Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Inaugural Overnight

(from Terri)
Considering Ro returns to work in a few weeks and Fall is soon upon us, we decided we had to get out to the coast at least once this summer, so we did.  We splurged for a motel room with an ocean view on the beach and decided that whatever happened with Radha, we would give it a try.


We were so glad we went.  Radha apparently was glad too for the change of pace.  Even though we were without her bouncer chair and the yoga ball (things that we use as part of daily routines), she was happy as a clam and we had our first overnight away from home.

The ocean air, miles of beach, seagulls, and SUN!  Our coastal trips are notorious for bad weather, but this one made up for past cold and wet trips.  Radha got to feel sand on her feet for the first time and dip her toes in a pool at the motel.  


 
I think the fact that Radha behaved wonderfully on the trip just made it so more relaxing for all of us.  More difficult times are ahead I'm sure, but at least we had good weather and good demeanors for this mini-vacation before things change again.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Hamming It Up



babble laugh
Originally uploaded by MookieLuv
Here's another video of Radha doing her laugh and babble thing. We're not sure if she was laughing at the camera or at us.

We could put this video on a loop all day and never get tired of hearing her laugh, even though there are many more fun moments to come.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

5 + 10 = 1

(from Terri)
It's hard to believe that Ro and I have been married for five years now and altogether as a couple for ten.  When we first met we had no idea our meeting would turn into anything serious, let alone marriage and this incredible baby down the road.
 


Lately Radha has just been hanging out enjoying the dry (and very hot lately!) Portland summer.  We've been exploring our backyard (where the above picture was taken), local parks (picture below), and downtown.  




I realize this may not sound like a big deal to some, but when you have a baby every outing requires a bit of planning and preparedness.  When we arrive to a fun destination without a diaper blow-out or crying meltdown in one piece, it becomes a big accomplishment.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

We're so glad she's our little girl

Ro had our stereo receiver fixed last week so we put on some vinyl Beatles the other day to try it out again. Radha thought it sounded great and agreed it had a better dance beat than Raffi.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Self Soothing

(from Ro) Now that Radha has passed the three month mark, she's showing more signs of independence. She's not objecting to the crib as much for daytime naps, which hopefully means our crib training for nighttime won't be too hard.  She's been able to stay on her own for two hours in the crib, even when she's not fully asleep the entire time.  One of the big reasons for this is that she's discovered her thumb!  It's amazing what a difference it has made in her fussing and sleeping habits.  Sometimes we have to even remind her that there's no milk in her thumb during feeding times!  And interestingly, she keeps going for the left thumb, so we may have a southpaw on our hands.  Her classic soothing position when she's lying on her back is to roll on to her left side, insert thumb into mouth, and put her right hand on her head. Though as the picture shows, having a toy in the other hand works too! 



Saturday, August 2, 2008

Congratulations Rishi and Sonia!



(from Ro)  My cousin Rishi from Toronto was married today to Sonia. Unfortunately we couldn't be there since we're not quite ready for plane travel with a little one yet. Rishi is only 11 months younger than me, so we've been like brothers from a young age.  In Indian culture, your Dad's brother is your Chacha, and his wife is called Chachi. So welcome to the family Sonia Chachi!



PS - These pictures were from a photoshoot we did to try and capture Radha on our infamous basement couch.  There are pictures of me at that age on the exact same couch.  we always said we would try and re-create my baby picture on the same couch 30 some years later, and then finally get rid of it!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Three month progress report

(from Ro)   Terri has been doing most of the updates lately, I guess it's time for a report from Dad!  After a month of so of my work leave, I've been able to spend lots of time with Radha while Terri works.  Of course, I'm an objective source when I say she's an amazing kid!  In the last few weeks, she's become very aware of the world, and is "talking" pretty constantly.  As the last update shows, she's a big smiler, especially when I'm twirling her around.  Her head control is almost all of the way there, which allows her to lift up during tummy time (see the picture), and she can mostly keep her head still when we prop her up in the sitting position.  Just three days ago, I started playing the airplane game with her, when I hold her up in mid air above me supporting her under her arms.  She loves that one, but it's a dangerous game for Dad cause the drool starts flying!
  



I also had to put this next picture up since it shows Radha's first time wearing shoes.  Robeez are my only brand name addiction for her.  Those dinosaurs are just too awesome!



Things are going well with my tasks for the break.  We've picked a child care provider for the two days a week that Terri will be working, and my Mom will be helping out on Mondays.  And, our big house project for the summer was finished this week.  Thanks to the City of Portland, we (by we I mean our hired contractors) had to replace our sewer line, even though the old one was fine.  At least it's done!  Landscaping will have to wait until next year ...