Hemoglobin and Lead Screening

During our 1 Year check up appointment, we were given a lab slip for Ella to have her Hemoglobin and Lead checked.  It was a little odd as two of the Pediatrics book I read (and read over and over again) said it would be done at the 9 month check up.  I didn't really care to look into as Ella slept good, was playful and didn't show any signs of being tired.

So, we went in on Friday, May 11th to get the screening done.  I thought it would be a simple poke in the finger test BUT it turned out the technician drew blood from her vein in her arm since she was 1 years old. (shock? yes, I was!).  Ella cried but recovered fast - good job E!

Picture:  Ella's arm after the visit with the lab. (May 11, 2012)

Results:  Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood, the predominant protein in the red blood cells.  In the routine laboratory test for hemoglobin (Hb), it is usually measured as total hemoglobin and the result is expressed as the amount of hemoglobin in grams (gm) per deciliter (dl) of whole blood, a deciliter being 100 milliliters. Normal range for infants at 12 months is from 11.3 to 14.1.

Ella's results came back today at 12.9.  Woohoo! Good thing it came back normal because I was not going to put Ella through it again. 

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9 Month vs 1 Year screening:  Some pediatricians prefer (such as ours) to have the test done at 1 years old as the blood work is more accurate and conclusive.  Whereas when this screening is performed at 9 months, the infant has a simple poke and this does not give as accurate results.  It makes sense and acceptable unless the infant shows signs of low iron during the 6 month or 9 month check up.

Giraffes

The weather was finally cool enough to go outside this past Thursday, May 17th, so we decided to brave the allergies and join a few friends at the Sacramento Zoo.  Ella took a nap for the first 45 minutes and was in a weird mood at first but came around when she saw her favorite zoo animal - giraffes.  I'm not sure if its because of how large they are, or possibly the fact that she has the best view of them since they are in an open field (vs. the other animals in their glass/cages). But over all, she got really excited and started signing for them to come to her as she does with our dogs. 

Pictures:  Ella feeding a giraffe for the first time (May 17, 2012).

Video:  Ella watching the giraffes (May 17, 2012).

After we fed the giraffes, we visited the monkeys and then had lunch at a nearby shaded bench with the group.  Ella started to warm up to Jack and Wyatt!  So darn cute watching her enjoy the wagon and being pushed around.

Pictures:  Ella having lunch in the wagon with Jack. Ella enjoying a wagon ride with Wyatt.

Video:  Ella loves riding the wagon with the other kids (May 17, 2012).

Good times are always had with good friends.

2 Feet Bubble

Personal space has always been a very big thing to Ella.  In the past, she cringes when people get too close, she dislikes being carried by other people, and she prefers you not to hug or touch her.  These days, her two feet bubble is getting smaller and she's allowing more people to get close to her.  She even gives people hugs at times!  It's just too cute.  I love it when Ella shares the love BUT I also respect her personal bubble when she doesn't want to.  Lately, playing hard to get works great with Ella - ignore her and she comes crawling towards you.  Smothering and fussing over her does not go well with her.  She's going to be an independent girl like her mamma!

Video:  Ella runs away from Claire who tries to give her a hug.

Picture:  Ella giving Paige a big hug (May 9, 2012).

Picture:  Ella giving Daddy a big hug (May 11, 2012).

For an infant, she definitely knows what she likes, dislikes, wants and preferences.  It's hard as a parent to acknowledge the limitations of your infant and at the same time be patient to let them develop on their own pace. She finally gives daddy hugs when he comes home from work, gets excited to walk to him and gives him kisses (sometimes) when asks for it. Yay Ella!

Britax Blvd 70 CS Car Seat

Britax Boulevard 70 CS Convertible Car Seat 

After months of researching, cross-analysis, peer-reviews and safety checks, we decided on purchasing the Britax Boulevard 70 CS Convertible Car Seat.  It has great features and will grow with Ella as the years add on.  I think my favorite feature is how slim and compact it is yet provides Ella with protection that we are looking for. It's not bulky and fits great next to our infant car seat (which we will obviously need) but allowing for one passenger to sit in the back. 

Picture:  Ella's car seat arrives!  Testing it out before we put it in the CRV.

Video:  Ella loving her new view and her feet love it too! (May 12, 2012).

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Current California Safety Laws:  Step 2-Forward-Facing Seats (with harness)

• Convertible or combination seat.
• Children must be at least one year of age and 20 pounds.
• Children should remain in 5-point harness until they reach the top weight or height limit allowed.

Manufacturer Description:  

The Britax Boulevard 70 CS convertible car seat is designed for children rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 70 pounds. The Boulevard 70 CS achieves revolutionary head safety through the use of Britax SafeCell Technology, integrated steel bars, and versa-tether that work together to minimize head excursion and reduce the risk of head injury during a frontal impact. The Boulevard 70 CS also incorporates Britax True Side Impact Protection, a Click and Safe Snug Harness Indicator, and HUGS. An easy access cover and access to belt paths from the front of the seat make it easier to install. It is also equipped with a five-point, no-rethread and quick-adjust harness, multiple buckle and recline adjustments, and a body pillow for comfort.

Whole Earth Festival

On Saturday, May 12th, we decided to join a few friends and attend the Whole Earth Festival held at UC Davis.  The festival was design to celebrate ecological sustainability through education, music, food, and art. Lets just say it was a perfect Davis event.  Ella slept through most of the event in her stroller (afternoon nap time!) so it was a enjoyable event for the most part.

Picture:  Ella wearing shorts for the first time (I think she likes it).

Picture:  Daddy carrying Ella around UC Davis. So cute! She's clinging on to his shirt.

Picture:  Daddy pushing Ella around and through the crowd.

Picture:  Ella after her nap (had to take off her shirt as it was soaked).

Picture:  Ella giving Olivia some love.

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and recovering from the heat.  I can't imagine how hot its going to be in the upcoming months.  I already feel sympathy for Brian who will have to deal with the heat and a very pregnant wife with a 1 year old.

Attempts at walking again!

Almost a month has passed since Ella started to walk and then stopped (sigh. . . we were so close!).  I realize I am not the type of mother who wants to manipulate or bribe her infant to do something she is not ready for or shows no interest in.  Although it has been difficult to be patient and let her take the time she needs to develop physically and emotionally we're happy to say that she is showing interest in walking again!

Picture: Ella walking from Daddy to Mommy (May 9, 2012).

Video:  Ella walking, gets overconfident/excited and falls  (May 7, 2012).

Video:  Ella loves pushing her push-toy around (May 11, 2012).

Video:  Ella can stand still, clap, and then walk! Confident little booger. (May 11, 2012)

I was patient with her crawling milestone (despite the constant disapproval that she may not crawl and the annoying "you have to make sure she crawls" comments I received - - There is no evidence to support that by skipping crawling you hurt your child's mental/physical development.) It took her almost 10 months before she wanted to crawl so her wanting to walk again at 1 year and 2 weeks is awesome.

Asian Squat

Have you ever heard of the "Asian Squat"?  For those of you who aren't familiar with this term, the Asian squat is when you have both feet on the ground, butt touching ankles and knees spread wide.  It's pretty hard to balance but Ella must have picked it up somehow and loves to do it.

Video:  Ella does the Asian Squat while taking her bath (May 7, 2012).

Picture:  Ella doing the Asian Squat while taking her bath

Picture:  Ella doing the Asian Squat to pick up things

Picture: Ella doing the Asian Squat in a dress.

Other fun videos from this past week:
Video:  Ong visited Ella on May 2nd and Ella loved it.  (May 2, 2012).

Video: We had to let Ella sit in warm water to help with her diaper rash.  Oh man she couldn't stop playing in the sink (May 5, 2012).

Video:  Ella is starting to really love her sippy cup of milk. (May 7, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Daddy playing with hair ties (May 7, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Claire play with post it notes (May 8, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Daddy playing ball together (May 9, 2012).

Video:  Ella loves to toss her balls around (May 10, 2012).