the Cacing Diaries #10

Month 4

Babies grow up so fast!

Was it just yesterday when my wife and I were deprived of sleep in attending to her needs every night? But there is a God! A day before her 4-month “birthday” last week, her sleeping pattern suddenly changed. Without any fanfare or warning, Cacing just started sleeping for a stretch of 6-7 hours. Sure, there would be occasions that she’d wake up, but these are far and few between, and only for a short bottle feed or for a quick diaper change. Then she’d promptly go back to sleep. Bliss for her and for us. We hope this is a rhythm that is for keeps.

Talking of milestones, Cacing could now rollover on her own. My wife played the rahrahrah cheerleader when Cacing first made the attempt last week. It only took her a few tries and she succeeded. Her technique still needs a bit of polishing. She’d start to lie on her back and then twist to her left and contort. She already has learned to raise her left arm over her head while turning so that it won’t get in the way. In no time, she’d be on her stomach. Her next challenge is returning to her old position lying on her back. In due time, she’d master her own technique.

Ah, babies! They’d cry without notice but in a blink they’d laugh. When we expect her to be upset, she’ll surprise us with a smile. When we thought that she would laugh, she would ignore us completely. Last Saturday, we took her to her pediatrician. She took in her vaccination shot without flinching, imperiously dismissing the needle as if it were nothing. Good girl! Seems like she doesn’t mind injections. For now.


pictorials



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/200s, f/1.8, 50mm, ISO 1600, +2/3 EV
This was taken on Cacing’s 4 month “birthday”. Cacing is such a poser when she’s in the mood. She is seen here playing with her mommy. That’s a bib around her neck. She drools a lot!



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/100s, f/1.8, 50mm, ISO 800, +1/3 EV
Cacing, like most babies, don’t like headbands. The garter could get too tight so we only could use them for a short time. I still say that even momentarily, the efforts are worth it, as she looks photogenic with flowers on her head.



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/30s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 800
Last Saturday, I received my new macro lens that I ordered from b&h. My sister couriered it from NY and gladly, I got it in one piece. Now I can make clear close-ups without any crops. Here is one macro shot, done without any post-processing. Cacing enjoyed rolling on these colorful scarves. A willing model she can be.



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/50s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 800
Working with a 100mm macro lens is difficult. Babies move too fast so focusing is a pain. This picture is not the sharpest of the lot but a smile like this can trump any focusing faux pas anytime.



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/50s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 1600
This is Cacing just before yelping. I am so biased I think she looks pretty even when she’s not smiling. Hahaha!