Potatoes, Oh My!

We tried a different place for brunch today.  It was not a good choice since the food was 40+ minutes late and not memorable.  However, what was memorable was Bubeaner's little trick with a brunch potato.  He was happily gumming away at one when he decided to just swallow it.  It was not a large piece, but it still went the wrong way.  Momma was able scoop out a chunk allowing Bubeaner to cry his heart out and cough up the rest of the potato.  We continue to give him table food, but just made the pieces a little smaller and more manageable.

Bubeaner before The Potato Incident

Bubeaner has recently also decided to stop taking naps.  Well, he has not completely stopped taking them.  But he fusses and fights us at every naps time.  And he tends to be fussy and tired in the evening making bedtime rituals a little more difficult.  Thankfully, he still settles down for bed at night without any problem.  And as a surprising side benefit, he is waking up later every morning between 530a and 6a.

SAVE THE DATE

Bubeaner is almost a year old!  We can hardly believe how fast time has flown.  And through it all, we have been carried and blessed by your prayers and support.

We had yet to see him face-to-face, 

yet we loved him already.

(7 weeks before he was born)

Please join us to celebrate Bubeaner's first year of life Saturday, October 17th, from 3p - 5p.  If you are in town, we would love for you to join us.  Invitations will be going out with the details;  if by chance you don't receive one within the next couple of weeks, please let us know.  We'll get one out to you.  We want to celebrate with ALL of you.

First Family Picture: 

It was the first time we were allowed to "hold" him; 

RN Lisa is really the one holding him.

(He was 4 days old)

And if you prefer, in lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to the March of Dimes or bringing a preemie outfit.  Bubeaner will take the donated preemie outfits to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where he spent 8 weeks.

Our pride and joy

The sunshine of our lives

(10 months old)

Hectic, But Good, Friday

Oh what a blessed thing it is to have a sleeping Bubeaner!  Bubeaner decided to sleep in until 6a this morning!  And that is after he slept the entire night without any talking, squealing or playing in the middle of the night!  Dad and Momma were thrilled and awoke refreshed.  And at the house, the morning continued to improved.  Bevo, the beagle, was in great form today.  Not a single bark or howling incident even though it was mowing day and there were neighbors moving.  He did an amazing job.  

"Come closer; I'll tell you something.

'How 'Bout Them Cowboys?' "

After a quick lunch Bubeaner headed to meet up with Dad at the doctor's office.  Dad received his 4th and last epidural shot for his herniated disk.  We are hopeful that this last shot will help,  and we can avoid surgery.

Bubeaner enjoying some dry cereal.

We spent a quiet afternoon at home while Dad rested.  Bubeaner played on the bed next to Dad while he worked.  Even though Bubeaner was playing on his own, he spent a lot of time studying everything Dad did from answering the phone to typing.  He was enthralled by his Dad.

"I got them all!"

Bubeaner took his first ride in aunt Pau's car in the late evening when we went to pick up Dad's car.  He had to come with us since Dad wouldn't be able to pick him up... and we knew what a temptation that would be for Dad.  Aunt Pau was excited; she informed us that Bubeaner will be spending a lot more time with her now that his car seat fits in her new car.

"Wait, don't I get some more?"

And what is the best way to end a busy day?  Why, by watching the Cowboys on TV, of course!  Bubeaner watched his first kickoff (he slept through last season) with uncle Jeff and Dad.  We for see many, many more days of the three guys together talking football in the future.  

Toothaches: Oh the Pain!

Poor little Bubeaner was fussy again today.  It was a lot better than yesterday, but he was still in discomfort due to the four "little" teeth coming up.  

Bubeaner with his Sandy.  

She is always near him even when he naps.

He mainly cried when eating solid foods or when his jaw would hit the spoon.  He also cried when eating his Os, but try taking cheeri0s away from a baby.  Even though he was in pain, he continued eating.  Bubeaner has his priorities straight.

Bubeaner studying Dad while he works.

We are trying natural remedies rather than overusing medications.  So, he enjoyed some frozen organic fruit juice.  The fruit flavor kept his interest better than plain ice, and the cold numbed his jaws.  

"Maybe I should stay a baby.  

This work stuff doesn't look like a lot of fun."

Bubeaner has a little bit of a routine.  Part of it includes some exercise time where we work on crawling among other tasks.  Crawling is still not his favorite part.  But today, he almost had it.  He actually was up from the floor and moved his arms and legs in coordination twice!  And as Momma was screaming with encouragement Bubeaner decided it would be easier to froggie hop instead of crawling.  Obviously, it is not what we were working towards, but he looked so adorable doing it.

Missing Camera

DISCLAIMER:  Momma's camera decided to take a well deserved break and disappeared.  So rather than waiting until her return, we will have to do with camera phone pictures.

Our return trip was almost uneventful.  We were concerned about traveling in the afternoon/evening rather than the morning.  But it turned out to be better for the Bubeaner since he is more active in the morning.  He took his long 3-hour nap, and then (when we stopped for dinner) he ate and was changed into his pajamas.  He slept the rest of the way home.  The only draw back was that Lari and Momma suffered from a slight case of food poisoning.  Thankfully, it was not too serious.  And, yes, Lari was with us on the return trip.  We were able to steal her away for a few more days since our parents were still out of town.  

Momma, Bubeaner and Lari watching Ses@me $treet

Sadly aunt Lari flew back home on Monday.  We all miss her terribly (even the dogs)!  The dogs get excited when we go into the guest bedroom and then mope around after they find it empty.  Dogs are quite pitiful when sad.

Bubeaner delights in being home.  He absolutely loves when his Dadda comes home after work.  Aunt Pau has also been spending a lot of time with Bubeaner catching up.

He looked adorable in his outfit; sadly 

the picture did not do him justice

Our return home has also brought about some big changes.  Bubeaner moved into his crib in the nursery!  He is sleeping in his own room away from the parents!  He, of course, continued with his routine without a problem.  As to the parents?  Sleep has been suffering a little with the multitude of monitor and nursery checks.  Thankfully, those are diminishing in count every night.  By month's end, we may actually get a good night's sleep. 

On the same note,  all of Bubeaner's things were moved out of the master bedroom.  The dogs were livid that his things were being moved.  They "complained" to Dad the moment he stepped in the house.  Silly dogs!  

And it was a LOT of things!  We had forgotten how large our room was since for the last 10 months it has been packed with a bassinet, air purifier, humidifier, and all the other daily things that babies need.  Sadly some of the items are being taken apart and put up in storage.  Time goes by so fast!

Bubeaner enthralled by Dad's phone;

he was looking at a video of himself.

Bubeaner continues to grow.  He is more stable on his legs.  He turns over quite easily from front to back and vice versa.  Sitting unsupported has also been mastered.  However, we are still working on the crawling.  His military crawl is getting quite fast.  And he is getting farther up from floor but just not all the way up.  He did start crawling backwards again, which surprised us and visibly frustrates him.  But, he is working on it every day.

The last two days Bubeaner has been out of sorts.  He was a little fussy yesterday when we dined with a family friend not even accepting Dad's comfort.  And all day today he was difficult; this is unlike his normal self.  In the late afternoon, we discovered the source of his discomfort: three more of his bottom teeth are coming out... all at the same time!  After some Ty!enol he was back to his sunny disposition.  It's only sad to think he was in pain the entire day and Momma missed it.  So in one month he will have gone from toothless to having 4 teeth on top AND bottom.  

Changes Yet Again

Our time in the desert is coming to an end as we make preparations to return home.  Bubeaner has made it clear he is missing Dada and Aunt PauPau along with his home and routine.  As much as we attempt to keep the same routine, it's not always possible.  And Dad is really missing his baby boy.

Bubeaner with background view of the city & desert

It's been a long trip - 2 weeks - but we have enjoyed spending time with our extended family.  Bubeaner has taken to them without a problem.  He enjoyed all his little cousins playing and entertaining him.  He is the 18th great-grandchild and with 3 more little ones soon to be here, Bubeaner will have plenty of playmates as he grows up.  There are ups and downs with large families, but we wouldn't change it.  We have been truly blessed with our families.

"Got Teeth?  

I've got two and two more on the way."

Today we had dinner at a children's pizza place before we all headed back home.  Bubeaner was pleasant during the entire visit.  He was held by everyone but Momma during the 2+ hours we were there.  He was even taken off to the photo booth with his little cousins!

Bubeaner playing on his own

We are curious about Bubeaner's weight.  He now eats so much baby food AND still nurses that by all rights he should have gained several pounds.  He is particularly fond of his cheeri0s.  There must be some addictive ingredient in them.  The moment he sees them he goes nuts with excitement.  And you better be fast when placing them in his tray otherwise you might lose a finger or two.  

"Look 'Ma!  No Walker!"

We have also been practicing a little sign language.  Bubeaner now recognizes the sign for eating although he has yet to imitate it.  We will have to sign up for classes upon our return.  A signing Bubeaner would be quite adorable.  There were also suggestions about joining Gymb0ree classes.  We will have to be careful or soon Bubeaner's schedule will be quite busy!

Bubeaner with cousins and aunts 

during his first visit to a kids pizza place.

Land of Enchantment

Bubeaner spent a three-day weekend in the Land of Enchantment visiting Grandma Ellen.  He was also able to enjoy some time with great aunt Bab and great uncle Dave before they headed back to the Lone Star State.  

Trying to eat Grandma Ellen's hand

However, grandma Ellen was Bubeaner's main focus.  Almost immediately he started whining again.  He was not adverse to loudly voicing his complaints to Grandma on those occasions Bubeaner felt he had been mistreated.  There were plenty of complaints: not held long enough, not enough cheeri0s, placed in the walker....

Complaining of the unfair treatment he receives...

only GRANDMAS understand!

We did not practice his crawling much during this visit.  But he did show Grandma his moves in the walker.  Bubeaner found Grandma's plants quite interesting.  It took a little maneuvering to protect them from curious little hands.  And to our surprise, he was soon opening and closing drawers in Grandma's desk.  Thankfully, he did not figure out there were items IN the drawers... this time.

Trying on his new locomotive hat

Bubeaner visited the farmer's market for the first time.  Despite the oppressive heat, it was a nice visit.  Momma came away with some biscochitos, tons of Hatch green chiles, and great ideas for Christmas gifts, which will wait until the next visit.  Bubeaner was wide awake during the visit and appeared to enjoy people watching.  That's one of the fun parts of the farmer's market other than the delicious food. 

Bubeaner figured out how to open drawers

Bubeaner also decided that he now likes to stand... without his walker.  He would slide down from my arms/legs down to the floor while still holding on to my legs or the chair.

There is nothing like falling asleep on grandma

 

On Our Schedule

Bubeaner did so much better today.  He did not whine at all!  And he took his nap with minimal fussing.  It's probably because we are almost back to our normal daily routine.  We did sleep in a little longer probably because Bubeaner slept in my bed.  Yes, he wore me down last night.  However tonight he did not even protest when I placed him in his crib even though he was still wide awake.  And so far, he is still sleeping soundly.  

Today will be a challenge for Mom.  It will be the first time we sleep in different rooms since he came home from the hospital.  Bubeaner may not notice the difference, but Mom is having anxiety spells.  

Bubeaner concentrating on picking up his cereal

His dexterity and hand/eye coordination

have greatly improved in just a couple of days

He got this silly smile every time he got one in his mouth

Bubeaner enjoyed a (short) walk up and down around the area.  It was short because it's hilly and Momma is out of shape.  We enjoyed the beauty of the desert in the cool early morning before the searing heat of the day forces us into hiding.

We did make an interesting discovery today.  Bubeaner does NOT like bananas!  He eats, and even loves, some strange food and food combinations.  But he refuses to eat the staple food of babies!?!  He actually spit it out and then made gagging sounds even though he had nothing in his mouth.  The banana had barely touched his lips! 

Bubeaner sitting up in his rocking chair.  

He learned to pull the string that turns the music on.... 

We have now memorized the song.

Bubeaner saw his aunt Pau last night on the webcam.  And this morning he woke me up saying "PauPau PauPau".  He repeated it all morning.  It appears that a week may be too much time away for the Bubeaner; he starts missing people.

On Our Own...Almost

Bubeaner is missing all the attention he has received the last few days and summer months.  The grandparents left today to visit uncle Tony.  And aunt Lari was at school all day.  So there was no one to carry him and play with him when Momma was cleaning and organizing all his clutter.  He fussed for a few minutes but then settled playing by himself.  

Bubeaner playing with his spoon after breakfast.

Poor little Bubeaner entertaining himself

The real trouble came at nap time.  The aunts and grandparents have allowed Bubeaner to nap while being carried; not a great habit to learn.  Today he cried for a while before he finally succumbed to sleep.  The evening has been quiet.  Bubeaner was fed by aunt Lari before heading to swim.  Sadly, the pool was closed, but it got us some outdoor walking time.

He was quite loud in his complaining.

But there is nothing that food won't make better...

even if it gets messy.

Bedtime did not go so well.  Bubeaner has been crying/whining lightly for the past 30 minutes.  

Quiet Monday

Bubeaner spent a quiet monday recovering from all the traveling and family fun.  He really enjoyed cuddling, playing and getting love from the grandparents.  He did miss his aunt Lari who was back at school and Lari greatly missed him.  

Bubeaner concentrating on the task at hand.

Bito taught Bubeaner the wonders of cheeri0s.  He had no problem grabbing them from his tray.  However, he struggled a little with getting them from hand to mouth.  He looked adorable chewing them with his two new teeth.  Yes, he now has his top front teeth.  And one of his bottom teeth is coming up too.

"Mmm, yummy!"

Bubeaner is missing his Dad.  He has been calling for DaDa when he wakes up.  Today he called for Dada every time we got on the phone; Dad usually calls him during the work day when we are home.  Bubeaner has been "chatting" with Dad on the webcam most nights but it's not the same thing.

"I love 'Bito for giving me these cheeri0s"

Ay Chihuahua!

Bubeaner spent a great night after much fussing and complaining late in the evening yesterday.  It appears he ate a little too much considering he had half a potato, 2 baby food cans, nursed and then finished with 6 ounces of formula within 3 hours.  And do not forget he had the wafer cookies earlier that day.  It was too much for his little tummy.  He cried and fussed while the aunts, grandparents and Momma took turns carrying and soothing him.

Banni, Bubeaner and Lari cuddling in the morning

He was back to smiling early the next morning when he spent some time getting to know his cousin Ivan.  They just stared for a while before ignoring each other and going about their business.  We'll see how well they play together when they get older.  

Unfortunately Bubeaner experienced another first right before we left.  He was reclining against the pillows on the bed as we were packing when he decided to dive off the bed.  His uncle Eduardo had been playing next to the bed and broke his fall so Bubeaner did not hit the wood floor.  Thankfully, he did not cry too long and was fine after a little while.  In fact, the adults were the most upset due to concern and shock.  

Both babies have the same turned down,

 sad lips when they are not smiling.

It was sad saying goodbye to the family, but we are hopeful to see them soon.  Bubeaner did not have any problems on the drive back.  He talked most of the way.  The grandparents loved hearing his chatter.  Bubeaner fell asleep right away after his bath and dinner.  He was exhausted.

We saw this cute little Tarahumara girl while we waited to cross the border.

Viva Bubeaner!

Bubeaner is in Mexico!  After a long wait getting tourist cards from immigration at the border, traveling through military barricades and maneuvering through wild-driving semi-truck drivers, we made it to Bubeaner's great grandparents home.  YAY!  Growing up Momma spent many, many summer's and made many happy memories in this home.

Bubeaner cuddled and played with his great-great aunt Lucita.

Bubeaner took to his great aunt Tere and myriad other aunts and uncles without any problems.  Why would it be a problem to have so many people fawn over him?  He also met his great great aunt Lucita.  And much to her delight Bubeaner loved cuddling with her.  His young aunt Banni and uncle Eduardo loved playing with him and cuddling.  He also spent some time playing with his little cousin Ivan, who is 11 months old.  We forsee many wild times ahead for this duo.

Bita, Great-Great Aunt Lucita, Aunt Banni and 

Great-Great Aunt Bani fawning over Bubeaner.

Lari "hiding" in the doorway.

The over-one-foot-wide doorways were great hiding places as kids.

Not surprising, Bubeaner wasted no time taking advantage of his new found relatives.  No sooner was he put down somewhere, he was immediately picked up.  Bed time last night was not difficult, but nap time today was trying.  He cried and bellowed and used tears and every other trick to his advantage to get someone to pick him up.  Several times I had not walked out the room before someone had been conned into picking him up.  Eventually, a truce was reached and Bubeaner slept for a little less than an hour.

Bubeaner's new favorite person: Aunt Banni.

She did not put him down for hours and hours on end.

During lunch Aunt Tere introduced Bubeaner to the deliciousness of wafer cookies.  Bubeaner was in heaven!  What wondrous place is this full of adoring adults and divine food?  Silly Bubeaner!

Bubeaner enjoying all the attention

Traveling Bubeaner

Bubeaner had a long, long tiring day.  We spent 10 hours on the road (including two 40-minute brakes) on our way to the grandparents.  Other than a little complaining before meals, Bubeaner was a great traveler.  

Bubeaner and Lari during our breakfast stop

We enjoyed a visit to Momma's old stomping grounds during one of the breaks.  It still felt like home despite the incredible changes around campus.  We walked around the campus center, which was unrecognizable, and the Bible building.  We also stopped at the book store.  Bubeaner now has his first ACU shirt.

Bubeaner's 1st visit to ACU

As soon as we arrived the grandparents took over Bubeaner loving.  Bubeaner showed off his new talents and emerging teeth.  He also enjoyed cuddling with the grandparents.  And as should have been expected, he tried to get the grandmother to pick him up when he was put in his crib.  All in all, we are glad to finally be at the grandparent's home.

You gotta take care of business even on the road

Bubeaner playing while we stopped to eat.

(Have we mentioned how much we LOVE our minivan?!?)

Busy, Long Day

Today was a long and busy day.  Bubeaner visited his great-great aunt Raquel and aunt Rosa and cousins.  He enjoyed cuddling with his aunts but appeared to really enjoy playing (mainly watching) with his cousins Araceli (5) and Obed (3).  He laughed and interacted well with his little cousins.  Bubeaner does so well with adults.  But we have neglected exposing him to other children.  

Bubeaner tummy time

Bubeaner also paid a quick visit to aunt Pau at the hospital before we rushed to class.  He is always so good in class, but today he fussed and cried until Dad picked him up and took him home.  Interestingly, he was all smiles when we got home.

Bubeaner loves his books although mainly to chew on them

Prayer Request

Please keep little Stellan in your prayers as his SVT is back.

Quiet, Rainy Monday

Ah, the beauty of rain!  It rained on and off all day long.  And we LOVED it!  The temperatures fell into the 70s in late July!  Bubeaner, Momma and his aunts spent most of the day catching up on stuff we put off during the weekend.  It was very relaxing.  

Bubeaner must have been more exhausted from the weekend than we thought.  He took two long naps today without any fussing.  We were supposed to go on a swimming play date tomorrow, but considering it's still raining and rain is forecast for tomorrow... it may not happen.

OK, it's definitely time to move him to the crib.