20 sweet sweet months

Holy smoly my little lady!! You are 20

Months young.. And so so sweet. You love love love your newest little toy, baby brother Eli. You insist in feeding him your snacks, sharing your juice, taking the pacifier out of your mouth when he cries. You get mommy diaper and wipes when it's time to change him. You even help wipe sometimes. You love to call him "baby". 

This past month has been rough for you, I certainly won't lie about that. You have had a tough time transitioning into having a sibling in the house. You are so sad mommy still can't hold you ALL the time. You throw tantrums when mommy is feeding Eli and can't tend to your wants immediately. But you are adjusting g.. You haven't tried to hurt your baby brother so thumbs up on that one.

You started a mommy and me pre-k class just last week. A little bit of mommy time with just you and I.. Of course you love that.  You remain the center of attention at my gym... Your vocabulary is increasing. You try to repeat almost every word that is spoken to you.. 

You love the little mermaid DVD. You are obsessed with your dog.. You're learning to share with others and parallel play well, though you don't like when friends come to your house and play with your toys. You have gotten lots of daddy time and you can tell.. You woke up the other morning calling him from your crib. It was definitely one of the moments that melted mommys heart (and daddy's). 

These past 20 months have taught me that life is so short, that life is so precious, that toddlers sure can throw tantrums, that I can love so much more then I ever thought possible. My heart is so happy with you and your brother and father in my life.. I really couldn't ask for more, other than you to stay so sweet and innocent forever...I can't wait to see you at Christmas time. We have drive up to the lights a few times now, you LOVE it.. As we drive by you say "lights" "oooohhh" "more" loving every minute of the action. Happy 20 months my sweet sweet baby girl... Xoxoxo 

Mommy

19 sweet months

You have become quite the talker these past few weeks, learning a few more words.. You now say eat, more, up, down, mom (melts my heart), dad, no, please, cheese, in & out. 

You became a big sister on novemebr fourth to your little brother Eli Donald Alexander. It's been quite the adjustment for you these past two weeks. You're having a hard time understanding why mommy can't pick you up ( mom had a c-section) also having a rough time understanding why I hold your brother and not you. I have still had the precious moments of taking naps with you while dad is here. I even managed in a nap with you and your brother at the same time. I didn't catch a wink of sleep because I was too busy being so proud of what I created. Of how beautiful you and your brother are. Of how proud I am to be your mother and to hear you call me mom. I sat and thought about all the things I hope to teach you one day and how strong of a bond I hope to have with you. I thought about me and my mom, and how I hope one day you and I will be that close. You are the most beautiful thing that's ever happened to me. You make me the happiest I have ever been in my whole life. I hope one day you experience motherhood and all the joys it brings. 

You have blonde hair and beautiful blue-green eyes. You continue to be off the charts for height and weight but you can't tell. You love love love attention from anybody. You light up the room with your smile.. You continue to go to mommy and me classes and you are by far the loudest most happy baby there. You also have the most attitude and cry the loudest when you're upset. You and daddy took a special visit with grandma to Disneyland this week, dad said you were an angel and loved every minute. It's a small world is your favorite ride. You are such a thrill seeker, love to explore and jump on everything. I have a feeling you're going to LOVE roller coasters. 

Daddy and you have had lots of special bonding time these past few weeks while mommy recovers from her c-section. It's so special to watch you begin to form a bond and love for your dad. You love to wait for him on the front porch until he drives up the driveway from work. You run to his car and get in the front seat while he drives you up the driveway. You sit in the car with him and play for a few minutes almost every single day. You watch dad put together things around the house and have now found a love for tools, mimicking what he does around the house all the time. 

You love to watch doc mcstuffins and bubble guppies. You have this love for Kendall and tanner that lights me up to watch. You giggle and smile like I have never seen when you're around them. Today was tanners 9th birthday party and you woulda thought it was your birthday with how much fun you had and how happy you were to be amongst your cousins (of course the cupcakes and ice cream cake helped increase your excitement).

18 months old

Holy cow!!! You are officially 1 1/2 years old. I have heard the saying time flies, but I literally blink and you are almost two years old...The joy you have brought into my life with your presence is immeasurable. I cherish every waking and sleeping minute I have with you. I LOVE napping with you everyday and feeling your warm body snuggled up on me and drool on my chest. I could cry when I hear you giggle because it makes my heart melt. I often times have a hard time saying no to you, so much so that I have created a little mini monster. You have become quite an independent lady. You will grab my hand and direct me to where you want to be. You throw your food on the ground when you are finished eating. Your attention span is short and only open for interesting things. You no longer will sit in a high chair and let mom and dad enjoy a meal. You throw yourself to the ground and cry hysterically when you don't get what you want. You have started to bite when you are very upset. You love to challenge your mother. There are no consequences to your actions. Mommy is a terrible rule enforcer or you are a great rebel!!! You started speech therapy and they didn't seem too concerned you weren't talking yet. We went three times and said the hell with it till you are two years old. Words you say now are hi, dad, daddy, more, eat, up, down, & out. You love being outdoors and hanging with daddy after he gets off work. You will sit in the garage with him for hours and play with gadgets. You love riding patches the dog like she is a horse. You adore being around tanner and Kendall. You love slides and ball pits. You are the shining star at mommy and me classes, always the loudest and happiest. You love Disneyland and cry when rides are over. You absolutely hate hate hate being in a stroller, you want to walk everywhere. I don't even take a stroller to Disneyland because it's easier to back carry you or put you in a ring sling. You love being around mommy and cry when I'm out of sight. You have become a pretty picky eater, liking Mac n cheese, cereal, yogurt, eggs, fruit snacks, dried fruit, watermelon, occasional steak, in n out fries (I know, bad mommy) and corn. 

You are clueless you will be a big sister in 3 weeks. Today we met your friend mason at the park and you helped wipe his butt with baby wipes, I hope that's a sign you won't torture your brother but rather be a big helper to mommy. We got your first haircut last week, you did awesome thanks to an iPhone and snacks!!! You are starting to get your canine teeth and soon will have a full set of teeth. You went to the dentist for the first time this month. It was all but eventful, you however did enjoy the balloon at the end of the visit. You hate diaper changes. You hate getting into your car seat and long car rides. You love watching television, your favorite show lately is doc mcstuffins; another sign to mommy you are growing up because last month it was Mickey Mouse clubhouse.. Now you can't be bothered with that show.  You like to take showers and play with the shower head. You hate getting dried off from a bath or shower. You love being read to. You hate bedtime. You light up my whole world! 

16 months in Maui!!!!

You got to turn 16 months while on vacation in Maui!!! We had such a blast in the sun and sand, you are such a water baby... You managed to sleep halfway through the flight and the remaining two hours you were jittery and bored, that's for sure. Lucky for us uncle jason brought an iPad so we were able to download some Mickey Mouse clubhouse for the return flight. You fell asleep again for half of the flight and watched Mickey the while rest of the way! Such a perfect little traveler. 

Over the past month you have become

Super picky about your eating habits. You eat yogurt oatmeal or eggs for breakfast and that's about it. You love love love fruit, your favorite is watermelon but you will also eat strawberry, pineapple, cantaloupe and blueberry... You started to say small words while on vacation this week. You can say HI, MORE and DAD.. Brings tears to my eyes hearing your voice and watching you grow. Your doctor has recommended speech therapy so we will be starting that shortly.

 We are also in the process of moving into grandpa David's house. Lots of new things happening in your world.. I often think about how you will be as a big sister. You are soooo interested in other children, but mostly only older ones. You really want nothing to do with anyone your age or younger. I am afraid I won't love anyone as much as I love you, but I know the bond you and your brother will have will be strong. I wish my brother and I were closer in age, sometimes I feel the age gap put such a distance in our relationship until my mother passed away. I see your dad and uncle jason, they are so close. I only hope that your brother and you will share such a bond. 

You sure know how to steal a room. All eyes are on you everywhere. You are the most popular baby at Gymboree, you outshine any kid any day of the week with your personality. You are already a bit bossy, taking toys from

Others and demanding what you want. You love the water, Mickey Mouse clubhouse, Gymboree, playing chase with mommy and daddy, reading books, your Aden and anais dream blanket, bringing mommy your shoes when it's time to go bye bye, pacifiers, pushing strollers and carts, taking baths, sleeping with mommy for naps, chasing the birds, swimming in the pool and ocean, playing peekaboo, staying up late, waking up early, getting your face played with, elmo doll, patches collar and leash, mommys stethoscope, keys, mommys glasses, being outside and blowing kisses.. 

First ER visit

Ahhh it happened. You made it to 15 months without one ER visit but mommy caved on Saturday night... I came home from work Thursday night and you had woken up at 3:30 in the morning crying. That is NOT like you at all. You have always slept through the night, only whimpered until you got your pacifier, but always right back to sleep. I picked you up and you slept in bed with mommy and daddy.. You slept in till 0930, which again isn't like you.. Closest mommy gets to sleeping in with you is 0800 max.. Friday night you were warm, running a fever of 103.5 rectally. I of course freaked out because you have never had a fever. You were so miserable and unable to sleep.. You slept with mommy again and this time didn't wake up till 11:00 ( not that you slept much during the night) I figured it was probable you had an ear infection since you have been in swim classes the past three weeks.. I planned on making doc appt on Monday.. Well, while mommy was giving you and Kendall a bath I noticed dark bruising around your right ear.. Being an ER nurse I automatically feared the worse ( a skull fracture) I called daddy and he fessed up to you falling into the garage metal plating on Thursday night.. When all your symptoms had started.. You have also been walking all wobbly the past few days. So for the first time since you were born, mommy was shitting her pants. I decided to pack up you me Kendall and tanner in the car. Daddy met us at the ER . Turns out you have a terrible right ear infection, which could be causing your balance issues. The doctor didn't want to radiate you and neither did I so we decided to medicate you and see if your symptoms improve.. Today is Monday. You woke up at 0930 ready for the day!!! Hungry too!!! We went to Gymboree and while you aren't 100% you yet you sure are feeling alot better. 

doctors appointments ALL week long

This week you had two doctors appointments at Kaiser. Wednesday we went to a cardiologist to be seen since your primary doctor noticed you had a small heart murmur during your 15 month exam. I remember while at the hospital for your birth one nurse mentioned that she heard a murmur but your doctor said no. I think you have had this murmur since birth and it was never picked up until now. The cardiologist mentioned that you have whats called an "innocent heart murmur" all of your vitals signs, EKG, and growth were normal so the doctor recommends to be re evaluating prior to your 4th birthday. Phew, what a sigh of relief. Your dad also has a heart murmur, has since birth.

Your second appointment was with speech pathology. While mommy understands you most of the time, you are not saying any words at this time, when you should be saying 4-5 words. you do say Da-da, but it is not with intent. its more of just a babble. You try to say shoe, up and juice but you don't get the whole word out. you love books but you only point to objects that interest you, you don't seem to want to learn new words or phrases. The speech department has recommended that you start speech therapy, hopefully within the next 6-8 weeks. Who knows, you may just be talking by the time that starts.

you had a play date with Mason and Zoey this week, we went swimming . You are such a happy baby, barely make a peep. you sat in the tube float and enjoyed the weather. As time goes on you become more and more perfect in mom and dads eyes. Makes up for all those grueling nights of colic in your early days.

counting down the days till our first family vacation to Hawaii!!! I just cant wait to see you in the water and exploring a new environment. hopefully you sleep like an angel on the flight and adjust to the time change well.

15 months with Teeth

It's official, tooth number 5, 6, 7, & 8 are making a debut.. You have been a fuss bucket lately but I just figured you were a fussy gal.. Hehehe

Your left upper tooth is coming in, slowly but surely. I first noticed this tooth cutting in on june 27th. Then yesterday at grandpa davids for fourth of july i noticed you getting your incisor on bottom left and your top right incisor. I have a feeling that it is the first of many, your gum line is super inflamed and white... It hasn't affected your sleep, thank god. Mommy couldn't take any 3 am wake up calls..
took you to the doctors for your 15 month check up, you are getting a bottom right molar. you weigh 28.6 pounds and are 33 inches tall. you remain off the charts for height and weight, no surprise there. you enjoy all things outdoors. You will bring mommy your shoes everyday when you are ready to go outside and play. you love playing and hugging on patches, jumping all over her. you LOVE the pool, have absolutely no fear of the water at all.
you are a fussy eater, not big up on vegetables or meats yet. You love to dip all of your foods in condiments, will cry until we let you dip chips in salsa or gaucamole. Found out that you are going to be a big sister to a little BROTHER coming in November. to be honest, i am a little nervous of how this is going to go. you are SUCH a mommys girl, you have to be on me ALL the time. you still love babywearing either in a sling or in mommys arms. you still nap with mom twice a day, usually because mom is so exhausted she just falls asleep with you.
Youre beginning to show a softer side, one that enjoys hugs and loving on mommy. And I am EATING it up. You are such a light sleeper, the littlest noise will wake you up...your naps are still twice a day, around an hour each. 

You know how to point to your ears, nose, feet and mouth. Seems like everyday you are learning something new and are soo much fun to watch grow... You started swimming lessons at cal state Fullerton.. You love love love the water, always so excited to be in a pool. My heart jumps out of my chest seeing some of the things you do at swim.. This week dad went off the diving board with you and I thought I was going to die.. 

14 months

Here we go again, another month came and went. You are now 14 months old and such a sweet sweet girl... You have a smile that lights up the room, even if you only have four teeth!!! You continue to do all the same things as last month, still no words out of your mouth.. Definitely taking your time on the whole speech thing.. 

You LOVE books.. Mostly just love turning the pages by yourself but you could do it ALL day long!!!! You will make sound gestures for a cow, dog and cat. You will bring mommy your shoes when it's time to go bye-bye. You love to dance, anytime music is on you're a jumping bean. 

You continue to go to mommy and me classes, everyone there knows your name because you're such a happy girl while you're there.. Always the loudest one and the most outgoing. 

We just celebrated Father's Day on Sunday and found out you're going to be a big sister to a Little BROTHER, due in November. We're so excited to bring a sibling into the world, maybe he can keep up with app of your energy!!! 

You love being outdoors and climbing everywhere, including the picnic bench table outside, which really freaks mommy out. Example below 

13 months

holy smoly, already a month older. I know, I say it every time, but where is the time going? I swear it was yesterday we celebrated your first birthday with friends and family. At your one year checkup you were 32.875 inches and 26.10 pounds. We started to transition you off of formula and onto cows milk. That lasted about a week til you were so constipated you couldnt poop for 5 days so mom decided to switch you to almond milk. Things were going so smooth for about 3-4 days till you started to have an allergic reaction to the milk. I took you to the doctors and she confirmed that you have an allergy to the milk. So now we are onto LACTAID, a lactose free milk. I am sure you can have milk, and hope someday soon we can give it to you but we have to get the poop problem down first. You were started on Miralax at your first year appointment and it seems to be working well. Mommy woke up to mothers day with a shitty diaper and poop in her bed that you put your hand in and then touched moms mouth with (happy moms day to me). If all goes well and stays consistent then we will try to transition you to cows mil again soon.
The past month has been one of a growing personality for you. I do have some video, and YES I know you will laugh one day. But today, its not funny for mom. GIRL, you are getting an ATTITUDE....you began temper tantrums that I have no idea where they came from. You will throw yourself to the ground and throw your head back while screaming. But then you make up for it with your snuggles and smiles.
You still nap on mommy about once a day and I LOVE it, totally eat it up and soak it all in because i know sometime soon you will be over it and there will be another baby in the house sucking up moms attention. I think about how this time next year you will be a big sister. I wonder how this transition will go for you. I can already see you bossing this little creature around and telling he/she who's boss around here. Hell, you already tell me who's boss every damn day of my life.
The past thirteen months have been the BEST of my life, showing me how truly happy I am come to be and how rewarding motherhood is. I sit here writing these words with tears in my eyes. Tears of joy and complete satisfaction. Tears that i never thought i would shed. Tears I am honored to be able to shed.
My sweet girl you complete me and my little life. I can only imagine how much better it can get when you start talking and forming your own mind and personality. I cant wait to watch you grow.. xoxoxoxo

Mommy's second Mother's Day

today mommy celebrates her second year as a mommy on mothers day. I remember last year you were three weeks old sleeping in your swing the whole day while family came to celebrate the day with us. I didnt get to nab a photo of you and I, you were so sweet sleeping I didnt want to wake the beast. This year is so different. I awoke to a toddler in my bed screaming to get up at 0730. Daddy let me sleep in and you and he played outside with patches. We are on our way to a family BBQ with uncle Chris and aunt December and great grandma Fran when you wake up from your nap. Today makes me think of all the things I am grateful for and what motherhood has brought to me.

1. I am grateful you are healthy
2. I am grateful you are MINE
3. I am grateful you can walk, crawl, and meet all of your milestones with ease
4. I am grateful you are sassy and have your own personality
5. I am grateful you sleep through the night.
6. I am grateful you have never been sick (other than an ear infection)
7. I am grateful you and your father have made me a mother
8. I am grateful for the time I had with my mother and think about how much more I would appreciate her if she were around (I never knew how hard a mothers job was until i became one).
9. I am grateful for our families and all of the love you have around you
10. I am grateful for everyday i get to spend with you
11. I am grateful for the little sibling I have baking in my belly right now.

I often think of my mother but on this day it is especially hard. It is a day to celebrate your mom, to cherish her hard work and dedication. Though i can still do that in thought, I cannot express that to her in words. I may never have given my mother the mothers day she truly deserved. I hope I can be the best mother to you, and guide you through this tough world. I hope we celebrate many years of mothers day with one another and love each other more every year.

First Birthday!!!!

well it's official, as of April 13th, 2013 you are a one year old. seems like yesterday I was in the hospital waiting to meet you for the first time, to hold you in my arms and feel your touch. I longed for your arrival since the day I found out i was pregnant in July of 2011. Time couldn't have gone any slower waiting for you to make your debut into the world. Yet this past year couldn't go by any faster. I feel like time just sped up and crept up on me. You have turned yourself into such a gorgeous little girl, with SO much personality. You let it be known what you want and when you want it. I wish my mother were around to see you grow, to tell me stories of my childhood and compare you as a toddler to me as a toddler. Last Saturday we celebrated your birthday with Friends and family. Your uncle Chris watched you and said how much its crazy seeing you, that its like looking back in time from when i was a baby. I see so much of me in you. Your features (blonde hair, green eyes), your attitude (sassy & demanding). I think about how you will be as an adult ( I pray you are more like your father as you grow,  I am afraid of the battles you and I are going to meet if they are anything like the ones I had with my mother growing up). 

You began walking on 3/25/13 at 11.5 months old. I always thought you would walk before a year old, but then when you took your time to sit up on your own and crawl I thought that might be a pipe dream. But you are sooo damn curious and into everything that it suits you to walk early. you still only have four teeth, your two front uppers and your two front lowers. You remain on nutramigen formula at this time, but today is your one year doctors appointment so we will see what the doctor says about weaning you onto milk. I'm afraid to wean you, you're already so sassy i cant imagine how this is going to go. I don't dare take away your pacifier at the same time as i do formula. 

Over the past month or so you have developed this bond with your father that is so special to watch. The moment you see him walk through the door you light up and become so smiley. I secretly sometimes wish you would look at me the way you look at your father, with such love and excitement. Guess you just see too much of me everyday. your dad eats it up, loves all the attention you want from him now. 

Last weekend we celebrated your cousin Kendall's birthday in San Diego and took a trip to Sea World. You had such a great time seeing all the sights and especially love the San Diego Zoo. Pretty much anytime Kendal is around you are having a good time. She is so sweet around you, always making sure you are entertained and happy. 

This week you also made your first visit to Disneyland. Mom and Dad bought season passes since we live only 6 miles away and you're right at that age to start enjoying the sights. You were a little out of your element and sleepy when we arrived, but the moment you got onto its a small world you were happy. I always loathed that ride when i would go with your aunt December and Kendall and tanner. It was always Kendall's favorite ride, but soooo long. and what do you know, of course you liked it. So now mommy gets to go on it all the time. 

11 months old...

today you are 11 months old. I really have lost track of the time and where it all has went. you continue to grow and learn every day, becoming such a happy and playful little girl (when you are tired or teething that is). the last time I took you to the doctors you weighed in at 26.10 pounds. you are currently in size 18-24 months clothes, sometimes a 2T. You are learning to master standing on your own, though you aren't confident enough in yourself to just let go. you will cruise all around the house with your little stroller walker or with someone Else's hand. You LOVE to be outdoors, as soon as the door is cracked there is a huge smile on your face. You also LOVE to eat patches dog food from the bowl. Everyday dad and I are fighting you to get some pieces out of your mouth. You are such an explorer these days, getting your hands into EVERYTHING. you refuse to nap during the day, the best I get out of you is a 30-45 minute nap and maybe a second 40 minute nap. You continue to sleep through the night 12-13 hours uninterrupted. your eyes are blue, your hair is blond. your attitude is bossy, you let it be known when you are not happy or when something is making you upset. You LOVE going to mommy & me classes at gymboree. your such a showoff,  you make sure everyone is watching you as you put on a show. Grandma Fran can make you giggle in a heartbeat just by the sound of her voice. I'm not sure what it is, but it makes her so happy to see you love and hug on her so much.

Mom has started the planning phase of your first birthday party. The theme will be sprinkles. I have asked the troops to help me with this project as i am not crafty at all. cant wait to celebrate your birthday with family and friends.

Getting bigger and badder by the minute

Finally, you have been cured of this terrible terrible respiratory infection that I thought would NEVER go away!! Only problem is that you got another infection from being on antibiotics... But you are on the up and up!!!
It's official that you are growing up before my eyes. Everyone at Gymboree tells me it's time for you to move up to the level 3 class, which means you're a big girl now and it's now geared towards walking and talking. Seems like we want you to meet your milestones at a normal pace as others but when you do, it just solidified that you are growing up and not a baby anymore. You have become so independent these past few months. A part of mommy loves not having a leech, but the other part knows where this is all leading to...you continue to cruise the furniture but you aren't yet confident enough to stand on your own. You will walk with a walker but not on your own..
The past week or two you have begun tantrum and its scaring the hell outta mommy for what's to come. You throw your head back and scream, mostly when I take something from you.. Yesterday you began sipping from a straw to get your hands on daddy's water. Today I took you to target and you insisted I get you water so you would leave my coffee alone. Well of course you get water everywhere and mommy takes it from you before there's a flood and then you threw a fit in the store. I thought about how this is just the beginning for me, how you will throw so many of these fits, and how they are going to progressively get worse and worse. These times make me reflect on my motet and how I must have been as a child. I miss her so dearly but I hold her so close to my heart with you and your name and what that symbolizes to me.
I began brainstorming your first birthday party this past week. I am already overwhelmed with the lack of creativity and drive I have for this event.. I have so many ideas, yet lack the creative spark to actuallyfollow through with my plan. Tomorrow aunt ashley is coming over to help plan because mom is so overwhelmed. I have chosen the themes and gathered some basic ideas. Sunday you will be getting your pictures taken and hopefully they turn out successful enough for your birthday invites. Today mom & dad bought some old wooden rocking chairs an repainted them for the photo shoot. Hoping they look as great as I talked them up to be to your father. We also bought you a wooden high chair from 1924 that I have plans for your dad to sand and paint for your party. Cannot believe you are weeks away from being a year old. I know I have said this so many times before, but the time really is passing me by. Can't wait to show some pictures of your photo shoot from this weekend

10 months old

Ahhhh, my little baby is already 10 months old. Feels like yesterday we brought you home from the hospital in your navy blue pants and a cherry onesie. So tiny and small in the car, mommy sat in the back and stated at you the whole drive home, I couldn't believe you were all mine... I waited so long for you... And you have been so much better than anticipated... You continue to be fighting this terrible congestion you have had for the past month.. Currently off augmentin and have had a doctors visit every week for the past 5 weeks.. Tonight was your great grandma Frances' birthday, we celebrated by going to bj's for dinner.. You are so entertained by your cousins tanner & Kendall, you really could just stare at gem all night and laugh...the best part of it all is your love love love from grandma Fran's voice.. I'm not sure what it is, the pitch or tone, or just the way she looks at you.. But you LIGHT up when you hear her e.. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen, and makes her feel important... I try to get your monthly pictures done in a timely manner but this month you are on the move. Mommy couldn't even get your picture without daddy's help distracting you with toys...
You continue to love all the same things. You still try to walk, but get frustrated that you aren't independent...

Teething monster!!!

Woke up this morning and you were a fuss bucket!!!! You haven't really had an appetite like normally and are having a hard time catching your zzzzz's with this cold, but you woke up with both top teeth broken in... Your top left is more prominent but you can see the top right as well. Gosh my little lady, you are growing up too too fast for me and daddy.. I feel so bad for you trying to fight an war infection allergies and teething. Poor baby.. I will try and snap a photo if you allow me

valentine's day photo shoot

Today you got your pictures taken by A Sweet Life Photography in Upland. I was a bit scared to see how the photos would turn out since this morning you woke up crying with congestion and a cough and really weren't interested in eating breakfast (which is sooo not like you, you NEVER turn down a meal). But of course, you proved me wrong and were a shining star at the shoot.

In one week you will be 10 months old. You LOVE so many things but a few of your favorite things are:
1. your walker Cadillac car grandpa David got you for Christmas
2. walking with assistance
3. cruising the furniture
4. playing with patches water and food bowls
5. going to your mommy & me class
6. eating food
7. being outdoors
8. bouncy balls
9. a warm bottle
10. bath time
11. crawling all over the house chasing mommy & daddy

You haven't said a first word yet, though you do love to babble. you clap your hands and wave, You love to shake your head no even though you don't know what it means, you love to stand up in your crib,

For the past three nights mom & dad have been doing the cry it out method for sleep. Oh boy does this PISS you off. You have a scream match every night for at LEAST an hour, you often get sooooo mad that you shit your pants and then i feel bad starting the whole process over again because we have comforted you for a diaper change (though i am happy to see poop).  Breaks moms heart to hear you cry for sooo long, so daddy is the bad guy who has to put you back on your back after you stand in the crib each night. Hoping that in a few more nights you will get the hang of this and cry less, at least that's what i have been told but its not looking like you will be letting up ANYTIME soon.

Clap clap clap!!!!

Baby girl started to clap today at the doctors office... Mommy has worked hard on trying to get DJ to clap... I just wish I could have savored the moment a bit more but couldn't since I was so wrapped up in thinking I was a bad mommy for letting you get a double ear infection... The doctor started you on your first course of antibiotics (amoxicillin).. Breaks mommys heart to see you sick. You have not been running any fevers and are acting happy as a clam, so I just assumed you were teething. Turns out doctor said you are getting a FEW teeth as well. You are a strong little lady thats for sure.

Nine months old!!!!

You are such a happy girl these days it's harder to list things you love than it is to list the things you dislike... But we will name a few of your favorite things. Since you have began crawling, you love trying to stand up on your own. You try using moms legs or the couch or even the dog gate for leverage but usually only make it to your knees before giving up...if mommy holds your hands you will stand up on your feet... You love standing, often times won't go to a sitting position unless forced into one.. You love electrical cords.. Somehow everyday you manage to get into Mommy's laptop charger and eat it. You love crawling over towards patches and sticking your fingers through the baby gate so she can lick you.. You love cruising in your walker car and picking up all moms junk around the house that you couldn't reach if you were crawling..you still love putting everything in your mouth, no matter what. You enjoy the game of getting mom & dads food but not so much the taste.. As soon as you get a nibble you are disinterested. I made you eggs this morning, you took one bite and snubbed them. You love eating watermelon or cantaloupe in the mornings. You tried macaroni and cheese and didn't show any disgust. You enjoy going for walks. You still love mommy wearing.. Your beginning to adjust to the stroller a bit more. You adore your mommy & me classes, so giddy and happy all the time at class. Such a show off!!! You often fall asleep in the car rides home. You love when daddy comes home from work, your face lights up with excitement when you see his face. You have begun to say ma-ma & da-da, now is the rat race on who you mean and say it to first!!! I sure hope I win.. You love bath time, we started to bath you daily because you get food everywhere and because you love the bath so much. You have your two bottom teeth in, no signs yet of top teeth coming. Your hair is blonde and your eyes are a bluish-green.. You are in 18-24 months clothes... The last time you were weighed it was almost 23 pounds I cannot believe how fast you are growing before our eyes... Everybody says to not blink your eyes and I never understood that until I had become a mother myself... Happy nine months to the most adorable happy precious little girl I know...