What A Deer!

• Welcome December and coats!

• Aolani has a wide gap between her front teeth! CUTIE!
• She went to the pediatrician last week -- healthy as can be. She measured in at 18.4 lbs and 27" long. The doctor suggested that we try rice cereal since the fruits and veggies were not going down. Well, the rice cereal didn't cut it either! Still choking and gagging. She's taking her time accepting solids, and that's okay by me.
• I have now finished memorizing the book of Philippians! Now, it's eternal heart food :) Still contemplating my next similar undertaking...
• Aolani's severe diaper rash from the blood in her stool on Thanksgiving Day has cleared up beautifully! We blended (by hand) a mixture of olive oil and arrowroot flour to make a paste for her bottom. It worked!
• I went to the doctor last week for... compacted ear wax! I know, sounds gross! Apparently, it's not abnormal and explains why my right ear felt blocked. [I could hear the ocean when I cupped my hand over the ear.] All better -- instantaneously!
• Ricky surprised us with a library book on baby sign language. She isn't signing back yet, but I still wish I had started implementing signs sooner.
• Aolani and I celebrated the decorating of the Christmas tree in our deer-garb:

• Verse to memorize this week: Philemon 1:8-9 ~ Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.

Unbuttoning the Britches

• We are grateful that we got to spend Thanksgiving with both of our families.
• Bad news: On Thanksgiving Day, Aolani had a little blood in her poop. Nothing was wrong; we're pretty sure it's normal - either too much activity, strain, or excitement. Anyway, it gave her terrible diaper rash (when changing her, the pain brings tears to her eyes, and mine too). She's happy as a lark, though. Here she is "airing out" :)

• You can see her top teeth well here. [Yes, her belly is so big that we had to unsnap her jeans!]

• Aolani has a little tuft of hair in the back of her head. So, here is our attempt with a bow!

• Verse to memorize this week: Psalm 105:4 ~ Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
  

Mosaic

• We went out-of-town for the weekend to participate in a softball tournament. We didn't have a chance.

Cousin Kylie

Aolani's first time in a stroller (Kylie's)

• While we were away for two nights, we decided to use disposables. BIG mistake. Those little diapers cannot begin to handle her poopy explosions. She managed to destroy two outfits, toys, cloths, and elusively spread her extractions from head to toe. I was so thankful to return home to the bumgenius!


• Her bottom right tooth broke through her gums yesterday!


• We obtained Kylie's Johnny Jump Up yesterday:

Mosaic

• Ricky's family came down to visit (and vacation) Memorial Day weekend. Anyway, the three DiMartino men have the same swimsuits; it is so cute (if I can use that word)! Here they are:

Triple chicken (Ricky's on top, Daddy Dave is in the middle and Uncle Robby may be the youngest, but apparently he is the strongest!)

I love this shot! They really are this fun :)

• I must admit that occasionally when I change her diaper, I tell her that her poopy diapers are not for the faint of heart... and she isn't even eating solids yet! The mental preparation begins now, I guess. Just today I made the mistake of letting her "'air out" in between diapers. She had two baby-diarrhea explosions during this privileged time. Before I could grab her, she started throwing her legs down getting it on all visible body parts, the furniture, the wall and Mommy (of course). Her privilege is now revoked.

• Proof of Puzzle Completion:

Aolani wants to make sure she gets her fair share of the credit. This 2000-piece bomb has been dismantled and passed on.

• I have two confessions. I will be quick and to the point, and no excuses. One: I haven't been wearing my leg brace as often or as long as I should. Two: I have started watching Seinfeld, and it makes me laugh.


• Aolani is doing (somewhat) better at naptime. I wonder if she is getting used to me... We can feel your prayers!!


• Here is a recent picture of my brother and his wife with our niece, Kylie, who is now 11 months old. Get this: Aolani's feet are the same size as her cousin's feet. No joke. Aolani -- who knew Big Foot looked so cute?

• "How are you doing? Really?" Overall, I'm well. I love being home with my daughter -- watching, helping, feeding, playing, teaching... But, I will honestly tell you that it is HARD. Think of something that seems really hard to you, say running a marathon. Well, I have to run a marathon five days a week. It seemed impossible for me to be pregnant... then take care of myself... then give birth vaginally, let alone naturally... and now caring for a baby alone. It looks like God loves impossible missions ;) One of the most influential people in my life, Katy Beth Searls, who lives in Hungary, taught me a great lesson -- not a verbal lesson but one taught by her actions -- that I daily call to mind. In every situation, she always seems to find something to be grateful for. No matter what. And because she was too busy being thankful, she never had time to utter a criticism or complaint. I call this the attitude of gratitude. When I put on the Armor of God for Aolani each morning, I add this. The attitude of gratitude helps me get through the day.


• Aolani has been busy the past couple weeks. Once she hit the three-month mark, her "accomplishments" are almost daily! Finding her voice, grasping objects, playing with toys, pulling my hair, pushing up, giggling, recognizing people, responding to music, much more aware, "talking", eating her clothes and whatever else is nearby, etc.

Mosaic

• Fun[ny] news: Aolani giggled for the first last Sunday night. She has laughed only a few more times since then. I can't wait to record and post it :)


• Also last weekend, she "found" her hands and has been totally enthralled with them ever since! She is constantly clasping them and doing an in-depth study on this new discovery.

• My new brace arrived this week. I think it works, even though it hurts (pressure) to wear it too long. I think my foot is slowly starting to heal itself, as it now only turns out toward 11 o'clock.


• I thought she might be dairy sensitive, so I cut out dairy products from my diet. I think she's improved, but maybe it's because she is getting older. However, she is having baby diarrhea once a day still. It might be eggs, so I am going to try that...


• She is constantly getting comments on how long and luxurious her lashes are for a baby. I tried to get a good picture while she was napping in the sling on me, but the camera would not focus properly. Sorry; here's the shot anyhow.

• Storytime: The other afternoon I just had to go to the kitchen and grab a snack. So, I set her in the crib (wide-awake) for a few minutes. I was eating in the kitchen with the monitor turned on voice-activation (eliminates constant noises or small movements) in case she needed me. Out of nowhere, she had several massive eruptions out of her butt that awoke the monitor (so I could hear them all)! And, she didn't even make a peep. I went back in to find a happy, still-awake baby wiggling on top of a poopy crib sheet. "Let's just cover that up with a blanket until help gets home..."


• She has rubbed a bald spot on the back of her head (repeatedly looking to and fro trying to see and learn everything around her). I know this is common, but I still think it is funny and funny-looking!

• I am reading a book to her while she lies on the changing table called Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper. The entire book is in pdf for free online (click on the title). She really likes it, as do I ;)


• We put her crib toy (Sunny) up last weekend, and she really enjoys the colorful lights. She acts like she could care less about the classical music it plays.