18 Months

The holidays are upon us! The holidays are so magical to experience through your eyes. Before you were born I struggled at birthdays and holidays. The holidays brought back so many sad moments and bad memories but now you are changing all that.  I see the joy in your eyes when you see tricker treaters come to the door, when you play with pumpkin goo or finger paint on a pumpkin.  At Thanksgiving I watched you run around with your cousins as I cooked. That is what the holidays are all about "Family".  Now we are focused on the birth of our Lord and savior.  I want Christmas to be a time we reflect on how the Lord was born to save us and give us the ultimate gift of eternal life.  I continue to feel blessed to be able to watch you experience life, learn and grow. 

Size: You are wearing mostly 12-18 month clothes. You have a couple 9 month outfits that run big that still fit. You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Eating: You continue to nurse but also drink organic whole milk at school. 

Sleep Schedule: You still get up early morning everyday (4:30-5:00am) (I think it just has become a habit). We are working on this...okay lets be honest Mommy is working in this :)  

Likes: You are currently very interested in my Tupperware.  You love to drag it out all over the kitchen.  You like to take the lids on and off.  You continue to love to play or should I say tease Max.  You like to take his toys in hopes he will chase you. Your lovey puppy and bunny are very important right now.  You take them to school and sleep with them.  It is pretty cute to watch you carry them around and take care of them but I always worry we will lose one of them.  To insure we don't lose one, daddy and I bought 2 of each!

Dislikes: Your car seat is a hated place for you ( I think I have been saying that for 18 months now)!  

Events:  You started your 17th Month of life passing out Halloween candy. You enjoyed all the tricker treaters talking to you.  After all the Halloween fun we started focusing on your Daddy's big 30th birthday. On his actually birthday you had a genetic/neuro visit at Riley.  After your appointment we went to Grandma and Grandpa Strobel's and we headed out for a special birthday dinner at one of Daddy's favorite Charbonos! We tricked daddy "he thought that was his party", little did he know a big surprise was in the works.  A week after his birthday mommy surprised daddy with dinner for 22 of his closet friends and a limo ride afterward to take us all around town. Daddy's surprise meant you had a babysitter for the second time.  Jordan our neighbor watched you.  You get a little upset when we leave but Jordan assures me that you calm quickly once we are out of sight. After daddy's birthday we started focusing on Thanksgiving.  This year we hosted the Strobel Thanksgiving at our house.  I was a little stressed but mostly excited.  Thanksgiving morning we went to Huntington and met up with Uncle Dathen to run the Turkey Trot (mommy walked). Thanksgiving went great and you enjoyed getting to spend time with your cousin Ben.  The Saturday after Thanksgiving we celebrated with the Sparks family.  Again, you enjoyed playing with all your cousins. Wow, what a busy month we had and we are getting ready for another busy month with you; our super sweet, fun, cute, smart, corky, lovable 18 month old!

Piper was not feeling 18 month picture ;) 

 

17 Months

Oh my sweet Piper where is the time going...I feel like you turned into a big girl over night.  You are learning so much everyday.  You are walking really well now and your balance is getting better everyday.  You really want to start running (I bet by next month you will be running).  You like to climb up the stairs but you get a little nervous going down still.  You have started to dance when you hear music which is so so cute! You say 16 words now and are adding more words daily.  I love to hear your little voice.  You finally call me mama, for the last couple months you were calling me Heidi.  Hearing you say mama is music to my ears! You are turning into a daddy's girl.  It is pretty sweet to watch you be smitten with your daddy.  You already have him wrapped around your little finger and I don't see that changing anytime soon.  Don't let that daddy's girl persona fool anyone... if you are hungry, tired or hurt you want your mama. Being a mom is so much fun and being your mom is amazing!  Another fun month in the books!

Size: You are wearing mostly 12 month clothes. You have started wearing a couple 18 month things that run small. You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Eating: This month your pickiness is at a all time high.  You won't eat hardly any vegetables and are getting pickier about meat.  You like most fruit and all carbs! I continue to try and offer you healthy choices regardless of if you choose to eat them or not.  You continue to nurse but also drink organic whole milk. 

Sleep Schedule: Sleep Schedule...what is that? No, in all honesty I should not complain.  You always go to bed at 7:00pm.  Most nights you wake up at least once.  I no longer nurse you at night.  I go into your room rub your back and give you a pacifier.  Sometimes that is all you need and other times you want to be rocked or carried around.  I know you won't be little forever so I don't mind. 

Likes: Books are at the top of your like list.  You like flipping through them and bringing us books to read.  Sometimes you stay and listen other times we read while you running around.  You love to play with Max. You enjoy petting him, giving him treats and playing ball with him.

Dislikes: Your car seat (which has never changed).  You don't like getting out of the bath tub or getting dressed.  You pretty much don't like anything that is not your idea but mommy and daddy use smooth moves to help you transition. 

Events:  We started the month off by bringing awareness to Microcephaly.  So many people showed love and support by wearing yellow for you and all your mirco friends.  This month you visited Grandma and Grandpa Strobel in Indianapolis.  We all went to the Children's Museum and enjoyed watching you explore.  Mid month you helped mommy and daddy celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary! This has been the best year of our marriage yet! We went to Back to School Night at The Academy.  It was great to talk to your teachers more in depth and watch you interact with your teachers and friends.  You are doing great in school! Halloween is just around the corner and that means lots of fun. We were invited to a Fall Party at the Maloy's.  We had so much at the party.  We decorated pumpkins, went on a pumpkin hunt and dug through hay for prizes. We also went to the Halloween at the Zoo! 

 

16 Months

Every day you amaze us.  You continue to grow and develop and your personality shines.  You are becoming  very independent.  You want to do things all by yourself.  You now want to feed yourself, brush your own teeth and climb up the stairs.  I enjoy watching you gain Independence but sometimes I have to close my eyes and take a deep breathe and let you learn on your own.  You are being coming a big girl and I feel blessed that I get to witness your transformation and brace the falls. 

Weight: 20.1 lbs

Height: 31.2 inches

Size: You are wearing mostly 12 month clothes. You still wear a couple 9 month things and have started wearing a couple 18 month things that run small. You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Eating: You love to eat. You are starting to show preference on what I give you.  I try to make sure you always have a balanced meal but you have other ideas.  You refuse to eat your vegetables most meals but I continue to put them on your plate. You love all carbs...daddy and I call you a carbaholic.  You are still nursing.  Most days you only nurse morning and night but sometimes you surprise me and ask during the day.  I am letting you decide when and how much you need to nurse. I have enjoyed our breastfeeding relationship but I know our days are becoming numbered so I cherish each nursing session. 

Sleep Schedule: I am giving up on you sleeping through the night.  In the last 3 weeks you have slept through the night 3 times.  I assume you will sleep through the night some day.  If not I guess your husband can get up and rub your back in the middle of the night.

Likes: You enjoy being read to.  You bring daddy and I books and let us read 3 pages then you bring us another book.  You enjoy swimming and music class.  You like to play outside and go down slides.  You enjoy exploring new places and trying new things.

Dislikes: Your car seat (which has never changed).  You don't like getting out of the bath tub or getting dressed.  You pretty much don't like anything that is not your idea but mommy and daddy use smooth moves to help you transition. 

Events: Another busy fun month! We started the month of by celebrating Labor Day. We had a long fun family weekend.  Grandma and Grandpa Strobel came to visit for the weekend.  We all went to the Zoo together and enjoyed dinner at one of Grandpa's college hang outs! We also went to Michigan and spent some time with cousin Ben.  You started your third semester of swimming and music class.  We enjoy taking you to swimming and music.  It is uninterrupted time to focus on you and enjoy you.  Daddy usually gets in the water with you and swims.  You love the water and are not afraid.  Mommy usually takes you to music.  You love the bubbles and the drums.  This month we also celebrate mommy's birthday and your baptism anniversary.  Your baptism anniversary will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope your someday also.  That day daddy and I promised to raise you in the church and teach you about the Lord.  I hope that you always rely on the Lord weather you need strength or forgiveness. 

 

15 Months

This summer has been jammed packed full of fun! We have tried to enjoy all the fun things summer brings; festivals, swimming, cookouts, zoo trips, play dates, nightly walks and playing at the park.  As the summer slows down I think about how much fun we had and I look forward to all the fun memories we are going to create this fall.  It so amazing to think that at the beginning of the summer you were crawling and only saying a couple words now you walking and say 12 words! You are developing and changing so quickly I am so glad to be along for the ride!

Weight: 19.8 lbs

Height: 30.5 inches

Size: You are wearing mostly 12 month clothes. You still wear a couple 9 month things and have started wearing a couple 18 month things that run small. You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Eating: You have quite the appetite. You eat mostly table food and once in awhile if we are traveling and there are not enough healthy options I still give you baby food or prepackaged Gerber meals.  You have started drinking organic whole milk while at daycare but still nurse when you are with me.  Nursing you has truly been a gift and I hope to continue our breastfeeding relationship as long as it is mutually desired.

Sleep Schedule: Oh...Piper please start sleeping through the night (that is all I have to say about sleeping).

Likes: You like to be held and cuddled, swimming, baths, being chased, dance parties, Max and your pink bunny! 

Dislikes: Oh Piper you hate the car...I hope someday that will change.

Events: Like I said, this month has been jammed packed with lots of summer fun.  You are still enrolled in swimming lessons.  You are doing really well you have started to kick your feet! We take you to the Zoo almost every week.  You love all the animals especially the sea lions.  You are pretty fun to be around, you have a great personality.

14 Months

This last month you have taken leaps and bounds! You are trying so hard to walk, you have been consistently letting go of the furniture and trying to take steps.  You are the quite the little explorer.  You love to rummage through the cabinets, diaper bag or anything we will let you get your little hands on. You also are starting to mimic mommy and daddy.  If we are brushing our teeth you want tot brush your teeth. It is pure joy to watch you learn new things. You also love to get and give affection.  If the morning you want to cuddle and give kisses (which melts my heart).  While I am rocking you before naps or bed you like to rub my face or pat my back.  We love to smoother you with hugs and kisses but it pretty sweet that you reciprocating the affection.  

Weight: 18.8 lbs

Length: 29.5 inches

Size: Mostly 9 month and a few 12 month clothes.  You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Feeding Schedule:  You are doing really great eating. I have a hard time getting you to eat vegetables.   Your current favorites seem to be blueberrys, mandarin oranges, yogurt, cheese, and bbq ribs.  You continue to nurse 3-4 times a day.  You have started to want to use utensils to eat (it sure is messy).  I love that you want to be independent and feed yourself.

Sleeping Schedule: You are sleeping through the night most nights.  You go to sleep around 7:00 pm and wake up around 5:30 am.  You take a two hour morning nap and a two hour afternoon nap. 

Likes: You love water, animals and music.  You love to play with Max! You take his toys in hopes that he will chase you.  It is so cute to watch you and Max play with each other. You also love when Max kisses you (you open your mouth).

Dislikes:  Your car seat and strangers.

Events: This month we have had lots of summer fun.  You started your second semester of swim lessons, we continue to frequent the Children's Zoo often, and you have had lots of play dates with new friends.  Grandma ad Grandpa Sparks watched you for 4 hours for the first time (you enjoyed all the attention).  We have also spent time with your cousins, they all adore you and love to cater to you. 

 

13 Months

It is hard to believe you are already 1.  You are growing and developing so quickly.  You are now cruising along furniture and trying to stand alone.  This month you learned to wave, clap blow kisses and how to drink out of a sippy cup.   You are also starting to understand how every day items work.  When I hand you a comb you try to brush your hair and you put my cell phone up to your ear. Each day you continue to amaze me with your intelligence.  We continue to embrace the moment and look forward to what the future will bring.  I know I have said it a million times but you have changed my life in such a wonderful way and my understanding of unconditional love.  I had no idea it was possible to love someone as much as I love you!

Weight: 18 lbs.

Length: 29 inches

Size: Mostly 9 month and a few 12 month clothes.  You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Feeding Schedule:  You are eating more table food each day.  Your favorites are pears, yogurt, cheese, and chicken.  You continue to nurse 3-5 times a day.  You have started drinking organic whole milk at daycare which you love but refuse to drink at home.

Sleeping Schedule: You are sleeping through the night most nights.  You go to sleep around 7:00 pm and wake up around 5:30 am.  You take a two hour morning nap and a two hour afternoon nap. 

Likes: You love water, animals and music. 

Dislikes:  Your car seat and strangers

Events: This last month was very exciting as we prepared for your 1st birthday.  We had your first birthday bash at home.  All your friends and family came to celebrate your first year of life.  The day was just perfect and you loved the bounce house, clowns and cake! This month you started swim lessons which you love.  It is pure joy to watch daddy teach you to swim.  We also bought a Zoo membership which has been lots of fun.  We have already been to the Zoo 4 times and have many more Zoo dates in mind.  Mid month we celebrated Father's Day.  We made daddy breakfast and you painted him a beautiful picture.  The months are passing too quickly but they jammed packed with fun and love!

12 Months

One year, 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8736 hours!  We blinked and now you are one.  Today is bittersweet, bitter in the sense that this year has passed so quickly but sweet in the sense that you are continuing to grow and develop. Last May daddy and I walked out of the hospital with you snug in your car seat, we had no idea what we were in store for.  Our whole world changed the moment we found out we were expecting. We have learned the true meaning of unconditional love.  This year has been filled with love, learning and lots  of first.  This year has been a learning experience for all of us. I am learning how to balance all my roles as mother, wife and employee.  I had to learn how to function on just a few hours of sleep.  I read countless book, listened to other mothers and read more online blogs that I like to admit all in the name of trying to do my best.  I am trying to make the best decisions for you and our family.  Being a mother is not easy but it sure is rewarding.  There is nothing better than hearing you giggle, rocking you to sleep or seeing you experience something for the first time.  So happy 1st birthday to my sweet little Piper.  This year has been amazing and I look forward to see what God has in store for your life and I hope you always follow the Lord's path. 

Weight: 17.5 lbs

Length: 29 inches

Size: I just put all your 6 months clothes away.  You are wearing 9 month clothes but I think you will be in 12 month before we know it.  You are still wearing size 3 diapers.

Feeding Schedule:  You are starting to let us know what foods you like and dislike.  You are eating 3 meals a day and two snacks.  You continue to nurse 4-6 times a day. 

Sleeping Schedule: You are sleeping through the night most nights.  You go to sleep around 7:00 pm and wake up around 5:30 am.  You take an one hour morning nap and a two hour afternoon nap. 

Likes: You love to climb the stairs, play with Max, finger paint, go for stroller rides, music class and baths.

Dislikes: You are not a big fan of pasta, you don't like getting of out the bath tub, you still don't like your car seat or the feeling of grass on your feet. 

Events: This month we celebrated my first Mother's Day.  You and Daddy made the day so special.  We all went out for family lunch and spent the day together.  Daddy planted flowers for me and you gave me a sweet card.  I feel blessed that I am able to call myself your Mother.   

11 Months

This month  you continued to amaze us with your exploring and learning! With a little help you can crawl up the stairs, sit in the tub with little assistance, feed your self puffs, jabber up a storm, wave bye bye, drink out of a sippy cup and use your index finger to push buttons! It is such a joy to watch you learn new things.  This month your front two bottom teeth popped through.  I have already scheduled your first dentist appointment! I look forward to seeing you explore all the things summer will bring; swimming, grass, parks, the zoo, swinging, feeding the ducks, evening walks, cookouts, festivals and lots of fun!

Weight: 17.1 lbs - 10% percentile

Length: 28 inches - 25% percentile

Size: You are getting ready to go into 9 months clothes and wearing 3 diapers.

Feeding Schedule: You are eating 3 meals and two snacks a day. Cereal and fruit for breakfast, veggies and fruit for lunch, and veggies and fruit for dinner. You nurse 4-5 times a day. You are also starting to try more table food off of Mommy and Daddy's  plate.

Sleeping Schedule: You have decided to try and protest naps. You go to bed around 7pm give or take a couple minutes. You are sleeping through the night most of the time.

Likes: Music Class,  Pacifiers, Baths, Going Outside, Your Playhouse, Max,  Playing Tag with Mommy  and Daddy,  Music, Crawling, Exploring, Pulling Up on Furniture, Stroller Rides and New Places.

Dislikes:  Your car seat, Being told No, and Bath time ending.

Events: We started this month off by going to Wisconsin to celebrate cousin Ben's 1st birthday.  You were not a fan of being the car so long.  Our 5 hour trip turned into 10 hours.  We made several stops for you to stretch and play.  While in Wisconsin we stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge water park.  You had a great time.  You are a water baby in the making! Another fun month in the books!

10 Months

This month  was pretty exciting with your new developments.  You are using your verbal skills to let Daddy and I know how you feel.  You like the sound of your own voice at times you scream out with joy and other times you whisper dada very softly.  This month you also said mama for the first time which was music to my ears.  You are starting to exercise your will a little more with you desires.  Daddy and I have to turn our heads when you throw a fit so you don't see us smiling.  You are such a mover and shaker.  You love to crawl around and explore new places.  Every month I am amazed by your development and feel so blessed that I am able to call myself your mommy.

Weight: 16.1 lbs - 3% percentile

Length: 27.5 inches - 10% percentile

Size: You are wearing 6 month clothes still but we have moved you up to size 3 diapers.

Feeding Schedule: You are eating 3 meals a day now.  Cereal and fruit for breakfast, veggies & fruit for lunch, and veggies & fruit for dinner. You nurse 4-5 times a day. You also enjoy puffs, bananas & avocados.

Sleeping Schedule: You go to bed around 7pm give or take a couple minutes.  You are sleeping through the night most of the time.  

Likes: Music Class, Baths, Your Playhouse, Max,  Tickles, Music, Crawling, Exploring, Pulling Up on Furniture, Stroller Rides & New Places.

Dislikes: Getting your nose or face wiped off. Wearing a Bib. Your car seat.  

Events: This month we were busy with Saint Patrick's Day & Easter preparations.  We had Wednesday Lent services this month.  I enjoyed preparing for Easter with you. We colored eggs, read many bible stories about Jesus journey and celebrated with family.  I look forward to teaching you about Jesus death and resurrection.  This month you also helped daddy and I celebrate our 8th dating anniversary.  It was another fun month!

9 Months

This month went very quickly.  We started the month off with sickness.  First you got the bug, then daddy and mommy was last to catch it.  Once we were all healthy again we worked on helping you learn to sleep through the night.  You have been sleeping through the night for two weeks straight now. This month you have started to try and pull yourself up on things.  It is pretty fun to watch you try to pull yourself up.  When you get up you are so proud of yourself.  After a couple minutes you get frustrated because you have not figured out how to get down (so you just cry until we rescue you). You are enjoying music class more each week.  You have started to pat the drum during drumming time.  Daddy and I look forward to watching you grow and develop! We love you to the moon and back!

Weight: 15.8 lbs - 3% percentile

Length: 27 inches - 10% percentile

Size: You are wearing 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers still!

Feeding Schedule: You are eating 3 meals a day now. Barley and fruit for breakfast, veggies  & fruit for lunch, and veggies & fruit for dinner. You nurse 4-6 times a day.  You have started to eat a few puffs also.   

Sleeping Schedule: You go to bed around 7pm give or take a couple minutes.  We finally had a break threw.  You are sleeping through the night 7pm-5am!  

Likes:  Music Class, Your Playhouse, Max, Apples, Tickles, Music, Crawling, Exploring & New Places .

Dislikes: Getting your nose or face wiped off. Wearing a Bib.  

Events: Early in the month we had a winter storm. We took advantage of the snow by pulling you around in daddy's wooden sled from his childhood. Mommy also brought in a bowl of snow and let you play with it. You were pretty amazed by the white fluffy stuff. We celebrated your first Valentines Day by making cards for family, making Valentines for your friends and dressing you up in all your festive Valentines clothes. Aunt Kristi and Uncle Adam announced they are expecting another baby!  Your new little friend will be here in September! Daddy had President's Day off. You two spent the day together playing and Daddy brought you to my work for a surprise visit! Another month has come and gone and we made lots of great memories as a family!

 Sitting Still Is Not Happening Anymore!!!