As Mike mentioned, we've been a bit busy lately. We wrapped up the last of our travel prior to our move last week. Let me tell you, we went out with a bang. Maude and I were in Iowa visiting my family and for a business meeting in Davenport, IA on Tuesday. Our flight back connected through Minneapolis and we were supposed to land in LA at 9:30 PM. A bit late, but doable. Well, our flight from the Quad Cities to Minneapolis was delayed (as we sat on the tarmac in the heat for an hour and a half while Maude melted down). We landed 5 minutes before our flight to LAX and after sprinting through the airport pushing a stroller, then catching an electric cart, we got to the gate as they were closing the door They wouldn't let us on. We were then booked on the next flight which was delayed nearly 3 hours. After trying to sleep on a cot in the airport, then getting on our late flight, we got home and to bed at 4 AM. It took a few days for Maude to get back to normal, but we're all good now and happy to have another week at home before our move.
On top of the crazy schedule and very very late night, Maude was apparently teething. She didn't seem herself last week and around Friday evening, it dawned on me that it was probably teething and not just the after effects of her jetsetting lifestyle. I knew teeth were on the horizon because I noticed some white bumps right before her last doctor's appointment. The doctor confirmed that teeth were indeed on the way. Less than two weeks later, Maude's first tooth popped out. We noticed it yesterday and the second one came up today. I truly can't believe how quickly she's growing. I didn't really know when these things started happening and I'm shocked at how quickly she's growing.
In the whole scheme of parenting, I feel like I'm more the mom that mourns the departure of each stage of my baby's life than the one who's anxiously waiting for the next step. I do look forward to what's to come and I obviously want Maude to continue to grow and develop, but I get a little sad with each major development, whenever she outgrows her clothes, and as she loses her distinct baby ways. From now on, my baby has teeth. I'll never have that all gum baby back. From now on, she'll continue to become more and more independent. She'll never again need me to delicately cradle her little head because she can't hold it up. I absolutely want her to grow up strong and healthy and I desperately want her to be independent, free thinking, and confident. But is it bad that I wouldn't mind it if my baby wasn't reaching the new stages so darn fast??
As Maude was working on her teeth this past weekend, we spent time enjoying our last days in LA. We headed to Beverly Hills on Saturday to take in the extravagant shops, beautiful homes, and lovely streets. The weather was amazing and we leisurely strolled around with our baby girl. We took a few pictures to show her some day. I know that as a kid if I knew I was born in LA and lived so close to Beverly Hills, Hollywood and the ocean, I'd want to see pictures of me there!
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| Beverly Hills! Beautiful skies and huge palm trees. Note Maude is sucking her thumb. She started this in the past few days - not sure if it's just teething related or something she's started permanently. |
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| Rodeo Drive. We took her into Tiffany's. No gifts were purchased. Bummer. =) |
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| She's also been enjoying sticking her tongue out. I think she likes feeling her new teeth! |
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| Budding artist. Her technique includes painting with her face. |
