Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Last weekend I ate Crazy Bread from Little Ceasar's pizza.  A few hours later, while asleep for the night, I woke up sick to my stomach.  I immediately tasted the culprit: Crazy Bread.  For the next twelve hours, I was unable to keep much of anything in my stomach, and I felt best when I refrained from eating, drinking, and moving.  This lack of activity and energy, however, was difficult because Chris was out of town and I was the sole caretaker of a wiggly six-month-old baby.

Thankfully, God sent supportive friends named Heidi and Stella to my aid.  Heidi brought me some stomach settling Sprite and rehydrating Gatorade.  A couple hours later, Stella came over to watch Katy while I slept.  I am beyond blessed to have Heidi and Stella as friends.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, Heidi and Stella for your kind acts.  It was so very helpful, and means so much to me. 

Cowabunga!

Chick-Fil-A recently offered free dinner to anyone who came to one of their restaurants dressed like a cow.  My dad thought this was funny because he didn't know anyone who owned a cow costume.  Silly dad.  Your granddaughter has a cow costume, and she looks pretty cute in it.

The free dinner was only for people wearing a cow costume, so naturally Katy ordered her mom's favorite: a number one with no pickles, waffle fries, and a diet lemonade.  Upon ordering a diet lemonade, the employee taking Katy's order asked Katy if she was watching her baby weight.  Very cheeky.  

GC 2015

In July, Chris, Katy, and I went to our first General Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.  It was like going to the Disney World version of church - feeling exhausted and excited at the same time due to thousands of people, a lot of walking, and too much to see.

Chris' meal on the way to GC. It was very
un-Adventist.

The exhibit halls surpassed my expectations in both size and quality.  There were so many booths and so many old friends wondering through the space that it became overwhelming.

Part of one of 3 exhibit halls.  

It was very cool to be in such a large city surrounded by so many fellow Adventists.  The Adventists were everywhere.  There were so many Adventists that some coworkers of mine who also traveled to San Antonio while GC was taking place noticed the lack of hotel rooms and the crowds of well-dressed people all over the place.

One of the Alamodome meetings.  Lots of people!

The sense of belonging among the crowds was most impressive after evening and Sabbath services, when a seemingly never-ending stream of people filled the closed streets between the Alamodome and the convention center.  I have never seen such a large, orderly movement of people in the middle of a busy city.  

Standing in the constant stream of Adventists Friday evening.

Of course, the result of thousands of Adventists from around the world overtaking downtown San Antonio was comical at times as well.  It was funny to see so many people in church clothes among the summer tourists, especially considering the summer heat.  I saw several foreigners walking around in suits and oversized cowboy hats, perhaps thinking that their Texas souvenirs helped them blend in.  On Friday afternoon, I saw a group from Africa attempt to prepay for their lunch at a restaurant the following Saturday.  The poor girl at the front kiosk had a difficult time explaining why this arrangement was not possible.   Also on Friday, Chris went shopping at a downtown department store for some dress clothes.  The store was ridiculously crowded with other Adventists.  When Chris asked a sales person about the crowds, the sales person said it started when "they arrived."   On the final evening of meetings, I saw a group of people standing in the Alamodome chatting next the scooter parking area.  One of the ladies had draped her sweater over the edge of the "scooter parking" sign so as to cover the "s" in "scooter parking."  Unfortunately, the group standing next to to the sign was comprised entirely of women.

Heather shared a women's ordination button with Katy.

With all the crowds, Chris and I were happy to get away for a while and spend some time at my cousin Matt's house.  It was a nice break from GC.

At Matt's pool. 

With Matt and Harry.

Katy tries the timeout chair at Matt's house.

Timeout is funny.

Katy did fabulously well with the changes in her routine while we were at GC and even slept all night in her travel crib, which prompted me to start using her crib at home as well.  For a baby who started out sleeping in bed with mom, I am very proud of her relatively short transition to sleeping through the night in her own bed.  She's a keeper.

We ran into Brian!

With some Scenic Hills Pathfinders.

One of our favorite families.

We're Still Alive

I last blogged on May 17.  Three days later, my maternity leave ended.  These dates are not coincidence.  Time moves at a record setting pace when two working professionals attempt to balance demanding jobs, caring for a baby, maintaining a home, and spending time with each other.   I am not sure how much longer we will maintain this pace but for now, here's a run-down on Life as a Sias three-months post-maternity leave.

1.  Katy is adorably wonderful and beautiful, and I love being her mom.  

2.  I've breastfed Katy for six months, and I have a freezer full of milk to spare. While I was pregnant, I naively assumed breastfeeding was something babies and moms know how to do.   Much to my discouragement, Katy entered the world on a sleepy hunger strike, and I was tired, weepy, and unused to so many people seeing my exposed chest.  The conditions post-birth were less than ideal for teaching something new to a tiny human incapable of communication or reason, much less learning something new myself.  After four long days at the hospital, the pediatrician finally let us take Katy home, but not without one final condescending, "Are you sure you can do this?"  Within a couple of days at home, however, Katy and I started making positive progress.  Fast forward six months and I can proudly say that Katy hasn't tasted formula since she was eight days old.  The ten pounds she has gained since birth?  That was all me. Take that hospital pediatrician.  

3. Katy has two teeth.  The first tooth came in while we were traveling.  The teething fussiness that so many parents lament consisted of one brief episode of screaming/crying as I was getting Katy ready for bed.  She slept all night, and the next day she had a little tooth protruding through her lower gums.  I recall thinking to myself proudly, "this teething business is not so bad after all."  Never say to yourself, "this teething business is not so bad after all," even if only in your head.  If you do make the mistake of such cavalier, ungracious statements, stock up on infant tylenol immediately.  You will pay for your mistake when the next tooth comes. 

4.  Katy rolled over for the first time about a month ago.  I encouraged her to repeat the trick.  Now I beg her to stay on her back while I attempt to change her diaper.  The girl loves to be on her tummy and sometimes she succeeds at lifting her tiny torso up on her wobbly arms and knees.  Based on prior experience, I know that I will regret encouraging this new trick, but I can't stop myself from getting excited.    

5.  After Katy was born, Doug was demoted to the role of a dog.  This was tough for him, as evidenced by unusually clingy behavior.  When I returned to work, our friend Rachella and her son Leonardo started staying at the house with Katy.  It was at this time that Doug was further demoted to the role of an outside dog during the day.  He has retaliated by spending his day in constant pursuit of the lizards living in the flower beds.  The neglected plants will never be the same.  

Katy is waking up from her nap, so I will have to postpone the rest of my thoughts for later.  For now, enjoy some pictures of my KatyGirl. 

Katy in her jumper.  It's large and plastic, but
she likes it.

Like I said, Katy is adorably wonderful and beautiful.

This girl loves to be on her tummy.

Bath Time

Right now, bath time is my favorite time with Katy.  No longer bombarded by the noisy distractions of the day, I sit by the side of the tub in a quiet bathroom and gently pour warm water over Katy's tiny body.  My undivided attention coupled with the soothing water make Katy calm and happy.  To top it off, Katy is stripped down to nothing but her beautiful, soft, and wrinkle-free skin.  During bath time, Katy is nothing but pure, sweet baby, and I love it.

Parenthood and Sleep

Last night as Chris and I were going to bed:

Me (in my head): "I hope Katy doesn't wake up at 4:30 again.  Please sleep until 6:00, Katy."

Chris (out loud): "I'm going to sleep until 9:00 tomorrow."

Me (in my head): "So cocky."

Delicious Naps Continued

Mmmm, chest hair naps with Uncle Casey.

Four Generations of Women

Katy met her great grandma for the first time this month.  I attempted to take a nice generational photograph to commemorate the meeting.

My mom is skeptical as she attempts to soothe Katy.
Meanwhile, Mimi gives Katy a mischievous glance.

Katy's crying intensifies and Mimi appears to be unaware of
the camera.  Obviously, I find this hilarious. 

Katy continues to fuss despite the new seating arrangements.
At least my mom and mimi and are enjoying themselves.

Forget the picture!  Hurry, calm the screaming baby!

A final attempt an hour later.  No one is crying, squinting,
or looking mischievous.  That's good enough for me.

Related Post: four generations before Katy was born, with my grandmimi.

Baby Cat Calls

This week I took Katy for a walk in our neighborhood using my baby carrier.  After strapping Katy to my frontside, I put on a lightweight jacket in an attempt to hide my leggings.  The jacket did little to cover the tightness of my pants, but it did hide the straps of the baby carrier on my back.  Being too lazy to change into more appropriate pants, Katy and I left the house.  After walking for a few minutes, I heard someone yelling, "hey baby" from behind.  I turned my head just in time to see a car driving in my direction. There was a kid in his late teens or early 20's with his head out the passenger window staring at me and making kissing noises in my direction. As the car passed me, however, the cat calls stopped when the baby strapped to the front of my chest became visible to the vehicle and its passengers.  I guess the gawking kid was interested in tight leggings but not so interested in a mom or a baby.        

Is She Talking?

This week at Katy's two month check up with her pediatrician, the nurse was questioning me about Katy's development.  After a couple of questions about sound reflexes, the nurse asked, "Is she talking?"  I wanted to answer by saying, "Yes, but her opinions on the situation in the middle east are quite immature."  I was good, however, and simply responded by stating that yes, Katy is making cooing noises.  

Beautiful Baby Katy

Eight days old is a lovely time for pictures - so soft and cuddly that no one minds if you pee and poop on them during the photography session.  All photo credits go to the talented Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios.

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

Nichole Alvarado of Dulce Baby Portrait Studios

More pictures of Katy at Dulce Baby Portrait Studios.

Texas Names

Before Katy was born, Chris and I heard a radio segment by W.F. Strong titled "Baby Names," one of several segments in a series called "Stories From Texas." The segment discussed baby names based on Texas cities and counties.  Chris and I loved the idea. We were both born in Texas and have lived here all or most of our lives.  We went to college in Texas, we met in Texas, and we were married in Texas.  Life as a Sias started in north Texas, and we have since lived in West Texas, Central Texas, and South Texas.  Texas has been so good to us and we love this state!  After hearing the radio segment, we decided to name our baby after a place in Texas.

Chris and I also wanted our baby to have a name that began with the same phonetic sound as our names.  We read the "C" and "K" section of alphabetical listings of Texas cities and counties a few times and setttled on Carson for a boy and Katy for a girl.  

While I was pregnant, Chris and I referred to Katy as Carson.  We did not know her gender and I suspected I was carrying a girl, but we still referred to her as Carson.  When I finally gave birth, Chris had the privilege of announcing the gender.  While the doctor transitioned Katy to my chest  following the birth, Chris gave Katy a quick look, was surprised to see that Carson was actually Katy, and proudly announced, "Meet baby Katy."

That's how Katy got her name, and we haven't called her Carson since.    

Delicious Naps

Eight Weeks and Counting

Katy is eight weeks old today.  Her accomplishments so far include her first bath, her first visit to church, and meeting both sets of her grandparents.  She loves to kick her legs and look at faces when she is awake, she makes the cutest cooing noises and tiny smiles, and she recently discovered the joys of a playmat.

First trip to church.  She was so bored she slept the
whole time.

First bath took place in the kitchen sink.

Meeting Grandma and Papo for the first time.

Meeting Gigi and Pops for the first time.

Because Katy has limited means of communication, her body language is especially interesting.    Sometimes when someone is moving or shifting her, she will narrow her eyes, furrow her eyebrows, and stick her hand up with her palm out, as if to say, "Wait."  Often when she first begins eating, she will close her eyes, raise her eyebrows, and tilt her head back slightly as if she has discovered something wonderful for the very first time.  If she is particularly fussy when she begins eating, she will try to fuss and eat at the same time, resulting in funny, rhythmic grunting noises.  When her tummy is full or near full, she sometimes lets out a grin and soft sigh.  Most of the time, however, Katy looks pretty serious when she is awake.  I often wonder if her serious faces are simply the by product of an overwhelming task - absorbing a new world - or if they are indicative of something bigger - her emerging personality.

Wait.

Silly faces.

Serious face.

Looking serious again.

One amazing thing about Katy is her lack of fear.  She is helpless and completely dependent on others to care for her.  Despite this, she is so beautifully innocent that she has no reason to fear others will take advantage of her helplessness or hurt her, even when someone new is holding her for the first time.  Her trust is limitless.  It is no wonder the bible says,

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kindgdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Luke 18:15-17.

Happy Katy.

Feed Me

Just a few days after Chris and I brought Katy home, she was sleeping in her swing in the living room with the baby monitor resting in her lap.  Chris was in the living room with Katy, and I was in the bedroom.  I noticed the other end of the baby monitor on the dresser and decided to have a little fun with Chris.  I picked up the baby monitor, pressed the talk button, and slowly said, "Feed me," in  a quiet, shaky, high-pitched voice.  At first I thought Chris didn't hear me, so I repeated my line.  That's when I heard Chris' confused and somewhat scared response.  Turns out Chris did hear me the fist time; he didn't respond because he was afraid his daughter was possessed.   

Baby gear can be fun.

Silly Katy Girl

Yesterday I was changing Katy's diaper when she made me laugh for the first time.  She was awake but contently staring at a banner on the wall above her changing pad when she suddenly began crying loudly as if in immense pain.  As I searched for the cause of the pain, the crying became screams interrupted by brief gasps for air.  Then I found it.  Katy had grabbed a fistful of her own hair and  began pulling on it when her wiry arms began moving in their normal, uncontrollable fashion.  The pain caused by the uncontrollable movement of her arms caused her to cry, which caused her arms to flail more uncontrollably, which caused her to pull her fistful of hair harder, which caused her to scream louder, which caused her arms to flail even more, which caused a quickly escalating, unknowing, self-inflicted cycle of pain, crying, and screaming.  Not until I pried the ball of hair out of Katy's tightly clenched fist did she relax and resume staring at the wall. 

Life is rough when you can't control your own arms or understand how to stop hurting yourself.   

Hot Air Balloon Nursery

Chris and I finished Baby's K's room the evening I went into labor.  I remember lying in the bath tub while my uterus contracted, listening to Chris hang book shelves in Baby K's room.  Luckily, Baby K could care less that we finished the room at the last minute.  In fact, she doesn't seem to appreciate the yellow, grey, and white color scheme or the hot air balloon theme nearly as much as I do.  I guess that much was to be expected.

A panoramic view.

Wreath on the door to her room.

One of Chris' favorites.

A very close family friend made the organizer on the wall.

Doug would love to get his teeth on the
rubber duck.

If I can't have an Eames rocker, I'll settle for tiny Eames
elephants.

Chris found the awesome dresser, and I splurged
on the chair.  I spend a lot of time in this chair!  

Balloons made from paper lanterns.

A baby bowl I used when I was a baby serves
as a catchall next to my nursing chair.

Can't have too many books!

My dad refinished the cradle, and Chris painted the

book shelves.

DIY rag banner turned out so cute!

I made the mobile, and my mom made the
blanket on the cradle.

My mom and I sewed the curtains.

I love goats, so naturally I love this hamper!

Tiny baby clothes are sooo cute!

Baby K is only two weeks old and already she has been showered with several pink gifts.  At this rate, it's only a matter of time before the girly pinks overtake the room.