Trip to Kauai!!

At 8 and a half months Amara took her first trip to Kauai with Mom, Dad, Grandma Patty, and Grandpa Hamid. She had a fantastic time! Amara enjoyed playing in the water at the beach, pool, seeing new plants and animals (birds, geese), and most of all-- spending time with her grandparents. It was a great chance to "bond with a view". We stayed in a condo in the Princeville area and had the most beautiful view of the "mountain" and ocean. It was lovely falling asleep to the sound of the waves!

8 months old!

Amara Grace just turned 8 months! We can't believe it. We met our friends' baby, Mela, who is a newborn and were reminded of just how much Amara has grown and changed since birth. She is spending more time on her tummy by choice. It looks like she is imagining what it will feel like to crawl. Amara also cut her first 2 teeth (lower incisors). The first one "appeared" (Mom felt it) on August 9th and the second surprised us 2 weeks later. The double tooth whammy also seemed to have contributed to Amara's first fever (which lasted 3 days) followed by a rash. It was super uncomfortable but Amara handled it well. It helped to be distracted with snuggles and her favorite Baby Einstein DVDs. Photos from teething are weekend below. Notice the yummy cake which was a remake of Mom and Dad's wedding cake topper. Amara did not eat any cake-- she had prunes! We celebrated our wedding anniversary last weekend as well.

Last but not least, once Amara felt better she had a play date with Colton!

Swimming lessons and a country wedding!

In her 7th month Amara started swimming lessons at Murray Callan Swim School in Pacific Beach. This is a special place where the water is 93 degrees and the instructors are trained to work with even tiny babies. Amara is able to go under water with her instructor's help for a brief moment. She knows how not to breathe when under water.

Amara also attended her first wedding this month. Our family went to Toni and Dave's wedding in Escondido. It was in a beautiful outdoor setting. Amara loved seeing the wind chimes that were hung on a large oak tree and the lights that twinkled at night. She was also the star of the party (other than the bride of course!) and by far, the youngest guest.

Seven months

Amara is 7 months old and changing by the day. She has developed good fine motor skills and can use her hands and fingers to pick up objects, push buttons, touch and feel different textures. Several times recently Amara appeared to be waving "hi" by opening and closing her hand when greeting a new person. Amara continues to eat more and try more solid foods. She loved a puree of spinach, pea, and pears that was tried yesterday. We also went to the beach for the first time as a family and Daddy helped Amara get her feet wet in the ocean. She was cautious (smart girl!) but seemed to enjoy it, especially the part where she got to ride on Daddy's shoulders.

A few photos from "play dates". By the way Amara sat in the high chair for the first time today (see below)!

Six and a half months

Summer is here! Amara has been enjoying her first "play dates" with a couple of Moms and babies from a Meet Up group. The weather has been NICE and not too hot. Mom and Amara have been taking long walks at the beach, in the neighborhood and at Balboa Park. Amara continues to get more stable sitting up and she continues to experiment with first foods. She has tried purees of peas, prunes and apple. Fruits seem to be preferred to vegetables.

Amara loves to hold the spoon and feed herself. She even decided to drink milk from her bottle which has not wanted to do in months!

BlogThis!

Six months old!

There are so many exciting things to report on. Amara is now over half a year old! We just returned from her 6th month check up and learned that she is in the 80th percentile for height and 30th for weight. She is healthy and doing great! Amara recently began trying solid foods. So far baby oatmeal cereal is her favorite. She also enjoys smashed avocado. Pureed carrot and mashed banana are "maybes". Time to try some more flavors!

Yesterday Amara sat up by herself for full minute. She has learned to support herself with her hand on the ground in front of her. Soon she will not need that support and sit up like a big girl. It was a bittersweet moment for Mom.

Amara loves to make music on her "piano" (great toy from Grandma) and she loves to play peek a boo. Soon we will start swim lessons!!

Peek a boo video:

Five and a half months

I can't believe Amara is five and a half months old already! She looks older by the day and continues to delight us. Last week Boppa Bob and Janny came to visit. We had a lot of fun with them. We spent some time in Del Mar enjoying the ocean view and eating at Jake's. Amara loves to go out to eat with us. Even though she is not enjoying the food, she loves to people watch! Amara also loves reading books and taking walks. She recently visited her friend, Colton, who was born on her due date. They almost look like twins!