Five Months

Everyone tells you just how fast children grow up. I think it took to month 5 for me to really understand this after I tried unsuccessfully to stuff T into one of my favorite outfits. What also has gone by really fast has been my maternity leave and trying to pack in as much quality T time as I can before I returned to work.

Here T is being her curious little self. She loves playing with her toys, looking in the mirror, smiling and hugs. She especially likes to grab my bright blue water cup and tries to put her mouth on the plastic straw. 

Making new friends-This young sir is almost exactly 3 months older than Tala. Yet they weight the same. Occasionally I fear that Tala will forever be the little mascot who gets picked last for the team during PE class. But we love Dylan and look forward to future play dates with him & his mom.

Virginia took some time off from writing her dissertation to meet up with us at Willard Park in Berkeley for some relaxation in the sun. Sophie came and found Tala utterly disappointing and boorish after she took a snooze on the blanket.   

Talk about head control. And talk about getting distracted. Probably the number one sound that distracts T from anything is GK's voice, even when she's eating. If she hears him she'll jerk away with milk running down her chin to see where he is. T gets stronger and stronger every day.

"Wait-you mean I'm supposed to sleep in these thing by myself???"-during a recent trip to Babies R' Us. No we haven't bought her a crib yet and yes we're still cosleeping. Attachment parenting by default.

Watching everyone's favorite variety show "Wow Wow Weeee" with Lolo Rudy in Vallejo. T studies dance moves and lately has been practicing her high pitched squeals channeling her inner Mariah. 

Sadly this was the first time in 5 years that I did not run the 199-mile California Relay due to the Barbarian spawn but we were with the team in spirit. 

T begrudgingly taking a bottle as she realizes that I will return to work shortly. We had some challenges as I prepared to go back to work but she eventually got over herself and whatever strong feelings she had towards the bottle. I actually thought she would be a little more stubborn so hopefully this is a sign of her personality to come because the kid only lasted about 3 hours before she gave in.

And one of my favorite pics that just says it all at five months. The truth is-yes, she is really pretty much that happy all of the time these days and probably the most adorable baby that you ever laid eyes on. 

Ferry Trip to San Francisco-April 29, 2014

In anticipation of returning to work I told GK I wanted to take the ferry from Jack London Square to the Ferry Building and have lunch at the very vegan friendly Plant Cafe. I dressed T in her nautical attire for her first boat ride but the weather was unusually warm that she didn't even need her jacket with the little white anchors on it. I know-first world baby problems. We spent the trip to SF on the back of the ferry chatting with other commuters.

Here's T holding onto me for dear life as we pass the infamous cranes in Oakland.

And under the Bay Bridge we go. Beautifully clear day as we approach the Ferry Building.

I thought for a quick second I might be able to get T to nap on the ferry but she was way too excited to cooperate.

We sat outsude at Plant Cafe and I had what is probably the best veggie burger-they make it with beets so it has this great deep pink color. My burger came with kraut, avocado, and veggie aioli sauce. That's carrot, beet, & ginger juice in the back. Happily stuffed we decided to take T on a little stroll before heading back to Oaklnd.

We rolled T along the public pier on the Embarcadero soaking in the sun. T finally decided it was time to take a nap but that only lasted until we got on the ferry.

Since she appeared to have a second wind and one can never start happy hour too early, T decided to ditch her pants and join us at the Last Chance Saloon in Jack London Square for a beer. T opted for breastmilk which she promptly spit up all over my black dress. Here she is above being kind to GK.

A great way to spend the last day of my maternity leave!