Maya's First Haircut

Yesterday Maya had her first haircut. It was quite the experience with pomp and circumstance. We got to Lollicut in Tarzana at noon, just in time for her appointment. Maya had slept on the ride over, so she was slightly subdued. She had her entourage in tour, both grandmothers, grandpa Sal, and I, all toting cameras. It was like she had the paparazzi following her. Glauria was her stylist and she was so sweet to indulge our three-ringed circus. I was first to sit in the chair, and after I was covered in plastic, Maya sat on my lap. Her hair was spritzed with cool water, then the cutting began. I was not sure what to expect, but my little girl was her happy old self. She sat still while Glauria snipped around her ears and at the nape of her neck. There were probably about ten strands snipped because Glauria had been given clear instructions by Maya's Daddy, not to "go crazy with the scissors", or he would come after her. After her haircut, Maya's hair was tied into a little coconut tree, and some ribbons (matching her outfit, nonetheless) were tied to it. She received a certificate graduating her from the ranks of the uncut and we got an envelope with some of her hair to remind us of this special day. After a few more photographs, and yes, rolling video, we were on our way.

Mummy and Me Time

Maya and I got a chance to enjoy the break in the rain this morning. It was a crisp, cool, sunny, California day and we headed out to Calabasas. Our first stop was the Babies 'r Us where we picked up a couple of goodies. Maya is quite the little traveler and as a result is a frequent house guest, so we picked up a Pack 'n Play that allows her to take a nap at any house we visit. We also picked up some teething toys and yet another batch of silicon nipples. For some reason, we seem to loose these clear nipples at the rate of one a day.
After Babies 'r Us, we sauntered over to the Calabasas Commons. It was tough to decide on what to have for lunch, but we finally settled on tacos at La Salsa. We found a sunny spot near the water fountain and ate our lunch there. Off in the distance, we could see the snow covered mountains...they were beautiful. The sky started clouding over, so before it go too cold, we packed our stuff and walked back to the car; however, not before we got our picture taken. On our way back, Barnes and Noble kept beckoning us. We walked in to take a look at the children's section and saw that there were cozy spots where parents could read to their kids. After browsing the shelves, we decided that it was time to head home.
What a great day we had, the two of us, and we look forward to our next adventure.

The Quarter Year Mark

My Dearest Maya Rose:
Today you have turned three months and so much has happened since I last wrote you. I am now back a work full time and miss you terribly, but when I get home, you recognize me as your Mummy, or at least as someone special, and I feel so loved. You are full of giggles and laughs, and when you have a story to tell, you can gurgle for hours. It is amazing how you go from screaming bloody murder to smiling in seconds, and when you cry, there are such huge tears that well up in your eyes. Your bottom lip has begun to pout when you are upset, and I think that you have discovered how much this makes Mummy sad.
We took you to the doctor today and your stats are great. Your neck muscles and back muscles are strong - thanks to Gramma Betty's tummy time diligence. You are now 12lbs 4oz and 23.5 inches long. Your hair is falling off a bit and your hairline is receding, but Dr. Glenn said that this was normal. It still breaks my heart when you get your monthly shots, but this time, Daddy was kind enough to comfort you while the nurse poked you. You were a brave little girl and did not cry too much. Your teeth are beginning to come through and although you feel some pain, you have been very tolerant of the owies. Formula is still your meal of choice, but Daddy and I have been sneaking in little tastes of teriyaki, curry, whipped cream, chocolate, veggie soup, beef stew, and a few other goodies.
It is so much fun having you around. We have our morning time together before Daddy wakes up and you gurgle and coo as I empty the dishwasher and get dinner ready. Our feeding times are still special, but they are getting shorter because you do your business and are ready to head back to bed. Reading to you is more fun now because you look at the book and seem attentive. I can't wait until you understand the story.
Well, my little Bonkuli, lots of good times ahead...lots of rainy days indoors watching old movies, sunny days outside taking long walks, trips to all the local children's hangout outs, shopping for shoes at the mall, and by God, I will get you on a carousel while you are awake...trust me, they are lots of fun.
I love you and as I write this, am glad that you are laying down and relaxing so that I can take a longed-for shower.
Love xoxoxoxox
Mum the Bum!

My Dearest Maya:
Howdu Bonku? That has been my greeting to you for the last couple of weeks. What a holiday season you have had. I am thrilled to know that some of your first memories will be of Christmas. You were definitely blessed this Christmas, spiritually and with goodies. I think that our morning prayer song has worked since you are keeping healthy, are growing strong, and more beautiful than ever. You are still a sweet little girl with the angel face.
Some new things have happened though...you have developed tears. This is something that I am sure God created so that you could tug at your Mom's heartstrings. Wailing and wailing to the point of coughing is another development. It's interesting how you will cry and cry as if the world has come to an end, but as soon as you see your Mom coming to pick you up, it all comes to an end, and the biggest smile lights up your face.
I now definitely know your patterns of eating, sleeping, and pooping. You are strongly opposed to being left in a wet diaper, and when you are hungry, the earth stops turning and milk is heated. I love the way you have begun to chatter in this cute kitten-like voice. You are quite the chatterbox and eventhough you chose the wee hours of the morning to chat, I still love conversing with you. It seems as if we have our little language and we understand each other perfectly. We are slowly developing our traditions of reading in the morning and when I go back to work on Monday, I will ask Grammy B. to follow up on that. You also are responding to lots of other things - you love the rattle on your cradle and you like your little dolly.
Your eyes are now a dark gray and your hair is still dark brown. Your eyebrows are coming in and they too will be dark. As for your hair, well that's a whole other story. It has no rhyme or reason to the way it sets...after a bath you look like Leonard Bernstein, and then five minutes later it's a straight mess. Well, that will be our common bond...great hair that does nothing much.
Well, I'm off to put away the last of the Christmas presents that Santa brought us. Take care Nosie Gosie...you're headed toward the three month mark in strong shape.
Love,
Mom

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2008

To all our friends and family around the world - may 2008 bring you good health, happiness, peace, and love.

Christmas in Pictures

Shamai and Shapai

Uncle Marlon and Me
After my Christmas bath I wore a onesie that said, "#1 on Santa's List"

Shamai makes me laugh

Padrinho Loris and Madrinha Roopali

Cousin Ryan tickling me

Daddy is giving me some sustinance so that I can party on!

Shamai and Mummy

Mummy and Daddy

Shapai and Me on Christmas Day

Shammy, Shappy, and Me

Grammy B. and Mummy...they are wiped out!

Maya's First Christmas

Maya's Christmas celebration began on Christmas Eve when she went to Shapai and Shamai's home for dinner. The house was beautifully decorated with a tree, ornaments, and lots of Christmas knick knacks. When we walked in we got the aroma of Shamai's roast. After some appetizers, we sat down for dinner and then got ready to open our presents. Maya was in her usual form, asleep in her car seat. We gathered around the tree and opened the wealth of presents that Santa had brought us. Shapai, Shamai, and Marlon seemed to really like the presents Maya got them. Later on that night, we went for midnight mass at Our Lady of the Valley. Maya looked beautiful in her red dress and red shoes. We had to wake her up to get them on, but after dressing and feeding her, her happy disposition resurfaced. The whole family came to church for the midnight mass and Maya was so well behaved. Despite the incense, loud music, and long sermon, she slept through the entire mass. After midnight mass, it was off to sleepy time so that we could be up early Christmas morning to head over to Grandma and Grandpa Smith's for the opening of presents.
After about three hours of sleep, we woke up excited on Christmas morning and after feeding Maya, we headed over to Grandma's house. The Santa Ana winds were hurricane strength and it made it very difficult for Brad and I to carry all the presents over. Maya's cup runneth over on Christmas morning as Santa had dropped presents covering the entire surface of the living room. After opening presents, we got ready for Christmas dinner. The turkey went into the oven, the living room was cleaned out, the potatoes were peeled, and the casseroles were baked (all except my cornbread casserole...or should I say soup). All of Brad's and my family got together and the Smith's home was filled with about 40 uncles, aunts, and cousins. Maya was passed around from auntie to auntie and loved being the center of attention. After a hearty dinner, and lots of great desserts, we said goodbye to everybody, helped Grandma a bit and headed home...feet tired, backs aching, and happy as ever. Maya's first Christmas was surely one to remember.