Baby + Mama: Eleventh Month Update

Mama update: The other day I was reflecting on my pre-pregnancy self and how much I have changed from the minute I found out I was pregnant. I think the media does a good job of glamorizing motherhood and I would get so caught up in pictures of blissful moments of breastfeeding and being with your baby. However, breastfeeding is not always blissful.  Sure, it's a great connection you make with your baby, but, boy does it hurt.  I needed to accept the fact that motherhood is messy.  Once I swallowed this fact, I was able to move on and be happy.  Being a mom is a lot of trial and error and there is no magic recipe for all babies and moms. It truly rest with your intuition and what works for you and your family.

Juniper update:

1.  Juniper says "Herbert." Herbert is the name of our bichonpoo.  She often mixes "Herbert" and "Bobo" together.  "Bobo" is the name of my parents cat.  

2. She likes to point at everything. She is fascinated with the name of things.  She particularly likes to point to eyes, noses, mouths, books, and windows.

3. She walks with support. She loves climbing into the bottom area of her stroller.  She also loves to climb into her bassinet and look at books for a long time.

4. She is fascinated with the fridge, dishwasher, dryer, and washing machine.  I think she thinks she is helping us because she sees us using these household items all the time. Maybe she thinks they are our toys? Haha.

5. She gives us besos. She likes giving us kisses when we ask for them.  She also likes kissing her stuffed animals too.

Baby + Mama: Ten Month Update

Mama update:  I'm still keeping up with Soulcycle and core exercises on the weekends with Kayla Itsines.  I've been slacking off on the Kayla Itsines mostly because I started having foot pain again.  The exercises in the routines rely on a lot of jumping that sometimes hurt my feet.  I had this foot pain about three years ago and it has to do with me wearing a lot of flat shoes when I was in my 20s.  I am going to acupuncture for it, which is helping. I need to see a reflexologist to pin point the issue instead of relying on cortisone shots like I had in the past. I don't want to become reliant on a practice that will be not so good in the long run. I am not so sure my foot pain came back from carrying Juniper, but I think it has more to do with my job.

Juniper update:

1. Juniper felt snow for the first time. We went to Mammoth, put her in a snow suit and let her crawl around. She even tasted the snow. Thank goodness I brought her sunglasses because it was really bright.

2. She sat in a grocery car for the first time.  I know what you are thinking, "you are a such a germ-a-phobe." Yes, to a certain degree I am weird about germs, but I think that it was time she experience how to accompany me while shopping without putting out my back. I also bought her the best bib in the world. I initially started using the oxo foldable bib, which is good for traveling; however, I wanted to have a bib that was super easy to clean.

3. She eats on her own, sometimes.  A part of me was afraid of the mess and that she would choke, but I had to let go of this fear.  I alternate between letting her eat and spoon feeding her out of convenience.  She is in love with anything flavored with chicken. 

4. She likes hanging out in a sling.  She has become slightly clingy. I read that this is normal, so in order to appease her, I have her in the sling while I cook and do errands around the house. 

5. She started pointing.  She wants to know the name of everything lately.  She is very interested in Herbert (our bichonpoo) and what he does. She always tries to taste his food and play with his toys. 

Baby + Mama: Ninth Month Update

Mama update: I took the plunge and started going to Soul Cycle classes! I was a spinner at LA fitness for over ten years and I was just tired of going to classes where I felt like everything was dirty and the music was the same for every class. It served me well in my 20s, but I want to spend money at a place I like to go that will inspire me to work my ass off.  As for my hair, I have a bird's nest of tiny baby hairs. It is annoying to see, but at least my hair is growing back! Next month, I plan on focusing on my skin care. I've always been good about moisturizing my face, but I am aiming to keep a somewhat consistent regimen.

Juniper update:

1. She stands with support: At the tail end of the month, she used the ottoman at my mom's house and showed us that she could stand. It was such a sweet moment. I was afraid I would miss that milestone because of work, but she did it in front of me!

2. She loves dancing: She particularly likes dancing to this melody from a Jordache commercial I stumbled upon on the Neontalk instagram account that I follow.  She goes crazy over this tune and loves it. 

3. She loves books: She likes any books with peek-a-boo element, a baby face, texture, or some sort of tangible. 

4. She is a chatterbox: I love hearing her gibberish and scream "mamamama" in delight.

5. She like giving besos and hugs: Whenever I say the word "beso," she bows down and puts her head on my lips. My mom taught her how to do this in order to avoid people kissing her cheeks.