Those of you who knew me well in my mid-20's (Auma) may recall that every age was my favorite ("I love 25!" "I LOVE 26!" "Twenty-seven is the BEST!"). Yeah, well, now it's happening with my daughter. Every week, every day - nay, every hour she is around and growing is my favorite. And now that she is almost 5 months old, she is in her best space yet.
Luciya is incredible!! I swear she changes and emerges by the minute. She is at such a fun stage now - reaching out for objects that catch her attention, babbling and entertaining herself quietly in her crib, smiling, laughing, interacting in general. She has discovered her hands and feet and they are fascinating! She has mastered rolling from back to tummy and has almost got the tummy-to-back thing down. She loves to stand up on her feet and has been known to sit all by herself for up to 3 seconds! She is moving from blob to baby. What a fun trip!
I think she is beginning to teethe. She is a super-drooler and has been sucking on her upper and lower lips (which makes her look like a funny old man). And she has been sleeping horribly. Yes, I still adore everything about her, but seriously, since Labor Day weekend she has been waking up no less than 7 times a night. Eek. But I am experimenting with other reasons for this, and last night she actually slept for 9 1/2 hours straight!! I'll keep you posted on the progress.
We have been having fun in Boise -- going to the zoo, the park, downtown, on strolls around the neighborhood, to a fun festival called Art in the Park. She is alert and observant. We went on a camping trip over Labor Day weekend with our friends Trisha and Colby and their son, Jenner (Luciya's future husband). She was a champ and loved looking at all the trees. 
Luciya and I have also starting taking a mommy-and-me class at this place called The Little Gym. Yeah, we're in the Bugs class. At first, I thought the class might be a little overstimulating for her mellow demeanor, but now I think she loves it. We play with balls and parachutes and bubbles. She gets to interact with other babies her age. It's really fun to watch.
And she likes to help with the laundry.
Dear Luciya,
You turned four months old last weekend.
I know, I can't believe it either.
You are becoming such a big girl!! You recognize mommy and daddy now, and your face lights up when you see us. Your neck is strong and you love to practice sitting up (with our help) and rolling over (but only front back to tummy; you haven't figured out how to get onto your back again).
You have started laughing more. When we went to visit your Abuelita in San Diego we went swimming in her pool and you laughed and laughed! It was pure delight. I get a little nervous when daddy dunks you into the water, but you don't seem to mind!
You grab for anything you see and try to stick it in you mouth. Favorites include mommy's hair, Tutu's necklaces and daddy's goatee. But you also love pink burp cloths and your gnome rattle.
You are on a funky sleep schedule, ever since you got your latest round of immunization shots. I put you down at 7 pm, and exactly 45 minutes later, you wake and whine for a minute. I think you jus want to make sure mommy is still around. And you've been waking up all through the night! Just when we thought you were thisclose to sleeping "through the night," you've been waking up and 1, 3, and 5! What's up, girl?
We have been having fun exploring Boise. Last week we went to the park and to the Boise zoo, where you loved to watch the butterflies in the butterfly exhibit. You went on the swing with mommy and fed the ducks with daddy. You are joyful.
Other accomplishments:
Bumbo-Sitter:
(never mind the knives in the background and the box of nails on the counter!)
Vacuum Cleaner Repairwoman:
Day Maker:
I love you, Luciya!!
Love, Mama
Deployment? What deployment??! Adam is NOT leaving on Sunday!
In brief: he went in for a physical on Monday, where he learned that his high blood pressure (like, 165/105) required medicine that would probably give him diarrhea (which he has already had for 2 weeks non-stop; sorry, Brother, but the world needs details), headaches, and - oh yeah - sensitivity to sunlight. Um, last time I checked there's a lot of that in the Middle East.
After hearing from his pharmacist that he should definitely notify the Army of this, and after he's getting irritated with the idea of collecting a poop sample for the doctor, he got a call yesterday for Senator Craig's office, in response to the letter I sent! They said they had just gotten off the phone with the Pentagon and that it was too late for them to do anything, but for him to call this 800 number.
Long story short, he called and received an 8-week deferment based on his medical conditions. In that time, he can gain exemption for being a Key Employee (a cop!). The department here in Boise has already started the ball rolling.
We have had a party planned for tonight. It is still happening, only now, it's a CELEBRATION!!! 
It's 4 a.m. I'm trying to research online what effects caffeine might have on baby through the breastmilk. I had half a Coke today! At 1:00! It just tasted so good! So sue me!
Help.
I know, I am so bad. I promise to update at least once a week and I can't even do that! Why am I so crazy? Wait... don't answer that.
More tomorrow. I promise.
This is a puzzle we put together on July 4th. It is called "Summer on the Porch." As you can see, it invokes a familiar summer scene, complete with two golden retrievers, a cat, a rabbit, a hampster and a guinea pig and, naturally, a ferret. All gathered on the porch.
We will probably be changing our wedding date from May 24th to Ocotber 11th of next year. Stay tuned~!
This is my brother, Luciya's awesome Uncle Adam.
Adam is 26 years old and lives just a few minutes from us. It has been amazing to have the opportunity to reconnect with him on a near-daily basis.
Adam is funny, tall, handsome, funny, and tall. He is smart and funny and tall. I totally admire everything about him.
Adam was honorably discharged from the Army in 2005 after spending almost 2 years as a Military Police officer in South Korea. He is now a deputy with the Ada County Sheriff's Department here in Boise. He is a fabulous cop. He is gentle and forthright. The kind of cop you wish all cops were.
On Thursday, Adam received his papers for deployment to Iraq.
Now, I'm a pretty intuitive person and my heart tells me that Adam will be safe and strong for many, many, many years to come.
But this sucks.
Adam is to deploy on August 26. They gave him 30 days! It's ludicrous. He just received a raise, is finalizing a divorce, and has a new girlfriend, a new home, a new niece, and a new dog.
If you are reading my blog I'm sure we share the same sentiments about the war and Dipdong Bush in general. And I'm sure you'll understand my stance as a big sister and the fact that I have taken it upon myself to urge Idaho's congressmen to cease Adam's deployment. If you know Adam, and even if you don't, I urge you to join me in doing what we can to see that he can stay here, safe.
Here is a copy of a letter similar to what I sent to Governor Butch Otter.
Governor Butch Otter
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
Dear Governor Otter:
I am writing on behalf of my brother, Ada County Sheriff Deputy Adam Nielsen.
Adam, who was recently recommended by several fellow deputies as a canine handler for the Department, just received his orders for deployment. Adam is not a member of the Idaho National Guard or the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 2005. Adam was mobilized as a member of the IRR.
Adam served two years as a highly regarded Military Police officer in South Korea, where he quickly moved up the ranks to be the General’s personal security officer, before returning to his hometown of Boise and fulfilling his dream of becoming a police officer.
Adam loves his job and has proven to be an excellent example of the type of officer we want in our state. He was involved in the November shooting of a dangerous ex-con, and his professional action was commended not only by his supervising sergeants, but by members of the community at large.
Adam’s heart and soul, however, are dedicated to helping families in need. He has worked with juveniles and at-risk teens since he was in high school at Centennial.
His presence in Idaho, not only as a stellar example of a caring and committed county officer, but as a brand new uncle to my baby girl, is needed, and I ask you to do whatever is in your power to cease his deployment and keep him safe in Boise, so he can ensure the safety of so many others.
Sincerely,
Emily Nielsen
You can contact Governor Butch Otter and Senator Larry Craig at the addresses below.
GOVERNOR BUTCH OTTER
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
P.O. BOX 83720
BOISE, ID 83720
US SENATOR LARRY CRAIG
225 N. 9TH STREET, SUITE 530
BOISE, ID 83702
Thanks for keeping Adam in your hearts and prayers.
Dear Luciya,
You turned three months old today.
Your little hands are grasping at everything. Not that I ever wear my hear down, but on the occasion I do, I need to be willing to lose a strand or two. You grasp and tug at hair, jewelry, shirts, blankets, and your new favorite toy, the stuffed froggy.
You continue to smile every day. You are a joy in the morning, when you greet me with that illuminating morning grin. And you are beginning to laugh. I think it's probably a laugh only a mommy can decipher, as anyone else would probably only call it a grunt. But you grunt when I kiss your tummy and when we play paddy cakes and I hear nothing but complete delight.
You are sleeping 7 to 10 hours straight at night. That's right. Ten. Okay, it only happened once, and I actually got worried and had to go look into your crib at 5 am to make you sure were still breathing, but you did it! In any case, you are only waking up for one feeding at night, and I tiptoe into your little nursery and rock you as you nurse.
Another freak occurance: you rolled over! From your back to you front! Five times! And then never again since! Oh, well, it was pretty cool. And I'm not ready to babyproof the house yet, anyway.
Your head is completely wobble-free when you hold it up. You actually strain to keep it up when you're lying down or in your car seat (which you have not been a fan of lately... hates the car seat! No car seat!). You do little crunches to try and sit up. You don't want to miss a thing!
You met your namesake (or are you her namesake?), Great Grandma Leona. The four generations of women have gotten together twice now. Great Grandma is delighted with you. 
We're trying out a new nap schedule to regulate your day more (you're napping right now!) 10 am , 1 pm, and 4 pm (or within a half hour of each) is the goal. So far, you seem happy with this. 
Your big sister Eryn has been here for a week. I love seeing the two of you together, and you love seeing her face! Eryn is a wonderful big sister to you and that makes my heart happy.
I love you, Luciya!
Mama
Here we are!
Our container arrived to our new home today, and with it our computers. Hooray! I went 3 weeks without a computer and I'm JUST FINE!
I haven't got a lot of time right now, but here are a few updates from the past few weeks:
- John and Mila got in on July 5th. Mila was a trooper on the planes and continues to be an amazing spirit. She is buck wild about her giant new backyard. And squirrels! OMG, what are these furry fuzzy fast skippy little things??!!!
- Luciya is an incredible adaptable little person, as well. Tonight will be her first full night in her new crib. She will be 3 months old on Thursday! Wha...??!
- The new house is looking quite phenomenal, if I do say so myself. The interior is painted, and the pool is ready for our evening swims (which feel awesome on these 102 degree days!).
So far, we are thrilled to be here. I haven't uploaded any pictures yet; those will come later.
Dear Daddy,
This is my horoscope today. Honestly.
"There are so many things to do that there aren't enough hours in the day. Although you can enjoy the wide range of experiences, a part of you longs for deeper meaning. You may feel preoccupied by all the external noise in your life right now and wish that you had the time and wherewithal to delve into the pleasures that you know are waiting somewhere far away. Be patient; your chance will come." Thursday, June 14, 2007
Woah.
The movers are coming! The movers are coming! Soon everything - even this computer - will be packed in boxes and into a 20-foot container, then on its way across the wide blue sea.
So, this will be the last post for a while. What am I going to do with myself?
Hang out with Auma, for one thing.
My BFF Kelly arrived yesterday from San Francisco with her cookie-cute mom, Jeanie. Kelly and I have been friends since we met on the first day of college (almost 11 years ago! Wha...?) and somehow developed the knickname "Mamma" for each other. Since it would be strange to have Luciya growing up calling two women Mama, we decided that Kelly will be "Auma" (aunty + mamma = Auma) to Luciya. They get to meet each other for the first time today! I am so excited.
This girl is fun. The kind of fun where you can take one look at her and say, That girl looks fun! She's a merry-maker, party-planner, giver of "verbal massages." And, yay!! She's here on Maui for one last visit, and to see me home.
That's my Mamma. She was here in 2001 and left me at the airport; now, 6 years later, she'll practically do the same.
So, until we meet again, know I'm in good hands.
Dear Luciya,
You are eight weeks old today! My goodness.
They say time flies; I picture Time as an enormous white bird, wing span stretching for miles and covering acres of land in shadows as it loops in flashes around the globe. Sometimes I want to lasso its quicksilver feet and say Slow down!!
But, here we are, 8 weeks with you in the world, and Time has certainly blessed you with so much.
Your latest developments:
You are alive-awake-alert-enthusiastic! Your eyes are wide and take in all they see in a room. You move your head to follow something interesting, like your mama.
You are holding your head up so well! Still a little bobble-wobble, but for the most part you are proving to have a strong neck and a very keen interest in everything that's going on!
High five! Your little hands are moving from clenched little clams to wide-open stars. I was feeling your fingers last night as they pressed against your ear when you were nursing.
The skin on your face is finally starting to smooth out. Four weeks of acne was hard for Mama to deal with!
And that smile. That glorious, illuminating, hey-I-recognize-you!, bright bright smile. I would eat boiled eggs to see that smile. But good thing I don't have to. You're happy all on your own!
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.
I love you, Luciya!!
Mama
Our things are being packed and shipped next Thursday. Thursday.... as in, 3 days. As in, I am starting to try and cope with the fact that we are MOVING from our first HOME -- moving from MAUI to IDAHO.
My heart catches every now and then, and I find myself reminiscing about MAUI. All the things I won't see in Idaho. A sampling:
shakas ~ locals ~ jacaranda blossoms ~ palm fronds ~ mr. lanky who buys his dinners from down to earth and nightly walks the streets of makawao town at the same time we do ~ greeting with a cheek-kiss ~ haleakala waldorf school, where i became me and liked who i became ~ my home ~ the olinda pine forests ~ the maui humane society ~ the interior of the ogg airport ~ windsurfers like brilliant winged bugs at hookipa ~ my subabru ~ shoes off at the front door (i feel i won't be able to break this habit on the mainland) ~ a sea in a thousand shades of blue ~ warmth, 24/7/365 ~ foreign surfer hippies ~ "perfect beach" ~ judging what the weather may be like 30 miles away ~ papayas and mangoes ~ lilikoi everything: dressing, mousse, lotion, margaritas, and fresh off the vine ~ the running priest who either blows you a kiss or pretends to box you ~ clancy and mikey ~ night-blooming jasmine ~ whale season ~ spinner dolphins leaping ~ mana foods ~ ono grinds ~ talking story ~ the random plucks and strums of transient ukuleles ~ a lei for all occasions: hello, goodbye, i love you, congratulations, happy birthday...
The house is in shambles. John's dad ("Grandpa Dave") is visiting and I feel like a horrible hostess. I am preoccupied and distant. I look around and all I see are projects and piles. And twice I've forgotten to get his coffee ready in the morning.
Last night Grandpa Dave treated us to a delicious night out at Ruth's Chris. (Four words: filet sizzling in butter.) It was so nice, and I thought I was planning smart by making the reservations at an early 6:00, hoping Luciya would sleep through the majority of dinner and go to bed relatively close to the scheduled time I have been trying to enforce.
Well.
Who had a cranky baby and a stormy storm-out of the restaurant? The hostess actually shut the front door so Luciya's wails wouldn't disturb the clientele as I desperatley tried to nurse her on a bench in front of the restaurant. She did fall to sleep eventually, and the meal was delicious, but I couldn't help but become flustered and frustrated for a while there, especially with a $150 bottle of Silver Oak and fresh berries and cream waiting for me at the table.
Grandpa Dave is wonderful with Luciya, pleasant and jolly and attentive, and I am grateful for his presence as I am trying to finish writing 100 student reports, pack up the two giant suitcases Luciya and I will be living out of, and attempting to keep a normal and happy facade.
Not that I'm unhappy. I'm happy! Just a bit amazed. And overwhelmed. And a bit scared.
But then I see this.
And this.
And this.
And the idea of saying aloha to my island home seems more okay. Everything seems more okay. Because we are blessed beyond measure with this dazzling ray of sunshine every single day.
"Aloha" means both hello and goodbye. It is also used to symbolize love. And so I carry its intentions with me. And in 10 days, I'll be saying Aloha to Boise!
Bald in some spots
