About a week ago, we celebrated Baby Pizza’s Baek Il, which is a common celebration for Koreans marking the 100th day after a child’s birth. A long time ago in Korea when there were more childhood diseases, the survival rate for babies was low so it was a pretty big deal for a baby to make it past 100 days. It’s still commonly celebrated today and considered a birthday celebration. More than two years ago when we were celebrating Lil’ Pizza’s Baek Il, I remember feeling relieved as things started to get a little “easier,” and thought, “wow, I survived!” Yes, I know it’s supposed to be a day celebrating a big milestone for the baby, but those earlier months of struggling through as a first time mom made that monumental day a big deal not only for her, but for me too. So when I started to have a difficult time with Baby Pizza during her first month, I told Mr. Pizza that when we hit 100 days, I was going to do something for ME and celebrate! When that day came, I spent the afternoon with a friend eating good food and getting a massage. It was great to get away for a few hours from Baby Pizza and Lil’ Pizza and enjoy a slice of really good pizza. I told you, Mrs. Pizza really loves her pizza!

Baby Pizza’s Baek Il was pretty low key with dinner and a cake at my house with my parents. Still, it was a good day to just pause and see how much Baby Pizza has already grown so much!

IMG_3729

ADVERTISEMENT

There is something magical that happens to babies when they are 100 days old. It almost felt like Baby Pizza wasn’t doing anything except cry, sleep and eat for the longest time, and then all of a sudden she was doing all sorts of things. She smiles and coos so much and has her moments of laughter. She’s become more vocal and loud and is sure to let us know what she likes and doesn’t like. Right now she will be content if she is sitting up (still with assistance of course) or being held, and gets upset if she is left on her own in her bouncy seat or laying down for too long. She is grabbing for objects in front of her and has discovered her hands and feet. She is always trying to put all her fingers into her mouth. Baby Pizza is also rolling from her back to her stomach as well as from her stomach to her back. When she’s on her stomach, she tries to move forward by pushing off on my hand.

As far as her reflux, it seems to have improved and she’s not as fidgety during the feedings. However, she still spits up a good amount. I always feel bad handing her off to someone else because she is bound to spit up on every person that holds her. She still sleeps only 45 minutes at a time during the day and does four hour stretches throughout the night. I’m hoping this starts to improve soon!

I’m so happy we have made it past 100 days!  It’s definitely a big milestone to celebrate!