Hannah wanted to show off her new skills....
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hannah's 9 Month Photos
On Father's Day, we had Hannah's 9 month photo shoot. It was so much fun! We had to get up extra early to get down to North Avenue beach before the crowds shuffled in, but it was totally worth it! We found Michele through a mutual friend and fell in love with her work immediately. We will definitely be using her from now on!
Here's the link to the slide show. Enjoy!
http://smilebox.com/playEmail/
Here's the link to the slide show. Enjoy!
http://smilebox.com/playEmail/
Saturday, June 25, 2011
9 month post
Another month has come and gone. It's going by way too fast. It's hard to believe you've now been on the outside just as long as you were on the inside.
Tidbits. You've grown a lot this month and your personality is shining through. You are a very determined little girl and although you get frustrated sometimes, you never give up. You are a lover of the paci. This month, we've only let you have them in your crib or when we have to leave you in the nursery. You've tried desperately to sneak a paci out after nap time. I came in your room one afternoon and you had one in your mouth and one in each hand. You were very concerned when I tried to take them away and put them back in the crib. I often turn the monitor on to find you asleep this same way (one in the mouth and one in each hand). I think I'm going to be in trouble when it's time to give them up for good. You are doing very well not having them throughout the day :) You are obsessed with Daisy and want to be near her at all times.
Eating. You are an excellent eater! You nurse three times a day and eat two "meals" a day. I need to bump you up to three. I'm sure you won't have an issue with that. There are way to many new foods I introduced to you this month to list. The biggest accomplishment on the eating front... finger foods! You are eating finger foods like a champ. Cheerios, toast, and bread in general are your favorites (in that regard, you're your momma's daughter). You've also mastered tortellini, cheese and steamed veggies. We've started you on stage 3 foods and you're doing really well with them. You've really taken to the sippy cup this month. You drink about 5 oz of water a day. You're stellar at tipping up your cup and sipping till your heart is content.
Sleep. You are a fantastic sleeper. We are certainly blessed by that. We put you down around 7pm and you usually sleep until 7:30am. You occasionally wake up at night, fumble around for your paci, pop it in your mouth and immediately go back to sleep. You take two naps a day that range from 1-2 hours a piece. It is wonderful!
Teeth. You welcomed two fully erupted teeth this month (top middle, bottom right), for a grand total of seven teeth. You are working on number eight, another bottom tooth. We are brushing your teeth every night (that mom can remember). You are pretty patient for your age, but who knows if it's actually doing any good. I like to think it is :)
Motor Development. This was a big month for motor development. On Memorial Day, you took your first steps while holding onto our hands. You've been pulling up for a while now. Daddy and I were so surprised when you pulled up and then walked a few steps forward! You're now obsessed with walking and we spend a lot of time holding your hands and letting you explore. You are determined to let go and do it by yourself. You usually get the courage to let go and then immediately grab out leg. You are also crawling, sort of. I say sort of because until now, you've been scooting backwards. On Father's Day, we sat you on the floor several feet away from the xylophone. I was playing it and you wanted to join in. Slowly, but surely, you went from sitting, to all fours, to rocking and then moving forward. We were elated! You are slow, but you are forward moving. We are thrilled! Today, you went from lying down to sitting up for the first time AND pulled up on an object (as opposed to our hands). Time to lower the crib mattress! Finally, you have learned to sign "more" this month. I was really beginning to wonder if all of our signing was going to have an effect on you.
Friends. We are enjoying spending time with the Moms Meetup group. It's been wonderful to explore our area together and meet new people. We are also getting together weekly with the library group. I have to admit, that one's my favorite. The kids are closer to your age and the moms are really fun.
Separation Anxiety. You have definitely developed separation anxiety. It's not terrible, but it's definitely there. We leave you for at least an hour a day with other care givers, whether it's at church, going to the gym or with friends while I run errands. You usually cry for about five minutes and then relax and play until I return. It's gotten much better since your first bout, but you still have your bad days. For example, I dropped you off at the gym and I came back an hour and a half later to find you crying. Apparently, you kept looking at the door when the other moms came to pick their kids up. The ladies said after the third mom came and left with her kids, you lost it. I felt so bad! You'd just hit your limit and were probably thinking... where's my mom??? I get so excited when I drop you off and there's no crying :) We're looking into a morning program one day a week for you. We really wanted to get you into the Mother's Day Out program at the church, but the cut off birthday is September 1 and they wouldn't make an exception. No worries, we'll find something.
New Adventures. You took your first boat ride this month. You did very well considering it was such a windy and cold day. We continue to explore our little city and Chicago every chance we get. You enjoy riding the train downtown and are such a trooper
Tidbits. You've grown a lot this month and your personality is shining through. You are a very determined little girl and although you get frustrated sometimes, you never give up. You are a lover of the paci. This month, we've only let you have them in your crib or when we have to leave you in the nursery. You've tried desperately to sneak a paci out after nap time. I came in your room one afternoon and you had one in your mouth and one in each hand. You were very concerned when I tried to take them away and put them back in the crib. I often turn the monitor on to find you asleep this same way (one in the mouth and one in each hand). I think I'm going to be in trouble when it's time to give them up for good. You are doing very well not having them throughout the day :) You are obsessed with Daisy and want to be near her at all times.
Eating. You are an excellent eater! You nurse three times a day and eat two "meals" a day. I need to bump you up to three. I'm sure you won't have an issue with that. There are way to many new foods I introduced to you this month to list. The biggest accomplishment on the eating front... finger foods! You are eating finger foods like a champ. Cheerios, toast, and bread in general are your favorites (in that regard, you're your momma's daughter). You've also mastered tortellini, cheese and steamed veggies. We've started you on stage 3 foods and you're doing really well with them. You've really taken to the sippy cup this month. You drink about 5 oz of water a day. You're stellar at tipping up your cup and sipping till your heart is content.
Sleep. You are a fantastic sleeper. We are certainly blessed by that. We put you down around 7pm and you usually sleep until 7:30am. You occasionally wake up at night, fumble around for your paci, pop it in your mouth and immediately go back to sleep. You take two naps a day that range from 1-2 hours a piece. It is wonderful!
Teeth. You welcomed two fully erupted teeth this month (top middle, bottom right), for a grand total of seven teeth. You are working on number eight, another bottom tooth. We are brushing your teeth every night (that mom can remember). You are pretty patient for your age, but who knows if it's actually doing any good. I like to think it is :)
Motor Development. This was a big month for motor development. On Memorial Day, you took your first steps while holding onto our hands. You've been pulling up for a while now. Daddy and I were so surprised when you pulled up and then walked a few steps forward! You're now obsessed with walking and we spend a lot of time holding your hands and letting you explore. You are determined to let go and do it by yourself. You usually get the courage to let go and then immediately grab out leg. You are also crawling, sort of. I say sort of because until now, you've been scooting backwards. On Father's Day, we sat you on the floor several feet away from the xylophone. I was playing it and you wanted to join in. Slowly, but surely, you went from sitting, to all fours, to rocking and then moving forward. We were elated! You are slow, but you are forward moving. We are thrilled! Today, you went from lying down to sitting up for the first time AND pulled up on an object (as opposed to our hands). Time to lower the crib mattress! Finally, you have learned to sign "more" this month. I was really beginning to wonder if all of our signing was going to have an effect on you.
Friends. We are enjoying spending time with the Moms Meetup group. It's been wonderful to explore our area together and meet new people. We are also getting together weekly with the library group. I have to admit, that one's my favorite. The kids are closer to your age and the moms are really fun.
Separation Anxiety. You have definitely developed separation anxiety. It's not terrible, but it's definitely there. We leave you for at least an hour a day with other care givers, whether it's at church, going to the gym or with friends while I run errands. You usually cry for about five minutes and then relax and play until I return. It's gotten much better since your first bout, but you still have your bad days. For example, I dropped you off at the gym and I came back an hour and a half later to find you crying. Apparently, you kept looking at the door when the other moms came to pick their kids up. The ladies said after the third mom came and left with her kids, you lost it. I felt so bad! You'd just hit your limit and were probably thinking... where's my mom??? I get so excited when I drop you off and there's no crying :) We're looking into a morning program one day a week for you. We really wanted to get you into the Mother's Day Out program at the church, but the cut off birthday is September 1 and they wouldn't make an exception. No worries, we'll find something.
New Adventures. You took your first boat ride this month. You did very well considering it was such a windy and cold day. We continue to explore our little city and Chicago every chance we get. You enjoy riding the train downtown and are such a trooper
We can't wait to see what next month will bring. Every day beings new and exciting joys and we love watching you grow and change every day. We love you Hannah Kathryn!
Monday, June 20, 2011
The art project
For Father's Day, we made Daddy "The Dad Book." I'm an extremely sentimental person and tend to hoard hold onto a lot of photos, cards, programs, tickets, etc. from minor and major things throughout the years. I stumbled upon a unique idea in a magazine about a journal that one family used to record stories of their family throughout the year. I took that idea and spun it to create "The Dad Book" for Father's day. Basically, this is a book you will give Daddy every year with a new entry in it. It will allow you to creatively express your love and appreciation for your Dad. Daddy will be able to look back on the book through the years to see how you've grown and changed in the way you choose to express your love. It's a priceless gift and I'm soo excited about how the two of you will share that gift throughout the years.
This year, I wrote a journal entry for you explaining what the book is and how it will be used. I found a poem about tiny hands and then had you finger paint a picture to paste in the journal. It was a load of fun for both of us. Your friend, Conner, invited you over so you could create your masterpieces together. Mrs. Mindy set up a table and put buckets of colored paint on the table. We pretty much let y'all have at it. Let me tell you, finger painting with two 8 month olds isextremely messy a load of fun! You and Conner giggled and laughed the entire time.
Clearly, you were excited! You were just as much of a masterpiece as the one you created on paper. Clean up was extra fun. We originally started to wipe you down with paper towels. That was a bad idea. It just made the mess worse. So, we threw you both in their bathtub. One swipe of a soapy wash cloth and you were looking much better.
Mrs. Mindy dumped a bunch of fun toys in the tub for y'all and we sat by the tub and let you splash for a while. You grabbed the wash cloth from behind you and stuck it in your mouth. You do this all the time and I really didn't think anything of it. However, Mrs. Mindy said you might not want to do that because there was a "code brown" in the tub. Um... what? I was sitting where I couldn't see your rear, so I peaked over the side of the tub. Apparently, you relaxed a little too much and made your own mess in the water. You had never done this before!!! I quickly scooped you up out of the water, as I was apologizing and trying to play it coolmy face was completely red out of shock and embarrassment. These are our new friends! Mrs. Mindy laughed and said it won't be the first time it happens. She said it wasn't a big deal and that she'd clean it up. No way I was letting that happen. Mommy got you dressed and then promptly asked where the clorox was. No m'am she was not going to clean that mess up. I scrubbed the heck out of that tub and as my face had cooled to a pinkish color I felt much better. Mrs. Mindy just laughed. We're glad Mrs. Mindy is a laid back mommy.
Oh, the things moms go through for a fun present! Daddy loved his gift, so it made it all worth it :)
This year, I wrote a journal entry for you explaining what the book is and how it will be used. I found a poem about tiny hands and then had you finger paint a picture to paste in the journal. It was a load of fun for both of us. Your friend, Conner, invited you over so you could create your masterpieces together. Mrs. Mindy set up a table and put buckets of colored paint on the table. We pretty much let y'all have at it. Let me tell you, finger painting with two 8 month olds is
Clearly, you were excited! You were just as much of a masterpiece as the one you created on paper. Clean up was extra fun. We originally started to wipe you down with paper towels. That was a bad idea. It just made the mess worse. So, we threw you both in their bathtub. One swipe of a soapy wash cloth and you were looking much better.
Mrs. Mindy dumped a bunch of fun toys in the tub for y'all and we sat by the tub and let you splash for a while. You grabbed the wash cloth from behind you and stuck it in your mouth. You do this all the time and I really didn't think anything of it. However, Mrs. Mindy said you might not want to do that because there was a "code brown" in the tub. Um... what? I was sitting where I couldn't see your rear, so I peaked over the side of the tub. Apparently, you relaxed a little too much and made your own mess in the water. You had never done this before!!! I quickly scooped you up out of the water, as I was apologizing and trying to play it cool
Oh, the things moms go through for a fun present! Daddy loved his gift, so it made it all worth it :)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Signing Success
We made the joint decision to teach you signs for your basic needs. We've heard from friends and family that have used signing that it makes communication less frustrating for both the baby and the parents.
We started signing with you when you were four months old, per the books' and baby signing gurus' suggestions. We started with milk, more and all done. When you started solid foods, we added eat. We've also done some basic signs for every day objects like book. You picked up on the word "more" first. This shouldn't surprise any one that knows you. You love to eat. You would hit your tray twice to signal you wanted "more" food. This week, for the first time, you are actually doing the correct (well, as close as is physically possible for you) sign for more. I caught it on video.
*** Please ignore my voice.... it's encouraging to her but you maaaaaayyyyyy want to turn the volume down if you're sitting in the library or at your desk at work :)
We started signing with you when you were four months old, per the books' and baby signing gurus' suggestions. We started with milk, more and all done. When you started solid foods, we added eat. We've also done some basic signs for every day objects like book. You picked up on the word "more" first. This shouldn't surprise any one that knows you. You love to eat. You would hit your tray twice to signal you wanted "more" food. This week, for the first time, you are actually doing the correct (well, as close as is physically possible for you) sign for more. I caught it on video.
*** Please ignore my voice.... it's encouraging to her but you maaaaaayyyyyy want to turn the volume down if you're sitting in the library or at your desk at work :)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Daisy and Hannah... quite the pair
So close, yet so far away...
.
You and Miss Daisy have become quite the pair over the past few weeks. She has taken a big interest in you. Any person, no matter how small, that drops food for her to clean up is a friend. She parks herself underneath the highchair during meal times. Cheerios are really fun. You always drop a few of those. Then, there's your sticky fingers hanging over the side that she feels the need to clean. Apparently, she doesn't think I do a good enough job at the end of the meal.
You have taken an interest in Daisy's toys. She is not amused by this. Your first crawl "forward" was actually prompted by her duck, followed by her bone....as she was chewing on it. I was beside you the whole time, so you were safe and Daisy is extremely gentle with you. It didn't bother her. She just gingerly moved her bone from one area of her mat to another (out of your reach).
You've learned to pet Daisy. She loves it! She just has to learn to watch her paws when she tries to roll over on her back for you.
Every day brings something new and exciting! We're glad Daisy found a spot in her heart for you. We weren't so sure she would after the first few weeks.
The tooth fairy...
The tooth fairy has blessed you with your 6th tooth this week. You now have 4 top front teeth and two middle bottom teeth.
Teeth are an adjustment for mom and dad, especially mom. On the one hand, your cute little pearly whites are fun to see when we get you laughing! On the other hand, brushing your teeth is an adventure. You are great with your bottom teeth, but it's hard to reach those top teeth. Unfortunately, you've become quite the biter at the end of a nursing session. It hurts... a lot. Baby teeth are no joke. They are sharp little suckers. On more than one occasion, your dad has had to grab you out of my arms while I hold back tears and cover my war wound.
Any moms reading this have any tips on biting?? Please share! I've read several things in the baby books and they haven't worked.
Teeth are an adjustment for mom and dad, especially mom. On the one hand, your cute little pearly whites are fun to see when we get you laughing! On the other hand, brushing your teeth is an adventure. You are great with your bottom teeth, but it's hard to reach those top teeth. Unfortunately, you've become quite the biter at the end of a nursing session. It hurts... a lot. Baby teeth are no joke. They are sharp little suckers. On more than one occasion, your dad has had to grab you out of my arms while I hold back tears and cover my war wound.
Any moms reading this have any tips on biting?? Please share! I've read several things in the baby books and they haven't worked.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend and new milestones
We had a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend. Ms. Sandy came to visit us again. We LOVE when Ms. Sandy comes! A good time is sure to be had and we had a great time with her. She was a little delayed getting in to Chicago due to the terrible weather we've been having, but she finally made it. Mommy and Sandy got to spend some quality time together and you and Daddy were able to spend some time bonding together. We hope Ms. Sandy can get out this way more permanently in the future!!
It was dreary and cold for most of her visit, but we took full advantage of an overcast day on Friday and headed downtown. We were bound and determined to take Ms. Sandy on the architectural boat tour of the city. We had a fun lunch on Hubbard Street (YAY!) and then made it to the dock just in time for the 75 min tour. It was your first time on a boat and it was quite chilly, but you did great! and the grown-ups thought it was the BEST way to see the city! We will definitely take other visitors on this tour. After the boat tour, we took Ms. Sandy to Sprinkles. I mean, really, no trip to Chicago is complete without a Sprinkles cupcake. We can't wait till you're a little older and can try one. I can see where trips downtown will more than likely turn into "If you give a mouse a cookie" days. That is A-OK with me, downtown is super fun and I really want to make our trips down there special for you.
Touring downtown Chicago by boat... not too shabby!
It was cold and windy on the water. We had you bundled up and you were quite the little trooper!
A rare family shot!
You and Daddy infront of the Sears (Willis) Tower
We love Chicago!
Saturday, Sunday and Monday were family days and you hit several big milestones! It was fantastic to have three full days with Daddy around! Sunday was cold and rainy. We spent the day indoors and you practiced crawling. You're still scooting backwards, but have made a lot of progress. You are up on all fours and rocking now. Daddy and I looked a little silly crawling around the floor trying to encourage you to crawl. I think you probably laughed at us more than anything! You get so frustrated that you can't move forward. We feel helpless that our "tricks" haven't worked. Daddy read that if we put a rolled towel under your arms, it would help.... not so much. I have to say, it's still nice to put you down and know you'll pretty much be in the same place if I have to run to the bathroom. You like to practice rocking on all fours, so I know it's just a matter of time before both our worlds are rocked!
On Monday, we packed a picnic and walked from our house to a local park and downtown in our little city. It was really hot (in the 90's) and sunny. You had some time in the swings and the play ground area. Your big thing lately is pulling up. You are quite obsessed with it. If we are any where around you, you grab on to us and stand. We were sitting by the fountain at the park when, much to our surprise, you pulled up on our fingers and then started taking a few steps! We were thrilled!!!!! Maybe you'll walk before crawling. Regardless, we were so proud of you!!!!
We also tried a finger food meal with you for the first time. Up until this point, we've just given you puffs to try on your own. This weekend, we tried cut up broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pasta and toast. At first, you picked the puffs out of the variety of food on your tray and cried when the puffs were gone. You didn't realize the other stuff on your tray was food. Once you did, oh boy! You were an eating machine!
It was dreary and cold for most of her visit, but we took full advantage of an overcast day on Friday and headed downtown. We were bound and determined to take Ms. Sandy on the architectural boat tour of the city. We had a fun lunch on Hubbard Street (YAY!) and then made it to the dock just in time for the 75 min tour. It was your first time on a boat and it was quite chilly, but you did great! and the grown-ups thought it was the BEST way to see the city! We will definitely take other visitors on this tour. After the boat tour, we took Ms. Sandy to Sprinkles. I mean, really, no trip to Chicago is complete without a Sprinkles cupcake. We can't wait till you're a little older and can try one. I can see where trips downtown will more than likely turn into "If you give a mouse a cookie" days. That is A-OK with me, downtown is super fun and I really want to make our trips down there special for you.
Touring downtown Chicago by boat... not too shabby!
It was cold and windy on the water. We had you bundled up and you were quite the little trooper!
A rare family shot!
You and Daddy infront of the Sears (Willis) Tower
Saturday, Sunday and Monday were family days and you hit several big milestones! It was fantastic to have three full days with Daddy around! Sunday was cold and rainy. We spent the day indoors and you practiced crawling. You're still scooting backwards, but have made a lot of progress. You are up on all fours and rocking now. Daddy and I looked a little silly crawling around the floor trying to encourage you to crawl. I think you probably laughed at us more than anything! You get so frustrated that you can't move forward. We feel helpless that our "tricks" haven't worked. Daddy read that if we put a rolled towel under your arms, it would help.... not so much. I have to say, it's still nice to put you down and know you'll pretty much be in the same place if I have to run to the bathroom. You like to practice rocking on all fours, so I know it's just a matter of time before both our worlds are rocked!
On Monday, we packed a picnic and walked from our house to a local park and downtown in our little city. It was really hot (in the 90's) and sunny. You had some time in the swings and the play ground area. Your big thing lately is pulling up. You are quite obsessed with it. If we are any where around you, you grab on to us and stand. We were sitting by the fountain at the park when, much to our surprise, you pulled up on our fingers and then started taking a few steps! We were thrilled!!!!! Maybe you'll walk before crawling. Regardless, we were so proud of you!!!!
We also tried a finger food meal with you for the first time. Up until this point, we've just given you puffs to try on your own. This weekend, we tried cut up broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pasta and toast. At first, you picked the puffs out of the variety of food on your tray and cried when the puffs were gone. You didn't realize the other stuff on your tray was food. Once you did, oh boy! You were an eating machine!
Mom's meet up group
Back in February, I found a wonderful Mom's group that peaked my interest. I really wanted to do something that would allow you to be around other kids your age and also give me good social interaction with other mom's in the area. I signed up and have been getting regular emails about activities. When we got back from SC, I finally put in a "yes" RSVP. I am so glad that I did! The moms in the group are so nice to talk to and there are several kids about your age, including Andrew from your Library class. The group has activities most days of the week. We go to local parks, children's attractions (like the zoo), indoor play areas, kid friendly restaurants, other moms houses, and the list goes on. You love being around the other children and it's given us a chance to get out and explore our community.
A few weeks ago, the Meet Up group went to the Cosely Zoo. This zoo was much different than the Greenville Zoo. Cosely mostly had barn yard animals. I like to think you made association with the animals from seeing the pictures in the books we read. One day... one day....
You enjoyed the first part of the visit, but were knocked out for the second half.
Don't worry, your friend Andrew was up and filled you in on what you missed!
A few weeks ago, the Meet Up group went to the Cosely Zoo. This zoo was much different than the Greenville Zoo. Cosely mostly had barn yard animals. I like to think you made association with the animals from seeing the pictures in the books we read. One day... one day....
You enjoyed the first part of the visit, but were knocked out for the second half.
Don't worry, your friend Andrew was up and filled you in on what you missed!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Almost a crawler, almost...
We are very close to having a crawler on our hands. I have a better video than this, but it's on the big camera and the little Flip videos are easier to download and post. She was already on all fours in this one. I'll try to get one of her flat on the floor, pushing up and moving. She's also walking when holding our hands, so I'll work on getting that on video too. So many fun things!
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