shower at work.

June I was off for summer vacation after the first week of June. We ordered the baby's furniture. We also celebrated Nunie for Father's Day.

July I had my big baby shower hosted by my Mom and MIL. The wood floors were put in and the room was just about completed. We spent the Fourth of July at the lake house in Conroe, swimming and relaxing.

August I started visiting the Dr. every 2 weeks. Karen came in town since Mom turned 50 and we had a bash for her. Nunie started the Fall semester full-time. I went back to work and I was feeling more miserable by the minute. Did I mention I was huge?

September I was so ready to have Gabriella but she had different plans. She was born 1 week overdue via c-section. We became first time parents, yay! Excited, hormonal, and sleep deprived but loving being a mom every minute of it.

October I turned 28(gulp). With a newborn at home we didn't do much but we got awesome news the day before on Oct 4th.(I will share the news later on)One hint-we're moving. Gabriella celebrated her first holiday(Halloween) and we had our annual Pumpkin Carving Party.

November Maternity leave came to an end and Gabriella started daycare. Thanksgiving was great as always.

December Baking, shopping, wrapping, and decorating soon filled up my schedule along with taking care of a busy baby. The holidays were so sweet with Gabriella being a part of them. After all, Christmas is for kids and now we had one to celebrate. Karen came in from Cali and we did the usual hang out at my mom's, go shopping, and went to the movies. We brought in the new year quite different than other years-just the three of us. We attended the Navy vs. Missouri college game and decided to bring in the new year at home.

This year is one that I will never forget. My daughter was born and many special moments occurred this year. I will never forget all the "firsts" that I have experienced in 2009 and look forward to what 2010 has in store for my family and me. I pray for health, prosperity, and peace. Cheers to a new decade!

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day 2009

We had a great Christmas at my Mom's. As expected it was awesome since it was Miss G's first Christmas so that made it extra special for everyone. She was pretty fussy though:( It's been a couple of weeks since she has been fussy and we're thinking she has started teething (I know my girl is growing too fast). She rubs her gums all the time, she constantly has her little hand in her mouth, and she drools like crazy. Despite all of this it was great! My mom and stepdad bought a karaoke machine and did we put it to use that night! Gabriella refused to go to bed at her bedtime, so we gave in and allowed her to stay up with us. After all she was the one who had the most presents to open. We joke and say that we could easily open up a toy store, my Mom went crazy with the toys and Santa was pretty generous as well:) However, it was me who got to open the gifts while daddy posed as the photographer. Hey, but I'm definitley not complaining:P

As you see in the pictures, Gabriella did not wear the Gap outfit we had intended for her to wear. I ordered it online and when it came in and I tried it on her, it was huge! It was her size and all but just fit funny. So there we go a couple of days before Christmas, shopping for a dress for Brie. Thank God I found this adorable one at Gymboree.


























































Christmas morning
Christmas morning we opened up Gabriella's presents from Santa. All from family and Santa she received the famous "Sophie" giraffe, Freddie the Firefly,a beautiful wool coat, some snow boots,a high chair, a wagon, books, and tons of educational toys. Nunie made us yummy pancakes as he always does on Christmas morning. We lounged around and spent quality time just the three of us.