The Woes of Progress...

So, Isa is semi-mobile these days. Meaning she can almost crawl forward, almost stand totally on her own, and almost be content playing on the floor for more than 15 seconds at a time. If you didn't pick up on the wee sarcasm in the last line, I will be more clear... all this change and progress has made for one very frustrated, very fussy babe! Sigh.

In addition to all these new skills, she has also learned the art of the whine. I think it's a fitting accompaniment to all the frustation of semi-mobility. With regard to crawling, she is really moving and shaking, literally. She likes to get up on hands and knees and rock/shake back and forth, like a wind-up car about to take off. Except in reality, she actually moves backwards... away from the thing she is trying so hard to reach. As for the standing, she really enjoys the new perspective of being up on her feet and holding on, but the problem lies in being able to hold on and reach for objects at the same time. And that usually ends with her plopping down and falling backwards. While she doesn't mind the ride itself, she has to start all over again to get back to her feet.

On a wonderfully positive note, Isabel has been sleeping like a dream this week. We're talking 6-8 hour stretches of uninterupted, restful sleep. And since I am sure I just jinxed us, I'll say, well it was fun while it lasted. Smirk.

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER!
love, Isabel

the rest of Isa's Easter pics can be seen by cutting and pasting this address:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbuWjJw4YsmLEUA

Baby on the move!

Yesterday the mommy walked into Isa's room to find a very excited little kiddo, clinging the front railing of her crib. It was the first time Isabel has pulled herself from sitting to standing! Now she's upwardly mobile!

So for Isa, crib time is now play time as well. And being in a well-padded space means she can roll and tumble and nose-dive until her little heart is content. Which she does. She actually seems to be do laps in there... from one corner to the other and around in circles.

Which, as you can see, is a good workout. One would think that exerting all of that energy would mean she would fall fast asleep and snooze soundly for hours on end. Well, that doesn't seem to be the case just yet but we remain hopeful that one day it just might happen!

Little Baby Blue...

A kitty's last straw.

Alright folks, this baby thing has gone too far. Not only does she get her own room, but she gets her own blog? Are you serious? I decided it was time for me to hack this site to make my feline voice heard. Down with baby blogs!
On another note, why did we move to this new house without a cat door anyway? Don't these people know I have some serious cattin' around to do? I've gone from vicious killer to window decor. Please.
-- oscar (the boogie)

Babywearing 102

So, if the "hippy sling" and the baby bjorn make for Babywearing 101, then the mommy's new Japanese baby carrier (called an Onbuhimo) is a lesson in Babywearing 102. As of this afternoon, the mommy is officially in love with this magnificant innovation! She can take baby to the store, outside to hang up laundry, go for a walk, cook dinner-- you name it-- all without a backache! And of course Isa loves it too! It's been particularly helpful with the afternoon fussies... yes, that magical time every day when Isa seems most unhappy.

You can't really tell it from the photos but there are two long, padded straps that come off the top that can be tied by threading through two metal rings on the bottom. It can be worn in the front or the back, depending on the size and mood of the baby. And particularly when used on one's back, this is a great carrier for larger babes and toddlers.

Are those skulls you might be wondering aloud? Why yes, they are. But not just any skulls. They are actually a traditional part of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead or All Saint's Day) and hence, not morbid but really cool. Or atleast that's what the mommy thinks. Thank you very much!

Dinner with Bennett

Dinner dates are not just for grownups anymore. Babies get in on the action too! And so it was that Isa and Bennett shared a meal Sunday evening. Bennett (7.5mo) got to play head of the table and show off his impressive eating skills, while Miss Isa looked on in wonder. Though bedtime rolled around rather quickly, there was a little time for some rolling around on the floor as well. Cheers!