More firsts!

It finally happened. Reina slept through the night. And when I say "through the night" we're talking 11+ hours. Yep, just like any other day, Reina insisted on being put to bed around 7. So at 7:15, she was out. I didn't hear from her again until 6:30am! Amazing. Of course I was up, ready to go at 4:30am, but that's despite the point.

Other firsts include, vocalizing consonants. Most of you are familiar now with Reina slew of sounds, to include "AHHH" and "UHHHHH." Her first consonant...."Ma!" I was honored; Chris, he said "maybe that's why they use 'mama' and 'papa,' since little babies can say those things first!" When was the very first time I heard her utter these adorable words, oh about 3am the morning after we returned from the states. Crazy girl! She has since continued to utter them at random times, but usually when she is upset (which is of course very sweet, since it sounds like she's crying for me). She has also thrown in an occasional "ba" or "pa." The video is from the car, so the picture isn't great, but the point is made.

So what might have provoked this random decision to sleep through the night? Perhaps it was the introduction of breakfast. Reina has had cereal for the last three days now. However, after much discussion with Chris, we both agree that the cereal had nothing to do with the sleeping. The amount Reina actually ingests each morning, probably about a tablespoon at best. OK, then maybe it was Reina's first swim in the ocean that did it. We went out to Maeda yesterday and we all got in the water. It was HOT outside and the ocean was also pretty warm, much to our surprise. Anyhow, Reina seemed to be OK with the ocean and the sand. Chris felt she was more oblivious to the whole experience, but I maintain that she enjoyed it. Again, we both agree that the beach trip was not the reason she slept more. And if it was, good, cause Reina and I will be having swimming lessons next week, so that can get her good and tired.

At this point we'll leave sleeping through the night to good luck, but perhaps she'll do it again tonight. I can only hope!

Goodnight Sweetheart

Each day Chris and I learn something new about Reina. Whether that be about her personality or a new trick. Well, on the plane Reina was refusing to sleep so I tried singing to her. Singing is not something I do well. Aside from having a poor singing voice I am also terrible at remembering more than the chorus to just about all songs. Anyhow, with nothing else to do to get her to calm down, I proceeded to sing her "Goodnight Sweetheart." It worked like a charm, and I just got her to go down for her nap with the same method.

I had to do some research on this song, and I have since found out that it was recorded by "The Spaniels" in the 1950s. Go figure! I heard it on "Three men and a little baby." I am working on learning more of the lyrics now, so that I don't have to make up half the song when I'm singing it to her!

The thumb and the blankie help too!

Home, Sweet Home

We arrived home after what seemed to be the longest day ever. You know, we knew this going in to it, but you can never truly prepare yourself for a 24 hour day on multiple forms of transpiration...WITH a baby. Reina did ok. Not as good as she did going. She has gotten quite squirmy these day, and did not like being confined to her car seat. As a result she did very little sleeping on the plane. No worries, Chris and I did the same! Once in Oki we had our cab stolen by some other Americans and then Chris' car wouldn't start. We had a wonderful time visiting everyone and Reina really did amazing, but once we did make it home, we were all very happy to be sleeping in our own beds.

Since we've been home, Reina had her 6month check up. Mind you she'll be 7 months next week, but vacations come first, right? She was short, chubby, and doing great according to the doc. She was 18.1 lbs and 25.5 inches. The doc wasn't too worried about us waiting on solids either, however, I bought some avocado and some rice cereal I think we might try this week. I assure you this will mean new pics of a messy baby!

Pictures? Of course. I snapped one of my Dad being a bad influence on Reina, notice her gaze at the TV and the bag of Lays potato chips - well, you've actually already seen those. She likes her chips! Reina also likes our laptop - but who couldn't, its silver, shiny, and has lots of bright lights. And the other is of her in my suitcase, sticking her tongue out of course!