The Rat Race

It has been a very busy two weeks since I went back to work. I have been trying to balance work and teaching with being a Mom to Grace. Todd and I definitely have a great routine down and could not manage without it. Grace is doing quite well at childcare and it has not been as hard as I thought getting back in the classroom, which was a pleasant surprise. I value the time in the late afternoon that I have with Grace even more than I did when I was not at work.

Grace has been eating up a storm, and has tried so many veggies already- peas, green beans, zucchini, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and carrots! Today we introduced her first fruit, apples, and she was a little unsure what to think of them. This has been the case with most foods the first few times she eats them. She remains cautious, but will always open her mouth big for the next bite. I think that is indicative to her personality. And great news, she has come to like her peas. I am glad we were persistent.

Here are some photos that we took the last few weeks:

I caught Todd and Grace catching an afernoon nap last Sunday.

Grace loves her carrots!

She always clasps her hands when she eats which is rather cute.

Here's Grace in her cute outfit that Aunt Elena & Uncle Brent bought her along with an adorable headband Anita Paez made her.

We went to San Jose last Sunday to meet Magnolia for the 1st time. She's so tiny and perfect and has the most expressive eyebrows.

Here are the Dads trading babies.

A glowing new mommy Rachel and Grace

Todd forgetting how small newborns are!

Adrienne & Noli

Isabella's Flat Stanley came for a visit last weekend. Here he is catching a few Zs with Grace!

Grace was a little upset because we found Stanley having a blast in her entertainer!

Grace loves baby bath time with all of her bathtime pals!

Cindy & Gerrett came to visit yesterday. I think Grace found herself a new boyfriend.

Right after my afternoon nap, I was ready to play.....

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As you saw in a previous post, Grace does not care for peas. We keep giving them to her every few days, and she really is a good sport. She never refuses to eat them, but you can always see it in her face.

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This is why they call me Bam Bam!

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Daddy & Me Day

It is very sad this week, because Mommy had to go back to work. =( She has adjusted to it really well though!

But the good thing is that I really like my daycare. I take the best naps there in my own cozy nap room, with real sunshades!

And I get to have Mondays as a Daddy & Me day. We had the best time. Here's a video of me being silly (as usual!).

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Almost 6 months

Grace had her 6 month doctors appointment on Tuesday.... Here are her stats:
14 pounds 10 ounces (25th percentile)
25.75 inches (80th percentile)
head circumference is in the 75th percentile (she's got a big one!)
The doctor was a little concerned because she dropped off in her weight. This is probably due to her becoming more active and needing more foods. We'll see what happens in a few months.

We started Grace in childcare on Monday. Grace handled the day much better than Todd, however. He was quiet, his stomach hurt and he kept asking if we could call and check in her (so much for our fun day without the baby)! She has adjusted wonderfully there- napping longer than at home, eating well and enjoying Isabel and the other boys. I went into work on Thursday and Friday and I have to admit it was really hard and stressful. It is difficult to come back to the classroom after being gone for 6 months. This adjustment has also been difficult as I am really going to miss her! It is so fun to get to spend every day with your little baby. I know it will be fine, but I still feel really sad about it.

Grace on right before we left for childcare on Monday

Gracie with her cute red cheeks

Grace waking up after a nap

Gracie right before a bath

Not a Fan

We have been busy making and freezing organic baby food for Grace the last week! It is super easy to do and so much more cost effective than commercial baby food. It was recommended to start Grace with vegetables before fruits as often times babies won't like the subtle flavors of the veggies if they taste sweet fruits first. Makes sense, and we went for the green veggies which were recommended by our Pediatrician. We started her with peas in the beginning of the week and green beans today. Since green beans have high amounts of nitrates, we have to buy them commercially (as they test the foods for nitrates) until she is 8 months.

Here are some pictures that capture how Grace felt about them:

First bites of Peas

First bites of Green Beans

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