Teething (10 Months)

Teething at the start of turning 10 months old was torturous for baby and parents. Poor little girl would wake up screaming from 11:30pm and not stop until about 5:00am. I would check she had no hair around her appendages, no rash, clean diaper, not hungry, not cold or hot, I even tried feeding her beans and broccoli to loosen hers stomach in case it was constipation. Nope for sure it was teething. The only problem is Tylenol didn't help ease your pain at all, and you hate the baby oral gel, to be honest I tried it myself and completely understand. So I did some research and discovered various herbal and homeopathic solutions:

1) Lobelia Extract:
Also called Indian tobacco. Its also good for insect bites and rubbing on body for fever. I didn't end up trying this as it was tough to locate and when I did it was very expensive.

2) Baltic Amber teething necklaces:
I read pages upon pages of the relieving properties of amber necklaces for babies. These are warnings to follow:
• Look for a necklace that has a magnetic clasp.
• Never leave a child unattended while he is wearing an amber teething necklace.
• Do not use chemicals to clean your amber teething necklace. Simply rinse with water.
• Never allow a child to chew on the necklace or put any part of it in his mouth.
• Discontinue use immediately if a child develops an allergic reaction to the amber teething necklace.


3) Plantain Tincture:
I really liked the idea of trying this root as many other mums have before me however within the America market it was difficult to find a tincture that didn't have any alcohol of any kind in it. They use the alcohol to preserve the root.

4) Chamomilla:
Hyland's makes a baby specific pill product that can be given to a baby for teething or any other time a baby is in distress. Since this was affordable and easily accessible, I bought some from Jimbo's Market.Unfortunately it didn't help much :-)

Turkey, carrots, broccoli & spinach (9 months)

Franki loves little pieces now more than mush so I buy the shredded organic veggies, steam them and cut them finely, they are reduced to a small enough size not to get stuck, but big enough to get her little chompers chewing.

Even though she is still getting much of her nutrients from her formula, I like to throw spinach into the mix for that added iron. I want her to expand her taste buds so using turkey over chicken is simply a taste choice on my behalf. I sauteed the turkey in a little olive oil and balsamic.

Red Quinoa, squash, zucchini and grilled chicken (9 months)

Quinoa is a complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids combined with the grilled chicken Franki will be building strong bones, muscles, skin, and blood! I love my greens so I added the squash and zucchini which are a good source of Thiamin, Niacin and Pantothenic Acid, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber.

9 Months

Thanksgiving Day reminds us to be grateful for all we have and we definitely have all we need. I am grateful for you Franki. You are healthy and strong, smart and have a great sense of humor. The light in your eyes brightens each and everyday. You obviously had plenty to be thankful for too Franki-love, you met two big milestones in one day!

Advancements:
Your scootching is still an army crawl although you have definitely picked up the pace. You are now "cruising" holding onto the edge of furniture and walking (slowly). They say that its soon after this that babies start walking, but I'm in no hurry. You are so active as it is I know once you get on your feet, days of having breakfast are going out the window :-) If there was a walker race, I am certain you would win it, our floors are perfect for you to fly around the house. You have no problem maneuvering around obstacles, turning around, going backward, but my favorite is when you almost run, then let your little feet slide behind you. This brought me to the realization it was time for soft soled shoes. You were burning through your socks!

You suddenly sprouted your two bottom teeth and now your two top teeth or poking out too. I am surprised how well you have handled the pain, you had a bit have cheek rash, two days of diarrhea and minor complaining. That is it. You must have a high pain threshold like me.

Firsts:
You waved and clapped your hands for the first time both on November 26! You've started on learning to do the "indian chant" but haven't quite mastered turning your hand around, it still looks adorable and you get very excited when you do it. Your pincher grip is amazing, family and friends comment all the time how unusually good it is, (not sure how that will help you in life but its still very cool). The other day there was a grain of food the size of a salt granule on your feeding chair and you picked it up between your thumb and pointer. I couldn't believe my eyes! You started pulling yourself up on furniture but have yet to do it in your crib. You are still on the hot topic of da-da, you've only said ma-ma three times and don't really have any interest in learning other words. You watch my mouth move but don't try to say it yourself yet.

Favorite Thing:
Your new found love is anything and everything "duck" We now have to take one of your many your bath ducks in the car with us wherever we go, you love to chew and sometimes if there is a bit of leftover bath water stuck inside you are really excited to be able to suck it. I am excited to give you your Christmas present its a book called "Ducky says Quack" and its a puppet too!

Schedule:
You are happily napping at 10am and 2:30pm during the day then won't go down again until after your bath at 7:30pm. You've been skipping a bottle in the afternoon and are now down to about 24oz of formula a day. I have tried to give you less at night when you wake up to try and ween you off it but your are so persistent and will not stopping crying until you get a full bottle. At least you are only waking up once a night now its either 12:30 am or about 4am. I prefer the 4am because I feel more rested. At midnight I am a bit of a zombie. This morning I even gave you dog pellets instead of cheerios by accident but quickly realized my error.

6 week checkup - Lymphangioma

Two weeks after your first procedure we took you to the specialist for a followup - since nothing had changed and you weren't having any issues we scheduled another appointment for 6 weeks late. Now at 8 weeks after your procedure we see a huge difference in your mouth, almost as much as 50% difference however the cysts are still filled with liquid and being agitated by your sharp little teeth that are now poking through and causing blood blisters.

Since you were such a star patient and recovered so well Doctor Magit would like to schedule anothe procedure for you at Rady's before Christmas and after thanksgiving. I am ok with this because I want you to have more comfort when more teeth come along. He said they would most likely give you the same antibiotic as last time but a little more so it should work a little more aggressively. So mcu prayer was sent out in your name and so much prayer was answered I am certain this may be the last of the procedures for a very long time.

For now we wait for the call for the date...

8 Months

What a big girl you are beginning to be...

Advancements:
You now have your very own language, lots of babbling, with your favorite being "dadada" no "mamama" yet, but I'm waiting patiently.

My favorite part of this month was you started scooting! Its unbelievable how fast you go with your little army crawl, in one day we had to put a gate at the top pf the stairs, cover all the plug holes and put away the bar stools and candlestick holders! Dad loves how Cohen and Owen cruise the alley in their walkers so insisted we get you one. I didn't think we needed it at first because we have already bought you so many gadgets and goodies, but its true, you love it as much as the boys do, we joke and say we should have walker races...I guess that's funnier to me than to you.

I'm not sure if you have quite hit 24lb's yet but you're certainly tall, your little feet kick, kick, kick the back of the car chair. Dad's "honey-do list" this month was to change out your infant car seat (which was so sad to me) for the bigger girl chair and to lower your crib in anticipation of you pulling yourself up and standing.

Firsts:
Its been an exciting time for an 8 month old, you celebrated your first Halloween festivities as a ladybug with your dad and papa even taking you trick or treating, enjoyed your first pumpkin patch with your neighbor buddies Cohen and Owen, and the wild animal park with cousins Bennett and Wyatt and buddy Cohen! You will have to see you scrapbook to see all the wonderful animals you saw.

You gummed away on your first pizza crust which made dad smile like a Cheshire cat. You know that's his next favorite thing in the world after you! I'm still making most of your food and you are a brilliant eater. No matter what I give you, you never complain. This week I did a mix of spinach with zucchini, broccoli and white beans. I'm not sure if you know what you're saying but when I put a spoonful in your mouth you say: "mmmm". Very cute! On the week of the 9th of November, you sprouted your first tooth on the bottom front, it didn't seem to bother you as much as I expected it to, you had no runny nose, fever's or need for Tylenol. You definitely have been a bit cranky here and there but I'm not sure its the teeth, it could be e few things. I'm sure if it was your teeth I would know.

You learn so quickly now, its fun teaching and showing you how to do things. I know you'll pick up things on your own, but I am so excited to see you wave and blow kisses. I taught you how to give a kiss on my lips (wet one) and dad taught you how to boink your little head against his, you always laugh hysterically which simply melts my heart to hear.

Your favorite thing:
You have this little face you pull that has everyone giggling. You put your face down and look up, ever so serious then just as people think you're about to start wailing...you bust out a big gummy grin! Ive tried several times to get it on video but of course as I run for the camera you stop doing it.

You have a new nickname: Cricket.
You LOVE to hop! It stared with a bouncy frog toy of Cohens, but now you want to do it on everything, even things that don't bounce like my leg or your exercise play gym.

Schedule:
Trying to find a good balance between concern and consistency has been my most difficult challenge. I am confused as to how from 9 weeks old you slept through the night without any problems and now you insist on waking up 2 sometimes 3 times a night and will not go back to sleep sometimes for over an hour. I have not changed your schedule by much and obviously check your temperature and nappy even sometimes offering you pain relief in case you're teething. Mostly I give in and you take a bottle. I know you are capable of going at least 10 hours without eating, so I shouldn't give you a bottle but that's the only thing that sometimes settles you, not always.

During the day I have you eat 6oz of formula every 3 hours and nap 2 hours after you eat so that usually translates into two 1 hour naps a day, but lately you don't even want to nap which makes for more waking hours at night. I keep praying somehow something will change and you (and I) will get some restful sleep soon.

Our flight out to New Jersey from the 9th of November to the 15th didnt help your whole schedule but I was ok with that, I was putting you through allot. You are so curious and easily distracted. On both the flight there and back, you refused to sleep even when your eyes were blood shot and rolling back in your head. You wanted to look at people and smile and at the lights and sounds. I love how friendly you remain even when you are at your most grumpy, you love to smile at strangers and make a little sound as if to acknowledge them. Everywhere we went in NJ people just loved you, we even had strangers ask if they could hold you! It was a very special time spent with yoru papa, he took you duck hunting so you could watch him feed them bread but alas they had all flown south for the winter. He drove us around showing us where he used to play and get up to mischief. All the Bruno's got to hold you and you loved every minute of the attention.

I can't believe you are almost a year. After just being at Shae's first birthday I have started to think now about what we will do for yours, I want it to be cute but not overwhelming.

First time at the beach!

October 10, 2010
We briefly took you once before to the beach but you weren't happy and the wind was howling so we count this time as your real first time. We went to Moonlight beach in Encinitas where we could get close enough parking to the sand as we had your stroller and bags and food and towels to carry.

I was nervous at first because it was a really hot and very bright day - typical mom didn't want you straining your eyes too much. We slathered you in lotion and dad was so excited to get your litle feet in the water. I again...was worried it would be too cold but you absolutely loved it, so much so that dad walked a bit further into the waves for you to hear them crashing. Of course I was telling dad, "don' go too far in a wave could knock you". Your dad is very patient with me.

I enjoyed letting you stand holding my fingers with your little toes in the wet sand. You kept moving them like little worms trying to figure out what that strange texture was. You just stood there for ages looking around, occasionally letting out a giggle as some older kids would run past you playing. You so badly want to be able to join in the fun, I have a feeling once you start walking and maybe even crawling I'm not going to see much of you. You have such an independent spirit.

A real dinner: Salmon, potato and corn (7 months)

I read that in the USA parents are nervous to feed their children and babies fish. Being a big fish lover I found this interesting, experts say babies need more vitamins and nutrients only found in fish and they say depending on your baby can start on certain fish by 6 months old.

I got some delicious wild caught salmon and blended up some organic corn and potato with her multigrain organic cereal and formula. It was delicious even I thought so!

First Procedure - 7 Months Old

Friday: September 24, 2010

8:00am
6oz formula.

11:00am
4oz pear juice.

12:00pm
We checked into Rady's children hospital mentally but not completely emotionally prepared. I could not feed my daughter for 6 hours. This was the most disturbing part of the whole ordeal because I felt like I was being cruel, even though I know it was to prevent choking with vomiting under anesthesia.


1:00pm
Initially there was allot of confusion, one administrative personal had Franki scheduled with the wrong surgeon. Another thought we were in for some sort of dental surgery. Another said it was a CT scan and we would be in and out the same day. This did not help our anxiety in the least. We requested a meeting with her specialist Dr. Anthony Magit and he confirmed what we thought we were there for all along so our minds were put at rest.

2:00pm
A nurse came to get us and we were escorted into radiology. We chose to carry Franki over having her on a gurney. She was so alert looking at the cartoon stickers and smiling at everyone. She never cried once, instead she had a peace about her even though she had not eaten in 6 hours. A very nice nurse introduced herself and offered some words of comfort. We met the anesthesiologist and radiologist and they explained the procedure in detail. Dr. Dory injected (we counted the piercings) her 8 times through the throat and Dr. Magic injected her under the tongue.

Originally it was suggested we get the OK432 but her cysts were considered "micro" so a better choice would be an alcohol/detergent substance but after further inspection of the MRI and ultrasound, the doctors decided on an antibiotic fluid to avoid a three day draining period and excessive pain.

Her cysts were drained and then the antibiotic was injected into the areas and left in there to dissolve on its own.

3:00pm
One parent was called into recovery. I could not believe my eyes when I walked in. She was looking around, still not crying, she just seemed a bit ired but not nearly as horrified as she was when she came out of the MRI Anesthesia back in May. As soon as I picked her up and cuddled her she fell asleep on my chest. They monitored her for an hour and she drank a few sips of pedialite here and there.

4:10pm
We were escorted by a wonderful nurse to Franki's very own hospital room. She even had her name on the board and a sweet little crib bed. We brought her own blanket and pj's but I couldn't use them because they had attached feet and she had an oxygen monitor on her big toe (which fascinated her, she kept wanting to put the glowing red toe in her mouth) She felt allot better after she guzzled 6oz of formula.

7:00pm
Gigi and papa came to visit. Franki got plenty of hugs and kisses and gigi even bought her some pjs...without feet! So or precious little girl got cozy and out of the embarrassing backless hospital gown. We had to call the nurse in to see how active our little bug is, turning left then right, flipping onto her belly then back onto her back, doing 360 degree break dance moves. We requested the IV tubing be disconnected. If it wasn't disconnected we would have been watching her all night consistently untangeling her for fear of being strangled. Dr. Magic and the nurse agreed.

8:00pm
Exhausted, yet still completed unaffected by the days events, I curled into Franki's crib and she fell asleep on my chest. She slept well all night, only waking intermittently because of the strange lights and sounds of the hospital. I slept a bit here and there on the foldout chair but Franki's dad was up all night, without a wink of sleep watching her breathing and oxygen levels. He even posted on his Facebook account status: "...is sitting awake at 3:45 am in a hospital room watching his baby girl sleeping. There is no where I would rather be and nothing I would rather be doing."I decided that Saturday night I would let him sleep and I would stay up and watch her.

Saturday: September 25, 2010
9:00am
The nurses and doctors came into Franki's room and agreed she was doing well and cleared to go home. We couldn't believe how fortunate we were to be taking her home when we thought we would only be home by Monday! All prayers were answered!

7 Months

Its about this time I understand why moms start thinking about the next pregnancy and baby. You have grown from being a wriggly little infant to a beautiful healthy chubby baby girl. You smile all the time, and every now and then let go a little giggle, half the time I am unsure what you are giggling about which makes me giggle myself. I am content just knowing you are happy and becoming more and more yourself.

I am sorry we had to put you through that terrifying hospital experience, but please know it is for your own good. Mommy and daddy will ALWAYS have your best interests at heart and as much as you may argue with us one day about, we absolutely know what is best for you. Your healthy and happiness are our priority.

I have so much fun watching you sit and play with your favorite teddy that talks and sings. Dressing you has become a bit of a challenge not only because you are wearing size 18 months but because you role and squirm as much as you can. Bath time is still my favorite time of day, although I have to do it earlier in the day because it gets you awake and excited, you know no different. I always wonder if you get bored with the same yellow rubber ducky you play with every day but you never cease to amaze me when I look at your bright smile as you scan around the bathroom to see where "he" may be sitting.

I don't know why, I'm still trying to make sure its not because you are hurting but in the last two weeks you wake up around 11pm and scream until about 3am. You arent cold/hot/wet/hungry and seem very tired but just wont sleep. I worry about you. Your dad HATES to hear you cry, he jumps out of bed to hold you and talks to you telling you that "dadda" is right there to protect you. Boy are you a lucky girl!

So...Monday October 11, 2010 on your Gigi and Aunties wedding anniversary, you scooted for the first time!!! Sadly I missed it as I had to work but dad was quick enough to grab it on camera. Gigi put the remote just out of reach and you used your knees and toes to push yourself like an inch worm toward your goal and hey presto you did it!

Can we find a Pause button? I want to slow you down. You're growing to fast "bugsy"

"Pop goes the weasel"

6 months: During playtime today I wanted Franki to learn the concept of knowing what to expect next, my hope is this little game helps her creativity and patterns in sound. With repetition, she starts to understand when I get to a certain sound or inflection in the rhyme that's when she jumps.

I put her on my lap and sing, "All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel, the monkey thought it was all in fun…pop goes the weasel." As I chant the last line, I pop the baby up in the air by lifting my knees.

Soon she was popping up on her own!

Sitting Up unassisted! (6 months old)

September 14 - one week away from turning 7 months old I noticed that Franki wasn't leaning up against her boppi cushion, I had noticed she would lean and then move away and lean and move away for the las week but this particular day that wasn't the case. I moved it away from her back, and never needed to use it again :-)

Asparagus & Ricotta cheese (7months)

This is a delicious and quick dinner for baby. I had leftover organic green spears of asparagus and low fat ricotta cheese, I added just one teaspoon to the bland green mixture and WHAM - flavor!

Its Franki's first shot of cheese and she had no qualms!

Avocado, applesauce and yogurt (6 months)

I grew up mixing condensed mill with mushy avocado and loved it - I thought Franki might like to taste a sweetened avocado - WELL SHE DID - boy she lapped it.

Half a Mashed Avocado
1 teaspoon unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon whole milk plain greek yogurt
multigrain baby cereal
leftover formula

Color Scheme for toddler room

My initial inspiration for color was from a tiny door handle hanging art I saw on Etsy, then I found the perfect bedding (waiting for it to go on sale) from pottery barn kids. The main colors will be sage, beige, salmon, brown and baby blue. I will probably keep with the green polka dot pattern that I have now in the nursery as its followed through on the quilt and its easy enough to find in fabric stores so I can sew a toy hammock like the one made by bananafish.

Figs & Yogurt (6 months)

Now that Franki is six months old we can move onto another level of food and get more adventurous. Today I peeled black figs, pureed them and mixed them with a little plain yogurt and avocado. My favorite is the full cream Strauss yogurt but that wasn't available in the smaller container so I used the Trader Joes Greek style.

10 Black Figs peeled & blended
3 Tsps plain whole milk yogurt
1/4 avocado pear mushed
6 tsps Brown rice cereal
half a scoop of formula
filtered water

Already half a year! Happy six months my love.

August 21, 2010

The fifth month is a big month I had no idea, it seems this was the month you took to get stronger. Your rolling onto your tummy has been perfected and your rolling onto your back has gotten allot better, you're almost sitting unsupported but still too wobbly for me to leave you alone in that position. Your teething seemed to have died down only really two weeks of discomfort and now you're back to your old self, all smiles and chatter. I'm relieved because with the lump under your tongue it would get really uncomfortable to have teeth, but we are hoping to take care of of your tongue lump this month (September)

You love your food, it doesn't matter what I make for you you gobble it down. I feed you a fruit and oatmeal for breakfast and at dinnertime before bath around 3:30 I give you a vegetable or two with oatmeal. You make the most adorable "mmmm" sounds with every bite.

It was a big month for mom and dad, not only did mom celebrate her 34th birthday but it was our first wedding anniversary. What a treasure to be able to sit at dinner and talk about a wonderful year and how you have come into our lives and changed our world for the better! One of those times mom and dad took a little time away from you Gigi used the opportunity to let you wear your first beret! I have to admit you look adorable even though you only have a few wispy hairs it really compliments your girlie little face and big blue eyes.

Its been a wonderful summer as I knew it would be, you have been in and out the pool in bathing suits that range from ballerina tutu's, to ruffle and purple bikini's to bright floral prints. You sure have been the fashionista at our community pool. You splash your arms and legs at the same time and don't mind water in your eyes at all. The swim instructors that have been teaching other kids tell me you will do well when its time for swim lessons.

Your favorite shows on tv at the moment are "Elmo" and the "Bacyardigans", which dad loves to watch you I must add, you two cuddle on the floor and watch it together giggling and the funny songs.

I have not been able to get as much done around the house now that you're rolling about, you get frustrated when you can't get back onto your back from our tummy, and I definitely don't feel comfortable leaving you in front of the TV for long periods of time. Although you still fit into your swing, you're so heavy that it takes strain and squeaks, that doesn't seem safe. Maybe wen you're sitting on your own completely you can play at moms feets with your widget and Sophie when I get soe of my design and photography work done :-)

I can't believe its already 6 months since you came into this world, youre so strong and healthy and tall I feel so proud. I love you always "Roogy-bear"!

Weight: 19lb, 12oz
Length: 27.5"
Head: 18"

Sweet Potato & Corn (5 months)

I was nervous about giving my baby corn but all research pointed to it being ok. Since her favorite vegetable is sweet potato I decided to mix the two together. I steamed both organic vegetables separately, then pureed them together with a bit of mineral water. It is such a delicious mix even I had a bit :-)

Woodland creatures in an baroque enchanted forest...Sounds pretty extravagant for a toddlers room. We have had great fun in the brightly colored "robot room" but our little girl is growing up and mom has begun to embrace girly things (shocker!). I've been working on ideas for her room ever since we purchased a cute pottery barn toddler bed from a friend for a steal.

Two of my favorite books growing up were The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Narnia sounded like a place I would love to live filled with fawns, talking birds, wise owls and little homes in the trees. So delightful! The other was The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton.This book too my imagination to far off enchanted places that inspired so much of my fun and games, so naturally I want to shares the delights of my heart with my precious child. I also LOVE owls so to have them in the enchanted bedroom, will be an added bonus. I simply adore this blog all about owls!

So away away we go...With a basis in Baroque and shabby chic, I will create a room of merriment and wonder :-) Some of these items I will use as inspiration and make myself, other items I will purchase.

SHOPPING LIST:
Furniture
Bean Bag, mobile, birch log cushions, bird lamp, distressed frames, distressed fleur de lis shelves, shabby side table,

5 Months old today!

July 21, 2010

My sweet angel girl, what a busy day we had the day you turned 5 months old. Your buddy Cohen came to play and you weren't very friendly, you have not been yourself the last few days. You have been crying allot during the day and wanting to be hold which is quite different from your usual independent personality. I fear your teething is starting to really annoy you, the reason I say this is because you have hardly wanted to eat, and for you, thats quite out of the ordinary. usually you gobble up your 6oz bottles and slurp away at the spoon at breakfast and dinner.

I tried to take you out for a nice long walk, the weather has been so hot lately but today it was nice a cool. I thought you would like to celebrate being 5 months old by looking at your favorite things, trees but you were not in the mood. Thats okay, I brought you home, laid you on our bed and cuddled and kissed you. You squealed and giggle so I knew you would be just fine. You had a bit of dinner and a nice bath, where you continued to giggle and kick those little tuna boat legs.

I was completely sidetracked from packing your laundered clothes away when you were laying staring up at me from the carpet, munching on the only thing that alleviates the teething, your spongey numbers and smiling. Its really hard to get anything done these days you are just so darn cute.

I love you "smudge" you make me a better person. Can't wait until you wake up from your nap so I can squeeze and cuddle you some more!

First time rolling over (4 month old)

July 14 2010
I was wondering when this was going to happen, she wasn't even trying to role and all the babies around her age were already going from back to tummy and tummy to back. I'm not going to push her although we have been encouraging her when she's been on tummy time. Well low and behold, whilst laying on her mat on the living room floor she was trying to get to a toy that was slightly out of reach, she lifted her legs and looked above her and over she went, back to tummy. I thought that was a fluke because she did that once before on a soft surface, well she did it two more times that day and when I went to check on her in her crib whilst having her afternoon nap. I found her half on her side half on her back (see picture) she's been rolling everyday since :-)

Special Specialist appointment

Today we met with Dr. Anthony Magit, who I call the "special specialist" because the specialist Dr. Douglas Brewster referred us to this Ear Nose and Throat guy, who has had allot of experience with Cystic hygroma. He was very friendly, calm and knowledgeable. He is currently treating two children with the same ailments and their treatments are reacting well.

He is the guy that anyone could hope for so our prayers have been answered by having him take care of Franki. He showed us the MRI pictures and the big bulge under tongue is not even the largest one, there is one on the left side of her throat thats larger, they can't tell how many but each bulge has several little cysts inside, what they are going to do is drain the big ones, then using an ultrasound machine syringe alcohol and a detergent through her neck/muscles etc directly into each cyst, this should shrink them.

This is a lengthy procedure that will be done over time in pieces, possibly even up to two years. He says they cant assure they wont come back and because there are legs that split off, they never really go away forever they just no longer are large or effect anything, they just sit there dormant. He is going to set up her first procedure in about a month. She will be put under anesthesia each time and have to stay two or more days overnight in hospital each time they do this, the cysts will swell up larger before they get smaller and there is no telling how long each one will take to go way down.

He also mentioned she will have no side effects and she continue eating as normal every time she gets discharged from the hospital each time after 2 or 3 days. He has full confidence she will respond well and forsee's no problems. Please continue to pray for her that everything will go smoothly.

I am not even sure I absorbed it all, I should have had a dictaphone, thank goodness I did not have to go alone, hubby as there the whole time.

First Swim in a pool! (4 months old)

I have been waiting for this day since you were born, I was such a water baby and summer is my favorite time of the year! We got you geared up in your bathing suit from aunty Andrea, called your friend Cohen and his parents to come with us, slathered you in sunscreen and headed to our pool in our community. The water was warm, it was ideal, I grabbed the camera to make sure i captured every moment, I was waiting for great excitement but you could have taken or left it, either way you didn't mind. I love that about you, you're really easy going and don't mind much of what is going on around you.
Here is a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jBRpJBWYK4

4 Months Wellness Check (4 months old)

June, 23 2010
The two month shots went off without a hitch. this time we were not so lucky. At first she giggled when she got her first shot, it must have tickled a little, well then she just burst out crying, she proceeded to cry for an hour, ate and fell asleep then continued crying when she woke up. Poor little girl, I hate to use medicines but the Infant tylenol took the edge off enough for her to eat again and take a rest. e

Weight: 16.5oz
Head: 17" (grew an inch in two months)
Length: 26"

she is at 95% of her weight and height, but her weight ratio to her height is perfect - she's a tall one ;-)

First time eating solid food!

June 18, 2010

You are only 4 months old but I noticed your naps ot shorter, you were watching me every time I put something in my mouth and even though you were consuming 32oz of formula a day you were still hungry! First taste of anything was plain rice cereal, you were not a fan, you acted like I had just stuffed a cotton ball in your mouth. I soon added sweet potato, this was much better, you slurped at the soon trying to figure what to do with the texture. It took several tried before you realized how to swallow the strange consistency. A few days later I tried peas, then pears, then apples then peaches. You love it all, I have yet to find something that you don't like to eat. I hope this trait stays with you, it will be wonderful if you are not a picky eater because although dad can eat pizza for breakfast lunch and dinner, we like to incorporate cuisines from a variety of ethnicities into our diet.

MRI at Rady's Children Hospital

May 24, 2010
This was the most anxiety I have felt in my life. She was not allowed too eat for 4 hours because she was having anesthesia but that wasn't the worst, holding her hand whilst they were giving her gas and her being so scared and hanging on my finger then watching her go limp was the hardest part for Nate and I.

She was very brave, she woke up petrified but was eating and back to normal after an hour. Now we are just waiting on results to see if she needs surgery.

Thank you for your prayers it was prayer that made the day go allot easier than it could have gone.

Watch Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocMtk9NHypU

First Tutu & Successful Thumb sucking (10 weeks old)

I had heard that there is a big difference between an 8 week old and a 10 week old. I had hoped and prayed that she would be sleeping through the night by 8 weeks especially since she had done a couple nights at 7 hours. Well this week she slept a 5 hour and an 8 hour night, I am beginning to think this may be the real start to something really restful. All night sleep. :-)

Franki has been sucking on her hands and three middle fingers for the last 3 weeks or so but getting increasing frustrated at not being able to get a good latch. A few times I saw her get her thumb in her mouth but it is such a tiny appendage it would not satisfy her need. Well great success this week. Not only does she find her thumb with ease but it has grown enough for her to get into the roof of her mouth and get a good solid suck on it. It is the cutest thing in the world to see. Since she does not like a dummy, this is a great way for her to pacify herself. I have even noticed when she gets that little finger in her mouth her eyes close and she drifts off to sleep. I am not going to start worrying yet how long or how difficult it may be to break this habit in the future. For now it makes her very happy and thats what matters.

It was Franki's first wedding. Our friends Benito and Jessica said their "I do's" on May 1, 2010 and we were all there to witness and celebrate with them as a family, Franki even wore her first tutu! I was nervous thats he would cause a stink but she was a real trooper. She loved the loud music and heat lamps he cozied up to me and fell asleep for most of the evening.

I tried out the "Bumbo" this week. Her neck is getting really strong, she did really well sitting in it for about 10 minutes. As soon as I noticed the slant in her upper body I decided it was enough because I didn't want to tire her out but she was all smiles and coos sitting there like a big girl.

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

As planned Franki has turned two months old and her room is finally completed. It could use a few minor details but overall its done. Starting from the robot pillow my mom brought out from South Africa the design and theme grew...

Kelsey made the cute crib bedding and I painted the little "F" and "B" pictures. She got so many cute toys at the baby shower that I didn't have the heart to store them in the cupboard so I have displayed them on her book shelf until she gets more books. I deliberated over the striped carpet because I mostly wanted the room in green and white polka dots like the bedskirt and the changing table cover but the colors were so vibrant and matched the pillow perfectly I couldn't resist. $70 from Target.

Over time I have been collecting cute robots. The grey little one I had made by an Etsy artist called Little Brown Byrd, the original little robot had a pink heart and scarf but I wanted red to go with other parts o the room. The retro wrestler robot I bought from Paper Source in La Costa. All the other little guys were given to my by various family members and friends. One of them is even a little Christmas tree ornament.

2 Months Wellness checkup (8 weeks)

April 29, 2010

What a scary day. You had to go see Doctor Rathbun for your two month checkup. Although you once again received raving reviews, you had to toughen up and take 3 shots, two on one leg and one on the other. I spoke about the possibility of spreading out the shots but it would just prolong the pain and there has been proof now, which I won't go into that there is not correlation to autism and vaccinations.

She had her second round of shots: Hep B, Polio, Pneumococcal, Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Rotavirus and Hib. You were very brave because you stopped crying after only a few minutes but the initial shock broke my heart, you cried so hard you almost gagged :-(

On a positive note, you are tall and although you appear to be chubby you are average for your length.
Her current specs are:
Weight: 13.5oz
Length: 24 inches
Head Circumference: 16 inches

Forever in our heart

In celebration of the birth of our first born and most precious angel child, my husband and I went to Hagen in Cardiff and had tattoos inked onto our skin. Hubby got his written across his heart and I had mine done on my wrist where I can see it at all times. We will forever and always love our baby girl and pledge to always protect and sacrifice for her happiness and achievement. This was our way of acknowledging this. Many of our friends showed up at the parlor to witness this exciting event. Auntie Steph, Jordan, Jeff, Ruben and Auntie Danielle even got her own tattoo that day (Bruno)

Happy Birthday!

2:00am, February 21, 2010
I woke up with some pretty steady contractions. Not too painful but enough to know we were talking business. I woke your dad up to tell him that it would probably be best to get over to the hospital since it was so far from home. I was counting my contractions to be 7 minutes apart. He is a bit of a stickler for using public bathrooms and knew we would be at the hospital for a while so decided to wait and see, if anything would happen. My contractions moved to 5 minutes apart and I requested we skip the bathroom wait and get going.

Five Centimeters
By the time we got to triage at Mary Birch I was already measuring 5 cm dilation although the contractions were 5 minutes apart they were not very strong but they admitted me into labor and delivery room. By this time gigi and papa, aunty Danielle and aunty Andrea had arrived and we didn't know how long the wait would be. I was excited, not at all nervous and hoping for the best. I was still coughing hard all the time with my bronchitis and could barely breathe and the conjunctivitis was so bad at this point that I had green ooze coming out of my eyes. I was hungry from only eatings soup having been sick and tired having not been able to sleep due to the big belly so I was weak, but knew that this was one of the most important days of my life so was going to give it my all.

Nine Centimeters
Between 6am-11am I had dilated to 9 cm, but my water had not broken so Dr. Chortkoff broke it for me. I was certain I would deliver you by noon and was excited at the prospect of eating as all I had been sipping on was vitamin water and jello. Other than the hunger things were going just as I had hoped they would, I had the epidural at 5cm and had only pressed the release button a few times as I wanted to feel what was going on. I was feeling courageous and ready to go but alas I wouldn't dilate further even though the contractions were closer together and allot more painful.

By 3pm they gave me some Pitocin to help the dilation. At this point I was starting to swell closed and they wanted to avoid a c-section, our nurse Virgina was certain I'd have the baby by 5pm. We hoped so because she had to knock off work soon and we didn't want a different nurse. She had been with us all day and was the most amazing nurse and caretaker anyone could have dreamed for. She kept checking me, asking if I felt the need to push and I didn't. We waited.

From 3am papa had sat in the waiting room, gigi had been running around getting your dad food and me juice and ice. Aunty Andrea and aunty "D" were with us the entire day. I could not have done it without all the love and support. Your daddy was constantly on the phone uploading updates to Facebook and emailing friends and family.

It was about 5pm and suddenly I felt the need to push sort of like a bowel movement. I let everyone know and there was allot of rushing about. I was so relieved to have my actual doctor on call to deliver our baby, most people never get to have the doctor they have been visiting with for 10 months, I knew without a doubt I was in great hands.

Puuuush
I thought due to my core strength I would birth you in a few pushes, but I was wrong. I think had I not had such chronic bronchitis I would have had a much easier time. I pushed for about an hour and a half and the entire time I had a wet clothe over my eyes because they were so painful and the two spotlights above me didn't help. I wish I had seen more of what was going on around me. Dad held a leg and whispered words of encouragement and at 6:28pm February 21, 2010 you, our beautiful, perfect baby girl was born. 7lb 11 ounce and 19 inches long :-)

38 weeks

02/11/2010
On Friday it was time to see Dr. Chortkoff again. She checked me and confirmed that I am 3cm dilated, 80%effaced and lost my mucus plug. She said if we wanted to go into the hospital they would book me in, but since my contractions are not consistent, that would mean inducing me. I have my whole life with daughter I see no rush to hurry her birth 2 weeks before she is "officially" due. If I got past my due date - which Dr. Says is highly unlikely then I will consider induction.

The worst part about this week was the awful timing of the onslaught of germs! I caught the bronchitis bug, its going around something horrid. I don't mind losing my voice (neither does my husband :-P ) and don't even care about the runny nose, but the cough hurts so badly, I feel like I'm squeezing my child so hard and of course feeling like I have been run over by a bus has its challenges. I compare it to when I did triathlon. I've watched my habits, my eating, my weight, trained hard to be able to finish strong, not first or fast, but to have a good race with stamina and endurance...I'm all psyched up and then...To wake up race day sick! I am so close to the end, any minute I could have this baby and the fear of having to push and endure a long labor with this awful germ is heart breaking, not to mention not being able to care for or cuddle my baby for fear of getting her sick! I keep praying I am going to wake up all better.

02/12/2010
Getting up at 5:30am and getting ready looking half way presentable for the office has become too much of a challenge. Its difficult to walk in the morning and every time I would get out my chair to go to the fax machine I would feel as if I was about to drop her. Although I have not been tired, I am definitely awkward and sore, and dealing with the additional liquids etc in the office place is just too much to bare, so I requested from my boss at the brokerage firm if I could make Friday my last day. He was extremely understanding and had no problems. I will miss being in the office, the work, the challenges and the girls, but I also know that resting a week to two before I give birth will stand me in good stead. I am unsure what is happening with my design job, I am hoping to be able to still get projects that I can help with and work from home, but I know thats allot to ask since its really tough to communicate with that particular job as a telecommuting designer.

02/14/2010
This was my beloved's and my last Valentines as a couple. Its not a sad thing at all, we are excited to share future holidays no matter how cheesy with Franki. My hunny always makes it a fun evening so I know our little girl will just love the love and excitement. This year he bought some lobster and steaks at the grocery store, prepared and cooked them up for us. It was a real treat in spite of the fact that I was probably the lamest valentine in the history of mankind being 9 months pregnant and as sick as a dog.

Progression pics

I realized that you really have to search for my bump progression pics so I have created a post that shows the comparison without searching :-)

37 weeks

I am officially "full term" That means anytime from here on out if I go into labor they won't stop it. What a eventful week in my pregnancy!

Friday 02/05/10 I had my scheduled appointment to see Dr. Chortkoff. I was looking forward to hearing my "stats" so was very eager to get over to Carmel valley. When I got there I saw Jennifer the wonderful nurse practitioner as usual she took my blood pressure and weight. When she asked how I was I mentioned, I was doing fine but that Franki's movements seemed to have slowed down a bit. I didn't think about it that much because I assumed that since she had so little room to move that was the probable cause. WRONG! Even though she has limited room her kick counts should not decrease! Immediately they put me on the monitor..I laid there for about 45 minutes and although they weren't worried they weren't happy either so sent me down to triage. Triage was happy to take me ad monitored me on their fancier machines for about an hour...consensus was that baby and mom are both fine and fluid is good.

Monday (02/08/10) I started bleeding profusely - like a gush of blood at about 10pm. I wasn't worried though because I heard this can happen and expected it to stop. Well I changed my little paper roll ups (I don't own pads) about 5 times through the night...although it slowed down it didn't stop. Tuesday morning it was time to call Jennifer again. As soon as she heard this she said - its back down to triage for you...Again they wonderful nurses there took me in like a stray cat and made me feel very comfortable. This time they tested my cervix as well as mine and Franki's heart rate and my contractions. The doctor on call wanted hem to monitor me for a while because my contractions were constant, but they ended up discharging me because they weren't consistent. They said to watch the blood flow and to call if it persists.

My stats:
Dilated: 3cm
Cervix: 80% effaced
Group B strep test Negative

Wednesday 02/10/10 I raced upstairs to get to the bathroom because shocker - I needed to pee. When I went to wipe, a really large lump (size of a quarter) of what appeared to be a blood clot was on the tissue, that scared me, but I thought with all the bleeding it may be normal. Without sounding gross I squeezed and poked it to realize it was really hard, could this be my mucus plug!? As soon as I was out the bathroom I jumped into the shower where I discover yet another piece of the same alien looking stuff, this time a bit smaller like that of a dime. Again I poked and squeezed it. Perplexed I told my hubby about it and he called our mom to see what she thought. We all agreed it had to be the mucus plug. We still don't know for sure. I googled it of course - and there are very few pictures on what this curious membrane should look like.

I have been working hard all week - 6:15am - 11:45am at one place and then at 12:15pm - 6:00pm at another place. Needless to say its the schedule that has tuckered me out not being pregnant. I decided with all the goings on this week - its time to pack the bag and my love put Franki's seat into the car. We are ready.

Today is the last day of my 37th week. I feel almost no contractions, just the occasional back ache. My sleep has been good its just the 6 bathroom breaks a night that get me up. I have another appointment today and will ask about my plug and if I have dilated any further.

I wonder if we will be having a valentines baby?

36 weeks

Franki's position: very low with her head down.
Franki's heartbeat: 150
My weight: 162lb
Gestational measurement: 35cm
Stretchmarks: None
Belly button: still in
Sleep: waking up 6 times a night to go wee

01/29/10 - First internal appointment
Nurse Practitioner Tammy Rouleau swabbed for Group B streptococcus screening.
The GBS bacteria is usually harmless in healthy adults, but it can cause a relatively rare but very serious infection in newborns. (Group B is different from group A strep, the bacteria that causes strep throat.)

Between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS bacteria in the vagina or rectal area, where they may pass it to their babies during labor or birth. With proper prenatal testing and treatment during labor, though, the risk is small.

01/30/10 - Baby Moon
We had a mini baby-moon of sorts. Our friends invited us to join them at their Marriot timeshare in Newport Beach. It was very relaxing, we just played with our nephew, ate out, watched movies and chatted. The weather was a bit fresh to be at the pool or beach so we stayed indoors allot, which I never minded, it felt good to sit with my feet up for a change :-)

35 weeks

She dropped! I have not had medical confirmation, but I woke up feeling like I was kicked in the groin by a donkey then to confirm that, when I walked down the stairs I felt like she was going to shake right out of me!

Everyone says "baby will come when baby is ready" Well I'm telling you - baby is ready - my body is just not ready. I've had no contractions or any signs of birthing in anyway which is good - I believe with 5 weeks to go that's probably exactly how I should feel.

I miss my fingers - instead I have sausages for appendages, I have a large gold band I used to wear on my middle finger that I was wearing as a wedding band, well not even that will fit anymore.

I've spoken openly to friends and family about my nerves of birthing - I rarely hear a "good" birthing story and feel as if I am about to go through some sort of agonizing torture hell. Its a silly thought because I also know:
A)I have had an amazing pregnancy
B)have a high pain threshold
C)there is nothing I can do about it.

That's life and we are made to birth. My yoga instructor and friend Belinda tells me to "be present", view each experience as a blessing, breath, relax and be. She is right.

I firmly believe your attitude can influence and experience. Me being pregnant and having the privilege to birth life is an incredible blessing. I will stay positive. Focus, breathe and relax - live the moment.

Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond thee.
Montaigne

34 weeks

I never thought this would be me. I heard long before I was ever pregnant that when you get to the end you are big, achy and uncomfortable. Never a truer word spoken. I didn't think that would happen to me because I have had a blissful pregnancy!

This week my hands ached so bad the pain woke me at night - the feeling is how I would arthritis to feel. Family were a little concerned but after some research it seems very typical, in fact some people even get numbness. Its also a chilly time of year to be forced to wear sandals, I no longer can fit into shoes but thank goodness I travel less than 5 miles to work in my comfy car. My heart goes out to those pregnant ladies on buses in the rain not to mention Mary who had to travel on the back of a donkey at this point in her pregnancy!

Sleep is scarce with constant crotch pain and limited positioning but good practice for when I will be up all night with Franki, but surprisingly I am not as exhausted as one would think, this week I've had a burst of energy. I'm up easily at 5:30am and off to work and only start fading about 8:00pm.

Franki's dad has been amazing - helping with housework, massaging me elephant feet and patient during my bouts of silence. Even my sisters have asked why I have been so quiet. To be honest I couldn't be more happy in my life, I am completely content with no worries, I just don't feel myself so am not the usual goof people are used to :-)

I am on a constant learning alert - now with baby Bennett born I am getting to see things firsthand. I learned this week that there is no need to use alcohol on the umbilical cord, that the picture on the diaper goes in the front and that even newborns squirm like worms!

This weekend...I am packing my hospital bag - who knows - she may come any day now!

33 weeks

01/12/10
The most exciting portion of my 33rd week - was today my little nephew was born!
Bennett Ritchie born a little early but healthy and well to proud parents Andrea and Mike and big brother Wyatt. He will also be closest in age to Franki! He weighed in at 6lb 15oz

It has been a magical experience going through our pregnancies together, even just this morning Andrea and I swapped stories and wondered and what "iffed", she has been an inspiration and I have enjoyed laughing over our woes and fears. I am so proud of you sister, you are a wonderful and incredible mother and woman!

..So here I sit...Not completely alone being pregnant with 3 friends close behind me, but somehow something feels amiss. I think this feeling is being brought on by the fact that Andrea giving birth was my final milestone before I knew we were next.

Yes, we are next!

Baby Shower!

WOW - let me just start with that!
Not only did most all my US friends and family attend the party but it was beautiful, fun, exciting, emotional and overwhelming. The party started at 2pm and was hosted by my mother in law with the kind help of her friends Pam and Jan.

I started getting really down just before as I was getting dressed, I tried all day not to think about how my mom would not be there, I tried to be brave and strong and accept it is what it is but as time drew near I could no longer contain it. I imagined her smiling and laughing, watching me open gifts, I imagined her hugging me and sharing in my joy. I have to treasure every moment I spend with Franki, our children and our families are the most important gifts we have that should never be taken for granted. miss you mom, more than anything in this world.

Cyndee my mom in law did such an amazing job of joining two completely random themes, a high tea with robots as if it was a completely usual sight. The decorations were seamless and gorgeous from her hand-wrapped boxes on each individually themed table, to all the tea sandwiches and beautiful tags on every tea bag that welcome Franki! I can't wait to get pictures to upload! My friend Lisa brought the best cupcakes in town and Renee made her famous white and red sangria - I truly am so blessed to have the friends I have.

There had to have been about 30 people at least, I tried so hard to spend a moment with each and every person, but I was also aware that time was short and didn't want people getting bored waiting around. We received so many beautiful gifts, we have everything we need, we won't need to buy Franki clothes for her first year and she got the best of everything, she is a spoiled little bean! It feels good to know that everyone is so excited to meet her and loves her already!

Franki you will look adorable in your color coordinated jackets and socks - your gigi even got you shoes that match specific outfits - we will need to find places to go out to show off your lovely fashions!

Thank you so much everyone for all your love and support, no words can describe how special and memorable you all made my baby shower.

Pictures to follow...

32 weeks

Today I had our 32 week appointment. Nothing too eventful happened, Jennifer just weighed me (now 159 LB thats an 29 more than what I weighed pre-pregnancy) and took my blood pressure, then Dr. Chortkoff measured my belly, listened to Franki's heartbeat and and we chatted. That was that - she proclaimed everything is just as it should be so as always I was very excited to hear this.

I have struggled to sleep allot, since I should mostly sleep on my left - I get a burny sensation on that hip that keeps me awake, tossing and turning. I don't get the cramps anymore but instead now I am getting the tightening contractions called Braxton Hicks. I feel blessed that they don't always hurt but I have had three occasions when it hurt so bad they brought me close to tears - I really questioned my ability to hold out when the real contractions come because they say the Braxton's are "nothing" in comparison to real ones.

Still no stretch marks but Franki is definitely running short of space in here, I feel her movements allot stronger which can hurt at times, one day at the traffic light I actually thought for a split second I was rear ended because she kicked me so hard I was jolted. Andrea has warned me I have heartburn and rib kicking in my near future I am hoping like allot of the other typical symptoms I am spared of these two delights too.