Midweek Update

I flipped through Erika's blog today and glanced a few photos of Hiyab and Magnolia hanging out together. I was very surprised to see the amount of growth that has taken place in Magnolia between the time of those two photos. I forgot how tiny she was when she was born, and it was a nice reminder of how far she has come in just over two months time.

This past weekend we had a visit from Grandma Carol and Great Aunt Patsy.

 

Patsy hand delivered a gift for the upcoming day of Easter. A gorgeously hand made dress that I will only partially show now, as soon enough Magnolia will be dolled up within it and photos will be taken to commemorate the day. Mango is sure to be the belle of the ball.

 Grandpa Thom had this delivered the other day, staking claim to Magnolia's mental state and prognosticating how she would rather be spending her time.

 We received a gorgeous box of Honey Bell oranges from Henry & David sent by Grandma Carol that unfortunately, Magnolia could not partake in. Her loss is our gain and Mari and I rightfully engulfed all said oranges in no time.

Magnolia didn't make a fuss at missing out on the oranges, as she is still thoroughly enjoying her liquid diet of milk and formula.

 A few small toys arrived in the mail today. Grandpa Thom and Grandma Mary sent a portable rockin' radio that Magnolia can take with her when she's on the go.
 

 
This  pacifier sharing monkey also arrived. The box lacked proper identifying factors as to who sent it. Grandpa denied responsibility, saying he only sent the above mentioned radio. So I can only assume a mommy monkey witnessed Magnolia dropping her pacifier, and sent her baby over to help out with pacifier duties. Well done mommy monkey.

 Magnolia's picture perfect face, and calm stellar personality has attracted major attention from talent scout from San Diego from the Stanley Fashion academy. In an attempt to lure Magnolia to model for the upcoming Spring Baby Season, high fashion gear is showing up on our doorstep.

 

We will see if we can sign her to a  contract with those big, come hither eyes of hers.

A Giggling Mood

Mariana was able to capture Magnolia in a state of jubilation. Smiling and happiness has become infectious in our household lately.

February 16th 2015 - 2 Months

Magnolia turns two months old. This fact is true only if you measure time by way that she was born on December 16th and now it is February 16th. In this scenario, two winter months have passed as we progress towards spring time.

If, on the other hand, you like to measure time in weeks. She is 9 weeks old.

Other than normal physical growth, her measurable progress this month is:

• She is starting to smile more and more often.
• Her state of being, either happy or upset, is clearly recognizable.
• She is not quite able to use her hands (like holding a bottle), but she is able to use her limbs to push or pull my hand (with the bottle) in or away from her face.
• She is babbling more, finding her voice and how to use it.

Thingama-Bobs

I have a theory that the name Magnolia may have derived directly, or indirectly  from the word Magnes, or Magnesia. These are the ancient latin names from which the word Magnet was derived . I think my theory holds water because Magnolia keeps attracting packages to our door. Packages of all sorts and sizes, some cardboard, some in manila envelopes, and others wrapped in plastic. Some of these turn out to pajamas depicting colorful princesses, whom I have never seen the likes of but that I am sure to know when Magnolia gets a little older and I am forced to watch Disney cartoons.

Other packages contain beautiful little dresses. Some with leggings.

Some with stripes.

Another with a cute pair of undies and a gorgeous floral pattern that is sure to melt the heart of anyone who catches her eye.

Some contain books. Written in both Spanish and English in order to prepare our Bilingual baby for the future.

And some have captured the nationalistic pride of the mother. Who is sure, and I say this with authority, sure to utilize these Uruguayan onesies as much as humanly possible. Mariana is one of the most nationalist people I have ever met. She loves Uruguay and never misses an opportunity to inform someone about where she is from and give a little tidbit about the country. She is the first to point out anything that Uruguay does "better" than the United States, and more often than not, expresses interest in returning to see friends and family. 

These two onesies are a real treasure, and I know that are quite meaningful to Mariana. Thank You.

Speaking of Uruguayan pride makes me remember that just about this time last year Mari had the distinct privilege of running into the Uruguayan President Jose Mujica. Fortune was with her when she was able to grab a quick snapshot with this great, great man. You can take the woman out of Uruguay, but you can't take the Uruguay outta the woman.

Sunday February 8th, 2015

My Sunday started off atypical, in the fact that I normally wake up on my work routine scheduled wake up time. But Magnolia woke up early for a feeding, and stayed eyes wide awake for a while, so by the time I made it back to bed, I slept in for a long while. Then, Mom and Magnolia entered to give Dad the official wake up. Camera in hand.

In the afternoon we got a visit from Grandma Carol and Grandpa Neil.

Who also brought salad, pizza, and chocolate chip cookies. Too bad Magnolia is stuck on a liquid diet, as she missed out on a good meal. I attempted to put the USA vs. Panama game on the TV, but the live stream available on the internet was so horrible the game didn't broadcast in video form and instead arrived more like a game told in still, photographic images. Luckily, the audio functioned fine and I had to take comfort in the fact of knowing we scored goals even though I didn't see them. All the while, Grandma held the baby and Magnolia in typical Grandma Magnolia fashion, succumbed to sleep in the warmth and comfort of her Grandmother.

February 4th 2015

In welcoming a new Stanley into the fold, we can also celebrate those Stanleys that came before us. Happy Birthday Bob. Wishing you all the best on this February Fourth.

You share this day with another pioneer of the past - Rosa Parks. February 4th is also referred to as Rosa Parks Day. This day honors her civil rights involvement, and remembers her as “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement.”

Uncle Bob and my father Thom