December 26, 2008 at 6:11 pm (Adventures, Firsts, Loving It, On the Move)
Tags: cute, snow, toddler, walking
So, as promised, we took Eva out into the snow. We bought her a snow bib, and have jackets, hats and mittens, but the one thing we are missing are a pair of snow boots. So I came up with the bright idea to put plastic bags around her robeez. We took her on the sled. She was apprehensive. When we got back after playing on the sled she decided to go for a walk. It was slippery, but she loved it. Or perhaps because it was slippery she loved it.
December 26, 2008 at 3:40 pm (Adventures, Firsts)
Tags: Christmas, cute, stuffing, toddler
Eva celebrated her first white Christmas! She doesn’t understand the concept of Christmas (or the presents), but she had a great time. She especially loved the food. We learned she has a dangerous addiction to stuffing. I wonder if she is going to expect this kind of ceremony, food and presents the next time she comes to my parents house.
We took her in the snow, which she didn’t entirely enjoy, but we’ll try again today in the blazing sunshine.
Merry Christmas to everybody from our little family.
December 26, 2008 at 3:30 pm (Adventures, Firsts)
Tags: crying, cute, Santa, toddler
So we took Eva to sit on Santa’s lap. She hated him. She screamed and screamed like she was getting her blood drawn. It was horrible. We don’t have photos of this gruesome scene because Santa’s elves were running some sort of racket where you have to pay $30.00 for pictures. And I wasn’t about to buy photos of Eva screaming at the top of her lungs. I felt really bad about putting her through that…maybe next year…
Here she is afterward. Eating cheese and playing peek-a-boo.
December 19, 2008 at 2:47 pm (food)
Tags: baby, cute, dancing, eating
Eva has gotten really good at feeding herself. I was reluctant to let her start using a spoon because of the mess. However, I put my own lazyness aside and gave her a spoon. She’s gotten really good at it, and even gets the spoon into her mouth a couple of times a feeding. And the mess isn’t that bad.
I work really hard to get dinner on the table at a decent hour every night so we can eat together as a family. Breakfast and lunch times are less structured. Sometimes I’ll eat with her, and sometimes not. We also often listen to music. When she was really fussy in the high chair music would help her calm down. It has become a habit. Often dancing is involved. Yesterday afternoon, we were listening to Terry Gross, who had Erran Baron Cohen promoting his new album “Songs in the Key of Hanukkah.” She really enjoyed it.
Sometimes Eva eats two spoonfuls and sometimes she eats more than seems humanly possible. She’s also still interested in pureed foods which is great because I’m easily able to get her to eat kale, spinach, chard, and other greens.
December 13, 2008 at 10:44 pm (Adventures, Loving It)
Tags: baby, Christmas lights, cute, dancing
Every year, there is a street in Alameda, called Thompson Street, which goes off with Christmas lights and decorations. This evening, we took Eva and she loved it. She toddled around and stared at all of the fantastic displays, calling every animal a doggy or ducky (there was an abundance of penguins). She also danced to the Christmas music, causing Eva to become an attraction herself. She was called Cindy Lou Who more than once. The line for Santa was too long, but we will try to get her on Santa’s lap sometime before Christmas. I am very curious; will Santa be friend or foe?
Incidentally, I lived on Thompson Street for some time as a child. I don’t recall if my parents went off with the Christmas lights. I do recall having a mailbox that went directly to Santa in the park in the middle of the street. I also remember my brother being deathly afraid of Santa (and clowns).
December 10, 2008 at 11:07 pm (Pronouncements)
Tags: baby, cute, doctor, milestones
Eva recently visited her doctor for her one year check up. At previous visits I always brought a laundry list of things to ask, but now that Eva is bigger, and I am more relaxed about being a mom, we didn’t have too much to talk about.
She can say at least six words: doggy, ducky (to all birds), hi, bye, dad, mom. I think she can say “yes” and “okay” as well. I have this feeling that she is actually saying more, but I am unable to recognize the words. She is constantly telling me things, I just don’t know what. She waves goodbye and hello (inconsistently, and sometimes everyone will have left, and then she waves bye bye). She points at objects. She understands a significant amount of what I say. She follows directions. She understands “no.” She even stops doing something when I tell her “no” (most of the time). She walks really well. She still waddles like a duck with her big belly and rear end pushed out. It is adorable.
The stats: Height 29 inches = 43rd percentile (I think she is a little shorter than 29 inches, the nurse took about two seconds to measure her); Weight, 19.6 pounds = 25th percentile (still too small to face the carseat forward); and circumference of head 18 inches = 68th percentile (she finally grew that huge cranium her Dad’s side is known for).
December 10, 2008 at 10:40 pm (Firsts)
Tags: baby, birthday party, cute
This Sunday Eva had her first birthday party! And it was a blowout! We invited a ton of friends and family, and 8 other babies attended: Myca, Jackson, Evie, Omari, Elwyn, Abby, Leyla, and Zephyr. It’s hard to figure out where to have a party for a winter baby. We can’t just go to the park (it was 54 degrees!). We decided to have it at a local community center at a park. I was a little stressed out, but Eva had a great time. Thus, success. Thanks to everyone who attended and those of you who were so awesome in helping us!
December 10, 2008 at 12:18 am (Firsts)
Tags: amazing, baby, cute, first birthday
Dear Eva,
I can’t believe it’s been a year! It seems like only yesterday you were a bright red little alien taking your first breath. You have blossomed into the sweetest, most amazing little girl. 366 days ago I had no idea how much work you would require and how much love you would inspire. You are the best thing your father and I have ever done. You are the biggest adventure of our life. Every night, while you lay sleeping, we bask in the love we have for you. You constantly amaze us with your daily growth. It is such a privilege to be in your life. We love you so much. Happy first birthday!
Love,
Mom and Dad
(We wrote this on Eva’s birthday (11/29), but it has been taking me forever to post it!)
