Play time...

Here is a recent video of Elle playing. Her favorite toys these days are the stacking cups and the talking number puzzle. The cups are meant for stacking but for now, they are for banging :-).

Elle's got tooth!

Elle has been teething since she was 3 months old. She's been drooling a lot and gnawing on pretty much everything for the longest time. As we were driving back from Annapolis last Monday and Elle and I were playing in the back seat, I noticed some white stuff on her gums as she giggled. I looked closely and it was a "toof" poking out of her gums! Of course, I got all excited that our little girl finally cut her first tooth :-). She got it 3 days short of her 7 month birthday. We were actually surprised that she finally cut her 1st tooth because we never noticed that she was in any discomfort prior to the tooth coming out (knock on wood). Now, I am starting to think that the diarrhea she had a couple of weeks ago may have been related to her teething.

I tried taking a photo of her toof but she wouldn't let me lol.

After a few attempts of trying to make her giggle, I finally got a shot of her little toof!



Dinner with friends

When we got back from Annapolis yesterday, we met up with a few friends for dinner. Our friend, Elten is visiting from Hawaii so the Allen family also drove up from Maryland to meet with us.

Elle loved pretty little Zaynee! She kept staring, touching and smiling at Zaynee :-). Elle also enjoyed sitting on the high chair while we all ate our dinner. She was babbling a lot and was so loud. We had to shush her a few times because she was the loudest little person in the restaurant lol.



Last day in Annapolis

Today was our last day in Annapolis. Elle woke up really early so we had no choice but to start the day early too. Actually, it worked out perfectly because we wanted to go to Chick & Ruth's Delly for breakfast. We tried to go there for lunch yesterday but it was packed.  This place is pretty popular and is known for their Colossal Challenges. They were featured on the Man vs Food on the Travel Channel where Adam had the 6 lb. Colossal shake and 1.5 lb Colossal sandwich! Anyway, since Elle woke up early and was ready to start the day, we headed off to Chick & Ruth's Delly for breakfast. The place was already packed but luckily, we were able to get a table right away. We brought Elle's own chair so we did not have to worry about getting her into a high chair. As soon as she sat on the Bumbo, she started grabbing everything she can put her hands on..the ketchup, napkins, menu, lol. As usual, Elle charmed the waitresses with her smile and we got funny stares from other diners who were amused of Elle's "high chair" :-P.

Daddy Jarbs and I shared a Butter Pecan milkshake. It was sooo good!



After breakfast, we went back to the hotel. It was time for Elle's nap so Daddy Jarbs and I napped along with her :-). We checked out of the hotel right after lunch. On the way back to DC, we stopped by Westfield (Annapolis) Mall again. We got Elle a few summer outfits from the Janie and Jack store and a 4th of July outfit from Gymboree! I don't even shop for myself anymore! Pretty much everything I shop for these days is for this spoiled little girl. Times have definitely changed :-).

Another day in Annapolis

Amazingly, Elle slept well in the hotel crib last night. She still woke up once to eat and then went right back to sleep. She even slept in until 8:30 am :). 

We spent all morning walking around downtown Annapolis and checking out the different shops.

 

 

In the afternoon, we went to Annapolis Mall to buy a gift to the party that we were going to. Since the weather is now warmer, we also had to get Elle a pair of summer sandals. Here's our girl on her 1st shoe shopping experience ;-). 

Check out her new kicks ;-)

After the trip to the mall, we went to a graduation party thrown by Daddy Jarbs' friend for his son who just graduated from high school. We saw some of Daddy Jarbs friends who met Elle for the very first time. Elle was in a great mood again, charming everybody with her smiles. 

Thanks for my pretty dress Tita Elie :-)

"Raaaawr"

Elle got to meet our friends' 8 week old son Aidan. We held them close to each other and they held hands on their own. So cute!

Trip to Annapolis!

We weren't sure what we were going to do during the Memorial Day weekend. We know we wanted to go somewhere and take advantage of the 3-day weekend. We wanted to go somewhere that is close enough to drive but did not really have enough time in advance to plan. Well, yesterday morning, Daddy Jarbs and I decided that we'll have a staycation and spend the weekend in Annapolis, Maryland! I searched online for good hotel deals and booked one Friday afternoon. Talk about an impromptu trip! We did not even start packing until Saturday morning. I should say that we are getting a LITTLE better in traveling with a baby and did not have to bring the entire house...we just brought half the house this time :-).

We stayed at the Historic Inn in Annapolis which is one of the oldest inns in town. It's in a perfect location - close to the water, restaurants and shops. Here is Elle checking out our bed.

After checking in the hotel, we walked downtown to find a place to eat dinner. Luckily, we found  place with outdoor sitting. As usual, Elle loved sitting outside. She was in her normal playful self and was such a trooper for sitting in her stroller for a couple of hours while Daddy Jarbs and I enjoyed our crab feast dinner (King crab legs, snow crab legs and steamed blue crabs!) :-).

Afternoon at the park!

Our office closed early today so I got to go home early and spend time with Elle. I heard that the park close to our house will open Friday afternoon so Elle and I checked it out. We met up with our neighbor/friend Pamela and her kids and we all walked to the park.

The park literally opened a minute before we got there. We even saw the last fence being taken down. The park is really nice. There is a separate play area for small kids and big kids.

(Click photo to enlarge)

It was Elle's first time in the bucket swing! It took her a few minutes to warm up to the swing.

Once she got the hang of it, she got comfortable and started leaning forward

When Daddy Jarbs got home, he went straight to the park. He met us up and played with Elle :-).

 

It was a fun afternoon at the park and a great way to start the holiday weekend!

Another video of Elle standing up

Here's another video of Elle standing up while holding on to the couch. We surrounded her with pillows in case she falls down. Notice how she tried to figure out on her own how to go back down slowly without falling! It amazes me how she was able to figure that out. I have to admit she's kinda smart ;-). 

Another Jarbs family Sunday fun day!

Eleiana has been battling with the runs and rashes for the past week so she skipped today's swim class again :(. She already missed the swim classes two weeks in a row :(. Hopefully, by next week she'll be in the best of health and be able to participate in her swim class. 

Nevertheless, we still had a super fun family day. Our neighborhood Farmer's Market is finally open for the season so we checked it out.

Here's Elle while waiting for Daddy Jarbs to get his coffee. She was already overdue for a nap that is why she has the seven mile stare. She fell asleep a few minutes after I took this photo.

After the Farmer's Market, we walked to Rustik Tavern to have brunch. Elle behaved really well which was expected since we sat outdoor (mental note: ALWAYS get outside sitting). As you know, she loves the outdoors. While Daddy Jarbs and I were eating our brunch, Elle sat in the BOB stroller while evesdropping to the conversation on the table next to us! It was so funny. She really was intently listening lol.

When we got home, Elle took another long nap. When she woke up, back to playing she went! Here she is in the "baby cage" :-). Elle already exceeded the pack 'n play's bassinet weight limit so we took it out. Now, she loves playing inside the pack n play. It's a safe place where we can set her down and not worry about her falling or anything. 

Baby cage :-)

She has gotten really good in sitting up unsupported. She rarely falls or tips over now.

One of her favorite toy these days is the talking number puzzle which is a hand-me-down from her cousins (thanks Aunt Kim!). She would grab my hand so I can press the numbers and hear it speak. 

Later in the day, Daddy Jarbs turned the tv/cable on and tuned in to the reggae music channel. I started dancing to Elle's delight. Before I knew it all three of us, Daddy Jarbs, Elle and myself were dancing! Yeah, we all looked silly dancing in the living room but Elle was enjoying it so it was all that mattered. She kept kicking and smiling! Our little girl loves music and dancing :-).

Play time!

Since Eleiana can now sit up unassisted, we can now set her down on the floor and let her play. It's been fun watching her play and explore. Here are some photos of her playing :-).

Playing with the Green Sprouts stackable cups I got her for Easter. 

She loves to either put them in her mouth or throw them across the floor :).

Mr. Ducky, who flaps it's wings while singing, never cease to amaze her. Eleiana accidentally discovered that Mr. Ducky giggles when you tickle it's wings. We did not even know it can do that!! lol. Elle still gives Mr. Ducky the what-the-heck-is this-duck doing look. Mr. Ducky has slowly grown on her though. She now gives Mr. Ducky a kiss and a big hug :-)

Since she's still teething, she also enjoys sucking on this banana teether

which was also included in her Easter basket

6 month photo shoot!

We've been extremely busy and realized I never had the chance to post Elle's monthly photos! Better late than never :-)

Fun facts @ 6 months

* Loves sleeping on her tummy. As soon as we lay her down on her crib, she immediately rolls over to her tummy

* Eats ~6.5 ozs milk per feeding

* Has started eating rice cereal and banana and drinks water from a cup

* Loves to grab things and put them in her mouth

* Can sit up unassisted and play independently for a few minutes

* Plays with her hair to make herself fall asleep; also loves to play and pull Mommy Jarbs' hair!

* Recognizes Mommy & Daddy Jarbs. She reaches her arms out when she wants to be picked up

* Has developed her sense of humor. Whenever I smell her diapers and ask "did you poop?", she immediately giggles whenever there is poop and keeps a straight face when there's none! It never fails!

* Loves to play with her socks and eat her toes

* Very curious about her surroundings. She'll immediately turn her head when she hears something. Kinda nosy sometimes too :-).

* Has very strong leg muscles. She can now stand up on her own while holding on to the crib railing or the couch

* Gets excited when we put her in and out and the car seat. She knows we're going somewhere :-)

* Continues to love the outdoors. Also gives out a huge smile whenever we are out and the wind blows on her face

* Babbles a lot especially when we are in the car

* Sleeps from ~8 pm to 7 am and amazingly sleeps in on weekends :-). She still wakes up around 5:30 am to eat and goes right back to sleep.

* She puckers her lips to kiss Mr. Teddy (her teddy bear) and Mr. Ducky (the singing duck given by Grandma Jarbs) but wouldn't do the same thing for Mommy & Daddy Jarbs!! Cracks us up every time :-).

Day care webcam photos

When I arrive at work every morning, the first thing I do is log on to my computer, check my work email and log on the to the day care webcam :-). I check it intermittently throughout the day. I LOVE that even when I am away, I can still shee what she's doing all the day.

Elle's teacher told me that since she has started going to day care every day (as oppose to 2x a week the previous months), things had gotten way better. She is always happy, rarely cries now and plays A LOT. However, now there is one issue. She does not nap as good as she did before! She used to have 3 naps a day which lasts anywhere from 1-2.5 hrs. Well over the past 2 weeks, she has dropped the third nap and now napping shorter! Yesterday, she napped 2x for a total of 50 mins throughout the day!!! Her teacher said she does not want to nap and just wants to play all.the.time! lol. It's as if she does not want to nap because she's worried she'll miss out on the fun things at day care. I think she got this trait from Daddy Jarbs :-P. I love that she's enjoying playing at day care and developing her social skills but the downside to this is by the time I pick her up, she's so tired! She falls asleep on our ride home and does not wake up until 8 pm which is supposedly her bed time. As it is, we already have less time with her during the week but now since she's asleep by the time we get home, I miss the 1.5 hour awake time that she has where both her and I play :(. At home during weekends though she still naps really well. I guess she has a lot of distractions at day care. The swaddling at day care may be an issue too. They still swaddle ALL the babies during naps. As you remember, we have stopped swaddling her at home so she can roll over to her tummy which is her favorite position when she sleeps. I'll have to talk to her teacher and perhaps make an exception and not swaddle her during nap time and see it it will make a difference

Below are some day care webcam snap shots I took over the week.

The teacher told me Elle will contently sit on the bouncy chair and watch the older kids play. Sometimes the older kids will come up to her and she would smile at them :-).  

She's on the tummy time corner and was suppose to do tummy time but since she can now roll over, look what she's doing. She's on her back and looking at herself in the mirror! lol

A couple of minutes after, I checked the webcam again and now she's playing with the tummy time pillow! lol

Now that she can sit up unassisted, the teachers have her sit on the mat and play with all the older kids. The teacher said she loves it. Aww..look how our baby has grown.

Visit to the doctor

We had an unexpected visit to the doctor today. Elle had bad diaper rashes which turned out to be an infection :(. Glad it is now properly diagnosed and we can treat it. 

Elle got weighed today and she is now 15 lbs, 5 ozs! We were just at the doctor's office last week for her 6 month appointment and she weighed 14 lbs 15 ozs then. 

Here she is patiently waiting for the doctor. She behaved really well while she was being seen by the doctos. Even the doctor noticed that. She listened intently to my conversation with the doctor.

Eleiana can stand up on her own!

If you remember a couple of weeks ago, Daddy Jarbs was helping Elle practice standing up while holding on to the crib railing. Well, today, she did it again and this time, she was standing up on her own for a few minutes and holding on to the crib railing with ONE hand ;-). Great job baby!

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Another swim class!

Here are some more photos from this week's swim class. The water was a tad chilly and some of the babies were shivering! Elle got to wear her new bathing suit though. The instructor had the babies "swim" on their back and Elle didn't like it :-). 

With her friends from the PACE moms group

Mommy Jarbs' 1st Mother's Day

My 1st Mother's day was perfect to say the least :-). First, Daddy Jarbs got me an awesome gift! As you know, I love taking photos, especially of my little Elle. Daddy Jarbs knew I wanted to get a nice new camera somewhere down the road. Well, lo and behold, Daddy Jarbs got me a Nikon D3100 camera kit! Yay! I do not know anything about SLR cameras and have not done any research but looking at reviews now, it's the perfect camera for novices like me. I was so thrilled to receive it and excited to use it to take photos of Eleiana! Thanks so much Daddy Jarbs.You're the best!! :-)

We started the day going to Eleiana's swim class (photos to follow) and then had lunch to a restaurant of my choice. I did not want to eat anything fancy. I just wanted to eat crabs so we went to Quarterdeck, our favorite crab house :-). Yay! Eleiana cooperated during the 1st hour of our lunch and napped. She kept waking up during the 2nd hour so Daddy Jarbs and I took turns pushing her stroller around the block lol. 

After lunch, we were debating whether to take Eleiana to a park or the National Zoo. We ended up taking Eleiana to her 1st trip to the zoo!

Ready for the zoo..but had to stop first to get her snack

First she saw the elephant..and then the panda

And then the lion and the gorillas

As you can see, we carried her out of her stroller and she was soo happy. Our girl loves the outdoors and she was in her element. She won't stop smiling! While I was carrying her, I heard the people behind me laughing. When I looked back, I realized that Eleiana, who was in my arms and facing the back, was charming them with her smile lol.

When it was Daddy Jarbs' turn to carry her, this was what I saw (see below). See her facial expression? She always makes that face when she's so happy! Of course, when Eleiana is happy, Mommy Jarbs is also happy :-).

Overall, it was a fun 1st Mother's day. I celebrated it with my two babies and I wouldn't have celebrated it any other way :-).



Pre-Mother's day celebration with the Jarbs family

We drove out to Aunt Terri's house today to celebrate cousin Kyle's 1st communion and Mother's day. Eleiana was suppose to go swimming with her cousins but the heated pool was not warm enough for her :(.

Here she is checking out the pool with Pops.

She kept looking at the pool and watched her cousins swim.

And then she wanted to take a sip of Daddy Jarbs' beer!

 She was really grabbing the bottle! lol.

Of course, Eleiana was happy to see Grandma Jarbs!

For Mother's day, Eleiana gave Grandma Jarbs a Pandora bracelet with charms that say "Gramma". She's so sweet :-).

Later in the day, we got home in time for a fight (Pacquiao-Mosley fight) party in our house. We had few friends who came over to watch the fight. Too bad Elle was already in bed by the time our guests arrived because all of them wanted to see and meet her. On the other hand, Mommy & Daddy Jarbs were able to relax and enjoy while Eleiana was sleeping very soundly in her room. We had the video monitor on so we can see her from the living room. Oh, later in the night, her friend Sergio joined her in the room. First boy that Eleiana slept with :-). Don't worry, Sergio was a gentleman and slept on the floor, on bouncy seat :-).

Notice the flowers on the table?

Those were given to me by Daddy Jarbs for Mother's day :-)