Two Months

Today is the 28th of May, and that means it's been two months since you, our cute butterball baby, came into our lives. You've already grown so much, sweetie! :)

Taken this morning after your bath. :)

Your eyes used to be glassy because you couldn't see clearly yet. Now they are huge, always alert, and full of curiosity. When we hold you in our arms, you couldn't stay put anymore because you always want to look around and survey the walls. When your eyes are on me or your dad, you don't just glance, you stare. It's as if you're studying every bump and line on our faces. Hehe. You like focusing on things, and when we suddenly turn the lights off, your eyes almost always grow really big and wide, the white part around the iris showing. Seeing that always makes your dad and I laugh in amusement. You're so cute, baby.

During times when you're not crying, you used to be quiet. Now you've already found your voice, literally. There's not a day when I don't hear you holler a 'waah!' which is your favorite expression at the moment. I will try my best to record it when you do it again, so you'll know what it sounds like when you grow up. :)

Just a month ago, carrying you was a piece of cake. Didn't put any pressure on my arms at all. Now, it's as if you've been eating cake everyday! You've gained a considerable number of pounds and carrying you now feels like a workout. But make no mistake baby, mommy's not complaining. I actually love the fact that you're growing and gaining weight, and it makes me feel proud that my body is your source of nourishment.

the obligatory diaper pose. :)

Happy two months, baby girl! :) We're celebrating your birthday tonight when daddy arrives from the office. We love you! 

Lia's First Real Smile

Our baby doll finally did it! She flashed her first real smile (not just one of those reflex lip curls she's been doing since birth) for mommy and daddy last Friday, May 22, when she was exactly 7 weeks and 6 days old. Yippee! 

According to parents.com, a baby's first real smile usually makes an appearance "somewhere between one and a half to 3 months (or 6 and 12 weeks) of life (our little Lia is on track!). You can tell the difference between a reflex and a real smile by the timing and duration. Generally, reflex smiles tend to be shorter and occur randomly, when the baby is sleeping or tired. Real smiles, on the other hand, occur in response to something, like seeing her mama's face or hearing a sibling's high-pitched voice, and they are consistent... When it's the real deal, you will see the emotion expressed in your baby's eyes."

I had been waiting for Lia's first social smile every day, and when it finally happened, I immediately recognized it. I was changing her clothes that morning because she just finished a spit-up episode, and as usual, I was talking to her in my motherese voice. She made her usual 'waaa!' sound and cooed, then she flashed the sweetest toothless grin I have ever seen. I knew it was real because it wasn't brief, and it was sandwiched in between other sounds she was making, as if she was conversing with me. I was soooo happy I couldn't stop talking to her until she got overstimulated. Hehe. 

And it didn't stop there! After a couple of minutes, she cried when I was already busy pumping milk. Her nanny picked her up, and pointed at her daddy's picture on the wall in an attempt to divert her attention. Once again, her face lit up and flashed another smile! Nakakatuwa! Nakakawala ng pagod at puyat. :)

It's been 3 days since, and she's been practicing her gummy grins. Too bad I wasn't able to capture her first smile on camera. Her first captured social smiles were taken the day after, during her playtime with lola...

This morning, she treated us with another batch of happy smiles. :)

Yaaaay! Thank You Lord for this milestone of Lia! :) I eagerly await her next one: laughter! :)

Cheers,

A Letter to Lia on My First Mother's Day

Dear Little Lia,

Last week was Mother's Day. It was my first time, thanks to you who arrived just a little over a month before this day for mommies. Because I'm a newbie, spending the day felt different. I felt special from the moment I woke up, my heart oozing with pride and joy because I finally am a mother to someone. What's more, I am a mother to you, our cute fluffy ball of sunshine.

You know that we prayed for you, right? And just like what we wished for during our quiet times with God, you came into this world normal, healthy, and "happy-cute" (between your dad and I, this means bright and cute and always smiling). Right now, you can't smile a real smile yet except for those reflex beams you unconsciously make, but we know it will come very soon and I'm waiting for it every single day. smile emotic

Your dad and I love you sooooo much, darling. But in between draining days and restless nights, sometimes I wish that you grow up fast. In the middle of late night feedings, burping sessions, and diaper changes, I remember my past life with a regular 8-hour shuteye and unlimited time in the shower, and I apologize that sometimes I want it back. These thoughts are only fleeting, and I always immediately regret thinking them two seconds later. When I look at you, either sleeping peacefully on my chest, or alertly staring at my face with those eyes full of wonder, I say without a doubt, that my life is good and I wouldn't have it any other way. I may be sleep-deprived now, but I'd rather be a sleep-deprived zombie mommy any day than a well rested married woman without a #LiaLoopsy. Time flies, and you will never be this small again. I wouldn't want to miss anything, my love.

Lia, my little munchkin, I am writing this post to thank you. Thank you that you made me a mommy. Thank you for bringing happiness into our home. Thank you for bringing completeness into our lives. Thank you, thank you. It's pure joy seeing you grow every single day. From a tiny blimp in my tummy to a now plump, chubby-cheeked, and double-chinned little doll. Keep growing baby, but I'm telling you now not to do it so fast. Mommy would like each moment to linger.

Loving someone more than you love yourself --- it had always been a cliche to me, a 'concept' I would always hear about. But now it's no longer just that, because I finally understand every word.  That is how I feel for you, my little one.  Mommy loves you beyond words, forever.  

Your mommy,