She did it!

She's been close for a while, but she finally did it...she rolled over!  Fortunately, I was recording her with my phone when it happened!  Yes, I used the nukie to encourage a roll...but I didn't touch her...she did it on her own!  Please turn down the volume so you don't have to listen to me ;)

Little Swimmer

Thanks to our friends, Anne and Brian, Maya has had her first experiences in a pool!  We were super excited...she loves the bath, so we were hoping the first dip in a pool would be a positive experience.  I'm happy to report that we were correct!  No tears were shed and she seems to really enjoy the water.  I know Brad is eager to get her into swim lessons...not so much for me.  I just don't quite understand what she could possibly learn.  I guess it's more about getting her used to the water...either way, I'm in no hurry.  

Here's our little water baby in action over the weekend...

Solids or Sleep?

At Maya's four month appointment, we were given the green light to start solids and to do some sleep training as well.  A good friend of mine suggested not doing both at the same time...too many new things at once would overwhelm little missy.  It wasn't too difficult trying to decide between the two.  Not only would her little digestive system be more ready the longer we waited to start solids, but getting her to be able to fall asleep on her own seemed just slightly more important ;) 

Though it hasn't been easy, I'd say sleep training has been a huge success!  We read a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child", and based on the type of baby Maya is, we decided the Cry It Out approach was the way to go.  Not everyone believes in it or can handle hearing their child cry and not respond.  Like I said, it's not easy, but knowing my child is now getting the sleep she needs and not waking up every 1.5-2 hours (yep, no kidding!) like she used to, it was well worth it.  Maya is now falling asleep between 7:30 and 8pm and wakes around 3 or 4am for a feeding.  Then it's back to sleep until she wakes for the day anywhere between 6 and 6:30am.  A few times she has skipped the feeding entirely and sleeps all the way till morning.  We love those times, but don't count on them.  We are ALL sleeping better and Maya seems much happier and well rested! 

Happy and well rested Maya

I find it pretty interesting to see in what position she falls asleep.  Before sleep training, I would lay her down very neatly with her arms at her side.  I love that she chooses to sleep like this instead...

...very lady like.  

Now we just need to tackle naps...that's a whole other debacle.  

So next up is solids!  I'm pretty excited to start them and can't wait to see how Maya reacts.  I've been reading "Super Baby Food" which was suggested by the pediatrician.   We already bought the rice cereal and I'm planning on prepping some bananas, avocado and sweet potato sometime very soon as Maya's first foods.  I'll be sure to post pics when the feeding fun begins!  

I decided to give our high chair a test run today.  It was the first time I put Maya in it...she looks like such a big girl!

Lessons from a 4 month old

This little girl has taught me so much in the past 4 months.  I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I had no idea what I was getting into!  Who knew someone without the ability to speak or act with purpose could make such a huge impact.

The moment Maya was born, she taught me that

My Heart is Capable of Instant Unconditional Love

I knew I was about to experience a different kind of love, but there are no words to explain it.  It's pure and perfect.  There's nothing like those initial minutes when you realize that your life has changed forever.  That this perfect little innocent being relies on you alone and it's up to you to fulfill her every want and need.  I was in a fog of pure delight, nothing could be better! 

The honeymoon only lasted so long and soon I was in the sleep deprived land of feedings, diaper changes and crying...lots of crying.  There's no sugar coating that the first few weeks (and months) were tough!  Maya taught me how to

Find Inner Strength to Persevere 

when I just wanted to sleep!

Soon, my body got used to the lack of sleep and we found our routine.  Things started to get a little easier...or at least they got more familiar!  

Unfortunately, the only way for Maya to fall asleep was in our arms.  She turned into a very light sleeper and would easily wake when we tried to lay her down.  I had to wait until she was in a deep sleep before I attempted any crib transfer maneuvers.  This often took up to 45 minutes or more!  At 3:00 in the morning, while I pace her room, near tears because I'm so tired and my last two attempts of laying her down failed, Maya teaches me

Patience and That It's No Longer About What I Want or Need!

Now, the world as I know it suddenly revolves around Maya.  Sure, we say we won't let our babies take over and we honestly try to be flexible!  It's so easy to assume we can just make them fit into our lifestyle.  Ha...all the things I thought I knew!  I'll be honest...I was probably pretty judge-y before I had Maya.  I didn't understand why some parents seemed so uptight about schedules, where their kids napped, what they ate...I haven't had to deal with it all yet, but I definitely have a new perspective.  Maybe it's different for some people and they can continue with life as it always was...I hate those people I'm happy for those people.  They say some babies are "easy"...Maya is just not one of them!  

But at the end of the day, I wouldn't change a thing about her (well, maybe I'd tweak a few things...maybe).  I love so much just the way she is.  Sure, there are times she drives me a little nuts, but she's a perfect little creation, just the way He planned.  And knowing how much I love her despite all her "not so perfect" qualities, gives me a new appreciation for 

God's love

And that's the best lesson so far.  Experiencing the love I feel for Maya and knowing that God loves us, His children, even more, despite all of our "not so perfect" qualities (and there are plenty!), is amazing.  I feel so blessed and so thankful.  

I look forward to all the lessons this little girl will teach me over the years.  I'm know there are many more to come!

4 months...

Maya turned 4 months yesterday!  Time is flying!! 

Here's the latest picture...

...and I had to add this one.  My smiley girls rarely smiles for the camera.  Her hand was in her mouth, but you can see that sweet grin!

We head to the doctor this afternoon for more shots and her 4 month check up...more to come...

Outings

I've been trying to get Maya and I out everyday.  Hanging out around the house gets a little old...we need some excitement!  Now that she can stay awake longer between naps, we have some more flexibility...finally!  We've taken advantage of the sunny weather and have enjoyed our time outside.  Thursday we met up with some friends at a park with a water playground...so cool!  I can't wait for Maya to be old enough to run through it and have fun...next summer I guess!

Friday we were extra adventurous and went to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.  My friend Mandy invited us to go with her and her two girls, Abby and Cailin (who's only 5 weeks!  I'm super impressed!  I would have never attempted such an outing when Maya was 5 weeks...)  It was so fun to hang out with the girls.  Abby had a blast and I once again look forward to the day Maya gets excited for trips to places like Happy Hollow.

Our first ride at Happy Hollow, the Dragon Train (not sure if that's the official name)

Maya's first time on the merry-go-round...as you can see, not so merry.  We left as soon as the ride ended.

*Yes, I'm wearing the same hat two days in a row.  Thursday was for "sun protection" (fashion) and Friday I didn't wash my hair, so it was a must!  You've been there...don't judge ;)

My future's so bright...

It's finally sunny here in "sunny" california!  woo hoo!  We're excited...can you tell? ;)