Happy first birthday and 13 month birthday!

Hello Bleeps!  I know, I know....it's been awhile.  I really wanted to post around Reese's first birthday, but it slipped by with no blog in site.  Ahhh....the life of a Mommy.  Better late than never right?

My dearest Reese,
It is incredibly hard for me (and Daddy) to believe that you are already a year old (as of April 12th)!  I just can't fathom that you have been in my arms for 12 whole months, when I was wishing for you my whole life.  We are so blessed and happy you are in our lives, even though as the days go on you are sometimes challenging us.  But we are learning and you are too. 

Since your 11 month birthday, you have started standing better while holding something.  It used to be a challenge for you to stand on your own, and now, you stand up and sit down with ease.  Sometimes it looks like you sit a little "hard" (letting yourself go a little too soon), but it doesn't seem to bother you at all. 

You officially said your first word on March 20th at daycare when you said "bye-bye" to Mommy as I left.  My ears perked up and everyone in the room heard you.  You continued to say it all day, even when Daddy picked you up, but then it stopped.  You continue to use baby sign language to tell us when you are "all done" eating and want "more." 

At the end of March, you celebrated your first Easter.  While we didn't make it to church unfortunately, that doesn't mean you didn't get all dressed up for dinner with Gma and Pappy and friends.  You weren't dressed up for long, but you were darn cute when you were!

You continue to eat well and for the most part, don't need Mommy or Daddy feeding you much at all, except yogurt or soup.  For the most part, you still take good naps at home, but at daycare there is just too much going on for you to want to shut your eyes for more than 20-45 minutes!  You always come home really tired, but still happy. 

You used to love a little toss in the air by Daddy or Mommy, but I think one day Daddy tossed you a little too high for your liking because now when we go to toss you, you grab Daddy's shirt or Mommy's hair and only want to go so far.  You are still laughing, but you just don't want to go very high.

Fairy Godmother's Mom gave you a beautiful merry-go-round music box that you enjoy watching right before bed and it has become part of our bedtime ritual.  You even go so far as to kiss it good night or blow it a kiss (yes, you now blow kisses). 


We had a bit of a scare in early April when we went to a birthday party outside and almost immediately upon getting outside, your eyes started to water, you started to sniffle and you were very unhappy.  We thought it was an allergy to all the grass.  However, it happened the very next day with no grass in sight.  We discovered that you had a reaction to the sunscreen we were using.  It has since been thrown away, but it was very scary for us and you as we didn't really know what was happening.

 12 month photo

 
Your birthday party could have been a huge event, but it turned out just perfect.  Despite the fact that you woke up the night before with a fever of 102.9 and gave us quite a little scare.  Mommy and you were a bit tired the next day for the party, but we pressed on.  You weren't sure what to do with the monkey cake Mommy made, and in the end wouldn't even touch it or eat it.  I ate it and it was great.  Maybe you will never like sugar...yea right!  We'll try again next year.  There were a bunch of people that love you there and you got a mountain of presents.  You were the belle of the ball for sure.  Everybody signed a frame for us to keep forever.

 At her birthday party

 

 The birthday banner we had printed up.

 In her birthday outfit playing with her new blocks from Nana and Papa.

 Monkey birthday cookies made by a friend

The cake I made, that she wouldn't even touch. 

That leads us to what has happened since your 1 year birthday as we approach your 13-month birthday which happens to be on Mother's Day this year.


When we visited Dr. Kids for your one year check up, you weighed in at 20 lbs, 5.5 oz and 29" long.  That's a far cry from the 8 lbs, 1 oz and 19.75" long you came out at.  Dr. Kids was happy with your growth and development, but you were none too pleased with blood draw and 3 shots that followed that assessment.  You recovered, but still managed to make Mommy feel bad.  Although the whole experience must have tired you out greatly because you took nearly a 3 hour nap that day.

You started throwing little fits when you didn't get your way that frustrated us to no end because usually you are such a happy girl.  We talked with Dr. Kids about what to do and she said to put you in a safe place (carpeted floor or pack-n-play) and ignore you.  We tried it a few times the same day and as soon as you realized we weren't paying attention to you, you stopped almost immediately.  Since then, the fits have been fewer and shorter. 

Not long after (April 23) while Daddy was setting up a new tub for you (an inflatable seal), and you and I were watching him (unbeknownst to him) and out of the blue you blurted out "hi!"  Daddy whipped around so fast and my eyes probably got huge.  You wouldn't say it again, but we both heard you the first time.  It was quite exciting for us!

Then, a few days later, when Gma was visiting, she was trying to get you to walk and you were pushing a toy around (kind of like a grocery cart) with help from her.  The very next day, you were doing it by yourself with no help from Mommy.  The video is quite cute and I've shown it many times.  You are very close to walking without help, but it hasn't happened yet.  You do manage to get around the house (including the few stairs) with no trouble.

I know the video is sideways, but you can see her walking by herself with her toy and her personality. (Email folks, click here to go to the page to see the video)

They call you "the queen" at daycare...not because you are demanding or domineering, but because you wave at e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e!  Everyone that comes into daycare gets a wave.  Everyone who leaves daycare.  Everyone at the mall.  Everyone at...well, everywhere.  It's quite cute to see how happy you are to see people!

But by far one of the best things to my ears was the first time you said "Mama" and realized it meant me!  You now say it often and look at or for me easily.  It is music to my ears.  You have said "Dada" a few times too, but "Mama" comes out far more often.  You truly know what "Dada" means, it just doesn't get said as much. 

While you used to adore your baths, you have now become a little un-excited.  I think it started when we got a new shower head and it was out of the norm for you.  You now cry a bit to get in the tub, but once you are there you happily play for as long as we'll let you or until the water gets too cold (at which point you shudder - so cute) and we warm it up.  Washing your hair is a bit trying these days, because you want to lean forward, rather than back and then you get upset with the water getting in your face.  Don't worry, we'll get it figured out one day little one. 

I can already see that you have a sweet heart.  The other day when I took you to daycare in the morning, almost immediately when we walked in, you thrust your arms out to Liz (and you usually go to Jessica first) and she took you.  She then said, "thank you, I needed that."  Turns out a friend of hers had passed away unexpectedly and she was grieving.  You somehow saw that and just knew she needed a cuddle.  That's my sweet girl...can't teach that!

 In her birthday present.  I love this shirt. 

 Playing at home while Mommy works.

 Hamming it up for the camera.  

 She always makes this face when the camera comes out.  So squishy!

 Outside with Mama.  So you guys remember what I look like!

We just had family pictures taken again (don't worry, will post them when we get them back) and the photographer we regularly use was amazed at how you have grown.  He was able to take a photo of the three of us walking hand-in-hand and I cannot wait to see it!  The last time he photographed you, you could barely sit in a chair by yourself and now you are practically running.

When I dropped you off at daycare the Thursday before Mother's Day, the morning ladies (who you and I both love) had a Mother's Day card and present for me.  They called me "one of the greatest mommies they know" which made me cry.  I hope you see me that way.  It's nice to hear that all my effort for you is observed by others.  I couldn't imagine loving anyone else as much as I love you baby!

First standing photo, with Daddy's help, for 13-months

It has truly been an eventful year and 1 month with you in our lives.  And I know it will only get better (and most likely harder) from here. 

We love you baby and that will never change,

Mama (and Dada)

Mother's Day #2

Hello Bleeps.  It's really hard to believe that I have been a mother for a year now.  A few years back, I thought this day would never come and here I am celebrating my 2nd Mother's Day.  It's amazing.

I would love to say that the first year of being Reese's Mom has been nothing but giggles and glow, but that would be a lie.  We have definitely had our rough moments and there have been tears from both of us (Reese and I that is).  But we survived and it has made us stronger.  I cannot imagine being a single parent.  Even when J is gone and I play the part for a couple days, it exhausts me.  The people who do it constantly have my most sincere praise.  I need J as my back-up.  I can't do this without him.

When I dropped Reese at daycare Thursday morning, the two ladies who are there in the morning (that Reese and I both love), had a Mother's Day card that they had made and a present for me.  They said they don't do this for most Moms but because I bring joy to their lives, they wanted to let me know they apprciated me and thought I was one of the best Moms they had ever seen.  These ladies have seen hundreds of mothers.  For them to say that sincerely warmed my heart and made me cry.  It was very much appreciated.  They even had a card they had made that said on the front "to one of the greatest Moms."  So sweet. 

I've learned many things in this past year as a Mom. 

1. A baby crying is not always a bad thing.
        Our sleep coach has told us that when a baby is tired and cries (especially if they are overtired), they release a hormone in their body that helps them go to sleep.  She is 100% correct.  It was hard to listen to for a long time, and still is, but usually it is short lived and Reese falls asleep soundly for hours on end.  Thankfully she has started to take really good naps at home, daycare is a whole 'nother story.

2. You never know how much sleep you REALLY need until you don't get it over an extended period of time.
         Everyone tells you to get your sleep before the baby comes, and boy do I know why now!  We've had our fair share of sleeping issues, although for the moment, we're doing quite well.  But I have learned that I can live with about 4-5 hours of sleep and do relatively well.  Even if it is over a longer period of time.

3.  Lazy weekends don't have to go away just because there's a baby in the house. 
         When we don't have events planned on the weekends, we have always lazed around in bed until 11 or noon.  Even with Reese when she was still nursing, I fed her in bed with us at 7:30 am, then we take a nap, we feed again at 10:30 am, and we finally get up.  It's a wonderful way to start the weekend. It disappeared all too quickly.  The last time she wanted to nap with me was on Christmas Day.  I have tried since then, but she apparently is like J, and likes her space now.  Unless she is sick, then she'll sleep on me still. 

4. Breastfeeding is SOOOO hard, but more worthwhile that I ever could have imagined.
          Yes, breastfeeding was a huge struggle at the beginning and throughout my nursing days.  And when she bit with her two bitty teeth, then with her 4 teeth, then with her 7 teeth!  But there is no better thing to me.  I gave Reese something that NO ONE ELSE can.  And that was our time.  It was special.  It was hard.  It was worth it.  And it was usually instantly calming for her.  For any woman who doesn't think they will breastfeed, I would say PLEASE at least consider it.  Because it is awesome, for Mom and for baby.  Truly incredible!

5. Watching the world through a child's eyes is amazing.
        Watching Reese's "firsts" has been eye-opening to say the least.  Not only watching her roll over, smile, sit up, laugh, speak, crawl, walk (still with help), but watching with her amaze herself is so fun too!  She gets excited when she achieves something new. 

6. You can never hear "your baby is gorgeous" enough. 
        I think part of what makes Reese so gorgeous is that she is usually happy.  A crying baby can be hard to take (and yes, we have our days), but for the most part, she is joyful and so pleasant to be around.  When she emits how gorgeous her soul is through her smile, it's hard to resist her.

I'm sure there are a million more things, but those are the big ones that I can think of now! 

Birthday letter and pictures to come!

Happy 10 and 11 month birthdays!

My dearest Reese,
By now you have learned that Mommy really doesn't have as much time to blog anymore with you around.  She still blogs in her head, but it never seems to make it onto the computer.  So here's your 10 and 11 month letters.  I can't believe that in just a few short weeks you will be a year old.  Blows my mind!

Let's see, what happened from when you turned 9 months old to 10 months old?  A LOT!

She squishes up her face when she is "really" smiling!  It's so funny!

You are growing like a weed and maturing too.  You also are learning how to grab Mommy and Daddy's attention and "fake cry." Fairy Godmother came back for a visit and she couldn't believe how much you had changed!  Dad was getting really tired of your "comb-over" getting in your face so you had your first haircut, but just it was done by Dad and just so you wouldn't have hair in your face.  The official first hair cut will come later.

Probably the biggest development was when you started eating more finger foods and less pureed foods.  We went to a funeral of one of Mommy's clients and at the reception afterwards, you couldn't get enough of the cooked carrots.  Great-Grandpa Einck would have been proud!  Other foods you ate this month were cheerios, Ritz crackers and peaches. 

You also got your first ear infection, which was quickly followed by your second ear infection on the other side.  Boo.  You've had a cough for a while and we just can't get it to go away.  We've been to the doc a number of times, and you are always deemed healthy, just with a cough that could be related to allergies, or the weather, or a cold.  It pains us to see you cough, but thankfully you aren't miserable.  Due to all the illnesses thought, Dad actually had to stay home with you one day because Mommy was getting close to missing too much work.  You trained him well and he did fine, but he admitted it was "emotionally exhausting" especially when you didn't want to nap or eat.  Mommy has been telling him this all along!

We also started some baby sign language.  You've got waving down like a pro, but we wanted to add in signs like "Mommy" and "Daddy" and "more."  You realize we're doing something different, but just don't quite get it yet.  However, clapping you have now mastered!!!  And the first time you did it, we were visiting Nana and Papa.  They were so excited about that!  Daddy also taught you to high-five.  And you have mastered that too!

The toughest part of this time period for Mommy was making the determination that it was time to stop nursing.  My milk was lacking more and more and I was beginning not to enjoy it at all.  Plus you decided that chewing (while you were nursing) was a fun activity!  Mommy DID NOT agree!  So after a few days of contemplating, we decided to call it a day and stop nursing.  It was great while it lasted, but it was time to move on. 

 Happy girl in Great-Grandpa's rocker!

So cute!

Now on to what happened from month 10 to month 11...
You were still fighting whatever cold we cannot get rid of.  The humidifier has become a staple in your room and we put Vick's on your chest and feet almost every night.  Thankfully you are still a happy girl, just with the occasional runny nose and cough.

You experienced your first snow, which I also think contributed to the continuing cold you have been fighting.  It doesn't snow in Arizona often, so when it does, it practically shuts down the city!

My favorite part of this time was you LEARNING TO CRAWL!  First it was with Mama pulling a toy away that you lunged after it.  Then it was all by yourself to a toy!  And thankfully I got both on video!  What would we do without smartphones? It was amazing and exciting! (To those who get this via email, click the title of the blog to go to the online version to see the video.)

You also started to pull yourself up to a standing position in your crib, which meant it was time to lower your crib down, which led to re-arranging your room for various reasons.  You would pull yourself up in the crib then let go and flop back down to the mattress.  I was sure you were going to hurt yourself, but you were having a ball.  And now, outside the crib you can stand for multiple seconds on your own.

11 month pics - getting harder and harder to get her to stay still!

 You are eating more and more food, pureed and not.  We added blackberries, cranberries, cherries, pasta and turkey to your menu this month.  Some you liked, some you didn't.  But all you at least tried.

When you are babbling, you have started to adding a melody of sorts to the words.  Daddy and I call it "singing" because that is what it sounds like.  It is so cute to hear.

You still resist naps at daycare, but sleep well at home and at night.  They can only do so much to help you nap, so we just try to make sure you get enough rest at night and when you are home with us. 

We read a couple books every night and sing some songs.  You usually go to sleep without any crying and really quickly.  What a difference a few months and some patience makes!

 Ready for school pictures!

Overall, it's been a crazy few months!  But our love for you has continued to grow.  I look forward to your smile on my way home from work every day!  I love that your Dad makes you laugh so hard.  But most of all, I love you with all my heart and so much more.  You are my angel.  You are my love.  You are my Monkey!

And I really can't believe that in a few short weeks, you will be 1!

Love,
Mommy

Happy 8 and 9 month birthday my dearest Reese!

Hello dear Bleeps,
Yup, it's that time again.  Time for our 2 month check-in.  Believe it or not, blogging is on my list to do everyday, and somehow I just can't make it happen.  So here is Reese's last 2 months wrapped into one letter, again.  Argh....

My dearest Reese,
As always, your last 2 months of growing have been an adventure and amazing.  You are sprouting like a weed before our very eyes.  So let's start with what happened from your 7th month to your 8th month of life.

On your 7th month birthday, your Great Grandma Vance passed away.  We knew it was going to happen, but what a day to do it.  It also happened to be the day your Great Grandma Rowe passed away 2 years ago.  Such a coincidence.  So on a day when we wanted to celebrate, we were sad (and Mommy was sick too).  A few days later we had the funeral and while everyone came to bid farewell to your Great Grandma Vance, they also came with the hopes of seeing/meeting you.  And you did not disappoint.  A wonderful male singer sang Amazing Grace and you watched and listened to him with such awe, it amazed us all!!  Someone also tried to give you a rose to put on Great Grandma's grave and you very happily reached for it, even though we didn't let you have it after all.  You were very happy girl that day and made the day a bit more bearable for us all who were very upset to say goodbye to such a wonderful lady.

And so many more things happened after your 7 month birthday...

We moved you from a 3.5 hour schedule to a 4 hour schedule.  This means you now eat every 4 hours, then are supposed to play, then sleep.  You kind of do the opposite with playing, eating and then sleeping.  But it all works.

You started saying "Ba-ba-ba" or "Bob-bob-bob."  We haven't figured out who Bob is yet, but apparently you really like him.  You watch our lips when we speak and I think the wheels are turning in your head about how to say Mommy and Daddy, but we haven't gotten there yet.

You met your Aunt Melslaw, one of Mommy's best friends, and thought she was just so cool.

Mommy cooked up some more food for you and you tried zucchini, peas, and applesauce, among other things I didn't write down. You also had your first taste of water from Mommy's water bottle and surprised us all when you grabbed for it, then figured out how to sip through the straw and taste water, that compared to your milk wasn't very good.  But since then, you have become quite the water drinker...just like Mommy.

We celebrated your first Thanksgiving where both Nana and Papa (J's parents) and Gma and Grandpa (my parents) were here at the same time.  Of course you were the life of the party and everything worked out just perfect with you going down for a nap just as we wanted to sit down to eat.  It was a really great day and as always, Mommy's favorite holiday because right behind it is my birthday!

Mommy's first birthday as a Mommy was up next and that was fun as well.  We didn't do anything grand, but you were here so that was grand enough!

You also made strides you didn't even know you were making....like getting your 3rd tooth on the bottom, and then eventually your first 3 teeth on top - all at the same time!  Made for some cranky evenings and upsetting nursing days! So for all those counting we went from 2 teeth to 6 quick!

Speaking of yucky things, you had some severe diaper rash that made us all cringe when we changed your diaper and I think you weren't too happy about it either.   It took us a bit, but we got it under control.  (For those Moms or Dads out there, our magic potion was sitting her in a few inches of water after changing her, letting her air dry and then putting A & D Ointment on her bottom when we changed her.  Cleared up in a few days, but not quick enough for me!)

You also learned how to "flirt," mostly with Daddy.  You tilt your head to the side and smile angelically.  It's very cute.

And you met Santa and had your very first picture with him.  To me it is perfect! 

But probably my favorite advancement that you have made is smiling when you see Mommy or Daddy or anybody pop a camera up in your face - which happens quite often with the invention of camera phones!  It's the cutest thing!  You see that camera and a smile spreads across your face like wildfire!  Here's where we discovered that...at Target when you sat in the cart for the very first time with your cushion, which you loved!

And then we had your 8 month birthday photo!

From that point, you again had a busy month of growing and changing.

It started with sitting up unassisted entirely and crawling backwards.  A true advancement for you!

You also attended your first Christmas Party (well, it was at our house with Mommy's work) but you were the highlight of the night I think.  And you got to see all the Christmas decoration come out and discover the Christmas tree.  But I think your favorite decoration was some Hallmark dancing snowmen and penguins because every time we turned it on, you danced right along.  It was something I'll never forget!

You received some blocks from Fairy Godmother for Christmas and I think they are now your favorite toy.  You knock them down every time we build them up and you think it is the best thing out there.  The box got opened a little early, oops!

You attended your first Christmas Eve mass with Daddy, Gma and Grandpa.  And you looked pretty darn stylish doing it, complete with tights and shoes!

And we had your first ever Christmas, complete with opening presents!  You got most of the presents from under the tree and by the end of all of it, you had figured out that unwrapping was just part of the fun!  You also got a lady bug rocking "horse" that sings that you love.  That was the big present from Mommy and Daddy.

You gave your first wave to one of your favorite teachers, Ms. Liz, at daycare the day after Christmas.  And from then on, you have done  many more!

We had more new tastes for you too including blueberries and potatoes, both of which you loved!  The bib is thanks to Fairy Godmother - also known as Aunt Kirsti!

You are so close to sitting up by yourself from laying down, but I've seen you do it twice in your crib!  So I know you can with a little help.  Currently you grab Mommy's fingers and pull yourself up.

You celebrated you first New Year's Eve and like a true party animal, didn't want to go to sleep before midnight, but you succumbed at 8:00 or so...late for you!

Your 7th tooth (4th on top) came in and you had your first poop in the tub!  It was funny but gross!  You also got your new car seat that hopefully will last you many years to come!  We no longer carry you in the car seat, but carry you to the car to go in the car seat!  YAY!

You learned to do what Daddy calls "Indian" and it's so funny when you do it! 

 

And just before your 9 month birthday you got your first ear infection, really bad cold with cough and fever.  We went to the doc and were a trooper while we were there, you had a blast with the paper while we were there.  You weighed in at 19.7 lbs.  It's no wonder why Mommy and Daddy's arms are so strong!  However, once you had the antibiotics you weren't a happy camper as they messed with your tummy.  You threw up and freaked Mommy out!  But then were on the road to recovery and from then have been great.  You had to miss daycare because you were so sick and they missed you terribly!  Who wouldn't?!

 This is your 9 month photo!  I can't figure out how to make blogger put it upright!

And you with Fairy Grandmother when she came to visit for your 9 month birthday!  You LOVE her!  It was amazing after so long not seeing her you just went right to her.


Whew!  What a bunch has happened in the last few months!  But what hasn't changed (well maybe it has) is how much we love you!  We are amazed by you every day and can't wait to see you after work!  You are growing right before our eyes!  And we love you so very much dearest!

LOVE LOVE LOVE,
Mommy