Those Eyes

If eyes are the windows to your soul, then Elise's eyes tell you everything you need to know about her. She's a thoughtful baby who processes information slowly and deeply before reacting. When she is in a new environment or encounters a new face, she approaches with caution and skepticism. She'll often hold back showing any emotion as her eyes scan for something familiar. This isn't a new development but a characteristic we've noticed since the first day. Her eyes also tell us that she'll be a strong-minded and willful person which is a good thing until she becomes a teenager. Elise also has a very playful side and when those eyes light up with pure glee, it feels like we've been zapped by her love.

Happy 8-Month Birthday

Happy 8-Months Elise! They say this is the honeymoon stage for babies and boy are we head over heels for this little one. Our love affair with Elise only seems to grow stronger and stronger every day. She's not mobile yet so we still get to enjoy having her sit contently on our laps taking the world in as she stares at new faces and places. She explores through her hands and when her eye catches something new, she leaps forward to grab it, sometimes missing badly and diving face first into the floor. She has started to understand the concept of object permanance, that things still exist even when you don't see them. When we hide a toy or drop it out of sight, she'll look for it instead of forgetting that it existed. All of this and more has made Elise a very interactive baby. She will grab or paw at anything she sees. Sitting on our lap during dinner she almost pulled the whole tablecloth with all its contents onto the floor. Her curiosity seems to have no limits. She'll play with one thing, eye another, then reach for something else.

First Plane Trip - Hawaii Vacation

With much nervous anticipation, we took Elise, Grandma Nguyen, and Grandpa Nguyen on a trip to Oahu, Hawaii. We weren't sure how Elise would react to being on a plane for 5+ hours or how we would manage to lug our 10 million bags. Elise was a super star on the plane, happily playing with her toys and sitting on Mom or Grandma's lap. Although we loaded up with new toys to amuse her, the biggest entertainer turned out to be the granola snack bar they handed out. She was endlessly fascinated by the crinkly wrapper and she could easily hold the snack in one hand.

Grandpa Nguyen, Mom, and Elise savoring the last few minutes of a sunset which we were fortunate enough to see from our room every day

Our family of three on the lanai right before the sunset

On Lanikai beach (with Mokumanu and Mokulua island in the background) where the water is a beautiful shade of turqoise and the sand is a soft fine powder. Too bad the water was a bit too cold for our little munchkin so she only could watch from the shore as Mom, Dad, and Grandpa swam in the crystal clear water.

Elise showing her excitement from being in Hawaii. The jet lag did affect her nap and bedtime schedule but we weren't too concerned about when and how long she slept. She seemed to sleep when she needed to, and hey, it's a vacation right?

Her new devilish grin...she clenches her fists, shakes her arms, and scrunches her nose. It's hilarious because she does it all the time and her whole body gets behind it.

Grandpa and Grandma Nguyen posing with Elise in front of the Moana Surfrider after a long leisurely brunch

After spending 5 days frollicking on the beach, touring the Dole Plantation, driving to the North Shore, snorkeling in Hanuma Bay, shopping at Ala Moana Mall, and enjoying the Hawaiian hospitality, it was time to say good-bye. Much fun was had by all and although Elise may not have a full memory of our week in Hawaii, she gave us plenty of moments to cherish.

Happy to be going home or just happy? The plane ride back was just as smooth as the outgoing. Again, American Airlines proved that they know more about entertaining babies than we do. The free pretzel bag was a big hit with Elise. Encouraged by our successful trip, we are wondering where and when our next adventure will be. Stay tuned...

Mealtime is Over

We guess this is Elise's way of saying she's had enough. Feeding her these days can be a challenge and a very messy affair. You'll need Ninja reflexes and if possible, a 3rd hand. Sometimes we have to hold down her hands in order to clear a path for the spoon to her mouth. Otherwise our walls end up looking like a Pollack painting.

Separation Anxiety

Elise has become a different person in just one week. She was happy as long someone was holding her and she never complained. All she needed was a pair of willing arms and a chest to lean on. People commented how easygoing she was. We knew it wouldn't last having read about separation anxiety that occurs during this age. It has dawned on her that Mom and Dad still exist even if she can't see us. She will go into a crying fit if she isn't famliar with whoever is holding her. Even if she does know the person, she still protests loudly for Mom or Dad. *Sigh* This new development has also brought on problems with sleeping. Since she knows we still exist even when we leave the room, she now cries harder and louder hoping to guilt us back in. Admittedly, it has worked a few times and we cave in to her mental blackmail. On one hand, it is a great feeling to be so needed and wanted. It is the beginning of reciprocating love that we've longed for. On the other hand, we hope this "phase" grows into her sense of independence and trust.

Inching Forward

Elise is making some progress towards crawling. She bunches up her legs and kicks them back and sometimes the momentum moves her forward. We have to put something very enticing in front to motivate her, otherwise she'll just flip right onto her back.

New Nap Schedule...Almost

This is typically how we find her after one of her naps. Cocooned in her blanket, she babbles away until someone comes to get her. She likes to have a blanket (any kind will do) to hold onto as she drifts off to sleep. Once we place the blanket on top of her, she rolls to her side with her top leg almost suspended in mid-air. We can't figure out how she can keep the leg up like that. Speaking of sleep, whereas once she napped at least 3 times a day, she now can do with just 2 or 2 1/2. It was a very sudden transition that happend one Monday. This makes it a lot easier on us and gives us more flexibility to go out and do things. The best part is that she no longer takes naps from 12-1 anymore which means we can actually go out for lunch during a normal time instead of either eating at 10am or 2pm.

Of course all of this is subject to Miss Unpredictable but she has followed this general pattern more or less in the last week. Who knows what next week will bring.