Breast milk is best for babies up to 2 years old goes the compulsory reminder on baby formula packaging. We agree with it, especially Jeanne, so she was on breast milk from birth. Later, this was supplemented with baby formula. But as soon as she turned two, we began the process to move her on to baby formula. We started by offering her milk in a cup, which she had always declined preferring mommy or the bottle. But lately, she’s been drinking solely from the cup. Of course, three nights without mommy and Gretchen’s constant coaxing helped. And today, I officially declare that Jeanne is now weaned!
When I got home from work today, Jeanne hugged me and declared “I love daddy.” Things like this makes going home early and spending time with Jeanne an absolute joy. She probably will forget (I don’t remember much of when I was 1 to 3 years old), but they mean a lot to me and I will remember and cherish them.
We got together with some friends at Vieux Chalet. As usual, the rustic ambiance and the city view was great. And as usual, Rico and the staff were also great. They even did a dance number. The food was just good. I had ordered Cannelloni, Fettuccine Alfredo, Pizza de la Casa, and Pizza Napoli (anyone notice how all of these seem Italian?) and though they were individually quite delicious, I inadvertently ended up with a very anti-South Beach (still remember that?) carbo-loaded menu. Still, the night went well and it was great seeing and being with friends. Thanks everyone!
I survived! Michelle went off to climb Pulag with her officemates so I was left with Jeanne for the past weekend. Of course, it helped that Gretchen was also around.
Friday
It actually started Friday afternoon. I arrived early as I normally do (I usually leave home while she’s asleep and then come back early, sometimes just in time for her afternoon playground time). This time, she and Gretchen were already out playing. I had with me some banana-cues for snacks and I put them in the oven to reheat. I was done just when they came back and we had snacks. Jeanne said she likes it but just nibbled here and there. I ended up eating the remainder.
After dinner Michelle arrived to bring back the car. We then drove back out to her office to drop her off. At first, I didn’t want to bring Jeanne because I was afraid she might throw a tantrum once Michelle gets down. I eventually relented and surprisingly, she was cool about it.
Once we got home, we went through her bedtime routine: drank vitamins, brushed teeth, wiped down, changed nappy, and prepared for bed. I promised to read her a story and I read her some story about a dog’s antics. And then it was sleepy time. She tossed and turned for a while and asked for water but she generally wasn’t very fussy. Pretty quickly, she quieted down and was soon asleep.
Saturday
We then went home and changed nappy. Jeanne then played with Gretchen while I played some Batman then napped till just before dinner. I took over Jeanne while Gretchen prepared dinner.
After dinner we sat on the sofa and watched The Double. As usual, she wasn’t interested and was drawing most of the time. After the movie, we went through her bedtime routine. I promised to let her watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And then it was sleepy time. Just like the previous night, she tossed and turned for a while and asked for water but she generally wasn’t very fussy.
Sometime in the night she woke up. I keep asking her what she wanted and finally she said “Nothing.” then slept again. Later she woke up again. Again, I asked her what she wanted. She said “Don’t. Talk. Dad.” then slept again. I guess she didn’t want to be disturbed :P
Sunday
I woke up with the intent of quickly running to the car wash (for the other car) and getting back in time for Jeanne waking up. Fat chance. She was apparently already awake. When she saw me putting on my pants, she quickly got up and said “Want to go with daddy!” What choice do I have? So off we went to the car wash and she had fun watching the crew wash, shampoo, rinse, and dry the car.
We then went home and had lunch. Jeanne then played with Gretchen while I played some Batman then napped till just before dinner. I baked some ham in the oven then took over Jeanne while Gretchen cooked rice.
After dinner we sat on the sofa and watched In Time. Again, she wasn’t interested and was drawing most of the time. After the movie, we went through her bedtime routine. I promised to let her watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, later Barney, and even later told her my majorly revised and truncated version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. And then finally it was sleepy time. Again, she tossed and turned for a while and asked for water but she generally wasn’t very fussy.
After mass and lunch, Michelle, Jeanne, and I went to the Ark of Avilon Mini-Zoo. It’s a “branch” of Avilon Zoo. It’s way smaller than its parent but it’s also way more accessible. And most importantly, Jeanne (and Michelle judging by the photos) had way more than mini-fun!
