First earthyear

It was heartily discussed at home that Gerard's REAL first birthday was the day he was born, so it's more appropriate to call his birth anniversaries "earth year," marking how long he's been on earth. So on that note, Gerard's first earth year was marked on a wonderful day at a great beach/picnic ground. It was raining in San Francisco for the most part of the week, and I'm glad the sun stayed out all day on Easter Sunday. It was a bit breezy, but nonetheless, the perfect day. Friends and family rolled out from all corners of the bay area. I set up an egg hunt for the kids, which was a big hit. It bothered me, though, that adults who were walking through and saw eggs on the ground started opening the shells and taking the candy out, and then leaving the opened shells back where they were. I know it's a public place, but damn, it's Easter, there are kids and that was for them! But anyway... the food was good, company was great, and Gerard had no idea it was all for him. He didn't cry at all! I think it was just another day for him. For Egan and myself, it was a milestone. We survived the first earthyear of our son's existence! 

It's been a year of ups and downs

Exactly this day one year ago, I had my regular check up at the perinatal lab, and that was when I was sent to the hospital to be induced. Tomorrow, Gerard turns 1! We survived the first year!! I still remember the entire ordeal as if it was just a few weeks ago. I'm so amazed with these first 12 months of development. There shall be 12 more months, and another 12, and so on. Gerard is the sweetest kid in the world. He's very clingy to his parents, but that's alright with me! =) These past few weeks, he developed his "security thing." It's his burp cloth. Any burp cloth he has within hand's reach. He tucks it under his chin just to suck his fingers. And he doesn't like it when I try to take it away. If there's no burp cloth around, he pulls up the collar of his shirt, and uses that to suck his fingers. It's so very cute!!! Well today is going to be a busy day. While Gerard's at grandma's, I'll be buying his party items for his picnic on Sunday! Until next time. 

Developments!

Gerard is now just a bit older than 10 months, and this little guy has come a long way! He's just about learning how to walk on his own. He still prefers to crawl at every chance, but he's gotten the concept of taking steps forward. Gerard is very active. He requires our full attention or he gets ends up in some sort of crazy situation. For example, we can't leave him in the living room alone anymore. He'll climb over things, pull on things, crawl through any openings that block him from going to other parts of our apartment, etc. He very much prefers we bring him everywhere we go, whether it be in the kitchen to wash a hand (holding him in one arm only lets me wash one of my hands at a time!) He's not as talkative, but he can say a few words here and there: car (or "kahhh," I introduce other words that sound like it -- cold, comb, etc), mama, dada, immi (his word for milk), neh (which we think is his pick up of our "no"). He now has 4 teeth! The top two are coming out so fast. HIs appetite slows down during the teeth growth, but he actually wants to eat a lot of the things he sees us eat. Buffets are fun because I offer him things he can eat on his own :) His first birthday is coming up. It feels so soon! He is so fun to play with these days. He loves pillow fights, he loves wrestling with balloons, he loves to destroy his blocks, he tosses and turns in bed (thus, keeps mommy and papa awake longer!) and he loves computers!! We finally sent his picture to Dr Rittenhouse's office. They've asked for this shortly after birth but laziness and business got in the way. He left a message confirming he's got it and had nice things to say :) It was a picture from when Gerard was 6 months old - he still looks the same except now with teeth. And that's that! The little guy just fell asleep so now I can do some work in the kitchen. 

It's been a rainy Sunday, but luckily, it stopped for a bit last night during our Valentine's dinner. We walked over to a neighborhood restaurant (Pacific Grill) hoping we wouldn't get wet, and we didn't. Dinner was great, Gerard enjoyed his sweet potato fries and his milk. He is now 10 months old! Growing so fast!! He's now learning how to walk and say some words (baba, mama, dada, up up, no, car) and driving us crazy. Everything he's not allowed to touch he touches! Kids will be kids at home, but thankfully, he's well-behaved in public :) 

We're all doing great, chugging along in 2009 so far. I'm gearing up for my first show with Sputterdoll since our last one in 2007! It's a bit funky to practice at home because Gerard here likes to strum my bass for me, and his little fingers get in the way of my own strumming. Makes me want to just drop my bass and kiss him till he leaves me alone! LOLsl

-Rio

Merry Christmas from us

We had a very quiet Christmas with some family, and best of all, there was amazing food :)

Check out the pictures from our holiday! (Gerard's first tooth showed up on or around December 19)

...and the first tooth is making its way!

Today, I noticed Gerard's first bottom tooth surfacing through his gums. I first noticed his gums were extra swollen today, and upon closer look, it's because of the tooth. My brother first noticed it yesterday and didn't even tell me! But it's ok, I made the discovery for myself today -- my birthday! What a treat! Just wanted to share this as it's a wonderful milestone!