Daniel is ALMOST crawling

Daniel will get on his hands and knees and bring one knee forward and then...start to crawl backwards. He can crawl backwards, roll, go from lying down to sitting up, and all other things. But he hasn't grasped the concept of crawling forward, and I think it makes him frustrated. He still manages to go from one side of the room to another.

Today Daniel is at Travis's house and I am going to summer school later today. I'm not really looking forward to school, but I am happy that I am going to get some more classes out of the way.

Also, Daniel has been babbling up a storm! He can say "mama" and "dada" and "baba" and lots of other sounds too. I don't think he knows that mama and dada mean anything, so I don't think I should count them as his first words. He does try very hard to talk though. He will make a very serious face and start babbling at you as though you are supposed to understand what he is saying. I pretend I do though, and I respond to him. :)

Since the last entry, I've taken Daniel to the baby storytime at the library near my house. He likes it okay, but he isn't really interested in paying attention to a story. I'm sure he'd rather eat the book than read it. Despite that, I've been going to the library about once a week and getting a few children books to read to him. SOMETIMES he will pay attention...for about 5 minutes.

We have also gotten Daniel a new chair so that he can watch his favorite shoe, Yo Gabba Gabba! I know that I shouldn't condone watching TV, but he will sit still and be quiet for quite a while, which is really nice for me. When he gets a little older, I will only turn the TV on when I need to get ready to go somewhere or when I need to get some chores done. 

I really need to start a photo album or something. These days we can put all of our pictures on the computer, but I really want to decorate an album and have it so I can keep it forever. 

Well, I'd better go get things ready for school. I was trying to put a picture of Daniel in his chair on here, but it will only let me put it on sideways. :( I'll put it on Facebook for everyone to see. 

I'm feeling a little under the weather.

I don't feel so well today, but I can't put my finger on what exactly is wrong. My eyes are watering, so I think I might just be a little tired. Possibly a little bit of allergies. At least I'm hoping that's all this is.

My mom, my sister, Daniel, and I went out to lunch and then Costco today. It is getting easier to bring Daniel places now, because he is more entertained by his surroundings. However, at the restaurant, he did start to fuss a bit. It was a little embarrassing, but he wasn't totally obnoxious. I am loving the weather that we have been getting the past couple of days. It is a sign that summer is here! I don't really know what else to say, so I am going to post some pictures of Daniel from his 6 month photo shoot. He is 7.5 months old now, so I know this is a little overdue.

My friend, Catina took these pictures of Daniel for me! She is very talented and we had a great time!

Except for when we first started..

Things got better though..

Daniel is a goofy little man..

We decided to spell Daniel's name out with some blocks, but Daniel insisted on trying to get all of the blocks into his slobbery mouth.

It was nice out so we decided to take some pictures of Daniel outside. 

I think he looks so old in these last two! They almost look like school portraits to me. 

I know there a lot of pictures, but I wanted to make up for not having any until now. Believe me, I wanted to put up every single one that is in the gallery! :)

I need to start taking more pictures of my own. I have a ton on my iPhone, but I need to figure out how to put them on my computer. 

I hope everyone has a nice and safe Easter weekend! 

Daniel is growing so fast!

So these past (almost) 7 months have gone by so fast! A few months ago, Daniel could not sit up. He could not eat baby food. He was not growing any teeth. And he certainly didn't have a clue what was going on around him. Now, he is doing all of those things! Right as I am typing, he is playing with a new toy that I hadn't taken out of the box yet, simply because he couldn't play with it. When I turned the switch to the toy, it started to sing and light up. Daniel reached his chubby little hands out for it and...brought it straight to his mouth. Okay, so I guess that doesn't count as "playing" with toys, but he really does get excited over new things. So much that he could just eat them up!

Maybe it's not the time that is going by so fast. Maybe it is more of that Daniel is growing and maturing so fast. Yes, he is still a baby, but he has changed so much since he was first brought home from the hospital! I know a lot of people will say "Well, duh! He was a newborn and now he's not..no wonder he's changed so much" But I truly think it is amazing how much a baby changes in just one year. He goes from this helpless little creature that totally depends on someone all the time to a walking and (maybe?) talking toddler! It is really a miracle.

A few weeks ago, Daniel started to be able to differentiate between people he knows and new people. He used to not care when I handed him over to a "stranger." But now he makes his cute little pouty lip and starts to cry. He usually gets used to new people quickly, but the initial meeting is usually what makes him upset.

So, now Daniel has gotten bored of his new toy. (It's only been about 10 minutes..maybe) and he is grabbing onto my leg and slobbering. That's true love if I've ever seen it. Daniel really does know who his momma is and I love it.

One last thing. For Daniel's entire life, in order to get him to go to bed, I've had to rock him. Or at least that's what I thought I had to do. Who would have thought? But the other night, I was trying to wind him down, and he simply would NOT go to sleep despite his exhausted cries! Finally, when it was almost 11 pm, I finally decided to lay him in his crib to see what he would do. I put his pacifier in his mouth. (he just recently started on the paci) He fell asleep in a matter of minutes! I thought it was a one time thing, but my mom did the same thing last night (while I was at school) and he did the same thing! I feel sort of relieved that he prefers to go to bed this way. I was getting afraid that I was spoiling him by rocking him to sleep every night. My conclusion? The paci is a lifesaver!

I hope everyone has a nice and safe April 1st! Don't fall for any tricks that come your way. :)

I am at home right now..missing my baby

Daniel is at Travis's house right now. He was going to bring him back today, but he said he wanted to keep him over there another night. It is nice to have a little break, but I do feel like a piece of me is missing when he's gone. I'm sure every mother feels like that.

I think Daniel is starting to become more aware of people that he sees every day and can distinguish them from strangers. Travis, Daniel, and I went to visit his grandmother yesterday, and when Travis handed Daniel over to her, Daniel teared up and started crying and crying. After a while, he did warm up to her, but he did have to get used to her. We are going to have to start taking him over to her house more often so that doesn't happen anymore. :)

When we were in the car yesterday, I was sitting in the back seat next to Daniel, because he was being fussy. I let him suck on my finger sometimes, because he will occasionally prefer that over his paci. When I did it this time, I noticed that Daniel is starting to get his first tooth in the front of his mouth! No wonder he was being fussy, right? I was wondering when he would get them, but now I know.

Also, I am starting to plan my wedding with Travis. He said that I could do whatever I wanted with it. I sort of wanted him to have more opinions about it, but I guess it's more of a woman's fantasy to be able to design and pan out her wedding. I think I would be a little worried if Travis started to get excited over flowers and bridesmaids dresses. I am aiming to have it in May 2012, so I know I am getting a little ahead of myself, but I am excited about this. Why shouldn't I be? I am also hoping that I will be able to find a little tuxedo for Daniel. I think that will be so adorable! He will be a little over a year old by then, but I wonder if he will be old enough to be in the wedding? I guess we will have to see.

I gave up meat for lent, but I had chicken for dinner tonight. Oops. :s I guess I am going to change it and say that I'm giving up red meat. I know that is a cop out, but I already messed up and I want to change it so that I can say that I didn't mess up. Haha

I might post more stuff this week, but I'm not sure. It's spring break, so I have more free time than usual.

Also, I know I haven't put up any new pictures of Daniel, but I am having trouble uploading them onto my computer. I could put really old pictures of him up, but I think that would be a little weird.

Sorry it's been a while..

So last week was really hectic, because I had exams and papers due. I am still waiting for the midterm grades to be posted. I didn't have time to make a blog post these past couple of weeks, but I'm going to try to make one now even though I don't have a subject in mind.

Daniel has been sleeping a little better at night. He goes to sleep around 10 and wakes up around 6 or 7 in the morning. I don't really like waking up so early, but at least I get consecutive hours of sleep. He has also been taking longer naps during the day. Before he would take 10-20 minute cat naps every hour or so. Now, he takes a couple of two or three hour naps during the day. I think if you add the time up, he sleeps for the same amount of time, but now he takes more solid naps.

On Saturday we all went to Maryland to visit my grandparents and for my aunts and uncles on my mom's side of the family to meet Daniel.  I'm so happy that so many people love Daniel. He has love coming towards him from every direction!

Next week is spring break for school! I'm pretty excited for that. I'm going to get Daniel's pictures taken next week and I also need to schedule an appointment for a 6 month check up for him. I wonder how much he weighs now. I'm almost afraid to find out. Everyone always comments on how big he is, but I just see him as my little baby boy.

I also need to get a new car seat since the one he is in now only goes up to 22 lbs. This car seat is still good for him to take naps in though, so I think we'll still keep it.

Oh, yeah, and today is Ash Wednesday! I've decided that I'm going to give up meat and eating out for lent. Let's see how that goes. :)

That's all I can think of for now, but I'll probably write more next week since I'll have more time.

Ok, so it isn't Monday..

I didn't get a chance to post a blog yesterday, because Daniel didn't go to Travis's this week. Travis and I went out to dinner near my place, so Travis stayed over here. On Sunday, I decided I would like to try paintballing with Travis. Paintball is probably Travis's favorite sport. Well, he can play paintball all he wants, I don't think I'm going to do that ever again. Unless I'm shooting at something that doesn't shoot back? Needless to say, I have a couple of bruises on me. I quit playing after the first hour or so, but I got the marks to prove that I at least tried. :)

Anyways, it snowed last night! I was so looking forward to classes being canceled, but my school decided to open late instead of not opening at all...which means I still have to drive up there.. So lame!

Daniel is awake right now and I'm trying to get him to take his morning nap. He has been going to bed earlier lately (around 8) and therefore has been getting up earlier in the morning. It's not so bad for me, because I just go to bed whenever he does anyways. Travis is still asleep right now. I'm not exactly sure when he went to bed or when he will wake up. :)

He can now sit up 100%! It makes me really proud every time he figures out to do something new. You should have seen how happy I was when he figured out he could reach out and grab something. He still hasn't rolled over, but he can roll onto his side. That's something, right?

I'm still looking forward to when he's even older and I can take him places like the pool or the zoo. I really can't wait for that. I'm already planning his first birthday party in my head. I know that I'll miss the way he is now, but for now I can't wait until he is walking and talking.

I love how genuine all of Daniel's emotions are. Every time he looks at me (unless he's hungry or tired that is) he puts the biggest grin on his face. It makes me feel so loved and happy. I hope he always loves me this much. I don't think that anyone could love me as much as Daniel does right now. and I don't ever have to guess how he is feeling. If he is sad, he cries. If he is happy, he laughs. I love that, and I know that some day, it won't be like that.

Daniel has been so slobbery lately! At this moment, he has his bib in his mouth and is making it completely drenched. I can't wait for that phase to be over. :) Also, I'd like to happily add that his cuts on his head are healed! And his cradle cap has gotten much better. I have been putting Baby Balmex on his head to stop it from getting so itchy. He doesn't reach up to touch his head as much, although I do have to make him stop from doing it every now and then.

I have been trying to get Daniel to eat three meals a day of solid food. In the morning, I give him cereal (oatmeal or rice). For lunch and dinner I give him a fruit or vegetable. I only feed him if he wants it though, and he doesn't always want the whole container. I like that he is getting on more of a schedule now. He always has a nap in the morning and always has one in the afternoon.

I have to do my reading now, since classes are not canceled. :( I will try to post more next week, but I may not post anything since I have so much happening then. I have 2 papers due and 2 exams. Oh joy. Maybe I'll write something on Friday.

I'm Beginning to Love Mondays. :) (Happy Valentines Day!)

On Sunday nights, Daniel's father, Travis, takes care of Daniel for the night over at his place.  At first, I felt guilty for leaving Daniel with him. I would feel like I wasn't doing an adequate job as a mother, because I'm not with my baby all the time like other mothers are. Not to mention, I would totally and completely miss being with Daniel, even if it was for one day. But Travis insisted that he should take Daniel for one day a week, and I reluctantly decided that it was a good idea too.

Now, even though I still do miss Daniel greatly, I'm starting to appreciate these times that I have to myself. I know that I am really lucky to be able to have a breath of fresh air and not have to care for anyone but myself. Mondays are the days that I can get chores done, do my homework or study, and especially, blog! Travis usually brings Daniel back in the evening, which gives me plenty of time to do whatever I need to do. Don't get me wrong, I do text Travis every now and then to check up on how Daniel is doing. :)

And even better, today is Valentines Day! I am planning on making dinner for Travis and I. (and the rest of my family..) I wouldn't normally have time to do this if Daniel were here. It's not impossible, but it does make it a WHOLE lot easier. I made reservations at an Italian restaurant for this Sunday evening. I did this for two reasons. 1. I figured it would be less crowded. and 2. I tried to make reservations for today, and there were no spots left. :(  I know we could have gone somewhere else, but I think this will be better.

I guess I should update you more on Daniel, because this is a blog about me being a mommy after all! Let's see. He is teething right now, so he is drooling like crazy! His teeth seem to be coming in first in the back, which I heard is unusual. Babies usually get their first teeth in the front, right? Anyways, he's been chewing on his thumbs and basically whatever he can grab.

Also, Daniel has been scratching his head. :( He's been doing this his entire life, but lately it's gotten much worse. I'm not sure if it's because his head itches due to his cradle-cap or what, but he will flail is arms all over the place and end up gashing himself all over the place. I've noticed that he does this when he's either falling asleep or just waking up or when he's really really upset. Even though he doesn't seem to be too bothered when he scratches himself, I came up with a solution to this problem, which is pretty obvious and makes me wonder why I didn't come up with it before. Hats and socks. During the day, I put a hat on his head, and when he sleeps, I put socks over his hands. At first, he didn't like the hat, but he's getting used to it. He doesn't even seem to notice the socks, even though he does chew on them. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Don't you clip your child's fingernails?" Yes, I do. But they grow back so darned fast! I also get really nervous when I'm clipping his nails. What if I accidentally get his finger? I also do file them, but that won't get his nails short enough to prevent him from scratching himself.

I should start putting pictures of Daniel in my blog posts. I've got an adorable baby, I should be showing him off right? As soon as I get more pictures onto my computer, I will definitely be incorporating them into my blogs.

I need to start reading for school or doing something productive. I need to use my Mondays to their fullest. :)

So where do I start?

My name is Cindy. I am 20 years old and I am the mother to an adorable baby boy named Daniel. I am lucky enough to still be able to go to school a few evenings a week. My family is amazing and they are willing to watch Daniel for a few hours while I am in classes. I am engaged to Daniel's father, but we are waiting until our lives are a little more stable financially before we actually set a date.

I decided to create this blog to talk about myself, my baby, Daniel, and I guess just being a mommy. I'm not sure where to start. I sort of wish I started this blog when Daniel was born. He is 5 months old, so he's gone through a lot of stuff already. He is starting to eat baby food. He is (sort of ) sitting by himself. I don't really know why I didn't think of doing this before. I have been a little unorganized as far as recording every new thing that Daniel does. I have an iPhone full of pictures, but I am ashamed to say that I can't tell you exactly how old he was in each photo (although I could take a pretty good guess, since they are all in chronological order), except for the ones on the day he was born and more recent pictures.  

I am going to try my best to post a blog at least once a week. I think it will be good for me. Daniel's father takes Daniel every Sunday night, and brings him back some time Monday evening. I will probably be able to blog then unless I have school.  I'm not sure who is going to read this or if anyone will. I'm not the best writer in the world, but I am going to try to make my blogs really interesting. I hope I can keep this up, because like I said, I think this will be good for me.