baby girl!

Kira is 2 months old! 2 months and 1 week, precisely. She's growing so much and is already smiling and showing us what a sweet personality she has. She's been sleeping through the night (going to sleep around 8:30-9:30 pm and waking up around 7 am!) since she was 6 weeks old. She's absolutely amazing. Doesn't cry except when she needs something (a bottle, some company or some cuddles).

We're planning her Christening for July 18, which is exactly one year since Markus's Christening. Her godmother, Diane, bought her an exquisitely delicate and beautiful Christening gown from Colombia.

We don't have any pictures of Kira up on the blog yet, so to correct that, here are a few favorites!

BACK HOME!

Well, it's been over 2 months, but Sandra and I have finally moved back into our home. It feels like this is the 3rd time we're moving into our home. Initially, then we left for Markus/kitchen renovation, and now with Kira. Of course everything ended up being last minute so the house is a giant mess of boxes and clothes, as if we just moved in! Anyway, things are generally good. Markus and Kira are both happy and healthy. Here's a video of Markus drinking out of my GIANT Dunkin' Donuts coffee cup (I started drinking coffee occassionally after Markus was born). He makes my Father's Day when he calls my name and gives me hugs twice!

Markus & the Dandelions

About a month ago (2 days before Kira was born) I was outside playing with Markus. I picked up a dandelion and blew on it to show Markus. I did this ONCE. Now, when Markus went to pick up a dandelion, he makes that same blowing motion. It's one of those things that just makes my heart melt and why I love being a dad. Here's a video:

Markus (18th Month) & Kira (2 Week) Updates

Kira's 2 week check-up went very well. She weighed in at 8lbs 10oz and was given an overall good bill of health. She has dry skin, her feet and hands in particular, but our pediatrician told us not to use any lotions as they may cause irritations.

Markus had his 18 month check up and that also went very well! The doctor was pleased with his development. He's 31 lbs. 10 oz. and 34.5 inches. He is actually hovering on the top of the average growth chart, so he's not way off the scale. I think he's in the 97% percentile now.

He can say roughly 20 words and we're always amazed at his comprehension. For example, we can ask him to throw something away and he'll go the kitchen trash, open the door, pull out the garbage, throw the item away, close the garbage and clap his hands! We love it! Some of his words are:

• Juice (Gooo!)
• Ball
• Kaka
• Train (Choo Choo)
• Car
• Guitar (Tar)
• Mama (Ma!)
• Daddy (Da-dee!)
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush (Eeeyah -- from old McDonald)
• Socks (Dah!)
• Glasses (Dah!)
• Eat
• Bread (Pan)
• Apple (Ba-Bow)
• Water/Agua (Oowah)

We absolutely love watching Markus grow and learn! Kira continues to be quiet compared to Markus. Don't want to jinx it, but it's been good so far! Here is the first photo of all four of us together!

Born: Kira Marian Frydman

April 26th, 2010 11:30 p.m. - 7lbs 7oz.



Throughout the pregnancy, Sandra had been doing just fine. On the weekend before the 26th, her blood pressure went up to 130/90, which was high, but nothing critical. Since we were at 38 weeks and 5 days, we, along with our doctors, decided to deliver that day before it became an emergency. So, we gathered our bags and headed out the St. Luke's Roosevelt (St. Vincent's was already bankrupt and closed).

The c-section went very well. The anesthesiologists were incredibly nice and really made Sandra feel as calm as possible. One was nice enough to take photos of Kira's birth (in case I would faint) and he did a great job!

Kira's abgar scores were 9 and 9, and she is beautiful!

We stayed in the hospital just two days, as we wanted to get home to see Markus. (due to H1N1, no children under 12 are allowed to visit). Our doctor was okay with us going home early, as Sandra had plenty of help at home and her father is a doctor too.

We continue to stay at Sandra's parents house while Sandra recovers. Its been almost two weeks now since Kira's been born. We have her two week appointment tomorrow.

So far, Markus likes to point to his little sister and say, "et daaa?". =) He always smiles and giggles when she moves or hiccups.

Will keep the updates flowing now that we're full steam ahead!

Update

Sandra and I have decided to stay at Sandra's parents house until the baby is born (and a little after) as Sandra will have some help from her aunt during the day. We're also preparing the baby's stuff -- clothes, bottles, bassinet, etc. -- and waiting for her to come join us!

The new nursery is just about done -- I will post pictures next week.

This past weekend we visited my parents. My mom and her friends took Markus to the park to play for a while. All in all, a great weekend.

NCAA Picks

Markus made his first NCAA picks this year! He had Kansas winning it all, so it's already busted. I don't know if I should be teaching gambling to a 16-month old, but it's fun!






In other news, Sandra is doing great and we're still on track for our new baby girl in May! Also, I recently fell into the hole that is Facebook, so posting photos and updates on the blog has been scarce! I will get back on track though.

Markus says, "uh-oh" for EVERYTHING these days. Turn the TV on, "uh-oh", turn it off -- "uh-oh", walk in the room -- "uh-oh", ...you get the picture. It's cute, but also difficult to decipher. He's also showing more interest in the books we read to him and pointing and asking what it is ("oeresi?", or something like that).