Shara's First Trip to the MFA

We got passes from the Mansfield Library yesterday to go to the MFA. I read that little babies should be brought to museums and other cultural places at a young age so they feel comfortable and know how to act appropriately when they get older. We packed up her lunch and some toys and off we went.

When we got there, fairly early, we were lucky to find a spot in their lot. After getting our tickets (they were so inexpensive with the passes from the library, we decided to go to the Ralph Lauren car exhibit too), we went to the cafeteria for lunch. Alan was less than impressed with his sandwich, but I liked my salad and Shara finished her cereal and fruit/vegetables. Then off we went to see the cars. It was really quiet in the exhibit and Shara let out one of her baby calls and we both tried to make her be quiet, but after the smiles it produced on most of the people around us, we stopped and let her be her happy self.

As we went through the museum, it was easy to see where we should move quickly and where we could stay, based on Shara's vocality. There were also lots of other children there, so I don't think either of us felt we were disturbing anyone with a baby. The only time we knew to make a bee-line was when she started getting really fussy - near the Japanese Samuri collection. We found the nursing room (wonderful) and after Shara was fed and changed, we strolled through the modern section, but she was so overdue for a nap that it was time to go. We left after a nice 3 hour tour, longer than what we had anticipated.

An Outing to Trader Joe's

Shara & mom went to Trader Joe's today, while dad went next door to check prices at the microcenter. This was the first time Shara sat in the seat of the grocery cart. She had so much fun looking at all the people and the banners & decorations flying from the ceiling. In the frozen food section, mom was looking at a package of frozen veggies and a nice lady says to me, "she's eating the paper." I look at Shara and she had a big wad of paper in her mouth. I tried to get it out, making her cry, but finally got it. It was stuck to the roof of her mouth, then in the side of her cheek. I was just glad it didn't get stuck in her throat. I had jokingly told Alan in the morning that if we put her in the seat, I'd loose the seat to hold my list. He said to let Shara hold it and I explained how she puts it in her mouth. Well I let her hold it, knowing it'd go in her mouth. What I failed to realize is that would naturally lead to her trying to eat it. All was well and we got good frozen veggies, and Shara even had a teeny taste of apple juice - just touched her lips. The girl in the wine aisle was really taken by Shara - as was another girl in the vegetable section. The kids that work there are really great - very competent and personable. The manager does a good job in hiring.

Sliding Backwards

Shara's Aunt Jill, Uncle Andy, Cousins Liz & Samantha, and her Bubbe came for a visit the last couple of days. As it seems with most family visits, some developmental changes occur. This time Shara started to push herself backward, on her tummy. She wasn't on her hands and knees, but she's getting there. She looked like a little froggy, scooting around the rug. She didn't really notice she was getting farther away from her goal - a stack of blocks, ready to be knocked down. Soon she will. Then we'll see some real action. This weekend we're going gate shopping! Coincidence? - The Gates opened last week in Central Park and now we're going to be remodeling our own landscape!

Shara was really excited about all her family being here and after the first night, it seemed as though she thought she would miss something if she slept. Great! So after nursing her and holding her - all of which made her happy, but not sleepy - we brought her into bed with us. Alan said later it was fun the way she batted his face through the night. It was cute, but boy was I tired the next day! One time I woke up with her starring at me. I know she slept, but I was surprised how much she was awake. All hail the routine - after everyone left, she slept all night, as usual.

She's also eating a lot more yesterday & the day before. Bubbe, Sam, Shara & I went to lunch at Bertucci's. As soon as we sat down - Shara in a high chair - she wanted to eat. I fed Shar all that I brought - oatmeal w/applesauce and butternut squash. She wanted more, so I fed her bread balls. Lots of bread balls. This was after a breakfast of mixed grain, peaches & banana, and then more peaches! Maybe a growth spurt?

Yummy!

Shara has discovered her toes. It's funny to watch because she looks so confused - like this isn't toy, but what exactly is it?

My First Valentine's Day

Shara had a fun day at school today - enjoyed her banana puffs while the other kids had cupcakes for their Valentine's Day party.

Not going to fit in this much longer

We got many months out of the infamous bouncy seat, but alas, it's time to let it go back to its rightful owners. No longer is it a soothing place to watch mommy cook dinner, but an implement to aid in standing upright.


Some foods Shara's eaten

Fresh Air

Not knowing if Shara & I have been getting sick so much this season because of daycare or being inside, I thought we should all go for a walk. Our street didn't sound too safe, so we went to Borderland and walked around there for about an hour. It was really nice and Shara had fun watching the big kids sled. She also seemed to really like all the dogs we saw. I carried her around in the Bjorn - which she always loves.

Shara & Daddy's Day

Today Shara spent some QT with dad - da da da - just started today. Very exciting! Here's what they did:
(10:16:58 AM): We played in the exersaucer a little while listening to Jazz, then we played with tad and fluffles, and then we flipped the page in the center of the learning table a lot. Walked around the house and wiped lots of snotty noses. Then Shara took a nap starting at 9:30
(10:50:43 AM): Shara woke at around 10:35. She was a little cranky and still looked tired. I held her for about 15 mins and put her back down and she's mostly quite.
(12:05:00 PM): shara relaxed in her crib until about 11:30, i got her, fed her and changed her.
(12:05:45 PM): she had a stinky, orange, sticky poopy. yucky!
(12:06:07 PM): my parents are comming by in about 30 mins
(2:19:23 PM): Before my parents came over I gave Shara some banana puffs (you know that because I told you when you called). Shara got a puff stuck on the back of her tung and didn't like it. I learned baby's explode when that happens.=-O All were happy about 2 mins later.:-)
(2:19:42 PM): At around 1:45 she started her second nap.

Mom got home about 2:45, bearing some new clothes, and Shara ate and was happy.

Is it a Cold?

I'm hoping Shara's not coming down with another cold. The other day I said that mine can't get worse, since I've had a mild version of what everyone else at work has and it hasn't gone any further. Well, it's a bit worse now, and Shara's sounding a little like me - that congestion in the chest sound. She was half asleep when I heard her, so it could be just that. I guess I have to wait till she gets up for the day.

Yesterday when I picked her up from school, I was sitting on the floor with her, singing "Little Red Caboose" with everyone, and she was standing and bouncing up and down a little. I was holding her arm, but she was solid - until she wasn't. But she's getting there quick! She's now on the big kids' schedule - eating morning & afternoon snack with them, taking her nap when they do. She is whiped out when she gets home.

I gave her peas last night, with some mixed grain, and she did not like them this time. I guess I now believe Ms. Donna. I'll try again in a week or 2, since I have 6 jars, but if she doesn't like them, I'm not going to waste my time - I'll give them to the food pantry or somewhere. I liked them, but they needed salt, which is a no no for babies. So I gave her carrots and she was happier. She also put on a face of defiance - wanted to feed herself, flinging peas and carrots all over. It really wasn't that bad, but she was tired and didn't eat as well as she normally does. She's really easy to feed - she opens her mouth and in it goes. Last night was very frustrating for me, so I had her finish the little jar of carrots and nursed her - she fell asleep while nursing.

I Want to Remember

• When I get ready to nurse you, you always cry like you're upset I'm not getting my boob out fast enough, regardless of how hungry you are.
• When you're tired, you're tired and want to get into bed, now. We may be able to get you laughing, but you can break-down in a second when you're tired. Even when you're this tired, you can still lay awake in your crib for an hour.
• When you were between 3 - 7 weeks, I would try to get you to sleep and you'd fuss and cry and not go to sleep, so daddy & I would bring you back downstairs until you were ready - almost every night at 9pm. We/I never learned. I kept saying each time, "I'm not going to even bother putting her in bed before 9pm because she's never ready before then". But I kept trying!
• The little tune I'd sing to you while dancing around the kitchen - the one with the boom where we'd do a little jump and you'd smile so big...

My Big Baby

Last night Shara fell asleep after her last feeding and Alan ran up and got the camera for a comparison shot from when she was a teenie-tiny tot to now.
 

Here you go bubbe

Alan took some cute pictures last night of Shara. First in her cage, then in eating her oatmeal. We (I) tried to give her some bits of nectarine and made her gag. She hasn't grasped the chewing concept yet. Going to have to work on that one. Maybe with more bananas or softer fruits and veggies. Since it was bath night, I let her play with the food a little more. She did like holding the spoon with me! Her teachers at school are going to be upset with me if she wants to start feeding herself!