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. 

Baby + Mama: Four Month Update

I am really trying my best to cherish everyday with Juniper. Many people have told me to hold on to every minute and really bask in this time that I am spending with her.

Mama update: I have one word for you: HAIR. I am losing a lot of it. It's not like I am going bald, but everytime I run my fingers through my hair, I am finding quite a few strands more than normal.  I was reading that mom's will lose their hair after the baby is born because our hair goes in "freeze" mode, meaning the hair cycle stops. Before Juniper, I dealt with greasy, limp, fine hair; however, while I was pregnant, I was able to go days without washing.  This is because there is less production of sebum. I guess that is why hair feels fuller while we are pregnant.  As a result, I got a haircut, made sure to take my pre/post natal vitamins (I heard it's good to keep on taking them after the baby is born), and using Oribe volumizing shampoo and conditioner. I also like using their texturizing spray after I wash my hair.

Juniper Update:

1. She has her first giggle.  Justin and I have been waiting for her to giggle and it happened out of the blue.  We were eating breakfast and I had Juniper on my lap so she could feel included. Justin was chatting with our friend on the phone across from me and she just started laughing at him. It was so precious and I recorded it. Success!

2. She burps on her own.  So, burping a baby can literally take forever sometimes, but now, I just have Juniper perform tummy time on my belly and, voila, a burp!

3. She can half roll over.  I mean, what an accomplishment. She can be on her tummy for about 5-8 minutes and then once and a blue moon, she will tip over onto her back.

4. She finally sleeps five hours in a row.  So, apparently, in baby time, this is sleeping a full night; however, I wish she could sleep for a bit longer. Basically, we feed her before we go to bed (around 10-12am) and then she will wake up anywhere from 4-6am. This puts Justin and I in anti-zombie mode. I don't want to get too attached to this new sleep rhythm she has going because many people say to enjoy things for the moment because the baby is always changing.

5. She has her first real playdate. My friend from high school came over with her adorable Oaxacan baby named, Yuuarcanzeni (yu-u-arca-seni). They are exactly one month apart! They had a blast together!

Top: Chambray Romper  /  Striped Onesie  /  Bonnet  

Clockwise: Floral Onesie  /  Oaxacan Dress (similar here)  /  Grey Bow  /  Striped Tank  /  Bloomers  /  Skeleton Jumpsuit  /  Namaste Onesie  /  Pink Bow

Baby + Mama: Two Month Update

I can't believe it has been two months since Juniper has been out of my womb! I learn something new about her everyday. I have noticed that she is getting so big. My little girl is growing up!

Mama update: I've noticed my hormones are leveling out, but I am much better than last month. I am looking forward to being more active. I started out with walks during my first month and now I am ready for the next challenge of implementing resistance training using my body weight. I am mostly exercising 30 minutes at a time during one of her naps. I don't want to push myself too much, but I definitely need to let out some energy. I am also more cognizant of my snacking and making healthier choices. On a side note, I started reading The Happy Sleeper, which has been so helpful with figuring out babies and their sleep. As first time mom, this has been my bible to getting more sleep for Justin and I and helping Juniper find her own ways to soothe herself with out crying.  Another thing I have been trying to do for myself is illustrating and diy-ing for the sake of getting away from the monotony of baby life.  Don't get me wrong, I love baby life, but it can get overwhelming at times, so I try to normalize things by finding seeking healthy outlets.

I love her two month photo. It is quite ironic that she chose a neutral face given the message I put on the board.  However, you can see all of Juniper's smiles that I caught on my phone throughout the month. She definitely has different types of smiles. 

Juniper update:

1. Juniper finally likes baths now and lifts her booty when she needs to be wiped for a change: I no longer go into panic mode when giving her a bath from her screaming her head off. She now enjoys baths. We don't keep her in there very long... maybe five minutes max.  Also, I gave her a bath alone for the first time. This was a huge stretch for me because I was terrified to give her a bath. On another note, I haven't quite found the right the bath products to use. I'm looking to find something natural, cruelty-free, and has a natural smelling scent (if possible). Lately, I have been loving this bath oil to massage her.
2. She is making all sorts of baby sounds: Ugh, I can't get over how obsessed I am with her little noises. I never thought I would be that mama who is completely smitten with her baby. I try not to make her the focal point of the conversation when people come over.
3. Juniper and Justin enjoy listening to David Bowie in the morning: Justin grew up watching Labyrinth and will play this soundtrack while singing to her in the morning.
4. She is full of smiles, especially before she eats: This is the cutest thing. She will often have the biggest smile in the morning and before she eats. She also smiles after she spits up. I am not sure why that happens, haha.
5. She often fights going to sleep: Juniper has so much energy and I am finding new ways of putting her down.  She was loving the Hevea pacifier, but now she just spits it out. Perhaps, she is thinking, "Why are you giving me this to suck on? It doesn't give me any food."  Also, for the first time, I was able to put her down sleepy and she fell asleep all on her own!

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