Today was Phoebe's first birthday! My baby is one!
We woke up this morning with her in our bed and had happy snuggles. Phoebe is always hugging and now gives kisses. It is the sweetest thing ever. I feel like she was even being extra cute, Jason and I were just melting.
Cordelia gave Phoebe her present: the green version of her purple talking dog. Phoebe always wants to play with Violet, so hopefully having Scout will solve some of the competition.
We headed off to work and Phoebe got to have lots of new toys at Meme's house. I was watching the clock pretty closely, but then set my phone alarm to buzz at 9:31. I also sent Meme a text to give Phoebe a kiss then.
I gave the kids in my class extra leis from Phoebe's party. At last it was time to pick her up from Meme's house! I tried to leave school with Cordelia, but first realized I forgot my phone and then Cordelia remembered she left her talking dog Violet.
We played with some of her new toys when I got to Meme's house. Lots of light up robotic things. Cordelia was very excited to play with them. She and Phoebe were getting competitive, grabbing a bit. I think tomorrow will be a little challenging, for Cordelia's sharing skills.
We came home and had snacks. I cut up a watermelon to make it into a "fruit cake". I made cantaloupe hearts and flowers and also attached blueberries with toothpicks. I tried to give Phoebe some cantaloupe while I cut up the watermelon but she got mad and threw it on the floor. She saw me chopping a watermelon across the kitchen and wanted it right then! So I had to give her some early!
I last minute tidied up the house, which had me running about a bit. Cordelia and Phoebe listened to Moana songs, can't go wrong with that lol
Jason managed to get home a little early, so we had dinner and then cousins came over for presents! Her aunt and uncle got her the exact same baby walker/stroller that I had already gotten her! It was too funny! We also gave her a busy box toy, and 2 stuffed animals, which she hugged and kissed with joy. Gillian gave her a baby doll, so that she could have her own, like Baby Truman, Cordelia's doll. I was hoping this could also help with toy competition, but, was also a little worried that Cordelia would want it all for herself. (Big Surprise, it was the latter... she wants Baby Elena and the walker to be hers).
We then went outside and checked out Phoebe's other gift: a sandbox! Phoebe did not enjoy the feel of the sand yet though. It makes her cry! Oh well, hopefully it will be a nice gift for both the girls as they get bigger.
We went in and had fruit-cake. I was happy with how it turned out and all the kids liked having watermelon, cantaloupe, and blueberries!
We hung out a while more, but by then it was very much the time for the little ones to go to bed. Phoebe had been up for soooo long and was definitely ready for sleep.
Phoebe, you have such a sweet heart. But you are fiesty and love to express what you want. I shall love watching you grow and grow.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Beach Birthday Party
Today was Phoebe's beach birthday party!
We invited Jason's parents, the cousins, a couple of families, and Jason's fun co workers… just about everybody came! I wasn't sure if people would be up for it, as it would mean driving quite a ways, but they did! I made it a pot luck, over having to include gifts… we have gotten a few select things for Phoebe, but hoping not to get overwhelmed with too much more stuff. I think after Cordelia's first birthday and Hanukkah, we definitely went overboard! That doesn't mean I don't love you any less, Phoebe bird, it's just that we have learned that moderation is good too.
We gathered up all of our gear and somehow managed to make it and food all fit in Jason's car! We'd thought we would have to bring two cars, but Jason is the tetris king. We had to stop for ice at the last minute, so were running a bit late, but everyone I texted said they were just leaving themselves. We made good time and went out to Muir Beach.
It was a gray, cloudy, chilly day, only in the 60s. I was hoping the sun would come out eventually, but it didn't. Fortunately I had made sure to bring some jackets and while even warmer options would have been great, we were at least somewhat prepared. I even had an extra sweater I found in the car to lend out.
We ended up with way too much food, of course… I should have made a sign up chart, like we have at school, ha ha!
Jonathan had looked up a bunch of beach "hacks" on youtube. The most genius one was to prop up the sides of a fitted sheet with chairs and coolers, etc. It made a little play pen, perfect for Phoebe! This was great because she was not a fan of sand. She fussed every time her foot touched it! Phoebe ate some yummy snacks and then Meme got her to take a really decent nap in all the blankets! At first I could not find Phoebe's pacifier anywhere. I searched Jason's whole car. He went back to look for it, but then my brain figured out she must have thrown it into one of the bags we had carried to the beach. Paci secured, the nap came without too much difficulty. Maybe before 2 we will wean from the paci, but in the meantime, it is a sleep-crutch I have to be grateful for
The kids were all huddling at first while they had food and adjusted to the cold. But then we went out to explore. We saw many sea shells, anenomes, and even found some crabs! Not a full tide pool, but lots of cool rocky areas. Cordelia was doing well with exploring and even going in the water with us. But after a minor fall with a minor scrape and then having some sea weed brush up against her in the tide, she was done.
I made mini banana chocolate chip muffins for her bday. It was my first time using a mini muffin pan. I didn't think cupcakes with frosting (even for other guests) would go well at the beach, so this was a healthier treat option and practical too. Phoebe really liked sitting in the beach chair and having everybody sing to her! When I took off the wrapper, she knew just what to do and popped it in her mouth for a bite! Yay! She was so cute eating it up! She hummed and did a happy "yes" bounce.
We had fun beach plates and as favors gave out little plastic zippy cups with hawaiian flowers on them. I put a tag that said Phoebe's 1st Birthday in the same color as the cup. It was simple, but I think looked nice. For the muffins I stuck a little plastic fish toothpick in the top to be decorative.
It never got sunny, so we never really needed the umbrellas we had lugged along and Phoebe didn't try out the pop-up tent that Mom-Mom sent her. We'll see if I can convince Jason to go to the beach again before summer's over, or it will probably be fun next year. Will we want to have a beach birthday when my baby is turning 2?! Ah! I can't even think that far ahead. It seems impossible that she is going to be 1 on Monday! My little Phoebe-bird, this year has flown by too quickly. I love you, you are your most precious self.
We invited Jason's parents, the cousins, a couple of families, and Jason's fun co workers… just about everybody came! I wasn't sure if people would be up for it, as it would mean driving quite a ways, but they did! I made it a pot luck, over having to include gifts… we have gotten a few select things for Phoebe, but hoping not to get overwhelmed with too much more stuff. I think after Cordelia's first birthday and Hanukkah, we definitely went overboard! That doesn't mean I don't love you any less, Phoebe bird, it's just that we have learned that moderation is good too.
We gathered up all of our gear and somehow managed to make it and food all fit in Jason's car! We'd thought we would have to bring two cars, but Jason is the tetris king. We had to stop for ice at the last minute, so were running a bit late, but everyone I texted said they were just leaving themselves. We made good time and went out to Muir Beach.
It was a gray, cloudy, chilly day, only in the 60s. I was hoping the sun would come out eventually, but it didn't. Fortunately I had made sure to bring some jackets and while even warmer options would have been great, we were at least somewhat prepared. I even had an extra sweater I found in the car to lend out.
We ended up with way too much food, of course… I should have made a sign up chart, like we have at school, ha ha!
Jonathan had looked up a bunch of beach "hacks" on youtube. The most genius one was to prop up the sides of a fitted sheet with chairs and coolers, etc. It made a little play pen, perfect for Phoebe! This was great because she was not a fan of sand. She fussed every time her foot touched it! Phoebe ate some yummy snacks and then Meme got her to take a really decent nap in all the blankets! At first I could not find Phoebe's pacifier anywhere. I searched Jason's whole car. He went back to look for it, but then my brain figured out she must have thrown it into one of the bags we had carried to the beach. Paci secured, the nap came without too much difficulty. Maybe before 2 we will wean from the paci, but in the meantime, it is a sleep-crutch I have to be grateful for
The kids were all huddling at first while they had food and adjusted to the cold. But then we went out to explore. We saw many sea shells, anenomes, and even found some crabs! Not a full tide pool, but lots of cool rocky areas. Cordelia was doing well with exploring and even going in the water with us. But after a minor fall with a minor scrape and then having some sea weed brush up against her in the tide, she was done.
I made mini banana chocolate chip muffins for her bday. It was my first time using a mini muffin pan. I didn't think cupcakes with frosting (even for other guests) would go well at the beach, so this was a healthier treat option and practical too. Phoebe really liked sitting in the beach chair and having everybody sing to her! When I took off the wrapper, she knew just what to do and popped it in her mouth for a bite! Yay! She was so cute eating it up! She hummed and did a happy "yes" bounce.
We had fun beach plates and as favors gave out little plastic zippy cups with hawaiian flowers on them. I put a tag that said Phoebe's 1st Birthday in the same color as the cup. It was simple, but I think looked nice. For the muffins I stuck a little plastic fish toothpick in the top to be decorative.
It never got sunny, so we never really needed the umbrellas we had lugged along and Phoebe didn't try out the pop-up tent that Mom-Mom sent her. We'll see if I can convince Jason to go to the beach again before summer's over, or it will probably be fun next year. Will we want to have a beach birthday when my baby is turning 2?! Ah! I can't even think that far ahead. It seems impossible that she is going to be 1 on Monday! My little Phoebe-bird, this year has flown by too quickly. I love you, you are your most precious self.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Phoebe 11 Months
The 11 Month is whirling its way past. I had my Summer Vacation week, which went by all too quickly. Gillian was in town one last time and stayed with us, and Jason had 2 days off, which was nice. We actually got to work on the house a little bit without kids present, which has been my ONE WISH for the last two years. Even then, it wasn't enough-- need like a whole week lol. I have been starting to clear out or set aside things we don't use too much any more or things Phoebe has (sniff!) already outgrown. I am trying to sell some things online. Arranging pick ups and meet ups is so time consuming though! Anyway, not really baby related, just management.
Baby news… We went to a 4th of July parade and saw some neighborhood fire works from the cousin's yard. We had a little playdate and escaped a heatwave going to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Phoebe had an awesome time there in the infant toddler area. She liked the water bed and looking up at the domed roof, which had fish swimming inside it! She even bravely crawled through a tunnel! Cordelia loved the outdoor space and asked to go back the next day!
Cordelia had a class bake sale for Red Nose Day.
Phoebe is back sleeping in our bed full time. I just couldn't deal with the wake ups any more. They kept waking each other up with their own wake ups and it was like ping pong balls. Fingers crossed, Cordelia has actually been sleeping better for several nights in a row, several times. God, I hope that can continue. She's 4 now! She needs to sleep!
Phoebe is getting through the night in our bed, but by day has periods of fussiness. On Father's Day (back in June) we went to the Alameda County Fair and discovered she had her first upper molar coming in! Now this past weekend, July 15, the second molar has started to come in. I can feel lower ones in her gums. She has 10 teeth!!! In the next week, I think she could still try and go up to 12 for her bday. She is very fussy when her teeth are bothering her and has even tried to bite.
Meme had been telling me for like 3 weeks that Phoebe had stood, unsupported. I was home all vacation and didn't see her do it even once! But finally, I did see her do it for a second when I came to pick her up. Since then, she has done it a bit more for us and apparently lots for Meme. She even took a step. I still don't see her standing or balancing independently yet, but I am fine with letting her develop things in her own time. Some of the family thinks she could even walk by her bday, but I am doubtful.
I am having a hard time keeping up with pumping. I feel some maternal guilt that I provided milk with Cordelia for much longer but it's been a test to get to 1 year for me. I think Phoebe has never been as attached to nursing as Cordelia. She may be starting to say "Milk" It sounds like "Miiirr." Maybe she is saying "More"? Cordelia called it "Na" which was so cute.
Phoebe doesn't like to sit for books much yet. She likes to be in charge of holding the book and turning pages. She will listen for 1 page and then become active.
Phoebe is becoming more demanding and makes her desires known. If she wants something she cries or grunts for it. If you try and give her the wrong thing, she will shake her hands No! and cry or yell. If Cordelia takes a toy from her, she is NOT HAPPY. If you take something she shouldn't have away and put it somewhere else, she remembers and tries to get to where you put it
Phoebe is still into hugging everything. It is so sweet to have one of her hugs. She loves stuffed animals and bounces when she hears music.
I am starting to get presents and organize final things for her Beach birthday party next weekend. My baby's growing up.
Baby news… We went to a 4th of July parade and saw some neighborhood fire works from the cousin's yard. We had a little playdate and escaped a heatwave going to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Phoebe had an awesome time there in the infant toddler area. She liked the water bed and looking up at the domed roof, which had fish swimming inside it! She even bravely crawled through a tunnel! Cordelia loved the outdoor space and asked to go back the next day!
Cordelia had a class bake sale for Red Nose Day.
Phoebe is back sleeping in our bed full time. I just couldn't deal with the wake ups any more. They kept waking each other up with their own wake ups and it was like ping pong balls. Fingers crossed, Cordelia has actually been sleeping better for several nights in a row, several times. God, I hope that can continue. She's 4 now! She needs to sleep!
Phoebe is getting through the night in our bed, but by day has periods of fussiness. On Father's Day (back in June) we went to the Alameda County Fair and discovered she had her first upper molar coming in! Now this past weekend, July 15, the second molar has started to come in. I can feel lower ones in her gums. She has 10 teeth!!! In the next week, I think she could still try and go up to 12 for her bday. She is very fussy when her teeth are bothering her and has even tried to bite.
Meme had been telling me for like 3 weeks that Phoebe had stood, unsupported. I was home all vacation and didn't see her do it even once! But finally, I did see her do it for a second when I came to pick her up. Since then, she has done it a bit more for us and apparently lots for Meme. She even took a step. I still don't see her standing or balancing independently yet, but I am fine with letting her develop things in her own time. Some of the family thinks she could even walk by her bday, but I am doubtful.
I am having a hard time keeping up with pumping. I feel some maternal guilt that I provided milk with Cordelia for much longer but it's been a test to get to 1 year for me. I think Phoebe has never been as attached to nursing as Cordelia. She may be starting to say "Milk" It sounds like "Miiirr." Maybe she is saying "More"? Cordelia called it "Na" which was so cute.
Phoebe doesn't like to sit for books much yet. She likes to be in charge of holding the book and turning pages. She will listen for 1 page and then become active.
Phoebe is becoming more demanding and makes her desires known. If she wants something she cries or grunts for it. If you try and give her the wrong thing, she will shake her hands No! and cry or yell. If Cordelia takes a toy from her, she is NOT HAPPY. If you take something she shouldn't have away and put it somewhere else, she remembers and tries to get to where you put it
Phoebe is still into hugging everything. It is so sweet to have one of her hugs. She loves stuffed animals and bounces when she hears music.
I am starting to get presents and organize final things for her Beach birthday party next weekend. My baby's growing up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)