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!!!

8 Months

This month has been very exciting!  This month you started to army crawl and say Dada.  You have made so much progress already Daddy and I are so proud of you and your new developments.  In just two weeks you have went from only going 2 feet and now you will crawl around your whole playroom and into the living room.  It won't be long before you are into everything.   This month you also were really sick for the first time.  I felt so helpless but thank goodness you are finally better.  Daddy and I love you so much!

Weight: 15.11 lbs - 5% percentile

Length: 27 inches - 25% percentile

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

Feeding Schedule: You are eating 3 meals a day now. Barley and fruit for breakfast, veggies for lunch, and barley, veggies & fruit for dinner. You nurse 4-6 times a day.

Sleeping Schedule: You go to bed around 7pm give or take a couple minutes. You still wake up at night.  I am sure you will sleep through the night someday until then we will continue to have our mini dates in the middle of the night.  

Likes: Finger painting, playing with Max, Crawling, Playing Tag with Mommy & Daddy, Stroller Rides, Reading, Singing, Jumping in your Jumparoo, & Music Class.

Dislikes: Getting your nose or face wiped off. Getting your diaper changed.  You are starting to not like veggies, loud noises, your car seat.   

Events: We started the month off by ringing in the New Year.  You were asleep at midnight but Daddy and I snuck into your room and kissed you at midnight.  We also helped cousin Walker celebrate his 1st birthday.  We attended cousin Alivia & Kinsey's basketball game.  You liked all the people at the game but the buzzer upset you.  Last weekend we headed to Indy for a quick visit with Grandma & Grandpa Strobel.