babyyogi

Last week we had our first cold.  Will did very well and loved to eat his veggie noodle soup.  Mmmmmm was all he could say while eating, his eyes wide and nose running.  Now we are feeling much better.  I think it was a 48 hour bug.  Not sure if Will got it from his friends at the park or from his Dad. Anyway here is Will’s recipe if anyone is interested.

Will’s Veggie Noodle Soup

3 colves garlic, smashed and then chopped

1 small onion chopped 

4 cups free range chicken (trader joes) soup stock 

2 tblsp olive tapanade

1 cup chopped carrots

2 cups chopped spinach 

1 cup elbow pasta 

In a large sauce pan we sauted the onion and garlic with some olive oil.  When the onions and garlic was golden brown we added the soup stock carrots olive tapanade and elbow pasta.  All simmered in the pot for about 20 minutes until elbow pasta was done.  Finally adding the spinach in the end to get it warm.  

The weather was so bad with all the fires that we stayed inside a bit due to his cold and the dark smokey air.  All the sun sets and sun rises were bright orange.  This week the fog has cooled things off and the air is less smokey.  

Will does enjoy swinging at Willard.  We try to get out to visit other kids a few times a week.  This way we learn to socialize with the other kids.  Sure they are a little older but Willdoes not mind.  In fact he prefers the older kids because they are so much more fun.  Full of energy running around the park Will is entertained for an hour a day. We wait for the swing, the parents and kids are very good at sharing with such a young fellow as Will. 

That is right Will is Seven months and talking! Will’s first word was “Daadee” which he yelled at his Dad in the morning after Bill’s shower.  He does associate the word with Bill because he only says it when Bill is around or when Dad is driving the car.  Will also says “Dag” directed at Calamity (one day we will have the “o” sound).  Will says “Hi” and waves at random people including the clerks at Trader Joes.  I however can not get him to wave he only waves when he wants to wave.   And finally he says “Yum” when we are eating our garlic herb hummus.His first mini sentence is Hi Dada!   Still no Mom or Mama. I will have to start saying those words to him in his sleep.  Perhaps I can create a CD of me saying those words, subliminally feeding him.  As you readers are my witnesses, one day he will say Mama!  Until then his smiles and giggles will warm my heart and keep me hoping for that Mama.   

Today Will and Mom visited Tilden Park to see the Golden Gate Live Steamers Open House.  For those who have not been to view the Steamers they are a club of Men and Women who are commeted to building and running steam engines for education and enjoyment.  Will loves trains, even when they released steam from their engines (steam shooting up 15+ feet in the air and releasing lots of pressure) cooling down his little feet moved.  He was so excited to see such events.  We had a great time, all the trains were out and shiny including a Thomas the Train.  Will did manage to get a picture with his hero Thomas.We met Grandma and Grandpa Weber at the Steam Trains, Grandpa Weber had his train out for children to view. The rides started at 12 but we were too tired having been there for an hour and a half and had to go home for a nap.  We left our friends Ethan and Logan to ride the trains without us  Next year William will be ready to ride the trains.  

Will and I went to Willard Park in Berkeley CA to play with the other kids this week.  He had a great time and enjoyed the dump trucks, cement trucks and a piano that someone left.The older kids (2 to 3 year olds) were very active playing with their 4 wheel drive trucks up and down a wooden ramp.  We sat at the top of the ramp under a tree and made comments such as “Nice big wheels” and “Your tires are so fast” and soon the 2 and 3 year olds were doing U-turns by us and showing us their cars and trucks.  Will really enjoyed all the older boys attention and watching them walk and drive their trucks.  The older boys really enjoyed showing off their cars to Will, making a point to park by us and chat asking Will’s name and how old he was.  I told them that we would come back to the park and play again next week, and thank them for showing Will their trucks.Since it was so hot we made an effort to get there early and leave around noon going home for organic applesauce and cold almond milk.     

Hello All, Here are some pictures from our hike at the Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills.   It was really hot today and the babies were very fussy so we only got in a little over an hour hike.  Usually we get in almost two hours.   Luckily the trail is mostly in the shade due to so many lovely trees.  We started at the trail head by the Woodminster Theatre. This theatre is an out door theatre and has some great plays and  musicals.  I would recommend this venue if you have a baby as you can always walk to the top and watch the show and not bother anyone.  The shows under that stars are very nice and the fresh air makes for a great experience.   

1st Father’s Day for Bill

Will is an early riser, so we started out early as all days with Will begin.  After all Will is a baby and he does not know that Dad might want to sleep in on Father’s Day!   So Will and I went to the kitchen to let Dad sleep but also to make a turkey chedder egg scramble and French Bread French Toast.  Yummy :)After Breakfast we went on a walk with the dog and viewed some beautiful gardens in Berkeley.  We were looking to get some exercise and get ideas on how to incorporate California Native flowers and grasses into a beautiful front yard.  With the East Bay Mud folks charging top dollar we felt that removing our lawn and planting California Native plants that are draught tolerant would be the way to go.  We would save water and save our pocket books.

Then it was off to Tilden East Bay Regional Park located in the Oakland and Berkeley Hills to visit the “Little Farm” (like a petting zoo with farm animals) and go then on a hike.  Getting their early there was still plenty of parking.  We thought that Will would enjoy the farm animals and boy we we right.  He loved the goats, chickens, turkeys, pigs, rabbits, sheep and cows.  He loved watching the bigger boys feel the pig and cows celery.  He was so excited that he kept kicking me while I carried him in his Baby Bjorn carrier.  There are signs posted on the gates that the animals are on strict diets and that as visitors you can only feed them celery and lettuce.  Next time we will be sure to bring celery and lettuce to feed the animals.

After the Little Farm we went on a walk thru the board walk trail and then up into the woods and hills. We hiked for almost two hours, each taking a turn at carrying Will so we got a great workout.  As Bill carried his son on Father’s Day he pointing out a Red Tail Hawk flying thru the canyon, various butterflys crossing our path and a curious lizard to Will. 

After a successful hike we headed to the pub for refreshments.  Triple Rock Brewery and pub, located on Shattuck in Berkeley has amazing Beer and Burgers.  On Triple Rock’s roof we all  enjoyed the sun and our lunch.  Will having a sippy cup of water, a bite of banana and a ton of avocado.

Back home we go to watch the Giants on the Tele!   It was too bad that they lost to the Oakland Athletics. 

I was feeling Baby Bound.  

Stuck at home so we have made it a point to get out of the house.  Below are a few outings that we have participate in over the last few months.

Petting Zoo - Animals have always kept the attention of our little ones. I know that my son can spend hours watching our dog run around the back yard. The idea of going to the Little Farm in Tilden East Bay Regional Park is an hour of pure bliss. All I have to do is strap on the Baby Bjorn Carrier to support Will and protect my Lumbar spine, following around a chicken, goat or a piglet keeps him occupied.

Picnic at the local park. Willard Park in Berkeley CA is a great place for kids and dogs. The children have their own private park separate from the large grassy field by a gate. Hula Hoops, tight rope walkers, jugglers, yoga, Polynesian Hula and a drum circle are a constant entertainment at Willard.

Baby’s first restaurant visit. There is no time like the present to get out and try to sit down with your beloved for a meal. Of course things have now changed and you are sitting with a crying baby. Well there are places where you can sit down with a baby. Your local Taqueria, Pizza parlor or Burger joint. These places do cater and understand what it is like to have a baby. To name a few of our first restaurants: Barney’s Burgers on College in Oakland CA. Lane Splitters on Telegraph in Oakland CA and Casa Latina on San Pablo in Berkley CA. All three are baby tolerant as are their clients. In-fact you will see other baby’s there with their parents.

Take me out to the ball game. Sporting Events are noisy so why not got to see a baseball game? We have already taken Will to his first Oakland A’s game. At the game we dressed up the baby in a uniform onesey and were given a foul ball as a souvenir. Thank you nice Oakland A’s fans!!!

I have learned so much from Will these last seven months.  Here I thought that I would be teaching him everything but I have found that I too have taken the seat of the student allowing myself to learn from Will and his personality.  Baby’s are born as spiritual gold, their needs are basic, so loving and tender.  Will reminds me everyday to take it easy and not stress about stuff not getting done.  He reminds me that it is the basics that matter: eating, sleeping, love and attention.  It is funny that our society gets so caught up in the material that we tend to loose ourselves and forget the basics of being human.  I thank Will everyday for being my teacher and reminding me what it feels like to be a loving spirit and human.

Will has been very excited about going out and meeting other Mommies and babies. In addition to our park visits, walks and hikes with Daddy and Clamy we have been busy making friends and seeking out support groups. These groups have proved to be fun for both Baby and Mommy as we figure out things together.

Below are some of the activites that we have paticipated in these last months. 

Mommy Baby Yoga - Yoga, massage and mommy baby bonding at Namaste Yoga in Rockridge Oakland CA.  A Three month support course to help new Moms and Babies. 

Mommy Baby Hiking - On going women’s group that spun off from the Yoga class.  We meet weekly and go on a two hour hike. We have between 4 to 6 Mommy / Baby couples and have a great time sharing information and laughing about our situations.  

Swimming Lessons - We just started the swimming lessons at my parents pool.  Our goal is to get used to the water and just feel comfortable.  Will decided to take it one step further and is already putting his face in and trying to blow bubbles.   

With Will starting to eat whole foods, eating organic and locally grown was my main concern.  We have options living in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Having great weather all year round we are fortunate to have choices when it comes to eating seasonal foods.  I had planned on taking advantage of my options.

1.  No space or not interested in growing your own food or do not have time to cultivate.  Farmers Market is a great place to find locally grow organic foods.  This way you support your neighbors and get fresh produce.  Supermarkets are now offering more organic produce so look at the labels when purchasing fruit and vegetables.

2.  Limited space in your yard?  Start with a small garden on your balcony or porch perhaps a herb garden or dwarf citrus plants.  We have a dwarf lime and lemon trees by our back door.  It is also nice to have an herb garden so that you can take clippings of an herb and throw it in your meal.  Always nice to have a cut of fresh cilantro for my Enchiladas.

3. Large Backyard: If you are lucky enough to have the space in your garden start to grow your own food.  In our backyard we have an apple, an asian plum and a pear tree all producing edible fruit.  We also have Tomatoes and strawberries growing.  Next we are looking to remove some concrete to make room for a proper vegetable and herb garden.   We will keep you posted on it’s progress.

Will has been an amazing eater, he never misses a meal.  He has been breastfeeding five times a day at two times at night since he was three months old.  If you can imagine this is a slow time for 

Will’s Eating Schedule at 4 months

We introduced smashed bananas, smashed avocados and Rice Cereal. I choose the brand Earth’s Best Organic Rice Cereal with no GEI (Genetically Engineered Ingredients) as his 8 am morning breakfast.  This was an easy meal for me to prepare since you do not have to cook the bananas or avocados but can remove the skin and mash them up until there are no chunks, making it easy for Will to swallow.   Below is Will in his ChiccoMamma high chair excited for lunch.

 Will is great at taking naps. He has been able to fall asleep on schedule since we started his nap routine. It was suggested by his pediatrician to get him on a nap schedule to help he sleep during the night.

At first I was skeptical, with the concept that sleep conjures up more sleep. What is this a schedule for naps and sleep? I thought that if I kept him awake during the day he would sleep better at night. In-addition I thought that if I kept him awake during the day until I wanted him to take a nap he would sleep as soon as I put him down for a nap. Both my thoughts were incorrect.

Before the sleep schedule was suggested by Will’s pediatrician I tried to keep him awake, tried to skip his 9am nap that he always tried to take on ihs own. I would take him on walks or do errands to the post office or grocery shopping to keep him awake at 9am. If anyone knows what it is like taking care of an overly tired baby then you know what I am talking about. Will’s crying spells at this time were out of control, he was crying as if in pain. I was in fact making him more grumpy and causing him to cry more often by keeping him awake not allowing him to sleep at 9am in the morning. This new sleep schedule actually allows him to get more sleep and is healthy for his brain development. On the new sleep schedule Will is always smiling and laughing and people are always commenting on how happy he is, smiling all the time.

Nap and Sleep Schedule:

Morning Nap 9-11 am

Afternoon Nap 1-3 pm

Quick nap 5-5:30 pm

Bed Time 7pm

After a little Baby Yoga in the morning from 8:30 to 9 he is ready for nursing and then a nap. This was when the Savasana Catnap Pose was established. Notice the content face, stretched out limbs and torso. Will totally relaxed and content after Yoga and ready to start his sleep schedule for the day. This nap will set his day starting him off on the right track.