Baby + Mama: One Year Update

Mama update: Sadly, this will end my month to month updates with Juniper. I can admit that keeping a monthly journal of my progress and Juniper's progress was a struggle with going back to work; however, in the end, I am happy I did it.  If I had to sum up in one word the first year of having a baby, it would be "survival." If you would like to check out what items Juniper could not live without for the first year of her life, check out this post. It is quite a victory for the parents in terms of keeping a human alive for an entire year, haha.  As a mother, I have gone through a complete transformation, mental and physical.  I am more driven to accomplish goals for me and for the family. 

Juniper update: I was hoping Juniper would be walking by her first birthday, but she did not. Instead, she chose to take her first steps with me and Justin beside her on June 8, 2018.  She has always been below percentile making her petite; however, her vocabulary is very advanced for her age.  She says "mama," "dada, "papa," "bobo," "herbobo," "agua," "up," "hi," "eye." She points to parts of my face and understands what they mean in Spanish and English. We were also able to have a naming ceremony for her.  Her Hebrew name is Ely Sarah Ze'Eva.  Ely is for my dad's mother who I did not meet.  It also is the acronym for our company.  Sarah is for Justin's grandma Shirley and Ze'Eva is female wolf.  

We are looking to so many more milestones, but I want to freeze time too!

Baby + Mama: Eleventh Month Update

Mama update: The other day I was reflecting on my pre-pregnancy self and how much I have changed from the minute I found out I was pregnant. I think the media does a good job of glamorizing motherhood and I would get so caught up in pictures of blissful moments of breastfeeding and being with your baby. However, breastfeeding is not always blissful.  Sure, it's a great connection you make with your baby, but, boy does it hurt.  I needed to accept the fact that motherhood is messy.  Once I swallowed this fact, I was able to move on and be happy.  Being a mom is a lot of trial and error and there is no magic recipe for all babies and moms. It truly rest with your intuition and what works for you and your family.

Juniper update:

1.  Juniper says "Herbert." Herbert is the name of our bichonpoo.  She often mixes "Herbert" and "Bobo" together.  "Bobo" is the name of my parents cat.  

2. She likes to point at everything. She is fascinated with the name of things.  She particularly likes to point to eyes, noses, mouths, books, and windows.

3. She walks with support. She loves climbing into the bottom area of her stroller.  She also loves to climb into her bassinet and look at books for a long time.

4. She is fascinated with the fridge, dishwasher, dryer, and washing machine.  I think she thinks she is helping us because she sees us using these household items all the time. Maybe she thinks they are our toys? Haha.

5. She gives us besos. She likes giving us kisses when we ask for them.  She also likes kissing her stuffed animals too.

Baby + Mama: Ten Month Update

Mama update:  I'm still keeping up with Soulcycle and core exercises on the weekends with Kayla Itsines.  I've been slacking off on the Kayla Itsines mostly because I started having foot pain again.  The exercises in the routines rely on a lot of jumping that sometimes hurt my feet.  I had this foot pain about three years ago and it has to do with me wearing a lot of flat shoes when I was in my 20s.  I am going to acupuncture for it, which is helping. I need to see a reflexologist to pin point the issue instead of relying on cortisone shots like I had in the past. I don't want to become reliant on a practice that will be not so good in the long run. I am not so sure my foot pain came back from carrying Juniper, but I think it has more to do with my job.

Juniper update:

1. Juniper felt snow for the first time. We went to Mammoth, put her in a snow suit and let her crawl around. She even tasted the snow. Thank goodness I brought her sunglasses because it was really bright.

2. She sat in a grocery car for the first time.  I know what you are thinking, "you are a such a germ-a-phobe." Yes, to a certain degree I am weird about germs, but I think that it was time she experience how to accompany me while shopping without putting out my back. I also bought her the best bib in the world. I initially started using the oxo foldable bib, which is good for traveling; however, I wanted to have a bib that was super easy to clean.

3. She eats on her own, sometimes.  A part of me was afraid of the mess and that she would choke, but I had to let go of this fear.  I alternate between letting her eat and spoon feeding her out of convenience.  She is in love with anything flavored with chicken. 

4. She likes hanging out in a sling.  She has become slightly clingy. I read that this is normal, so in order to appease her, I have her in the sling while I cook and do errands around the house. 

5. She started pointing.  She wants to know the name of everything lately.  She is very interested in Herbert (our bichonpoo) and what he does. She always tries to taste his food and play with his toys.