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Sick Baby = No Fun
November 20, 2007
A week and a half ago Joella got pretty sick with a cold. We spent that Saturday night at Omi's house and I was up all night holding her since she was so congested and was having a hard time draining all the mucus down her throat (I could hear her swallow and cry out all night). Needless to say it was a rough night for me and her. Come Monday I thought she might just be okay to go to daycare, but her conditions worsened and she was sent home with possible conjuntivitis. We had to go to the pediatrician and get checked out. Because Joella had been rubbing her eyes so much it was hard to tell if it was "pink eye" or if it was just the rubbing, but to be safe we got prescription eye drops to treat it. I worked from home the next day since she couldn't go back to daycare for 24 hours. When she did go back most of the other kids were out sick - one day there were only 2 or 3 babies in the classroom (usually 10).
Joella has slowly been getting better but her coughing fits sometimes wake her up and she still has a snotty nose. Last night was the first night in ages where she only woke up once. Yesterday she had a fever and I had to once again collect her from daycare and work from home again today to honor the 24 hour policy. Her fever subsided last night and she's been playing a lot with minimal complaining, so it's really not so bad.
On a very happy note, Auntie Camille came to visit on Saturday all the way from San Francisco. It was so nice to have her for the day. We went up to Santa Barbara and shopped and had the most delicious brunch at a place called Tupelo Junction. I will for sure be going back there! Camille spoiled Joella rotten again with several cute outfits and a Leapfrog drum and maracas set - so fun! We miss you already Auntie Camille.
Here's a picture of Joella with her new Leapfrog drum and Auntie Camille.
Love, Divo
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Back Home
October 31, 2007
So we had a fantastic 2 weeks in Australia, spent quality time with friends, hiked almost daily, ate fabulous food, and relaxed a little. It is good to be home and back to work and daycare. Joella actually had no problem jumping right back in - she played and played and loved every moment of being back with her friends and teachers. The past two nights have been a little difficult with our first night back consisting of one hour of screaming at around 11:30pm (right when I was going to sleep of course). I think it was the teething more than the jet lag; nothing a little Tylenol and Rescue Remedy couldn't fix. Last night Joella woke up two times while I was still up, and once at 2:30am. No screaming and fighting sleep though, so it's getting better.
The flight back was nowhere as peaceful and restful as the flight over. Joella had diarrhea due to teething and did not feel herself. She was cranky and whiney most of the flight and Omi spent a good hour walking around with her trying to get her to sleep. She finally did for a 3-hour chunk. We arrived in early Monday morning and Bryan picked us up. Joella was so happy to see him and he was so happy to see the two of us. I think he really missed us and felt like his life was empty without us in it (well his stomach certainly was - that man needs to learn to cook!). We went home and all jumped in bed and napped for a solid 3 hours.
Life at work is still a little stagnant except for the fact that I at least found out what group I will be in and who my manager is. I know nothing about what my job will be though, so still waiting on this to get a grasp on whether I am pleased with the change or not. So much is happening here at Amgen, and to top it off Bryan's company announced impending layoffs too, so he's on edge about all the changes that will happen to his group.
Life is good though and tonight we are going to trick or treat with Baby Bianca and family and hand out candy and all hang out with our friends Michelle & Dom and their inutero twins. Michelle recently found out that they are having one boy and one girl, so they are thrilled and are currently debating names.
More next week,
Divo
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Flying with a Baby
October 22, 2007
Thought I would add a journal entry about our flight over to Australia. The flight was scheduled to depart at almost midnight, but it started raining and we got stuck onboard waiting to be able to leave for an hour and a half. Joella was asleep already, but we had to wait until we were in the air to utilize the bassinet. Aparently a plane was stuck in the rain and the tractor was having a hard time pulling it out of our way. Anyway we were VERY tired by the time we got airborne. Joella had a great sleep and then was awake for a little bit, then went back to sleep. She probably slept 8 of the 14 hours. We managed to sleep about 6 hours in total.
We landed in Sydney and picked up our rental car and drove to Wollongong - about an hours drive. Sammi had to get reaquainted with driving on the left side. Once in Wollongong we checked into our hotel and took showers. Trina & Omar's wedding was that afternoon at 3:30pm. It was a gorgeous wedding and a great reception, all on the water. We all seemed to be fairly jetlag free, but got tired early and left the wedding at about 9:30pm along with the older folk.
Next day we went to the brunch with all the hungover wedding revelers, then had to make a quick dash to the airport for our flight up the coast. We made the mistake of taking the scenic route and almost missed our flight. Quick one hour flight and we were on the Gold Coast. Picked up our rental car and drove down to Byron Bay. We were warmly welcomed by Ru & Kishori in their beautiful new house (they've only been in it for 6 weeks). Since then we've visited with friends, enjoyed delicious foods, including the freshest of seafood, relaxed over lattes and flat whites at various town cafes and done a bit of hiking and beach walking. We've tried to hike or walk every day so that we get the exercise and take advantage of the fresh sea air. It is wonderful and Joella LOVES the hiking backpack.
Anyway, we've been here a week and have one week to go until we go home. We're missing Daddy and looking forward to seeing him. It's strange as it both feels like time is going slowly, but at the same time going quickly. Strange phenomenon and doesn't seem possible, but that's how it feels. Tomorrow night my true sister Karina (Sadhvi) arrives for the rest of our stay. I haven't seen her in 5 years and she can't wait to meet her little niece Joella. We go back to the beginning of our lives basically. My mum became friends with her mum in Germany when Karina was only 2. Both her mum and her were at my birth as they also lived at my dad's house. They then moved over to Australia a couple of years after we did and we grew up together.
Anyway, when next I post we'll be back in California. We miss everyone :)
Love, Divo
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Baby Proofing - What Fun!
October 9, 2007
Seeing as Joella is quite the speed crawler, and likes to explore, we have had to purchase some gates to protect her from parts of the house we don't want her exploring. She learned to pull herself up on the gates at daycare and now she's doing it at home too (see picture). All of the babyproofing items I purchased, including plug face plates, cabinet locks, and the gates have been sitting around the house waiting for Bryan to install them. I'm secretly hoping he'll miss us so much while we're overseas that he'll be inspired to take care of all of the installation while we're gone.
Over this past weekend we arranged a spontaneous trip to tailgate the UCLA v. Notre Dame game (I know, sad sad state of affairs for the Bruins) with our neighbors who have a 40 foot luxury motor home. We packed up the kids, picked up some friends, and made sure to have plenty of snacks and ice cold beverages. It took us a while to get to Pasadena (no surpise there was traffic), but once there we unpacked and had a lovely afternoon. Joella was in great spirits and loves our neighbors 4-year-old son (see photo album).
Anyway, next time I post will be from Australia so wish us luck on the flight (hoping Joella sleeps the whole way). Love, Divo
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New Developments Every Week
October 1, 2007
This truly is the time of rapid development. Joella is doing something new every single week, it's amazing and so sweet to see. She is such a joyful little girl, and recently started responding to me pulling out the camera with smiles - she knows I'm taking pictures now! Last Friday I was horribly sick with a 24-hour stomach virus and so Bryan took Joella in to daycare for his very first time. It went well and she enjoyed playing with him in the morning. I went and picked her up (thinking I was better) and we went to Bryan's volleyball game with Nana and Papi. He is coaching Varsity girls this season. I didn't feel so well the whole time, but Joella loved the action (despite falling asleep for the last game), and Daddy enjoyed having his girls at the game.
On Saturday we went to Oktoberfest in Moorpark - which was sort of a pumpkin/harvest festival with a corn maze and pony rides/hay rides, with a dash of Oktoberfest (beer & brats). We got some fun pictures from that day. Joella is such a sweet little girl and everyone smiles when they see her smile.
More soon, as I am sure she'll do something else new that amazes us.
Love, Divo
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Crawling Everywhere
September 12, 2007
It has only been 2 weeks or so since Joella first started to crawl (army style on elbows) and now she is already properly crawling on hands and knees. She is such a strong little girl and will pick up toys in one hand while she holds her whole body up on the other! Her development is rapid and its so cute to watch her learn to use her body. She can now crawl anywhere she wants to - especially when its to get to a smelly old squeaky weaner dog toy of Kenji's. Wouldn't be so bad but she has to put everything in her mouth!
In the past week my mum and I spur of the moment decided to go to Australia for 2 weeks. It will be Joella's first time on a plane. We secured our flights and are staying with Kishori & Ru (Joella's Aussie Ma & Pa). I have to book a rental car yet, and secure a hotel room for our one night in Wollongong (friend's wedding). Other than thinking through the logistics of what to bring with us we're all set!
Other updates? Not much other than going through a re-org at work and probably have a new job responsibility in the next couple of months.
Photo: Joella & Daddy at the Passport office
Love, Divo
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New Developments
August 30, 2007
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Busy Weekend of Fun
August 20, 2007
This past weekend was a busy one. On Saturday Joella started her swim lessons, then we jetted home and changed and headed off for her little friend Ava's first birthday party at the Gymboree. Ava is in her classroom at daycare and Bryan and I met her mommy and daddy the first week we started. They are a really nice family. Gymboree was fun and we played a lot. We had circle time and got to play with instruments, ribbons, and other fun stuff. There was singing, jumping, and bubbles everywhere. After this long day of fun Joella was tired.
On Sunday we had Michelle and Ann Marie and baby Bianca over for brunch and hung out for several hours. Omi was over too for the weekend so we had a great time. Sunday afternoon we headed over to the pool in our community and swam and hung out.
Now it's back to work and school and our weekly routine.
Love, Divo
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Poor Baby
August 13, 2007
Last Thursday I took Joella to the pediatrician to have him look at her diaper rash that was red and bubbly and not going away. He said right away, "yeast infection" and then looked in her mouth. Yep she had it in her mouth - aka thrush - and she got it from breastfeeding. Apparently all women have yeast on their skin in microscopic quantities and some babies get infections from their mothers. I had no clue she had thrush as she was still eating fine and wasn't crying in pain or itching herself (even down there). Anyway she got a prescription of medicine to take for 5 days and I had to put good old Lotramin jock itch cream on her diaper area. After a few days now it already looks much better.
At the pediatrician's office they weighed her and she has gained 1lb since her 6 month appointment - so she's 22lbs 3.5oz, my big girl. In other news, my boss is leaving Amgen so I had Bev & Tom baby sit her while I went to my first party since having a baby. I was out until after midnight if you can imagine, and I had a few drinks too!
Today Bryan gets back from being out of town for 6 nights - Joella and I did well alone, but we'll be happy to have him back to help out around the house (wink). So, I'm off to pick up my munchkin and go home to see Bryan. We'll probably go pick up some healthy pizza or something since I haven't made it to grocery shop in a while (believe me it's difficult doing it alone with a baby).
Shout out to Baby Gray who turned 1 year old yesterday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAY :)
Love, Divo |
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6 Month Appointment: SHOTS!
July 24, 2007
This morning Joella had her 6 month appointment with the pediatrician and everything looked great. Her overall size is big for 6 months, which anyone who has held her recently knows. She's heavy to carry at over 21lbs and I have to put her down more often otherwise my back gives out. We had delayed Joella's immunizations until this month so today was the first time she had to get shots. She had 3 of them and barely noticed the first one, screamed and cried with the second one, and didn't notice the third because she was already upset. As soon as I picked her up she calmed right down and smiled. I am so glad we delayed until now as I could not have imagined my little girl at 2 months getting them. Turns out Daddy was more nervous about the shots than either Mama or Joella. Glad he's calmed down now though ;)
Now that Joella's going to daycare during the day, she plays so much that she gets tired much earlier. The past few working days she's gone to sleep between 7:30-7:45pm and she sleeps most of the night through. I have had to go in and feed and rock her back to sleep on a few occasions and I bring her into bed with us in the early morning if she wakes up and stirs. She usually sleeps until 7am. With her going to sleep earlier we have to keep to an evening routine of walking with Kenji, then time for cereal/veges, then it's bathtime, then we read, then Joella nurses to sleep. After all of that Bryan and I can sit down and relax and eat our own dinner.
Anyway, check out the growth chart, the videos, and photo albums for new stuff.
Love, Divo
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The Past 2 Weeks
July 19, 2007
Warning: this posting is long.
Havasu:
We departed the morning of July 4 at 5:00am in order to get there nice and early and to maximize the number of hours Joella would sleep on the drive. She did great on the 5.5 hour drive. She slept the first 2 hours, then woke up and played a little in her carseat and was hungry. I had pumped the night before so I would be able to feed her while we were driving. Then she fell back to sleep for another 2 hours. We made one stop about an hour before we got to Havasu and we got coffee and breakfast and I fed Joella again. It really wasn't until the last 1/2 hour of the trip that she started to fuss - she had had enough of being in her carseat and I felt the same way :)
Havasu was HOT! On the 4th we all stayed up at the house and spent the day in the pool, BBQ'd and hung out. It was a fun day. At night I would put Joella to sleep in a pack-n-play type bed and then when it was time to go down to the condo we were staying at (the family house is only 3 bedrooms and already had 5 adults, 2 kids, and 6 dogs staying at it) I scooped Joella up, carefully put her in her carseat and then put her to bed in the co-sleeper at the condo. It worked out pretty well each night. She did start waking up in the wee hours (4am-ish) but luckily went back to bed after feeding. The next two days the family went off to be on the boat and lake. I didn't want to expose Joella to the extreme heat and the lake water (bacteria filled, etc.) so we stayed up at the house, relaxed indoors, and swam in the pool. Needless to say it did get a little boring being up at the house alone all day.
One night we decided to take the boat down the lake a bit to a restaurant that the family likes to eat at - Javelina's. It was horribly hot on the boat (even at 5pm) and all of us were sweating and miserable and glad to get off the boat and into the air conditioned restaurant. The boatride and sunset cruise after eating was gorgeous though. In all it was a fun trip.
Back to Work:
After the week in Havasu I came back home and took most of the next week off too. It was to be my last week at home with Joella before daycare started and full-time working mom mode began. Wednesday July 18 was our first day of getting up early and going to daycare. Joella did okay the first day, but cried a bit and didn't sleep enough. Needless to say when I would visit she cooed and sang in my arms and hugged me tight. At the end of the day when I picked her up she talked in her carseat for a while then fell asleep for a decent 1 hour nap. She also went to bed at 8:30pm and had a pretty good night (despite waking up at 1am for a feeding). Today is her second day at daycare and I hope every day goes smoother. She was smiling and seemed happy when I dropped her off.
Anyway, this weekend we're heading up to Santa Barbara to help my mum settle in to her new living arrangement. Oh, I haven't yet posted pictures from the time my German family were in town. I'm waiting for some from my cousin's camera as she took lots of great pictures when she was here. It was great to have my Oma and Opa and Cousin Jessie get to know Joella. They won't see her again until we go visit in late 2008/early 2009 - she'll almost be 2 by then and talking and walking. Crazy to think that far ahead.
Love, Divo
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What a Fun Weekend
June 28, 2007
This past weekend was a great one (see photos), with a visit from Joella's San Francisco Aunties. Camille, Marielle, and Kristi drove in Friday night late so didn't get to see Joella before she went to bed. They did however get to see her bright and early the next morning when Joella and I proceeded to wake them up at 7am (hey if I have to be up, so does everyone, right?). Joella met Marielle and Kristi for the very first time and all three *wise* women brought gifts (so generous, thanks again).
Bryan went to the beach to play volleyball and the four of us plus baby went to our favorite breakfast place in Camarillo Eggs-n-Things. I had the "n-Things" BLTA and Joella got her first taste of avacado and LOVED it! After brunch we met up with Bryan at the beach for a little while, then later still did some shopping in preparation for Omi's birthday party the next day. That night we BBQ'd and had some friends over and went in the jacuzzi (see photo).
Sunday we headed to Santa Barbara to set up the birthday party. It was a lovely day and it was just sad that the ladies had to leave again. I miss having them around, and now Joella does too. She was loving all the attention.
Anyway, in other news Joella got her spot at the daycare at work starting July 18th, so soon we'll have our daily routine down and I'll be back at work full-time. More later, Divo
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Milestones & Growing Bigger
June 19, 2007
Joella is getting bigger and stronger. In just a few days she will be 5 months old and already she is close to 20lbs in weight. She can now lift her upper body off the ground by her arms - see photo, and can grasp toys and grab onto a sippy cup and drink from it. She wants to have a hold of anything I am eating or drinking from and wants to eat anything that comes near her mouth. Just yesterday she started flipping onto her stomach in her crib during nap time and she'll now sleep on her tummy. When she wakes up she lifts her body up and stares into the monitor camera. It's so cute. She still wakes up happy, but sometimes when I try to put her down she cries for a little bit before accepting how tired she is.
I have been putting her on the floor to play a lot more lately, partly cause she's almost outgrown her swing and will only last so long in her bouncer, but mostly cause that's where she'll be most of the time at daycare. Apparently it forces them to use their bodies more, leading them to develop their brain and hand-eye coordination and eventual crawling skills. She will not stay on her back and easily flips onto her stomach as soon as I lay her down.
We started feeding her more too - she has had rice cereal once a day since she was 4 months old, but has now tasted bananas, apples, and pears too. She also chews on pieces of apple in one of those mesh bag baby eating devices. Joella loves to eat, and I have no doubt that she'll eat anything I give her. In another month we can start giving her egg yolks and other delicious things.
Love, Divo
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We're Developing a Routine
June 8, 2007
So this week was my second full week back at work. Despite the strange schedule of having to work 2 days at home and take 1 day vacation it's going quite well. On Monday Bryan's sister Holly watched Joella the whole day, as well as watching her own 14-month-old son. She did a fantastic job and Joella was very happy. I feed Joella before I go to work, then leave milk for her morning bottle (Monday she ate all 6oz), then I see her for lunch and feed her again and leave what I pumped for her afternoon bottle (Monday it was 8oz and she ate all of it!) then I feed her again when I get done with work. Well on Monday apparently she was so hungry she couldn't wait for me and needed another 2oz bottle, then fed off me for quite a while. She must have been having a growth spurt.
The days I'm home with her the routine is getting pretty set in stone. She's awake for about 2 hours, then it's time for a nap (usually about 1 hour), then awake for 2 hours, then nap, and repeat. The last two nights she's also gone to bed at 8:30pm, and I put her in her crib to sleep until I go to bed. She has been napping exclusively in her crib too so she is getting to like it a lot in there. She even wakes up from naps and plays a little bit, looking at the beautiful pattern of her bumpers, touching the ribbon and embroidery. So cute.
Well I've about written a novel, but things change almost every week. She is so aware now and can tell when I leave the room. She even cries out for me when I do, making it difficult for me to steal away to the bathroom.
More soon, Divo
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Back to Work I Go
May 29, 2007
Today was my first day back in the office and away from Joella for most of the day. Bryan's mom took care of her today and both she and Bryan came to have lunch with me so I could have Joella for an hour. I think I did pretty well with it considering what a big deal it was. Joella was cuddling in my arms and cooing and laughing so I could tell she was haapy to see me. Tomorrow and Thursday I work from home, then Friday my mum will have her. That's pretty much my schedule until I get her into the daycare at work.
We had a super busy weekend with a 3rd birthday party and BBQ on the same day Saturday, a BBQ Sunday, and a pool day and BBQ Monday. Joella had a great time swimming in the pool both Sunday and Monday and slept well all of the nights (she still wakes up 2 times a night, but lately not until between 3-4 for about 10 mins and then again between 5-6 for about 10 mins).
Anyway, more later, the sweetie is calling.
Love, Divo
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Mother's Day Joy
May 13, 2007
This weekend we were on the road and busy for most of it, and Joella got a bit fed up at having to be in her carseat so much. On Saturday we headed to Long Beach for a quick lunch with one of Bryan's friends before we headed to Marina del Ray for a day at the beach to celebrate Bryan's buddy Owen's 30th birthday. It was fun, but a long day for both Joella and me seeing as we're used to being at home and relaxing throughout the day. On Sunday we headed up to Santa Barbara to go see my mum for Mother's Day. We had a lovely brunch and the day was gorgeous. Later in the day we headed all the way to downtown LA to celebrate the baptism of Joella's little friend Bianca (Ann Marie & Jon are the parents). She was baptised earlier in the day and we got to celebrate by taking part in a 10-course Chinese banquet. It was a fun time.
Last week I found out a couple more work friends will be having babies this year and I know of some others who are trying. It's the year of babies it seems and I just know the pitter patter of little feet are going to bless our friends and will bring so much joy to them.
Photo: Ann Marie with Baby Bianca & me and Joella at the Baptism feast
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The Countdown is on
May 11, 2007
Two weeks from today I am officially back at work. I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of it all since the daycare at work still has me on the waitlist. I'm trying to come up with a creative solution in the interim, such as working some days from home and going into the office the days I can have my mother-in-law and mum take Joella. This is the only thing I'm really stressing about - I'm actually quite excited about going back to work. I've had a wonderful bonding time with Joella and know that she will be fine in daycare. Imagine, someone spending 100% of their day playing with you and having other babies around to learn from and interact with.
So in 2 weeks I'll be a working mum, which will undoubtedly pose new challenges. I know I'll be thinking about my little girl all day long and longing to hug her and kiss her. It will make the end of my day all that much more wonderful! Joella is such a big girl now. She still wakes up after naps with a huge smile on her face and loves talking and singing. I love her to pieces and so does Bryan. We can't get enough of her.
Speaking of, gotta go attend to my precious babe as she just woke up from a nap in her swing. Diaper duty calls :)
Love, Divo
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First Time at Disneyland
On Tuesday we went to Disney's California Adventure park for Bryan's sister Holly and cousin Connor's birthdays. We left early in the morning and didn't get home until late at night so it was a long day for us. Joella was great all day and happily let mama and daddy go on the rides. We got some sweet pictures too.
Thursdays are our baby and mama classes where we meet up with Ann Marie and baby Bianca & Robin and baby Ellie. After class this week we went to Amgen to eat some lunch and visit with friends. In less than 4 weeks I'll be back at work, which is both daunting and exciting. I am still on the waitlist for the daycare at work which stresses me out, but I'm hoping to figure out a temporary solution until I get her in there.
Anyway the little darling is so yummy and is getting so big. She is very interactive and loves to laugh and sing and chat.
More later, Divo
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First Time Being Sick
April 23, 2007
Today Joella is 3 months old, but she's about the size of a 6 month old baby! She got a little congested last week and we're still getting some snot out periodically but I'm the one who is really sick for the first time in forever. I think I was sick once during my whole pregnancy so it's strange being sick again. It started with a sore throat coming on, then Saturday night I had a fever and was sweating all night long. Last night I felt a little better but now I'm having to cough and I think the congestion is on its way up. Yuck! I'm just glad Joella isn't as sick as I am. She's apparently getting all my immunities and taking most of my vitamins.
Joella is so aware of everything around her now. She takes it all in and wants to be sitting up more now. If you try to sit back with her in your arms she complains. She is a talker too - a very vocal little baby and instead of crying when she's not happy she makes little noises or small cries to let you know she wants something different. Joella also smiles up a storm, and laughs like crazy. Sometimes she tells you stories, making so much noise and sticking out her tongue and cooing and aahing and oohing. She's so darn cute.
Anyway, we'll try to update this site once a week from here on out.
Love, Divo
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Weekend Fun
April 16, 2007
This past weekend we attended our very first Jewish naming ceremony - our neighbors Heather and Jon had the official ceremony to present their baby Jaida Linden Moch with her Hebrew name Shayna. It was a beautiful ceremony and a lovely gathering of friends and family. Jaida was born last October. We are greatful that the Moch's invited us to this special occasion. We had to leave early however to attend our nephew Michael's first birthday party out in Palmdale.
Michael turned one on April 10th and had his party on Saturday, with a large gathering of family from both sides and friends and neighbors (the Siebers just moved out to Palmdale a couple of months ago but already they have made some good friends with children). We all hung out and ate and drank and had a good time. It takes 1.5 hours to get there from our house so it was a long drive home. Joella was such a good girl the whole day and had fun visiting with everyone. We all slept in on Sunday :)
In other news, we put together her activity bouncer - although Joella's a little too small to really appreciate it she already likes it a lot! See the photo!
More soon, Divo
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Growing, Growing, Growing
March 30, 2007
Yesterday we took Joella to see Dr. Saul for her 2 month check-up and she weighed in over 13 pounds like I thought and 24 inches long. She has gained 5lbs 9.5oz in just 9 weeks and over 4 inches (10cm). What a big girl! Her head circumference is still average, so she's still not fitting into most of her hats and beanies. So cute.
After our appointment I went over to my co-worker Ann Marie's house - she made me a lovely breakfast - then we both took our babies to a class at a local rec center called "Baby Time". The class is 45 minutes long and is for babies and their caregivers (most are moms except one grandma). We sang songs with the babies and had time to chat about things going on in our lives and played with toys/props. Biance (Ann Marie's baby) is the youngest at 5 weeks old, then the other babies are 4 months, 7 months, 9 months, and 10 months old. It's amazing to see how different aged babies are able to do different things. We had fun and Joella was great except for near the end when she got a bit tired.
After the class Ann Marie & I and the two babies went out to lunch. We're going to make it a weekly thing - going to class and then to lunch after. Next week we're planning on having lunch at Amgen so all our friends at work can meet our lovely little girls.
More next week, love Divo
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Mama's and Babies
March 27, 2007
Today my co-workers Robin and her baby Elisabeth and Ann Marie and her baby Bianca came over for brunch. We spent a good part of the day hanging out. Robin brought delicious bagels and treats from a local bakery and we drank herbal tea that is good for breastfeeding mothers. All of our little girls are within 5 weeks of each other, but all are very different sizes. Bianca (5 weeks old) is a little over 9lbs, Elisabeth (almost 10 weeks old) is a little over 11lbs, and Joella (9 weeks) is about 13lbs.
The mama's got a chance to catch up and chat, and the babies got to meet each other again (despite not quite being old enough to interact with each other). Robin will be going back to work first so we're counting on her to let us know how it is.
We all had so much fun that we can't wait to do it again.
More later, Divo
Photo: Ann Marie with Bianca, Robin with Ellie, and me and Joella
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8 Weeks Later
March 20, 2007
Wow, I can't believe Joella is already 8 weeks old. She's around 13lbs and probably 24 or so inches long. Every week she gets bigger and more aware and more interactive. We're all loving it - getting to know this little sweet girl. She realizes she can communicate with other noises than crying, she makes little coos where her lips get all cute and in a heart shape. She still grunts too, pretty much every morning when it's time to get up - she grunts and poops. She's the cutest thing on the changing table (see video), she smiles really big and laughs and loves being naked.
Joella can lift her head and hold it up really well now. I went out to lunch on Saturday with Ann Marie, Jonathan & baby Bianca, and Sam & Jon Reyes and Joella was such a good girl. I held her on my lap facing outward the whole time and she just looked around. Bryan is going to be surprised at how much she has changed in the past week that he's been gone. She'll be happy to see her daddy too, and despite the fact that he thinks she doesn't know him I know she knows him.
Next week we have our next pediatrician appointment so I'm curious to see how big Joella is at her official weigh in. I'll post again after that appointment.
Love Divo & Joella
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Growing Little Girl
March 16, 2007
I just weighed my little girl unofficially on the scale and she weighs in at 12.8 pounds at only 7 weeks 3 days of age. She is certainly growing and my breast milk seems to be amazing :) Joella is such a happy little girl and is smiling and laughing a lot. Every morning when she wakes up she smiles big and is so happy. She only cries when she's hungry (which is every 2 hours) or if she wants to be picked up and held - which used to be all the time, but now she's becoming a little more independent.
Bryan left this morning for Chicago - partially for fun, partially for work. He's going to be gone a week almost and me, Joella, and Kenji moved in with my mum for the week. We're going to miss Daddy, but it will also be a fun time with Omi Sammi.
More later, Divo
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Busy Week of Outings
March 8, 2007
This past week we've been busy with a visit to Joella's newest friend Biance Mei who was born to parents Ann Marie & Jonathan on February 20th. Joella is exactly four weeks older than Bianca and it's amazing to see such a little baby again (Bianca and Joella were about the same size at birth). The photo attached is of the two proud Mamas holding each other's babies. Bianca is absolutely beautiful and Ann Marie is doing so well as a new Mama (as is Jonathan as a new Papa).
We've also been to the post office twice this past week - the first time Joella was not happy and cried the whole time we were out, the second time she was peaceful and happy. It makes such a difference. We also went to Blockbuster and Kinko's too. Joella's first times in all these stores.
It's official, my mum is moving to Camarillo this summer, most likely in our development. She wants to be closer to me, but mostly closer to Joella so she can be a part of all of her milestones. It's great news for me since she'll take Joella anytime we need her to.
Oh one more first, Joella slept almost 7 hours in one go last night. She fell asleep at 9:15pm after already being a bit sleepy and having a nice warm bath, and didn't wake up until 4am for her first night feeding/diaper change. I was amazed since she had been like clockwork waking up at 1:30am and then 4:30am. We'll see if it becomes a sleeping pattern with her. I hope so because it was a lovely stretch of sleep.
More next week, love Divo
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My Big Girl :)
February 28, 2007
Today we had a five-week appointment at the pediatricians and discovered that Joella is growing wonderfully. She is now 22.5 inches long (85th percentile) and 11 pounds even (80th percentile), which means she gained 2lbs 5oz in just 3 weeks. My breastmilk must be full of good stuff! Her head is small, only measuring 14.75cm (55th percentile), which is normal for a girl. The doctor said she has a slight heart murmur, but nothing to be concerned about - her daddy had one too when he was born. She also has baby acne and a heat rash around her neck area, all of which will go away in a couple of weeks. Dr. Saul said everything looks good and she is a healthy little girl.
Things have been going well for me - I am much more settled into a routine of staying home with Joella. It was so hard for me in the beginning, partially because of the hormonal changes, but also because of the huge life change. Bryan is also doing much better and has been much more supportive. He is loving his little girl so much, especially since she is starting to be more interactive and is smiling at him.
As far as sleeping goes, I am up twice each night. Usually around 2:30am, then again at around 5:30am. Those are our good nights. Some nights I'm up with her more and she seems to need to eat more. In the mornings I get up and take a shower while Bryan stays in bed and cuddles with Joella until I'm dressed for the day. She has been sleeping in her co-sleeper bed off and on. Some nights she'll be in it for both stretches of sleep, then come into bed with us after her 5:30am feed and change. Some nights she refuses to sleep anywhere but next to me, so she ends up in our bed all night long. I like this as I get to sleep face to face with her and watch her little face while she sleeps. I love to cuddle her so much.
Anyway, each week Joella seems to be getting bigger and learning more things. She can now focus her attention on things and is getting curious about little toys we show her. It won't be long until she's playing with things and trying to stick them in her mouth.
Love to you all, Divo
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Four Weeks Later
February 20, 2007
Joella is 4 weeks old today and I can't believe how big she is getting. Every week she changes so much. On Sunday I had my first time away from Joella when I went out to Sushi with Bryan, Camille, and my mum's neighbor Peter. I made it through the 1.5 hour dinner, but missed Joella terribly towards the end - I couldn't wait to get home to snuggle her in my arms and kiss her chubby cheeks. On Monday was my first birthday as a mum. I turned 27 and feel so much more grown up (not because I'm 27, but because I am a mother now). My mum threw me an afternoon get-together with our Santa Barbara friends and "family" on Sunday and my mother-in-law Bev threw me a birthday dinner on Monday with Bryan's family which was delicious and a wonderful time.
Joella is growing wonderfully and finally fits into a lot of her clothes that were too big. She is awake a lot more during the day now, but when she sleeps she still likes to sleep on a warm body.
More later, Divo
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First Friends
February 15, 2007
On Tuesday Joella and I went and visited with baby Elisabeth and her mommy Robin, who I work at Amgen with. Elisabeth was born 5 days before Joella and also lives in Camarillo. We spent a few hours there, had a delicious lunch, and Robin and I caught up on our labors and how it is being new mums. Coincidently the same day was our other co-worker Ann Marie's due date, but her baby Bianca seems to want to arrive fashionably late.
Later that same day our neighbor Heather came over with her 2-year-old son Hayden and her 4-month-old Jaida. Jaida is already a big girl compared to Joella, but will also be one of her friends. It's nice having an experienced mom like Heather nearby.
Yesterday was Valentine's Day and Bryan came home with a gorgeous pink rose (I told him I didn't want flowers or a present - especially since my birthday is on the 19th). We ordered take out and watched tv, hanging out with our little girl. Last night was finally a little easier than the previous two nights. Joella had barely slept Monday and Tuesday night, sleeping an hour at a time and fussing quite a bit in between. Last night was the first night I got her to sleep extended chunks in her co-sleeper bed that sits up next to our bed. She slept in there from 10:30pm until 1:30am when she needed to be changed and fed. I put her back down in the co-sleeper from 2:30am and she slept until 4:30am. After another changing and feeding she wanted to sleep on Mama's chest for an hour, then back in the co-sleeper for an hour, then back with Mama until we got up for the morning at 8:00am. I feel like we made progress though getting her to sleep in the co-sleeper, so from here on out I'll try to do the same routine with her and get her used to it in there.
Joella is having a lot more awake time during the day now and is so much more aware of her surroundings. She looks around, stares at Uncle Jack's cowboy painting above our couch, interacts a little more when we make funny faces at her and say her name. Each day she's also getting bigger. Nana Bev went to Florida for last week and will get to see Joella again on my birthday and will be astounded at how much she has already changed.
Anyway, sleeping baby means I can get some stuff done (oh the joys of laundry). Love you all, Divo
Photo: Baby Elisabeth and Joella meet for the first time.
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First Weekend Away
February 12, 2007
This past weekend we went away for the first time - all the way to Santa Barbara. Okay not far, but it was the first time we had to pack the car with things for us, Joella, and Kenji. We each had a bag (Bryan had 2, go figure), plus the stroller, the bouncer, diaper bag - the car was packed with stuff. It's amazing how many things one small baby needs.
We stayed with my mum for the weekend because Bryan had friends in town and wanted some guy time - playing and going out at night. He stayed over the night with his friends which meant me and my mum cuddled with Joella all night long. She was quite fussy on Friday night and we didn't get all that much sleep, but she was great on Saturday night. It's hit or miss as to whether she will sleep well and go to sleep easily. Joella grunted and squirmed a lot of last night, but I slept pretty well most of the time.
Tomorrow I'm taking Joella to meet her new little friend Elisabeth Mae. She was born 5 days before Joella at the same hospital. Her mom Robin is one of my coworkers at Amgen and I'm really excited to meet her baby girl. Tomorrow is also my other coworker Ann Marie's due date, but I think she may have her baby girl late.
More later, Divo
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Two Weeks Later
February 7, 2007
Joella is now 2 weeks old and today we went to see the pediatrician Dr. Saul. Dr. Saul is the one we interviewed with about a month ago and we really like him. Joella measured in at 8lbs 11oz (up 1lb 3oz from birth) and 21 inches long. She has grown significantly in just 2 weeks (keep in mind some babies just catch up to their birth weight at this stage). The nice part is that she finally fits into 0-3 month clothes. Last night she also slept 5 hours before waking up for a feeding and diaper change. The longest she had gone before this was 3-4 hours. She still takes a bit to get to go to sleep initially, I lay her down and she looks asleep but 2 minutes later she's whining for a feeding. I pick her up feed her more, then she falls asleep, repeat. I think I have to do this 3 or 4 times before she falls asleep for real.
My mum has been staying the past couple of days again, and our good family friend Kisha (one of my Aussie aunties) passed through for a day and a half on her way to Colorado. It was lovely having two Omi's doting over Joella and helping with diaper changes. Bryan really enjoyed it too and is sad that Sammi is leaving tonight to go back to Santa Barbara.
Anyway, we're going to take Joella and Kenji out for a little walk, so more later. Love you all, Divo
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This Little One Loves to Eat
January 29, 2007
Today we had our first appointment at the pediatricians. We went to this office in Camarillo to try it out and see if we liked the doctor, having never been there and not yet met her. We had to get Joella completely naked for her weigh in (she was not happy) and then the doctor came in to check her health. She listened to her heart and breathing and then rotated her legs/hips (a few too many times for my liking). The doctor didn't really try to get to know us and didn't really tell us what she was doing. Joella was really upset and screamed like I've never heard her scream before. Needless to say I think I want to take her to the pediatrician we interviewed out in Thousand Oaks as he seemed much more personable and gentle.
On a good note, Joella is up 2oz from her birth weight (7lbs 10oz now) at only 6 days of age. Usually babies get back up to their birth weights at 2 weeks of age. What does all this mean? She is a great eater and my milk is great! Nursing is going really well. We nurse on demand and feed her as much as she wants. It's pretty much every 2 hours, but sometimes more often.
After the traumatic peds appointment I'm all emotional and we're both crying! Tomorrow night my mum goes back to Santa Barbara - she has been an amazing help to me. Bryan started back up at work today, so soon it will be me and Joella making our way through the day as a team.
Love you,
Divo
photo: waiting for our appt.
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Baby Makes Three
January 27, 2007
Tomorrow was my official due date which is amazing especially since Joella has only been in our lives for 5 days - it feels like she was always here. I am glad she came early as I couldn't imagine still being in anticipation of her arrival right now. The past five days have been an adventure - the newness of parenthood, the overwhelming feelings that come with having someone be completely dependent on you. It's an amazing responsibility and its so fulfilling.
We have had several visitors already (all come with food, which we are so thankful for) - mostly Bryan's family who are all completely in love with Joella already. My good friends and neighbors Michelle & Dominick came by last night with some Vietnamese food - yum. Today my mum's good friend Rick also stopped by with a shopping bag full of ingredients for us to make a meal from. How sweet. Bryan mentioned today that he has a new understanding of what the etiquette is for visiting new parents so all of our friends who have babies from here on out expect a visit with some food :)
Our lives are so much more full now with the addition of this precious little baby. We look at her in awe and with so much love in our hearts. It's going to be hard for Bryan to go back to work next week. Oh yeah, my milk came in Thursday evening so nursing Joella has been going great. She is a great little eater and ends up in a milk coma after every feeding. I will post some photos to show this.
Photo: Dom & Michelle with Joella
Love, Divo
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Good-bye Belly, Hello Baby
January 25, 2006
Today is only the second day since Joella graced us with her presence. It's amazing how quickly you forget life without a new baby; we really couldn't imagine her not being here now. My belly is slowly shrinking down (strange to still have a reminder of how big it was), and my boobs are slowly increasing in size (much to the happiness of both baby & daddy).
The labor and birth was an intense time, and while we were able to spend all of the labor and most of the pushing at home, we ended up at the hospital "just in case" I needed the help of a vacuum to get her out. Joella was coming out in a position that made it really hard to deliver her in (face up with the largest part of her head presenting first). I had about 8 hours of active labor and pushed for 4 hours before we headed to the hospital. Once there I ended up pushing her out myself, no need for assistance, other than the OBGYN supporting me down there. I had some significant tearing (not fun) and so am really sore now, but all the nurses at the hospital said they were amazed because most first time mothers aren't able to deliver their baby's when they present in the way Joella did - they usually end up with a c-section or at the very least the help of a vacuum. Also I did all of this without any pain medication at all which impressed everyone.
So, I had a great home labor, and am glad for this - Bryan and I were able to work together through my contractions and were in and out of the birth tub (water is a fantastic pain relief). I knew I would have a pretty high pain threshold and there wasn't one moment where I felt like giving up or complaining. We didn't deliver her at home as planned, but luckily the hospital allowed us to leave there after only 8 hours, so we got to be home and enjoy our first day with our daughter and with our family.
Thank you to everyone for your loving remarks and well wishes. Love to you from Divo, Bryan, & Joella. |
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