Birthday Fun

This year I got to spread out my birthday celebration over several days (I even have one more birthday event on Saturday). We got together with our small group on my birthday. The evening was not in my honor, but it was nice to spend that time with friends. Below is a picture of the "Three Amigas." These girls were born this June (Shelby), July (Ashleigh), and August (Talia) to our friends Devin and Lisa, and Jon and Kim (Talia to us, of course). Unfortunately, Shelby and her family recently moved away, but it was fun to have them come back to visit.



On Saturday Jon and I went square dancing at a church event for married couples. This was Jon's gift to me since public dancing is not his first choice activity. In addition to square and line dancing, Jon and I even got to waltz. While Daddy and Mommy were out dancing, Talia enjoyed being with Grandma and Grandpa for the evening.

We had a family birthday party on Sunday. Here is Talia showing Grandma how well she can stand.



Talia loves talking to Grandma.



Uncle Eric and Talia were instant buddies. Talia grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go. Uncle Eric was literally a captive audience.



Just for fun, here is a picture of Talia showing her new habit. She likes to suck on one fist, she LOVES to suck on two.

Talia's Pastimes

Every day is filled with wonder for Talia. She has been blossoming in so many ways. Her desire and ability to focus on new sights has been quite obvious this last week. She used to be content to just stare into our faces and at lights. Now she is looking at everything. We have been teaching her to stick out her tongue. She will often oblige us. Unfortunately, as soon as we take out the camera she forgets about us (and our exposed tongues) and focuses on the camera. This is nice for capturing her smiles, but I want to show you a picture of Talia with her tongue out :). Here is her "tongueless" smile.



Talia's speech is becoming more advanced (and entertaining). Her pitch and volume varies, as well as her cadence. She is now placing several different sounds together in a "sentence," such as "agaw wa oo." Talia is hilarious when she gets excited. She waves her arms and legs wildly, breathes rapidly, and squeals. One of her favorite sounds is "Ohhh." Her volume and pitch are high initially, then they both taper. It makes for great conversation. We will tell her what we are doing, such as,"Mommy is putting socks on Talia's feet." Talia answers, "Ohhh!" Here is a video of Talia trying out some "ohs." She is only talking for the first 20 seconds or so, but I don't know how to edit video yet.



Standing is a new hobby for Talia. She enjoys supporting her weight on one or both legs. Mommy makes a good jungle gym. Talia stands, crawls on, and is practicing propping herself up on my tummy. I think this lip indicates she is tired of tummy time.



We have discovered a new way to temporarily stop crying. The other day Talia was fussing when she was trying to go potty. I started "crying" and Talia stopped fussing and looked at me with curiosity. Her curiosity became a smile, then excitement (fast breathing, loud talking, and squeals). It lasted a minute or two until Talia remembered that she was in discomfort. We repeated this cycle several times.

Here is Talia ready for Stroller Strides. She can't contain her excitement!

Family Time

Before I update you on our recent family reunion, I thought I would let you know that Talia is officially sleeping in her crib. Cruel or clever, I know not, but we decided to make the switch after Talia had her shots. She was so drowsy, she would have slept anywhere. Talia seems to have adjusted well to her new bed. She will often wake up from a nap and look around or "talk" before she lets us know she is ready to get up (crying). Last night Talia slept 11 hours. We put her down at 8:30 and she woke up at 7:30. Wow, what a blessing to have a baby that sleeps well! Here is Talia taking a nap in her crib. I read that babies better adjust to new environments if they are placed on a blanket they have used (without being recently washed). So, we tucked in her blanket above the sheets. Now that she is used to the crib, we took her blanket out.



Last week Talia and I were heading out to Stroller Strides (the group of moms that meet at the park to exercise) when Talia decided to have a major blow out. By the time she was done, cleaned up, and placed back in the car seat, I realized that we would be late. So, being dressed and in the mood for exercise, I decided to take Talia on a walk in the jogging stroller. Feeling adventurous, we headed off to find a new walk along the canyon. We found a walk with an incredible view within a mile of our house. Unfortunately, we decided that I shouldn't walk along this new trail by myself (and Talia). One of our neighbors said mountain lions were recently seen in the area. Our family of three returned this weekend. This time with a camera.



We can't wait to return on cold and clear day when we will see snow on the mountains (and foothills on occasion).



Here is Talia, content to ride with Daddy.



While we are on the subject of interesting views within our vicinity, I thought I would share a fascinating discovery that Jon made by the front door. While all of God's creations are amazing, some species are much more lovely than others. I placed a penny next to this insect for reference. We guessed that it was a potato bug (a.k.a. Jerusalem cricket). I visited www.whatsthatbug.com to confirm. This website has come in handy living here (we first discovered it in researching a glowing insect that we found by our trash can).



Let's move on to the family reunion. Talia's great great aunt (Jon's mom's aunt) recently got married. More than 50 relatives gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Here is a picture of the whole family. If you look VERY closely you can see Talia.



Here is the bride holding Talia.



Here is Talia with Alicia. Alicia is Jon's cousin's daughter. I am not sure what that makes her to Talia, but Talia loved being with her. Unfortunately, this "staged" photo doesn't give you an idea of how much smiling and "talking" Talia enjoyed in Alicia's arms.



We took a large family photo that evening. I hope that one of the relatives sends us a copy so I can post it. They did, so here it is. Can you find Talia? Click on the picture and you can see a larger version in Flickr.

Here is Talia while Mommy plays dress up.

A Pictureless Post

Can it be that we would compose a post without a picture of Talia? Yes, we must disappoint.

I have a question and I would love to have a response from any of my blogging buddies. I will share the answer shortly. Here it goes:

What do the jungles of Africa and the remote deserts of Mexico have that we don't in our lovely town? Yes, we do have poisonous snakes and insects. Any other guesses?!

The content of this post and an update on our lives depends on one of you coming through with an answer (a bogus answer would suffice).

In the mean time, I will fill you in on some recent events in our family.

In an effort to unify our family, Jon and I decided to become more like Talia. No, we don't spit up more. No, we don't cry when we go potty. No, we aren't trying to become pleasantly plump. No, we aren't trying to become cuter (Jon has already reached the human limit). Yes, we decided to cut our hair. Talia now has the longest hair in the family. Okay, if you believe that I'll make you a deal on a really nice bridge. Let me try again. Talia now has longer hair than Daddy, but still has shorter hair than Mommy. Why cut our hair?

For Jon:

I like it better (hair just covers up his handsome face, in my opinion).

He doesn't have to do anything with it (not even brush it, at this length).

For Me:

Postpartum shed. It reduces the mass of hair that is already falling out of my head.

It has been a year. I had to suffer the embarrassment of revealing to the hairdresser that it had been that long.

Talia. Now I know why so many moms cut their hair shorter. For me it is three large doses of spit up (daily) and the multiple showers that accompany them, in addition to the adorable hands that love to hold Mommy's hair and not let go.

Okay, okay: I'll admit it. I don't want to have to do anything with my hair either! I look forward to less brushing and detangling.


So, now Jon's hair is less than an inch and my hair has lost more than a foot of length.

Enough on hair.

How about health?

We will talk about our ailments (I hear a collective groan, but you don't have to read this). Jon, Talia, and I received vaccines yesterday. We went to Talia's new doctor for her 2 month appointment. We were sad that Talia could not continue with Dr. Dobbins, but Kaiser will save us a few thousand dollars a year (big money now that I am not working). Talia got three shots and an oral vaccine. I think Mommy and Daddy endured more pain watching the ordeal than Talia initially experienced. She had the benefit of not dreading this appointment (ignorance is bliss). Talia was drowsy and has been running a low grade fever (for which we have given her Tylenol, per doctors orders). She is still sweet as can be, talking, smiling, and licking her lips (grape medicine is very much too her liking, once she gets past the initial shock). The doctor offered the flu mist vaccine to Jon and me. She felt it was another way to protect Talia (and it was free, painless, and took only a couple minutes). We accepted. Jon has had no ill effects. I have had a bad headache and a mild throat ache. Like mother, like daughter, I, too, am drugged. That is my excuse for the strange nature of this post.

I would like to update you on another exciting happening in our lives, but I will wait until we have a brave soul answer my question. I hope it is you!

And the brave soul is . . . Nikki!! Yay!

The answer: High speed internet. Apparently, there are wi fi hot spots in some African jungles, remote Mexican deserts (I saw a picture of a sign verifying this information in PC World magazine), and along the Amazon. Yet, we are among the less than 10% of Americans (this stat is more than 3 years old) that do not have access to high speed internet. But, as of a couple weeks ago, we have left the company of citizens in the bayous that still do not have telephone access and communities in the Appalicians whose technological advances make 19th century technology look like futuristic inventions from a science fiction novel. We now have access to high speed internet!!! Naturally, the day Jon discovered this, he signed us up. The technician came out yesterday and we are enjoying the amazing speed with which we can access websites and download/upload pictures and movies.

This brings about another exciting change for us. Jon can now work from home (4 of 5 days a week)! We are both thrilled (Talia should be, too, though she doesn't know it yet). Jon ordered a wireless router and card so that he can work anywhere he wants on the property. He will probably set up his office in the sun room. This may also encourage us to continue working on our granny flat project. Our septic system and water storage tank were finished two days after Talia was born. We have been happily preoccupied since then and have not hired a contractor to actually install the bathroom, etc. Jon could have his own nice office until we decide we want to rent the cottage (if we ever do). Jon is planning to start working from home on Friday. I am also looking forward to blogging with fast internet. I am currently on dial up because this dinosaur needs special rigging to connect to DSL. Jon is planning to hook up this computer in the near future.

So, that is our exciting news!

My Thoughts

Mommy and Daddy say that I am getting to be a big girl. Now that I am so big, I will make my own post (with some help from Mommy). Here is what I am up to these days.

Growing out of my clothes. Mommy has officially put away most of my 0 to 3 month size clothes. Before retiring my first outfits, Mommy forced me to wear many cute outfits (without regard to practicality). She has also been trying my "big girl" clothes on me (3 to 6 month). Here is a sweatshirt jacket from Auntie Angie. Three to 6 month old babies must have really big heads!



I am so big that I even get to go in a jogging stoller! I like going on walks along the canal. Rough terrain puts me to sleep! Here I am on my street with Daddy.



One of my favorite places to visit is the rainforest. I like talking to the monkey and the adorable baby in the shiny glass.



Now that I am big, I get to go shopping with my friend Anna. Anna and I like to look at each other. She smiles and laughs at me. I just stare back. She even lets me take naps while we hang out.



Anna is a nice friend. She lets me borrow her clothes. Here I am in Anna's dress.



I got to play in the crib a few times this week. Daddy and Mommy are going to have me sleep in it soon (they have to take off the bumpers and remove my toys). I really like talking to my cowgirl doll. I talked to her for more than 15 minutes while Mommy sorted through my clothes.



I like to ride in my swing while Mommy takes a shower. Here is one of my cute onesies that I outgrew.



Mommy and Daddy say I am a good sleeper. They say I slept through the night. I went about 10 hours between feeds. Mommy says she wants me to sleep a little bit longer at night, but she got me up anyway after she fed me since I would have slept for 4 more hours if she let me. I think I only need 5 feeds now, but Mommy is watching my weight to make sure I am getting enough. Oh, and I like to suck on my fist.



Well, I am getting tired now. Ahgoo (translated: goodbye)

Talia's Travels Continued

After visiting Mike and Evelyn and their family we drove to my parents' house where we were met by Talia's Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Angie, and "Uncle" Beau (the short, white, and furry member of the family). Grandma bathed Talia while Jon and I got ready for the wedding. Grandpa and Auntie Angie also took turns watching her. Here is Talia getting ready for the wedding.



I was thrilled to watch my good friend from childhood get married. We did not want to disturb the ceremony so we sat in the back. As it turns out, there were probably 7 or 8 babies under a year old. Here we are ready to make a quick exit (Grandma volunteered for the job).



I forgot my camera so I don't have a picture of the bride and groom :(. Tim, the bride's brother, left a link to some great pictures in the comments section of this post.

After the wedding we went to El Ranchito. Talia enjoyed her first restaurant visit. She slept, played, ate, and messed her diaper. She seemed to have no adverse reactions to Mexican food (although, I think I removed most of the spice for her).

We also got to see another good friend, Joy, and her husband Joel. They live in Texas now so it was a real treat to be in Southern California at the same time!

On Sunday we went to my old church. Talia was a real hit! In fact, Grandma and Grandpa showed her off to all their friends. While Talia was making her debut, I got to chat with my longtime friend Cara (we met when we were maybe 3 or 4!). It was wonderful to see her.

We went home long enough for me to nurse Talia and pack up. We stopped to visit Talia's great grandmother. It was a bittersweet time. There were four generations present, but unfortunately my grandmother was not able to understand the significance. After that, our small family began the journey home.

Here are a couple more pictures. The first is Talia with Auntie Angie. Auntie Angie has kept Talia well stocked with adorable clothes. If you see Talia wearing anything with Eeyore on it, you know it came from Angie. The second is one of our first family photos. Jon said it looks like he is burping me. Well, sometimes I need it, too.





That was our whirlwind trip! I might post more pictures at a later date.

Talia's First Weeks Movie

Jon created this movie of Talia's first weeks. It includes pictures from her first few weeks and video footage beginning at 3 days old. We enjoy watching it; I hope you will, too.



The bookends of this video are from a personalized book that my Aunt Mary and Uncle Steve gave Talia. It is hard to express how grateful we are to all of you for welcoming Talia to our lives. Every gift is a huge blessing!

Created by Jon
Posted by Erin

Talia Travels

Last weekend our family went on Talia's first road trip. We visited Talia's Aunt Evelyn, Uncle Mike, and cousins Sophia, Nathanael, Luke, and Timothy, as well as Grandma and Grandpa P., Auntie Angie, and Great Grandma. On our trip Talia got to attend her first wedding and her first restaurant (El Ranchero). We believe Talia is a fantastic traveler. She sleeps through the driving and stays awake for all the fun (cousins at 11:00 p.m., wedding, restaurant, friends visiting, Grandma and Grandpa time, Aunt Angie spoiling her, and church). I was impressed that she was so pleasant, even though her routine was very disrupted. She still managed to have an 11 to 12 hour night, despite her bedtime beginning 4 hours later than normal. She was even pleasant when she is normally ravenous during the day (after more than 4 hours from her last meal). Talia was also quite popular at the rest stops and eateries. Throughout our trip she was so fascinated by the new faces, surroundings, and sounds. Should I be surprised that she is so easy and sweet? After nearly eight weeks of being so pleasant, I guess not. We just feel so blessed by our amazing little girl, yet we concede she may not do ALL things well :).

Talia is helping Daddy drive. If we tried this while moving (not that we would) she would definitely be asleep at the wheel.



Here is a picture of Talia's cousin Sophia as she opens her birthday cookie. We were grateful to be with Sophia on her birthday. Cousin Luke kept asking if it could be his birthday. He also objected when Jon and I kissed :). He exclaimed, "I hate kisses!" Our nieces and nephews are so sweet and we love them a lot! I hope to post pictures of the rest of the family (and Talia) when I get them.



We better get ready for church. More on our trip will follow.

Thanks to Evelyn, we now have more pictures. Talia's yawn delights Nathanael.



Luke looks on while Sophia holds Talia.



Timothy shows Talia how to be a good baby.



We enjoyed a great breakfast together.



To see more photos, click on any of these photos to enter our Flickr album.

Goodbye Cradle, Hello Pack N Play!

Talia has now graduated from her cradle to the Pack N Play. In anticipation of our trip to Southern California, we decided to allow Talia several days to get used to sleeping in her Pack N Play. Her first experience with the Pack N Play was quite entertaining (for her and Mom). For the first half hour or so Talia was so enthralled by her new environment that she forgot to sleep. Fascination turned to frustration as she began trying to get at the toys hanging from the bar. This is no easy task for a swaddled baby. Mommy heard Talia crying and came in to find her doing frantic sit-ups in an attempt to reach the toys. As is often the case with Talia's antics, Mommy was both amused and sympathetic. The toys were taken off and have not been replaced.



Talia has begun to understand that the Pack N Play is her new bed. Yet, a strange phenomenon has occurred. Talia is using her relative freedom to move around the Pack N Play. Mommy or Daddy will put her down parallel to the long sides of the Pack N Play. An hour or so later Talia begins to fuss or cry. We come in to check on her and find that she has turned herself 90 degrees with her head jammed against the wall (We took this picture then turned Talia back before she woke up in shock and discomfort). Mommy tried to outsmart Talia by putting her at the 1:30 position (rather than the 12:00). Nevertheless, Talia manages to turn counterclockwise until her head is stuck at 9:00. How does a swaddled baby do that? We need a surveillance camera for Talia!!

A week later I am happy to report that Talia has discovered the merits of not jamming her head into the wall and her fascination with the Pack N Play has waned. We hope to introduce the crib soon, but we will need to remove the bumpers first (it is apparent that she will bump, but with her head's affinity to the wall, safety is paramount).

Stay tuned for more on our trip to Southern California!