M.I.A.

Hello Everyone! I apologize for the missed posts, but with work and everything going on, I've been having a hard time balancing everything. The way I've seen it this past month is: I'd rather be spending time with Alana when I get home from work than sitting in front of a computer talking about it. But I know that I'll regret not documenting her milestones and being able to show her these memories when she's older, so here I am.

Alana sat up in her Bumbo chair for the first time last week and I was so proud! I couldn't believe that my baby was sitting up already!!! She has said "mama" a few times during her fits of crying or babbling sessions :) She can roll over during tummy time and is all smiles the rest of the day! A lot has happened over the past month and I promise I will be better at documenting all of it. For now, here are a few pictures to catch you guys up!

Alana and Mommy's hands :)

Daddy's already teaching her how to use her iPhone

In the Bumbo chair sitting up

Food Coma!

Playing video games

Thanksgiving with the Vita Family at The Odyssey

Family Picture

Mickey and Minnie

Aidan and Alana

Santa's Little Helper

Her first shots

Today Alana turned 2 months and had her checkup with Dr. Ching. I was worried about this visit because I knew she would be getting her first set of shots and have witnessed and heard a few horror stories.

She first did an assessment on her and she is now a whopping 9 lbs. 8 oz., 22 in. long, and has a head circumference of 14.5 in.!!! She has gained almost 4 lbs since birth! No wonder why my arms are aching when I carry her for too long! During the assessment the Dr. noticed a murmur in Alana's heartbeat and is referring us to a pediatric cardiologist. She said that it was nothing to worry about but she just wanted to take extra precautions. Cross your fingers and hope that everything is ok!

When the time came for her shots, I knew it was just going to go downhill from there. They tried to give her one orally, but of course, she threw it all up the second that the nurse finished giving it to her. Then the 3 painful shots to her legs. Her cries sounded like a whistle (and if you know Alana, she rarely cries). I felt horrible!!! When we got home she would not stop crying. Her left leg was red and swollen and I couldn't do anything to ease her pain.

It's funny because all of the cliches I've heard about parents and what they go through are finally hitting me. I understood what they meant, but I don't think I could ever describe the feeling to someone who doesn't have a child yet, though I wish I could to help them prepare for it all. Sorry guys!!! Motherhood is tough...and I've only scratched the surface. I am NOT excited for her teenage years!!!!

Before getting her shots

Happy Birthday Jorge!

This weekend, Jorge came down from the bay to spend his birthday with us and sadly we weren't able to participate in all the activities. We have Alana so instead of going to the bars, we decided to meet them up at the restaurant Mas Malo. I didn't expect the food to be so good but it was!! We ordered something called chewy chips (chewy center but crispy on the outside). The salmon and the spinach salad were good too. During the dinner, Alana was being passed around and for the first time, I was a panicked mom. A few friends decided it was ok to pass her across the table and since she couldn't hold her head up, her head fell backwards as they passed her. I've tried my best not to be one of those moms that freak out at everything, but that was the first time I was actually scared for her. Ahh.....the joys of motherhood. Now I know what my parents meant when they said they were worried. When you love your child so much, you worry about every little ache or pain. 

Anyway, it was Jorge's first time meeting Alana and the first thing he said to me was, "Whoa, that came out of you!!!" As always everyone was a bit tipsy but enjoyed themselves!!! I know Jorge did!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORGE!!!! Hope you had a wonderful, drunken, memorable birthday!!!

Alana's First Photoshoot

If you guys didn't know, my classmate from RN school was my wedding photographer. Being a good friend of mine he happily accepted my request to take baby pictures of Alana. Francis and I didn't know what to expect and neither did Stephan but we made the best of the situation. I have no idea how people like Anne Geddes take such amazing pictures of babies! They must spend countless hours on getting the perfect shot. Anyway, check out Stephan's website to see Alana's pictures. Enjoy!!!

http://stephanarias.com/?p=1482

Birthdays, birthdays, and more birthdays

Lately there have been so many birthdays! Yesterday we went to Monica's birthday dinner at full house and then to Tujunga for Francis' Ninang and Lola. Busy time of the year but I'm happy to be spending this time with family and friends.

Now for today, off to a BBQ at Monica's house!!









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Francis is home!!!

Today officially marks the start date of Francis' leave from work and Alana and I couldn't be happier!!! I know that usually parents split their leave but I really wanted to take this chance to spend time together as a family. We wouldn't be getting 6 weeks of vacation together again anytime soon so we decided to take advantage.

Since he was home, Francis and I scheduled our appointments for today. He got his shots for whooping cough and I was finally cleared of all my restrictions. Good thing is that I can workout now...bad thing is I HAVE to workout now. No excuses!!! I still have some baby weight to lose so I guess I'd better start now! Thankfully I have an awesome husband who is willing to go on a diet with me. I don't know if I would be able to lose the weight if he didn't join me so THANK YOU FRANCIS!! I love you. Parenthood has been amazing with you by my side <3

Happy Birthday Rees!

Today was Rees' birthday and we went to Wokano. I finally had sushi and it was soooo good!!!

Anyway, I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to an amazing woman. I don't think that there has been one major milestone in my life that you have not been there for. I love you so much Rees' and you deserve every moment of happiness you receive today!!!

I LOVE YOU REES!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!