My darling

This is how you admire the trees. I try my best to instill a sense of wonder about nature. After all, we are nature. Nature is us. I want you to appreciate the trees, clouds, Sky, sun, moon, dirt, mud,rain,wind,and anything else that Mother Nature offers us. I want you to know that there are lesson for us in nature if we are quiet enough to listen. 

Natural play

We live in a world where most people spend way too much time staring at screens. Children under the age of two spend just as much time playing with smart phones as their parents do. Our attention spans are diminishing as we as we click tap and prod away at our electronic devices. 

As I observed Aminah playing, I noticed something. No one toy kept her interest for too long. She picks up a toy, shakes it rattles it, pokes it, and within two minutes she's on to something else. This isn't too out of the ordinary, I don't expect her to focus on one task for too long. I noticed most of her toys are battery operated. This got me thinking. 

I don't want Aminah to grow up expecting everything she picks up to entertain her with flashing lights and mechanical voices. I want her toys to inspire her to think and create. 

I don't usually buy her toys that are electronic, however for her birthday that's the majority of the presents she received. Aminah loves to grab and use her tiny chubby little fingers to manipulate her environment. And so I shall oblige. I will start by getting her wooden toys and help her play with her stacking cups. 

I eventually need to create a designated okay space for her. Her childhood is so important to me. I want her to be a child   I want her to play, imagine, create and get messy :). 

 

Your Elias

Aminah, 

You are surrounded by people who love you. You are loved and wanted. 

One of the people who love you so much is your big cousin/brother Elias Mylo. 

Elias has a sparkle in his eye when he looks at you. 

There was one time where Elias you and I were sitting on the floor in the living room when I stepped away for a moment. In that moment you fell backwards and hurt your little head. Your cries filled the whole house. I felt guilty and awful. 

Now, whenever you sit on the floor, Elias tenderly grabs the nearest pillow and cautiously places it behind you. 

Happy BEarthday

Happy birthday, my love. 

You had a very special first birthday this year. 

We woke up together and sang happy birthday to you. We continued to sing happy birthday the whole day. When you wanted to hear it once more you started to clap and sing. 

I happily obliged. 

Our little family. We went to iHop for your celebratory break-fast. That whole day. I savored every moment of it. 

I made a cashew, date, strawberry frosting for the chocolate chip cake I baked. I put you in the beautiful black dress with the roses. To my surprise it still fit you. You looked so cute in it. 

We had a little photoshoot. I could tell you felt so special and loved. 

You blew out the trick candles. Afterwards you and I went to Van Cortland park. We walked the tracked and made our way to the playground. You enjoyed watching the runners make their way to their perspective finish lines. I did too. 

While swinging, I got a call from Masiel. Your great grandmother passed away. I broke down in tears and mourned for my sweet grandmother. 

I also cried because of your innocence. 

Carrot Crown, lemongrass bouquet

Spontaneity

Yesterday your titi, cousin Elias, you and I went on a surprise walk at Van Cortland park. 

It was spontaneous; a word I love to live. 

Since you were born my love, I've struggled to keep spontaneity in my life. After all, you love your schedules. You wake up around 7-9 go back to sleep at 10 and then stet to get sleepy at 5. I like to be at home or at Mamis so that you have a safe place to sleep. If I am not, I am typically wearing you so that you always have a safe place to sleep :) 

This is your second time in Van Cortland since you've been born. I want to take you to where the air is crisp and fresh as much as possible my love. I've waited all year for seasonable weather. Walking weather, hiking weather.  

Safe

Yesterday we had to spend yet another night at a hotel because our apartment smells like mildew. 

It's not safe for you, little one to inhale that. 

One upside of staying at the hotel (other than duh,staying at the hotel) was hoping in the pool for the first time with you. 

Angie and Elias tagged along too. We all had quality time together which makes my heart melt. Quality time is the most important to me. Otherwise how else will we get to enjoy each other and create new memories together ? 

Lamont taught Elias how to kick while holding on to the noodle all the way to the other side of the pool! Elias loved the water. 

You on the other hand baby didn't like it too much. It was a bit cold for you. I dunked you under the water to appease your daddy and you started to cry. 

After a little while your daddy came to the rescue and held you so that you could paddle and kick. 

Afterwards you and I hung out on the edge of the pool watching everyone splash and splash while you peed and pooped on me. 

Today I bought you a swim diaper. 

Here's to many more moments filled with family, pools and laughter. 

5 Months

You are five months today baby !!! You spent it with your mommy, grandma, cousin Elias and Titi Angie. 

At five months you are almost ready to sit on your own. You love to grab at everything especially your grandmas hair and anything your mommy eats. 

Speaking of eating, it's ine of your favorite things to do. You love bananas and pears.  Yesterday you ate half a banana I smashed up and fed to you. 

You are looking more and more like yourself everyday. I love your little ears and the way they stick out. The way the corners of your mouth curl up.  Your smile makes me melt into a puddle of tears. You're too cute baby. 

You love your cousin Elias. You grab his face purse your moth and pull him closer to you. You love his kisses. 

You are a happy vocal baby who loves to wake me up in the mornings with your sweet songs. 

Fresh air

My little love, 

When I was pregnant I would day dream about taking walks with you. 

Now I don't have to day dream any more. 

You are here in my life enriching it and filing it with love each and every day. 

You were such a good sport; squinting your eyes whenever it got windy and burrowing your head in my bosom whenever the sun got too bright. 

This is the first of many walks my little love, my favorite thing to do. 

Milestone

My little love, 

Each day is a wonder to be a part of your little glorious life. You are blooming right in front of our very own eyes. 

I am still learning your cues. I am still learning what you need from me. 

I am learning your language. 

You are at the breast for what seems like less now, which leaves me achy for more snuggles with you. 

You are already learning independence. 

As I hold you, facing your papa in a seated manner I realize your once bent over posture has become straight. 

You can hold your head up unsupported ! 

When did you learn to do that baby? 

Week 15

My sweet little one, 

My how much you've grown this past week. I am witnessing a miracle. Watching you grow, my little rose is a blessing I am so thankful for. 

This week we spent three days at your grand mothers house. Sharing responsibilities like cleaning, cooking and taking care of you and Elias. I like this kind of life where the house works dm responsibilities are shared. It makes it all seem less over whelming. 

There is a bright, happy yellow quilt that I use in combination with Angies yoga mat for tummy time with you. 

Yesterday, you managed to twist your back and almost rolled all the way over ! You got stuck half way through, your face against the yellow blanket. 

Don't worry baby, mama's here to help you. 

You grabbed your abuela's hair while she sang to you. We've all been waiting for you to do that. 

This week you weren't as vocal with your vowel sounds but what you lacked with your o0oo0ohs- and  ahhh-ah-hass you kade up in symphonies of grunts. What a grunting baby. Those grunts are music to my ears just as much as your oOhs and Ahs are baby. 

I only worry that you might be constipated and can't get the poppies out. You're not though, thankfully. You've added a new vocal skill to your R repertoire. You've learned to make bubbly,drooly bubble BbbBbzz and ZZzzzz with those bubbly lips of yours. You raspberry away right before you get a little fussy before I out you down to sleep. It's the cutest thing. 

Youre getting chunkier every time I look at you. 

Your cradle scalp is almost gone because I am so on top of it. You've even started to grow hair in the affected spots. 

My little angel, tomorrow we shall celebrate your Abuelas birthday surrounded by our family and friends. 

Happy Valentines day 

Xoxox, 

Your Mommy

Good health in spite of your doctor/relatives

My dear Aminah, 

I am growing more confident as a mother and a healer each day. 

You were born with a cradle scalp that has had your scalp looking extremely dry and scaly. It looks painful and itchy. It only looks that way. I know it doesn't itch you because you don't scratch it. I've been applying coconut oil, a shea butter mixture, and jojoba oil. 

Your daddy suggested it might be fungal but I disagreed. 

Upon further research I discovered that yes, it might be fungal. So I started to treat it as so. 

I finally found what works for your precious scalp my dear baby. 

Cradle scalp remedy

2-3 drops oil of oregano (anti-fungal) 

3 Tbsp coconut oil

Mild baby shampoo of choice. ( I used burts bees, however I prefer Dr. Bronner's because they are fragrance and dye free) 

Mix and lather baby's scalp. 

Using baby's brush gently brush away dry patches and scales. 

Rinse and leave scalp a tiny bit damp. 

Apply moisturizer such as coconut oil Shea butter, jojoba oil or any other oil. 

If I would have gone directly to the doctor I would have missed an opportunity to really learn how to care for you. He would have prescribed me some over the counter anti fungal cream filled with additives. Although I kept your scalp moisturized with coconut oil it just wasn't enough which prompted me to do further research. 

I'm proud to call you my baby and so thankful you chose me to be your mommy. 

Love, 

Your mommy. 

Week 14

Dear Aminah,

I'm learning so much about you. You continually amaze me every single day. There is so much depth in your eyes. What is behind them baby? I often look at you in silence, gazing at your marvelous wonder. You are my special little baby.

You have the best timing, my little love. I can always count on  your timing. I don't need to look at the clock or my watch. I look at you and know what time it is. Especially at night. Right now it's 12:42 AM. I know that you will wake up at 1 AM for mommy's milk.

I can tell you will be an independent baby who knows what she likes and what she wants. You like to nurse then lie down. If if were up to me you would sleep in my arms for hours but you like to sleep in your crib. Understandable, baby.

Today was the first time I played the record player for you. I played SADE for you. You searched in my eyes for answers. The music was not coming from my eyes baby.