Manic Monday

Bubeaner woke up in the middle of the night and wanted to eat.  He did go back to sleep and did not wake up until 730a.  However, that middle-of-the-night feeding wore Momma out.  He occasionally does it.  We have noticed that he tends to wake up at night when he takes his morning nap.  We are not sure why, but we will try to keep him from taking that morning nap for a while.

Bubeaner fell asleep holding on to his bottle.

He actually finished it.

He started crying the moment the bottle was taken away.

We gave him another bottle.

But is that a SMIRK?!

Fussy Bubeaner

Bubeaner had a pretty decent night's sleep even though he fought going to bed.  He woke up at 530a calling out for his DaDa.  He's a smart boy and knows that Momma is not the best bet in the morning.  However, this morning he was stuck with Momma.  

Bubeaner has shown more interest in our every day activities.

He tried to help with the dishes today.

We lost so much time cuddling that we missed the 730a mass, but we were able to make it to the 8a mass at aunt Pau's church.  We had assumed Bubeaner always fussed when we visited aunt Pau's church because it was the 6p service.  Nope.  It appears he just has issues with the church or priest.  Period.  Bubeaner decided that if the priest could speak then he could also speak.  As the priest got louder...so did Bubeaner.  We had to step outside the building completely because even in the lobby Bubeaner was speaking his mind.  

All that house work made for a tired Bubeaner.

Spent the rest of the day cleaning and relaxing back at the house where Bubeaner refused to take a nap without a crying fit.  But he finally settled down.  In the afternoon we were able to spend some time with Dad thanks to the webcam.

A but we had a relaxing bedtime routine including bath and cuddling.  Bubeaner was asleep by 8 with Momma following close behind at 9.  Good nights are a blessing.

Missing Dad

Today was a pretty busy morning.  We spent the first part making sure Dad's suitcase was packed for his trio to Chile.  He will be gone at least a week!  The rest of the morning was spent driving to and from Dad's work where he had forgotten some indispensable items for his upcoming trip.  It took quite a while since the office is pretty far from the house.  But we didn't complain.  We did not want to waste any time away from Dad before his flight that evening.  

We stopped at Chuy's for lunch since Dad would be missing his Tex-Mex food during his trip.  Bubeaner enjoyed the visit too.  He has been eating a lot more table food.  He really enjoys the guacamole and chicken.  In fact, he LOVED it.  

He was once again fussy during the afternoon refusing to take his nap.  This is a recent habit we hope he soon outgrows.  It really is no fun.  And he needs his afternoon naps.  He gets extremely fussy and grumpy if he does not take it.

 

It was sad to take Dad to the airport.  We miss Dad already, and he's only been gone only a few hours.  Of course, we are also worried about his back.  He was in so much discomfort at home that an 11-hour flight can't possibly make things better.  

At home Sandy spent part of the night in the nursery with Bubeaner standing guard.  We are actually encouraging this because we want them to bond.  Sandy, being the older dog, was a big concern for us.  But she appears to have claimed Bubeaner as hers.  

Clean Doggies

Today was a long day.  Nothing eventful happened today; the day was just L O N G.  We took the dogs to the groomers.  They needed it desperately.  Sandy looked like a street dog.  When we picked them up they were unrecognizable.  So much that Bubeaner kept staring at Sandy (her coat was shaved).  He was not sure it was the same dog.  

Never Enough Grandmothers

We slept in! Well, we slept in until 6a this morning!  We are noticing a pattern:  Bubeaner wakes up earlier when he takes a morning nap the day prior.  If he does not, we sleep in until his breakfast at 6a.  

Best Pals

Bubeaner petting Sandy.

Bubeaner took his walker to the women's group today.  He is usually in his car seat but last time Momma noticed he was more restless than usual.  And really, who would not be after 3 hours sitting in the same place?  The church does provide free child care during the meetings, but we are just not at that place yet.  And thankfully, Bubeaner is so well behaved that we don't need to consider it specially now with the walker.  It afforded him more mobility without going crazy and allowed Momma to stay longer.  The grandmothers all commented on how well he behaved.  But not content with getting some attention.  Bubeaner set out to woo each and every one of the grandmothers present.  He would flirt and giggle and smile at each one in turn!  The little monkey won a compliment from every single one.  

Not sure what he was pouting about this time,

but he looks adorable in his little chair.

Momma and Dad love to sing.  Dad sings beautifully!  Momma... not so much.  But that has not stopped the singing to and with Bubeaner.  Bubeaner actually enjoys it.  This had lead Momma to believe that maybe the poor baby was also tone deaf.  That was until today.  Today Bubeaner actually laughed every time Momma sang to him!  And to make matters worse, Momma decided to try some national anthems.  Bubeaner tolerated Momma's rendition of the Mexican national anthem.  But he actually walked away (yes, he WALKED AWAY) all the way to the front door during the US national anthem.  And to add insult to injury (Dad's still deciding who the injured party was in this case), he started crying during the Russian national anthem.  It's pretty safe to say that Bubeaner may not be tone deaf after all.

Bubeaner with Thomas Teddy Bear 

(He was Dad's best friend growing up)

Dogs Need Food Too!

Unfortunately, Dad is scheduled for surgery for his herniated disk in september.  We are not thrilled, but we hope this will finally ease Dad's back pain.  Coincidentally, the surgery falls during Grandma's visit.  The extra help will be great especially the day of surgery.  And we are sure Bubeaner will not miss Dad not holding him since Grandma will be around.

Bubeaner enjoying a mashed potato

Today we caught Bubeaner "feeding" Sandy using his spoon.  Thankfully we stopped him before he put it back in his mouth.  We imagine there will be times in the future when we won't be there to stop it.  Yuck!  This will take some getting used to on our part.  Sandy will have no such problems.

"But, Momma, you told me to share!"

One of the draw backs of wood floors is that they are harder on little heads than carpet.  We currently practice our exercises including crawling in the carpeted bedrooms.  However, most of the day is spent in the living/dining/kitchen area.  We tried using his play mat, but he's just outgrown it.  Bubeaner keeps crawling away from it and, of course, turning over and hitting his head on the wood floor.  We'll have to come up with a safe alternative.

Embracing the wild side

Bubeaner is also wearing shoes more often these days.  It is about time considering his vast collection of infant footwear.  The shoes appear to give him more traction on the floor while on his walker.  And he also looks quite dashing sporting them.

There are more signs that he is weaning himself.  Today he did not nurse at 3p.  He still nursed right before bedtime at 730p.  But we are beginning to think that is mainly for comfort since he usually fills up with baby food during his dinner at 6p.  It makes us feel better to know he is the one directing the weaning rather than us forcing it on him.  It feels more natural.

Early Riser

We spoke too soon.  Bubeaner decided to wake up at 430 this morning.  And it was not just the, "hey I'm making some noise but really still asleep."  He was WIDE AWAKE.  And he really did not go back to sleep until 10a.  Of course, he ended up taking a long morning nap.

During lunch, Momma and Bubeaner shared some chicken.  It's his new favorite food.  He is doing such a great job eating.  It will be interesting to find out how much he weighs now.

Bubeaner almost went from tummy to sitting.  We have been practicing it, and he's getting pretty close.  The rest of the day was spent cleaning out Bubeaner's closet.  During that time Bubeaner and Momma sand and dance around the nursery.  Bed time was early today since Bubeaner was fussy.  The exhausted parents were soon in bed too.

On a funny note, Momma heard a new telemarketer sales technique:  "Mrs. Momma, since you obviously do not work, you will appreciate our services."  

Busy, Busy Day with His Girls

Poor Bubeaner he spent the whole day stuck with his Momma and aunt Pau doing "girly things."  He joined Momma for a quick trip to WW and a craft supply store.  But it was quick and he had plenty of bright things to draw his attention.  

Bubeaner playing at the movie theater

He then went to his first ever movie at the theater.  He was stuck watching a chick flick: Julie & Juli@.  Bubeaner did not appear to mind.  He spent the the first part eating his Os.  And since he had eaten during the previews, Bubeaner soon fell asleep in his car seat.  He slept through the entire last half; the cotton in his ears and the cover on his car seat muffled the sound.  Although loud sounds don't really bother him; remember he lives with a beagle.  There are FEW things louder than a beagle.

Afterwards he went on his first G00dwill scavenger hunting trip.  And we found an AMAZING chair for just $10!  Once it gets new paint and sealer it will be perfect.  Bubeaner was really good during the visit.

At home, Bubeaner spent most of his time chasing the dogs in his walker.  He almost caught them a couple of times.  Aunt Pau discovered that Bubeaner is pretty good at mimicking sounds and rhythms.  She would tap out a (simple) melody and Bubeaner would imitate it.

We wondered if he would imitate other things too.  He watched a video of his BFF Nika crawling.  She looked so cute!  And Bubeaner agreed but was just not interested in this crawling business.  He proceeded to crawl (military crawl) away from the computer when the video was done.

He continues to eat more and more every day.  Bubeaner specially likes to eat our food.  Nursing is still his primary source of nutrition, but he is slowly and naturally weaning himself.

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.