10 Months old...

Dear Carina Bean,

You are 10 months old today, and once again I am amazed at how quickly the time seems to have passed. Yesterday when I got the mail there was a catalog in it for planning a baby's first birthday party! I guess it's really time to start thinking about that, even though it's still two months away. It will be here before we know it, and definitely before I'm ready to admit you're growing up.

We just got back from a vacation to Texas to meet your great-grandparents. Daddy and I were so impressed by what a great little traveler you are, and we hope you stay that way. You had lots of people on the plane smiling and laughing. Even after the long flight, you turned the charm on for Grammy Great and Great Grandad. They were so thrilled to meet you, and we had such a wonderful visit. I will always have special memories of our time together there.

You become more of your own person every day. You are quick to let us know when you aren't happy about something, like getting in your car seat sometimes or going to bed. Luckily you are picking up on baby sign language quickly, and that has helped us communicate. You can sign "more", "eat", and "all done". (Mommy is working on "please" and "thank you", but primary needs come before manners I guess!) You also wave and say "hi", and say "mama", "dada", and every once in a while "uh-oh". Sometimes it's just the "uh" part, but you use it appropriately, like when you drop food from your high chair! One day you'll learn that "uh-oh" is said when you've done something on accident.

Speaking of food, we have yet to find something that you don't like! We always give you little bits of what we are eating, and you try it all. Your high chair tray looks like a little baby buffet line sometimes, and you enjoy picking up bites of food and feeding yourself. You even started sharing with us! Daddy especially likes it when you share Goldfish crackers with him. You start laughing when you see someone cut up banana for you, and you gobble that up fast. You have also learned how to drink from a sippy cup...you do quite well until that ends up on the floor too!

You have become much more confident in your ability to pull yourself up, walk while hanging onto things, and climb. The stairs are no longer an obstacle for you! You climb to the top with no problem at all, but we're right behind you the whole time. Such a fearless little girl! We want you to be confident...but please be careful too!

About two weeks ago you learned how to blow kisses, complete with the "mu-ah" sound effect. This is one of my favorite things that you do. Can you get any cuter? You also give big hugs, and every time you put your head down on my shoulder I fall in love all over again. When you give Daddy hugs I can practically see his heart melt. We both love you so much. You are such an incredible child and although we are cherishing every moment, we can't wait to see your personality evolve and change with time. Happy 10 month birthday Miss Bean-We love you to pieces!!!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Howdy from Texas!

Carina and her Great-Grammy

Mike and Carina and I are visiting my grandparents in Granbury, Texas this week. It's been lots of fun to watch Carina get to know her great grandparents. She was an absolutely wonderful traveler on the plane. Although it wasn't her first time on an airplane, this was a longer flight than the quick one down to Southern California. She's also a lot more mobile than she was before, so we were hoping that we wouldn't be the family on the plane that makes everyone grimace and think, "Oh please don't let them be sitting next to me!" Carina was so busy waving and smiling at people around her that she didn't even seem to notice the plane taking off. She had some snacks and then slept for nearly 2 hours of the 3 and a half hour flight! We can only hope our return flight is just as smooth.

We stopped at a Cracker Barrel for lunch after my grandparents picked us up from the airport. Mike frequented this restaurant during his many business trips to the south, and he was glad that I would now be able to relate to his dining experiences there. We were all starving and enjoyed a huge meal. Carina was so excited about the cheesey hashbrowns and fried apples that she threw her plate on the floor, causing quite a loud crash with chunks of the plate flying in all directions. It's amazing how quiet a noisy restaurant can get! We're pretty sure it was an accident because she does have impeccable table manners for her age (alright you can stop laughing now) but the good people at Cracker Barrel cleaned up the mess quickly and didn't seem too irritated!

We are having a very relaxing time so far. The heat is, well, HOT, but we expected that. Thank goodness for my grandparents lovely air conditioning! Carina has impressed all of us with how well she is handling a new environment. Fortunately my grandparents were very prepared for our visit. They had a crib, high chair, stroller, diapers, wipes, toys, and books all ready and waiting for us to use. It's been the perfect home away from home. We'll keep you posted on the rest of our adventures!

Great Grandad and Carina Bean

Letters to Daddy #2

Dear Daddy,
Mommy wouldn't let me use the computer last night so I have two days to tell you about now. Yesterday was another fabulous day with Mommy. We had our swim lesson again...the water was pretty chilly but I didn't complain, unlike Mommy who was ready to get out as soon as possible. I told her to toughen up and she stuck with it. After lunch and a nap we went shopping with Auntie Trisha in Petaluma. I was pretty disappointed with this shopping trip. I was on my very best happy baby behavior, waving and smiling at everyone, and Mommy did not buy me anything. We even left Carter's empty handed! Can you believe that?! I was so shocked and Mommy was smiling and bragging about how she showed restraint. I don't think I like that word, but I'm sure I won't hear it next time we go.
Last night was a bit challenging for us. Mommy said it was bedtime and went through our usual routine, but this time she did not come get me when I cried for her! What's the deal with that? I cried for such a long time but I finally fell asleep and slept all night in my crib. I even woke up at 3:30 a.m. and called out to Mommy but it didn't work. In the morning, Mommy was SO happy to come and get me! She jumped up and down and kissed and hugged me and told me that she was incredibly proud of me and of herself. I don't know what she has to be proud of...I did all the work! Mommy told me that it was time for me to learn how to fall asleep on my own, and that I was clean, had a full tummy, and I was safe in my room. Duh, I know all of that! I just like to make you guys come and get me. But if you must sleep, then so be it.
Today we took it easy at home. Later in the afternoon we went and picked up Great Grandma and went to Grandma's house for Game Night. I had a most delicious dinner. I had green beans, cheese, avocado, watermelon, and blueberries! An interesting variety but I enjoyed feeding myself. Grandma also gave me a banana for dessert-yum!
I will try and go to sleep all by myself tonight. I guess it is important, and I know that you and Mommy will always do what is best for me. We're all in this together! I hope you are having fun in Chicago. Did I mention again how wonderful Mommy is and that you should bring her a present? I know you will bring one for me, that's a given! I love you and miss you bunches. Thanks for being the best Daddy ever!
Hugs and Kisses (with no teeth),
Carina Bean

I love my Daddy so much!

Letters to Daddy

Mike left today for Chicago for a conference and will be gone until Tuesday night. (For those of you who counted, yes, that is a total of 5 nights I am by myself with a kiddo who doesn't like to sleep at night) I thought it would be fun to keep him filled in on our daily happenings from Carina's perspective:

Dear Daddy,
Thank you for kissing me good-bye this morning when you left for the airport. I was still snoozing away but if I was awake I would have kissed you right back...without teeth, I promise! I had a very fun day with Mommy. We had breakfast, and I helped feed Bailey by flinging Joe's O's onto the floor from my high chair. Then we went to swim lessons. I must say that not only am I the cutest baby in the class, but I'm a great swimmer too! My favorite part was jumping off the wall when we sing "Humpty Dumpty". Of course Mommy has to assist me with this, but she won't hold me back for long! After class we had snacks by the pool with our friends Gretta and Addison. Addison shared her goldfish crackers with me. I tried to save you one because I know how much you like them, but Mommy didn't think you would want one that I had already tasted.
I took a good nap when we got home. Mommy tried to take a nap too, but that never works for her. After another snack we went to Grandma's house to swim again! Our friends Gretta, Addison, and Gina came to swim also. I had so much fun swimming with everyone, especially Auntie Keiko! I'm glad she's home for a long visit this time...she can't resist my cute-ness I guess. We stayed for dinner and I was a little cranky because I was getting tired. I need my beauty sleep! Grandma gave me a bath in the kitchen sink with lots of bubbles and that pleased me greatly. Then Grandpa played with me so Mommy could finish her dinner...she's always wanting to do that. We said good night and headed for home, and I fell asleep in the car because I was quite worn out after such a fun filled day. My Mommy took very good care of me...you should bring her home a present. She keeps saying the words "Coach" and "purse" a lot...I'm not sure what she is talking about but I bet she deserves it!
Well Daddy, it is time for me to go. I hope you have a good time on your trip and that you don't miss me too much. I love you very much and I think you are the best Daddy in the whole world. Did I mention how great Mommy is too? I am going to try not to wake her up too much tonight.
Hugs and Kisses (with no teeth),
Carina Bean

Monday Mommy Moment...

A lesson I've learned...
When shopping with your baby, it is helpful to always try and park near a cart return. That way when it is time to return your cart, you can unload your purchases into the car, return the cart to it's designated place (after removing your child of course) and hop into the car which is conveniently only a few feet away. This avoids being one of those lazy people who push their carts into the bushes or leave them in the middle of a parking spot. Shopping requires strategy my friends...

Queen of the Cuisinart

Oh boy! I love pureed...anything!

I have nothing against Gerber or any other company that makes baby food, but I decided that I would make homemade baby food for Carina. Most of you that know me are probably surprised because Mike is the chef in our home. He actually enjoys cooking and is great at it. Me...not so much. He still wont let me forget the unfortunate lemon chicken incident of 2001. Please don't be worried for our little one's digestive system, because making baby food is so darn easy! I am having lots of fun baking, steaming, and puree-ing away! Carina has not shunned any of my creations so far (that's my smart girl!). Her favorite I think is what I call Baby Smoothie: bananas, blueberries, and peaches. Yum! I pour it into ice cube trays and freeze them, then I just pull out a couple cubes at a time for meals. Mike likes it because it does save a little money, and has made my trips to Target a little less frequent...hmmm...maybe I should rethink this!

Top: Cantaloupe
Bottom: Baby Smoothie