A true-blue Nor Cal surfer girl!

Smiley Riley....



Before we get started, I want to share the video of Riley Isabella's first play date, with Ava Lauren and Chelsea Grace! Enjoy....



Riley had her first swimming lesson yesterday... and the verdict is... she LOVED it!! As soon as she hit the water, she started kicking and laughing. I'm so happy. She floated around on her back and her belly, she "jumped" in from sitting on the wall, and she actually dipped her face in (with my assistance, of course)! She was so happy, and we can't wait to go back next week. Met a few nice couples too, with 7-month old girls. I'm diggin' this social-baby life. I think next week I'll go to a stroller group that Russell found online for me.

I took some photos, but they're on a disposable underwater camera. I'll take more next week then get them developed.

She's getting better at sleeping on her tummy... less startled when she wakes up that way. But she's still a mover and shaker in the night. We find great joy in checking on her, just to see what position she's wound up in!



Russell had to work today. He worked late last nite, too. He's feeling good again at work (yay!), and has a big presentation on Monday. So, Riley and I went to the mall. I bought my new sneakers, and I'm psyched. They are so comfy, I don't want to take them off! I can't wait to go for a big walk in them. It's raining today.

Look at this hair! It's getting long... we were outside the other day, and the wind was blowing it up into the air!



The avocado didn't go over so well... she kinda hated it. I'm surprised. We'll try again next week. I got her a butternut squash, plums, and a cantaloupe. Hope she likes them!

Got some great new photos of Riley's Toronto cousins, Charlie and Quinn. Check out these cutie-pies!





Can't wait to see them in April! Happy BIG 3-0 Lindsay! xoxo

Moving right along...

Riley and I rode the Muni with dad this morning to go pick up the car again, this time with new brakes. We're almost done... a tune-up with some new parts, and then that car will be like new! Whew... what a haul it's been. Today at Boulange, we ran into honorary-aunt Marci. How exciting... we haven't seen Marci in sooooooo long. You know, when you have a new baby, it's easy to forget how nice it is to spend time with your girlfriends. We vowed to keep in better touch with each other.

My feet have been terribly sore, so I had them looked at on Tuesday. Turns out, I have plantar fasciitis, and tightened tendons at my big toes. YUCK!! My feet are a mess! But the doctor recommended some sneakers with good support that I'm gonna run right out and buy.

BIG NEWS
She had a solid poo today! A little turd that rolled around, just like her! I'm so excited.



OTHER NEWS
Sleeping on the belly is becoming more comfy for her... she doesn't seem as bothered, or scared, by it. She slept thru the night for the last couple of nights!



My necklace is one of Riley's favorite things to play with. She's figured out that when it's inside my shirt, it's still there. A couple of times in the last few days, she's pulled the neck of my shirt out to get at it! I think that's a very exciting milestone.

We are going swimming! I found a heated pool with infant water acclimation classes, and Riley and I are going. The worst part of that is, I had to go buy a bathing suit! Yikes... that was a scary proposition. But I did it, and it will be worth it. I actually can't wait... I think we'll start on Friday.



Looks like she's becoming a little Mac fan. Good taste, Riley!



Her new fave: sweet potatoes mixed with zucchini. LOVES it. Tomorrow for dinner, we're going to let her have some avocado. I'm sure that will be a hit.

Loads of fun

We had a big weekend. Saturday we went for a big walk at Fort Mylie again... it was a lot harder for me this time. We took a route with many more stairs, and Riley weighs about 3 pounds more than last time (I carried her in the Bjorn). What great exercise! Here are a few photos of Fort Mylie:





Then Saturday nite, we went to Jodi and Michael Manning's house in Marin for dinner. It was fun! They threw some steaks on the grill, and we hung out with them and their two kids, 18 month-old Jillian, and 4 year-old Max. They are darling! Here's some fun from that evening:



Last nite I was getting Riley's bath ready. While I do that, Russell always undresses her and cleans her bum-bum. He carried her into the bathroom all naked, doing his usual silly song and dance, and as soon as he walked in the door, he surely changed his tune! I turned around and saw Riley laughing hysterically, to find that she peed all over him... from his belly to his knees, to his feet, and the floor. And she LOVED it! (so did I, but don't tell anyone)

Today is a national holiday, but of course, Russell's office was open. Big dummies.... he was supposed to have a family day! Riley and I went shopping and got him some real Jew food. He was very excited when he got home and saw the stash, and asked me if I had a Jew party! hehe... Kosher pickles, farfel, Israeli cous cous, rugelach... the works! (I found a great Kosher meat place by the veggie store, and had to splurge a little)



NEW STUFF
She loves sweet potatoes! Daddy got to feed them to her tonite.

Every time we go to get Riley out of her crib for the last couple of days, we've been finding her on her belly, just playing away! Her naps have been difficult since she's not accustomed to sleeping on her tummy. But... this morning, I went in to check on her napping, and found her sleeping on her belly! Yay! A new breakthrough.... maybe now she will get rid of that bald spot on the back of her head. hehehehehe

Firday and Saturday, there was no poop at all. I was starting to worry a little, but our friend Jodi said that's normal. She said that if it lasts 4 days, to call the doctor. Finally, on Sunday afternoon, Riley had a HUGE poop. Yay! We celebrated with loads of hugs and laughing.

She likes zucchini!

I'm having fun with her expanding palate for solid foods! The freezer looks great, with frozen little cubes of brightly colored food for Riley. I'll have to take a picture of it one of these days and share.

So this morning, Riley and I took the Muni back to Cole Valley to pick up our car. Here she is, ready for a little nap, on the Muni:


Before we picked up the car, we decided to have breakfast at one of our old haunts, the Boulange de Cole. I brought peaches and a bottle of water for Riley, and she enjoyed it while I ate my breakfast. It was fun!

And then, just as I was finishing up my coffee, I looked up to see a woman walking in with a baby I recognized... Ava, from Gymboree, three months ago!


I said hi, and they joined us. Oh my... Riley freaked out!! With a combination of being ready for her nap, being ready to get out of that scene, and being super-excited to see another baby, she became super-hyper and all-out crazy. I mean, she was screaming at the top of her lungs and trying to EAT Ava! We had to leave, and I made her apologize for her groping. We still hope to see Valerie and Ava again, and help Riley to direct that excited energy about other kids.





So she likes her zucchini, and today I made her a sweet potato. I was a dumb-ass, though, and I think it might be garbage. I made it in the food processor, forgetting that my food mill arrived today, and it might have become too starchy. I'll try it tomorrow before I give it to her.

OK. Off to enjoy The Village with dad. Oh, by the way, in a former blog, I mentioned that we were going to watch a "good" movie, 'The Marine'. It wasn't good. It was TERRIBLE. Don't ever watch it.

Happy heart day!

Riley learned something new this morning! She discovered that even when mommy has a blanket over her head, she's still under there! Boy, did we have fun with that one! Watch:



She's had a load of energy lately. Maybe because of the cereal and fruit! She won't really nap much anymore. I just wish she's sleep through the nite... She's still waking up at 12 and 5. I didn't get to ask the doctor about it, because she was rushed. Maybe I'll put in a phone call. Any suggestions from the peanut gallery?



Old Navy is having a huge sale. We went yesterday and Riley, of course, made out like a bandit. I'll take some pics after I wash everything. She's better dressed than I've ever been. Except for when I was in elementary and high school, and mom took me on a special clothes shopping trip every August. I was really well-dressed then. Thanks, mom and dad! I just don't do it anymore. Sweats are much more comfy... which I got a new pair of at Old Navy.

Russell was home from work today... his stomach was bothering him this morning. So he got to spend some quality time with the Belle while I went to the chiropractor. I love my chiropractor. Tonite, we went for sushi dinner for lovers. Riley, of course, was the center of attention.



NEW STUFF
Riley has figured out that when she doesn't want something, she can push it away from her. Like vitamins, a nose aspirator, a washcloth, whatever. She is very strong, too. I have to tie her down sometimes. Just kidding, but it's a thought!!



I figured out that while I'm feeding her and she arches her back and leans way back, she's looking in the mirror on the closet door! She's funny... and loves to look at herself.

I made an appointment with a podiatrist. My feet hurt. I also made a chiropractor appointment. My back hurts. And, I made an appointment to get the oil changed in the car. It's dirty. And that is all.

Oh, by the way, these are some of the photos we had taken for her 6 month birthday at the Picture People. They really do a nice job!

A big girl!

Riley was in a super mood all weekend. We spent a lot of time with daddy. We went to Chevy's for breakfast on Sunday. That was something new. Riley sat in a high chair for the first time! And, she got a little bit of avocado... she really seemed to like it! Guess that will be one of our first veggies...

They had gangster hour, of course... it's getting intense...





Scott Heiferman sent Riley the most unique onesie EVER made, even though Russell threatens me every time I bring it out. For those of you who know "The Swede", this is him, in drag, as the guest of honor at Russell's bachelor party. Don't ask... let's just say it was much better than a stripper! I sure get a kick out of the idea.



Florie did have her baby! We got the announcement in the mail yesterday. Beatrice Pearl Huppert. What an adorable name. And she's a total cutie, too (not surprising!). Once Florie sends a link to some photos, I'll share.

NEW STUFF
Riley LOVES peaches. And oatmeal. I might hold off on the fruit for a few days though, because she's been a little gassy. Not sure what's causing it, probably just solid food in general, changing her digestive system.

Gooey Poo! With all these solids, her poo is getting more like peanut butter! Sorry, is that a detail you didn't need? At least I didn't share a photo of it! : )

We're off to Old Navy today Grammy says they're having their huge yearly baby sale. Woo-hoo!!

Another check-up and other random stuff

We went for a check-up at the Ear-Nose-Throat doctor this morning. There's still fluid in her ears... such a bummer. The doctor wants me to watch her reactions to her ears, and come back in a month. She's not talking about tubes yet, since Riley's so young, and hoping that it drains on it's own.



OTHER NEWS
She takes her own diapers off. She likes to pull the velcro loose as soon as she has access to it.

Only a real daddy's girl likes to grab her crotch. And Riley does. I guess gangster hour pays off....

I caught her eating the BandAids that were covering her shots yesterday. Pulled them right off her legs and ate them. Tried to, anyhow, but I was quicker!

She loves all different kinds of fabric. She runs her hands across it over and over, and then uses her nails. It's as though she's listening to the different sounds they make, as well as feeling the different textures.

That's about it for today! I'll take some new pics this weekend.

Doc says all is well

Riley had her 6-month shots today. She cried and cried. I hate that! But all went well, and she's sleeping sound now. She weighed 17 pounds, and measured 26-1/2". Right on target... looks like she's about the 60th percentile. I think that translates to a little larger than average for her age. All else is looking great. Next shots in 3 months.

WHAT'S NEW
She's been laughing by blowing out her nose really hard while smiling ear-to-ear with squinted eyes. Super-cute.

She ate pears today. And really liked them. Here's to second chances! I bought her a sweet potato and oatmeal cereal today. Can't wait to try them.

She drank water out of a bottle! That's the first time ever, and I only gave it to her to play with in the doctor's office. But she really liked it... was very surprised at first, but drank it really well. Doctor said it's good to give her 4oz. of boiled tap water every day for her required flouride intake.

The big update...

OK, so I haven't blogged for 3 days. I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Geeez..... In a nutshell, here's what's been happening:

BIRTHDAY
Tuesday was Riley's 6-month birthday. Happy birthday, Riley! She had sushi (second-hand, of course), and got a new lucky cat from daddy. She loves the one in our living room, so Russell bought her her own for on her bookshelf. She stares at it and laughs out loud.

EATING
Sunday and Monday, I gave Riley pears and apples, respectively. They didn't go over so well. She made the biggest yucky-face I've ever seen, and left her mouth open so the food fell out. So funny. Needless to say, we'll wait a while before trying that again.

Yesterday, I gave her papaya. At first, she did the same thing as she did for the pears and apples. But then I thought, well, let's try it mixed with cereal, which she's used to. And she loved it! Today, I sneaked up on her, and between bites of cereal/papaya mixture, I gave her straight papaya. She swallowed it, and held her mouth open for more! Loved it... I figured out the trick!

BOUNCING
She goes in her bouncer a couple of times a day. Always fun to watch:



SLEEPING
She's still waking up at night, but now only once. We're going to the doctor tomorrow for her 6-month shots (yuck!!), so we'll ask about how to deal with that.

NUZZLING
OK. This is my favorite new thing. When Riley gets tired, she's started putting her head on my shoulder. Or, if we're looking in the same direction, she will rest her cheek on mine. Wow, what a feeling! I love the weight of her head on me, there's nothing like it. Makes me feel like she's comfy and secure. What more could a mommy want?

Other happenings:
Russell is still swimming, and loving it. He may be changing jobs... let's keep our fingers crossed!

I made barley and veggies tonite... first time I ever made (or maybe even ate) barley. It was pretty yummy. Kind of like a risotto, but healthier.

I booked out tickets for Passover in Toronto. Got an OK deal.

My friend Sera (in NY) is finally getting married. She's been dating the guy for about 10 years! Geez. Ladies' Club unite!! We have 3 weddings this summer. I'm gonna try to make it to them all..........

I heard Florie (my good friend and maid of honor) had a little girl. Haven't talked to her in a long time. Florie, are you out there? I miss you!

Trich moved back to NYC, and never even said goodbye!

What else? I think that's it... it's been a busy but quiet few days.

Busy, busy, busy!

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a few days. Here's something to hold you over, and I promise to give an update tomorrow!

Ding, dong, the rash is gone!

Mostly, anynow, and thank goodness... the aloe really worked wonders. Plus, she's spent a lot of time naked over the last few days. And I have to say, she's loved it! Guess we'll continue doing that to keep the rash away, and to keep the naked baby happy.





She woke up a lot last nite. Well, 11pm, 4am, 7am... she's driving me crazy with this! Perhaps it's time to start to "Ferberize" her. Or, maybe her eating solids will help her to sleep longer. We'll see....



This afternoon, we all went up to the Cliff House to watch the sunset. It was beautiful until we got there, then the sun went behind some clouds. And, it was really cold and windy. We left after about 15 minutes. Here is some not-so-exciting-but-Riley-looking-beautiful footage for you to enjoy:

Tiny Dancer

Well, looks like Riley has picked up my tap dancing skills already... she really has a way with her new bouncer! Took her a few seconds to figure out that she's the one controlling the bounce, but I think she caught on. Observe the fancy feet on this gal:





She's sitting up just about everywhere now. She doesn't realize that she can do it until I put her in the seated position. Then she gets really surprised and excited. It's a whole new perspective, wherever she is!



And we went to Target again today. Had to get a pair of new swim trunks for Russell. He's really enjoying swimming. Of course, Riley is very stylish in our adventures. It's so much more fun than dressing a baby doll!



Riley loves bananas, by the way. I gave her cereal tonight without bananas (first time in three meals), and she almost didn't eat it! I'm glad I did that, though, so she doesn't get spoiled by sweet tasted. I think pears will be next. Exciting!!!

The diaper rash is doing well. I've been putting aloe on it, and it's just about gone. Is it really possible to get that from teething? Interesting. The things you don't think of as being symptoms.... Speaking of symptoms, I'm just about ready to have shrimp again, to see if she's allergic to it, but I'm waiting till the diaper rash is gone. Can't add insult to injury for the little darling!