Don't cry over it...

Last week I was in Canada for a few days and didn't have the chance to blog. Now today, Lynn left for Bogota, Colombia. So I called in the reinforcements. My mother (Lola Dely) is here "visiting" while Lynn is away.

This morning was bittersweet for Lynn (and me) because it was the last time she would breast feed Claire. Lynn said she would do it for one year. Next Friday (March 6), Claire turns 1. We still have bags of breast milk in the freezer, but once those are gone, that's it. Claire made the transition to whole milk without any problems. She continues to eat and gain a little a bit of weight - my weight gain is from beer.

I find it a little hard to admit she is almost one year old. The year has gone by so fast. Yet, on ther other hand, I can't imagine/remember what life (read: sleep) was like before her. When I turned 30, I had 4 big life events, namely, finishing my Ph.D., getting married, starting a new job, and buying a house. Now that I am 40, I change diapers - wouldn't trade it for anything (haha, already got my TV).

Last week, Lynn took Claire to the zoo, with Vanessa (a colleague) and her son, Luke. While I was not able to join them, Lynn said Claire laughed and laughed at the meerkats and thought they were so funny. That's one thing I love about her, she laughs everyday.

Another significant change is she is starting to show signs of separation anxiety. When we leave the room and she sees us leave, some times she cries. I guess this is normal at this stage, but it gets old quickly.

Anyway, we are planning an afternoon at the park tomorrow, and I hope to have photos to share with you. So, until then, there is no use crying over it.

I'm back

Ok, I was out of town from Feb 7-15 and didn't get a chance to post anything. My guilt was somewhat bearable until Connie from Canada, sent Lynn an email asking what was my deal for not posting in awhile. So, here is a shout out to Connie. Here is an article worth your while to read about Canada. Have I mentioned that Claire is also a Canadian?

So I am traveling last week - something I like less and less. Yes I missed my baby and wife, but we were able to Skype everyday. What a difference a week makes. Claire is now standing without using her hands to support her. Granted it is only for 3-4 seconds and I am sure she is not even aware she is doing that, but I am sure walking is only 2-3 months away. Crap, the house isn't even "crawl-proof" yet.

She has also started to mimic words we say - we think. Por ejemplo, cuando decimos, "hello", Claire dice "hola". Who knew she would be bilingual? And now (as some of you may have heard), Claire will have the opportunity to become trilingual, as we are moving to Italy in August for 4 months. Lynn and I will be teaching in Tuscany during the fall semester and of course the bear will be along for the ride. She'll be 18 months old when we leave for Italy, so her mind will be like a sponge.

Anyway, I have to install a baby gate in the media room, so until the next posting (this week some time) keep your english-italian dictionary handy.

A week in the life...

Last weekend Grandad came to Atlanta to visit Claire. It was the first time they had met each other. They both were taken with each other. My dad was able to get Claire laughing and laughing, just by waving his hand at her. It was too bad dad was here only for the weekend. Well, they will see each other again in July at my brother's wedding.

On Monday Claire had her second play date with Maggie. Unfortunately I was not able to attend this time, but Lynn said Claire wasn't too sure what to make of another baby playing with her toys. She also was not too keen on having another baby hug her. Maggie is 2 days older than Claire.

The bear's new favorite toy is the telephone. You may be getting a call soon from her - accidentally. When we take the phone away from her, she some times starts to cry. We'll have to nip that in the bud. After a long play date, Claire is ready for a bath. Hope you enjoy the video. You can see more photos too, posted here (scroll to the bottom).