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.

Family Weekend

WOW!  Two weekends in a row we have been blessed with family in town.  This weekend uncle Ivan, uncle Tony and April visited us.

Uncle Tony and Bubeaner at the zoo

Bubeaner enjoying being sprayed with some water at the zoo

On Saturday, we spent a few hours at the zoo.  It was not the greatest idea to go in the middle of the day, but a visit to the zoo is always entertaining.  Bubeaner appeared to enjoy it even though he was mainly entertained by the water features more than the animals.  He did spend some time looking at the flamingos.  He was probably trying to figure out who was responsible for that stench or those high pitched noises.

Bubeaner thinks himself a comedian:

We then went out for uncle Tony's birthday dinner.  Dad, Momma and Bubeaner then headed home for some rest while everyone else toured downtown.  We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing.  It was wonderful to see Bubeaner getting to know his uncles.

Uncle Tony and his cake

Nothing's Safe!

Bubeaner has complete control of his walker!  There is no hesitation or trial and error.  When he wants to go in a specific direction, he gets there... fast!  The dogs already noticed the problem with a mobile Bubeaner.  Sandy is staying on the couches while Bevo mainly hides from him in the bedroom.  We are going to have to keep a CLOSE EYE on him ALL the TIME! 

"Yes?  I am just standing here...doing nothing"

 

"YES!  Momma is not looking.  Now, what IS this?"

And he insists on being a big boy.  Every time he sees us with a cup or glass of water he starts smacking his lips together wanting a sip.  He has not taken so much to his sippy cup, but he's not doing too bad "drinking" (more like smacking) straight from the glass.  He's such a big boy!

Bubeaner chillin' with Sandy.  

And we noticed that the other top tooth is coming out too!  There is also a faint shadow that might indicate one of the bottom teeth is also coming up.

Daddy playing with Bubeaner after a long day at the office

Pleasant Little Baby

Bubeaner had an active day today.  He woke up quite early this morning at 4a.  However, we did not start our day that early since we both fell back asleep watching the T0ur de Fr@nce.  In fact we slept from 730a - 1130a!!! 

But after that we headed to aunt Pau's to pick up aunt Lari and enjoy a little pool time.  Bubeaner is doing so well in the pool.  He is relaxed around water.  Obviously there are draw backs to a child having no fear of water, but it makes it so much easier to learn to swim.  We will probably work with an instructor next year, but for now we are just enjoying the water.

Bubeaner also played with his blocks this afternoon.  He is entertained by taking things in and out of places.  After some play time sitting up, he worked on his tummy time/crawling practice.  He actually got much closer today.  It appears like he knows he can move but is just having some trouble figuring it all out.  He did a few face-plantings before we called it quits for the day.  It's hard work being a baby!

His tooth is almost out.  It broke the skin today.  We wonder if he has Momma's high pain tolerance because, other than one day where he was extremely fussy, he continues with his sunny disposition.  Such a brave, brave boy!

If you squint and use your imagination, 

you might be able to see his tooth

Deluge!

Today we had planned a trip to the zoo early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.  Our plans changed as we woke up to the wonderful sound of heavy pouring rain.  We did the next best thing: got back in bed and cuddled listening to the rain.  It was wonderful!  It was not all rest; we also cleaned the house after the weekend visitors.

Bubeaner and his best buddy Sandy

We expected Bubeaner to resent not having that many hands to love on him.  But he was back to his pleasant and easy going self.  He even took his afternoon nap without any fussing.  While we cleaned Bubeaner watched his new favorite program: Ses@me Street.  He pays particular attention to E!mo.  

Birthday Celebrations!

This weekend Bubeaner enjoyed having almost all his aunts and uncles around him.  Uncle Ivan and Sarah drove into town on Saturday and Aunt Pau spent the weekend with us at the house too.  Bubeaner was showered with love.  And he showed off all he has learned.  He especially enjoyed showering His Sarah with wet sloppy kisses.

Bubeaner enjoying the extra attention

On Saturday night we celebrated Aunt Lari and Sarah's birthdays.  Bubeaner even changed his night time routine (no shower) so he could stay up later with everyone.  He had a hard time deciding between all the people wanting to hold him.

Momma, Aunt Lari and Bubeaner enjoying the warm evening

Uncle Ivan and Sarah

He did pretty well on Sunday too even though his routine slightly off.  And he even went 5 hours between two meals!  We fully expect Bubeaner to be back to his normal routine tomorrow.

Uncle Ivan and Dad trying to figure out how to fix the A/C.  Thankfully, the technician fixed it early the next morning.

Bubeaner spent a quite afternoon with uncle Ivan and Sarah while aunt Lari, aunt Pau and Dad went to a soccer match at the new Cowboy$ $tadium.  They loved it!  It was quite amazing.

Dad outside Cowboy$ $tadium

Aunt Lari and Dad inside Cowboy$ $tadium

Sadly uncle Ivan and Sarah left in the early evening and aunt Pau went back to her home.  And we went back to our routine.

9 months!

Happy 3/4 birthday Bubeaner!!!

We are thrilled, amazed, and a little saddened that Bubeaner is 9 months old today!  He still looks like the same little baby we first saw in the NICU though he now weighs many times more.  We probably will see the same baby when he is 19 years old.  

Bubeaner had his well child check up today.  Dr. Z stated that he looked perfect.  (Duh!)  

BUBEANER STATS:

18 in - head circumference (96%)

          Yes, he is still in the larger side, but Dr. Z is not concerned.
27 in - length (61%)

          Can you believe it?!?  He has more than caught up in length!  Way to go Bubeaner!
15.1 lbs - weight (7%)

          We are still lagging behind in this area.  Dr. Z is not concerned as long as he continues to eat properly and gains weight, however slowly.  She stated that it was OK if he continued to eat avery 3 hours (during the day); she reminded us that everyone is different and some babies like to eat more frequently.

The only area we need to focus is his iron levels.  He is not anemic, per se, but it needs improvement.  His iron level is at 6; Dr. Z stated she wants to see his iron levels between 6 -17.  Not ideal, but it just means that he will continue to take his (nasty) vitamins.  We will also probably start him on spinach and beef (baby food) for their high iron content.  

Bubeaner is taking some of his naps in his crib. 

He insists on sticking his legs out.

Good Oral Care

Bubeaner has shown more interest in our daily routines.  He has been particularly drawn to when we brush our teeth.  This morning I decide to let him try our (new) extra toothbrush.  It was not on, but I held it for him while we "brushed" his "teeth".  He loved it.

Not sure what to think about this

"Hmm, this feels interesting"

He would not let go

We decided it was time to get his infant toothbrush out and have him "use" it every time we use our toothbrushes.

This morning we discovered that Bubeaner speaks in his sleep... like his Momma and aunts.  This probably explains why he is talkative in the early, early mornings.  Dad just groaned at the discovery.

Bubeaner celebrated his aunt Lari's 16th birthday today.  Of course, it mainly consisted of him getting more hugs and kisses.  And poor Lari ended up making her own birthday cake too since we are in a cake decorating class.   Her cake came out beautiful.

Aunt Lari with her birthday cake.

Today Bubeaner joined us in the pool.  There was no reason for concern.  He was completely relaxed and enjoyed splashing his aunt and Momma.  We practiced "floating" on his back.  He did a great job.  We took video of him trying to swim moving his arms and legs.  

Bubeaner and Momma enjoying the cool pool water

And recently Bubeaner figured out how to maneuver his walker more easily.  We have a mobil Bubeaner!  He now also moves forward as well as sideways and backwards.  Unfortunately, he also discovered the wall outlets.  The moment he sees one he raises both arms in the air and propels himself towards them.  Why is he drawn to the things that are dangerous for him?  Sigh.  PiCasita will now have to be fully child-proofed.  

Bubeaner floating on his back

(Not sure why the picture came out sideways)

On our way home from the cake decorating class, we stopped by the NICU for a quick visit and drop off one of the cakes.  We saw some of the nurses that took care of him including RN Tigger and RN Tammie.  Sadly we missed RN Lisa.  We hope to visit again during one of her shifts.

Bubeaner spent a fun afternoon playing in his pool.  He was slightly confused watching Momma, Dad and aunt Lari getting themselves wet with his toys.  But mainly he enjoyed splashing around.

Today he also met some of his extended family in Mexico via webcam.  He wished happy birthday to his Great-Great Aunt Lucita, who celebrated her 98th birthday!  He also saw his Momma's aunts, uncles, and cousins.  We hope that soon Bubeaner will meet them in person.

Not so interested in reading his book 

so much as eating it today

Bubeaner's favorite activity now is giving kisses.  He LOVES to give big sloppy kisses.  He will grab your hair or ears and then give you tons of kisses.  They absolutely melt your heart.  He also thinks it's funny because he will giggle in between the kisses.  

Playing with his "friend"

Finding his shadow had a funny side effect.  He has a constant "buddy" (his shadow) to talk to all day!  And he also starting to place all his weight on his legs and standing.  He will hold on to your hands and stand for a few seconds.  

Loads of Pictures!

Bubeaner loves to have a lot of close face to face contact.  He really enjoys playing and touching the different parts of the face: cheeks, nose, eyelashes, lips.  He also likes being close by because then he can sneak some kisses.

"I love you Momma"

Trying to mimic the sounds Momma is making

He does get distracted every once in a while by the puppies

"Hi there!"

"Yeah, I'm just that cute!"

"My aunt Lari thinks I am all that"

Bubeaner continues to take daily nightly baths.  He is used to his bedtime routine: bath, food, and bed.  The only problem arises when he is in need of a bath earlier in the day.  For some reason, he expects the rest of his bedtime routine at that time.  

He loves to read his bath time book every day.

He likes to look at the pictures almost as much as eating the pages

Bubeaner the Crab

Bubeaner now knows he can move in his walker.  He looks like a crab moving.  It's still not easy for him to move around, but he is getting the hang of it.  

He is currently moving sideways/backwards down the hall to Aunt Lari's room.  He's not happy with the Momma that won't pick him up so he's headed for the aunt.  Silly, Bubeaner! 

Bubeaner being bribed by shiny soda can to crawl.

Aunt Lari is the Bubeaner's new ally.  Fittingly, this morning we woke up to him calling out "Lala Lala Lala".  

Bubeaner has also discovered his shadow.  He enjoyes playing with it.  We are not sure of what he thinks of it other than that it's interesting... and always there.

Bubeaner hiding in clothes hamper

Today he also started crawling.  But typical Bubeaner, he went backwards instead.  Sometime soon he will get going in the right direction.