Welcome to Vivian Flapan's Web log!

As Vivian's and Naomi's father, I have numerous thoughts floating around. 
I decided to put them all down, so I can remember them always, so Vivian can know about them later, and also so others can share our joy.
Most recent entries are at the bottom.

2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | most recent entry

June 6
We first saw evidence of Vivian's existence today when Goldy's pregnancy test returned positive.  The next week we performed another test which of course also came back positive.  We scheduled an appointment with Dr. Thomas Wheeler, the only perinatologist specialist in Fort Wayne.

July
He showed us evidence of the pregnancy with an ultrasound. I remember staring at the screen.  That was the beginning of when the gravity of this event started to sink in for me.  It really happened!  Of course, later I had to quip, "My boys can swim!"

August through December
Around August was when I created the webpage for Goldy.  I finally convinced her that it was safe to tell everyone!  I had done this for others, but this was the first time for myself.  So I tried to be extra creative and resourceful.  I was pleased with the result, I like the graphics and patterns that I found.

We had about one appointment with the doctor each month.  Each time all was showing well.  I attempted to obtain a printout of the ultrasound every time.  I got several, and the best were scanned in.  I posted them on Goldy's webpage.

Also in August we performed an amniocentesis.   We were told that the exact number of her chromosomes (46) were present (which is the correct amount!). At this time we also confirmed that she is a female.

In December, the doc mentioned that it looked like she would be early, and underweight.

2006

January 4
We had our usual appointment today, which were becoming more frequent.  When the ultrasound was complete, the doc said to come back in a week, just to be safe.
A few hours later, Goldy got a call at work from the doc.  He said that he had been thinking about what he saw, and he wanted her to come in tomorrow for extra tests, also with the presence of an ultrasound technician.  She remarked that "it must be serious to call me at work..."

Today I went to the website of the company that would collect our daughter's cord blood.  I filled out the application.  They said that the kit would be there within a week.  Great, I thought, we have a month!

January 5
We went in for our 9am appointment.  After performing more tests, we sat down in the doctor's office.  His diagnosis:  "Keeping her pregnant will not be beneficial any longer.  It is time to call Uncle!"
He continued to say that there was an issue with the placenta and blood flow through the umbilical cord.  Bottom lining it, he said that we must deliver today.  "How's 5 o'clock?"

Our faces were frozen in shock and disbelief.  Our state of mind was for giving birth in early February.  We figured it would be before her due date of February 8th.  We had big plans to prepare in the next month.  We had now found out that everything we knew was wrong.
However, part of us also knew that this was for the best interest of our baby, and we were looking forward to welcoming her anyway!

I asked if he would be inducing labor.  He said oh no, we are talking Cesarean section. He asked us which hospital we prefer, and the words Lutheran Hospital just found their way out of our mouths.  He said be there around 3.

We walked up to the lobby in a daze.  We realized we should make some calls.  Goldy called her mom, who was in LA with Rafa and Natalie, who had just given birth to Hannah on December 25th.  Bella made arrangements to come to Chicago that evening around 11.
My parents were planning on going to LA on the 9th.  We had previously joked that the baby could be so early that your trip was in danger!
Calling mom, my first words were, "It looks like you won't have to miss your trip after all." 
"Huh?  What do you mean?"
"You should be back in time!  There are cord issues, and we will be delivering today!.
Silence.  I explained everything, called Dad, and they made arrangements to leave Chicago in a few hours, to make it to Fort Wayne just shortly after the scheduled delivery.  Goldy's job was expecting her back in 2 hours.  She called and said it would be more like 2 months.

From the doctor's office, we immediately went to our local Babies R Us. We bought a stroller, car seat, many diapers, clothes, blankets, formula, a steamer sterilizer, a bathtub, and many other accessories.  After a quick bite, we returned home, tried to straighten up, call people, pack, and get our affairs in order.

The Hospital

We arrived at Lutheran Hospital at 3:20.  We were shown to the surgical prep area.  Sarah Wall was our helpful nurse. We watched the baby's heartbeat with a special heart monitor. I took many pictures.  The anesthesiologist discussed the painkiller procedure.  Dr. Wheeler came to greet us around 4:30. Goldy was prepped and ready to go just after 5.

I was allowed in the operating room, with my scrubs, after she was anesthetized locally.  I held Goldy's hand and watched around the small screen the procedure that would yield our daughter.  It was quite an intense, exhilarating, powerful experience.

I saw the doctor cut her open with what looked like a soldering iron, and then a small knife that looked like a box cutter.  He then used both hands to enlarge the area.  Soon, blood started pouring out.  It seemed like too much blood!  The thought crossed my mind that Goldy could be in danger because of all the blood she is losing! (Later I was told that it was actually not that much blood, and certainly not more than normal.  A reason that it seemed to be excessive is because it was mixed with amniotic fluid.) A few minutes later, the doc pulled out Vivian!  She was brought to a warmer, where she was attended to by 4 nurses.  I went over and took pix!  Then I returned to comfort Goldy.  As doc was finishing the operation, he was holding something.  It was from her body, but I was trying to figure out what it was. 
He must have noticed my inquiring gaze, because he said, "Did you ever see such a beautiful uterus?"   Wow!  It was a unique experience to see her actual uterus, especially outside of her body!

We were soon shown to our room, and the baby was taken to the nursery.  My parents arrived.  I caught them up.  They settled in, then came by.  Vivian was doing great, despite her less than average measurements.  When the nurse told us she had jaundice, my first thought was, oh my G-d! But she told me that this condition was relatively common and it could be cured in a tanning bed. I guess a guy named Billy Rubin discovered it.

Dad and I went to the airport around 11 to pick up the now seven-time grandma.  Bella arrived on time.  We went to the hospital for greetings, then I took them to the Marriot hotel, which is across the street.

Vivian's First Weekend
This weekend we took many photos, ate hospital food, and learned about taking care of our new daughter.
At one point, while I was feeding her some milk, I cooed, "This is yummy milk! It will help you grow!"
She immediately looked up and said, "I know that! Do you think I was born yesterday?"
Actually...

From the beginning, Goldy was a natural at childcare.  Of course, she has some distinct advantages.  Her job entails working with kids, and she also has siblings with several kids, so she is ahead of the curve.  These experiences are all new for Dave.  He was learning how to swaddle (like a burrito), feed formula, burp, and of course, change diapers.  He was taught these skills by both family and hospital nursing staff.
David's parents left on Saturday.

This weekend we officially chose her name.  We had talked about it before, but figured that we had plenty of time to decide.  Not anymore.  We spend several days discussing our new daughter's name.  We decided on Vivian, because it was relatively unique, pretty, and it means life.  We decided on Shayna for her middle name, because it is Jewish, meaning 'pretty' in Yiddish. 

On Sunday, around 7, I was wandering around with Viv in her portable crib.  I happened to come by the classroom.  There was a class going on.  That is when it hit me.  This was supposed to be our class!  We had signed up for a childbirth/care class at this hospital, but I canceled, since most of the info would now be pointless.  However, I did still plan to attend the Infant Care class.  So I stopped in and said hello.  It was a bit surreal to be addressing these 6 pairs of future parents, who were kind of my peers.  They were very curious to get a look at Vivian in her crib, an actual baby!

Week of January 9
On Monday we were discharged from the hospital. 
Upon our arrival at home, we began to try to organize the apartment.  We thought we would have one more month to get our proverbial affairs in order, but Viv was early, so we were way behind.  I would like to publicly thank Bella, Goldy's mom, for her assistance with this task.  She showed us some innovative ways to arrange our apartment!

Our first week home with Vivian brought many challenges.  We tried to figure out new routines, both for her and us.  I figured out many different ways to hold her, depending on what she was doing, whether she was eating, awake, burping, etc.  We stopped using the wipes when changing her, since they make her cry due to their being cold.  Instead we used a cotton ball dipped into hot water.  But we used wipes for exceptionally messy situations. 

This week was also Vivian's first doctor's appointment.  We chose a pediatrician at Lutheran Hospital. After the exam, he proclaimed her healthy!

A whole new dimension was added to our shopping experience.  I now know about the market for baby products.  Notable knowledge includes available formula, diapers (including the size number), and prices (including whether shopping at warehouse clubs is worth it-answer, sometimes, just like for all products).  I remember that after I got my own place, I got to know Home Depot very well.  Now, I feel that way about Babies R Us.

Our parents did some of our shopping for us, due to her sudden birth.  They bought us a swing, a crib, and a chest/changing table.  THANK YOU! This week, the crib and chest arrived. We installed them in our bedroom.  However, due to Vivian's extra-small size, we kept her in a bassinet for a while instead.  Thanks to the Hirsches for letting us borrow theirs!

This week I also had a job interview.  It is to tutor kids at middle schools.  Most of the kids are Latino, so my knowledge of Español helped.  I got the position.  I tutor 3 days a week from 2-4pm.  It is a great gig for my situation. 

Week of January 16
This week Vivian saw the outside for the first time that wasn't transportation.  We used her stroller and wheeled her around a strip mall.

Goldy cooked her famous chicken burgers, we all loved them (ground chicken, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are blended then grilled). 

We enjoyed having Bella around.  Her valuable assistance and advice was very helpful.  So we lamented when she had to leave at the end of this week.

Week of January 23
Goldy and I worked on our routines more, with the difference of now having two adults  in the house.  While we have made progress, we are still working on this.  I suspect it will always be in progress.  It is especially challenging on days like Tuesday.  On this day, Vivian went through 10 diapers.  We changed her before she was apparently finished.

On Sunday I went to the final edition of my class.  Most of them remembered me from my cameo in the first class.  I learned a lot, and also offered insight to other parents about some goings-on.  My most popular piece of advice, which I still dispense, is a trick to burp your baby:  Place baby on your shoulder while leaning forward, then lean back and she will be comfortable.

On Monday I went to Dad's Boot Camp, a support group for Dads, or Dads 101.  There were 10 fathers in attendance.  Six were fathers-to-be, two of whom, including myself, already gave birth.  The other four were alumni of the class, who brought their offspring and were there to offer advice and support.  It was refreshing to discuss problems and issues among my own kind.

Weekend of February 3-5
My mom, sister Debbie, and nephew Noah came to visit.  It was Mom's third time to Fort Wayne, Debbie's 1st.  We had fun introducing the babies to each other! 
They stayed at the guesthouse in our apartment complex.  They were over at our house on Saturday and Sunday from late morning to early evening.  We talked about going out, but it never happened.  Saturday, Mom cooked!  We enjoyed her famous kugel, brisket, and chili.  Sunday, we ordered gourmet pizzas.  Monday morning, I cooked my famous omelettes.
We compared notes on raising babies, baby products, routines, anecdotes, and much more. 

Sunday was Vivian's one-month birthday!  We got her a mini-cupcake, put in a candle, and took pictures!

Week of February 6
On Monday, she had her next appointment with the doctor.  She is still perfectly healthy!  I am surprised at how much I anticipate and drool over her growth statistics!  That is one of the reasons that I created the Growth Chart on her page.
Later we went out for lunch.  She sat in her car seat with us in the booth.  We proudly enjoyed having the waitstaff fawn over her.

Wednesday, the 8th, is her actual original due date.  Nothing turned out the way we planned, at least with timing.  But we have no complaints!
Today Vivian tried her swing for the first time.  While we still have to figure out how to work it, Vivian seemed to enjoy it, and easily fell asleep.

Most of the rest of this week is spent preparing for our trip to Venezuela!

The first few days we rested at the apartment of Goldy's parents. All of the relatives stopped by to visit and meet their newest family member.

The next day, we brought Vivian with us for our adventures.
First, we could smell the possibility of trouble when Goldy would try to leave Venezuela with Vivian. They have different last names and different passports. So I signed and notarized a document saying that, as the husband, it was cool.
Next we went to a mall and looked around. We ate in a Lebanese restaurant where many other eaters fawned. After a bit of shopping, for which Viv also slept, we went to Hebraica. You may remember this facility as the location of our wedding!
After wandering around a bit, I finally found someone to play tennis with. We played a great set, so I was happy.

Friday evening brought our traditional Family Shabbat Dinner. The gang came over to the House of the Carbunaru Matriarch. We enjoyed homemade knish, meat, rice, and more, including lemon pie and chocolate pie for desert! Of course, Vivian just had her usual bottle of formula. Fresh Venezuelan cheese was also indulged in. It is unlike cheese from the states. It is best to eat it within one day, and it is very rich, and purely white.

Saturday, after playing tennis with Andres at Hebraica, we went to the party that Bella threw for Srta. Viv at Casa Andres y Tamara. It was an elegant affair, with appetizers strolling around, coleslaw, genoa, cheeses, and many deserts, including Marquesa cake, and the legendary Simfony cake! Almost 50 people came to meet Vivian! She was awake for some of it. Pictures are on her page!

Sunday we had my farewell dinner at a new parrilla/barbecue restaurant.

On my trip home, I got bumped, but it worked out better.  I arrived home on Tuesday. 
I already miss my wife and daughter!

March 2006
My family arrived home on March 12!  There was much rejoicing, hugging, kissing, and celebration!
We looked at more pix that were taken, some of which made it to the website!

Weekend of March 17-20: Our Trip to Chicago
This weekend we went to Chicago for Vivian's debut!  Saturday night, we went to a movie (Capote), and Gpa Bill babysat!   He fed her, played with her, and put her to bed!
On Sunday, at the Bagel restaurant for brunch, Vivian and her great grandma officially met!
Later we went over to GGma's house and all played.  Many photos were taken, the 2 best are on Viv's page.

Later we went to visit some of my friends who wanted to meet Vivian.  At Ali's apartment, Vivian met Ali and Brent, and Todd and Stephanie; all friends of mine for over two decades!  Ali/Brent gave us a teddy bear from First and Main, and Todd/Stephanie gave us a gift clothes basket.  Everybody got to hold the Flapans' kid!

Vivian was quiet and behaved very well on both trips in the car!  We look forward to our next trip in the summer!

March 27 - Nanny
Today was the first day for Vivian's nanny!  After a lengthy search, we selected Carla to stay at our apartment and care for Vivian on weekdays.  Carla has over 12 years experience and her references all checked out well!

April 1
As I am wont to do, I emailed a gag to everyone on Vivian's list today.  I said that we had been "feeding her too much," and she was "growing too quickly," and that "doctors are stumped."  She was now 3 feet tall.  I even included a picture where she came up to my waist.  But never fear, it was doctored with Paint.  Happy April Fool's Day!

April 5
Today is Vivian's 3 month birthday!  I put up a picture of her and her carrot cake; lamentably, she was tired and didn't seem to care.

April 13
Today Grandma and Grandpa Flapan came to visit!  We went to the Temple for Vivian's first Passover Seder!  Although we arrived over a half hour late, the ceremony had just begun.  Vivian slept for a while, then was awake during dinner.  Many members of the Temple came over to say hello, meet my parents, and meet Vivian.  There were many comments on her good behavior, and her beauty. Thanks to all for your kind words!

April 14 - Naming Ceremony
After doing some shopping for Vivian in the afternoon, we got ready for Vivian's big night.  Tonight is her Official Naming Ceremony!
We got to the Temple at 7:35, almost just in time!  The Shabbat service was just starting.  After the Rabbi's sermon, he called our family up to the bima.  We were invited to say a few words.  I discussed how Vivian got her name, Jan thanked everyone for being welcome to our family, and Bill offered an eloquent speech about the joys of grandparenthood.  Then The Rabbi blessed Vivian, and officially conferred her Hebrew name, Chaia. He poured some wine in her little Kiddush Cup (Hi Cheryl!), and she tasted it after we dipped her pacifier in it. Later, we enjoyed an Oneg Shabbat with delicious treats.  The photos on the main page come from here.

April 15
Today we enjoyed a lazy day playing together in the apartment, and later, since it was a gorgeous day, we went to Foster Park, our favorite park in Fort Wayne, since it has so many flowers.  We appreciated nature and took pix, whose highlights are on the main page. 
Vivian's grandparents left the next morning, after a wonderful, blessed weekend!

April 24 - Hangin' with Daddy
Due to Goldy's leave, and our acquiring the services of Carla, I had never been able to take care of Vivian for a significant length of time.  That all changed today.  Carla couldn't make it, so I got to hang with Vivian all day!  We played with the mirrors, we read, we napped, ate, changed, took a stroll outside, and all went well.  Glad that is under my belt!

May 3
Today, for my birthday, Vivian brought home a gift for me!  I am not sure how she did it, but she knew that I enjoyed giant peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies with green and purple frosting!  Actually, since Vivian can't drive, Goldy brought it home.  But it said Happy Birthday Daddy, which proves it is from Vivian.  We took many pix with it, a highlight is on Viv's page.

May 5
Today is Vivian's 4-month bday.  We took some pix of her to show her growth!  We also brought her down to Goldy's work for the first time.  She checked her ears, the infection is gone.  We checked her weight, it was 12 pounds!  And Goldy's co-workers enjoyed fawning over her!

May 10
Today, for Goldy's birthday, Vivian and I and Carla went to Goldy's work to surprise her!  We also brought some flowers that were from Vivian!  Although I drove, the card said Happy Birthday Mami," so that proves it was from Vivian.  Then Carla took us out to lunch at Los Lomos!

May 14
Today was our first Mother's Day!  Vivian made Goldy a card.  Then I took everyone out to eat.  We went to a special Mother's Day buffet at an Indian restaurant.  Also today, we bought rice cereal for her, and she tried it for the first time.  But she did not like it, or maybe didn't understand it, since she was used to only sucking from the bottle.  For now, she prefers her bottle, and her hand.

May 15 - Checkup
Her four-month checkup is today!  Her new stats are entered into her Stat Chart on the front page.  She had 4 vaccine shots today.  But she is such a good baby, that she only cried for a few minutes, despite what must have been painful injections on her legs.  The dr. said that she is continuing to thrive.  Her stats are progressing to catch up with what is "normal."  Her weight is now in the 10th percentile, and her height is in the 20th!

Memorial Day Weekend - Chicago Visit
On Friday evening we drove to Chicago to visit. We ate at Chipotle, and showed off Vivian to the customers, who oohed/ahhed over her.
Saturday Vivian's grandparents babysat while Dave and Goldy went to take care of Chicago business/entertainement. They enjoyed spending the time with and playing with little Viviancita. They got her an exersaucer! But we'll wait a few months until Vivian can fit into it better.
Sunday we went to Reza's restaurant for Sunday brunch. Yes, you remember this as the same place that hosted our Chicago Wedding Party. Some excellent photos of Vivian and Jan came out there, as usual, the best are on our front webpage.
Monday we returned to Fort Wayne.

June 5
Today Vivian is 5 months old!  As is our tradition, we went out to get her a donut, put in a candle, and conducted a photo session, and put the best on the front webpage.  And, as usual, she didn't really smile when the camera was operating.

June 7
This morning, when I was feeding her, Vivian seemed extra relaxed as, for the first time, she got comfortable and crossed her legs when eating (pic featured)! 
Also today, our apartment complex, Avalon, had its occassional Kids' Night! celebration.  So, for the first time (legitimately), I attended with Vivian.

June 29  -  food
Today we gave Vivian some mushed barley, and she ate it!  Previously, it had not worked, as she did not understand the concept of swallowing.  But this time, it did work, albeit not flawlessly, but some went down!

Random thought
When Vivian does something objectionable, like spit up, or throw something, etc., we don't mind.  We just clean it up, or pick it up, and continue smiling at her.  We tell her not to worry, nothing happened, no pasa nada.  This is because it is not her fault.  Vivian does not have the capacity to be bad, to misbehave.  She does not understand the concept of doing what she is told, nor to understand admonishment to correct behaviors.  She also does not 'perform' for us.  She does not try to make us laugh, or smile, or get upset.  She does not turn over, smile, eat, cry, play, or anything else on command. 
All of these characteristics are due to her complete and pure innocence.  Everything she does is natural.  Nothing can be programmed, taught, learned, or compromised.  This is one of the many reasons that she is such a fine and addictive curiosity to watch operate.  She is free from any influence by anything except her own, natural instinct. 
When do we lose this innocence?  Is it possible to recapture it?

July 5
We added another food to Vivian's reportoire today.  We offered her mushed carrots!  While most of the meal ended up on her clothes, some did go down!
Yes today is also her 6-month birthday!  We got her a cake and took photos, as usual.

July 7-10
The Chicago Grandparents came to visit this weekend!  On Saturday we went to a professional photo session. The very best are featured on Vivian's main page. If you would like to see others, and/or would like some at higher resolution, just ask!

July 18
On this date, Vivian turned herself over for the first time! It was from front to back.

July 23
Today we bought Vivian her new highchair! It is called the Chicco Polly (our model is a different color). Photos are featured!

Week of July 29
This week, Vivian's Abuelos came to visit from Venezuela!  Soon we will have many pictures!  Bella brought many gifts for Vivian.  2 pairs of shoes, several items of clothing, and a pretty wall hanging with Hebrew and English virtues.

On Sunday, Vivian's Chicago grandparents came to visit.  Since the two grandparents don't get to see each other often, this was a nice reunion.

During the rest of the week, we relaxed at our pool, went to the mall, shopped at other various exciting places, etc.
Vivian got conjunctivitis / pink eye this week, and then Goldy contracted it, but all are better now.

Week of August 7
David, coming from a religious school conference, met everybody in NYC!

We walked to the Rockefeller Center/Plaza, where NBC's headquarters are, and took photos, and later, went to the Top of the Rock, to the 70th floor (2 hours less of a wait than the Empire State Building)!
We made several trips to Central Park, some of which were a first for me also, and took many pix, and played with the kids.
Victor's Cafe is a Cuban restaurant. We all enjoyed dinner on our last night there. Vivian seemed to like the wine! It was certainly fun showing her off to the big city types...

Week of August 18
For my parents 40th anniversary of marriage, all 8 of us met in Valparaiso, Indiana, which is the midpoint between Ft. Wayne and Chicago.
We spent an afternoon at the Indiana Dunes Beach, and the cousins played in the sand, the water, and their own pool. We went to a Spanish restaurant ((Don Quixote, the only Spanish restaurant in the state!), and some others. And we spent lots of time together to bond.

Vivian's Progress: Eight Months
Vivian can now roll over fully in both directions, from either side. She can hold herself up rather high with her arms from her facedown side. Seh is starting to try to sit up from her back. Her hair is starting to grow, now it appears spiked and punky, and it is getting lighter. She is smiling and laughing more, which I already have recorded (digitally).

Fall Quarter
I went to live in Chicago for the next 10 weeks to complete work for my teaching certificate.
Out of the 10 weekends, I would return to Ft. Wayne to visit on 8.

October 1
Today I saw Vivian stand on her hands and knees for the first time!  I immediately took photos, and shared one with you! 

Columbus Day Weekend
Vivian's paternal Gparents came to visit this weekend.  We went to many parks, and took many pictures.
Vivian also began taking small crawling steps!  So this was the weekend that we went to buy a gate for the stairs.  We got a walk-thru gate from Summer Infant.
We also went to buy winter clothes for her at Macy's!
Many people still comment on her hair!  They love how it looks spiked!  They ask if it turned that way naturally.  At first, I answered sure.  But I got tired of that, now I say that she stuck her finger in a socket.

October
Several milestones were achieved this month.  Vivian got up on her knees by herself!  Later, she mimicked us, and began to clap!  Finally, while leaning against a couch or crib railing, she began to pull herself up to stand on her feet!
We lowered her mattress by two notches.  She is also slowly eating more grown-up food.  In fact, she also sat in a high-chair in a restaurant for the first time!  It was at O'Charley's, a casual-dining chain.  Previously, she had stayed in her carseat either sleeping, or in a sling at tableside.

November
Vivian still likes to hide.  While she started playing this game several months ago, she is getting better at it.  She takes a shirt or burppad or blanket and covers her face.  Then we say where's Vivian? Then she uncovers her face.  Then we say Aqui!/Right here! 
Vivian has never complained about getting a bath, but she is starting to show signs of actually anticipating and enjoying it.  When she hears the water running, and it is around her bath time, she starts smiling, laughing, kicking, and screaming with glee.  She enjoys having water poured on her, splashing around, and getting wet.

Thanksgiving weekend
We took a trip to see the Chicago relatives and to shop on Black Friday!
Everyone is good.  Grandma Jan made us a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, and Vivian enjoyed the smashed sweet potatoes.  Saturday morning we went to Aunt Debbie's casa.  Vivian and Noah played well together, althought Viv was quite interested in Noah's chupon. Saturday afternoon we saw Great-Grandma Flapan.  She is not doing as well as last time, but she was overjoyed to see and spend time with Vivian.  Pictures and movies were created.  Saturday night D/G went to see Wicked, while the Gparents babysat.

It was around this time, this time of Thanksgiving, that I realized how lucky we are.  We have a baby girl who is healthy, beautiful, well-behaved, does not cry very often, who was a preemie but has since blossomed to catch up to the 'normal' sizes, and who smiles so much that we are usually smiling when we are around her.  When I told Goldy, she made me knock on the madera.  I did.  Then I gave thanks.

December
We decided to pierce her ears at this time, so that she wouldn't remember the pain when she was older. We went to Claire's Accessories at our local mall. We selected white gold studs for her first earrings. She cried when they were pierced, but for less than five minutes as we comforted her. We hope they came out symmetrically!
On December 5th, we got a cupcake with a snowman on it to celebrate her 11th month of life.
More milestones were reached this month!  From her knees, she can hold onto a piece of furniture, and pull herself up so she is standing!  She is also starting to respond to requests, for instance, she can give kisses, and she can wave bye-bye!

During the weekend of the 15th-17th, we went to visit Chicago.  Grandma was delighted to see us, and we spent an afternoon with her.  We also managed to meet up with Ali and Brent.  We chowed at the new cafe at the Century.

This month, a new play place for kids opened up a few miles from our abode here in Ft. Wayne.  Its Playtime is
a facility designed for kids' fun!  Features include a toddler area, with activities for that age group (although Vivian
had fun there too), mirrors, crafts area, crawling area, a giant Play System, and a lounge area for adults.

December 20
Today Vivian got sick for the 1st time...She did not sleep well, she had little energy, and she felt warm.  Turns out she had a fever of almost 101 degrees.  We brought her to Goldy's office, and all looked good except for her throat, which was red.  So we gave her some antibiotics, pain-killers, and plenty of TLC.
She was all better by the 23rd.

December 21
Today is Goldy and David's three-year anniversary!  We did not do anything official to celebrate.  And very little unofficial, for that matter.  Despite all the hard times, we are happy to be together, mostly for little Viviancita!

December 26
Today we leave for Cancun, Mexico!  We will stay at the Moon Palace.

Our Vacation
Had a wonderful vacation with family!  Present were all of Vivian's uncles and aunts on her mom's side (Mery/Ariel; Andres/Tamara; Rafa/Natalie), and both sets of Grandparents (Bella/Boris; Jan/Bill), plus Joel/Elva, and all of her cousins!

Only negative part was that Vivian got sick.  She had some vomiting and diarrhea for several days.  But she is a trooper, and kept a positive attitude! 
She was also quite cute with her discovery of new surface, sand!  Initially, she was scared, and did not want to be put down on this new scary surface.  But after she tried it, she liked it, and played and crawled around!  She also took well to the sea, as she enjoyed being dipped, swung, and splashing around.

Vivian came with us on an excursion to Tulum, a site with ancient Mayan ruins (She did not accompany David to Chichen Itza, due to her illness).  She enjoyed being pushed and carried around while listening to the guided tour and gazing at the architecturally significant Mayan structures.

On New Year's Eve, everyone attended the party thrown by Moon Palace in the Grand Galactic Ballroom.  Vivian enjoyed watching the band, dancing with the other festivalgoers, making eyes at the other guests, and eating the gourmet chow.  She was one of the last of the kids to fall asleep, at around 11:30.

Happy New Year!

2007

January 2
Today we returned to Fort Wayne.  As usual, Vivian flew quite well, rarely crying, and often smiling, at least when she wasn't napping.

January 5
Happy first birthday Vivian! 
For today's special occasion, Vivian was dressed in a fancy dress, and the four of us went to Chop's, a local steakhouse.  The staff sang the happy birthday song.
For this special occasion, I wrote a song for her.  To watch me sing it, click here (coming soon!).

January
One of the reasons that Vivian has not started walking yet is that when she stands, she often bends her toes forward, so that she is standing on them, not on her tiptoes.  She also sits too often on her knees, as opposed to with her legs straight out.
So we brought her to a physical therapist that is affiliated with Lutheran Hospital, where she was born.  She is now in therapy, where she gets her toes stretched, and practices walking, and other exercises.

Vivian has taken to one of her animals.  It is a little doggy, that we call Perrito.  She likes to carry it with her everywhere!  If it is on the floor, we can dangle her so that she picks it up!  Here it is with her in her Radio Flyer wagon!

February 7
Today was her 13-month checkup.  All went well.  Her percentiles are still between 20-40%. 
Also, no more celebrations on the 5th of every month!

February 10
Today was a super-busy day!  In the morning, Vivian came with Mom and Dad for their appointments, then she was taken to her first day of a new class.  It is a dance/music class, run by Kindermusic! Then, after lunch at Applebees, we went to the Fort Wayne Baby Expo at the Grand Wayne Center!  It was kind of just a bunch of glorified commercials for the vendors.  But it was for products and services for new parents, so it was worth it.  After a few hours of rest, we went to an Evening of Dance at our Temple.  We all danced with Vivian, had snacks, people cooed, and it was a blast.  Vivian had a long night's sleep that night! 

March
Vivian is plugging along this month.  Her walking skills are slowly improving.  She still enjoys practicing with her RF wagon. 
We went to some new parks that we discovered over the winter, but this month we were able to actually enjoy them, due to the weather's improvement.  We tried sending her down mini slides, which she enjoyed, but she still likes swings best!
We tried some new foods.  She likes Chinese food, baked beans, carrots, peas, and matzah balls!

Vivian's therapy is still coming along.  We bought her some shoes, but she doesn't like them very much, and it is difficult to put them on her, as her toes too often bend and prevent them fitting properly.

We went to the clubhouse of our apartment complex, where they have a gymnasium.  It was empty, so Vivian enjoyed crawling around the cavernous gym!  Then we brought the wagon, so Vivian got to practice walking by pushing the wagon, for much longer uninterrupted periods than at home!

March 30
Today Vivian reached two walking goals!  For the first time, she walked with her wagon outside!  This made for a different environment, which was a faster surface, and also longer trips!
Later on in the evening, she explicitly asked (by holding out her arms) for assistance to practice walking!  Previously, she had only practiced when we enticed her.  She is also standing on her own for several seconds.

April 1
Today, since Vivian appears to like her name so much, we got her a tattoo of Vivian on her ankle!
Sure it hurt a little, sure she cried, but that is a small price to pay to celebrate your moniker forever!

April 2
Today Viv got her first real owie.  At Kreager Park, she was walking around (still on her knees), and when she got to the border of the grass and the playground, she slipped, and bumped her lip on the wall.  She cried, and there was even some blood.  But she did not cry long, and she licked some of the blood before we wiped it off and comforted her.

April 7-8
Saturday night we went for the first time to Crazy Pinz, an entertainment center.  They feature Cosmic Bowling, Glow-in-the-Dark Miniature Golf, and a Ball-O-City, which is a 3-story jungle gym structure.  We headed there, and I followed Vivian around as she played and explored.
Sunday evening Vivian misbehaved during her dinner.  She was refusing to eat, screaming, and throwing her food.  So, afterwards, we issued Vivian's first punishment (regaña).  She was banished to her Exersaucer.  She was not allowed her chupon, or any toys (other than the ones on top of the Exersaucer). She cried for a few minutes, then she started enjoying her environment.  We tried not to smile at her.  After 10 minutes we took her out, and all was back to normal. 

early May
Vivian is walking even more now.  She is able to take several steps at a time by herself!  Nevertheless, we have gone ahead and gotten her feet a brace.  She was fitted last week, and they were ready this week.  But they will have to wait until after we get back.  We are going to Chicago for the weekend!  Grandpa Flapan is 65 years old this Saturday.  We will attend his party at Harry Caray's restaurant. 

We got the completed braces back  (see photos on Photo Gallery pages).  They fit her feet well, and she can walk in them.  Next we went to get special shoes that would fit over the braces.  We got a pair at Meijer, and another at Fred Toenges.  We do not know at this point what effect, if any, the braces have on her walking progress.  However, she has made substantial progress in this area.  She is now taking dozens of steps on her own!

early June
At the park, under Goldy's watch, Vivian fell while playing. She injured her forehead with blood, and was taken to the emergency room, where 2 internal stitches were applied.

Weekend of June 15
This weekend we all went to LA! It is the occasion of Mikey Lewis' Bar Mitzvah. Vivian enjoyed the plane rides, more or less, as she smiled at many of the passengers, and slept for the final hour or so.
She enjoyed meeting all of her cousins, and posed for many pix (some are on her photos collection, ask me for more).  During the service, she did not prefer to sit still, so she went to childcare, and had more fun playing with other little kids, and the childcare's toys.  In the evening, the adults had a party, and she stayed with Kaylie, a friend of the Lewis's, and behaved well, so we were told.
We next spent a few days at Uncle Rafa's place.  Vivian hung out with cousin Hannah and Aunt Natalie.  We went to parks, ate, read, played, napped, and swam!

Week of June 21
Today she had her appointment with her special doc for her injury.  He said it is healing well, and the bandage came off.  Check out her injury:

Also:  Today we officially started the process of weaning Vivian from her chupon!  She now only gets it when sleeping.  Yes, she is going pavo frio!

This weekend we took her to Redi-Med to get the next in her series of shots.  She received the Hepatitis-A and the Trihibet, which combines 3 vaccines into one, for convenience. Vivian took them well.  She shed her tears only for a few minutes, then she was all better with our comforting.

July 21
Today Vivian had her first official swimming lesson!  It was at our local YMCA, for 18-month-olds to 3-year-olds, where parents participate with their kids.  I participated, and Goldy took pictures.  Vivian enjoyed it, smiling frequently, waving at the other kids and adults, and enjoying the floating animals (mostly ducks and rabbits) that were provided.

TRICKS:
Vivian can now- answer with a Ruff! or Meow! when asked what a dog/cat says; hold up 1 finger when asked how old she is; give high fives; sing I Wuv U when asked about Barney; and, of course, wave hi and bye.

August
On the first day of August, we went for her next medical check-up.  All went well.  She is in the middle of the normal distribution charts.  Her Statistics Chart has been updated.

In mid-August, Goldy had a study/refresher course for her medical boards.  This was held in An Arbor, Michigan, just 2 ½ hours away, and lasted 8 days.  David went for the two outside days, and in the middle, he was starting his new job at Howe Military School.  So the grandparents from Chicago came to help during the middle four days. 
We got a crib in the hotel room, but it was rarely used, as Vivian didn't care to sleep there, and so often slept with us in our bed.  Otherwise she had a great time, visited several stores, a kids hands-on museum, and we all hung out with relatives, cousin Valerie and her family.

In late August, Vivian and Goldy went to Miami to visit most of her Caracas relatives.  It was for a happy occasion, as Mery gave birth to Ilana.

September
After Labor Day, Vivian started at her very first school!  She began attending Three Rivers Montessori School.  She would go 3x a week (T/W/Th) from 8:30-11:30.  Though she usually cried when she went to class, that lasted 10-15 minutes, and then she enjoyed her school day.  She played with other kids, snacked, played with the toys, climbed on the equipment, fingerpainted, etc. She spent plenty of time on her own since this was, after all, a Montessori school.  Info on this educational method is at the Wikipedia site, the Montessori Foundation, and the Montessori Index.

We also signed her up for a third round of Music Together.

October
Vivian re-signed up for another round of Parent/child swim class.  Goldy and I alternated going in the pool at the Y with her.

Vivian experienced her first Halloween!  Thanks to Goldy's coworker, Vivian dressed up as a flower!  She had little green pants, a green top, and a hat that went around her head with little yellow flower petals!  We walked around the apartment complex and trick-or-treated, and scored mucho dulces!

November
New words in Vivian's vocabulary include please (pees), tank you, papitas, papatos, si and yah!
We also quizzed her on her body parts, and she knows where her eyes, ojos, nose, nadriz, head, cabeza, ears, orejas, mouth, boca, knees and toes are!
We watched our first full-length movie together, all three of us, on the 17th!  Vivian stayed awake and behaved almost the entire time, and she enjoyed some popcorn!  The film was "Bee Movie."

Vivian's school is endorsing a method of behavior control called Positive Discipline.  It is explained in a book by Jane Nelsen, which we bought this month.  The school also gives occasional classes on this method, which we are both attending.  It is an excellent philosophy.  More details are at its website.

Thanksgiving Weekend
After I took Vivian to school on Wednesday (and scored some more pix!) her paternal grandparents came to visit.  They brought a bonus with them:  Great-Grandma Flora!  This was the first time that Grandma had been to Indiana to visit us!
On Thanksgiving, Tia Debbie and Tio Jake and Primo Noah came to visit too!
We went to the brunch at the Marriott for the big holiday.  Despite all of the delish food, Vivian still didn't eat much.
Friday we all went to Science Central.  We enjoyed playing with the exhibits, and especially the trains!
Saturday we went swimming at the hotel's pool.  Everyone enjoyed swimming with the 2 kids, and many fotos were taken!

December
At Glenbrook Mall, we tried to ride with her on the carousel.  However, she was still scared!  I finally got her in the round seat where we could spin.  But she would refuse any attempt to be sat on an animal, despite her being able to say how many of them speak!
Chanukah presents so far include a 3-CD set of kids' songs, a tricycle by Leap Frog, a Dora the Explorer chair,

On the 9th, we went to the Memorial Coliseum to see the show Sesasme Street Live:  When Elmo Grows Up.  Vivian was initially scared by all the lights and announcer's voice.  But then the characters came on the stage, and she was transfixed for almost 2 hours!

We've noticed that she is beginning to talk even more now.  She is putting words together.  She has said phrases like 'more agua.'  Sometimes she even remembers to add the please!

Obviously, Goldy knows dozens of songs en español.  There are a few that I am enamored with, and I have requested her to sing them on video/digital audio.  A third was added to that group.  They are:  El Gallo Pinto, Los Deditios, and Ring Around the Rosie para Dormir.

Our Trip to Chicago - Dec. 23-27
We arrived on Sunday at Debbie's casa (since they were going to visit Jake's family that week).  Had Rosati's pizza and deli leftovers.  Exchanged gifts.  Vivian got books, clothes, and toys.  Her parents got books about her discipline in the same series that I referred to in November.
Monday we went to Navy Pier's Winter Wonderland!  This is a huge 'winter' park that is actually indoors.  Vivian enjoyed watching the shows, playing on the moonwalk structures, riding the horseys, playing in the ballfields, and more!  Then we had lunch at Riva.
Wednesday we went to see Grandma, er, Gigi!
Photos from this trip will be posted soon!

For Chanuka, we got Vivian an educational tricycle.  Made by Leapfrog, it features counting, sounds, and driving!
We got it at Toys R Us.  Here it is.

Happy New Year!

2008

New Year's Eve and Jan. 2
On these two days, Carla was not able to come in.  So Daddy and Vivian got to spend quality time together!
On NYE, we went to Classic Cuts on Lima to get her haircut!  She behaved very well and got a sucker!  Since it was only 40F out, we then stopped at a park, and Vivian ran up and slid down the play structures a few times.  Finally we had lunch at Roly Poly.
On Jan. 2, we first went to Tokens 'N' Tickets.  I took several pix of Viv on motorcycles, driving in cars, playing skeeball, videogames, and more!  One is posted, if you'd like to see more, just ask!  Then we went next door to Cookie Cottage, and then to lunch.  Yes we saved the cookies for after lunch, unfortunately, Vivian ate very little.  This has been an ongoing issue for several months now.  We hope she'll grow out of it and start to eat again soon!  Earlier today, she enjoyed peanut butter!

Her Birthday
Since it is a Saturday this year, Carla got her some gifts on Friday.  They were a plush Barney, a microphone (to record and play sound), and a Barney DVD. 
On Saturday, she was playing in her room, and closing the door!  We let her play.  Then we tried to go in, but she had figured out how to lock it!  We could not get in!  We shouted through the door for her to unlock, touch the switch, in both languages, everything we could think of!  We thought of calling the apartment's maintenance, the fire department, or breaking the door down.  Finally, we just took a screwdriver and removed the doorknob.  She was worried, but good.  Then we let her watch and much Barney and Elmo as she wanted. Later, we switched her room's doorknob for the doorknob of another room that was lockless.
For lunch, we got Chinese takeout.
After a nap, we went out to get supplies.  We stopped at Fresh Market and got a high quality truffle cake and a fruit tart; then to a party store to get an Elmo balloon, a #2 candle, and a tiara!  Many pix were taken and relatives were Skyped! 

January
Unfortunately, Vivian got sick in early January.  We found out when she cried early in the morning.  She often does when she is ready to get up.  But this particular morning, her cries seemed more desperate.  When I arrived in her room, before I could pick her up, she pointed down to the mattress in front of her.  As I looked down, I figured she is seeking her chupon or blanket.  So I was momentarily horrified when I saw this reddish substance on her mattress!  Of course, she had vomited.  We got her out of there, washed her and her linens up, and, although she didn't eat for most of the day, all was soon well again!

After a two-month break, Vivian resumed her Music Together class.  Of course, it is still quite productive, as she can participate and absorb even more now! 

We finally got around to opening and assembling her tricycle.  Naturally, she loved it!  We think she will appreciate it more in a few months, though, when she can pedal it herself!  Cutely, when she gets in, she likes to try to fasten the little restraining bar across herself!

Over the weekend of 18th, we took a trip to Chicago, and participated in the celebration of Grandma Flapan's 100th birthday!  Vivian enjoyed all of the attention, wandering around the John Hancock's Signature Room, and she never even fell asleep!  Hundreds of photos were taken, the best one of our family is on Vivian's page.

February
At Three Rivers' Parent-Teacher Conferences, Vivian received her first report card!  She earned M(astered)s on appr. half of the subjects, P(racticing)s on the others.  Interestingly, on the subject of rote counting to 3, she got a P.  Later on that week, Carla showed us how Vivian could already count to 10!

Her appointment with the doctor went well.  As usual, I have placed the results at the bottom of her main page in the statistics section.  I have cleaned it up a bit by removing the units from each entry and placing them solely in the row header column.  However, she has an ear infection, and we got the amoxillan that was prescribed to her. 

The next few days did not go so well for her health.  She got sicker.  She had a fever.  She could not eat, and barely drink.  It was coming out of both ends!  We went back to the doctor, and he said no dairy products, and see how she is in a few days.
She began improving on Friday, and by Sunday, she was having milk again!

March

Guess not much happened!

April

On the 4th, Vivian was bathing, and at the end, she was jumping, having fun, but then she slipped, and fell, and bumped her lip.  There was blood, and a bump, and she cried, but not for very long.  After some application of ice, we took her to the emergency room, and she got an antibiotic.

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On the 6th, we went the the Alpaca Invitational.  Vivian enjoyed visiting with and petting the creatures native to South America!

May

We went to see the Walking with Dinosaurs show.  We were nervous that Vivian would be scared.  But a few days earlier we found Jurassic Park on, so we let her watch some of it, and she seemed to enjoy it.  In the show, she did not initially know what to think.  But she paid attention, did not cry, and enjoyed watching, listening to, and yelling at the dinosaurs!

July

We went to Chicago for Independence Day weekend.  Exciting events included a bbq at Gma and Gpa's casa, going to Noah's friend's bday party, playing in Wells Park, seeing Ali and Brent, going to Oak Street Beach, visiting Gigi at home, and playing and hanging with Grandma and Grandpa.

On July 8, Vivian used the toilet successfully for the first time!  Potty training officially kicks off!

On July 25, we went on a classic traditional outing!  I took Vivian to our first Father/Daughter baseball game!  We went to see the Fort Wayne Wizards, the Class A affiliate of the Padres.  They lost to the Kane County Cougars 7-2.  Promotions included coupons, free pompons, shooting of shirts and balls into the crowd (Viv loved following their path), fireworks (Viv was initially scared but then enjoyed them), Xmas in July (playing Xmas music, visits from Santa and elves), a clicker that she enjoys, and more!  Gotta love minor league ball!

August

Bella comes to visit on the 4th; Mery, Iliana, and Dana come to visit on the 17th.

After much fanfare, the major event this month is, of course, the birth of our next daughter.  We named her Naomi Sarah.  The H was a point of contention, but one parent conceded this to the other.  Here are the meanings and significances:

Naomi: