Island Princess

Praise the LORD, my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with splendor and majesty. (Psalm 104:1)

Our "Island Princess" is now 7 weeks old! A few fun milestones just since last week: Naomi is smiling!!! :) Not just the cute half smiles while she's gassy in her sleep... now it's full gorgeous SMILES from ear to ear with eyes squinting in JOY! She is happiest in the morning. She still goes through her morning ritual of grunting and complaining right before waking up as if to say, "It's rough getting up!" but once she fully opens her eyes and has breakfast, she's all smiles!

I love taking pictures of her, but I had a little more fun with the outfit that Auntie Somer bought her for my baby shower gift. Richie is from Guam, so this Island Princess onesie is perfect! I couldn't help putting a pretty flower that I bought in Hawaii behind her ear and the sun-hat that she wears when we go for walks outside. Also, before she was even born, Richie and I bought her these cute sandals from Target (the Dollar Spot rocks!). Only a month and a half and already wearing her first pair of tsinelas/zorries :)



Another "milestone" she reached is discovering her hands... particularly that they are quite tasty! I've seen her put a couple fingers in her mouth, but Naomi especially likes to chew on the side of her hand so that it looks like she's sucking her thumb, but the thumb isn't actually in her mouth. She's also getting better at gripping things like her rattle. She'll hold onto it very tight and shake it around, but I don't think she realizes yet that she's the one making it rattle. Sometimes Mimi also puts her hand up to her pacifier as if to hold it there so it doesn't fall out. She only uses the binky in the car when it's not in motion (I ride in the back with her when Richie is driving). I have a feeling that she will learn how to hold her bottle to her mouth fairly quickly because she likes to hold onto "me" while she breastfeeds :) It's actually really cute, but you'll just have to take my word for it ;)

Tummy Time

In the day when I cried you answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul. (Psalm 138:3)

Naomi has discovered that her cry is quite powerful in getting what she wants. She used to only cry when she's wet or hungry. Now, she also cries when she wants some type of action. To stand when you're sitting. To dance and sway when you're standing still. The nice thing is that it's not really crying. It's more like one loud "Hey! Listen to me!" She knows that if she has something to say that we will listen and answer her.

Tummy time is beginning to be lots of fun! She enjoys hanging out on her little whale pillow more than being flat on her belly. Mimi is getting very strong! She lifts her head a lot, but it's still quite wobbly. Does it count as rolling if she rolls over when she's on her whale?! She did it twice in a row last week and then again this morning? :) Naomi can only chill on her tummy though for about 5 minutes until she lets out her yelp, so we have tummy time several times a day. As you can see, tummy time is also fun for Mommy to watch:



One of the big things that I've noticed is that she loves being outside, preferably walking around. When we hop in the elevator to go downstairs, she'll let out a little yelp. Lately, we've been spending most of our time in the gardens in the courtyards which are visible from our studio patio. She likes to look at the trees and flowers, but with some type of motion. She wants to keep moving even when Mommy wants to stop and smell the roses! :) Then if she doesn't fall asleep on our outing, when we go home and get back in the elevator to go upstairs, she'll fuss again. I've learned to basically stay outdoors until she falls asleep so that she doesn't realize we're back in the house until she wakes up. Then it's time to change her diaper, eat and do it all over again!

Happy Daddy's Weekend

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that has a wise child shall have joy of her. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. (Proverbs 23:24-25)

It was another adventurous weekend as Naomi turned 6 weeks old. The main focus was all about Daddy! Richie's 32nd birthday was on Friday, June 19th and of course, Father's Day was this past Sunday.

We started the celebration early on Thursday evening. We had a nice dinner with a few friends at a Korean restaurant in Oakland. We placed Mimi on the tabletop at Ohgane while we enjoyed the feast with Elisa and her cousins. As usual, Naomi slept through the entire meal. I even tried to wake her up when we were getting ready to leave. I removed her blanky to showoff her the outfit that Elisa bought her with the little fishies and even tickled her toes, but it was her bedtime and she didn't even peek her eyes open once. Better luck next time.


For Richie's actual birthday, we had dinner at Sun Hong Kong in Berkeley... the place that was "our kitchen" while I was pregnant and craved crispy pan fried noodles. We reserved the entire back room of the restaurant and the kids took advantage of all the space to run around - they even played musical chairs! Not only was there lots of space, there was so much food! Plenty to take home, which still helps out a great deal with a little one to take care of. To celebrate his special day, I dressed Naomi and her daddy in matching outfits :)

From Happy Daddy Weekend

Naomi had her first babysitting experience on Saturday. Richie and I were invited to two weddings this past weekend, one in SoCal for Annie and Jeff and one in San Francisco for April and Ron. We were invited to both before Mimi was born and at the time we didn't feel she'd be ready for her first roadtrip yet, so we decided not to travel to L.A. and stay local for the weekend. We dropped her off in South San Francisco at Grandma Lily's. I nursed her once before we left for the ceremony and she was asleep by the time we took off. We were gone for two hours and when we came back to my mom's house she was still asleep :) Naomi has a cute habit of groaning and grunting for a half hour before waking up from a deep sleep. When Richie and I got back to South City, she had already begun her ritual and was making her sounds to let us know she'd be up soon. We hung out at the house for a couple hours before the reception and I nursed Mimi twice. Again, she fell asleep before we drove off to the hotel.

Richie and I were enjoying our first evening without the baby, but of course, I couldn't stop talking about her with other people. At around 8:15pm, I called my mom during dinner to check on the baby. She told me Naomi had woke up at 7:30 and was hungry. She finished her bottle and was back to sleep by 8pm! Wow! Being good parents, we left the party early at 10pm even though Native Elements was performing, one of our favorite reggae bands. When we came to pick Mimi up, she was sucking on the bottle. With all the sleeping, pooping and eating, she probably didn't even notice that her mommy and daddy were gone! She fell asleep in the car on the way home and stayed in her carrier until she cried for food: a whole 5 and a half hours later. Even with all that sleeping during the day, she still gave me a good stretch that night - how sweet :)

From Happy Daddy Weekend

On the day Naomi turned 6 weeks old, Richie was able to celebrate his first official Father's Day. Usually Richie's birthday and Father's Day gets combined, but I wanted him to really feel the difference this year. I prepared him a special photo book that chronicles her first month of life. I can't believe how many pictures we've already taken of her in just a few weeks. Also, I dressed Mimi up in a onesie dedicated to him and also used her A's blankie and bib :) We celebrated the day with a BBQ on The Hill in Pinole. Grandpa Titong and Grandpa Rally were there, too.

Happy 1st Father's Day, Richie!

Benefits

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15)

Last Wednesday night, we re-introduced the bottle to Naomi. She took a bottle while she was at the hospital and once when she was only a week old, but we knew it was time for her to get used to drinking from the bottle regularly since she would be getting babysat for the first time this weekend. We chose the Breastflow bottle made by First Years since it boasts of being most similar to nursing due to the double-nipple design. We filled the bottle with my breastmilk so that the taste would be familiar. Richie gave her the bottle at first and she drank a little bit but mostly played around with it. When I tried giving it to her, she was more receptive. When she took a break, I burped her and handed the bottle back to Richie to try again... and she ended up finishing 3 oz. total and falling asleep.... good girl!

There are lots of benefits to her being able to drink from a bottle now. Someone other than me can feed her. I definitely want to fill her bottle with mostly breastmilk, but it's nice to be able to supplementwith formula as well. I'm now able to pump 3 ounces of milk from each breast in about 10 minutes. It'll be interesting to see how my production holds up when I have to go back to work. Fortunately, my work allows me 6 months of maternity leave, so I don't have to worry about that until November.

The next day, I tried my luck with the bottle again when we paid a visit to my office in San Francisco. My coworkers at the Benefit Plans Office were looking forward to finally meeting the baby that filled my bump :) Right before we arrived, I nursed her and changed her diaper in the car so she was in a great mood. It was lunch time and we were greeting enthusiastically even before we made it through the front entrance of the building! The weather was warm enough that she could wear a tank top. (Side note: lots of the clothes that she owns is "tagged" with an adjective, like "cute", "sweet", "pretty" etc.) The one she wore today said "adorable" and she was definitely living up to it! Funny thing: most of the BPO crew are female, but the one time Mimi started rooting around for something to eat was when one of the office managers was holding her... the only man who held her - the only one without breasts! Even though I've nursed Naomi in public places in front of strangers while wearing a cover, I wasn't quite comfortable whipping out "the twins" in the company breakroom so that's when I gave her another bottle, this time with formula. She drank like a champ... Bravo!


After visiting my work, we went down the street to visit Fingertips salon where I used to get my mani/pedicures. Jenny didn't want Mimi to leave :) Then we went walked another block to my chiropractor, Dr. Dan. (I suffered a neck injury during my second trimester and ended up getting a spinal alignment every other week until I went on maternity leave). I wasn't planning on making an appointment; I just wanted to introduce Naomi to the doctor and especially two of the assistants who were always so friendly and curious of how my pregnancy was coming along. I was kinda bummed when neither of the two assistants were there, but I still wanted to see Dr. Dan.

As a new mother, I expect to receive unsolicited advice, both from people I know and from random strangers. The advice is usually quite welcome, but sometimes I know it's best just to "grin and bear it"... like with the receptionist :) I came in with Naomi sitting in my front carrier... Mimi was wearing a hat with a wide brim and pants... but no socks. I had taken them off in the car since she was getting hot. Well, apparently, according the the receptionist, a baby must always wear socks regardless of what the weather is like because she will get sick, as a matter-of-fact. She repeated this several times. Then she asked me first, how old Mimi was (5 1/2 weeks) and then if I'm Chinese (I'm Filipino with a "pinch" Chinese). So receptionist tells me that she's Chinese and they believe that a baby shouldn't even be taken out of the house for the first month. I reminded her that Mimi is month and a half already and she scowled at me. I wish I said, "Her pediatrician gave me permission to take her out at her very first appointment," but I didn't. I just smiled and kept quiet. I can respect other people's opinions and different cultural beliefs, but please don't make a face at me if I think otherwise. Anyway, I digress...


We've discovered that Naomi really likes riding in her front carrier, facing forward. I put Naomi in her Snugli and we went for a walk outside. We strolled along the boardwalk and to the market. She was super alert and would complain if I stopped walking. She really likes being outdoors and discovering new sights because she fussed when we came back inside. My cabin-fever must be rubbing off on her. The carrier has the benefits of allowing me to have some light exercising, let's Mimi see the world from a different perspective and allows both of us to get some fresh air.

Naomi's cousins, Andrea and Meleia came over to our place to play on Friday afternoon (Thanks Ninang Jasmine for the yummy enchiladas!) Meleia and Naomi are only 5 months apart, but it's amazing to see the difference in their size and development. I can't wait until Mimi can reach for her hanging toys in the play gym or sit up on the bed, like little Leia can. I can also look forward to when Mimi is 3 yrs old like Andrea who is super talkative and great big sister :) Even though I'm Jasmine's older sister, she's the "older" one when it comes to motherhood; she is the one who I call when I need baby/mommy advice. I'll also call Leia and Cathy, too. There are so many benefits to having three sisters with small babies at the same time.

Comfort Zone

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13)

This past weekend was another busy one for Naomi... it truly is the mark of summertime. Her cousin Bella came to visit again and on both Friday and Monday, all the moms and kids hung out in Pinole while the dads played golf. It seems that when other babies are around, Mimi is fussier than normal. All of their temperaments might tend to rub off on each other. Sometimes when one cries, another follows suit. There were many times when Cathy, Leia and I were all nursing in the backroom, but I don't remember a time though when all three of them were sleeping at once. Go figure.

On Saturday, we took Naomi to San Francisco's Noe Valley. We've been using a sling every now and then and this was the first time that I attempted to feed the baby while wearing the sling.. and then walking down the street. Talk about multi-tasking! Both she and I weren't comfortable at first, but once she realized that she wasn't gonna have any lunch if she didn't cooperate, she calmed down and did her thing. I also "sported" her in the sling to a graduation party for my girlfriend Crystal and although there was a slight breeze outside, she was as "snug as a bug in a rug" :) Other guests were commenting on how cool the sling is (made by Eddie Bauer). Mimi looked like she was wrapped in a little cocoon. (Wish I took pics, darnit!) I let someone else hold her in the sling while I gathered a plate of food together, but somehow it wasn't the same and she started crying... I guess she wasn't in "the zone". Eventually when she was back across my chest, she fell asleep in it. It's nice how those things mimic the womb.

From Comfort Zone

Then on Sunday, Naomi went to church for the first time. Her cousin Weslee was getting baptized at St. Patrick's in Rodeo. It was also the first time that she wore a bow :) I dressed her in pink from head-to-toe and she looked so precious! We arrived 15 minutes before the mass began and she was wide awake and ready to "meet & greet". By the time the service began, she had fallen asleep. Like most babies, Naomi knows how to "shut down" when her environment gets too stimulating. The more noisy the better she sleeps. She slept in her carrier and we placed her next to our table at the restaurant. When she finally woke up, she quietly "people-watched" for a while. Compassionate baby that she is: Mimi didn't start fussing until Richie and I were just about through eating our lunch. After I fed her, it was time for her to enjoy the festivities.

It's funny how magnetic a tiny baby can be. When I see a baby, I always have the urge to hold him/her. This is no exception when it comes to our family. Richie was holding the baby and his brother Craig came over to carry her now that she was awake and well-fed. We were seated in the "kids' room" and Craig took her over to the next room where the majority of guests were. Richie and I made a bet that it wouldn't take long before someone else was holding her and wanted to count how many arms held her before we took her back (we already knew how unlikely it would be that someone would actually return her to her parents... imagine that!) Sure enough, within half an hour, she was passed along four times (that I saw) before Richie scooped her up. During that time, I let my urges take over... if I couldn't hold my own baby, I could surely hold my niece Meleia instead :)

After more picture taking (including the one above with most of the kids: see little Mimi in the bottom corner), we eventually ended up at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Once again, the babies were being passed around. I noticed that everyone has their own way of handling the babies... different holds, some swaying back and forth, others bouncing up and down. There were a few times when Naomi would eventually start crying when someone else was holding her. They would ask if she's hungry or wet or uncomfortable. The second she lands in my arms, if she wasn't any of the above, she would relax and chill out. One auntie who was holding her when she began fussing thought that she was too young to know the difference, but I beg to differ.

Different babies like different things, but all babies love one thing in common: their mothers :) A crying baby will almost always calm down when he or she is comforted by their mommy - at least mine does. If Naomi is in the "Comfort Zone" where she's dry, fed and content, she can be passed from person to person without issue. But once she's out of that zone, she knows what she wants and it's usually Mommy that can take care of her needs most quickly. Being her mother, it's such a wonderful feeling knowing that she depends on me for so much. Sure, one day, she'll be off on her own, but for now, it's nice to know that she loves me just as much as I love her :)

One Month Old

And all your children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 44:3)

From One Month Old

Naomi has had a very busy month! We have taken her out far more than we expected to, but she has been a real trooper :) Some of the things that we enjoy doing with her are taking walks around Emeryville. We've strolled down to the pier as well as to Bay Street for dinner. On Richie and my 3 year anniversary, we took Mimi to the Elephant Bar and she slept through the entire meal.

Along with going to Pinole every Sunday, she's also been to her other Grandparent's house in South San Francisco. The weekend she turned 4 weeks, we took her to San Jose to celebrate her Auntie Lauren and Uncle Noel's graduation. That's when she was better able to meet with her cousins Andrea and Meleia and Alexis.

Naomi was so tiny when she was born, but now after a month, she feels pretty solid. She probably weighs at least 8 lbs... the size that I anticipated her to be at birth. She has caught up quickly! Breastfeeding her is going extremely well. Richie and I will pray before her meals and even if she is a bit fussy, she stops to listen to us give thanks :) While she loves to eat, Mimi is a bit of a snacker/snoozer though when it comes to her meals. Many times, she will fall asleep while nursing, only to wake up 10 minutes later and want "seconds" :) Although I feel like I am feeding her around the clock, she allows me to have longer stretches at night. Richie has been working, so I have full night duty after he falls asleep. She starts off sleeping in her bassinet, but I usually keep her in the bed next to me after her first feeding around 1AM. She'll feed again briefly around 3ish. Usually before 6AM, she's wide awake, so Richie will play with her before work while I sleep until her next feeding.

From One Month Old

She definitely recognizes her Mommy and Daddy, by both voice and looks. Above our bed, we have two large portraits of Richie and I from our engagement and the wedding. Naomi is fond of gazing at the photos as if curious how we are both in front of her and over there on the wall, too! She's also remembering other members of our family and is aware of when a new face is presented to her. Her eyes are constantly soaking in all of her surroundings. If only her eyes could speak!

Richie and I are enjoying Naomi's sweet smiles, mostly when she is partially in "dream-land"... we are still waiting for that first official laugh! Now that her sight is getting clearer, she also seems to enjoy her play gym and is beginning to try and hold her head up during tummy time. When she is awake she alternates between being super-still with wide, learning eyes and being a "wiggly worm" with her arms and legs waving with excitement. Mimi especially responds to music of all kinds. During the day, we play everything from Island Jams to Christian Rock, then at night or during naps, we play classical or lullabies to soothe her. It will be awesome to see if she takes to playing an instrument or singing when she gets older!

Meet the Babies!

They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. (Job 21:11)

The Dimalanta Clan doubled the grandchildren in a quarter of a year from 3 boys to 6... the girls are trying to catch up! Leia, Anthony and Arabella drove up from L.A. to spend the weekend and have everyone meet... especially the babies! Grandma Edna and Auntie Cathy were gracious to throw a "Meet the Babies" party. The day before the party, we took Naomi to Pinole to have a small get-together before the big celebration. What fun it was to see all them of and the difference a few weeks could make in the size of the children :) Weslee is a month older than Bella, who is two months older than Mimi. Dean (7), Joshua (4) and Owen (2) also had fun holding the babies and... of course, taking lots of pictures!




The following day, Naomi was introduces to the rest of the family. Everyone brought out their children... it was a little hectic, but so much fun! Mimi met her other first cousins, my sister Jasmine's girls: Andrea (3) and Meleia (5 mos.) My cousin Aileen brought her babygirl Alexis (10 mos.) Richie's cousin Laressa and James brought their brood: Justin (3), Branden (2) and baby Ashlyn (1 mo.) Uncle Jesse also had a babyboy A couple of Leia's friends from Guam also brought their little boys: Venus w/ Noah (2) and Rose w/ Rayden (8 mos.) WOW! I didn't even name the babies on Anthony's side of the family that were there!

Let me tell you how fabulous the cake tasted: YUMMO! It was so huge, but 've never seen a cake get eaten that fast before. Thanks Genina and Melissa :) Another cool aspect of the party, was the fun "storybook" theme. Since the babies already have most of the essentials, guests were encouraged to give books as gifts. I have enjoyed reading to Naomi her wonderful collection of books! Everything from "Cat in the Hat" to "First Book of Prayers"... "The Little Mermaid" to "A Collection of Nursery Rhymes." Mimi likes to look at the pictures while we sunbathe or listen intently while I nurse her. It will be so awesome when she is able to read the stories to me. I know that won't be for a while, but they sure grow up fast!