Giggles on the Way

Elena is on the verge of giggling. She gives huge smiles and turns her head to the side as if she is bashful. She is also now grabbing and holding onto toys all by herself. She really enjoys sitting in her rocking chair, kicking her legs so she rocks and grabbing toys we hang over her. It is fun that she is becoming more interactive. I am most excited that she is starting to sleep longer at night! I don't want to jinx this development, but for the past three nights Elena has nursed at about 8pm and then not until 1-1:30am. Now I just need to start going to bed early with her to enjoy the 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This is a big change from nursing every 3 hours from start to start (which translates to about 2 hours of sleep for me).

Check out that hairline! She looks like she may be on the verge of some bald spots.

11 Weeks

Here are a couple of pictures taken today. It is hard to believe Elena is 11 weeks old--where does the time go? I was changing her diaper, she was cooing and being so cute. She coos as she breathes in--like you would when you are startled/surprised. Elena is able to sit up without falling over when propped from behind. You can see from these photos she is following my baby hairline--peach fuzz. She has longer hair from just above her ears down to her neck--I wonder if this will start falling out soon.

Celebrating the 4th of July!

Today we started the day by joining Chris and Lorraine for the annual pancake breakfast on the beach in Encinitas. As always, the breakfast and company were great! The weather was quite sunny, surprisingly. Usually the morning marine layer provides a shady beach with a cool ocean breeze. We were lucky to snag a spot under a shade tent.

Back at home Elena and I played for a bit after her nap. She enjoys sitting up while leaning against our legs. She tries to pull herself forward to sit up, but we're still working on head control.

We have a Whopper!

So today we yet another doctor's appointment. We have been battling thrush (fungal yeast infection) in Elena's mouth and bottom (type of rash) for about 6 weeks. Last week at our check up the rash also tested positive for strep A so she has been on antibiotics too. I don't want to dwell on the rough stuff, but I am so happy that the thrush is no longer in her mouth--wahoo! I have been on a strict diet of high protein (meat, eggs, occasional nuts), low carb veggies, and soy yogurt. Let me tell you this diet gets old very fast. The diet is supposed to starve the yeast so it can't reproduce. Today the doctor said since it isn't having an impact on her butt rash I could go back to eating my regular diet....ahh to have grains, fruit, and sugar again. That is the best birthday present. However, we will be visiting a dermatologist in a few weeks to determine why her rash isn't healing.

And you are not going to believe this, but Elena gained 13 ounces in the past week! She is now 10 weeks and 13 pounds, what a whopper!! If only I was loosing the weight she is gaining ;)

Well, we had a very busy day...walked a couple of hours at the bay with a friend, the doctor's appointment, and happy hour with Carl's division...we are tired so it is off to bed for us. We hope you have a great weekend!

Comparing Photos at 2 Months of Age

I thought it would be fun to share photos from our baby books compared with photos I took of Elena at 2 months of age. Here are some traits she inherited from her parents:

• Hair (color and thinning): Rachel


• Ears (shape and lobes): Carl, thank goodness. Every girl should have ear lobes


• Skin color: Rachel


• Long fingers and toes: Both Rachel and Carl


• Eyes: only time will tell, sometimes they turn light brown, sometimes blue-gray


• Nose: only time will tell


• Sleep patterns: Movement in sleep--Carl...she is constantly moving when she is awake and sleeping. However, amount of sleep each night--neither of us. According to our baby books, we both slept at least 6 hours each night at this time.
  

Elena:

Carl:

Rachel: