Back in New York: The jetlagged days

Samantha was jetlagged for 12 days when we got back to New York, so Karen and I felt like zombies. We got her this Baby Einstein Activity Center to keep her busy while Karen does some chores during the day. Unfortunately, it takes her 10 minutes - tops - before she gets bored with it and starts eating the toys!

Samantha eats solid foods for the first time

Here is Samantha at 6 months old eating rice porridge. She loves eating and we have no problem feeding her; she got her appetite from her mom :) Here's some guidelines from NYU.

Manila Trip 2007 Series: Playing with grandpa

Mmmm...corn

There's grandma feeding her corn. Hmmm...not sure if she's supposed to be eating corn-on-the-cob at her age. But it sure is great for itchy gums!

Samantha learns to pull up to stand

Samantha is 5 1/2 months. This kid's a bit advanced in her gross motor development (check milestones here)!

Manila Trip 2007 Series: Samantha's first beach trip (at Tali)

Samantha drank sea water and ate sand and she's all good! Thanks for the great weekend Tita Jenny and Tito Jojo!

Manila Trip 2007 Series: In the pool with grandparents and Karen

Samantha's a water baby! She knows how to swim and was in the pool almost everyday.

Manila Trip 2007 Series: Samantha sits unsupported for the first time

Samantha at 5 months.

Manila Trip 2007 Series: Samantha crawls for the first time

Samantha at 5 1/2 months. You can see the determination in her face.

Laugh Time!

Samantha at 4 1/2 months. Taken in Manila.

No binky? No problem!

"Look 'ma, no hands...."

Manila Trip 2007 Series: At grandma Patty's Tagaytay house, Part II - the gazebo

Manila Trip 2007: At grandma's Tagaytay house, Part I

Samantha finds wild flowers and wild spiders! Welcome to the tropics!

Manila Trip 2007 Series: Samantha discovers her feet

4 1/2 months old. Just check out those thighs!

Manila Trip 2007 Series: At grandma Baby and grandpa Tanto's house

The country home with photos of grandma's lush tropical garden.

Stop over in Hong Kong

Fortunately, Samantha slept for most of the 18 hours to Hong Kong from New York...whew! Play time with mom while we wait for the connecting flight. We brought a cheapo Kolcraft "umbrella" stroller because it's light and it does the job.

First plane ride: 20 hours to Manila - yikes!

Waiting for boarding at JFK airport. Hey, we've got time for a snack! Karen brought 2 nursing pillows ("breast friends") for added comfort (although it was too much to bring on board).

Samantha was almost 4 months old.

From the archives: Valentine's baby

3 months old.

From the archives: Swingin' and laughin'

Still at 3 months old.

From the archives: Game time - Where in the picture is Samantha?

Samantha at 3 months. Hint: she's amongst the Thomas Paul pillows.

From the archives: Ninang Lea & the Polo kid

Samantha at 3 months. That's Karen doing the "itsy-bitsy spider" thing.