Milestone #2

So, I'd say, milestone #1 was when Lucas rolled from his tummy to his back a couple weeks ago, which I've already written about. It was great to see him do this, and I definitely felt like I contributed since I put him on his tummy in the first place, but I didn't feel like I taught him something. Which I learned last Sunday (April 18th) is like the most gratifying experience as a parent!

In this video you can hear me blowing through loose lips. I don't know why I was inspired to do this a while back, but when I did, he instantly lit up and it was a sure-fire way to get him to show is gorgeously gummy grin.





So last Sunday, we had a beautiful day spent outside walking around, at camel's back park (for our first time!), running into some friends at Java on the way home, and a family nap in the living room. After waking he had a good feeding and was cooing and making cute baby sounds. I did as I always do and mirror his sounds and talk back to him as well (Oh really... Tell me more... And then what...) and then I decided after a moment of silence to do the lip thing. He of course started grinning and then- he put his lips together and hummed as if he was doing it back!!! I couldn't believe it! I did it again, and again, he replied with the same sound. And then again, and again! It happened for 4 or 5 go-rounds. It was the best feeling ever! I felt so amazed at my child and so in love with him. In that moment I knew why some people must have child after child... it is simply amazing to see them develop skills and allow their personality to shine.

Since this amazing breakthrough, we've had these little conversations 3-4 times a day and he almost always does the sound. Sometimes he does it to me without me doing it first. It is sooo amazing and delightful!

He has been smiling back at me when I smile at him for a couple of weeks by now. I didn't realize though that this is maybe a sign of him catching on quickly. I took him to the Doc yesterday and the nurse was amazed by him mimicking her facial expressions. She kept saying "Such a smart baby!" I know, I am probably going to think that since I'm his mother, but a friend of ours was really amazed by this as well.

Either way, I just simply adore my son. He is the greatest!!

Much love,
HJae<3

i shall name this post- VENT!

*sigh*
i've had enough of my own mind.
i love my mind at the same time, it does great things for me. it helps me dream up great things and then create them. it also has been helpful to lead me to some sort of conclusions regarding my son's GI tract. he's 12 weeks old now, officially 3 months tomorrow!!!, and i am STILL trying to get to the bottom of his gassy tummy. i started out on this voyage 9 weeks ago! we've definitely made progress, yet the issue remains.

and now, my mind, is starting,
to get out of motherFing control!

ha, i'm really not losing it. i just wanted to add some dramatic value to my post. :)

but really, i am starting to get really annoyed with myself!

i've started to worry that lucas has crohn's disease or that his potential food allergies are a sign that autism will leave its mark on our family.

and in addition to those worries, i'll just note briefly that i'm noticing myself worry about everything!

cleanliness, him getting hurt, said health concerns, and my own mothering style/technique at times.

so again... i *sigh*

i was really good during pregnancy. almost all of the information that came my way was fear based. i could look straight in its face and give a good laugh- knowing that i put my faith in nature and the notion that "what will be, will be."

but not now.

i worry.
it has yet to keep me up at night, but i'm sure it will.

i see every thing that comes out of my son as a potential for something to be wrong with him. (ok, i'm exaggerating but it has its merits.)

i just need to write this out for myself, even though i don't fully embody it at the moment:

Lucas is OK. If he has Crohn's disease or is autistic it will present itself to you in Gods time. You can do nothing to prevent these things. Trust in your heart that you are given the circumstances in life that you need to manifest your vision and purpose in life. All is full of Love.

ahh, i do feel a bit better now.
thank you.

HJae<3

11 & 12 of 52.

Sheesh, it doesn't take much to get behind in the photo a week blog. And by not much I mean consistent messages via my laptop informing me: "Your startup disk is nearly full." I really hate when that happens, mostly because I'm lazy when it comes to organizing files on my laptop as well as backing them up. But I am determined to get better. Lucas is helping me. Its amazing how much work kids are, yet how much they motivate you to get done in addition to their needs. I'm finding myself more motivated and inspired than I have been in a long time.

Well, before I get too off course, here are weeks 11 & 12 for the Lucas 52 photo blog series. Yes, that right, 12 weeks! It has brought so many joys. I will post another blog very soon sharing all of the new milestones and happiness we've been experiencing together. In short, I absolutely freaking love being a Mom and my son. I can't believe how much love there is in the world. Being a parent is Gods way of allowing us to understand our heart's infinite ability to love, I am convinced.

Oh yeah, not getting distracted... back to posting photos!

This is Lucas and his cousin Zackary at their great grandparents house for Lucas' first Easter Egg Hunt. His cousins Ella and Hayley were also there and they all helped Lucas out and found eggs for him too.

Lucas had a big weekend the weekend of his 12 week birthday anniversary. We went to Saturday market for the first time, had lunch at pollo rey (our first public dining experience), a potluck/going away party at Teo's where Lucas was the main attraction (minus Teo of course), and the next day- his first trip to Camel's back park. I love this photo, Lucas was having tummy time on Daddy's belly and was having fun rolling around. :)

More to come...

Much love from Mama Heidi Jae<3

Tummy Time Pays Off

So, in one week of tummy play time, he's already rolled over! Yesterday marks the first day that he rolled from his tummy to his back. My kiddo... he's so determined and so healthy! Last week he rolled from his tummy to his back as well, but I'm not counting it since it was with the help of his boppy (tummy pillow). In addition, while he was on his boppy, in full tummy mode, he "scooted" up and over it from pushing with his legs. Yeah, I know, I'm bragging a bit here. :)

Y'know, I have full right to though, he just may start crawling next week... ;)

Lucas 10/52

Wow, 10 weeks now. We're in the double digits! So, at Lucas' 2 month check, he could hold his head up the "normal" 45 degrees for a 2 month old plus some, but I realized that I haven't been giving him enough tummy time. That coupled with reading an article in the Hedra (a local health publication) from a physical therapist which stated that developing muscle and body coordination is fundamental to brain development and should be nurtured more than say, using a mobil over the crib. So Lucas' 9-10th week included a lot of TUMMY TIME! Here's some proof:

with some well deserved breaks thrown in there as well:

In other news, Lucas is in the 90th &95th percentile for his height and weight. Typically an infant takes 4 months to double their birth weight but not my son, he did it in 2! He's already weighing 15 pounds now. I think a good portion of which is tucked into his cheeks. They are the cutest!

Lucas is also smiling often through out the day. It is so great. He's also talking to us more and connecting with what is surrounding him. In fact, his naps in the afternoon have dwindled quite a bit because he wants to stay up to see what is going on. He had a hard time falling asleep before, and even now, he fights his own fatigue, but at least he seems to enjoy the process a little bit more.