Month 9

This month has gone by so quickly, but then again, time flies when you're having fun (and boy am I having fun!).

Trying to get in the kitchen

I perfected my crawl, and I move so quickly that sometimes it is difficult for Mommy to catch me when I'm trying to get into trouble. A lot of times, though, I start laughing halfway to my destination, so my parents know they need to move fast to catch me. One of my favorite off limit spots is the dog's water bowl. It is just so much fun to splash around! I also, really like going into my room and pulling all of my books off the book shelf. I keep telling them in my adorable baby babble that I'm just trying to decide which book I want Mommy to read to me at bed time!

Water Bowl Fun!

Picking out my favorite books

I'm also working on standing on my own. I can walk with the assistance of my walker toy and mommy or daddy's fingers, but I've only stood on my own for a few seconds at a time. I know that I'll figure it out soon, though. I really want to take my first steps for daddy before he deploys!

Daddy & I must have seen something very interesting on the TV.

I absolutely LOVE playing with my puppy, Luna. I always take her toys and try to get her to play with me. She runs down the hallway when Mommy & Daddy throw her toys, so I'm figuring out how to do that, too. I climb all over her, and pet her, and sometimes pull on her fur, but she lets me and I'm learning how to pet her correctly so I don't hurt her.

I got the toy!

Here, Luna, now take it back.

I had my 9 month appointment a little early because of some digestive issues, so here are my measurements. I'm in the 77% for length at 29 inches, 81% for weight at 22.5 lbs, and 91% for head circumference at 18.5 inches. I'm definitely starting to trim up with all the moving I'm doing... I'm still pretty chunky, but I don't think I'll be that way for too much longer.

9 months old!

I'm starting to really enjoy eating solid foods. My favorite meals are green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pears, while I'm not really a fan of asparagus or hummus. I haven't really been introduced to meats just yet, but I have had some small tastes of kalua pork and chicken on a stick. Mommy & Daddy wanted to wait until my digestive issues started working themselves out, and it looks like I'll be trying some more this month!

Trying some Kalua Pork at the Islands Festival.

We went to the Micronesian Islands Festival as well. It was a lot of fun walking around all the different vendors and seeing the artwork. There was wood carving, carabao rides (I didn't ride one THIS time), and a mosaic artist that was really neat. I especially enjoyed helping mommy hold the umbrella.

I love hanging out with Mommy!

I now have THREE teeth! You can really see them when I smile, too. Teething is definitely no fun, so I can't wait to get all of them and be done with it.

This upcoming month should be a lot of fun! We have a family photo session, Halloween, and lots of play time with Daddy before he leaves. Until next time, I hope you all have a great month!

Month 8

Well, I am officially crawling... and pulling myself up to standing... and cruising along the furniture... and getting into trouble! It all happened in one week; Mommy and Daddy were shocked and happy all at once. They had to lower the mattress on my crib because they were afraid I would flip over the side and hurt myself. I feel like there is a whole new world in front of me. Mommy definitely has to keep a much closer eye on me. I've had some pretty scary falls, but I always get right back up. I follow her all over the house, now, so they bought some baby gates to close off the kitchen. They keep saying it's easier to do that than it would be to baby proof every drawer and cabinet in there. The oven doesn't lock either... but I think they just want to keep me out of the fridge!

Crawling around my toys to get to Daddy's laptop.

I know this is where you keep the food!

I'm awaaaaaake!

Mommy and I are working on my swimming skills, again. We took a little bit of a break the last couple months because the weather was always so rainy, but now that we get a few sunny days here and there, we go to the pool whenever we have the opportunity. I really love splashing around in the water. I stand up on the side of the pool, and if Mommy puts me on my stomach, I kick my legs. We've even done a few dunks to get me used to going under the water. I never cry, and quickly go back to playing in the water. Pool time is probably one of my favorite things right now. Sometimes I go over to my friend's house and swim in her little pool in the back yard. Mommy says she has one she needs to get out of storage so I can swim in my back yard, too!

Tired out after an afternoon swimming. I pulled the towel over my eyes so I could sleep!

I saw the Imagination Movers here on base, too. They were GOOD! I had never heard of them before, so Mommy put on one of their episodes the day before the concert. I wasn't very interested, but that is probably because I don't watch much TV, so I didn't really understand what was going on. But when I saw them live... man, oh, man, was I impressed. I just sat on Mommy's lap and took it all in. All the other kids around me were up dancing around, but I had never seen anything like that before. The lights and music were mesmerizing, and I took a nice long nap after the concert.

Imagination Movers show!

We also went to the Chamorro Culture Center and took a tour around a replica of a Chamorro Village. It was a lot of fun. We were able to eat dinner and watch the sun set over the ocean. Then the "Chamorro villagers" came out and performed a show for us. I got scared because there was a lot of chanting, clapping, and slapping of legs, but once Daddy handed me over to Mommy, I felt better and was able to enjoy the show. I was a hit among the lady villagers, and they all wanted to hold me after the show!

Chamorro Culture Show

Hanging out with the ladies!

Let's see... what other things have I learned this month? Oh! I started clapping my hands! I was imitating Daddy one night, and now I can do it on my own if I really try. I also talk a lot. I know what I'm saying, but I don't think my Mommy and Daddy quite understand all the priceless knowledge I am passing on.

I'm so cute... even when I'm doing something I'm not supposed to do!

The last few months have gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was visiting my family in the states, and now we're beginning the fall season. I can't wait to update you all again next month with all I do here on the island of Guam!

8 Months Old!

Month 7

Not too much has happened in the couple weeks that have passed since my delayed 6 month blog, but I will do my best to fill you in.

Firstly, I had my 6 month check up. I weigh 21 lbs, and am in the 94% of weight and head circumference. Apparently, I'm a really big boy. My doctor said I look really healthy and my mom was really happy he answered all the questions she had about my development. I really don't mind seeing him... it's the people that give me shots that I don't like. Luckily, I didn't have any fevers or upset tummies like I did the last time. My Dr. said I get a break now until I turn one. YAY!

Luna and I hanging out during a Thunderstorm. It bothered her more than me!

My first tooth broke through! Only a tiny bit is poking out from the gum line, but it is defintely there. My mom noticed it when I chomped down on her finger and it pinched her. I am teething full force right now, and often have both hands in my mouth to try and sooth my gums. It's hard work growing teeth!

I feel some teeth!

I'm getting closer and closer to crawling. I can sit up on my own, and get on all fours. I move back and forth like I want to crawl, but any time I go to move an arm or a leg, I fall on my belly. I get frustrated sometimes, but my mommy says, "Practice makes perfect," so I'll keep working on it.

Very close to becoming mobile!

Sleep is always frustrating. I fight it so much because I am just so interested in what is going on around me. I fell asleep in my high chair for the first time because I fought my afternoon nap so much that my mom gave up and let me stay awake. Well, my brilliant plan didn't work, because as she was feeding me my delicious dinner of pureed carrots, I passed out. I missed out on my nap, but ended up going to bed very early.

So sleepy

That's about all. Sorry for the lack of pictures as well. We just get busy with our day, that sometimes we forget to stop and take it all in. I will write more next month!

Happy 7 months to me!

Month 6

This month brought a BIG adventure! I took my first airplane ride to Pensacola, Florida. Daddy and Mommy were really impressed with how I behaved on the plane. I cried a little, slept, and Daddy walked me around the plane when I had trouble calming down. I met a lot of people on the airplane and they all said I was very cute.

Once we made it to Pensacola (24 hours later), I met my Halmoni (Grandma Ismay) for the very first time. She was so excited to see me, and I immediately gave her my biggest toothless grin. I was held by her and we went down to the baggage claim to surprise my Grandma Triebold. Grandpa Triebold was in on the surprise, so she practically walked right into my  Mommy before she realized who was in front of her. It was a perfect surprise and she immediately gave Mommy a hug and came over to see me.

Next we drove over to Aunt Michelle's house and surprised her, too! She was so excited, I was shocked that she didn't go into labor right then and there! We all went out to dinner and enjoyed the fact we would be around for almost a whole month.

We spent the first few days adjusting to the time difference, but after a couple nights I was back to my 5-6 hour stretch of sleep, and having Halmoni around to get me from my pack-n-play helped Mommy & Daddy get adjusted faster, too. I loved waking up to her and playing with her every morning before my parents woke up.

I went swimming for the first time during the trip. Grandma Triebold helped me get used to having water splashed on my head, and we eventually even put my entire head under the water! I did so well; I didn't even cry. I like the water a lot, so Mommy says we'll have to keep going so that I learn to love it more and more.

I started moving around a lot, too. When we first got to the states, I only rolled from my belly to my back; now I scoot on my back all over the floor, roll from my back to my belly, and push up on my arms almost to the point where I can put my knees under me. Everyone says I'm really close to crawling.

I started eating solids at my 6 month mark! I've eaten rice cereal, carrots, avocados, squash, and sweet potatoes. I am having so much fun trying all the different flavors real food has to offer!

I met so many people while I was home, too! Some people even came from different states to visit. Besides meeting my Aunt Michelle, I met my Uncle Keith, Aunt Teresa and Uncle David! I had a lot of fun with all of them. My cousin Wesley was born while I was in the states, too, and I'm really excited to get to grow up with him and play when we get older. I met my Great Grandpa Triebold, Great Aunt Sharon, and Nana Triebold. My Great-Aunt Jaymie & Uncle Mike stopped by on their way back to Illinois to see me, and my Great-Aunt Dori, Uncle Glenn, and Aunt Linda came from Texas to see me and my cousin Wesley. They brought along my first cousins Christian, Faith, Nicholas, and second cousins Olivia and Isaac. Finally, my Grandpa Ismay flew all the way from New York to visit me! We spent time at the Gulfarium and the Naval Aviation Museum and had a lot of fun together.

Me & Uncle David

Hanging out with Great Grandpa Triebold

Visiting Aunt Michelle in the Hospital

Mommy holding Wesley before he was put in the nursery.

Needless to say, I was pretty spoiled during my time in Florida. So many people held me and loved on me, it was hard to believe it was time to go back to Guam after the 4 weeks flew by. I know we didn't get the chance to see some of the people that my Daddy & Mommy wanted, but Mommy & I will be back in December for Christmas, so we'll have some more time to visit others.

My 7 month update is fast approaching so I will write more, then!

PS: I'm sorry there aren't many pictures of the trip. My Mommy still needs to upload them to the computer, so if you're on facebook, keep an eye out for them!

Month 5

Hello Family & Friends!

This month started off with getting my first cold. Mommy had a little bit of a cold, so a few days after she felt better, I started feeling sick. It didn't last very long, but I definitely had a stuffy nose, and didn't sleep very well. This was made worse the first couple days by a fever from immunisations. My sleep habits were disrupted for quite a while, though. I'm still not quite back to where I was (8 hours straight), but I'm getting better. I just really like seeing my mommy, and am starting to realise that she's not in my nursery when I wake up. I don't even like it when she is washing dishes in the kitchen and I am bouncing in the living room.

Just chillin'.

I also went through my first tropical storm! The house was really dark because the base made us close all of the shutters, and it was so rainy. Otherwise, nothing else happened. Mommy and I just stayed dry in the house while Daddy was at work.

A friend's photo of the Tropical Storm

I celebrated my first Memorial Day at a BBQ, but slept through a majority of it. My Mommy & Daddy celebrated their 3 year wedding anniversary, and I skyped into my Aunt Michelle's Baby shower. I also helped celebrate Father's Day with my Daddy by taking him out to lunch and buying him a cool Father's Day mug.

Memorial Day Nap

Happy Father's Day!

I rolled over on Memorial Day for the first time! Mommy & Daddy were so excited, you'd have thought they won the lottery or something. I've been rolling over from my belly to my back like a pro ever since, but I still haven't been able to go from my back to my belly. I am starting to push my knees under my belly, though, so I may be in the beginning stages of learning to crawl.

Action Shot!

Daddy & Mommy helped me apply for my passport and hope I can get at least one stamp in it before we leave Guam. There are some fun places we could visit like Japan or Hong Kong that have Disney Land, so we may try and go there once I'm a little bit older. Even if we don't get to go, it will still be good to have a passport for emergency purposes... although, I hope that isn't the case.

Passport photo taken at home before we decided to just go to a professional.

Sorry it's a pretty short update. We've spent a lot of time hanging out with friends on island, and since the summer is getting started, there will be more outings to come! I am certain that I will have a lot to say on my 6 month blog, so stay tuned!

Month 5 was SUPER!

Month 4

Life is definitely getting more and more interesting!

Today was my 4 month well-baby appointment and boy were my parents impressed. I am ranked in the 95% for weight at 18lb 1oz, 78% for length at 25 & 3/4in, and the 80% for head circumference at 43.4cm.

Exactly 4 months old!

I'm getting closer and closer to rolling over, but I haven't quite mastered the technique just yet. I can push up with one leg, but I don't know how to move my arm so I roll all the way over. I can definitely keep my head up when I'm doing tummy time, though.

So close to rolling over!

I can sit up pretty well when I'm supported by either my bumbo chair or my parents' hands. I really like observing everything around me, and have even begun to notice Luna. I grab at her ears and her nose when she walks up to me. I also grab a hold of different toys that are placed in front of me, and I focus on the pictures in some of the books my parents read to me.

I was having so much fun jumping, I fell asleep!

Mommy & I had a full week all by ourselves! Daddy went to San Diego for some training, so I was on my best behavior for mommy. I really missed Daddy and he really missed us, so he bought me all sorts of things while he was away.

Hanging out with my best friend while Mommy cleans out my closet.

The weather continues to go from nice, to muggy and hot, so we don't get outside for walks much in the mornings anymore. We go in the evenings, if at all, but I did take my first trip to the pool on base. I didn't get all the way in the water, because we wanted to wait so Daddy could come with us. I really liked splashing my feet in the water, so I can't wait to try going all the way in!

Multi-tasking: Tummy time and Teething!

Finally, I have begun to teethe! I drool so much, and can often be found with my hands in my mouth. None have broken through, and we don't expect one to anytime soon, so we're just using some tylenol when I get really fussy.

Having Fun with Daddy!

Other than that, I've been smiling and laughing a lot. Mommy & Daddy try to keep me happy, so I can't wait to update you all next month with what all we do!

Month 3

Happy 1/4 year to me!!! I can't believe I have been here three months already. Everything is starting to get a little easier. I'm digesting food without getting super gassy, recognizing mommy & daddy, smiling, laughing, playing, and holding my head up on my own... I'm really starting to enjoy everything this new and exciting world has to offer!

Observing everything around me.

We have a nighttime routine that I really enjoy. I get a nice tummy massage, next I get a nice fully belly, and then I go to sleep in my crib. I've given mommy some good sleep this past month. Most nights, I only wake up once for a 2 or 3am feeding, and then I sleep until 5 or 6am. There have even been a few nights where I sleep until almost 5am! Mommy thanks me every morning for being such a good sleeper, now. It's always nice to see my parents' smiling faces in the morning and I look forward to what the day holds.

Mommy & Daddy bought me a new jumper that I love to play in. My legs are really strong, and so I can jump pretty high in it. I've played in it for so long that I've fallen asleep. They also bought some new patio furniture since I like it outside so much. I sit in a little bouncy chair while enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and breeze. I've given some of my greatest smiles while sitting outside with them.

Enjoying the beautiful Guam afternoon!

I started going to church with my parents this month, too! While I spend some time in the sanctuary during the praise & worship, I always get hungry before the end of the service. Luckily, there is a room Mommy and I can go to so I can eat, and we can still listen to the sermon. I've met some other babies in there, and all the other moms are impressed with how big I am for my age.

Waiting impatiently for the Helicopter to land.

Sitting where Daddy sits when he flies.

We celebrated Easter this month as well. I watched my friends find Easter Eggs, a helicopter from my Daddy's job land at the base Easter Party, and a play performed at my church. They were all really fun, and my parents made sure to tell me why Easter is such a special holiday.

Hanging out at my neighbor's house on Easter Sunday.

I almost forgot to tell you about my 2 month Drs. appointment! The Doctor said I was right on track for my age, and I was in the higher percentiles for length and weight, but my head circumference was in the lower percentile. Mom says that the size of my head doesn't mean I won't be the smartest boy in school, though. The shots hurt A LOT! I cried and cried and cried until I was picked up and held. I slept for a little while after the shots, but then I was fussy and only wanted to sleep in Mommy's arms. I got a low-grade fever, but with the tylenol the Dr prescribed, it was gone by morning and I was back to my normal cheerful self. I hope I don't have to get any more of those for a while!

Sitting in my Bumbo chair all by myself!

I'm starting to get more and more wiggily, so my parents are anxiously waiting for me to roll over. I'm not sure what they're talking about, but once I figure it out, I'm sure they'll tell you all about it. I can't wait to see what the next month of life holds for me, so I'm signing off to find out! Good-bye until then!