Life without a pacifier...still sucking.

Literally, Noah is still sucking. Check it out! :)

Life without a pacifier is going okay. But since I am also trying to create an appropriate bedtime routine which consists of the 4 B's: Bath, Bottle, Bedtime story, and Bed it seems like I am starting all over again. In the plethora of websites and books I have read it states that a bedtime routine is essential. Most of the resources agree with the basic 4 B's. Unfortunately it is not the 4 B's plus C (cuddling) or plus R (rocking). All my sources state that it is necessary for the baby to learn how to put himself to sleep or else I am looking forward to a terribly difficult and needy toddler. It makes sense. Babies need to learn how to console themselves. As long as I provide structure and do it at an appropriate time (believe it or not you can miss the drowsy time frame-go figure) Noah is supposed to be able to fall asleep by himself. Well, Noah doesn't think so. Even with the 4 B's and a little cheating from me (who can help but cuddle this incredibly adorable person?!?!) as soon as I put my drowsy son down-

WHAM!

the little monster wakes up and is livid! Oh man-you would think I was subjecting him to torture. He screams and cries and screams and cries. Tonight it lasted the entire Jack Johnson Curious George Soundtrack plus at least 20 minutes. Towards the end he would fall asleep and then all of a sudden break out in a yell! Man, I know it was hard on Noah but if possible it was ten times harder on me! All I wanted to do was give extra love to my little man! But I stayed strong-stayed true to the research-and he is out! ::Whew:: I wonder what tomorrow will be like...

New high chair

Noah getting used to his new high chair. Looks like he likes it!

At three months old, Noah is just one month away from being introduced to real food! Ok, well the word "real" I use loosely because it really is a little bit of rice cereal with a lot of formula. Still, it is a huge developmental step and I am very excited! Buying a high chair, however, wasn't very exciting...having a baby is very expensive! Luckily Noah's paternal grandfather gave us a new high chair! It is great, we can adjust the height of the chair, it reclines, and even transforms into a rocker (Noah loves falling asleep in it while rocking). The only bad thing, it's leather. Yikes, not ideal for spilled rice cereal, spaghetti, and all that is to come. That's ok, I have been searching online and there are covers that I can purchase that are much, MUCH, more price friendly!
Woo-Hoo!

Excuse his red eyes-don't have the right picture editing tools!

Finding his Feet

Around June 26th I began to notice Noah observing his feet as if they were the most intriguing thing in the world. But it wasn't until yesterday, July 25th that he actually made contact. His dad and I were organizing our scrapbook supplies and Noah was hanging out with us, suddenly Noah reached down and started playing with his toes! How wonderful!!!

(Yes, Noah was helping with organizing the supplies too thus the stickers all over his body!)

Life without a Pacifier

Since this Friday, Noah has not used his pacifier. At first it was not easy at all! He had become accustomed to using the pacifier to soothe himself when he was upset or when he was going to bed. The first day was very difficult. No matter what we did he cried because he wanted his pacifier. But now, almost 3 full days later, Noah is doing much better. He often falls asleep rocking in his new high chair (will write about later) or in his crib without the pacifier. The hardest place is in the car. Noah does not fall asleep in the car unless he is riding on the freeway. Even then, sometimes he just seems to get antsy and he starts balling! Makes things hard but it is definitely worth it because I don't want Noah to rely on his pacifier! Instead, I hope he will be able to self-soothe.

As an aside, Noah has made contact with his feet...but it's been a long day and I am tired so I will write about that tomorrow...

Noah's First Mass

On July 18, 2008 Noah's paternal great grandfather passed away. On Sunday, July 19, 2009 there was a memorial mass or misa. This was a significant event for many reasons including this was the first time Noah experienced a mass and it was in memorial to the great grandfather whose name we used as Noah's middle name, Apolinar. Noah did a wonderful job. The priest actually went to one of the family members house and performed the ceremony there. This was ideal because there are many new babies in the family.

Babies from left to right: Layne, Noah, Athziry, Clarissa, Natalie, and Elizabeth

The ceremony was in Spanish so I couldn't tell you what was said. But I can tell you that Noah was an all-star. He was awake through the entire mass and was well behaved. He looked incredibly handsome and was able to go to all of his aunts, uncles, and cousins that he hadn't met until yesterday. I didn't know his great grandfather but I couldn't help but get a little teary during a particular part of the mass. In Catholic churches after doing one of the prayers you are to shake the hands of the people near you and wish them peace. During this part the priest came out and shook hands with those in the front row (that is where we were). When he came to me he shook my hand and blessed Noah. I don't know why but it brought tears to my eyes! That's right, Noah had his first blessing-how wonderful!

Layne, Allan, and Noah

Finding his voice...

It is so strange that at (almost) 3 months you can already begin to see personality traits. The most unexpected nuances become mirrors to what is to come. I was watching something on t.v. when I was reminded that some research states that people form their personalities by the time they are 3 years old. Isn't that interesting? That means that right now is the crucial time that we (everyone around him but especially me and his dad) are assisting or fighting nature in sculpting his personality. How cool is that?!

This video depicts a glimpse of Noah's latest in finding his voice. He has become a little bit of a complainer. He seems to be yelling at us. Interesting, I know!

By the way, as we were trying to capture more of his "complaining" on video we couldn't! Noah would be complaining and as soon as we brought the camera and pushed record he would stop and look at us like we were crazy. Then we would stop recording and he would start complaining again! Oh man, what a smart little kid!

This is adorable and worth watching the whole thing-you can see how his complaining can sometimes turn into crying if we don't respond.

I love my son-complaining or not!

Trackless Trains...

Another desired source of entertainment for Noah's first birthday was a trackless train. Both Noah's father and Auntie Jac said that this is a must.

I have found two vendors. Both are in Southern CA and both charge $250 an hour. I know, what the heck?! Who can afford birthday parties anymore?! CRAZY!

Here are the two we found:
http://www.thetracklesstrain.com/
http://www.trainsonthemove.com/

With prices like these there definitely couldn't be both a fact painter and a train but if there is I am thinking to book them each for one hour but during different hours. For instance, the party starts at 11:00 and the face painter is there from 11:30-12:30 and then the train is there from 1:00-2:00. Or something like that...we start the festivities 30 minutes after start time because people are slackers and come late. A break between one festivity to the other for lunch. And then after the second activity we will have cake and send everyone away. Is that how it should work or am I still on the wrong page?

Geez, I guess I never thought about how a mothers role includes party planner.

Noah tries to roll over

Everyone says that when you become a mother your entire life changes. I don't know about that but I do know the things that do change include finding yourself cheering enthusiastically while this little person attempts to roll over. The weirdest things like a burp or a dirty diaper become cause for cheer and enjoyment. You become overwhelmed with pride and love when you see him smile. I've seen mothers do these things (clap for the oddest accomplishments by their little ones) but I never imagined the emotions that accompanied these visual acts of pleasure. Now I know, I feel them, but am absolutely inept in being able to describe them to you. I don't
believe that someone as well with their pen as Shakespeare or as intuned with his soul as Ghandi could describe the absolute beauty of all the little pleasures a baby brings to you.

Here is last nights video of Noah almost rolling over from his back to his tummy. And yes, the excitement and pride comes even with the "almosts."

Noah's 1st Birthday-Entertainment?

Today I was able to visit my mom and sister. I told them about planning for Noah's birthday party and I asked their advice on whether or not I should have entertainment for the kids. I just didn't know, do I have entertainment or do I let everyone be free to hang out and enjoy the beautiful park? Well my question was met with a resounding yes, I do need structured entertainment. Great. What were their suggestions? Ponies, hula dancers, baby elephants, etc. Thanks a lot Jac ;)

My mom was more reasonable saying I should have a water balloon toss, and something else that I can't remember at this moment for the kids. That seems easy enough. Jaclyn also highly recommended a face painter and I think she was serious. So tonight as I cannot sleep I began the search. Who would have thought there were so many options?! Here are two websites I found:

http://www.galaxyparties.net/
http://www.partypainters.com/

The first one was the only one that had a price, $150 an hour with free balloon animals. Then I found this website for vendors...which only opened the door to many more face painters in the Los Angeles area.

www.partypop.com/Categories/Face_Body_Painting.html

I also liked the idea about shaved ice...yum yum...that's a selfish delight! I think before I get too crazy I need to make sure there are going to be some babies there. What a pain if I plan for kids and it ends up only being adults, don't get me wrong...I love the adults but I strongly doubt they would appreciate the face painter. What do you think??

Noah's First Birthday-Location, Location, Location

I know, I know, it's a little early but I don't like to plan these sort of things last second. So today Noah, his dad, and I went looking for an appropriate spot. We have been talking about this a lot. Since with only my core family and his core family we would have 17 guests we need to have it somewhere other than our house. Noah's birthday is in April and so we thought a park would be great.

What we're looking for:

-play area for the kids

-field area or activity for the bigger kids

-picnic tables

-accessibility

-BBQ

Where we looked:

We looked in three different communities, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, and Long Beach. I wanted to have it at a park in Torrance but then I found out you have to rent the picnic tables so it could end up costing a lot of money. Of course I thought about not following the rules. But what if I go to the park and claim a bench like the good ol' days only to find out someone else followed the rules and reserved all the tables?! So we are going to be good role models and follow the rules-and PV, Pedro, and the LBC are the best options (at least that is what I think).

Reviews:

Palos Verdes:
Robert E. Ryan Park:

Pros:

-lots of open space

This huge field and swing set are only steps away from the other play area
-tables near play area

-clean

-lots of play centers for young kids

There is one more play area that I did not take a picture of. That makes 3 in all!
-easy to get to

Cons:

-lots of stairs

-small parking area

-small tables

-far away

Ladera Linda Community Center

This park sucked. It is hard to get to and not only was the activity center small but it was no where near the picnic benches! It was terrible. No way will we go here!

Fred Hesse Jr. Park:

Pros:

-big open field

What a great space!

-lots of parking

-lots of big picnic tables

We have all of the space and BBQ's that we could possibly need!

Cons:

-play area separate from tables and field

-small play area

I would get bored here in about five minutes.

-RATTLESNAKES!!!!!!

This rattlesnake warning sign was only at this park!

San Pedro:
Point Fermin Park

Pros:

-lots of tables in shade!

Look at all of those benches!

-fun play area

This is one mega play area!

-easy access to the restrooms

This photo was taken from the play area! And the play area is right beside the picnic tables!

Cons:

-difficult parking

-vast open area (might be hard to keep an eye on everyone)

-no BBQ's near the play area picnic tables

Angel Gate Park
We went to see this park but we went to the wrong part-the military part and decided not to go back. I am sure I will go back sometime before April 17th (did I mention that is the day for the party) but until then it is just a no.

Long Beach:
Bixby Park

It had a great large field, a decent size play yard, and was in a pretty easy place to get to. But it was broken up in three different sections with a parking lot separating each area. The kids would have to cross a parking lot to get to the play area. How lame is that? Not to mention we went to see it on a Friday and there was hardly anywhere to park, what would it be like on a beautiful Saturday afternoon?

Decision for now:

We have decided that despite the distance and stairs, Robert E. Ryan Park is the optimal location for a first birthday party. As of right now we are thinking of BBQ'ing some hot dogs and inviting a plethora of people to celebrate Noah's first birthday! But then I think...what if it rains? What if people try to leave their kids and not stay and watch them? Do I need to make up games for everyone? Ideally, everyone comes and we just hang out. The kids play on the playground, the older kids kick around the soccer ball, the adults hang out and play with the kids, and we all eat hot dogs and have cake. Can't that happen?! I hope so...

Welcome!

Hi! This blog has been created to share the life of Noah with the people who love him and with those whom he loves.

Catching Up

Noah was born on April 20th 2009 at 7:37 AM. He weighed eight pounds and ten and a half ounces. He was twenty and three fourths inches long. He has light colored hair that looks gold after a bath and light brown when he starts sweating. He can now smile and has the most amazing silent laugh. He enjoys telling stories with his coos and loves listening to music and dancing.

There has already been a lot of awesome things that Noah has experienced, meeting new people, having doctor appointments, having sleep overs, etc. I am sorry those events will have been missed on this blog but look forward to sharing with you all the amazing things to come.

Keep in touch!