My Little Rose

I cannot believe Sophia will be nine weeks old tomorrow. Where has the time gone?! I'll admit, I used to get so sad whenever I thought about her changing and growing. Okay, okay, let's be honest, I still do... But she really does get more beautiful every day, and I look forward to all of her little milestones. I can't wait to take Sophia to her first dance class or spend an entire afternoon reading and painting our nails (or, of course, our little shopping trips that will surely stress Johnny.) I just love having a little girl! Anyone that really knows me knows that I was meant to have a girl. I often dream of a slightly less caffeinated Gilmore Girl-esque relationship with my daughter. Doesn't that sound just wonderful?

And some updates on our little family:

• We have recently started a bedtime routine to develop some familiarity and consistency for Sophia. I read that babies do well with repetition. We start with bath time, which Sophia has really grown to love. Then we nurse, swaddle, snuggle, and turn on the SleepSheep Sound Machine. Sophia knows exactly what comes next. I forgot to turn on the sound machine the other night, and Sophia sure did let me know. Last night, I added Goodnight Moon since bedtime really isn't complete without a story. She's usually still awake when I put her down, but she has learned to put herself to sleep. With the exception of some random cries and loud squeaks, Sophia sleeps fairly well.
• Sophia has discovered the joy of sucking on her hand. I think she's still working on finding her thumb. She often prefers her hand to the pacifier or even nursing.
• She is not a big fan of tummy time. She usually screams and screams and pushes herself around and around in circles. And she leaves behind a trail of drool. 
• As much as I would like to brag about Sophia being such an easy and happy baby, it is not the reality of our situation. She loves to cry. And she has to be held and cuddled 24/7. It is going to be interesting when I go back to work. There definitely isn't a person in the world that dotes on Sophia the way I do.
• Postpartum depression blows. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I hope everyone is staying cool. We are looking forward to some relief from the hot summer sun. We want to run a marathon as a family, so I can't wait until it is cool enough to go running with sweet Sophia. And I know it is still in the distant future, but I am excited about buying Sophia some winter clothes. I love layers and baby Uggs.

Two Months!

Little Miss Sophia Rose is two months old, and we've got smiles!

10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know

10. Be a girlie-girl. Love pink and lace and roses! Or be a tomboy. Either way, own who you are. Don't worry too much about what others think.

9. "You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way." Song of Songs 4:7. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

8. Don't compare. And don't judge. It'll rob you of a lot of joy. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way.

7. Follow your dreams. And dream big, girlfriend! I'll do anything and everything to help you, and I will always be behind you 100%. That doesn't mean I won't give you my opinions sometimes. But at the end of the day, trust your heart, and I'll have faith that I did a good job raising you.

6. Baylor Bears are the best! Education is important, but it's not everything. The support system you can build at Baylor is unlike any other. And enjoy everything while you're there, even if it seems a little silly (after all, there is no Diadeloso in real life). And have a heart for Waco. It's not the most glamorous place, but it has a certain charm. Plus that's where I met your daddy.

5. Don't be a mean girl. There's enough of them in the world. Have a good, pure heart. That alone will get you far in life.

4. Always have a planner. Bring a jacket. And wear sunscreen. You'll be glad you did.

3. Be careful who you trust. Some people will try to masquerade as your best friend for selfish reasons, and some will talk behind your back. It'll break your heart. Those people aren't worth it. I know, baby girl, it's hard to stomach, but it's important to know.

2. Always remember mommy and daddy love you. More. Than. Anything. We're trying, but we're not perfect. We'll make mistakes. Lots of them. We're sorry!

1. Do everything in His glory. Wear out your praying knees.

And ten more things...

xoxo.

Baby Coos & Rose-Colored Glasses

"I surrender who I've been for who you are, for nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart." - Sleeping At Last

Little Sophia Rose will be seven weeks tomorrow. People weren't lying when they said it goes by fast! It has been a tumultuous and dichotomous couple of weeks. I love the little milestones that come with her inevitable growth, but I also want to hold onto my tiny newborn. 

Recently, we've discovered the magic of the baby carrier. Sophia loves the closeness that it provides while it gives Johnny and I the luxury of two free hands! She is still a little too small for it, but it stops the crying.

We're also getting more smiles and baby coos. The journalism major in me wants to capture every moment, but my paparazzi skills leave something to be desired. 

Some other baby Sophia developments:

• She has an amazing startle reflex. She'll throw her arms up in the air and then go right on sleeping.
• The sound of the hair dryer makes her pass out, even if only for a couple minutes.
• I want to start exploring baby sign language. I think we'll start with 'mommy,' 'daddy,' and 'milk!'
• No, we're not getting her ears pierced. I want her to ask for it and for us to have that girlie bonding experience.
• She has super soft baby feet.
• It is fun seeing the world through the eyes of a baby; everything is new and exciting. Sophia's favorite game is Peek-A-Boo. I get a great big smile every time.
• Bath time is getting better. The lavender scent of our baby shampoo & body wash calms sweet Sophia Rose after a good hard cry.
• I feel incredibly guilty every time I leave Sophia. And it's only for about an hours at a time. I can't even imagine going back to work right now.

I love discovering new baby products, brands, and outfits/accessories. My latest obsession is BabyLegs leg warmers. They help keep Sophia's legs warm without interfering with diaper changes. Besides, Sophia has the ability to kick off her pants. Leave your recommendations for your favorite things!

Life Lately

The other day, a good friend asked me what my least favorite part of being a mother was. I quickly answered, "Being lumped in the category of 'mom.'" Those without children often see women with children as simply a mother. Nothing else. No individual identity outside of motherhood. But the more I think about it, the prouder I am to have that mommy title! 

Over the last five weeks, I have changed quite a bit. Even during my pregnancy, I was incredibly immature and selfish. I fretted over the smallest of details that now seem insignificant. Things like how much weight I was gaining to getting that perfectly folded stack of shirts at work to making Sophia's nursery just right wracked my brain. Now, I would give up anything for just a second longer to snuggle my sweet baby. To have her understand how much I love her. She's the sweetest, daintiest, most perfect little girl, and I want to give her the world. 

While we were growing up, my mother (and my father!) gave up so much to give my sisters and me the best possible life. They are the most selfless and non materialistic people I know. It was always all about the kids. I know I don't tell them enough, but I am eternally grateful for the life and opportunities I was given. And now I want to do the same for Sophia. I am not perfect. Far from it. But I hope she grows up knowing that even with all my mistakes, I am trying my best.

On a less sappy note, here are some updates on baby Sophia!

• She has a cry that will break your heart. She gives you huge puppy dog eyes, quivers her lower lip, and screams. For hours. Hours of purple-in-the-face screaming.  Sophia's pediatrician recommended that we read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp. Hopefully we find a way to soothe our sweet baby.
• During more serene moments, Sophia has started smiling! And cooing! And following our faces from side to side!
• Her fingers and toes are always ice cold. The little footie pajamas are perfect at fixing that. And they are too cute on her.
• She has the funniest facial expressions.
• She loves to grab onto the collar of my shirt when I hold her.
• She still has that intoxicating baby smell. It is pretty extraordinary.
• She is dying to go swimming. Actually, I'm dying to take her swimming. But right now she hates the water. Bath time is quite an event here at the Rivera house.
• I am considering cloth diapering. Sophia is still in newborn diapers, and we have gone through quite an impressive number of  them.
• I'm getting Johnny a custom key with Sophia's name on it. As her daddy, Johnny holds the key to her heart. And it will be the perfect gift for him to pass onto her future husband when she gets married.