Teething

Today was a BBQ day for the Lubovich gang. We started out the afternoon at a family reunion for my dad's side of the family. We met everyone at a park near Rainier Beach High School and right away, my dad announced that his granddaughter had arrived! Unfortunately, we couldn't stay long, because we had to go to our next function, but it was nice to visit with everyone for a bit and have Zoey see her grandpa.

Our next BBQ was in Tacoma, at the home of one of Michael's coworkers. It was somewhat of a wedding reception for the coworker and his new wife; they had a very small backyard wedding a few weeks ago, with just a couple friends and witnesses. Michael works with a lot of great people and I am so glad I get along with them as well. There were some people who hadn't met Zoey, so we spent the first little bit introducing her to them. After that, we were able to settle in and enjoy some great food and conversation.

I ended up having a great talk with the wife of Michael's former coworker. She has two young children (who were at home with a sitter) and, upon having Zoey chomp down on her finger, said that she thinks she might be ready for solid foods! She asked me a few questions and we laughed about how Zoey is already trying to eat everything anyway! It was nice to have her share some of her experiences and point out things she was noticing about Zoey. As a first-time mom, I feel like there are things that I don't know to look for, or don't recognize as developmental signs. Now that I'm really thinking about it, there's no denying that Zoey is showing multiple signs of teething (biting, slobbering (which has picked up a lot lately!), crankiness, etc.). I tell ya, along with our pediatrician, I definitely appreciate my mom and other moms around me; they are all such unique and valuable resources. 

My sweet thumb sucker :)

I don't know that we're going to start solids just yet, but I am anxious to talk to our pediatrician and see what he thinks! Mmmm, I hope Zoey is ready for the mashed up bananas that are in her not too distant future! :)

M's Game

Tonight, we went to Zoey's first Mariners game! Our friend Katie's company bought out a section of seats and she invited us as her guests. They were having a picnic with free food and beer at 5 o'clock, but because the weather was supposed to be hovering around 85-90 degrees, we didn't arrive until the actual game started, at 7:00. 

The weather was still absolutely gorgeous as we walked the few blocks from our car to the stadium. Zoey seemed to be tolerating her ride in the Ergo and I was just relieved that having her strapped to me wasn't causing as much extra perspiration as I had anticipated. When we got to the stadium, we picked up our tickets at will call, snapped a few pictures and then headed to our seats. 

King Felix!

We didn't arrive early enough to be among the lucky fans who received a free Mariner's blanket (Probably because we were too busy posing for pictures! Ha!)

In front of the glove, right outside the entrance.

I think Zoey was hiding from the sunlight.

Peek-a-boo!

(Enlarge the picture and you just might be able to spot Baby Girl :)

In an attempt to play it safe and protect Zoey's ears from the loud cheering of excited fans, we ordered her a pair of baby noise reduction earmuffs. Katie told us that she saw a baby wearing them at the last game she went to, and as first time parents and novices in the area of fragile, developing baby eardrums, we played copycat. The earmuffs were said to be ideal for ball games, concerts, the 4th of July...vacuuming (Oops, I had already vacuumed prior to them arriving in the mail. Who knew? I think she'll survive!). 

After Daddy made a few adjustments, they fit her comfortably.

She sure does wear 'em well!

So, what's an M's game without a little drama? Right outside our section, behind all of the food stands, was an area with picnic tables and benches, for people to enjoy their food while looking out at the beautiful view. Well, it seemed to me the perfect spot to feed Zoey and once we were situated at one of the far tables, the drama began! First, there was a little girl throwing one of the biggest tantrums I had ever seen. She looked to be about five years old and I could tell just by looking at her, that she was tired and wanting her mother's attention. The poor mom, rattled by all of the kicking/screaming/shouting/crying, finally, after about 10 minutes, picked the girl up and held her close. What do ya know, the little girl immediately began to calm down and they took in the pretty sights for a bit before going back to their seats.

Just as my ears stopped ringing, my eyes were assaulted by a couple trying to get frisky off to my right!! Just feet from where the mother-daughter duo had just put on their show, a young (and noticeably inebriated) couple started what could have turned into a scene from an "R" rated movie, had I not asked them to take their business elsewhere. I was sitting right there, trying to innocently nurse my child, and they didn't even care! I guess that's what I get for sitting at one of the back tables...I was trying to be discrete, but even in the back, we were still very visible! What pervs! And the guy had the nerve to get mad at me and try to chew me out for "looking"! Trust me, dude, I was merely being aware of my surroundings (that's a mother's job, right?!) and I have absolutely no interest in you, other than keeping your "man parts" out of my line of sight! Get a room!!

Soo, after the close encounter with the wannabe exhibitionists, something nice actually happened. In nearly the same spot where that couple was, another couple arrived and took their place. I immediately thought to myself, "Please, not again!". But as I kept watch out of the corner of my eye, I was pleasantly surprised (as was the girl) to discover that the guy was proposing to her!! She was looking out at the mountains and when she turned around, he was down on his knee! At that moment, I was so glad I had just shooed away the previous couple!

Other than all of that madness, the game was a lot of fun and Zoey was great the entire time!

I can see there being more games in our family's future :)

Recall

So, after seeing my post about purchasing a Bumbo seat, my sister-in-law informed me that the seats have been recalled! I hadn't heard anything about the recall and immediately Googled it. All of the information popped right up and apparently, babies have been wiggling out of their Bumbo seats and getting hurt. There have been over 20 reports of infants sustaining skull fractures as a result of their falls! :( Bumbo USA is offering a repair kit, which includes a restraint belt and additional warning stickers. The stickers remind you not to use the seat on a raised surface or to leave your child unattended in the seat! (I get a kick out of picturing a seat covered in warning stickers...really, it should only take ONE!) Well, we haven't decided if we're going to order the repair kit or just return the seat. It is already such a tight fit for Zoey when she's in the seat; I'm not actually convinced that she could wiggle herself free!

When not confined to the Bumbo, Zoey is putting her little baby muscles to work :)

Trying to get the hanging toucan to her mouth

She started out on her back, but all of the pulling brought her onto her side.

Strong girlie!

Head, neck, arms and legs in the air! 

She's gonna have killer abs in no time ;)

Giving up on Toucan and settling for her hand...

ADORABLE!

(Says her totally biased mommy :)

Off The Mat

Miss Zoey Rae is so curious and I can tell that she is dying to be mobile. Right now she is doing the best she can, using her ability to roll to get her places. Today, all of her rolling and squirming, landed her off of the mat, and onto the carpet.

Don't know what was so intriguing about this spot, but she was happy to be there.

I had a few errands to run this afternoon, which brought us to the Supermall in Auburn. And anytime I'm at the Supermall, I always make my way to the Carter's outlet (come on, y'all should expect that by now ;)

We needed a few more items to get us through the summer.

All size "6 month" and all from the Clearance rack!

I couldn't pass up this adorable 9 month outfit that was also on clearance!

Who knows, Zoey may be walking by then, and I could totally visualize her in this cute set!

Man, I'm ready for Fall to arrive. Zoey will be 5, 6 and 7 months during the Fall and I am already looking forward to the cute sweaters and leggings that she'll be wearing (not to mention the sweaters, tights and boots that I look forward to wearing each year!)

Creature of Habit

*WARNING: The following post is rated "P", for Poopy. It contains graphic images (poopy in nature) and a ridiculously adorable baby who can almost make you forget how gross poop is...almost! View at your own risk!

The following is what happens when your four month old, who hasn't pooped in a week, is finally able to make it happen while wedged into her Bumbo seat! Please, enjoy...

I heard the rumble and immediately lifted Zoey out of the Bumbo,only to find that I was too late!

Due to being wedged in so tightly, the poop had nowhere to go, but up!

So, it was off with the changing pad cover. 

I try to avoid getting it dirty because we only have one (for some insanely odd reason!)

Taking a closer look at the damage

I must say, I have become quite the expert at rolling up wet and/or poopy garments, and carefully maneuvering them over Zoey's head! 

(Giving myself a mommy pat on the back :)

What a mess...and a very cute tush!

(Also my first time changing a baby that's lying on it's stomach)

5 million diaper wipes later and we have a clean baby!

After I took a look at a very clean and happy Zoey, I couldn't help but take a moment to laugh at myself. I realized that, once I had her undressed, instead of just sticking her in a nice warm bath, I decided to wipe her down like I do a dirty bathroom mirror, or any other household surface for that matter. Then, it dawned on me...we humans are such creatures of habit! For as long as I can remember, I have always thoroughly rinsed (OK, sometimes I scrub) my dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. I know, I know, it's the dishwasher. The place where dishes go to get clean! So, why I do practically wash them before I put them in? I don't know, I guess I just don't want to take a chance on an egg-covered frying pan, just in case my dishwasher doesn't have super powers like the ones on TV. (There is nothing worse than discovering egg in your drinking glass, as you take that final gulp...yuck!) 

So, sticking to what I knew, I wiped my baby down until there was no visible (or olfactible (yes, that's a word!)) evidence of the former mess! And just like with dishes coming out "crust free", I didn't have to spend time scrubbing poop out of the bathtub! Ha! :)

Busy Bee

Today, Zoey was a very busy girl. Her day started with some play time on her jungle mat. Now that she has started to roll from her back onto her tummy, she just needs to master getting her arm out from under her! It's so funny how babies appear to have to focus on one thing at a time, and then eventually, put everything they've learned together. I remember when she was learning to roll from her tummy onto her back, it was a struggle for her to keep her arm from blocking her. She'd have it sticking out to the side, instead of tucking it or putting it up by her head. Now, she doesn't move it fast enough before she's on top of it and it's too late! :)

"Hey! I'm on my tummy! How did that happen?"

"Oh, hi Mom. Can you help me out?"

"I'm getting tired; I'm going to rest my head while you put the camera down"

"OK, you're taking too long. I guess I'll just take a nap..."

Later, I sat Zoey in her Bumbo seat and gave her Sophie. I probably mentioned this already, but one of the major down sides to the Bumbo, is that when Zoey drops something, she usually can't reach it and retrieve it on her own...

I can just tell when she's getting ready to launch a teether or toy

Whoooosh! Poor Sophie! 

"Aw man!"

LOL! You're already not supposed to leave a child unattended in the Bumbo, but I couldn't even if I wanted to! Yes, it helps her sit up, unassisted...but it also keeps her from playing, unassisted!

My cutie pie, getting more tummy time

The weather was so nice today that I decided to put Zoey in the Ergo carrier and walk around the backyard. Well, while I was excited about this idea, Zoey was less so.

Poor Buggy. Look at her ear! Oops.

We're both still getting used to the carrier, hence me trying to practice at home

Much better!

Our backyard adventure didn't last long, but it was worth a shot. Pretty soon Michael was home and, after changing out of his work clothes, he settled in to spend time with Zoey. She was so happy to see him, she decided to give him a welcome home present...

That's what happens when you bounce a baby with a full tummy up in the, while not wearing a shirt! Hehehe :)