Toddler's First Words [VIDEO]

Wow, it's been nearly 6 months since I've last posted. So many updates. So many times when I wanted to write a post or make a video but just didn't find the time or energy. If it were New Years, I'd say 'new year, new beginning'. Hopefully, mid-year, that still applies and I can get my act together. xo

Two Months (+One Day) Morning! [MOMLIFE]

This post is a day late. It's hard to keep up, time is flying with this little one.

Some memories about this past month:

- Her arm/hand coordination is getting better. She loves playing what I call Fist-Punch, where I hold up my fist to her as she's lying down and she lifts her arm/fist to mine. Oftentimes, she initiates the game/activity (with a smile :>). We play this on the changing table most often, which is why changing her diaper has been taking me longer :>

- She's begun to talk a lot more. Most of the sounds she makes sound like 'Hi'. I remember making a video of M on her one month birthday and her making the same sound. I guess it's a baby thing. She loves to talk and interact with us, actively. She's not a particular fan of the bouncer we have but loves not just being held but the eye-to-eye interaction. That said, however, we have begun to be able to hold her on our lap facing out, which is probably more fun for us than her :>

- She's overall a happy baby. She loves to smile and we have especially long sessions in bed in the morning :>  

- She's a decent sleeper at night. I think it's usually my fault if she doesn't sleep well. With the weather changing, I'm still figuring out what's the best clothing/temperature combo that makes her sleep the longest. If she wakes up at 5am, I'm a pretty happy camper.

- Her hair is the first thing people notice and comment on when they see her. I still don't brush it down, if that's possible-- I've honestly never tried to. 

- She had several days where her face was getting pimply but I think, again, that was my fault-- she got too hot/sweaty and I've since been extra careful in not overdressing her. Her face skin has since improved. I've also begun giving her baths daily, too, to help. Giving her a bath, I think, is one of my favorite things to do (if I'm not in a rush) :> I don't have a particular time that I do it, though it's usually not in the morning. 

- Her spitup has gotten a little worse but not anywhere near terrible. Remembering to burp her and keeping her upright can probably prevent it happening most of the time.

- She's getting better at lifting her head at tummy time but could probably do better if we did it more often. Juggling going out and finding a good time to do it when we're at home is the tricky part because when we are at home it can't be too close to a feed on either end-- before or after them.

- Her legs are strong. She loves to stand. We have decently long sessions doing that, especially before a feed.

- Having her has not stopped us from going out. I am still on the mend, not 100% back to normal, but am getting there. I definitely bounced back faster than with M.

- Big Sister M continues to love the baby and is happy she is part of our family :>

More soon! xo

Postpartum Update! - 1 Month [VIDEO]

School Update: Star Of The Week! :> - April 28-May2, 2014

Nui Nui was named 'Star Of The Week' today! One child is chosen every week and it's been a while since Nui Nui has earned the title (or the rotation has landed on her :>). Fun. Love that kind of stuff. She's just growing up so fast and you can tell by how mature she looks :> Must be the haircut.

Funny conversation when we got home from dinner tonight:
Nui Nui: I need help getting The Giving Tree.
Me: No, you can get it, it's in your room.
Nui Nui: I can't. I can't find it. It's too dark.
Me: O, is the light off? O babe, why are you not tall enough to reach the light?
Nui Nui [sighs]: Because I am too little.

#toocute!

There was a cool conversation we had a couple of weeks ago and I meant to record it but didn't have time. Looks like we're entering this fun new phase of cool conversations. Love it :> The conversation took twists and turns but the heart of it was this:

Nui Nui: What does Auntie Anna do?
Me: I don't know. What does Pau Pau do?
Nui Nui [in plain earnest]: She works very hard.

#lmfao

Anyway, here are school pics from this week, ending with our tgif dinner out— we tried a new sushi/ramen place :> What's funny is that, despite being the Star Of The Week, she has been stickered with a scarlet letter on the very day of being named.

Letter to mom: 'Bring in a damn picture of you two already for a secret project we're working on!'

(After working two weeks straight... tgif!)

Gyoza
Salmon, tuna, avocado, 'special topping'...
Bento - beef short ribs, chicken teriyaki
Note to self: Get her some russian dolls :>

Who's YOUR star of the week?

Share in the Comments below, we'd love to hear!

School Update - No School! - April 21-25, 2014

Nui Nui didn't go to school this week. Monday the school was scheduled to be closed and Wednesday we kept her home because Hand Foot Mouth disease was running rampant through the school. Two kids in her class were affected amongst 10? others. They even had to change the sand! I was heading on business trip end of the week so we didn't want to take the risk of her catching it.

Here's some pics, though, I pulled of her from the latest Prezi's they sent us— my only glimpse of her during her days at school...