July 2012

News! Sebastian is now crawling and waving!!!! He started doing both right before turning 9 months. At first we thought he might not crawl because he was really lazy about lifting up on all fours. He would kind of just plop down and roll over, but the little guy did it! He is getting fast, too! We really have to watch him and need to do the baby-proofing.

Plum Island

Seabrook with Auntie Christine and Dylan

Time at home with Mommy

Hampton Beach with Daddy

Fun with Cousin Andrew

Wakefield

So much good time with Nana

Strolling in Brighton while Daddy works on the house

Running on the Charles River

Castle Island Beach with Auntie Alice

This summer has been so wonderful being with Sebastian. We have done so many things and he is changing and learning so fast. It has been really helpful and so good for everyone involved that we have been living with Nana and Papa. Lots of help for us and love and support and stimulation for Sebastian.
I wish this summer could never end!

 Proud Nana

 Tia Tessa

 I loved how he fell asleep on my shoulder. Such a nice snuggle.

 First pediatrician visit with Gaby Saa. She was there at the delivery helping to coach me.

These pictures are from the first week. Sebastian wasn't doing much yet, but we were amazed at everything. He kept us busy with feeding and changing.

 Sunbathing for 10 minutes a day.

 My little shrimp boat captain in jeggings.

Nana knit those socks while waiting for the baby to be born.

 Favorite napping position for both boys.

 Tio Juan came over to hold Sebas.

Going for a walk in the neighborhood

 Tia Carolina

 Kunga, thanks Sofia!

Hilary nicknamed Sebastian fraggle. He looks like a little puppet with that scraggly hair. We also called him One-Eyed-Willie because he would start to fall asleep with one eye open. Hilary had a ton of names, but didn't arrive until 2 weeks in.

Going home

Grace

Tia Lida

Tio Carlos

Abuelo Jorge

Prima Maria Antonia

Day 3 we were still in the hospital, but all was going great. We got a lesson in the nursery on how to bathe Sebastian. He got cold and cried a cry that sounded like a machine gun. It was so cute, but obviously stressful, too. Jorge and I laughed because when we went in the nursery they had a few babies all swaddled and sleeping in little pushable bassinettes all lined up. We did a double-take because one of the babies right next to Sebastian looked like his twin. We couldn't believe it. I guess newborns look very similar.
When we got home, the family came over. Everyone was so happy and excited to see the new baby. Nancy kept on showing off his long toes to everyone. Amazingly, he slept through it all. He was passed around like a doll. Look at all that hair!

We stayed in the hospital for 2 days. Of course, family came to visit. Pancho brought a bottle of red wine to drink with Jorge on the balcony of our room. Sebastian learned to eat right away. Jorge and I insisted on having him room with us 24 hrs. a day. We had a bit of a first parent moment when in the middle of the night Sebastian hadn't woken up to eat. Jorge and I thought he had to eat every 3 hours, so we tried to wake him up. We tried everything! Tickling his feet, rubbing his cheeks, bouncing him, even wetting his feet. Nothing worked. So, we called the nursery and they said not to worry and just to let him sleep. Oops!

Sebastian was born on October 14th, 2011 in Quito, Ecuador at Hospital Metropolitano after 26 hours of labor. OUCH! It was seriously the hardest thing I have ever done in my life (including running the Boston Marathon), and truly the most amazing experience of my life. Jorge and my mom were both present for the birth and helped me through it all. Hilary and Dad were there in spirit as well. Dad was gchatting me and Hilary even called and cheered me on through contractions. The doctors were very supportive and motivating when things were so difficult. My doctor even shouted "He's blonde, push!" I guess he thought I wanted a blonde baby :)

Sebastian's Blog (started at 8 months)

Sebastian is 8 months old and I am just getting around to doing this blogging thing for the first time. I am going to backtrack and upload photos and information before I forget too many details. Jorge and I are very proud parents and loving watching our little baby grow and learn. He is so awesome!!!! I figured this is a good way to write it all down in as little time as possible (I don't have much extra time these days). I don't even care if nobody reads it, but me!