As ruling princess of our house, Babykins has come to think that all things should work exactly as she wants. Which is why she's very confused about why some of her greatest dreams just won't come true. For example, two nights ago Babykins was fussing in her crib. I went in to check on what was wrong and found her with one pacifier in her mouth and one in her hand. She was trying valiantly to get the second pacifier in her mouth, as well, but only succeeded in repeatedly banging it against the one she was already sucking on. I took pity and removed the pacifier from her hand, at which point she quickly clamped both hands over the one in her mouth.
Her other big wish is to find a way to simultaneously nurse and suck her thumb. No matter how many times she tries, though, all she succeeds in doing is dribbling milk out the side of her mouth. Not only is she not accomplishing her goal, she's losing part of her dinner, as well :(
Luckily, Babykins can take solace in the fact that she's very close to achieving another big milestone...she's just seconds away from crawling! Keep dreaming big, Babykins. You're on your way!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Welcome Back!
We have returned from our trip to Australia, and Babykins officially has stamps in her passport. It was a great trip, and Babykins once again reminded us why she's the best baby in the world. Not only are we proud of the things she did - smiled and cooed at friends and family, napped like a champ, ate her first bites of chicken, and behaved beautifully while being babysat - we're also proud of the things she didn't do.
First and foremost, unlike all of the other babies around us on the plane ride home, Babykins did not throw up. After having toddlers in the rows directly in front and behind us do some serious throwing up, I've never been so proud of Babykins ability to keep her food in her tummy. She also avoided public meltdowns and held off on developing stranger anxiety and crawling abilities (two milestones that often pop up around this age) while traveling in another country and on small, enclosed planes.
Thank you for a fabulous trip, Babykins! You were brave, well-behaved, and (as one soon-to-be father put it) a good advertisement for having kids. As a reward, we're giving you 17 days of R&R before we test you one more time on the flight to Pennsylvania.
First and foremost, unlike all of the other babies around us on the plane ride home, Babykins did not throw up. After having toddlers in the rows directly in front and behind us do some serious throwing up, I've never been so proud of Babykins ability to keep her food in her tummy. She also avoided public meltdowns and held off on developing stranger anxiety and crawling abilities (two milestones that often pop up around this age) while traveling in another country and on small, enclosed planes.
Thank you for a fabulous trip, Babykins! You were brave, well-behaved, and (as one soon-to-be father put it) a good advertisement for having kids. As a reward, we're giving you 17 days of R&R before we test you one more time on the flight to Pennsylvania.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
If the Shoe Fits...
Or, more accurately, if the shoe doesn't fit. Once again, Babykins has grown out of a set of clothes. She's on the small side, so despite being a big, bad seven-monther, Babykins has been able to keep wearing her 3-6 month clothing. Recently, however, Hubbykins and I have started to notice that her clothes are getting a bit tight.
Which means that for the third time in her 7 months, I find myself folding up a set of tiny clothes and putting them away. Although it gets easier each time, I still find myself slightly sad that another phase of Babykins' babyhood is over. She'll never again wear the cute red and white polka dot dress or the adorable jammies that I thought made her look like a sailor (and everyone else thought made her look like a convict).
On the plus side, I now get to pull out the next set of clothing, all fresh and new, and ready to adorn the cutest baby on the block. Goodbye 6 month clothing, hello 9 monthers.
And a very Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends! Gobble gobble!
Which means that for the third time in her 7 months, I find myself folding up a set of tiny clothes and putting them away. Although it gets easier each time, I still find myself slightly sad that another phase of Babykins' babyhood is over. She'll never again wear the cute red and white polka dot dress or the adorable jammies that I thought made her look like a sailor (and everyone else thought made her look like a convict).
On the plus side, I now get to pull out the next set of clothing, all fresh and new, and ready to adorn the cutest baby on the block. Goodbye 6 month clothing, hello 9 monthers.
And a very Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends! Gobble gobble!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Gray Hairs and Wrinkles
Motherhood, like the presidency, ages you. Before Babykins was born, I always made sure to take my ID with me when I went to a bar or the liquor store. While it was a (very big) stretch to think I wasn't 21, I at least looked like I could be in the range they should card. Between sleepless nights and constant worry, though, it would now be no surprise that I'm rounding on 30.
Over the last couple weeks, Babykins has become increasingly mobile, quickly adding to the aging process. She rolls, she bottom scoots, she crawls backwards. She can't yet get anywhere fast, but she's deteremined.
Case in point...Yesterday Babykins was exhausted, but desperately fighting nap time. I put her down on her bed (we're using a mattress on the floor next to our bed here in Australia) with her pacifier and told her I'd be back to check on her in a few minutes. Five minutes later I open the door, and her bed is empty.
Within moments, I've had a heart attack, called her name, yelled for Hubbykins, and figured out where she is. I bent down, pulled up the quilt on our bed, and there she is, on her tummy, pushed up on her arms with her head held high, pride in her eyes and a big smile on her face. She had managed to roll herself off her mattress and all the way under the bed.
Hubbykins extraced her while I finished hyperventilating and grew a few more gray hairs. A wonderful adventure for Babykins, and a warning to us that Babykins is on the move!
Over the last couple weeks, Babykins has become increasingly mobile, quickly adding to the aging process. She rolls, she bottom scoots, she crawls backwards. She can't yet get anywhere fast, but she's deteremined.
Case in point...Yesterday Babykins was exhausted, but desperately fighting nap time. I put her down on her bed (we're using a mattress on the floor next to our bed here in Australia) with her pacifier and told her I'd be back to check on her in a few minutes. Five minutes later I open the door, and her bed is empty.
Within moments, I've had a heart attack, called her name, yelled for Hubbykins, and figured out where she is. I bent down, pulled up the quilt on our bed, and there she is, on her tummy, pushed up on her arms with her head held high, pride in her eyes and a big smile on her face. She had managed to roll herself off her mattress and all the way under the bed.
Hubbykins extraced her while I finished hyperventilating and grew a few more gray hairs. A wonderful adventure for Babykins, and a warning to us that Babykins is on the move!
Monday, November 22, 2010
She Comes from a Land Down Under
Our little Babykins is Australmerican - half Australian, half American. After 7 months of living in the U.S., we have taken her on her first trip to Australia. On Friday we packed up our gear (all 3 of us packing into just 2 carry-ons and 2 personal items, thanks very much) and boarded Hawaiian Airlines for a 10 hour flight.
Here I have to admit...Babykins was by far the best baby on the plane! She had a minor melt down toward the end of the flight, but after 10 straight hours stuffed into small seats and breathing recycled air, I was about ready to melt down, as well (although I managed not to cry).
Since arriving, she's met many of Hubbykins friends, along with new aunts, uncles, cousins, and her great-grandma. She's been having a lovely time introducing herself to a new set of adoring subjects. Who knew it could be so wonderful to have a set of, as Auntie MO would call them, minions on both sides of the globe.
This taste of travel has given Babykins a new inkling of her ability to slowly dominate the world, one cute smile at a time. With the U.S. and Australia thoroughly conquered, she's starting to eye up small European countries. Watch your back, Kate Middleton - Babykins has discovered it's nice to be Queen :)
Here I have to admit...Babykins was by far the best baby on the plane! She had a minor melt down toward the end of the flight, but after 10 straight hours stuffed into small seats and breathing recycled air, I was about ready to melt down, as well (although I managed not to cry).
Since arriving, she's met many of Hubbykins friends, along with new aunts, uncles, cousins, and her great-grandma. She's been having a lovely time introducing herself to a new set of adoring subjects. Who knew it could be so wonderful to have a set of, as Auntie MO would call them, minions on both sides of the globe.
This taste of travel has given Babykins a new inkling of her ability to slowly dominate the world, one cute smile at a time. With the U.S. and Australia thoroughly conquered, she's starting to eye up small European countries. Watch your back, Kate Middleton - Babykins has discovered it's nice to be Queen :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Watch out Janis Joplin, here comes Babykins!
If you want to see a group of stay-at-home mommies get all riled up, mention that your baby said "dada" before "mama." Yesterday, Babykins woke up from her nap and laid quietly whispering "dadadadada" the entire time I changed her diaper. By that evening, she was saying it at full volume. And this morning, it was the first thing she said when I picked her up from her crib.
I don't begrudge Hubbykins the"dadadas". What I find funny, though, is that Babykins says "dada", as well as "bababa" and "wawawa", in a gravelly, "I've been smoking cigarettes and drinking whiskey my whole life" kind of voice. If Babykins knew how to sing, she could give Janis Joplin a run for her money.
I suppose it shouldn't be too surprising, though. Babykins was born in the year of the tiger, and she's been growling and roaring since she learned how to make noise. Our little tiger prefers a good "grrr" to a high-pitched baby noise any day.
I don't begrudge Hubbykins the"dadadas". What I find funny, though, is that Babykins says "dada", as well as "bababa" and "wawawa", in a gravelly, "I've been smoking cigarettes and drinking whiskey my whole life" kind of voice. If Babykins knew how to sing, she could give Janis Joplin a run for her money.
I suppose it shouldn't be too surprising, though. Babykins was born in the year of the tiger, and she's been growling and roaring since she learned how to make noise. Our little tiger prefers a good "grrr" to a high-pitched baby noise any day.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
If They Taught This in High School Health Class...
Warning: If you're thinking about having a baby in the near future, I'd recommend skipping this posting. If you know someone who is currently pregnant or taking care of a baby, stop reading this and go do something nice for her.
And now, to address the title of my blog. It comes from my continual thought that "If they taught this in high school health class, there'd be a lot less pregnant teenagers." I'm thoroughly convinced that they teach all of the wrong things in high school health. As I recall, the message went something like, "If you have sex, you will get pregnant, catch a disease, and possibly die."
A compelling argument, and one that worked on me, but it lacks immediacy for a lot of teens (especially since the advent of penicillin). To fix this problem, schools used to have kids carry around a 5 pound sack of flour wrapped in a diaper to simulate parenthood (old school, yes - effective, no). These days they have fancy babies that cry and move, and still completely fail to give teens the real parenthood experience. So if I was in charge of high school health class, the curriculum would go something like this:
And now, to address the title of my blog. It comes from my continual thought that "If they taught this in high school health class, there'd be a lot less pregnant teenagers." I'm thoroughly convinced that they teach all of the wrong things in high school health. As I recall, the message went something like, "If you have sex, you will get pregnant, catch a disease, and possibly die."
A compelling argument, and one that worked on me, but it lacks immediacy for a lot of teens (especially since the advent of penicillin). To fix this problem, schools used to have kids carry around a 5 pound sack of flour wrapped in a diaper to simulate parenthood (old school, yes - effective, no). These days they have fancy babies that cry and move, and still completely fail to give teens the real parenthood experience. So if I was in charge of high school health class, the curriculum would go something like this:
- Week 1: Feel nauseous, throw up a lot, and eat nothing but mac and cheese or pizza for all of your meals. Cry when your favorite cereal runs out. Get motion sickness, throw up in the car, and brush your teeth at Walmart. Cry when the store doesn't have the item you want to buy. Throw up every time you try to brush your teeth. Cry when someone looks at you funny.
- Week 2: Try to go out for the evening. Discover that none of your pants button. Realize that you don't yet look pregnant, just fat. Inform your husband you're never leaving the house again.
- Week 3: Gain 30 pounds. Discover even your maternity clothes no longer fit. Ask for help every time you want to get up from the sofa. Run to the bathroom every 30 minutes day and night.
- Week 4: Attend a child birth class. Discover all the incredibly disgusting things your body will do the weeks immediately after giving birth (I'll spare you the details here).
- Week 5: I'd suggest simulating the pain of childbirth, but that would be torture even by the Bush administration's standards. Instead, stay up all night doing intense cardio. Get handed a small baby simulator (BS) that doesn't care how tired you are. Discover that your pre-maternity clothes still don't fit.
- Week 6: Wake up every 2 hours at night for a 1/2 hour feeding of baby simulator. Have BS cry every 2 hours during the day. Change diapers, feed BS, rock BS, give BS pacifier. BS continues to cry.
- Week 7: Buy the wrong brand of diapers. Wash poop out of 2 outfits each day. Get thrown up on so many times you run out of clean shirts. Do laundry, clean house, and cook meals during nap time.
- Week 8: Have BS throw up in store. Wake up every 4 hours at night to feed BS. Get peed on by BS while changing diapers. Realize you don't care who sees your breasts in public, as long as BS stops crying and people in the grocery store stop staring at you like you're torturing her.
- Week 9: Turn in your baby simulator. If you and baby have both survived, receive an "A". If you look well rested, your makeup's done, and your hair is styled, receive an "F". You obviously did not attend to your BS.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Aloha Auntie MO! Part 2
In Hawaii, Aloha not only means hello, it also means goodbye (actually it means about a gazillion other things, as well, but that's for another blog). Today is Auntie MO's last day with us in Oahu, so it's once again time to say, "Aloha." Babykins hardly slept last night and has been clingy this morning. I think it's because she knows the end of the visit is drawing near.
But instead of being sad, I've decided to focus today on the fun we had during Auntie MO's trip. Since my last post about her visit, we've been very busy. We've seen breathtaking views from the Pali Lookout and traveled through a small rain forest. We saw a Buddhist temple and attended a Thai festival. Auntie MO has been paddle boarding 4 times, and we all attended a Hawaiian language church service in Hawaii's first church. Most importantly, we've had the chance to spend time together, and Babykins has had a wonderful re-discovering her Aunt (who taught her that all the people she sees are her Minions).
We'll be sad to say Aloha to Auntie MO, but in just a month, Babykins, Hubbykins, and I will be making the trip to Pennsylvania for Christmas, and we'll once again be able to use Aloha in the happiest sense possible.
But instead of being sad, I've decided to focus today on the fun we had during Auntie MO's trip. Since my last post about her visit, we've been very busy. We've seen breathtaking views from the Pali Lookout and traveled through a small rain forest. We saw a Buddhist temple and attended a Thai festival. Auntie MO has been paddle boarding 4 times, and we all attended a Hawaiian language church service in Hawaii's first church. Most importantly, we've had the chance to spend time together, and Babykins has had a wonderful re-discovering her Aunt (who taught her that all the people she sees are her Minions).
We'll be sad to say Aloha to Auntie MO, but in just a month, Babykins, Hubbykins, and I will be making the trip to Pennsylvania for Christmas, and we'll once again be able to use Aloha in the happiest sense possible.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Return of the Mack
dFirst and most important, happy 7 month birthday, Babykins!!! You're growing so fast and reaching so many new milestones, it's just amazing. Mommy and daddy love you!
Last night, for the first time in almost 6 months, Hubbykins and I went out by ourselves for a date night. Auntie MO volunteered to babysit while we went out to eat, and we planned to put the baby down to bed, then head out for an evening on the town.
Our plans changed a bit, but we ended up having a fabulous evening. We went out early for drinks with friends, then returned home to put Babykins to bed, then headed out again for a solo dinner. Auntie MO took a picture of us before we left, and when we saw it later, it was like looking at our pre-pregnancy selves. Being out on the town with Hubbykins even made me feel like my pre-pregnancy self again for the first time in over a year.
Despite being a little nervous about being away from Babykins, she had a fun night with her auntie and we had a fun night being grown ups. We even managed to make it through the whole evening without calling home.
Babykins did make her opinion about our going out known, though. Despite enjoying herself while we were gone, and going right to sleep when we stopped home, once we returned for the night she woke up every half hour for the rest of the night just to make sure we didn't go out again. Just letting us know we shouldn't plan on making date night a regular event quite yet.
Last night, for the first time in almost 6 months, Hubbykins and I went out by ourselves for a date night. Auntie MO volunteered to babysit while we went out to eat, and we planned to put the baby down to bed, then head out for an evening on the town.
Our plans changed a bit, but we ended up having a fabulous evening. We went out early for drinks with friends, then returned home to put Babykins to bed, then headed out again for a solo dinner. Auntie MO took a picture of us before we left, and when we saw it later, it was like looking at our pre-pregnancy selves. Being out on the town with Hubbykins even made me feel like my pre-pregnancy self again for the first time in over a year.
Despite being a little nervous about being away from Babykins, she had a fun night with her auntie and we had a fun night being grown ups. We even managed to make it through the whole evening without calling home.
Babykins did make her opinion about our going out known, though. Despite enjoying herself while we were gone, and going right to sleep when we stopped home, once we returned for the night she woke up every half hour for the rest of the night just to make sure we didn't go out again. Just letting us know we shouldn't plan on making date night a regular event quite yet.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dear Michelle Duggar
Dear Michelle Duggar,
How do you do it? I have one 7 month old baby, and I am always tired, occasionally cranky, and only recently started doing my makeup again. You have 19 children, and not only do you always seem like a bastion of serene calmness, your clothes are ironed, your hair is done, and you somehow manage to home school everyone.
I'd be willing to bet you never look up at 1 pm and realize you forgot to brush your teeth.
So again I ask, how do you do it? I can't imagine you've had a full night's sleep in the last 20 years. Is it that you've completely accepted your role as stay-at-home mom, so never get frustrated when you're cleaning up the gazillionth mess of the day? Is it because you finally have children old enough to help? Or is there a special mommy handbook I just haven't discovered, yet? If so, I'll send my address and postage if you'll pop it in the mail.
Sincerely,
Mommykins
How do you do it? I have one 7 month old baby, and I am always tired, occasionally cranky, and only recently started doing my makeup again. You have 19 children, and not only do you always seem like a bastion of serene calmness, your clothes are ironed, your hair is done, and you somehow manage to home school everyone.
I'd be willing to bet you never look up at 1 pm and realize you forgot to brush your teeth.
So again I ask, how do you do it? I can't imagine you've had a full night's sleep in the last 20 years. Is it that you've completely accepted your role as stay-at-home mom, so never get frustrated when you're cleaning up the gazillionth mess of the day? Is it because you finally have children old enough to help? Or is there a special mommy handbook I just haven't discovered, yet? If so, I'll send my address and postage if you'll pop it in the mail.
Sincerely,
Mommykins
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Backwards, Ho!
Lately, Babykins has been working very hard to learn to crawl. She flips from sitting to her tummy, rocks back and forth on her hands and knees, and wiggles her little hips in an attempt to get moving. One of these days, I'm going to walk across the room and look down to find her following right along behind.
Although she has yet to make any forward progress, Babykins spent a good chunk of time last night going backwards. She was on her tummy, staring hard at a toy just out of reach. She gathered up all her little strength, pushed on her arms, and promptly slid farther away from her objective. This didn't discourage our intrepid Babykins. She just re-focused, put her arms back under her...and moved even farther in the opposite direction of where she wanted to be.
Five minutes and 3 feet later, Babykins finally realized her toy was getting farther and farther away. Her little head went down on the ground, and she gave the saddest little cry. Luckily for Babykins, there were 3 grown ups in the room more than happy to pick her up and sit her near the toy she'd been chasing.
It was an exciting adventure, both for Babykins who, while she didn't get where she was going, did manage to make some independent travel, and for all of us, who marveled over her new skill.
Although she has yet to make any forward progress, Babykins spent a good chunk of time last night going backwards. She was on her tummy, staring hard at a toy just out of reach. She gathered up all her little strength, pushed on her arms, and promptly slid farther away from her objective. This didn't discourage our intrepid Babykins. She just re-focused, put her arms back under her...and moved even farther in the opposite direction of where she wanted to be.
Five minutes and 3 feet later, Babykins finally realized her toy was getting farther and farther away. Her little head went down on the ground, and she gave the saddest little cry. Luckily for Babykins, there were 3 grown ups in the room more than happy to pick her up and sit her near the toy she'd been chasing.
It was an exciting adventure, both for Babykins who, while she didn't get where she was going, did manage to make some independent travel, and for all of us, who marveled over her new skill.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Things We Might Not Tell the Doctor
At Babykins' last check-up, the doctor gave us a list of foods we could begin introducing to the Babykins' diet. It included things like whole grain cereal (e.g., Cheerios) - check. Eggs - tried and rejected. And liver - not a chance. It also listed fruits - Babykins loves cantaloupe and apples - and veggies, which are not so high on Babykins' list of likes.
The list also discourages baby food, stating that the only people who benefit from these purees are the baby food companies. I have to admit that from a pure convenience perspective, I'm not ready to give up the ready-made baby foods. Although the last time the doctor asked about what we're feeding her, I may have forgotten to mention that they're still a part of her diet. After all, we only buy the ones that are pure fruit and water.
At Babykins' next check-up, I may also conveniently forget to mention that today I introduced my child to the joys of (salt-free) french fries. Auntie MO, Babykins, and I were having lunch at a burger joint, and Babykins stared so hard at the fries that I just couldn't resist slipping her a bite. It was quite possibly the first food she actively wanted more of on the first try. 6 or 7 bites later I was simultaneously pleased that she was being such a good eater, and feeling guilty that I was giving her such junk.
Either way, it made for a lovely lunch, which Babykins promptly washed down with some mama milk. And when I tell the story later, it's possible those fries will magically morph into baked potatoes.
The list also discourages baby food, stating that the only people who benefit from these purees are the baby food companies. I have to admit that from a pure convenience perspective, I'm not ready to give up the ready-made baby foods. Although the last time the doctor asked about what we're feeding her, I may have forgotten to mention that they're still a part of her diet. After all, we only buy the ones that are pure fruit and water.
At Babykins' next check-up, I may also conveniently forget to mention that today I introduced my child to the joys of (salt-free) french fries. Auntie MO, Babykins, and I were having lunch at a burger joint, and Babykins stared so hard at the fries that I just couldn't resist slipping her a bite. It was quite possibly the first food she actively wanted more of on the first try. 6 or 7 bites later I was simultaneously pleased that she was being such a good eater, and feeling guilty that I was giving her such junk.
Either way, it made for a lovely lunch, which Babykins promptly washed down with some mama milk. And when I tell the story later, it's possible those fries will magically morph into baked potatoes.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Craters and Snorkels and Waves, oh my!
Babykins has been on the move since Auntie MO's arrival. Thursday we hiked Diamond Head crater. Babykins insisted she could crawl right up that mountain, but we decided to carry her up. 560 feet and 271 stairs later, Babykins was kicking away in her carrier, and Mommykins was about to fall over. It was well worth it for the view, though, and Auntie MO carried Babykins down. Babykins promptly fell asleep in the car, and in her version of the story, she still insists she crawled the whole way :)
Friday found us on the North Shore, watching the HIC qualifying competition for the surfing Triple Crown. The waves were so massive that swimming wasn't allowed on most of the beaches, and the surfers brave enough to go out looked tiny on the ocean. While Auntie MO and I watched in amazement, Babykins just scoffed and talked story about how she could out surf them all. Ever since Daddy put her on our paddle board a couple weeks ago, she's been quite confident of her ocean skills.
Finally, this morning we went over to Hanauma Bay for some snorkeling. While Auntie MO, Daddy, and some work friends swam with the fishies, Babykins practiced her new skill of flipping from a sitting position to lying on her tummy. This is a fun game to play at home. At the beach it resulted in a sand-covered baby.
We wrapped up these days of fun with an evening barbecue, where the Hubbykins and I showed our true Hawaiian spirit by donning long pants and sweaters when the temperature dropped to a chilly 75 (approx. 22 C). Babykins, wrapped in footie pajamas and a jacket, watched the stars and tried valiantly to grab the food off our plates.
She's now passed out, sleeping off her adventurous days, with the grownups close behind.
Friday found us on the North Shore, watching the HIC qualifying competition for the surfing Triple Crown. The waves were so massive that swimming wasn't allowed on most of the beaches, and the surfers brave enough to go out looked tiny on the ocean. While Auntie MO and I watched in amazement, Babykins just scoffed and talked story about how she could out surf them all. Ever since Daddy put her on our paddle board a couple weeks ago, she's been quite confident of her ocean skills.
Finally, this morning we went over to Hanauma Bay for some snorkeling. While Auntie MO, Daddy, and some work friends swam with the fishies, Babykins practiced her new skill of flipping from a sitting position to lying on her tummy. This is a fun game to play at home. At the beach it resulted in a sand-covered baby.
We wrapped up these days of fun with an evening barbecue, where the Hubbykins and I showed our true Hawaiian spirit by donning long pants and sweaters when the temperature dropped to a chilly 75 (approx. 22 C). Babykins, wrapped in footie pajamas and a jacket, watched the stars and tried valiantly to grab the food off our plates.
She's now passed out, sleeping off her adventurous days, with the grownups close behind.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Mama!!!!!
Sometimes, you're just so glad to have a witness.
Babykins, Auntie MO and I are walking down the hall to the apartment this afternoon after a quick swim (yes, we went swimming in November - I LOVE Hawaii). I'm carrying Babykins, who is looking around the hallway at the lights, not making a sound. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, she very loudly calls, "Mama!" And proceeded to not make another noise until we got to the apartment.
I'm sure it was just a random sound combo for her and she wasn't actually addressing me, but it was still one of the most exciting mommy moments I've had. I think I actually scared her a bit with how excited I was - big hug and kisses and lots of laughter.
I spent the rest of the afternoon looking at her and prompting, "Say Mama," but she has yet to repeat the feat. Which makes me very glad Auntie MO witnessed the event, or by now I'd be starting to doubt that it actually happened. Yea, Babykins!!! Keep up the wonderfulness :)
Babykins, Auntie MO and I are walking down the hall to the apartment this afternoon after a quick swim (yes, we went swimming in November - I LOVE Hawaii). I'm carrying Babykins, who is looking around the hallway at the lights, not making a sound. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, she very loudly calls, "Mama!" And proceeded to not make another noise until we got to the apartment.
I'm sure it was just a random sound combo for her and she wasn't actually addressing me, but it was still one of the most exciting mommy moments I've had. I think I actually scared her a bit with how excited I was - big hug and kisses and lots of laughter.
I spent the rest of the afternoon looking at her and prompting, "Say Mama," but she has yet to repeat the feat. Which makes me very glad Auntie MO witnessed the event, or by now I'd be starting to doubt that it actually happened. Yea, Babykins!!! Keep up the wonderfulness :)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Aloha Auntie MO!
Babykins' Auntie MO (Short for Marvelous One) arrived last night and is going to be spending 2 weeks in Hawaii. This is the first time Babykins will actually be old enough to understand that she's being spoiled. The last time we had long-term visitors, the little sweetie pie didn't realize that she was getting picked up, carried, and played with more than usual.
This time, she has very quickly discovered that with an adoring auntie around, life is much more fun than when it's just Babykins and mommy all day. Every whim and want can be met in half the time. There's never a time when a quick fuss goes unanswered. And when mommy can't immediately attend to her, a cute look aimed at auntie will quickly do the trick.
Babykins loves her Auntie MO and is soaking up all the extra attention. It's going to be a sad, sad day for her when it goes back to just being mommy at her beck and call.
This time, she has very quickly discovered that with an adoring auntie around, life is much more fun than when it's just Babykins and mommy all day. Every whim and want can be met in half the time. There's never a time when a quick fuss goes unanswered. And when mommy can't immediately attend to her, a cute look aimed at auntie will quickly do the trick.
Babykins loves her Auntie MO and is soaking up all the extra attention. It's going to be a sad, sad day for her when it goes back to just being mommy at her beck and call.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Trick or Treat!
According to an article my mom (Grandmommykins) read, more than 75% of parents admit to pilfering Halloween candy from their children's stash. Since Babykins doesn't have any teeth and is much too young for sweets, I consider eating her Halloween candy more of a public service. It would teach Babykins a bad lesson if we let food go to waste.
We celebrated Babykins first Halloween 2 nights this weekend. On Saturday we went to Honolulu's Hallowbaloo music festival. Babykins got all dressed up in her little orange and white "Baby's First Halloween" onesie and hit the town. We got a picture with Mickey (Babykins cried), listened to some bands, and when Babykins fell asleep decided to push our luck and eat dinner there. We got home at 7:30 (a big night out in the Babykins household!), at which point Babykins promptly woke up from what she considered a great nap and proceeded to not sleep. An hour later I was asleep on the floor, Hubbykins barely had his eyes open on the sofa, and Babykins was wide awake playing with her toys.
Sunday night we dressed Babykins up in the little "Boo" ghost costume I'd worn for my first Halloween and headed to Bishop Museum's Treat Street. We arrived promptly at 5:30 when it opened to discover a line reminiscent of Disney World in order to go in. Babykins fell asleep on the way there and stayed passed out while we waited in line, but like the brave (foolish?) parents we are, we woke her up when we entered so that she could have the Trick or Treating experience. You walk past about 100 yards of painted back drop that holes cut out where people stick their arms through and drop candy in your bag. By the time we reached the 3rd hole, Babykins was crying. Disembodied hands just aren't her thing.
A few tears, one sleepless night, and much pilfered candy later, I'm happy to say we had a wonderful first Halloween with the ever adorable Babykins.
We celebrated Babykins first Halloween 2 nights this weekend. On Saturday we went to Honolulu's Hallowbaloo music festival. Babykins got all dressed up in her little orange and white "Baby's First Halloween" onesie and hit the town. We got a picture with Mickey (Babykins cried), listened to some bands, and when Babykins fell asleep decided to push our luck and eat dinner there. We got home at 7:30 (a big night out in the Babykins household!), at which point Babykins promptly woke up from what she considered a great nap and proceeded to not sleep. An hour later I was asleep on the floor, Hubbykins barely had his eyes open on the sofa, and Babykins was wide awake playing with her toys.
Sunday night we dressed Babykins up in the little "Boo" ghost costume I'd worn for my first Halloween and headed to Bishop Museum's Treat Street. We arrived promptly at 5:30 when it opened to discover a line reminiscent of Disney World in order to go in. Babykins fell asleep on the way there and stayed passed out while we waited in line, but like the brave (foolish?) parents we are, we woke her up when we entered so that she could have the Trick or Treating experience. You walk past about 100 yards of painted back drop that holes cut out where people stick their arms through and drop candy in your bag. By the time we reached the 3rd hole, Babykins was crying. Disembodied hands just aren't her thing.
A few tears, one sleepless night, and much pilfered candy later, I'm happy to say we had a wonderful first Halloween with the ever adorable Babykins.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)