Things Can Change So Quickly!

This past week has been better than the previous week... At the beginning of last week, after getting used to the idea of leaving Daniel with Kalida, she informed us that she could no longer keep Daniel and that we had to find another place for him! We were devastated; in summary, she had already committed herself to another family who hadn't confirmed a starting date but suddenly showed up with their infant last week...

And so our frantic search began for another family day care for him... After calling more than 25 places and interviewing 7, we finally found Azad and Azra, two young grandmothers (also from Pakistan!) who live much closer to us and are just what we were looking for. It was so hard for us to have to look for a complete stranger to look after Daniel; at times like this, we really realize how hard it is being so far away from family. It's such a big decision and responsibility finding just the right place (there are some terrible places out there - we saw some and were shocked!), and we don't want to keep moving him from place to place... But this time (we really hope so!), it's going to work out for the long-term and for the better.

It turns out that Azad is the mother of our eye doctor and so we have a connection with her after all! Though Kalida was great with him, this time he's got two women looking after him and they only have 1 other toddler there full-time. So basically Daniel is getting lots of love and attention, which a little baby needs. Most importantly, he's doing great with them. Every time we've picked him up this past week, he's been happy and very calm. He's eating and napping great; so so far, so good! I'll try to get some photos of Daniel at his new day care next week.

So after last week's distraction, we've been back at work this week and finally focusing better. It's been great working from Jonny's lab and having this extra time together. I even went to DC this week to catch up with colleagues and see my friend Katie (it was great seeing you, so excited for you!) which was nice.

Today we went for Daniel's four month's check-up and he got four shots on his thighs! We really hope that this time he will not react as badly as he did last time - he had fever for 5 days in a row. So far he's doing well, just a little fussy, but no crying or fever yet. He's currently asleep right next to me in his swing... We have a great Pediatrician and she was encouraged to see Daniel growing and developing so well. He even put his toes in his mouth for the first time in front of her today, it was so cute and we were all excited! He continues to be long and thin: weighing 15 pounds and 6 ounces (7.1 kilos) and is 26 1/2 inches long (67.3 cm).

The other big thing that he has just started to do is holding out his arms to be picked up! When I arrived to pick him up from day care yesterday, he stretched out his arms to me! It's so fun seeing him do new things literally every day!

Here are some other things Daniel has been doing and that we have captured on camera:

Daniel can now sit well in the Bumbo seat! This was his first try next to his very proud Papa!

He's also just recently started to put his toys in his mouth!

Loves to devour his monkey!

Keeping his legs high and holding his feet is still his favorite thing!

Daniel also loves being held up high and kissed - not the best photo but you can see his enjoyment!