I must apologize for the long leave of absence from updating my blog. We've been going through some changes and things have been seeming even more chaotic! In January I was a bit relieved that the holidays were over and just wanted to rest up. When I was ready to post about our Christmas I realized I had left my hard drive with all of my pictures on it in New Hampshire at my Mom's. I finally have it back though so I'll be going through those.

In recent news, I started a new job about a month ago. With the new year rolling in, Liana's first birthday being just around the corner, and my strong desire to give Liana a baby brother or sister to play with, I decided everything must be in order! (Or rather, Ashton gave me a good bonk on the head to snap me into the reality of our situation and what was and wasn't feasible at the time). So here's to taking steps in the right direction!

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And in the most recent and best news of all, I am officially an AUNTIE!! Bronson Matias was born on the morning of March 9th, weighing in at 5 lb, 4 oz! What a little peanut! Here he is less than two hours old.


He's the most beautiful baby boy I've ever seen, and he already looks like both of his parents. We spent two days up in New Hampshire to visit him at the hospital and a take some pictures. I can't wait to see him again. The thought of eventually seeing him and Liana play together truly warms my heart.

 
I feel like a broke record when I write these updates, repeating how I can't believe how much time has passed and how big Liana is getting. Mothers always say "they grow so fast" and "these are the days you'll miss when they're older." And I know exactly what they mean. I see mums bring their newborns into my work and I think, "I remember when Liana was that small" and I miss it. I loved how tiny and fragile she seemed. I loved watching her sleep and kissing her face all smooshed up against my chest. I loved her tiny newborn clothes and waiting for her first smile.


I would never want to rewind or slow down time, though. Babies grow so rapidly and are constantly learning new things. Liana literally keeps me on the edge of my seat with what to expect next. I've seen her first smile, her first laugh, her first time rolling over, standing up on her feet, cooing, reaching for objects she wants, and resting her hands on her feet to attempt to sit up on her own.


Next will come actually sitting up on her own, responding to cause and effect games (like peek-a-boo), getting her first taste of solid food, developing an understanding of associations, sleeping in her own room, etc. I can't wait to experience her "firsts" with her and watch her little personality blossom.


Currently we are working on getting her to sit up on her own. Liana still does tummy time to strengthen muscles (by having to lift her head/neck/shoulders), improve coordination (by grabbing for toys in front of her), and promote mobility (by trying to get objects out of her reach or turn toward a noise). I also give her plenty of time to practice actually sitting. I will help her by holding her hands for balance, putting a pillow behind her (which she usually tries pulling her self away from so she can sit up even more), or resting her hands on her feet while she sits leaning forward (i have a clip of this for her next video!).


I love trying to show her new things, but I'm trying to be patient and let her figure certain things out on her own. I am starting to offer her more toys so she can choose what she wants to explore and play with. She always looks so thoughtful and I can tell when she is really trying to figure something out because her eyebrows will scrunch together and she won't lose focus unless I literally pull her away. She focuses a lot when she plays with the toys on her new exersaucer.


After sitting up on her own, I think our next feat will be letting her sleep in her own room (eek!---sad mummy day) and letting her taste real food! Those will probably be between 5-6 months though. But I am so excited!

Check out a clip of Liana's laughing fit this week: