The past few weeks have been fun and full of excitement. My older sister, Renee, came up to visit from Utah with her family. Her husband, Larry, had to head home after a week, but Renee and the boys (Kaden - 3 yrs and Daxton - 4.5 mos) were able to stay for about 3 weeks! It was such a blast to have all the baby cousins together. David and I hadn't been able to meet Daxton until their visit, so we were exceptionally excited to have them come. My other sister (Sylvie) brought her son (Mason - 6 mos) over as well and we just let all the babies check each other out, lick each others' heads, and steal toys from one another. It was so fun to watch them interact.
We had some pictures done with all four of the cousins together and they came out really cute. I'll get them scanned in and posted so you can check them out from our family website.
Liliana is over six and a half months old now. Can you believe it? Her second tooth started coming in about two or three weeks ago and has caught up to the first one, so she's got a cute little chipmunk thing going on now. She's also eating some solid foods - although I don't know if eating is the correct term. What I mean is that even though she does eat some of the solids I giver her, she also enjoys blowing raspberries while her mouth is full and splattering herself, the kitchen, and me with sticky food. I think I'm going to have to go buy myself a rain poncho to use during feedings.
Liliana still isn't officially crawling, but she can get all over the house with her push-up/scoot thingy that she does. I guess she figures that since this is working to get her around, she shouldn't bother changing her methods.
I am preparing to go back to school in September to finish my Early Childhood Education Practicum and my Elementary Ed. Student Teaching. While I'm not looking forward to being away from my baby for 8+ hours a day for the next two quarters, I am excited about the prospect of completing my degree. I am also aware that if I don't complete my degree now, it is only going to get harder to do as Liliana gets older and wants more mommy-time and as David and I have more children (God willing). So, with help from David's dad and some good friends who have offered to watch Liliana while I'm at school and David's at work, I should be able to finish my degree/certification by March. Please keep me in your prayers that I'll be able to balance all the homework and family responsibilities without going crazy or neglecting my baby.
I sure love being a mom and am enjoying the excitement of watching Liliana grow and progress day by day. It is amazing to think how much she has learned and developed in such a short time. It is true that "time moves on wings of lightning" and I just hope I am able to make the most of the time I have been allotted to care for, love, and raise my baby.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
On the Move
Liliana is really moving now! She isn't quite crawling - but just about. She has been moving herself along the floor for a few weeks now by getting on her hands and toes (like a push-up) and pushing herself forward. Just this past week she has begun to get up on her knees more and more. Once on her knees, Liliana rocks forward and backward and then eventually goes back to the toe-push deal. I think she just hasn't quite figured out how to slide one leg forward at a time yet. Friday, June 27th Liliana scooted clear across the living room floor in pursuit of a ball that kept rolling away from her whenever she reached out to grab it.
From Saturday, June 28th until Sunday, July 6th, we were down in Seaside, Oregon for our fourth of July family vacation. Grandma and Grandpa Thompson, my mom, David's parents, my sister Sylvie and her husband and son, and my uncle Steven and his family were all there. Liliana got to dip her feet in the ocean for the first time and wiggled her toes in the sand. She seemed to really enjoy the beach. On the fourth, we watched fireworks from the hotel room where David's parents were staying right down on the beach. Liliana was very fascinated by the lights and kept cooing, jabbering, and blowing raspberries as she watched.
Wednesday, July 2nd, I noticed something white just barely poking up through Liliana's lower gums and I suspected that she might have a tooth coming in. However, it was dark in our tent and Liliana wasn't cooperating to let me get a good look so David and I weren't able to confirm that she was cutting a tooth until the morning. I can't believe she's already teething! I thought I still had another month or two, at least. She has already bitten me twice while feeding now and David once when he stuck his finger in her mouth.
We had a wonderful time on our little trip and were glad to be able to enjoy good weather for the majority of our trip (though it did rain our last day there). I'll get our vacation pictures posted right away so you can check out Liliana's first real beach trip.
From Saturday, June 28th until Sunday, July 6th, we were down in Seaside, Oregon for our fourth of July family vacation. Grandma and Grandpa Thompson, my mom, David's parents, my sister Sylvie and her husband and son, and my uncle Steven and his family were all there. Liliana got to dip her feet in the ocean for the first time and wiggled her toes in the sand. She seemed to really enjoy the beach. On the fourth, we watched fireworks from the hotel room where David's parents were staying right down on the beach. Liliana was very fascinated by the lights and kept cooing, jabbering, and blowing raspberries as she watched.
Wednesday, July 2nd, I noticed something white just barely poking up through Liliana's lower gums and I suspected that she might have a tooth coming in. However, it was dark in our tent and Liliana wasn't cooperating to let me get a good look so David and I weren't able to confirm that she was cutting a tooth until the morning. I can't believe she's already teething! I thought I still had another month or two, at least. She has already bitten me twice while feeding now and David once when he stuck his finger in her mouth.
We had a wonderful time on our little trip and were glad to be able to enjoy good weather for the majority of our trip (though it did rain our last day there). I'll get our vacation pictures posted right away so you can check out Liliana's first real beach trip.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Rock 'N' Roll
Liliana is really moving around. She is rolling easily from her back to her front to her back and can roll back the other way too, if she doesn’t get too cranky about being on her tummy first. Over the Memorial Day weekend David and I drove Liliana over to visit David’s parents in Idaho. We had her lying down on the floor under her “activity gym” and watched as she rolled back and forth and eventually ended up on her back, turned 180 degrees from where she had begun. Pretty soon I won’t be able to turn my back, even for a second, because she’ll be off and rolling away! She’s also getting pretty good and pulling herself into a sitting position by just holding onto David’s or my pointer fingers. She’s a strong little girl and it appears that she’s in a big hurry to move and grow.
Yesterday my nephew, Mason, came over and spent the day with Liliana and I. He and Liliana just stared at each other and tried to touch each other’s faces and hands. Mason managed to pull Liliana’s binky out of her mouth by the cord (her “binky bling”, as I call it). Later, possibly in retaliation, Liliana rolled on top of Mason and started checking out his face with her fingers. I happened to be working in the kitchen and was made aware of the situation by the sudden howl my nephew let out. When I came into the living room, I started laughing and quickly moved Liliana. She seemed to be oblivious to the fact that Mason was upset about her laying on him and poking at his mouth and eyes. I wish I had taken a picture, but I’m pretty sure Mason is glad I didn’t take the time to go pull out the camera while he was being attacked. Liliana and Mason enjoyed the rest of the day together, sucking on each other’s toys and observing one another. Liliana hopes her cousin will come back again soon!
Yesterday my nephew, Mason, came over and spent the day with Liliana and I. He and Liliana just stared at each other and tried to touch each other’s faces and hands. Mason managed to pull Liliana’s binky out of her mouth by the cord (her “binky bling”, as I call it). Later, possibly in retaliation, Liliana rolled on top of Mason and started checking out his face with her fingers. I happened to be working in the kitchen and was made aware of the situation by the sudden howl my nephew let out. When I came into the living room, I started laughing and quickly moved Liliana. She seemed to be oblivious to the fact that Mason was upset about her laying on him and poking at his mouth and eyes. I wish I had taken a picture, but I’m pretty sure Mason is glad I didn’t take the time to go pull out the camera while he was being attacked. Liliana and Mason enjoyed the rest of the day together, sucking on each other’s toys and observing one another. Liliana hopes her cousin will come back again soon!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sleep: More or Less
Liliana slept for over 8 hours straight the other night, and as soon as I told people about it, she began waking up every 2-3 hours again. I feel like every time we take a step forward, we have to take a few back, too. I guess part of her sleep issue may be blamed on David and I. We had been doing really well at getting her to bed at a consistent time for quite awhile, but this past week we've had so much going on that her naps and bedtime have been thrown off track. It would appear that the inconsistency is wearing on Liliana and preventing her from sleeping well, falling asleep when she normally would, and staying asleep for a full nap or full night's sleep. We're going to be extra vigilant now to make sure her naps and bed time are brought back to a consistent schedule that ensures she'll get enough rest. When she's well rested, she is a very calm, happy baby, but this past week has had her a little less patient, a little more cranky, and a little less cheerful. Shame on mommy and daddy!
I've noticed that Liliana has been really intent on watching her hands lately. Just the other day I was lying on the bed feeding her, and she reached up and grabbed my shirt sleeve with her arm. She immediately became distracted from eating and began examining her fingers as she opened and closed them around the fabric of my sleeve. She watched carefully as she moved her hands back and forth and attempted to pull the sleeve toward her mouth. Today she was lying on her back and just looking at her hands as she opened and closed them and moved her hands back and forth. It is so amazing to watch her discover things she can do. I can almost see her realizing that she is controlling the movements she sees and then trying to move her hands and fingers in different ways. She is incredible and I just love her soooooo much!
I've noticed that Liliana has been really intent on watching her hands lately. Just the other day I was lying on the bed feeding her, and she reached up and grabbed my shirt sleeve with her arm. She immediately became distracted from eating and began examining her fingers as she opened and closed them around the fabric of my sleeve. She watched carefully as she moved her hands back and forth and attempted to pull the sleeve toward her mouth. Today she was lying on her back and just looking at her hands as she opened and closed them and moved her hands back and forth. It is so amazing to watch her discover things she can do. I can almost see her realizing that she is controlling the movements she sees and then trying to move her hands and fingers in different ways. She is incredible and I just love her soooooo much!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sleeping Beauty
Last Saturday night Liliana slept from just before 10pm until just after 5:30am. That was over 7.5 hours straight! After eating at 5:30am, she went back to sleep for a few more hours. It was fabulous! I felt so rested Sunday morning. She is really getting good about going down for naps and going to sleep at night. I've been watching for her sleepy signs and putting her down to sleep as soon as she begins to appear tired. A friend of mine (Menzel - one of my mission companions) recommended a book to me called, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby" and I've been following a lot of the suggestions in that book ever since we first brought Liliana home from the hospital. I would have to say that it has definitely helped us to ensure that Liliana is well rested - which helps her be a very cheerful and happy baby - which, in turn, helps David and I be better rested and happy too. I highly recommend that book to anybody wanting to get their kids enough sleep to maintain their health, happiness, and sanity.
David's parents were both in town this past weekend. It is fun to watch them play with the baby. She absolutely loves them and eats up all the attention she gets. David's mom, Mary, brought some little rattle-like toys and Liliana has been having a ball grabbing them and trying to stick them in her mouth. She is really getting good at picking toys up and getting them to her mouth where she can sufficiently slime them up! I'll get some videos posted of her playing with her little toys.
I can't believe how big she is getting and how quickly she is learning to do things. Time sure is zooming by and I feel as though if I blink, I might miss something. Liliana is such a joy to have in our home and I am sooooooo incredibly grateful to have not only the privilege to be her mother, but to be able to stay home with her as well. Thank you, David, for making it possible with all your hard work!
Speaking of David... after this very busy quarter of school in which he is taking a full load, David will only have four classes left in order to complete his four year degree! CWU offers two of those classes during Summer quarter, one during Fall, and the last one in Winter quarter. The end is in sight and David won't have to do any more crazy quarters like this one! I am so impressed with how well he has managed to balance everything and maintain his sanity. He is quite the guy and I'm lucky to have him as my eternal companion. =)
David's parents were both in town this past weekend. It is fun to watch them play with the baby. She absolutely loves them and eats up all the attention she gets. David's mom, Mary, brought some little rattle-like toys and Liliana has been having a ball grabbing them and trying to stick them in her mouth. She is really getting good at picking toys up and getting them to her mouth where she can sufficiently slime them up! I'll get some videos posted of her playing with her little toys.
I can't believe how big she is getting and how quickly she is learning to do things. Time sure is zooming by and I feel as though if I blink, I might miss something. Liliana is such a joy to have in our home and I am sooooooo incredibly grateful to have not only the privilege to be her mother, but to be able to stay home with her as well. Thank you, David, for making it possible with all your hard work!
Speaking of David... after this very busy quarter of school in which he is taking a full load, David will only have four classes left in order to complete his four year degree! CWU offers two of those classes during Summer quarter, one during Fall, and the last one in Winter quarter. The end is in sight and David won't have to do any more crazy quarters like this one! I am so impressed with how well he has managed to balance everything and maintain his sanity. He is quite the guy and I'm lucky to have him as my eternal companion. =)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Let Laughter Fill the Air
I can't believe that I forgot to write about Liliana's first laughs. A few days before her last check-up (March 25th, or so), David was changing Liliana's diaper and making faces and noises at her. She gave him her first real laugh and it just melted his heart. A day or two later I was blowing raspberries at Liliana and she started cracking up. We caught some of it on video, which can be viewed from our home page. Since she started laughing, we have had the joy of hearing her beautiful giggles - even over the silliest little things. She was cracking up the other day just because David was nodding his head at her. She laughed the other day when I answered the phone (apparently I sounded funny). Sometimes she'll crack up if I pretend to sneeze and other times she seems to be laughing for now apparent reason. It is so fun to hear her laugh!
Last week Liliana started attempting to reach for things. She has some little plastic rings that I sometimes hold over her when she's lying on her back and now she manages to get her hands over to them and pinch a few fingers around them. When she sits in her bumbo seat, we'll put some of the rings on her tray and she goes to town trying to grab at them (in her uncoordinated manner) and often manages to toss them off the tray. I had her sitting in her bumbo in front of me on the table while I was eating breakfast the other day and she kept reaching down and knocking over my cup (I'm not sure if she was trying to pick it up, but all she managed to do was tip it over a number of times). She is still working on getting her hands to go where she wants them when she wants them to, but she is definitely progressing. I can't believe how fast she is learning and growing!
Last week Liliana started attempting to reach for things. She has some little plastic rings that I sometimes hold over her when she's lying on her back and now she manages to get her hands over to them and pinch a few fingers around them. When she sits in her bumbo seat, we'll put some of the rings on her tray and she goes to town trying to grab at them (in her uncoordinated manner) and often manages to toss them off the tray. I had her sitting in her bumbo in front of me on the table while I was eating breakfast the other day and she kept reaching down and knocking over my cup (I'm not sure if she was trying to pick it up, but all she managed to do was tip it over a number of times). She is still working on getting her hands to go where she wants them when she wants them to, but she is definitely progressing. I can't believe how fast she is learning and growing!
Friday, April 4, 2008
What a trip
David had to go to Ohio for work in mid-March. Not wanting to be home alone with the baby for a week, I packed Liliana into the car and took a road trip over to David's parents' house in Post Falls, Idaho. Liliana did an excellent job sleeping the entire ride. I stopped twice during the five hour drive to feed her and let her out of her seat. She went right back to sleep after I fed her and let her move around for awhile and we were able to make the trip without any trouble. Grandma and Grandpa Hernandez were thrilled to be able to show Liliana off to their coworkers and ward members. They wanted us to stay longer, but we had to get home in time to collect David from the airport. It was the first time David and I had been apart since we were married. It wasn't very fun to have him hundreds of miles away and I hope we don't have to do it again. At least Liliana and I were well taken care of by my in-laws and had a very enjoyable visit with them.
Liliana's cousin, Mason, was blessed last Sunday. My mom and brother, Joey, came up from Utah to be here for the special event. It was a lot of fun to have much of the family together again.
Liliana had her 2 month check-up last week and she weighed in at 12 pounds, 12 ounces and 23 1/4 inches long. She is in the 90th percentile for weight, 80th for height, and 50th for head circumference. That means that there are some babies out there with massive noggins!
I better leave off here for now, as Liliana is getting cranky.
Liliana's cousin, Mason, was blessed last Sunday. My mom and brother, Joey, came up from Utah to be here for the special event. It was a lot of fun to have much of the family together again.
Liliana had her 2 month check-up last week and she weighed in at 12 pounds, 12 ounces and 23 1/4 inches long. She is in the 90th percentile for weight, 80th for height, and 50th for head circumference. That means that there are some babies out there with massive noggins!
I better leave off here for now, as Liliana is getting cranky.
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