BONK

One thing that I am certain that every new parent knows about is the unfortunate "bonking" that goes along with increased mobility. It is true, it makes sense that they bonk. It makes sense because they are learning how to crawl, walk, move freely - because this is not an inborn trait in humans. Sadly, it still feels awful to see your little sweet angel with a big fat black and blue goose-egg on her head. Worse still, when no one at day care can explain how it happened. Makes you want to keep them in a box and it even makes me understand those silly helmets. All this got me thinking about other animals who are born so much further along in development than human babies are. Colts, cows, cats, dogs - all born with the ability to walk - wobbly at first - but they learn quick - right? Babies are a whole other story - leaving parents very worried as they increase their mobility. I can't tell you how many times I've read online the symptoms of a concussion. Sometimes I even find myself imagining that her pupils are different sizes or that she looks like she might vomit... Judith Warner aptly called it - 'Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety" - once there was a day that babies were placed in their playpens and left except to be fed or changed. Me, personally, I am not so sure it's only about the age....

Here's a hiking picture of the whole family up at Runyon Canyon. (We tried to get the pups in the picture but it was too hard!) Lis Ana loves hiking and riding in her Baby Bjorn, but she is SO about to outgrow it! My back kills me now when I carry her in it - she weighed 21 lbs three weeks ago - and my guess is 23ish right now. The Bjorn says it goes to 25 lbs - but i am questioning that... She doesn't seem quite big enough for the back pack one that we inherited from Uncle Sten, Aunt Liz and Cousin Nina - she gets really upset when we put her in there. We may need to get an in between one that is more like a snugley one like the bjorn that goes on the back... She loves being outdoors though, and prefers to be in a carrier than in the stroller. She is such a snuggle-lover - she sleeps better snuggling with us - is happier close to us - and loves to snuggle and hug. Now that Lis Ana is a little older and little more independent I can update this blog more easily, so maybe I can actually upkeep it! It is so hard being a working mom, no time to do the extra stuff.....

That last picture, by the way, is of Lis and her very adorable best friend David on St Patrick's Day. We like to call him her boyfriend. At any rate, we have lots more where that came from and will make sure to keep the pictures coming! Lis had her first real time in the pool this weekend, I will put the pictures up as soon as possible!

Long time no blog

So it has been, well, several months since I have updated this. And I actually only even told one person that I was doing it, but she called me out on my flake-ness of not updating Lis' blog (a word I still feel slightly strange writing or saying). So, here I am, reviewing my previous posts which all seem like ancient history. Lis is now crawling (did so at 8 months, actually on her 8 month birthday) - and cruising like a crazy baby. She is SUPER mobile and into EVERYTHING. We are pretty convinced that she says "dog" and "duck." She seems eager to walk independently and can already walk holding onto a walker-thingy. She is more and more fun and mature everyday. In some ways, she is less work because she is more independent. However, she is more work because she is seriously into everything. And, like I am finding it true of most babies, really really into electronics, keys, cords, and generally anything that you don't want her to have. She is getting very willful and will very clearly tell you (with screaming) when she is dissatisfied. She is becoming SO LOVING and will hug and even kiss mommy and daddy. She loves the doggies and if she had her way she would pull on their ears and tails all day. She is a wonderful, sweet little being and it is such a joy to watch her grow. Since I have been SO BUSY with her and not written in so long (anyone who has ever had a baby will understand that!)... I will spackle this post with a barrage of pictures from the last five months.