She’s constantly drooling and everything now goes in the mouth.
Save me from myself
I can’t stop buying things for my daughter. Granted, it’s all things we need (like pants, socks, and a hat that fits), but I certainly spend more on her than on anyone else in the house (David and my wardrobe is quickly becoming threadbare). In fact, it’s a long standing family joke that I never spend money on myself and have 28 years worth of birthday and Hanukkah presents in the bank (I do, actually). But tempt me with something super cute, well-made, practical, and a good deal for my daughter and I just go crazy. A non-shopper suddenly becomes a shopper.
Take our new stroller. Several friends highly recommended Maclaren strollers (quality! style! durable! lightweight!), but I thought they were outside of our budget (I mean, who spends over $200 on a stroller?!). Then I found a great deal on a model from last year with free shipping and no tax and, well, I just couldn’t help myself.
Rather that reprimand myself for a few modest purchases (lol), I guess I should instead focus on how proud I am of myself for the restraint I’ve exercised by not buying every single item on our gift wish list and every children’s board book at our local bookstore… and trust me, I’ve been tempted!
We read every children’s book in the house every single day. Usually twice. Yep, we Spritzer Leyba’s love our books. Thank you to everyone who has given us so many fantastic books! (For her complete library, see the list in our sidebar further down this page.) We are so enjoying them!
Special thanks to Alexis for buying us the board book version of Harry the Dirty Dog
Here we are reading another favorite, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
(Thank you to Stephanie and Andy for this Eric Carle classic!)
A Reprieve for Mama
Suddenly Miss Leyba cannot get enough of watching, grasping for, talking to, and batting at her toys! Hallelujah, I am off duty! She can play by herself!
While she is occupied for upwards of twenty minutes focusing on the same red toy (and continually moving — that white blur is her socks), I get to do things like unload the dishwasher! Cook lunch! Go pee! Run a load of laundry! Drink a glass of water! It’s thrilling over here. Ordinary things like housework suddenly become a treat. You should see how excited I get when David holds her so I can shower.
It’s when she’s sleeping that I really get down time and I usually spend that time reading/relaxing! Or ordering Miss Leyba more clothes and updating her gift wish list because she is in the process of outgrowing yet another size… It’s no wonder that I am so behind in email correspondence, writing thank you notes, returning phone calls and just about every thing else.
Yep, she’s still in the clingy, don’t ever put me down even when I’m sleeping (unless you show me toys that are more fun than you) stage! Thankfully I think it’s just darling that she’s so attached. I love you too, sweetie. I wouldn’t want to sleep without you next to me either.
Letter to Miss Leyba: Month Two
Dear Miss Leyba,
At the beginning (left) of the month with Daddy after a bath and today with Chelsea at the playground
You are now two months old and you can do so many things!
You love to smile and occasionally laugh. You constantly babble and chime in (especially when mama and daddy are having a conversation); coo, squeal, and gurgle; draw out vowel sounds especially gah and coo; and cry differently for different needs. You also occasionally interact and talk to your stuffed animals.
You stretch your limbs all the way out, especially when doing yoga with dad (every morning); hold your head up for several minutes while one your tummy; hold your head very steady when held and hardly ever put your head down when you’re awake and we’re holding you; roll from your back to your side; and you have discovered your feet and can now grasp your toes.
Your vision is much improved. You now hold eye contact; track objects with your eyes; stare at us and our bookshelves (you’re no longer interested in the black and white pattern on the ceiling); and you’ve discovered looking at the pictures while we read to you (though you frequently prefer watching us read).
You make sweeping reaches with your arms towards objects (like books) and people, especially towards mama when you want to nurse (you recently started hitting me in your sleep to let me know that you are ready to be fed). You unfold your hands, which are now frequently open and inviting; briefly hold rattles; and frequently grasp onto us and our clothing.
You almost always sleep through the night now, letting me know that you need to breastfeed without even waking up. This especially amazes Dad and I. Hopefully we’ll be able to sleep through the night with you soon (ha!).
Every day you grow by leaps and bounds. Your dad and I are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see what you learn and discover in month three!
Love, Mama
Hallelujah
We finally made it back to the park and, oh, wow, it was wonderful.