The latest

I have to share all the fun things my child is doing these past few weeks.

Little Missy seems to change more every day, and I get such a kick out of watching her discover the world. A few weeks ago, she discovered her hands and arms belong to her. Two weeks ago, she began attempting to reach for objects close by. Last week, she began to handle and examine the objects. This week, the objects are going into her mouth!

Over the past couple weeks, Fiona has also discovered her legs. Now they move non-stop, especially in the wee hours of the morning when she's sleeping with Mom and Dad. We're often awakened by sharp jabs in the ribs by her little knees and feet. She pumps her legs even in her sleep sometimes.

My favorite development, however, is her awakening sense of humor. Since last week, naps and bedtime have been quite challenging. I'm testing different methods of getting Fiona to fall asleep, and looking to develop a routine. At naptime, I find that patting her tummy while she drifts off in her co-sleeper, works well at naptime. But lately, when silly Mommy thinks Fiona is actually sleepy, she flashes me a big grin with her binky still in her mouth, and giggles as if to say "I fooled you! I'm only pretending to be sleepy." How can a Mommy's heart not melt?

Fiona just turned four months old on April 17. Her 4 month appt. is in a couple weeks. I'll keep you posted.

New Mexico Continued....

Sorry. Blogspot only allows 5 photos to be uploaded per message, so I have to upload photos in installments. Most of these are of my niece, Micaela, belatedly celebrating her 4th birthday. :) Also one of Grandma Griego. Hope you enjoy.

More Photos of Our New Mexico Trip

Hello. It's been a long time. The month of March came and went, and I have no idea how that happened. It was a very busy month for the Bustamante clan. I submitted the final touches on my online writing class to the dean of the writing department at the beginning of March after five months of laboring over it. Because Fiona came a month early, my plans to have it finished by January 14 (Fiona's due date) were scrapped. Instead, I worked on it between changing diapers, nursing, changing spit-up soaked shirts, and holding my infant daughter. Alas, the dean gave her stamp of approval, and I was able to relax for a month.

We also spent a couple weeks in New Mexico visiting family and friends during March. Fiona and I flew down 4 days before Bryan, and Fiona did phenomenally well on the plane, much to my relief. My mommy radar found another new mommy with her four month-old baby standing on line to board the plane to NM. Luckily, that new mommy was friendly, and saved a whole row at the back of the plane for us. Fiona fell asleep soon after take off, and didn't wake up until we landed. Thank you, Jesus!

Our visit was loads of fun, and we were able to spend some decent time with both families. Bryan and I even got in touch with some old friends from elementary and high school while we were in town. The highlight of the trip was Fiona's dedication at my old church, Calvary Chapel. Bryan was nervous to speak in front of the congregation of several thousands, but did an awesome job, wrapping up our hopes for our baby and her relationship with Jesus. Pastor Skip then dedicated our baby. We were thrilled that so many of our friends and family were able to attend.

Grandma Dale afterward hosted a delicious lunch with all our New Mexican favorites.

We definitely miss everyone and wish we could bring all of you to Portland with us. We don't know when our next trip will be to NM, but hope it will be sooner rather than later. And we always love visitors!

More photos of the wee one

Can you say "adoring parents"?