11 Months

I can hardly stand it...today we start our final month of having a baby in our house! How has this happened already?! What a fun eleventh month we've had too. Cousins birthday parties at a fun gym; your first snow and sledding experience; first trip to the zoo of the year; first stomach bug (along with everyone else), which was accompanied by your first real horrible diaper rash; going to lots of Uncle Kye's basketball games; Mommy's birthday and the Super Bowl; plus so much more in between!

• Still no official weight this month, but you are still rocking the size 3 diapers and wearing 12 month sizes now. 
• Sleep schedule is still pretty similar. You wake for the day around 8:00, until naptime anywhere between 11 and 1. You get one decent 2-3 hour nap or two shorter cat naps. Bedtime is anywhere between 8-9, with you still waking once or twice each night for a quick ten-minutes to nurse.
• You are a pretty good eater and love to feed yourself. The stomach bug this month had you put a pause on solid foods for about a week. However, once better, you were sure to make up for lost time! You are at the stage where everything goes straight into your mouth - food or not - so you're willing to try everything. But you let us know if you don't like something (i.e. - Spanish rice!). A simple, matter-of-fact shake of your head no, closed mouth, turned head, and straight refusal to eat it. When non-food items make it into your mouth, you've learned how to say "ahhh," and show us so we can get it out. (This has been particularly scary with older brothers, who have smaller toys. It's been a little more comforting now that you know to spit things out.) 
• You are communicating so much this month! You are continuing to sign for "more," but have now added, "please" and "all done" to your signs, as well as practicing "thank you." Aside from signing, you try to speak a lot of words already too. You imitate the "m sound" and "p sound" when you sign more and please to us. Your spoken word count is now 5: mama, dada, hi, hello, and your favorite, uh-oh. You attempt to say "down," "up," and "out," when asked to, but they aren't words you are using on your own yet. You also wave hello, goodbye, and point (the cutest, daintiest little point) to things you want.
• The tooth count is now 2 and two-half teeth! You have sprouted your top two teeth, but they are still slowly coming in. We know they are there though because we hear you grinding them on your bottom teeth all the time.
• Not only are you walking, but this month you've begun running too...especially when you hear the gate to the upstairs open. I have never seen such a speedy baby. You can hear that gate from any room in the house and instantly take off, wanting so badly to climb the stairs. And if denied the opportunity to climb, it's complete deflated devastation.
• Since you perfected climbing up the stairs last month, we've begun learning how to climb down this month. You want to just stand up and head down like your brothers, which you can't do. However, you think it's a riot scooting down on your bottom. And with very close supervision, you are getting better at scooting all the way down.
• You love to play tag, build with your blocks, knock things over, and take every item out of cabinets and drawers. But your favorite toy is whatever toy Ry and Wy happen to be playing with, especially their Paw Patrol cars and pups! Since day one, you have so badly wanted to be big enough to hang with your brothers.
• You love giving kisses and have perfected the sweetest little pucker this month. As soon as you wake up, it's hugs and kisses for everyone. You are a very cuddly, love-bug, who will come up to us all day, laying your head on us for hugs and kissing us all day long. 

Happy 11 months, sweet girl. Here's to soaking up our final month of having a baby in our home!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Months

10 months already and what a tenth month it was! Your first Christmas with many Christmas celebrations throughout the month and your first time being sick (and on Christmas weekend too!). This month we stepped up your solids intake and you ate it up! You moved up this month too - literally, upstairs and into your own room (excuse me, I'm still crying over this one). We are in awe of just watching you grow and change before our eyes!

• No official weight this month, but I imagine you're still in the 20 lb, maybe 21 lb range. You are still in size 3 diapers and wearing 9 and 12 month sizes now. 
• This month you transitioned to your bed, in hopes that you would self-soothe since you wouldn't be staring right at me when you wake. While it was a very smooth move from pack n play to crib, it did not solve our nighttime wake up call. You still wake at least once a night, sometimes twice. There's no real consistency either. Last night you went to bed at 9 and didn't wake until 5:40, but the night before you went to bed at 8:30 and woke at 12, 3:30, and 6:30. On the bright side, you nurse for about ten minutes and are then right back asleep with no fuss. So, while I'm sure we could "train" you out of this by letting you cry it out a little more, it's just much easier for my sleep's sake, to feed you for 10, instead of listening to you cry for 10 and then still having to feed you for 10 minutes. Plus, I'm sure this phase is almost over and I will definitely miss our middle of the night meetings and your sweet little tickles while you nurse. 
• You are still getting a solid nap a day, lasting anywhere for an hour and a half to three hours. On your brothers' two school days, it's a little trickier to get a nap in because you're traveling to pick them up during prime nap-time. So you tend to catnap on the way to and from drop-off and pick-up.
• You are officially over baby food and now eat soft table foods. This is my favorite stage of eating! Life is so much easier when we can simply scoop something off of our plates onto your plate and you can feed yourself. You love yogurt, scrambled eggs, green beans, carrots, and of course bananas.
• You are still signing for "more," but now do so on your own. We don't have to ask, "Do you want more?" If your plate is empty and you are hungry, you will tell us "more." We are still working on "please," stubborn little peanut, although tonight I think you may have finally signed it at dinner! You have added "hi" and an attempt at "hello," to your list of words you speak (making the grand total four words now).
• The tooth count is still at two adorable little bottom teeth.
• You are a professional walker. You'd never guess you were only 10 months by the way you walk. We can't help but giggle as you toddle around.
• You are playing a lot more now. You have learned how to put the rings on your new toy, paly basketball, and love pushing your stroller around. However, your most favorite toys are those for 4 year olds and up! You watch your brothers play and want in on the action and want to play with their toys. You recognize your brothers' names and love to play with them. Today, we caught you and Ryan in an adorable game of "Tag! Hide and seek!" (as named by Ry). There you were squealing, giggling, and even trying to speed walk as you chased him around the kitchen and living room. 
• You love music and start to dance and clap whenever a song comes on. 
• Being able to walk has really upped your level of curiosity. You are into every cabinet in the kitchen - pulling out food, pots, and pans on a daily basis. I guess it's time to better baby proof!
• This month you mastered the stairs as well, and boy are you quick! Baby gates are now back out and up. You strongly dislike these and don't want to be hindered from exploring. Your playpen has also become more of a dislike for you. Sometimes you'll stay in there, happily playing, but if you catch a peek at me or you dad, you want out!
• You love bathtime and had your first official big girl bath with your brothers! How are you this big already?!
• You have adopted this cutest little head turn when we are talking to you. You give us a look and tilt that head communicating so much with that one little look. It is adorable and cracks us up. You like to shake your head at us too. 
• You give us all the best, most slobbery, open-mouthed kisses and big hugs. I love when I'm holding you and you'll occasionally just lay your head down on my shoulder for an extra little snuggle. 

I say it every month, but this family is so in love with our little Jo! You are such a happy little thing and we can't get enough of your sweetness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

What a magical Christmas we had! From the pitter patter of tiny feet running across the hardwood floor early in the morning, to whispers of, "He did it! He really got us a Paw Patrol jeep, Ry!" To giggles and squeals as you played with new toys and humming of carols all day long. Every thing you did was full of joy and magic, and my Christmas loving heart was in heaven watching the joy in your eyes!

The love you three have for each other never ceases to amaze me. In the middle of opening your own gifts, you would both stop to check in on each other and Char. You would show her how to open something or how to play with one of her new toys. I truly pray that the love and friendship you three have for each other lasts your entire lifetime and just continues to grow.

After a morning spent playing outside with new toys and having countless nerf wars (with a casualty straight to my eye, thanks to Daddy!), we were able to enjoy some time with Nenny, Papa Donnie, and Boo. You were excited to show off your new toys for them before taking a quick nap.

Paka, Zsu Zsu, Tse Tse, Uncle Aaron, Uncle Kye, and Yaya all came over for dinner and presents later that day. Towards the end of the night Ry, you were in tears over stomach pain. You didn't want to open any presents and were hunkered over, groaning with pain. We stopped to have you anointed. Immediately, after amen, you were completely back to normal! It was such a wonderful Christmas healing! Energy back, giggles back, and riding your new bike around the basement. It was amazing to witness the complete 180 you did in a matter of seconds! Thank you, Lord.

Every year, I'm amazed at how quickly Christmas comes and goes. This year was no exception. But what a blessed year it was as our first Christmas as a family of five. I wish I could bottle these moments up forever. I pray that we hold on to and treasure these memories. Merry Christmas, my little loves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve

Unfortunately, we couldn't all make it to church on Christmas Eve. Saturday had been go-go-go and you felt the effects Char. So, you and I stayed home so you could get a really good nap and take it easy in the morning, while the boys headed to church.

Once home, we decorated Santa's Christmas cookies, before heading off to Paka and Zsu Zsu's house for dinner.

The highlight of my day, was sitting on the couch in the dark, below your bedroom, listening to your conversations as you drifted off to sleep.

"Ry, can you see the milk and cookies?? Has Santa drank his milk yet? Hey Ry, can I 'sweep' wit you so I can see Santa too?"
"No, you can 'sweep,' in you bed, Wy."
"Ok. Will you tell me when you see Santa, Ry? Then I can run on you bed and see him too?"
"Sure! If I stay awake, I tell you when I see him."

Oh the magic of believing! As a 30-some year old believer, I hope you never lose the magic little ones. I hope you never lose this joy and the sparkle in your eyes.

Christmas Eve Eve

Christmas Eve eve was spent surrounded by family! All week, we've each been sick. Boys, you were hit with a stomach bug on Monday, but bounced back pretty quickly. Daddy, Char, and I got hit with a nasty cold. Char you were so sick, we decided to keep you home from brunch at Grandpa's house. Close quarters with too many other little ones -- we didn't want to pass our germs on to anyone else. Thankfully, Paka and Zsu Zsu kept you at their house, so that I could go celebrate with Daddy, the boys, and everyone else.

After a wonderful morning with your cousins, we picked up your sister and headed to Nenny's house for Christmas celebrations spent with more family and cousins. It was such a nice day playing with your cousins, who you all adore, and spending time together. Considering how sick you've been Char, you were such a trooper! You'd really never know you were sick, besides a runny nose. 

It was a busy, beautiful day kicking off Christmas weekend.

 

 

Christmas Festivities

I cannot believe we are on the eve of Christmas weekend! December has just flown by and we have enjoyed soaking up the days and making lots of memories.

We kicked the month off, before December even began, by putting up the tree and going to visit ole Saint Nick on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was a lovely day spent singing carols and enjoying the five of us being together.

 

 

 

 

Throughout December we have enjoyed lots of snuggles by the tree, watching some of our favorite Christmas movies, and plenty of hot chocolate!

 

One of my personal favorite traditions, is one spent with Zsu Zsu and Tse Tse. We find a day in December to visit your Great Grandma's favorite store in Kentucky, The Cherry House. She would go and admire the furniture and decorations every year she came down for Christmas. We keep her memory alive by continuing the tradition every year. This year was extra magical with a surprise and beautiful snow shower (and fudge Zsu Zsu snuck in in her pocket!!).

 

We began a new tradition this year, but it was an instant hit and one I'm sure we'll continue. We all piled into the car one evening to go on a Christmas light scavenger hunt! Dinner, fudge, carols, and lights all in the car! Wiley, you were especially focused, trying to find everything on your list (we never did find that gingerbread man or a stocking!). Char, it was fun while it lasted for you, but you decided to catch a little snooze too.

We kicked off Christmas break with your preschool performance! You were so excited to be upgraded to camels this year and sang your little hearts out. Prior to the performance, you let us know you couldn't stand next to each other because you talk to each other too much! As soon as they called the three-year old classes to the front to bow and be recognized, you gravitated right to each other, talking like you had been separated for days! You two sure do love each other.

 

 

And last, but not least, we started another tradition: Cousins' Polar Express Christmas! We all got together in our jammies for some presents, dinner, hot chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and of course the Polar Express movie! Watching you stand in line, patiently waiting for Uncle Keal / Daddy, to punch your tickets was adorable. And then watching you each hold on tight to that ticket so no one got the wrong one (just like in the movie) was precious too.

The magic of Christmas through your all's eyes is just fabulous. This has always been my most favorite time of the year, and I didn't think it could be anymore magical, but you three have done just that! You have brought Christmas even more alive for us. You have such loving, pure hearts. All month long we have focused on doing good for others and sharing the Christmas spirit. I have loved watching you get excited to bring joy to others' lives - even as simple as you all wishing people Merry Christmas as we grocery shop. It has been a wonderful season and I am so looking forward to celebrating over the next few days with you and family!

 

 

9 Months

I think the months are getting shorter on us! How are we this close to a year already?! Your ninth month included your first Thanksgiving, your brothers' birthday, and the start of many Christmas festivities.

• You weigh 20 lbs even, 79th percentile and are 28 inches tall, 63rd percentile. You are still in size 3 diapers, squeezing into some 6 month sized clothing, but more appropriately wearing 9 and 12 month sizes now. 
• You were a dream sleeper as an infant, but not so much now. We are lucky to get six hours in a row at night. But, we can't complain too much because you wake to nurse for about ten minutes and then it's right back down. The doctor keeps suggesting we let you "cry it out." While we did that for your brothers, it just seems faster and easier to nurse you and get back to sleep, then to be awake listening to you cry for ten minutes and then having to be awake to feed you. You are also still sleeping downstairs in our room. So when you wake to see Mommy right next to you, it makes it hard for you to fall back asleep. Plus, I may have the mentality that you're our baby and this is our last time for each stage. You won't be waking to nurse at five years old, so what's a few more months of these quiet moments together in the middle of the night. You also aren't the greatest napper either, but we don't blame that on you though. You usually get one decent nap a day (lasting anywhere from one to three hours). A second nap is an occasional occurrence. Your schedule revolves around everyone else's schedule, so you have to be more flexible. The plus side is you never fuss. So even when you go without a nap or just a few catnaps, you'd never know from your mood. You are always so chill, a go with the flow kinda gal. You are able to put yourself to sleep both for naps and bedtime, but bedtime is your Daddy's favorite time with you. He loves to let you fall asleep on his chest and hold you for a few quiet hours before we go to bed too. I love how smitten he is with you.
• You are about over the baby food and are very determined to feed yourself. We've thrown a few more table foods at you this month. You love to feed yourself small banana pieces, cooked carrots, and green beans now. You still nurse every 3 hours or so as well. We are at the "fun" stage of nursing filled with constant distractions and looking around, while trying to keep you focused long enough to nurse for at least ten minutes. This is even more difficult with two big brothers running around. 
• You sign "more" and "all done." We have introduced you to "please" and "thank you," this month, but still working on you using those signs. You try to say "more" when signing too. You also say and call us "mama" and "dada." 
• You love basketball and have been to a couple of Uncle Kye's games now. You watch the entire game, following the ball and clapping with the crowd. Daddy was watching basketball on TV the other night and when you noticed, you started clapping, almost like you know, this is what we do when we watch basketball! Do we already have another sports fanatic in the family?
• You are no longer our toothless wonder. You have your bottom two center teeth and are just adorable!
• Your transportation of choice now is....WALKING!!! How?! How is this possibly that before even turning 9 months old, you preferred walking over crawling?! And even more impressive is that you are actually a really solid walker already too. You know when you're about to fall and stop to steady yourself. We haven't really ever seen you wipe out either; if you can't steady yourself, you just slowly plop to your bottom and try again.
• You can stand up now without pulling yourself up on anything either. So when toddling around, if you fall, you can pop right back up no matter where you are. 
• You are still just as sweet and pleasant as ever. We say all the time, has there ever been a happier, easier baby?! You are just a doll, Char, and we adore you more than you'll ever know.