Exersaucing

Now that Radha has her head control she's been able to spend a lot of playtime in her "exersaucer".   

We were fortunate enough to get this item gently used from one of Ro's co-workers.   It's been especially nice to have a structure that supports her while she plays because she outgrew her bouncer chair last month. (The amount of clothes she has outgrown already is pretty staggering!)

Can you see the drool coming from her mouth in that picture?  Clearly, she's working really hard at spinning those colored cylinders...it takes a lot of focus and attention!  She likes the cylinders (which each make a different sound when spun) and the sun rattle the best.

Super Girl Attempts to Fly

squealing SuperGirl attempts to fly
Originally uploaded by MookieLuv

(from Terri)
Here's a quick video of the Super Girl from our day at the park last week, before Ro went back to work.

It was such a nice day with nothing but blue skies, I think Radha wanted to fly up into the sky, and boy was she excited about it! I love her squeals of delight.

Transition

(from Ro)  Well, it's been almost 12 weeks since I took my leave of absence, so it's time to get back to work.  That also means that Radha is going to start child care next week.  Luckily, with Terri's schedule and some help from my Mom, she will be going for only two days a week.  Still, it's definitely going to be a tough transition for all of us.  I'm going to miss my morning walks with Radha, and all of the unstructured time we've had together.  But on the other hand, now she's almost 5 months old, and I feel really good about where she's at developmentally.  Since I can't stay home until she's ready for preschool, now's a good a time as any to start her in child care.  We went to our child care facility yesterday, and had a nice time visiting with the director and Radha's "teacher".  And, we got to see one of Radha's friends (son of good friends of Terri and I), who will be in the same room as her.

This week, we also went to a slightly delayed 4 month check up.  She's doing great, and handled the vaccinations as well as can be expected.  For you statisticians out there, she's now 15lbs and 2 oz, and 26 inches tall.  She's ready for the next car seat already!

Happy Labor Day

  I

In honor of Labor Day here are a few recent pictures of Radha hard at work playing.

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.

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.

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.