Weighing In

It's official. Baby Miki's heavier than the average four-month-old. Here are the stats (at the doc's office on march 26): 14.85 pounds which puts her in the 75th percentile, 24.5 inches which means there's a chance she might be as short as me. Her length's average...so we really don't know at this point, but whatever it is, I hope she's not going to blame me.

She didn't do so well at the doc's this time round. She cried when she saw the nurse, cried even harder when she saw the doctor, and then cried some more when she got her shots. We divvied the shots so it wouldn't hurt so much (as much for her as it is for us). Next Tuesday, we return for two more. Owwie!

And little Miki wants to give a special shoutout to Auntie Tanya who called Mommy and Daddy today: "Even though we haven't met, I like you oreadi! Baby hug!"

Internet-less

We can't remember when was the last time we survived without the internet for a day, much less three days. While mommy and daddy were mulling over the disconnect from the online world, little Miki couldn't be happier. There was no competition for our attention; and in the same vein, she was pretty much our only source of entertainment.

And it was great entertainment by the way - way better than 24, American Idol, maybe just a little better than Prison Break (kidding). Miki's fun to be around, especially when she starts jibber-jabbering. I still can't figure out what she's trying so hard to tell us but I know when she goes Uh-uh-uh-uh frantically, she needs to sleep. When it's eh, eh, eh, she wants to play.

I wonder what her first word's going to be. According to experts, it could happen anytime now! Venture a guess?

Miki's First Love

This was a Christmas pressie from Uncle Ryan, Aunty Tina and her ultra-cute cousin, Emily. And Miki can't quite get enough of it.

She used to love watching the train chug across the carpet. These days, she's taken to slamming her tiny little fist on the green-lit smokestack that triggers this tune:

“All aboard! Hop on board the animal train. Come on everyone. Learning about animals is really lots of fun. Colors, sizes, what they say, if they’re fast or slow. Learning about animals – there’s so much to know”

And yes, I know it by heart.

Of late, I've had to dig deep into the crevices of my brain for nursery rhymes and the likes...and it's amazing how much I've forgotten. I need to expand my repertoire desperately... Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars, The Alphabet Song, Humpty Dumpty, and Itsy Bitsy Spider ain't gonna cut it for long.

Bedtime Blues

Miki has been having trouble going to bed the last few nights. Bedtime's usually 8pm and she's exhibiting all usual signs - rubbing her eyes, whimpering a little, and vigorously sucking her thumb as though it's been dunked in chocolate and coated with colored sprinkles (yes, i'm thinking donuts!)

The mystery prevails. We can't seem to figure out why she's been crying louder (and harder) than usual, why she doesn't like what used to be her favorite bedtime posit.ion anymore or why it now takes more than 40 minutes for her to enter zzzzzzzzzzzz-land.

We want so much to help but no one knows what's bugging her. Why can't babies talk? Seriously.

Workaholic Baby

I've been back at work for three weeks now. It's been hectic but also a welcome change of pace. Plus, I get to work from home one day a week!

We've been really fortunate to have Grandma help take care of Miki twice a week. The other two days, she goes to the babysitter's not far from my workplace. So far, it's been working out, though some days, it's awfully tiresome and stressful getting her ready for the sitter's and rushing to work after. And there are some mornings when I see in her eyes that she wants more mommy time.

Though I'm supposed to work from home one day a week, I've actually been taking her to work with me on the weeks when the magazine goes to print. There's just too much to do to stay away. Thankfully Miki has been super understanding and accomodating!

She spends most her time sleeping in the carseat, waking up only to feed. I try to play with her as much as I can, though there really isn't much I can do with her in the office...I bet she misses her crib and toys. Today, she worked alongside me from 10 to 4 without a whimper. Such patience...and so much guilt. I feel bad sticking her in her car seat for half a day. I feel bad not giving her some place more comfortable, more stimulating than my office desk. I feel bad not indulging her with more Mommy playtime.

I'm hoping things get better at work soon, or at least before guilt consumes me.

Thank you Miki for being the bestest baby in the world!

From the bassinet to a mini-crib

Little Miki recently graduated from her bassinet and is now happily calling a mini-crib her bed. For a few weeks, we watched with discomfort as her arms and legs threatened to hang off the sides of her bassinet. Then there were days when she would wedge herself in a corner of the bassinet and cry helplessly to be rescued.

Still too little for the big crib and her own room, we decided to get Miki a mini-crib. Yes, they make those. It's sturdier than a portacrib and is much smaller than the standard crib. The best part: It fits snugly in a corner of our bedroom - which means she gets to sleep in mommy and daddy's room for a while longer.

I don't know when I'll have the heart to ask her to move. I can only imagine things getting harder when she's able to dive under our covers for a quick snuggle. How could anyone turn little precious down?

100 days old

It's amazing how fast little Miki has grown. And I guess there's no better time than now to start chronicling her growth.

I probably should have started earlier but like they say, better late than never. Besides the first eight weeks have been a complete blur and can be simply summed up: Eat, sleep, diaper change, eat, sleep, diaper change...oh and i forgot, "cry so loud that the neighbors start to think daddy and mommy are trying to kill me!"

Fortunately, things have gotten a lot more interesting. Now that she's smiling more and showing a lot more personality, I shall allow her to speak her little, but rapidly expanding mind, through these blog entries. And perhaps in the years to come, when Miki begins to read, write, and type, she'll take this over and begin to tell her own life story.

But for now, I'll just be her tiny mouthpiece.