Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dear Zealand at 6 months,
Dear Zealand,
This month was a big one for you. The beginning of the month marked a definite turn in your tendency to spend time on your tummy. As a 3 and 4 month old tummy time was not a favorite of yours. Often times you looked like a turtle stranded on his back (of course the reverse was true for you). Stranded turtle no more! It started with more frequent roll overs – self initiated, and then some crying to have someone turn you back over. And, much to our dismay, you enjoyed trying this in the middle of the night. We would wake to you on your tummy with your little arms flapping and your face red with tears and effort.
The whole month you have been “practicing” and now moving from back to tummy and then back is no big deal for you. It is now a very natural and fluid movement of yours. . You now cover a great deal of distance on the floor by rolling and scooting toward toys and other objects of curiosity (your daddy’s bike tire, for example, that I found you sucking on, yuck!). You combine your new gross motor skills with your excellent fine motor skills that I have noticed in you from a small age. You can grab onto just about anything – expertly curling your fingers around whatever it is you desire. You love your stacking cups, wooden rattle, and carefully inspecting labels on your stuffed animals.
At 5 and half months we noticed the beginnings of a bottom tooth. Coincidently this day was the day we planned on introducing some rice cereal to your diet. Prior to this you had been eyeing us with intent fascination whenever we ate. I believe you were learning by watching because you were an old pro with the cereal and spoon. You acted as if you had been eating solids your whole life. No spitting it back or confusion with the spoon. Just methodical bites and a proud “look at what I can do” sense about you. Of course your father and I had the video camera on and were cheering every bite. You definitely enjoyed the spectacle eating was creating. Since then you have tried sweet potato (big hit), bananas (verdict still out), and peas (not so much).
We are excited to introduce you to all of the organic and locally farmed produce that your father and I select every week at the farmer’s market. This so far is our most routine family outing. You seem to enjoy yourself and charm all of the farmers with smiles. Your latest favorite is an old lady who sits on a stool playing music with saws and washboards accompanied by a cat puppet whose paws go clickity clack on a tray (impossible to describe but just another reason why we love the city and being able to expose you to such a range of experience).
Our family went through a big change this month – your father started a full time job with an energy engineering firm. Your father and I are still adjusting to our new full time roles as breadwinner and stay at home mother (for the time being). It is a little strange for all of us I think but the important thing in the end is that we can keep you with us most of the time when you are so tiny and still trying to figure out the world through your connection to us.
We are also committed to making sure you see your Walnut Creek grandparents once a week so your immediate world of family is larger than just mom and dad.
This month I have noticed that you have become more clingy and needy with me. It could be related to the fact that your daddy went back to work. You are much more of a cuddle puss and will now stare up at me while you nurse playing with my hair and such. You also lean in now for hugs and I most gladly give them. I always remind myself that someday in the not so distant future your momma will become steady background to your exciting world. So, I make sure to soak all of this cuddly intimate time in now. It won’t last, I know. Not in this form at least.
You still love walks and outings to the park. Often times you will breathe in and out excitedly (as if you were hyperventilating) when we begin a walk. And, you really take in your surroundings. Every sound and shadow seem to register with you. Dogs and children are a special source of fascination for you. The other day we sat in the sand at a park surrounded by little (big to you) boys playing with brightly colored plastic shovels. Your eyes tracked their every move. I could feel the intensity of your curiosity. I can only wonder what you think of as you watch them.
We continue to delight in getting to know who you are. One of your characteristic moves is to rush your fists into your mouth when you are either excited to see your father and I after an absence or when we are being silly with you. That move, along with your move of looking away and then back again excitedly when someone is interacting with you, says something, I think, about who you are. Not sure what it says yet, but it is signature Zealand. It is as if you are overwhelmed by joy or excitement and the fist or the turn of the head helps you stay present with it all.
The most frequent comments I get when I take you out on our walks and outings are “what a happy baby,” “what a smiley baby,” “what a big baby,” and “what a beautiful baby.” You generally love looking and smiling at people whenever you encounter them. Once in a blue moon some well-meaning stranger will attempt to engage you and for whatever reason your face will slowly crinkle up and you will break out into tears. As far as I can tell there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although I don’t like that you get upset there is part of me that appreciates your reaction. There is an edge to you that is your very own. You are figuring out your boundaries with others in your own way.
Well, little pumpkin, happy one half year birthday! We look forward to the next six and all that they will bring.
We love you!
Love,
Momma
This month was a big one for you. The beginning of the month marked a definite turn in your tendency to spend time on your tummy. As a 3 and 4 month old tummy time was not a favorite of yours. Often times you looked like a turtle stranded on his back (of course the reverse was true for you). Stranded turtle no more! It started with more frequent roll overs – self initiated, and then some crying to have someone turn you back over. And, much to our dismay, you enjoyed trying this in the middle of the night. We would wake to you on your tummy with your little arms flapping and your face red with tears and effort.
The whole month you have been “practicing” and now moving from back to tummy and then back is no big deal for you. It is now a very natural and fluid movement of yours. . You now cover a great deal of distance on the floor by rolling and scooting toward toys and other objects of curiosity (your daddy’s bike tire, for example, that I found you sucking on, yuck!). You combine your new gross motor skills with your excellent fine motor skills that I have noticed in you from a small age. You can grab onto just about anything – expertly curling your fingers around whatever it is you desire. You love your stacking cups, wooden rattle, and carefully inspecting labels on your stuffed animals.
At 5 and half months we noticed the beginnings of a bottom tooth. Coincidently this day was the day we planned on introducing some rice cereal to your diet. Prior to this you had been eyeing us with intent fascination whenever we ate. I believe you were learning by watching because you were an old pro with the cereal and spoon. You acted as if you had been eating solids your whole life. No spitting it back or confusion with the spoon. Just methodical bites and a proud “look at what I can do” sense about you. Of course your father and I had the video camera on and were cheering every bite. You definitely enjoyed the spectacle eating was creating. Since then you have tried sweet potato (big hit), bananas (verdict still out), and peas (not so much).
We are excited to introduce you to all of the organic and locally farmed produce that your father and I select every week at the farmer’s market. This so far is our most routine family outing. You seem to enjoy yourself and charm all of the farmers with smiles. Your latest favorite is an old lady who sits on a stool playing music with saws and washboards accompanied by a cat puppet whose paws go clickity clack on a tray (impossible to describe but just another reason why we love the city and being able to expose you to such a range of experience).
Our family went through a big change this month – your father started a full time job with an energy engineering firm. Your father and I are still adjusting to our new full time roles as breadwinner and stay at home mother (for the time being). It is a little strange for all of us I think but the important thing in the end is that we can keep you with us most of the time when you are so tiny and still trying to figure out the world through your connection to us.
We are also committed to making sure you see your Walnut Creek grandparents once a week so your immediate world of family is larger than just mom and dad.
This month I have noticed that you have become more clingy and needy with me. It could be related to the fact that your daddy went back to work. You are much more of a cuddle puss and will now stare up at me while you nurse playing with my hair and such. You also lean in now for hugs and I most gladly give them. I always remind myself that someday in the not so distant future your momma will become steady background to your exciting world. So, I make sure to soak all of this cuddly intimate time in now. It won’t last, I know. Not in this form at least.
You still love walks and outings to the park. Often times you will breathe in and out excitedly (as if you were hyperventilating) when we begin a walk. And, you really take in your surroundings. Every sound and shadow seem to register with you. Dogs and children are a special source of fascination for you. The other day we sat in the sand at a park surrounded by little (big to you) boys playing with brightly colored plastic shovels. Your eyes tracked their every move. I could feel the intensity of your curiosity. I can only wonder what you think of as you watch them.
We continue to delight in getting to know who you are. One of your characteristic moves is to rush your fists into your mouth when you are either excited to see your father and I after an absence or when we are being silly with you. That move, along with your move of looking away and then back again excitedly when someone is interacting with you, says something, I think, about who you are. Not sure what it says yet, but it is signature Zealand. It is as if you are overwhelmed by joy or excitement and the fist or the turn of the head helps you stay present with it all.
The most frequent comments I get when I take you out on our walks and outings are “what a happy baby,” “what a smiley baby,” “what a big baby,” and “what a beautiful baby.” You generally love looking and smiling at people whenever you encounter them. Once in a blue moon some well-meaning stranger will attempt to engage you and for whatever reason your face will slowly crinkle up and you will break out into tears. As far as I can tell there is no rhyme or reason to this. Although I don’t like that you get upset there is part of me that appreciates your reaction. There is an edge to you that is your very own. You are figuring out your boundaries with others in your own way.
Well, little pumpkin, happy one half year birthday! We look forward to the next six and all that they will bring.
We love you!
Love,
Momma
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
6 months old
He getting big, aware, and active. We had to get a new camera (since I left ours on a plane), so there may be some optical trick with the new lens, but darn if he doesn't look huge!
Click to zoom on image.
Click to zoom on image.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving
So Zealand got sick and we had to scrap our plans to go to Mammoth over the weekend. But since he seemed ok in the daytime, we went over to Chelsea's parents house. I finally got the four generations photo I've been wanting to get. Z certainly enjoyed all the attention and we rolling all over the place and screeching like a pterodactyl.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
First Feeding
Just a few weeks shy of 6 months, Zealand seemed pretty hungry, so we decided to try solids. Overall he was a champ and fell right into a good routine. He'd been watching how we did it at dinner and breakfast times!
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Rattle
The Rattle seems to have special powers right now as it can distract Zealand when he's starting to get fussy. Watch for the pass off from one hand to another.
After turning 5 months, Zealand definitely seems to be getting more physical, vocal, and rambunctious. His roll over to stomach move is much more common.
After turning 5 months, Zealand definitely seems to be getting more physical, vocal, and rambunctious. His roll over to stomach move is much more common.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Dear Zealand at 5 months
Dear Zealand,
This month was full of fun adventures for you. You started your first playdates with other babies your age. Early on in the month we met a few mothers and their babies at the sculpture garden at the De Young Museum. You were particularly fond of a baby boy named Ben. The two of you reached for each other’s hands and at one point you placed both of your hands on his head. You and I are now part of a mom’s group that we (try) to attend once a week. I hope this becomes a nice source of support for me and an opportunity for you to socialize with other wee ones.
Early in the month we took you to the San Francisco zoo. We took you on a steam train that let out many loud “choooo, chooos”, blew great clouds of steam, and roared through a dark tunnel. We weren’t sure how you would respond given the high level of stimuli. But, lo and behold, you did fabulous! You mostly wore a brave face and were very stoic as the wind blew your face.
You seem to take new experiences in stride. This month you rode for the first time the bus, a ferry across the bay to Oakland, and the underground transit. You also had your first day trip to the wine country and experienced your first mass protest for the environment. We carry you along with your wide brimmed “explorer” hat and you let out frequent squeals of delight at whatever happens to catch your fancy. Not only are you unflappable in the face of new experiences, but you also seem to really enjoy yourself.
I would say that this fourth month has been all about your new ability to experience and express joy. Although we have seen smiles and squeaks of delight earlier, this month you started to develop more fully a wondrous and joyful relationship to the world around you. In Sonoma, for example, we held you in full view of a tree that was shedding leaves that fell down the hillside in the breeze. This sight thrilled you to no end. Your feet were kicking and you ooohed and aahhed and occasionally squealed. When we brought you to the car you began to cry uncontrollably – not for hunger or pain but because something you enjoyed stopped.
Your face also lights up at the sight of your toys in a way that wasn’t evident previously. We will hold a toy in front of you and your face lights up as if you are meeting an adored friend you have not seen for ages. You are also demonstrating that you understand cause and effect in new ways. You now shake your rattles purposefully for the sound they make in addition to their purpose of being an object to suck on.
As you continue to find the world a joyous, wondrous, and silly place our enjoyment as your parents swells right alongside. You are such a good natured, silly, adventurous, and fun little guy. Usually your father and I try to be the first one to make it to your crib when you cry out after a nap. There is nothing like a wide Zealand smile on a face fresh from a nap. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Finally, your gross motor development has really begun to take off. The infrequent rolls to the tummy have now become a regular occurrence. You are starting to push your little butt up into the air and roll around on your mat. Something tells me that our back lying mellow, observant infant is on his way out. Stay tuned!
We love you Zealand.
Love,
Momma
This month was full of fun adventures for you. You started your first playdates with other babies your age. Early on in the month we met a few mothers and their babies at the sculpture garden at the De Young Museum. You were particularly fond of a baby boy named Ben. The two of you reached for each other’s hands and at one point you placed both of your hands on his head. You and I are now part of a mom’s group that we (try) to attend once a week. I hope this becomes a nice source of support for me and an opportunity for you to socialize with other wee ones.
Early in the month we took you to the San Francisco zoo. We took you on a steam train that let out many loud “choooo, chooos”, blew great clouds of steam, and roared through a dark tunnel. We weren’t sure how you would respond given the high level of stimuli. But, lo and behold, you did fabulous! You mostly wore a brave face and were very stoic as the wind blew your face.
You seem to take new experiences in stride. This month you rode for the first time the bus, a ferry across the bay to Oakland, and the underground transit. You also had your first day trip to the wine country and experienced your first mass protest for the environment. We carry you along with your wide brimmed “explorer” hat and you let out frequent squeals of delight at whatever happens to catch your fancy. Not only are you unflappable in the face of new experiences, but you also seem to really enjoy yourself.
I would say that this fourth month has been all about your new ability to experience and express joy. Although we have seen smiles and squeaks of delight earlier, this month you started to develop more fully a wondrous and joyful relationship to the world around you. In Sonoma, for example, we held you in full view of a tree that was shedding leaves that fell down the hillside in the breeze. This sight thrilled you to no end. Your feet were kicking and you ooohed and aahhed and occasionally squealed. When we brought you to the car you began to cry uncontrollably – not for hunger or pain but because something you enjoyed stopped.
Your face also lights up at the sight of your toys in a way that wasn’t evident previously. We will hold a toy in front of you and your face lights up as if you are meeting an adored friend you have not seen for ages. You are also demonstrating that you understand cause and effect in new ways. You now shake your rattles purposefully for the sound they make in addition to their purpose of being an object to suck on.
As you continue to find the world a joyous, wondrous, and silly place our enjoyment as your parents swells right alongside. You are such a good natured, silly, adventurous, and fun little guy. Usually your father and I try to be the first one to make it to your crib when you cry out after a nap. There is nothing like a wide Zealand smile on a face fresh from a nap. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Finally, your gross motor development has really begun to take off. The infrequent rolls to the tummy have now become a regular occurrence. You are starting to push your little butt up into the air and roll around on your mat. Something tells me that our back lying mellow, observant infant is on his way out. Stay tuned!
We love you Zealand.
Love,
Momma
Saturday, October 31, 2009
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