It Makes Me Giggle

If I ever felt better I can't seem to recall. It just blows me away to be part of it all. It makes me giggle, it makes me giggle, just singing these love songs for you. It makes me giggle, sometimes I wiggle, there ain't nothing that I'd rather do. I like to see you with a smile on your face, I'd like to give one to the whole human race and then I'd giggle, we could all giggle, now wiggle for me.

--John Denver

As we were getting Mr. Maxwell ready for his evening "bubble tubby," or bath, he reached the best milestone to date. He giggled. This was an all out, over the top, mommy is tickling me, super long giggle fest giggle. I am over the moon. There is nothing better than a baby giggling. Yay for milestones!

I'm Going Back to Cali.....

I'm going back to Cali, shakin' em, bakin' em, takin' em to spots they never before hung....

--LL Cool J

So Nate, the boy and I flew down to California for the weekend. It was Maximus's very first airplane trip. He was hilarious on the plane, making "mooney eyes" at mommy and talking it up with all the peeps around him. I was amazed by what a terrific little traveler my bug was. He didn't fuss one bit (after he got his fill of milk) and slept most of the trip down.

Now the purpose of this way too short trip was so that my peanut could finally meet his GREAT grandparents. And it was a much needed break from the sweltering hell that is our current dwelling place.

The airport wasn't very busy, for a Friday morning. We arrived about an hour before our boarding time and quickly made our way to our gate. For the first time ever, Nate and I were able to pre-board the plane. I actually really love this aspect of traveling with babes. We were the first to board and made our way to our seats. I took my dear sweet time setting up our seating area, making sure that we had all that we needed, will need, and may need at our finger tips. Maximus and I got the window seat. This was mesmerizing to the little bug. He stared at all there was to see through the tiny little port side window, until his daddy made me close it. It was so fun to travel with Bubby because he was so cute. If he wasn't making batting his eyelashes and jabbering away at mommy, he was giggling and flirting with grandma, and hamming it up with daddy. I got the man settled in, with some milk and a comfy spot to rest his little head, and off we went.

I was worried about how Max would respond once we were in the air. I was prepared for him to fuss a bit because his ears hurt. Surprisingly enough, he did not make a sound and his ears never seemed to bother him. While the baby behind us cried in agony, Bubby just slept in Mommy's lap.

We took off from Sea-Tac at approximately 9:30 am and arrived in San Jose at nooner. Upon landing, we quickly grabbed our bags and made our way to the Avis rental car kiosk. One quick little upgrade, from compact to mid-sized sedan, and we were off.

Our mission was to make it all the way from San Jose, to Cam-bri-a, before the little master figured out that he was STARVING TO DEATH. We almost made it too. However, shortly after leaving Paso Robles, our mission was thwarted and young master Maxwell let us know how disappointed he was with our lousy attempt at trickery. We pulled over on the side of Highway 46, fed the man a delicious meal of warm milk, and 20 minutes later we were off again.

We descended into the foggy wonderland of Cambria around 4:30 pm. I always enjoy traveling along California's vast and ever changing landscape. It is amazing that you can be in a forest, mountain region, desert, and foggy beach all within an 3 hour journey. We set off from the balding hills of the desert, and landed in the lush green foliage of the coastal region shortly there after.

As we made our way towards the Main Street of Cambria, I explained all of the landmarks to Nate. I jabbered on, at breakneck speed, about all my memories while my patient better half concentrated on the road, only interjecting to make sure we were going in the right direction. The Pinedorado, Shamel Park, nude sunbathing at San Simeon, swimming at the Elk's Lodge, wandering peacocks, all memories that flooded out of my mouth on the short jaunt between Main and our intended destination.

We pulled into the driveway of grandma and grandpa's cozy beach abode, unpacked the mister, and walked up the stairs to greet the family. Little did we know that we were in for a messy surprise awaiting us. What lay beneath that little boy, who hadn't done his business in quite sometime, was less than desirable. This was not the way I had envisioned him making his grand appearance at his GREAT grandparents house. But with a little spiffying up, half a container of wipes, and a fresh pair of drawers, the little mister was ready to great his awaiting fans---um, I mean family. And boy did that boy put on a show. He took to his G-G-Ma like a true little man in love. He batted his little eyes, talked his little talk, and loved all over his lovely G-G-Ma, making his mommy ever so proud! He also shined with his G-G-Pa, in matching red socks, and cooing at the old man with much admiration. Unfortunately, not all family members were met with such a shiny happy boy. He was not in such great spirits with his G-cousin Christopher. For some reason, Chris set off the boys unhappy meter and he fussed the whole time Chris held him. Maybe next time, lil' mister will take a liking towards his big GREAT cousin. (However, he did love Chris's wife, Nicole.)


I could probably write a short novel, describing our Cambrian adventures, but it is more exciting to see how this wonderful weekend unfolded. The following is a photo journal, chronicling our vacation:

Loving his new friend, Maxwell was quite content in his great grandma's arms.

Hanging out with his Pa in the living room.

At one of Mommy's childhood haunts, Shamel Park. Happy with Mommy, the kissy monster, at the beach.

Chill'n with my new friend, Nicole

Ah, the calm before the storm. He would soon start crying.

Having a meaningful conversation with his GGPa.

Hanging out with his pal, Max and Opa.

Cutest boy in the whole wide world. This is one of the best shots of the bunch!

Cool dude, Max Fantastic and his red socks. He just had to sport the red socks like his GGPa.

My Bubby is the coolest kid on the block!

Daddy took some pretty cool shots of Maximus.

Maximus in the sky, with mommy!

Cuddling with Daddy.

He was such a cutie pie in his overalls and hat.

Sitting next to Daddy, like a big boy, on the couch.

Sleepy boy, with Mama.

The first time at the beach, putting his feet in the water.

The cold Pacific Ocean did not phase him at all. I think he liked it!

Facing Daddy!

Looking out at the pretty water with Daddy!

There was so much to see at the beach!

The water rushing in and out is kinda confusing to a little man!

A view from the top, of Max's head that is!

Snuggling Daddy! Again!

Mommy tastes delicious!

Cute naughty face. Max sitting in his very own airplane seat.

Cute boy! Ready to go home and sleep in his own crib.

Noah's Road

This is an incredibly moving, yet heartbreaking blog about Noah, a 7 and 1/2 month old baby boy who was shaken by his daycare provider. Noah has recently returned home from the hospital and only time will tell what his quality of life will be. For some reason, blogspot will not let me add the URL to Noah's Road onto my blog list, so I am posting this, in the hopes that you will visit Noah's blog and read about this strong little man's recovery.

I recommend that you start off by reading Noah's Story, which is on the right hand side of the blog posts, then continue on by starting with the very first post. This little fighter needs all the positive energy, prayer, thoughts, well wishes, or whatever you believe in/do in times of need.

Thanks you for reading this!

http://www.noahsroad.com/

Three Months of Joy

It's Max's 3 month birthday and we love him more everyday!

He is sitting up, assisted of course, better everyday!

Every part of him is getting bigger, even his feet!

He has the most gorgeous,perfect smile!

He's starting to a little shy guy!

Oops. Falling down! Such a cute picture!

Some very interesting polka dots on this blankie!

Reluctantly Crouched at the Starting Line

Engines thumping and pumping in time. Green lights flashing. The flags go up. Churning and burning. They yearn for the cup.....


But enough CAKE, The reason that I titled this post Reluctantly Crouched at the Starting Line is because the last few days have been really difficult for me, to work out that is. I am one of those people that has to work out in the morning, shortly after I eat breakfast, or else I don't do it. This is how I felt Wednesday. I had a hell night with my little muffin. I slept until almost 10. I ate breakfast, fed my bug, and rushed to get out of the house. I had plans. Important plans and I didn't want to waste time exercising! Damn it!!! I also secretly, or not so secretly, hate working out; but I have to work out because I love to eat so much!


So this is how it was. It was already 8:00 pm and I was vacillating between wanting to work out and really not wanting to work out. Luckily, I have Nate to force me to do the things I hate to do, such as; putting my clothes away, cleaning up after myself, and exercising. He told me that I had been doing so well and it was really ridiculous to make up excuses now. So, muttering and grumbling the entire time, I put on my workout clothes and got to work. It is amazing how fast those 20 minutes go by. In fact, the only part of the workout that I hate is the first circuit, then it gets exponentially better for the remaining two circuits. Maybe it's because I am better at the exercises in the later half....or maybe it's because I know I am almost done. I finished working out at around 9:00 and was dripping with sweat, sore, and really proud of myself. Not to mention, thankful that my husband guilted me into doing it.


I felt a little better about working out later in the day on Thursday. I spent the day, dinking around on the Internet, and then it hit me, I still needed to work out. Poo!! I kept making excuses. Well, I just woke up and I had a really poor nights sleep, so I will work out after breakfast. Then it was, well the baby is fast asleep and I am so tired, so I will take a nap with him. Then, I woke up and my excuse was, well I just took a really long nap and I haven't eaten lunch yet. After lunch, I was too full to work out...and so on and so forth. Finally, my body said to my brain (yes, my various parts discuss their options with each other), it said "brain, what excuse do you have now?? None, good, get off your ass and get busy!" So I did. Before dinner, I strapped on my shoes and worked out with Jillian for 20 minutes. It felt good. Not great yet, but good none the less.


I am working up the nerve/energy to do it today. I haven't gotten there yet, but I will!

Ooh Child Things Are Gonna Get Easier....

In the beginning:
Tummy time did not come easy! Max couldn't even lift his head.

Slowly, but surely, he quit complaining and started to make strides, arm forward...

With the help of the Boppy, he could hold his head up pretty well, but he still didn't like it!

Until one day...he could hold his head high enough to see his world all around him!

It was a magical, wonderous world, full of good things to see...

And it was good!!

Movin' on Up: To the Crib that is!

Man did we have a night, last night!

I decided that, since my boy was way too big for his bassinet, it was time to move him to his crib. Nate, being the wonderful husband that he is, dismantled the crib and moved it from the nursery, to our room. Why did he have to take it apart you ask? Because our lovely apartment, which was constructed in the 70's (and hasn't been maintained since) has doors that are too small to accommodate the size of our crib. So wonderful, glorious Nate took it apart and put it back together again in our room. I was so excited for Max to sleep in his "big boy" bed, but a little sad that we were already moving on from his beautiful Moses Basket Bassinet.

In hindsight (which is 20/20 after all), it may not have been the best decision to move him last night. You see, my boy is fully immersed in his 3 month growth spurt, and his mama is going through separation anxiety. Let me explain. Since our one glorious and heavenly night of sleep, Max has decided that it is time to grow. And with that growth, comes cluster feeding, sleeping all day, and not sleeping through the night. Cluster feeding is the most frustrating part of being a breast feeding mother. This particular behavior is designed to make sure that the milk production is in line with the child's growth and development. When said child starts to go through a particular spurt, they feed constantly to increase the milk a mother produces. Max's cluster feeding always seems to be particularly extreme. Case in point, yesterday he ate for 30 minutes, slept for 30 minutes, and then ate for 30 minutes more. During these growth spurts, my little chunky monkey gets cranky and demanding. He also doesn't let me sleep. This is the one fatal flaw that I see in the breast feeding scenerio, MAMA NEVER GETS A BREAK! Little did I know that Mister's cluster feeding would not be the sole thing that would lead to my nighttime discontent.

Max was not the one with seperation anxiety last night. It was me. My little muffin has not been more than a few inches away from me, at night, since he was 3 days old. Now, granted the crib is only a few feet farther than the bassinet was, but I can't touch him whenever I want. I can't hear him as well. He is just too far away. And for some reason, this broke my heart last night. I made me so sad that I cried. I did. I didn't like it and I couldn't handle it. The only thing that made me a little more comfortable was that Max decided that bed time was time to start talking to everything around him.

Well the cute little peanut was wide awake in his crib, talking to himself until about 12:00 am. Then he let out his warning yelp, which is used to tell mommy "you better come get me, or else!" So I got out of bed, grabbed the little squirt, and put him in bed with me. Unfortunately, this decision meant that my two guys got to sleep soundly, sprawled out across the bed, and I got to be squished uncomfortably on the edge of the bed, hanging on for dear life and moving in and out of restless sleep. Thankfully, Max wailed his starving baby cry at about 2:30 am. I got up to relieve him of his hunger, which meant that soon I would be able to get some sleep. WRONG AGAIN! Seriously, when are you going to learn woman?? The boy decided that he would eat, and then wide awake, would flirt with mama for 30 minutes. Usually, a midnight feeding takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes from start to sleepy finish. Oh, not this time. This feeding took an hour. And so would the 5:30 one. But at least I learned my lesson and put him in his crib after the 2:30 feeding.

When the boy decided that he would be up for good at 8:00, I decided I was done...spent....not going to get out of bed! My wonderful husband got up with the boy and I got to sleep in. But it wasn't nearly enough. Hopefully, baby and mama will sleep tonight....