What's in a Name?

So, I thought it would be fun to explore the many nicknames of Sydney. Before she was born, she was continually referred to as Cashew. This is due, in part, because she was about the size of a Cashew when we were trying to think of baby names for her. We also did not know the gender at the time. We had heard of peanut, pickle, gummy bear...and wanted something similar but different.

Since she has entered the world, she has gained a number of new nicknames, some used more than others. Goober, Baby Ruth, Squirt, Stir Fry, Spark Plug, and Fireball are just a few. Her Mother, for some strange reason, has been prone to using Goober. Her Dad, on ther other hand, uses whichever one works for the moment. In fact, the nickname is really driven by the situation...the nickname almost picks itself.

In other news...we have heard a lot of other babies have started their crawling phase. Well, at this point Sydney has not crawled...at least not forward. But, for some reason, she feels inclined to stand up a lot, usually with assistance from a nearby object. And she basically pulls herself upright. I have come to the conclusion that she would just rather walk, instead of crawl. She's very good at supporting her own weight, and you can almost visually see her thought process in wanting to move one foot forward.

Tip #3: Shopping Carts
Whatever you do, if you run out of room in your shopping cart, do not place the baby on the rack beneath the cart to create new space. I know you will be proud of yourself for creatively utilizing your cart to it's full potential and capacity, but I'm sure this will earn you hostile looks from other shoppers, and especially (and more importantly) your child. This may also earn you a spot on the couch for a night or two.

Teething...Not Toothing

The big news for the week is that Sydney has recently had two teeth poke through. I guess the signs of a discontented baby and drooling like a Saint Bernard should have been hints. But now she has two bottom teeth sticking through. Hopefully this round of teething is the worst of what we can expect....but ya never know. Actually, Sydney's grandma (Nana Donna), probably got the worst of it when she watched Sydney all day last Monday. Sydney tried to make it up to her Nana by having a pleasant day at the zoo on Friday :)

Sydney has also been standing, with assistance from the couch, coffee table, or nearby furniture, for a lot longer periods without demonstrating quite the same level of 'noodle legs.'

Other newsworthy things...Sydeny's cousin Reina visited from Okinawa last week. Reina is just three weeks younger, but they have some features that make them look alike...in fact her momma couldn't tell them apart one time, and her Dad constantly reminds her of that. Sydney hopes that Reina, who was nice enough to bring her parents Chris and Jillian with her, has a safe return to Japan.

Sydney also got to attend her aunt Colleen's wedding. She got many pictures taken with the beautiful bride, who is now enjoying her honeymoon in San Francicso...the Rice A Roni city, with her new hubby Derrick.

As far as separation Anxiety...we have been told that separation anxiety is to be expected at around 8 months. I’m hopeful that Sydney will be able to handle this stage well. When I was younger, I can recall latching onto the doorknob at a daycare to prevent complete entry. They had to pry my fingers off, and then bribe me with candy (I didn’t sell out, but took it as consolation after I was already defeated into submission). We are hoping that Sydney has a better display than her dad. It’s funny that they also indicate that you grow out of separation anxiety. To that comment, I just dare you to take away my morning grande coffee…that’ll show you how quickly we can revert. Of course, I would use any means available to prevent that from happening. But in the event that were to happen, I fully expect that I would ball up into the fetal position and rock myself to sleep! To date though, Sydney has been such a great little social lady. She enjoys time with just about everyone, and likes to smile and have a good discussion, even if comprehension is a secondary outcome...or more likely never achieved.

Tip #2: Bathing

Do: Your baby's hygiene is important. Bathe your child regularly in a small tub made for babies. This will be enjoyable for them, and also safe.

Don't: Use your garden hose and spray your baby down. I know what you're thinking, if a little pressure is good to get some grime off, then more must be better. But, odds are this will not clean your baby any better, and will most likely lead to an unhappy baby and an angry spouse. So please, please, do not use the hose on them until they're 12 and refuse to shower.!

If I Only Had a Brain!

So, the first three years are critical for brain development. It is amazing how much their brains grow, in fact 85% of brain growth happens during this time. If the scarecrow’s parent’s only knew this simple fact, he may have had a brain! We’ve tried to engage Sydney in a variety of activities and experiences that will help her synapses spark with delight. Having said that, her list of chores never seems to get done? Haha…I’m only kidding. Chores are not part of her brain growth activities. Nope, they’re actually part of her character building activities :)

But we try to ensure she is stimulated with activities and interaction that will help her development. While I do want her to be smart, I don't want her brain to grow so big that she can't wear hats...that might be weird...haha!

Actually there is some irony in timing. Why, if our children need the best from us when their brains are developing, did nature intend for that to also be the same time period when children prevent you from sleeping…resulting in us not being our best as parents? Perhaps it is about the challenge more than anything, or maybe nature wants us to model resliency for our children to learn from. I would write more about this topic...but thinking about it makes me sleepy.

Well, in other news, Sydney had her 6 month appointment with Rebecca. Who is Rebecca and what does this mean? Rebecca is a local photographer who has already taken pictures of Sydney...at about 6 weeks and at 4 months. What it means is that we have some more amazing pictures to share that Rebecca took. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...well, if that is the case then these pictures say a million words. I think they have truly captured Sydney in her true 6 month form...a happy young lady that loves to smile, and make others smile. She lit up for Rebecca, and just couldn't stop smiling at her.

NEW SECTION: TIP OF THE WEEK

So, I was thinking that as a parent of a now beautiful 7 month old, I may have some unique tips to offer other new parents of similar-aged, or younger children. So, assuming I can remember to do so, I will add a tip on fatherhood, parenthood, or just life in general with each post. I may offer up a simple thought, or share some 'do's' and 'don'ts.' Keep in mind this is my opinion only, and is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. Having set the stage for that...

Tip #1: Swaddling

Do: If you are going to swaddle your baby, please use a baby blanket or even a pre-manufactured swaddler to wrap your newborn in. The tight wrap gives a sense of security.
Don’t: As good of an idea as it seems at the time, Do Not Use duct tape. I know, it seems like an inexpensive and creative way to tackle the task, but this will cause you to lose points with the baby, your baby mama, and definitely you inlaws!

Have a great week everyone!!! And Happy 7 months Sydney!!!

Genetic Predisposition or Learned Behavior?

Mothers…the eternal teachers. Sometimes they teach through spoken word, sometimes they model behavior, and sometimes it is a combination. Sometimes teachings are done through love, and others through necessity. This picture is one illustration of where a mother begins to teach vital life skills to her daughter. In this particular case, it is teaching ‘the look.’ This serves many purposes for women, and can convey an immense amount of messages without actually saying a word. Fortunately, this one lacks the true potency of the typical evil eye that accompanies pursed lips and a general drop in room temperature, but I think mothers teach their daughters this behavior in a progressive manner…baby steps (if you will). And, since this was most likely Karen’s first attempt at this instruction, she’ll have to make sure she’s not on the verge of laughing next time. And to Sydney's credit, she gave her best first attempt at it.

But is this a learned behavior, or is it inherently genetic…intertwined in our DNA, and Mothers are merely vehicles to help ensure that gene expression happens for that particular trait? That really is the question of the ages, and one that I know every guy would certainly like to know the answer to.

Are there perhaps traits for men and there sons as well? Well, certainly nothing that compares to the level of ‘the look,’ but perhaps there are other...simpler behaviors. Since the male species is not as complex of a carbon life form as the female variety, most of their life lessons tend to focus on mundane day to day activities. Do young boys naturally gravitate toward the remote control, or is it learned through father-son relationship bonding, or perhaps…again…through modeled behavior?

While I do not have all of the answers to these questions, I do think it facilitates the ongoing and fascinating discussion about the nature vs. nurture debate.

The other pictures shown here are recently received images from Rebecca, a local photographer who is able to capture amazing images of Sydney at six months of age. They will be cherished!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Tsunami Sydney!

Ok, so the title really just means that Sydney got her second visit to the pool. This time, she got to paddle aroud in the pool with her BFF Maggie, which made it even more of a special occasion. And Maggie was even nice enough to bring along her parents David and Lili for the event!

Sydney has appeared to thoroughly enjoy the pool both times. She seems really equipped for the water, especially since she has the dolphin sound down perfectly. Although, at times her enthusiasm causes her to splash aggressively...to the point that she dousts her own face with water, and then you can read her mind wondering...'who did that?'

This trip to the pool was not just about fun, but also about education. Sydney's dad explained to her the Theory of Displacement, which will certainly help her in science class down the road.

Future educational objectives, in respect to the pool, will focus on performing an adequate cannon ball, belly flop, and perhaps even the rules of Marco Polo. So much to teach as a new parent...haha!

Sydney also had a busy weekend visiting a lot of family, including her Uncle Nathan and cousins Thomas, Nicholas, Destani, and Alex (aka Pickle) who visited from Oregon. She was highly entertained by these family members, and looks forward to seeing them again in August, when she makes her first official road trip!!!

Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July everyone!!!