Quiet moments

The last few days have been overshadowed by teething drama, poor baby. Lots of drooling, chewing, biting, and crying. Her gums are super swollen and we can feel the top teeth descending, so hopefully they will drop soon. David has his first teeth by 4 months, so if Miss Leyba is following in his footsteps, she’s right on track.

Instead of showing you lots of tearful, wailing moments (that we’ve never photographed), let’s focus on the quiet in-between moments.

Car trip
Car trip
In the car with Daddy on the way to the park. We walked all the way around the lake for the first time since last summer. I’m hoping to run around the whole thing by the fall. We can get a jogging stroller in about three months when Miss Leyba turns six months old and then I can start training. Can’t wait!

Our car rides have been going much better since we rigged a way to hang her toys for her to play with/stare at (we hung a ribbon across the back and clipped toys to it; see the ladybug stuffed toy in the photo). Between that and placing her favorite knit multicolor blanket nearby (she loves rubbing her fingers through it — what fun texture to explore!), she seems to be occupied. We haven’t tested it out for any long trips yet, but we’re hopeful.
tv
Watching Shrek (she liked the songs). We broke down and let her briefly watch television for the first time yesterday. It distracted her from hysterically crying for a few minutes and then she fell asleep. Look how sucked in she is! Oy.
Asleep
Napping in her crib. The towels are simulating mom and dad sleeping next to her (she frequently reaches out looking for me — so cute!) and everything else has our smell on it. It worked for a little while. We’ve been practicing having her sleep on her own…

Tomorrow David’s parents come to town and Miss Leyba finally gets to meet Grandpa Leyba. We’re going to attempt touring around wine country and grab some sushi. I’m (nervous and) excited! Here’s hoping all the distractions will keep Miss Leyba from dwelling on her gum pain, but no so overstimulating that she can’t be calm. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Letter to Miss Leyba: Month Three

Dear Miss Leyba,

Today you turn 3 months old or 13 weeks or 1/4 of a year! I wanted to throw you a birthday party since a bunch of friends were coming over anyway, but Daddy put his foot down. He’s so practical. I guess we’ll have to wait until January to really celebrate! (I’m already thinking about party themes! Just you wait.)

Tummy time

You’ve had such a big month. You can do all sorts of new things like roll from your back to your side to your tummy; have raspberry (zerbert) conversations with us (sometimes from across the room!); grasp everything (hair, noses, clothing, toys); and chewing on your fist (or mama’s shoulder or hand) is THE thing to do. You also love to drool. And be read to. And make funny faces together. You get so excited when I sign and sing to you. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a big hit in our house right now.

Reading with Daddy

Your personality is really starting to come through now that you are trying to communicate with us. You smile frequently and just started to really laugh (especially when I blow on your tummy or give you tons of kisses). You still are often serious, especially when we are out and about; then you quietly watch intently. You show your frustration now, most frequently when you are trying to crawl but can’t quite get it. I hate to say it, but that frustrated whimper of yours is so sweet.

Tummy time

I think you are so fun, engaging, and darling. Next to your dad, you are my very favorite person. I can’t get enough of you. I feel so lucky to be home with you every single day. And I love knowing and feel so thankful for the fact that I won’t be going back to work anytime soon. I am all yours, sweetie. I am truly blessed.

I love you so much.

Love, Mama

Not that there was ever any doubt

Leyba genes
but clearly she is David’s daughter.

This shot of David is from November of 1980 when he was around 5 months old (versus Miss Leyba at almost 3 months on the left). Super cute!

(Sorry for reposting this picture of our daughter. I like how it’s taken at a similar angle to David’s shot for comparison purposes.)

I’m trying to track down my baby pictures. They are in a box somewhere in our spare bedroom. Those of you who have visited can attest to the fact that it could take a very long time for me to find them. Hopefully I will track them down soon.

Laugh in

Laugh in
Yesterday Miss Leyba REALLY giggled (while awake!) for the first time. Evidently, Daddy is so funny when he makes funny zerbert noises. I can’t wait for the belly laughs to begin.

She’s been giggling in her sleep for a while now. I am so curious about what she’s dreaming of when she’s smiling and laughing! I think she’s probably moved on from just dreaming about breastfeeding (remember all that sucking in her sleep?). It truly cracks me up when she falls asleep during a feeding and then smiles and laughs WHILE STILL ATTACHED TO MY NIPPLE! The girl has skills.
Laugh in
Nowadays I have a feeling she’s dreaming about us making funny faces or noises or tickling her or some such funny thing like that.
Laugh in
What do you think she’s dreaming about?

Sunday Farmer’s Market

With Chelsea
We love our weekend rituals. Yesterday they were somewhat interrupted when we tried to reintroduce egg into my diet and we then spent the whole day dealing with baby spit up and lots of tears (poor Miss Leyba!). (What was I thinking?! An omelet for breakfast seems so innocent.) Today she is feeling much better, so we decided to venture out of the house and head over to the market to hang with our dear friends. Love those Sunday morning rituals.
Ladies
Hanging with my girls. (Please excuse the white nursing bra. I just ordered some new ones! SO EXCITED! The things that I get pumped for nowadays… Sheesh!) And, yes, my bracelet is Miss Leyba’s wooden teething ring (a practical and stylish accessory).
With Chelsea
In other news, it appears Miss Leyba is well on her way to teething. The drool is constant and she’s biting on everything. (Mama’s shoulder and fingers are special favorites.) David popped his first teeth at 4 months, which is right around the corner, so we think it’s likely she’s taking after him. AGAIN. Stay tuned for a post about how much Miss Leyba takes after David. She’s such a Daddy’s girl.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekends and were able to get out and about!