Hot.

Wow the last couple of days have been hot! We have luckily avoiding the heat by hiding in our air conditioned house. When we first got to San Jose and were looking at real estate, our agent thought we were a little particular about absolutely having to have air conditioning. HHmm. I don't think we so crazy now!

Well, anyway. On Thursday, Raffi's visit with Allyson, the developmental specialist (for now on will be know as Allyson; ds is just so long a word to type.), the visit went really well. Raffi babbled for her and even played with her. Allyson thought that raffi could walk in about two weeks or so and pronounced that he is doing really well with his development. So that was a happy day.

This weekend, besides hiding in the house, Raffi has tried and loved eggo waffle and bacon. He also tried mango and avocado and promptly spit it back up. We will keep having to work on those. But everyone loves bacon. hhmm. (and for you worry warts it was a very small piece, i'm not trying to clog his arteries at 1 year of age). Raffi is about fed up with baby food, he will get through about a half a jar and start whining. But you put some banana pieces or cheerios in front of him and GAME ON!

It is a little more difficult than I thought to switch to thinking about feeding him table type food. Doug and I eat so haphazardly. But we will adjust, as always.

Regular Days

This week has been full of regular days. Good days, nonetheless. Some of the things Raffi and I have done this week are: Lunch with the mom's group, gymboree open play time, lots of laundry and those fun old doctor visits! Today we are going to a playdate at a mom's house and the developmental specialist comes this afternoon. Tomorrow, we hopefully will make it to the a park playdate with my church's mom group. Geesh! I don't think I knew how busy one can get with a baby.

Next week, we head down to So. Cal to be with family for a week. I'm looking forward to showing off my boy. Doug suspects that he will start walking while he is down there. We shall see.

Oh, I'll post a funny pic of raffi at our lunch out the other day. What a noodle!

Party Pics and Doctor Info

Here are some pics of the party goers getting into the Pirate Spirit! Thanks Guys!







Above is the pic of Raffi, who would rather eat a banana then eat a sugary cake! Well, ok, he really was nap deprived, but I'll just remember the good eating choice.

Today was Raffi's "one year appointment" and it went pretty well. He weighed 18lbs 6ounces which is less than last week because I forgot to note that he was wearing clothes when he was weighed at 19lbs. I was still a little concerned because his growth has slowed recently. He looks great and is healthy, so the doctor isn't concerned. The doc just said is probably because Raffi is a preemie. Raffi got a few vaccinations but not as many as I had feared.

This afternoon we went to the open play time at our local gymboree and had some fun rolling around on the cushioned mats. He did well with the new environment and having had 2 shots that morning.

Raffi says thanks(and his parents do to) to everyone who came to the party and all the cool gifts he got. SO spoiled!!

Party!

The party was a success! Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us. Yeh! Raffi. We gave Raffi his own birthday cake while surrounded with onlookers; and the lack of a nap and Raffi hit the wall. He didn't even touch the cake! oh it was still funny though. We will have another cake/frosting attempt at the end of the month when we visit family in So. Cal. and maybe we will get some embarrassing photos of frosting face then!

I'll post some photos tomorrow. I can't find the cord and the baby is asleep.

Raffi's one year doctor appt is tomorrow, (it was originally Thurs but was moved up.) Everything should be all square since we just went last week. But I'm a little nervous about the vaccinations. geesh!

OH! I almost forgot. Raffi took two steps of a woobly walk towards me tonight! YEh. He is on his way, he'll be walking in no time.

Birthday Suit

Pre-Day

Yesterday, I was concerned about Raffi's tossing and turning at night, so I took him in to the doctor to rule out an ear infection. And it was ruled out, just a sore throat and a "I don't know what is causing his crazy bedtime manner" from the doctor. But other info, Raff is 19 lbs. I was hoping for more, but I will take it. He is so tall looking and looks much heavier than 19 lbs.

I still haven't posted any video like a promised. I hope to get some up soon.

Tomorrow is Raffi's First Birthday and his party is this Saturday. Although he is not quite aware of it all, I'm excited for him. It is just one of those times that you look back at the previous year and wow. What a year. Who knew that he would be born so early and so small, yet persevere and be so happy and healthy. We are blessed, for sure.

Pirates!

And the winning theme is Pirates. Over the weekend, we went and picked out some great pirate themed decorations and completed some baby proofing. I should have a video of him standing on the website in a little bit.

Moving and Falling

Raffi is crawling, standing and falling. His favorite thing to do is stand against a wall and then lose his balance and go head first into the wall. I think it is easier to guard the President then to protect a baby from himself!

I went to my first playdate yesterday with my new moms group. There were about 10 other babies/toddlers there. Raffi did pretty good, he stayed pretty close to me as he analyzed the situation. But he didn't get overwhelmed and freak out, so it was a big win in my book.

Today we just got back from a picnic with other moms/babies from my yoga class at a local winery. Umm, fun. One mom cut up fruit in portions for adults and another smaller portion for the babies! Quite talented she is. So Raffi dined on some watermelon, cantaloupe and a pickle. Yesterday, he had some beef and white rice, so his food repertoire is coming around nicely.

I'm definitely enjoying the "mom" social life. The mom's group has something almost everyday from playdates at someones house to a park, walk or gymboree play. It is good to have some sort of social life. I never imagined it could be so busy.

This weekend we are "babyproofing." Wish us luck!

More and more

Raffi is baby babbling. Last night he started with the bababa, mamama, and other variations. We have been waiting for this step and very happy he has got to it. He is standing stronger and more a little longer. He just hates to be sitting down.

Here is a pic from our festival day trip a couple of weeks ago. Appropriate, you think?