Ricky notified his current employer that his last day of work there will be January 28, 2011. He will be working full-time as a freelance court reporter and transcriptionist. We will keep you posted.
Aolani is now crawling faster than I can roll -- trouble.
While she loves to stand in her crib, she still cannot pull herself up into that position on her own.
We think that she might have curly hair. Here is her toothy grin:
During our family time every night when we cuddle and read on the bed, Aolani attacks me! Our almost 11-month old can be scary. She bites any skin showing, be it cheek, lips, arm, tummy... She rams her fingers up my nose and rips them down to cause nosebleeds. She pulls my hair out. She slaps, smacks, pounces, scratches :( Oh yeah, and then she laughs. [Sigh.]
I started giving her some of my organic plain yogurt last week, and she actually liked it! We would really like her to start eating some food by her first birthday, in addition to her nursing.
Aolani is learning when to say uh-oh -- when she accidentally drops something, when she intentionally throws something, and when she dangles something over an edge before she lets go. Obviously, she just uses the uh-oh to get attention.
Air-drying:
I plan on taking a sabbatical from the computer next week. No blog, no emails, no Internet -- I will not even be turning the computer on. I am going to focus this time to rest, read, pray, and reevaluate.
Verse to memorize this week: 1 Corinthians 2:9 ~ However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him...
We pray that everyone had a blessed weekend celebrating Jesus' birthday!
We have not participated in the gift-giving part yet with either of our families, but we hope to this week.
Aolani's seventh tooth (a sharp dagger) has broken through over the weekend.
Here is our talented "Farfy" (my nickname for her) reading upside down! I can't do that! [She got her first real cut with blood and all last week playing too rough.]
Here we are returning to our igloo after the Christmas Eve service.
Pretty in purple in her Christmas dress:
She got to open one of her presents from Grandma and Pawpaw Oliver.
She would not let go of the bag. We're just hoping that Jack the Rabbit stays attached, despite her violent attempts to behead him.
There haven't been any videos lately because my camera has been down and out for awhile. But, I finally collected some of her recent tricks for you, including her wave and "Uh-oh."
Verse to memorize this week: Colossians 4:6 ~ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
We traveled by car to Greensboro over the weekend to visit my paternal grandparents. Warning: Allow almost twice the time when driving with a baby. This was Aolani's longest trip by car. She is not the greatest rider, as she does not like to sleep in her carseat and the carseat must be too confining for this very active wild child. I got my fill of screams, fusses, pouts, and cries. My grandma treated me to a massage and hairstyle at a spa on Saturday. Nice! It was a great visit :)
We taught Aolani to hiss like a snake through her teeth!
I wasn't going to mention this, but Ricky is making me. Idea: Aolani and I performed a wheelchair-dance for Ricky last week to Kenny G's Silent Night. We choreographed and practiced it earlier in the day when we were alone (to minimize embarrassment!). Aolani enjoys all the twists and turns on my lap. She giggles while we dance ;)
Remember that tuft of hair growing on the back of her head?!
Verse to memorize this week: Luke 9:23-5 ~ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
Plugged Duct: I meant to mention that about 10 days ago, I had gotten a plugged duct (painful) in one breast. I read that changes in bras can cause this. I had slept two nights without a bra, and I usually sleep wearing a sports' bra. I put some warm washcloths on the painful area that morning, slept with the bra on that night, made her nurse on that side first all day, and the pain was gone within 24 hours!
Biting: As you already know Aolani loves to bite, especially now that her top teeth have come down a lot. Teeth marks, bruises, cuts, blood, scabs... Horror! One thing has really decreased the frequency of her biting. I read that babies tend to bite is boredom from either being done or the milk ejection has slowed down. So, I have drastically cut the time she gets to nurse. I use to give her 15 minutes per side, 30 minutes total. Now, I give her 5-10 minutes per side, 15-20 minutes total. When she does bite, I pull her off right away and firmly say, "No bite!" I sign no and tell her that biting is off limits and hurts Mommy. She fusses and cries (telling her 'no' hurts her feelings). I give her one more try on that side to drink milk. If she bites again, I loudly say, "NO!" and either switch sides or end that nursing session.
Position: By accident, we discovered a new feeding position that is so useful with bigger babies (she is 18 lbs and can sit alone). Aolani is so long that it was getting hard to maneuver her on the Boppy. Basically, she sits up sideways on my lap and turns her head and goes for the breast closest to her. So, I flip her the other direction when it is time to change sides. This position is so easy!
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.
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.
While she is still practicing, Aolani is learning to combine waving and saying, "Buh-Bye." It is so adorable to watch her hold her hand out straight and rotate her wrists slowly. She looks at her hand intently and pensively as she solves this huge mystery ;) Hopefully, I can record it.
Her sixth tooth came last week.
Solid food update: We offer her some very nonchalantly every now and then to no avail. Her gag reflex has not disappeared yet, so solids (no matter how liquidy) still make her choke and spit up. No worries though; she'll eat when she is ready :)
"I need a bath buddy."
My left foot is generally much better. The pain is still gone, and the foot naturally points outward to 11:30. Not perfectly straight but good enough!
As Aolani's personality is revealed more each day, here are five adjectives we would use: aggressive (in the physical, violent sense), bright (cheery), loud (vocal), curious (active), and excitable. If you saw an isolated five minutes of her day, you would find her screaming, smiling, and clapping. She is a happy, extroverted baby -- not calm, quiet, or mild.
Yesterday, she had a "playdate" with a boy who is about three months younger than her. Despite that, his head was bigger than hers, and he weighed more than her. No matter, this baby girl can hold her own. One time, she crawled up on him, put the strangle hold on him, bounced up and down, and screamed at him in excitement. Made him cry. "Get her off of me!" Not sure if we'll be invited back after that incident ;)
Practicing her stand
Verse to memorize this week: Ephesians 5:20 ~ ...giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Aolani got her fifth tooth last week. I think I'll stop counting soon ;) From stories I hear, she is not a bad teether at all. However, she is a biter, especially when she is nursing. And it's extremely painful. I let her hold my apple the other day, only to find that she broke through the skin with her teeth. Her smile is changing on me...
As Aolani is constantly clapping now, she will even try to clap while she is crawling. This results in her lifting one arm and slapping her face -- funny!
I need to record the cousins getting together. Here's what happens: Kylie comes in and Aolani screams with excitement FOR 10 MINUTES. Kylie does not know what to make of this welcome or Aolani for that matter, so she either a)runs away; b)stares at her from a distance; c)acts timid and clings to the grown-ups; or, d)ignores her.
Aolani is ready to pounce, and scared Kylie says, "Get her away from me!"
What do I do for exercise? I try to ride a hand cycler 3-5x a week. I aim to lift my hand weights each week, but this is getting dangerous. And, Ricky stretches me every night for 10 mins.
As it takes an hour to put Aolani to bed (the entire routine), we are currently aiming for 6:30-7:30pm, but it really does vary.
Here is our princess in her purple kimono. She keeps growing, but alas her hair is shy in making its debut!
Verse to memorize this week: Proverbs 16:25 ~ There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
As you saw in Friday's picture, Aolani can now stand alone. However, she is not yet pulling herself up onto her feet.
Her two front teeth broke through her gums last week.
Here is a simple, no-bake, 3-ingredient, semi-healthy fudge recipe we just made. We added two things: 15 drops of peppermint essential oil and nuts. WOW.
Keeping the romance alive - A couple years ago, Ricky and I decided to write each other love letters via a love journal. We write a short, encouraging note in it, hide it where the other will quickly find it, and that's it. Seriously, we only write in it about once a month, but it helps us to remember to affirm and compliment one another despite busy days. [With my handwriting failing, I'll probably just type and glue mine :)]
I made two new concoctions recently: diaper wipe solution (to spray on my cloth wipes) and foam soap. Contact me if interested in these easy recipes.
After watching my friend's baby clap, I realized that I had forgotten to teach Aolani this simple trick. I knew that her skill level was definitely up to par for it. I tried the first time, and she just stared at me and laughed. We went to the bathroom mirror for the second try, and she was copying me in no time! In fact, she claps a lot now - so sweet!
Verse to memorize this week: 1 Corinthians 15:58 ~ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Ricky's parents came down for a visit, and here are the results :)
They brought her a Bumbo, which is very handy!
Is she practicing the sprinkler?
Her first dip in a pool (didn't love it, didn't hate it)
The water was too cold for Mommy to join.
That's my old bonnet!
Aolani and Nonna (Ricky's mom) played a coughing copycat game that is hilarious!
Her buddy, Grandpa
Progress: Her bald spot is gone, her second bottom tooth debuted, and she can sit up for a good while :)
Stranger anxiety has made its appearance this past month. This is when a person she is not familiar with gets in close proximity, pays her attention, and then she starts frowning and crying, gets scared, and curls up to the person holding her. So far, she has only done this with men. It's really sweet and endearing, though.
We got to see our niece, Kylie, walk a little on her own Sunday... too cute!
I can't read and nurse when I'm away from home. So after being out this weekend, I have another lullaby for you. Yippee!
Glory, Glory to the One (to the rhythm of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) Glory, Glory to the One In six days He got it done. All He made was very good, Only add His precious Blood. Glory, Glory to the One In six days He got it done.
Glory, Glory to the One In six days He got it done. On day seven take a rest, for He knew it would be best. Glory, Glory to the One In six days He got it done.
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!
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