8 months update

Yesterday, Tim and I were remembering of how scared excited we were dreaming about the day we would have Olivia with us. Just like that, in the blink on a eye, she is turning 8 months old today.
We have been busy adjusting to our new life in Florida. The weather here is amazing! Not too hot or humid yet; we will see in a few more months. We have been traveling around the state and exploring some pretty cool places. It is so nice to get to experience our travel adventures with Olivia and cannot wait until she is older and remembers them.

We have been to the beach pretty regularly, and it seems that Olivia likes it. Well, I don't know if she likes or not but she does seem interested in the sand and wants to eat it.
She is now eating solids regularly three times a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. She is an adventurous eater; and I haven't found anything that she doesn't enjoy eating. Her favorite food is still sweet potatoes. Olivia has never gotten sick (Thank God) She is a very healthy baby!

She is getting better at being on her tummy and pushing up but no crawling yet.
Olivia is a talker. I wonder who she gets that from. We are in a constant battle of "mama" and "dada" here at home. She has said both words but not with intent so it doesn't count.
She had her first swimming experience, and she absolutely loved the water. I was a bit nervous about having her out in the pool for that long. We made sure we had everything we needed to protect her from the sun. The best part was that her afternoon nap was almost 3 hours long after that first swim.

She is still sleeping 12 hours at night. She takes 2 naps during day. Olivia is a very happy baby and loves to smile and giggle. She now knows for sure who her mom and dad are. Every time a stranger tries to talk to her she will just stare at them for a second and then turn to us and start "talking".
She loves to sit in the shopping carts, so she can see everything around her. I always dreamt about this. When she was a newborn and we would go shopping at the grocery store or anywhere else. I would see all these parents with their kids sitting down and plenty of space to put groceries in their cart. I would always have Olivia in the car seat placed in the shopping cart. I remember thinking wow one day she will be able to sit on her own in the cart and I won't have to worry about where to put my groceries. It seems like those days were so long ago; but I am reminded of them when I see moms with newborns doing the same thing. I realize that I am not the first mom or will be the last going through all of these things.

I have looked into "mommy and me" classes. I am excited to go visit a few places and pick the best one for us. There are tons of "little gyms" around the area. I think it is a cool way to get babies and toddlers to interact with one another at a young age. We are also in the middle of planning Olivia's baptism. Faith is very important for Tim and I and we would love for Olivia to grow up in the church.
Olivia gets to spend time with my sister and brother in law pretty regularly and I absolutely love it. There is no better feeling to have your family around you especially when you have kids.

I love to see Olivia grow every single day. At the end of the day when I am tired and I am reflecting on my day, I think about how I miss her when she is sleeping. My favorite time of the day is when she wakes up and we get to do it all over again.

Thanks for reading friends,

 Since there are only 29 days in February this year; we celebrate Olivia turning 7 months old today. A lot has changed since our 6 months update.
The most important one is that we moved from Northwest Arkansas to Orlando Florida.
Okay  preparing for this move was a little bit crazy. Tim and I have moved plenty of times. Six times to be exact. I am not a fan of the whole process.
This time we decided to hire a moving company to come and load all of our stuff, drive it to our location and unload it. I really didn't want to be driving 18 hours in different cars with a baby and two dogs.
I was terrified a little scared about the driving part with a baby. 18 hours is a long trip for us and couldn't even imagine how it would feel for a baby that is strapped in a car seat for that long.

We left NWA at noon and drove for about 10 hours. Olivia did great; we stopped twice for feeding and bathroom breaks. In the in-between time she napped. We stopped to sleep and that night she slept until about 10am the next morning. We drove the rest of the way the next day; and we were excited when we cross the Florida state line and it was 75 degrees and sunny.

We are getting used to our new home and loving it. There are endless things to do in Florida. One of the things that I am most excited about is the beach. I grew up going to the beach almost every single weekend. Some of my best memories are at the beach with my family and friends. I am happy that Olivia will be able to experience something similar.

Olivia is growing and working on developing her personality. She is a very happy baby. She loves to smile, and eat. She started eating solids and she loves it. Her favorite food is sweet potatoes so far. She works hard on her tummy time and started to do some crawling movements. She is strong with her legs and can stand up with the assistance of mom and dad. She loves loves loves her furry brother and sister and they always want to be around her. At her last doctor's appointment she was a healthy 18 pounds. Shots always hurt for a minute but after she is a happy girl and doesn't seem to bother her at all. She officially has 2 bottom teeth out and she makes good use of them. She still sleeps thru the night for about 12 hours. She takes 2 naps a day sometimes 3.

I am extremely thankful for Tim's hard work that allows me to stay at home with Olivia and I don't miss a thing. Besides all the awesome things to do here in Florida what I am most grateful for is to be close to my sister and my brother in law. I am excited to be able to share a lot with her, and that Olivia will be super close to her aunt. They will be Olivia's godparents for her baptism coming soon!

Thanks for reading, hope all is well friends!

Half Birthday!

Half Birthday! Here we are. I remember looking at pictures of other babies celebrating their 6 months, and thinking, we have a long way before we are there. Here we are now....
Counting the weeks has stopped. I am definitely learning how to enjoy the now; and not be wishing for the next month, or next milestone, or when is something else going to happen.

So here is Olivia's 6 months update. She has now mastered sitting on her own. She started learning how to sit on her own when she has a little over 5 months. By now, she is a pro at it. She has also started to learn how to balance herself while standing. Of course, with the help of mom and dad. She can also hold herself up with the help of furniture.
No matter what toy is in front of her; her best entertainment are the dogs. We are teaching her how to interact with Collin and Ginger. The same thing goes for them. They are way more patient with her that she is with them.
She takes three naps a day. Goes to sleep around 7:30pm and sleeps thru the night until 7 or 8 in the morning.

Just went I thought, oh I now have this motherhood thing under control. I was reminded that this is a lifetime journey. A couple of weeks back, we got the visit from the horrible monster that starts with a "T" and ends with "eething'. We had 4 really rough days. Olivia was crying, mama was crying, the dogs were crying. Ok maybe the dogs weren't crying, they could care less; but the other two definitely happened.

At first I didn't know that we were dealing with that. I thought we were back from Florida and she was trying to get used to her old routine. Then, I started seeing all the signs, a lot of drooling, everything goes to the mouth, trying to bite everything. So, I went to Dr. Google,  and research all the teething signs and it sounded like that was the case.

Thank you thank you thank you to all my mom friends and dads that gave me so many things to try to alleviate some of the pain. I decided I was going to see how she felt the next day. Luckily she didn't wake up during the night. You know who sometimes new moms say they are afraid of the night time, well I was afraid of the day time.
Next day,  as soon as he woke up the crying would start so, I did what any mom/dad/person that wants their sanity back would do. I loaded the car with a screaming baby and went to Target to buy everything and anything that I had been recommended to try to help her. The cold blanket helped a lot but it would only last 10-15 minutes. Same thing for all the teething rings. Finally I gave in a tried Baby Orajel Naturals and it worked so well. I only had to use it twice that day. It was recommended by so many people and I called her pediatrician to make sure it was ok. After that day she has been back to normal and now we have 2 bottom baby teeth.

I was looking at newborn pictures of Olivia last night and cannot believe that the once tiny 6 pound 7 oz baby is now almost 17 pounds. I cannot wait to go to her checkup and see how much she is grown and the official weight.
6 months celebration is also for me, 6 months of  indescribable love. 6 months of giving my whole being to someone else, someone that depends on me 24/7; 6 months of putting her needs before my own. 6 months of thinking not on me first but on what would be the best for Olivia. Happy 6 months my beautiful daughter. Here is to a lifetime more!

We are back!

Ok....picking up where we left of. Well maybe not exactly..Things have been a little crazy around here. It seems like I blinked and  the holidays were over and now we are almost at the end of January. Time slow down please!!!!!
It is COLD here in Arkansas. I think I feel extra cold because we just got back from Florida. The weather in Florida was great.
What an amazing time that was. We were reunited with my family and some of them got to meet Olivia for the first time. Anytime I get to spend with my family is truly the best time for me. I miss them so much.
A few weeks, days before we flew to Florida; I was already freaking out about Olivia's first time in a plane. The night before I couldn't sleep, really that is just the way my brain functions. Let's review everything that could possibly go wrong, and let's find a solution to it. We were going to be "those people"...you know...the people with babies in planes.
A few weeks back, I had reached out to friends and family about advice for traveling with babies. Everyone gave me so much support, and talked about all the things that had worked for them. I am so grateful for the community of parents out there that help each other out.
We were taking two flights to Florida. When we were boarding, I did get some looks, and overheard someone saying: oh there is a baby on the plane. I took a deep breath, and said here we go. Olivia did great, I followed the main advice of making sure baby is either nursing, taking a bottle, or sucking on a paci for take-off and landing. That worked perfectly. Olivia ate and then feel asleep for the majority of the flight, she woke up and we had a few little toys ready for her (one a time of course) to entertain her and then went back to sleep.
All that stress for nothing. In reality, I think she is still young enough that she doesn't know what the heck is going on. As long as she is being held, which she was the whole time (I paid for that later when we got back home) she is fine with it.
Traveling with a baby is definitely a little stressful, you want to make sure you have everything you need. Anything that baby will need, travels for free. We took stroller with car seat, her portable bassinet for her to sleep in, and didn't have to pay the luggage fee. Try to stick somewhat to the schedule that baby has at home.
We had an amazing time and cannot wait until the next time we are all together. Being around my family makes me the happiest, and I am truly blessed to have all of them in my life and to be able to share so many things with them.

Thanks for stoping by, and I promise I will be more consistent with updates!

4 Month Update

4 whole months already! Things are easier now; and by easier I mean I don't freak out over every little thing. Maybe I am starting to get the hang of this motherhood thing. Right when I typed that, no joke, she woke up from her nap. I had to take a  break from writing until next nap time to finish this post. I guess there are always things that will come up with every day, month and year that will make me "freak out" a little and interrupt whatever kind of routine I am on. It is how I am handling those things that I'm getting used to.

It is amazing to see how Olivia is developing. Now it is not just about eating, sleeping, pooping and crying. There is definitely more awake time, which I love. She loves to play with little toys and look at herself in the mirror. When I have something to do I put her in a little play seat with toys and put a mirror in front of her. That keeps her entertained for a while.

We follow a schedule, well we try to. I am not a very big fan of reading parenting books. I prefer to ask moms and dads that I know about things that have worked for them. One thing that everyone has told me is: start a schedule with her. So I did, ever since she was a baby we started developing a routine for her. It got easier once she started sleeping thru the night. So hang in there if you are still waking up every 2-3 hours.

Olivia started sleeping 12 hours at night when she turned 2 months old. Night time routine for us is warm bath time, night time lotion and pajamas; reading a book and a feeding. I would rock her to sleep, and then I would lay her down. When she turned 3 months, I started just laying her down when she was somewhat sleepy so she would learn how to fall asleep on her own. That was actually recommended to me by my doctor, and it has worked for us so far.

She loves to smile. She is figuring out how to laugh out loud, and it is hilarious. It's like a combination of trying to laugh, scream, and cry. It's amazing. She stares at me and laughs when I speak to her in spanish, and she loves to look at Collin and Ginger (Miniature Schnauzers).

Another thing that has worked for us is: when she naps during the day, if she starts crying I let her cry for a bit. I check on her to make sure she is ok, but I don't immediately pick her up anymore. She goes back to sleep 99% of the time. This is something I am still trying to teach Daddy, not to pick her up immediately. I think next month I will work on Daddy's schedule.

She loves to stare at her dad when he talks and sings to her. She can now hold her head up, and is learning how to sit on her own. She hates tummy time, and now has a love/hate relationship with the car seat. We are still working on that, although it has gotten better since we started hanging toys and a mirror so she can entertain herself.

As for me, it has been officially 1 year since I had an alcoholic drink. Believe me, I am keeping track. I have been exclusively breastfeeding so it was my choice not to drink. I think I am about ready to get a taste of a huge margarita; now that feedings are not so often. I'm sure one or even half of a margarita will be all I need after not drinking for a year.

I love that I get to spend all my days watching Olivia grow. I am thankful for Tim that works extremely hard so I can stay at home with Olivia. I wouldn't trade my non-shower, spit up covered shirts, same clothes as yesterday days for anything else. I love being Olivia's mom.

Thanks for reading,

Happy Thanksgiving!

I started celebrating Thanksgiving a few years ago. Obviously we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in El Salvador. So, I didn't really know what to do during this holiday. I knew I wanted to start making some of our own traditions when Tim and I got married.

We both celebrate the holidays very differently. I wanted to merge some of our favorite things that we are used to doing and then incorporate some new ones.
Putting up our Christmas tree is one of them. Every year since we got married, we decided that Thanksgiving would be the start to our holiday season by decorating our Christmas tree together.

Usually we would go celebrate Thanksgiving with my in-laws, or friends around the area. Last year we had 3 Thanksgiving dinners. I mean who can say no to sweet potatoes? We always had way too much to eat, way too much to drink, and then nap the day away before I had to be up and ready for Black Friday. This is the first time in about 8 years that I have not worked a Black Friday and let me tell you I couldn't be happier. I felt like I could really enjoyed the day without worrying if everything was ready for the biggest sale of the year. Or having to go to sleep super early so I could be at work before midnight.

Once again, things have definitely change around here. We decided this time it would be Thanksgiving at our place so we were not going anywhere. We went to church early in the morning, and then got back to start prepping for Thanksgiving dinner. First time cooking everything on my own. (Scary thought). Not really, everything turned out really great! (THANK GOD FOR E-RECIPES)

Our Christmas tree was done, we were stuffed and exhausted so now time for a nap. WRONG! Olivia was not ready to nap. Luckily, she is still young enough that gets entertained by pretty much anything. Looking at every single ornament in the Christmas tree and describing its shape and color did it. 45 minutes later and she was out. Just in time for me to do all the other things I needed to do around the house. Well, I decided those things can wait. I am learning to do that. You know, not everything has to be done at that exact time. You know what they say..nap when the baby naps. So, when am I supposed to clean..when the baby cleans?

I love Christmas time but it always makes me a little sad not to be able to be with my family. My mom was is a pro at celebrating the holidays. We were always the house that everyone came to. Some of my favorite childhood memories are around Christmas, because there were always so many people at home celebrating with us. I always felt a sense of unity.

We are making our own traditions as a family of three now. Cannot wait to see how every holiday changes as Olivia grows; and the things she will learn about this time of the year. Lastly, I want to say that today and everyday I am truly thankful for my family. My parents, my siblings, my sweet daughter and my husband.

I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving

Family of Three

Yesterday was such a nice day! It was sunny and 61 degrees. The weather cooperated with my weekly prayers. I wanted to get pictures done when I got pregnant. Well, back then when I was fully pregnant and it was the middle of summer let's just say: I was not up for it. (To put it nicely) 

Later I wanted to get newborn pictures done when Olivia was born. Well, then the whole caring for a baby, no time to sleep, no time to shower, and hormones up the roof happened and I was not up for it. (To put it nicely). 

Finally before winter hits (it did this morning) we decided to take family pictures. Kasie did an amazing job. This is just a little preview, more to come later. She was great and made us feel super comfortable. We went to college together so it was nice that we already knew her. She is such a caring and genuine person. I feel like even if that was the first time that we were meeting, it would have still gone amazing like it did because of her personality.

The weather here in Arkansas had been a little crazy lately. Lots of rain, lots of wind, and cold. I was a little worried (ok a lot) about taking pictures outside with Olivia. Thank goodness it was such a nice day yesterday and we were able to finish the shoot with no problems. 

If you would have asked me a month ago if this was a good idea; I would have definitely said no. I used to get so worried about long trips, or any trips really outside the house with Olivia. It always makes me feel better when Tim comes along. It's like you have your army with you, made me feel more secure. 

Those days are slowly becoming a memory. I am able to come and go with her...get ready....BY MYSELF! I no longer worry about taking her out. I remember the first time I had to drive with Olivia by myself I was a wreck. I prayed, and cried, and laughed and prayed again for her not to wake up. Now I know she is ok, and like the lady at the Starbucks drive-thru told me: Babies cry....that's is something they do. 

I thought: well I know that, but thinking a little deeper, it was a re-assurance of I am not the only one going thru this, and I won't be the last one. So far, I haven't gotten the side eye if I am out with Olivia and she starts crying. On the contrary, I have gotten compassion. A lot of helpful people opening doors for me, and asking if i need help carrying things to the car. 

A lady at Walgreens the other day greeted me and immediately offered her assistance to quickly locate what I needed and carry the items to the register. I was so thankful to her. I thought wow she knows, she probably has been in my shoes. But then, she told me she hadn't been blessed with children yet. Sometimes you don't even have to be in other's people's shoes to be empathetic. That is a little of what we all need. 

"A kind of gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal". Steve Maraboli

Thanks for reading,