June 1, 2009

Baby Ayla and I spent the day at home today. We are still getting used to just the two of us being home together and enjoying every minute of it. She just turned 6 weeks old on May 28 and she is so adorable. She's about 8 pounds now and is developing enough muscle to push off with her hands; kick her feet; climb up people's chests and move her arms around. And for the last few days (maybe more), she's been able to stand up for a few seconds at a time, almost minutes. The best feeling is when she lies against my chest. She's knocked out cold! However, I have to often put her down to do some housework, cooking, and errands before she wakes up to eat. Although I'm on maternity leave these days, this schedule is more hectic than my work schedule! There's still so much I still want to do - work on Ayla's scrapbook; make a musical picture collage of her; etc. I can never seem to get to these things. 

Today, Ayla has been feeling a lot better. Yesterday, she was in discomfort and cried most of the day due to tummy pain. Tania was here yesterday for a couple of hours and unfortunately, had to see baby Ayla crying a lot. Today, Ayla has been sleeping more during the day and seems more relaxed. Ayla also took a nice, soothing bath. She enjoys the warm water and is very calm during these baths. 

This past weekend was the first time that Baba missed a night with Ayla. Baba was in NYC helping Chacha Fawad move from NYC to Pittsburgh. Yesterday and today, Baba made up for lost time with Ayla.

During the night, Zaid and I went with Ayla to the grocery store. With my mom having just left, Zaid and I are still trying to figure out taking Ayla out for mini-trips. So far, we have taken her to doctor's appointments, Auntie Rahila's house twice, Zaid's graduation ceremony, and dinner with his graduate friends. It's not that Ayla is not social; she has been receiving many visitors - both friends and family - at home. Zaid and I look forward to taking her out more. Tonight, she looked so cute in her carrier which we attached to the grocery cart. My baby did well, sleeping and then, staying awake to check out the food she will consume in the future!

We came home, caught the very first Tonight Show with Conan O' Brien and slept very late. My little booboo kept me up most of the night because of her irregular eating schedule but as always, it was worth looking into her big brown eyes and hearing her squawk and squeak. She's sleeping in her bassinet well these days after a period of sleeping with me and Zaid because of tummy pain. I miss her sleeping next to me but I know she is supposed to stay in the bassinette.  

I have so much more to say about my baby but I will wait until the next posting. 

Signing off for now,

Ayla's mom aka Saadia aka Seux