Puzzles and Bread
This weekend we had the fan going like crazy. It's too warm to go outside and do garden work or play. Rachael has been inside a lot but she doesn't enjoy the heat either. We had to find other things to do and putting puzzles together was the selected activity. After today, we have 2 tables with 2 different puzzles - I'll have to act on that sometime soon, and make the tables available. Rachael also "worked" on her little puzzle. It has different sea creatures on it and she loves to toss the pieces. Not exactly the way intended but still fun.
Rachael has also made me very happy by munching happily on bread and grapes. Yeah!
Chicken came later...
Rachael had chicken! With peas and carrots ... and she liked it. We already tried egg yolk and that wasn't as popular. Although Rachael can eat a whole lot of different things it seems to me that we end up doing the same 5 or 6 things, so I am extremely happy that she enjoyed this new food. My plan is to revamp other foods that didn't work as well earlier. Maybe her taste buds have developed a little more.
Drumming
The weather has been very muggy! Earlier this week we went to Wilson Farms to get some produce and I thought we would shrivel up on our way back. Rachael has been inside the air conditioned house since. I gave her some pots and pans and a wooden spoon and that seems to work out just fine. She has tried to drum on other things though, including Tom's head!!! As he voiced his pain, Rachael kept "playing" and laughing....
Documented
Last saturday we filed for Rachael's american passport and today we started the process for the portuguese one. Now we just have to wait a few weeks and we'll be all set. Yeah! This week has been warm and rainy but we still got the chance to go stroll out.
10 months old
Another big day. Rachael is now 10 months old and all of a sudden I realize how much she has changed and developed. She can easily pull herself up and play with the TV buttons, pull everything off the coffee table, climb in and out of her baby pool, imitate sounds and gestures... her sweet personality is also coming through. She is my happy little girl!
A new melody
Daddy came to stay in Vermont with us last weekend. The weather was not as shiny as advertised but it was fun anyway. We played with Marty the Moose and Sammy the Squirrel and we walked on the beach. Grandpa Lee also gave us a private tuba concert. At first Rachael wasn't quite sure of what was happening and that provided us with some laughing matter. But then she warmed up to it and enjoyed the music.
Now we are back in Arlington and we have to readjust to our house. We had such a good time in SI with G'ma and G'pa. We had lots of "firsts" and we got nice memories.
Farm animals and beach
The weather was a bit grey here in Vermont for awhile. Not to worry, we have a bunch of books and toys and pots and pans and wooden spoons and bowls and tables and magazines and newspapers and a thousand other things to entertain little Rachael. She seems to be happy with anything or just by having someone around to play with. We had a couple of not so smooth nights and days, but that seems to be in the past. After doing some shopping, Rachael also had the chance to go meet some cute animals at a farm close by. I think she enjoyed the poney the most and when everyone was watching the newborn bunnies, Rachael was studying their cage! But nothing compares with the three beautiful deer that G'ma showed us in the orchard the previous evening. They were so close to us and Rachael was in awe. I was too. They are amazing animals.
With the sunshine return we went back to enjoy the beach. Rachael really enjoys being in the water and splish splash. We're having a blast with Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Lee, who have been the feeders in charge - dancing and singing is involved which makes eating a true event!
4th of July
Rachael celebrated her first 4th of July by eating pasta for the first time... stars pasta that is! They weren't red, white and blue but very festive anyway. She liked it a lot and has been a fan since.... So on saturday we listened to some live music, viewed art and tasted beer in Burlington. After dinner we enjoyed the fireworks from New York and Boston on TV. Sunday, July 5th, was another great day and another big accomplishment for Rachael - she clapped!!! Very subtle at first but then she got more confident at it. Now, Rachael can easily get on her feet and grab things of a table, her favorite seem to be newspapers, and we have to keep an eye on her at all times. And almost as important ... is to keep track of the girl's binky! It went for a dive at the Lake and it took four adults, couple hours and just the right currents to find it. It now has a buoy attached to it.
In Vermont
We have come North to spend some quality time with Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Lee. Rachael has been having lots of fun exploring a new house and more important a whole new big lake. Her room is decorated under the theme " 4th of July", design by G'ma Jackie, and she loves all the stars - the ones waving and spinning above her crib and the others shining above the windows.
A whole lot of "splish splash" has been taking place in the lake. Rachael loves to play in the water and it seems that she doesn't mind her fingers becoming all pruney and her toes purple. She only cries a little when we fish her out!!! She is also practicing speed crawling and standing up on her feet, followed by soft landings ... most times anyway!
Alright, alright...
Things are happening ... well, crawling one week and on the following week she's pulling herself up to a stand! At first was just on her knees but last evening she just managed to get on her two feet while holding the gate. Is she in a hurry now to get developing? She has gotten really fast crawling around already! Besides that, Rachael has tried avocado, egg yolk and yogurt. None of them was a real hit but it takes time to acquire some of these tasty foods.
9 Months' Check-up
Today we saw the Doc. Rachael weighs now 17lbs and 10oz (8kg) and is 27.5" (69.85 cm) long. Everything seems to be fine and Rachael will be having more diverse food such as fish, egg and some finger foods. This time there were no vaccinations but she'll have plenty at the next appointment.
The Real Deal
And then she crawled! For real - on her hands and knees! Yesterday, around 9pm, as I walked into the living room where Rachael was playing, she just started crawling towards me. I think it took me a few seconds to register what had just happened. WOW! And today she has been exploring everything in a quite speedy way.
Crawling ... kind of...
What a glorious weekend! Rachael has been moving around a whole lot, although I wouldn't say she's crawling. She just does this thing that looks a lot like a "break dance" move and gives little jumps forward. It's actually pretty funny to watch. Friday she managed to move all the way from the living room to the kitchen unassisted. I just laughed and felt proud. And yesterday she did even more - it's official - she's mobile. And it happened just like everyone says: all of a sudden! We used our gates yesterday for the first time. Hooray!
Easter Day
First Easter for Miss Rachael. Mom and Milu went to Mass and I packed up a whole bunch of stuff before we all went to Grandma Jackie's and Grandpa Lee's house for dinner. We took a whole bag of toys, the swing, the little mat ... we don't want to be stranded without everything that might work in case of "crisis"!!! But the day went by very well - we had appetizers and a delicious dinner. Rachael was with us most of the time but she also had the chance to catch some zzzs. We also visited the pond nearby and fed the ducks. It was fun to look at my sister and see her "enjoying" the cool air outside.
Rockport, Salem and Lobsters
We decided yesterday to head up to the North Shore. The day was perfect with a nice sunny breeze. Upon our arrival in Rockport, we realized that the town was not yet "open" for the season. On the other hand, the fact most stores were closed gave us more time to appreciate the true enchantment of this fishing town. And after a lovely lunch at a nice cafe overlooking the water, we made our way to Salem. I also tried to take Milu and Mom to Marblehead but no luck - just got us lost and in the middle of a lot of traffic. Ok, back to Salem and after all the looping around, we needed coffee. I decided to be efficient and change Rachael in the back of the car while coffee was being drunk and ... lock the car keys inside the car. What???? Oh no! We can't stay in Salem, we have dinner plans! Good thing Rachael was not IN the car or I would have gone mad. So I did the only thing I could have done - I called Tom! He said he would be rescuing us in an hour or so, depending on the traffic, on his way home from the office. In the meantime, we ladies went around looking for witches and magicians. We had a good walk and saw some "witch" business people and had ice cream.
Tom arrived, rescued us and we all got on our way home. Then we had a wonderful lobster dinner with Jackie and Lee. It was Rachael's first encounter with the delicious seafood and a special treat for all.
Music, South Shore and Brownies
Yesterday we went to listen to one of Lee's Bands play. So we went to Reading and had a very pleasant afternoon of music... needless to say that Rachael was enchanted with the tunes. A little "dancing" was even involved.
And today we went to visit our friends Wightman in Hingham. They took us on a tour around town and also in Hull. We got the chance to look at the prettiest spots, walk on the windy beach and take a ton of pictures. Then we came back to the W.'s house where my sister and Mom had a brownie ... for the first time ever! Hooray - Another piece of American culture "eaten"!
Back for History
Jackie and Lee came to pick us up for another tour in Boston. Tom decided to stay home and do some house work along with peace and quite. We went to Bunker Hill, The Constitution, drove by the North End and tried to visit Faneuil Hall (which was being used by the Womens' Voters League).Then we stopped at Quincy Market and had a wonderful clam chowdah. My sister has a little list of all the foods she has to try and we're on a very good pace. After that we walked to the Holocaust Memorial.
1st Look at Boston
It's fun to be with someone when they see Boston for the 1st time because it brings back the memories of my own arrival here. But this one a little different - a little pride was involved. Boston has become my City and home to me and I love it. Showing it off to my Mom and sister was special. Since it was too windy to walk around, we drove around South Station, MCA, State House, The Common and Public Gardens - with the obligatory stop at Cheers - Copley and then proceeded to savour the real burger at The Sunset Grill in Allston. Then we drove back by Harvard and enjoyed a yummy ice cream in Arlington. When we got home ... a nap was just right!
Busy, busy!
So, obviously, Mom and Milu are spending as much time "oohing and aahing" over Miss Rachael. On the way home from the airport, Rachael didn't know what to think about these two women smiling and kissing her. And she was even more surprised they were still around the next morning. Then all the activity started - more kisses, hugs, moving from lap to lap, combing hair ... lots of attention. I think she enjoys it! Milu and Rachael had a good laughing time and they're best buddies already. Too bad the deal is not extended when diapers need to be changed!
As for sightseeing, we started at The Orchard House (Little Women), and Concord's Old North Bridge with Jackie and Lee right after a lovely lunch at The Colonial Inn. It was the first time for Rachael touring these parts too. She enjoys every minute of it unless she's a sleep!
Milu is the one driving us around in Tom's car. She thinks it's weird to drive an automatic but she gets the hang of it. As for Boston drivers ... you know, they're very welcoming!
The Arrival
Today my Mom is coming back to visit, which is pretty great ... but more incredible is that my sister Milu is actually coming. This will be her first time here and I know Rachael is the major reason that made her take the trip ... I'm ok with that. I wonder how Tom is feeling about having all these Portuguese ladies in the house!!!! I bet he'll be in the basement a lot
Real Food?
So far we have tried sweet potato, great for extra laundry and funny pictures but not so much for eating, and pear which is good stuff. We'll be mixing it all together and see if that works for the child's gourmet palate. In the meantime, my shoulder and arm pain continues to travel around. Great!
At the Doc
We went in to the Dr. for Rachael's 6 month appointment. She's doing well and weighs now 15lbs 4oz (6.920 kg) and is 24" (61cm) long. And although she's a little smaller than the average she took all her vaccines like a grown up - a little cry followed by big smiles once I made some funny noises ... the usual! The Doc did recommend Aquaphor and Cortizone for her dried skin due excessive drool and extra ibuprofen for my pains on shoulder, neck and wrists due to Moms' Injury - aka. lifting baby, changing baby, carrying baby ....
6 Months Old
My little girl is growing so fast... I don't know where the time went but it has been a very enjoyable and loving ride. Rachael has been sleeping through the night for over a week now and I couldn't be happier. One of my friends advised me to try not to get up every time she squeaks and on night three ... it worked! Wow! Besides that, she gets herself higher on her hands when lying down on her belly, she rolls one way, sits down, drools and "bites" all the time and loves to scratch her face. Our little girl continues to be smiley and laughs quite often - it's the best sound ever!
Today is St. Patrick's Day but I don't think Rachael will be having her first pint - next year maybe
Good Eater
I think Rachael will like eating ... she always makes a funny face at the first spoon but then goes for it. Soon we'll be introducing other foods than rice cereal. And I bet we'll have plenty of funny pictures with messy faces ... all in time for Avo Linda e Tia Milu's visit.
Yesterday Rachael went to her first ice hockey game, when we all went to watch our neighbor play in a charity event game. It was chilly but fun!
CEREAL?
Rachael had her first taste of rice cereal today. It was so funny .... even better than the vitamins. She had about half of a teaspoon worth of it, mainly on her face! She has been showing signs that she would be interested in food but it will take a couple tries before she goes for it, I think.
New Crib
Today Rachael is going to be sleeping in her new crib. Until now, she has been sleeping in the Mapletoft bassinet. This bassinet is very special since it has had other special tenants - Lee, Judy, Tom, Gavin and in a near future cousin baby girl Coull!
We hope Rachael enjoys her new bed....
I'm Portuguese registered!
This afternoon Rachael got her paperwork in to be registered as a Portuguese ... I was expecting a gift from the Consulate such as a little flag or something! But they didn't have those. Maybe in 2 months when she is actually "integrated"! Anyway, Portugal has a new girl!
5 Months
People say time flies when you're having fun ... I agree! My baby girl turns 5 months today and I can't believe it! But with "age" came a lot of personality. Rachael is a happy, giggly girl and we are entertained by her at every moment. Her legs are always moving and since she's starting to show signs that crawling is just around the corner ... I'm thinking that is also going to be happening to me. Hooray!
Vitamins are good for you...
Rachael's pediatrician, Dr. Z., had suggested that she starts taking some vitamin D at the last appointment, although she warned me that Rachael would hate it. When I actually tried to give her the vitamins her face said it all - she hates it! I thought maybe she just need time to get used to it but after a week of wasting the precious liquid, I decided to show Rachael that Mommy loves vitamins. My face said it all - I hated it and she knew it because she smiled. Who makes that stuff? I mean, I know the brand, but who was the brilliant person deciding that baby vitamins had to taste so bad? I had the rest of the vitamin bottle grape flavored but it is still not that great - Rachael pushes my hand away every time she sees the vitamin bottle coming!
Kitchen Time
I have said many times that baking is a therapeutic for me. I love to bake but I found myself always doing the same few things over and over. There's nothing wrong about that, but I'm looking to broadening my horizons here! I'll be baking or cooking something new every week. Just for fun. Peekaboo Cupcakes (Ginger and Molasses with Orange Butter cream Frosting) was the first on my list. They were pretty good!
Living in New England
Living here means that during 5 to 6 months of the year ... it's cold outside! My girl though, is not a fan of hats, mittens, socks or even shoes, no matter how cute they are. So, it wasn't that surprising that after getting her some new shoes and put them on her ... it took her about 20 seconds to ditch them!
Baby Boom!
I think there's something in the water - I know 16 couples that welcomed a baby in 2008 or are getting ready for the stork in 2009. It's a true blessing!
A weekend of Firsts!
This was a big weekend. On saturday we went to a Birthday Surprise party for our good friend Auntie Nora. We met at bowling, candle pins actually, and that was a first for both Rachael and I. Then we went to a nice restaurant and she behaved beautifully. It was the first time we took her out to an event and she seemed to do just fine. Hoooraay!
This morning, she was on the gym playing on her belly....then she rolled over and she looked a bit puzzled "How did I get here?"
Back in Portugal
Tom and I took Rachael to the Portuguese Consulate in Boston today in order to be registered. I had called the office 3 times before, and although I never got the same answer I felt confident just going there ... I should have known better! The registration has been postponed for a month since we hadn't made an appointment and they don't recognize Tom's Kentucky Birth Certificate.
Shots - round 2
Today Rachael had a great Doc's visit - she now weighs 13 lbs and measures 23.5" (5.896kg e 60 cm). Then the nurse brought those 3 little sticks ... those hurt enough for all Arlington to hear Rachael "sing". But once she got to G'ma's car, the rocking got her sleeping. She's now swinging in her chair.