Ap-ple

Sarah has taken to calling everything Apple.  Which when she says it actually comes out Ap-ple.  Funny thing is, she doesn't even eat whole apples!  She'll eat applesauce, but she won't eat an actual apple.  This morning she busted out with Applesauce.  But just because she says it, doesn't mean she wants it.  She was having cereal and a banana for breakfast, when she looked up and said very clearly Ap-ple sauce.  So what do we do?  We go and get applesauce....  Did she eat the applesauce this morning?  Nope.  I'm sure she will later on today with her lunch or dinner, but she definitely didn't want it this morning.  But this word is said over and over and over in our house.

Me: "Sarah, do you want to go play?"
Sarah: "Ap-ple"

Me:  "Sarah, what shape is that?" (Talking about a square puzzle piece)
Sarah: "Ap-ple"

Me:  "Sarah, what are you doing?"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"

Me:  "A is for..."
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me:  "Yes! A is for apple!"
Me:  "B is for..."
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me: "No, try again!  B is for..."
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me: (points to picture of banana which she knows how to say and what it is)"What is this?"
Sarah: (turns page back, and points to apple) "Ap-ple"
Me:  "Yes, Apple!" (turns page forward) "B is for... What is this?" (whispers banana)
Sarah: (looks at me)
Me: whispers "Banana" again
Sarah: closes book, runs off "Ap-ple"

Me:  "That's a leaf"
Sarah: "Ap-ple"
Me:  "No, that's a green leaf"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me:  "You're silly! That's not an apple! It's a leaf" "Leaf"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple, ap-ple, AP-PLE!"

Me:  "Sarah, want a snack?"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple" (runs to pantry)
Me: "Okay we can have applesauce"
Sarah: "Mmmm"
Me:  "What would you like with your applesauce?"
Sarah: "Ap-ple-sauce"
Me:  "Yes! Applesauce! Would like something with your applesauce?"
Sarah:  (thinks, points to refrigerator) "Cheese"
Me:  "Okay"
(this time she was completely right :D )

Sarah:  (playing by herself) "Ap-ple, ap-ple, ap-ple, ap-ple ple ple, AP-PLE, AP-PLE, AP-PLE!"


She really can say so many things!  She is great at repeating words back to you, or suddenly busting out a new word when you least expect it.  Like she pointed to her potty, and said Oval clear as day.  Her potty actually is shaped like an oval, smart girl.  But then she goes back to saying apple.  I guess it's fun for her to say.  Just thought I'd share one of those things she's doing all the time right now.  It's cute, and she's good at saying it! Hope you're having a great day!

Sarah's 1st Birthday

Okay, in a burst of sudden blogging motivation... I bring you another blog!  Want to know how Sarah's first birthday went down?!  Me Too!!  Just kidding, I was there, but I'll share it with all of you who weren't here to celebrate with her...

So first things first.  In order to have a party, there have to be invitations...

 

 

 



 

I went through a website to order her custom invitations and decorations.  I've included the back of the invitation in case this design tickles your fancy and you want to use their website for any future birthday's you may be planning.  They have all kinds of stuff, and after using them, I can highly recommend!

We wanted to keep her birthday pretty simple.  Mostly family with a few friends.  I heard a rule about kids birthday's that the number of kids should equal same number as the child is turning.  So Sarah was turning one, and we had one other baby attend.  I think it kept her from being overwhelmed.  It was really sweet actually, because as people arrived, she didn't know what to do with all her favorite people in one place all focused on her!  I know she felt special!

The night before the party I set about decorating the space we would use for her party.  I don't know why but the night before her party I got so excited.  There is just something about a child's first birthday that is so incredibly special.  It's the first day just for them, to celebrate the little person that they have become, and to insert a little more magic in their childhood.  I still get teary eyed still when I think about it.  Anyway, I wanted to decorate after she went to bed so when she woke up, it would be transformed magically into a celebration... I'm not very good at the documenting, but I did get a couple of set up shots...

 

 

We also had colorful table clothes on all the tables and some things dangling down around the food, but in true-to-me fashion, I didn't take pictures.  I really need to work on remember the camera.  Anyway, the next morning I blew up a bunch of helium balloons and made four low bunches that I put around the room.  I made them just long enough that from Sarah's view point they were high, but that she could pull down and play with.  It was her first exposure to balloons, and I wanted it to be a fun experience. I also didn't get a shot of those or the finished product... drats!

 

After I got everything set up, (and Sarah had her morning nap), we took her over to see her party space.  Like I said earlier, it was important to me to not overwhelm her too much, so I tried to ease her into her party, rather than have it hit her in the face all at once.  I have a video of her coming into the room, but I haven't had time to edit it and get it up, but it will be coming soon. 

 

Not long after I introduced her to the space, people started showing up, and it was time to get her dressed in her special first party outfit.  I started her out in a headband, but quickly changed that out for her party hat, which she happily wore the rest of the time.  Here are a few shots of her outfit...

 



 

And now for a photo bomb of pictures from the party... Ready... Go!!!





(Obviously me and blogger had a war over photo placement, and I believe I lost.  Grrr...)
Moving right along we come to the all important photo's of her cake(s).  I commissioned Publix to do a custom design that matched her theme.  I think they did a fantastic job!  Plus Publix cake is so yummy.  The big cake was chocolate with whipped icing, and her smash cake was strawberry with whipped and butter cream frosting.

 

Yay for 1st birthday's and cute birthday girls!  I know she had an absolute ball!  She opened all of her presents herself, was surrounded by people who love her dearly and got to eat lots of ice cream!  (She didn't really care for the cake, but she got sneaky and was getting ice cream from me and her two grandma's ~ she LOVES the stuff!)  I think the party lasted the perfect amount of time, and boy did she sleep good that night.  I love this little one so stinking much and I can't wait for next year's party.  I already have idea's rolling around in my head of what we will do!

 

 

Whoops!  What party is complete without a goodie bag!?  Here's what we put in Sarah's bags and what the presentation looked like...

 

 

Inside there was a sheet of stickers, two rubber ducks with a "1" on them, a party blow out, bubbles, and crayons shaped like cupcakes.  All fairly age appropriate and fun for 1 years olds to play with.  I also had lots of snacks available for toddlers, so they had their own section on the food table.  Again, I failed to document.  Well guys, I think this is it for me tonight.  It is way too late for me to be attempting to blog, so forgive any mistakes you see!  I love you all and will be back for more mommy blogs soon!  Happy Birthday Sarah!





One Whole Year Old

My precious little Sarah,

You are one year old today!  For one whole year you have been lighting up our lives.  I can’t believe it really.  As of today, you are officially a toddler and no longer a “baby”.  It seems like just yesterday I was seeing you for the first time, all small and pink.  It brings tears to my eyes to look back and remember that feeling of looking into those gorgeous blue eyes of yours and falling head over heels in love.  I can’t imagine my life or this world without you!  You have grown and accomplished so much in your first year of life.  You are incredibly smart and independent.  Nevermind walking, you can already run and jump and communicate with us the things you want or need.  You can say a few words, and are frantically working on your vocabulary to learn even more.  You comprehend a great deal of what is said around you and are quick to respond when we ask you something.  If you hear a book title, you will go and find it for us to read.  If I ask you to close the cabinet or drawer you left open, you’ll go back and close it.  You will point to foods you want to eat and come us to with your blanket and bear when you are sleepy and ask for milk with your hand.  You truly amaze me everyday.  You have an incredibly sweet nature and are quick to give or ask for kisses.  You light up when you see people you love and overall you’re a very happy baby.  Along with the farewell to your baby year of life, we will say farewell to other things.  You’ve already shown a desire for independence and will often want to do things on your own.  You’ve learned our teaching methods and will pass that on to others you encounter.  If we clap your hands, you will clap ours and the next persons.  When we show you something new, you want to share it with everyone you meet, just in case they didn’t know that button lights up when you push it, or that the bunny in the book is fuzzy.  I love that you love to share your experiences with others.  I know that the year ahead will hold lots of excitement and surprises and I can’t wait to see what you will do next.  But for now, know that I love you with my whole heart.  Thank-you for making me a mommy and for being the best little one year old any mommy could ask for!  I love you Sarah Marie!

Mommy

Current Nicknames:  Lovey Dove, Sarah Bear, Baby, Snooky Loo (Grandma)
Favorite Food:  Yogurt, Applesauce, Cheese, Broccoli
Comfort Things:  Blankie, Mr. Bear, Paci
Favorite Toys:  Books, Tupperware, Laugh & Learn Dog
Favorite Songs:  "If You're Happy and You Know It", "You Are My Sunshine"
Favorite Show:  Peek a Boo, Hide and Seek (Basically anything on BabyFirstTV), Little Einsteins
Favorite Activity:  Reading, Looking at pictures or inside cabinets, Running in wide open spaces, Pointing to things you want to know the name of, Hiding in curtaings/looking out windows,
Current Size:  12M, 12-18M, 18M, Size 4 shoe (You're kinda in an size range rather than one size by itself)

 

 

 

I hope I Never Forget... 9 & 10 Months

Wow!  I really fell off the band wagon when it comes to these monthly updates.  Looking back so So SO much has changed in such a short time.  The timeline is becoming a little fuzzy, but I'll go ahead and put down what you've been up to since that last post!

At 10 months old, I hope I never forget...

• My walking girl!  That's right.  In my last update you were just pulling up on things.  Now you're my big walking girl!  You took your first steps about two weeks after 9 months.  You now take 4 or 5 steps at a time when you decide to go for it.  There was a long time that you would book it around furniture and anything you could hold onto, including a smooth wall.  You were having some confidence issues, but once you saw your cousin Kylie walking during Thanksgiving you really got inspired to go for it all the time.  You still prefer to have a finger to hold, but you really and truly walk whenever the urge hits you.
• My little foodie.  You have decided that you are too big for baby food.  It's a shame really because I have about 6 cases piled up in the pantry.  But now that you can eat most big people food, you really prefer to eat what everyone else is.  You are by far a big fan of all white meats.  You LOVE turkey, chicken, pork, etc.  You really don't like to eat red meat though.  I guess it's just not your thing.  You'll eat just about any vegetable, but your favorite is definitely broccoli.  On this note, daddy has continued to push baby foods with you, so you will sometimes eat the jar food for him, but you get highly offended if you see me pop a top for you.
• Our baby birdy.  This is in conjunction with the last point, but if we are eating any kind of snack, you demand that we share, and if you like what you've tasted, you will follow us around with your mouth hanging open.  You are just like a baby bird.  Especially because you still insist on us feeding you.  You still have no desire to put food in your mouth yourself.  If I put it on your tray you wait for me to put it in your mouth, rather than pick it up yourself.  You will hold some finger foods, but won't eat it.  It's one of those things that makes you you.  I guess I could push you more, but I'm in no hurry for you to grow any faster than you already are.
• Our reading baby.  That's right you love Love LOVE books!  You love for us to read to you over and over and over again, and if no one can read to you, you happily read your books yourself.  We could line all of your toys up and tell you to pick anything to play with, and you would go straight to the books.  You LOVE them!  You really like poem books that have a rhythm to them, you also like books that have a button for you to push.  If it plays a song and you have moved on to another toy, you will stop what you are doing when the song ends, go back to the book, and start it all over again.  It's so much fun to watch you play and explore and to learn what you find interesting.  You are also getting into lift the flap books, but we can't let you play with them on your own yet, because you are little rough on them.  I don't think you intend to be, but you haven't learned how to close them back before turning the page.  I've showed you how to do it a few times, and you try.  Maybe with a little practice you'll be able to look at those books by yourself.  You are really good at turning the pages one at a time.  (By the way, board books only at this point.)
• You are a little eclectic in your clothing sizes at this point.  You can still wear some 9 month clothing, a lot of 12 month clothing and some 18 month clothes.  Most 18 month clothing is too long for you, but you have a long torso, so we put you in 12-18 sleepers to get the torso length right.  But the feet easily slip off your toes and you end up tripping all over them if you are walking around.  You are in a size 4 diaper.
• Our curious cat.  You are definitely interested in everything around you.  You know what the word "No" means and for the most part you are good at listening to us and moving away from whatever we've told you you can't have, however, you will also cry if you really wanted to play with something and you're not allowed to.  We try to not to say "No" too much and use language like "Not for eating, you can touch and look, but not eat" When we say things like that to you, you know to not put it in your mouth.  It really cuts down on frustration for both of us, we're not cutting your off completely, but you know there are rules.  If you don't follow them, we'll take it away from you.  9 times out of 10 you if we give you a second chance you will do what you're supposed to.  You also want an explanation if we do say no and mean it, such as "Hot" or "Sharp".  You don't know what those words mean, but you know they mean you can't have it and are satisfied that we explained.
• The baby sleep olympics.  You are all over the place in your sleep.  You make rounds in your crib once you've gone to bed.  You will literally sit up and flop down with your head on the other side of the crib.  When we hear you rustling about in the middle of the night we always have to find your head and figure out how you are laying.  We have no idea how you get in some of the positions you do, but you will sleep in just about any position.  Our favorite is when you have your butt up in the air or have one leg propped up on the side of the crib.
• Blankie and Mr Bear are still your constant companions and your lovie comfort items.  If you've taken a tumble that makes you cry, you won't let it go until I've kissed it and you've told Mr. Bear all about it.  You'll be okay if bear is missing (like maybe he's taking a bath)  but you absolutely have to have a blankie if you are going to sleep.
• You've gone back to being a good napper, we're not sure if you are trying to go from 2-3 naps a day to just one, but you've been taking a longer midday nap than you used to, and are resistant to your morning nap.  You've also insisted on being held more like a newborn when I'm putting you down for a nap or nighttime.  You've realized that you little head doesn't really fit under my chin anymore, but you like to have your head near my heart.  There are also times you like to lean back and look at my face.  You like to point out my eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, and ears when you are falling asleep.  You also gone back to preferring for me to sing you our lullaby's.  We have about 4 songs we rotate through and if I start on one you don't want to hear, you'll shake your head one time until I sing the song you are looking for.  I guess I've kinda become your lullaby ipod.  It's neat and special.
• Bath time is another one of our special times together.  I am the only person you'll allow to bathe you at this point.  Grandma tried the other night when daddy and I went to my company Christmas party and you refused to get in the water.  The whole bedtime routine is really special between you and me.  I enjoy it and look forward to it every night.  Currently our routine is the same as 8 months, we do bath time, then naked play time, then milk, then lullaby's and you're out.
• You love naked play time.  I've been told that I should call it something else, but really, that's what it is.  I planned on doing some cloth diapering, but have ended up doing all disposables.  I want to make sure your skin gets to breath and it gets a break once a day.  You love it and it'll stop once you are potty trained and out of diapers (this is more of a note for anyone reading this that has questions)  But for now, you love it!  You think it's so funny to crawl around your room all naturale.
• Our sweet girl.  You love to give and kisses from everyone.  You will not only offer up kisses to people you like, but you will lean your head in to receive a kiss on the cheek or forehead from people you love.  It's really sweet.  If you see yourself in a mirror you kiss your reflection over and over again.  You also kiss your favorite toys and pictures in your book that you like.  You are so full of love and affection.
• I believe blue is your favorite color.  You tend to kiss things that are blue and pick up the blue blocks first.  You point out the blue lights on our Christmas tree.  I could be way off, but it's just an observation of watching you play.  I think I may have "pinked" you out a bit too much, because you tend to not like pink things when given a choice.  I don't think you really "hate" it, but are maybe just tired of seeing it everywhere.  So, I've been buying more color options when shopping for you rather than just getting the pink one.
• You are getting better at talking, you say a few words and are attempting others.  You were trying to bark like a dog the other night when daddy was playing with a dog ornament with you.  It was really cute!
• Which reminds me, you are scared of dogs.  Any type of dog makes you really nervous, even if we are holding you and showing you that the dog is friendly.  The worst thing that's happened to you is a dog licking your toe, but for whatever reason, you do NOT like them and want nothing to do with them.

I often forget just how little you still are.  You are on the go and learning new things each and everyday that it's easy to wrapped up in all the accomplishments and looking for what's next.  But you are still little.  You're still a baby and love your squishy little face and little hands and the excitement you have in everyday life.  I love the sweet snuggles and hand holding you already like to do.  I love that you are small and need us.  You're the biggest you've ever been, but your biggest is still little bitty.  I love you baby girl!  I look forward to each and every day I get to spend with you.  You're my favorite little 10 month old! 

Love forever and always,
Mommy

First time playing with leaves

First time at a pumpkin patch/corn maze

First carosel ride

You and me hanging out

Love those cute gill cheeky's

My happy girl

Your cute Thanksgiving dress

I Hope I Never Forget... 8 Months

Sarah,
Wow!  I can't believe you've been a part of our world for 8 months already!  I look at you sometimes and think, "Where did you come from?"  You're just such a delight to be around.  You've been showing us more and more bits and pieces of your awesome unique personality.  I have to be honest, at this stage in your growth and development I really feel like I can't take my eyes off of you for fear of missing some great big milestone!  So before I forget this crazy time, let's talk about what's been going on with you the past month.  At 8 months old I hope I never forget...

• The go go go!  Oh my goodness little one, you are on the move and giving us a run for our money!  We spent the entire weekend baby proofing the house, because you are going places and exploring every crevice of our house!
• Crawling!  You crawl like a champ!  You started scooting, where you would scoot around on all fours keeping one leg underneath you so you wouldn't pancake out on the floor, but that only lasted about 4 days.  Then you quickly learned that crawling was much more efficient and have been on the go ever since!
• Since we're talking about going places, you are also a pro at pulling up to standing.  Anything that is tall enough that you can get your hands on is fair game for you to pull up on.  You started out with both feet together, but now adjust to a wider stance immediately!  Papa came over and tethered all of our bookcases and tall furniture just to make sure your practicing is safe.  You can also stand for a few seconds unassisted and can side step around objects like the coffee table.  I have a sneaking suspicion that walking is just around the corner!  Oh, and you've started to show signs of being a climber by pulling with your arms and stepping up on objects that you are standing by, like the bottom shelf of a bookcase.
• Your resistance to all forms of napping.  I think you may have a bit of a stubborn streak in you.  (Not surprising with your parents... haha!)  You know when we are trying to put you down and will resist with all your might.  Then sleep for about an 1-1.5 hours when you are asleep.  You're still taking about 3 naps a day. 
• Daddy's Girl.  You are definitely on team daddy most days, although I come in at a close second.  You are just super attached to him at the moment.  You've even cried at Gammy or Grandma's house when you realized he left for work.  But you've never cried when he's left and I'm with you.  So I know you're happy to stay with me.  But, I'm happy you two are so close!
• Your chatty chattiness.  Yes I made up that word.  But you talk to us all the time, usually you rotate between Daddy and Mommy and all forms of those and will throw in some "Baba" too!  And your intonation proves that you are paying attention to conversations around you, and we swear you say "love you" sometimes, even if not it's close and we know what you mean ;).
• Bath time.  Bath time is our special time together every evening.  We have so much fun playing in the water and splashing.  You even really enjoy your naked play time afterwards.  But Lord help me when I go to put your PJ's on... You get so upset every. single. time.  It's so frustrating, but I know it's only because your tired and ready for bed.  We've also started to brush your two little teeth.  You don't like it, but it's getting better.  No new teeth to report.
• You're still a good eater, but don't like new textures or some of the baby food combinations, especially if it's a tart fruit (like raspberry's or peaches).  The only thing you have tried to feed yourself is water from your cup, which you are getting pretty good at with the reminders to tip it up, and a baby mum mum.  And really we just gave you the mum mum today after epic fails with puffs, yogurt melts, rice rusks, real banana etc.  And I'd say your favorite new food of the month is yogurt.  You're really digging the different flavored yogurts. You're least favorite is probably anything with barley in it.
• You love love love books right now!  You especially love books that have a song that goes with the pictures.  Snuggle Puppy, The Wheels on the Bus, There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly..etc.  Once hooked on a book, you want to read it over and over again.  You also know the sign for book.
• Signing. You see and understand most of the signs we've introduced.  You'll do some of the back, but we're starting to expand your vocabulary to include, Drink, Water, Sleep, Stop, Sit, and Music.
• Playtime.  You're getting into a different phase of playtime.  Mostly you want to work on and show off your mad moving skills, but are getting into buttons and cause and effect.  You want to see how to make the music start or button light up.  On that note, you love toys that play music to you.  You are still not that into singing, but love to listen to anything instrumental.  You also still check to see what noise, if any, items make.  You shake, bang, and toss things to hear what noise they make.  You also like for us to build up towers with you blocks for you to knock down.  You don't really have a favorite toy at the moment, although you like your Elmo radio that plays different songs a lot.
• You are definately aware of people and know whether or not you've met them.  In small groups you do great, but in larger groups when everyone wants to hold you, you tend to get overwhelmed and be more clingy.
• You have transitioned from being more attached to your bear to your blanket.  You used to love bear more, but now need blankie often.  But as long as you have either or both, you're ok.
• You are all over your bed at night now.  You sit up and fall forward, you're head can be at either end.  When we check on you at night on the monitor we have to locate you head then figure out how you're laying.  We typically leave you alone, unless you look just completely uncomfortable.  It's quite entertaining actually!

I don't really know what else to say kiddo!  It's so much fun to see your perspective on the world.  You are keeping us on our toes and on the go!  I can't wait to see what this month brings.  I love you so so much sweet girl! 
Love forever and forever,
Mommy

I Hope I Never Forget... 7 Months

Sarah,
7 months baby girl!  7 months!  I can't believe how fast time is flying by.  I just want it to stop sometimes and revel in your small world for awhile.  I love this time in your life, you are figuring out things left and right and are so happy when you add something new to the list of things you can do.  In just the 4 days that I procrastinated writing this, so many new milestones have been reached.  It seems the bigger you get the more joy you bring into our lives.  But I have to keep writing these to remember the unique things your doing at this phase.  So with that, here they are... I hope I never forget...

• Your wiggling!  Oh my goodness girl, you don't stop from the time you wake up until the time you fall asleep.  You turn circles in our arms, literally.  When playing on the floor you roll and scoot and try different theories you come up with to crawl.  You're so stinking close, I have no doubt it will all click into place in the next couple days.
• The love of solid foods you express.  You are now eating two meals a day and we've been trying to get that up to three.  I think the only thing you've flat out refused to eat has been Gerber peas.  We always feed you Earth's Best organic baby food, but we were out one weekend and daddy went out and bought Gerber at the store (They don't sell Earth's best).  Well the tears came fairly quickly along with a rash on your chest.  Needless to say, we won't be feeding you those again.  (Side note: you love the Earth's Best Peas).  But you've loved every other new food you've tried.  And yes, you still have absolutely no desire to feed yourself.
• You love drinking water!  Which is awesome!  Talk about a healthy choice.  You love drinking from your cup.  If we're having dinner and you aren't, you are more than content to sip water until we're finished.  And really you're more than happy to sip water anytime.
• The daddy's girl you've become.  To be honest, I'm a little jealous.  You live and breath for your daddy.  You want his attention if he's around and there may have been a time or two when I was not the one you wanted to comfort you...  But I'm happy that you and daddy have such a strong bond (most of the time...)
• Your cute baby signs!  We're still only been doing the few that we introduced last month.  But you now comprehend most of the signs and will sign back when you want milk and food (all the time!).   I don't think you have the dexterity for diaper yet, but I have a feeling that is the next one on your list to start signing back.
• The love you have for your routine.  We moved last month and had a few rocky days of putting you on a new routine, but now you're so used to it that we actually have a hard time when we change it up.
• On that note, you nap like a pro now.  You take at least three good 1-2 hour naps a day.  You're also trying to move your bedtime up, but I've been resisting that because I know it'll make you rise earlier.  You've gotten pretty insistent so that may be in the cards shortly.  You also love you're night time routine and know when you are tired that when we start it, you're close to sleep and become a lot more tolerant.
• Questioning the concept of sharing.  You haven't been around a lot of babies, but when you are and they play with your toys you get a little stressed out and need constant reassurance that it's okay for the other baby to play with them.  You've never taken a toy away or flat out cried, but you have whimpered and looked at us with that "Are you seeing this? Are you not going to do something?" look.  On that note, you do great in a nursery setting when you know the toys aren't yours.  This only comes into play when it's your toy being played with.
• Reaching for the people you want.  Not only have you started reaching for people you want to hold you, but you will figure out a way to roll and scoot to someone you want attention from and then hug their leg, foot, arm,whatever you can reach for a cuddle.
• Your love of cuddling.  On the rare occasion you aren't wiggling, you want to stop and cuddle.  You love resting your head on whoever's chest is holding you and cooing softly to them.  You also give out baby kisses when your in this mood.  It's so sweet.
• Determination.  You are absolutely determined to figure out how to crawl on your own.  You absolutely do not want our help to figure it out.  If we try, you get mad at us for interfering.  I love this about you!  It may take a little longer, but I know the sense of accomplishment you'll feel at the end!
• You're definitely expressing your opinion more.  You'll let us know when you like something or don't.  We're running into this a lot with items that aren't toys that you are not allowed to play with.  You don't like being turned down.  That'll be fun in a couple years... haha just kidding... kinda...
• I don't think you have a favorite toy or type of toy at the moment.  You like all of the things you've liked before but vary what you want to play with from one playtime to the next.  You do really enjoy your stacker and musical dog though (especially when Haley helps you play songs).  Oh!  and you've become pretty attached to a small pink bear at nap and nighttime.  You don't sleep with it, but you want it when you're falling asleep.
• Your cute baby booty!  Yeah, that may seem a little weird, but I see it all day long during diaper changes.  It seems the second you are layed down for a diaper change I'm staring at booty.  I have to constantly flip you back over.   Sometimes a toy helps, sometimes it doesn't.  You're just on the move.
• Your stiff arm.  Seriously yo.  You have gotten into the habit of pushing your arms and legs against us when we're holding you.  You look like a sideways tee pee.  It's fine most of the time, except when you push on our necks.  We've been working to correct the next pushing.  Ouch!
• You have tremendous balance!  You hardly ever topple, even when it looks like you will.  You can catch yourself every time. You get so excited sometimes that your arms and legs go stiff, usually resulting in you balancing on your butt for a few seconds.  It's quite impressive!
• Spitting.  Yes girly!  You love to blow raspberry's, which is a nice way of saying you spit.  I took you to the mall the other day where you sat in your stroller and spit the whole time.   People kept stopping to say hi and how cute you are and you would look at them and spit.  It was really quite funny!  You also spit when you don't know what to do.  If you're done being tickled, you start spitting.  Don't want to eat anymore?  Spit.  I don't know how it became a catch all, but it did.
• Bouncing and kicking are still a favorite, but you have been taking more interest in the motion of stepping and standing.  You know how to stand, but I think seeing your cousin walking has led to an increase in walking motions.
• Your double cowlicks!  You've had them since birth, but now your hair is long enough that right at your crown, you have a tuft of hair that swirls straight into each other and sticks up.  It's so cute!

Okay, now because it's a few days into 7 month's I'm going to separate these next few, because these have been in the last couple of days and maybe should be on next months... but I really can't wait that long!

• You have two teethy's!!!!  We first noticed them on Friday September 7th, but there is a good chance they broke through on the 6th.  (I didn't check on the 6th)  But you had a rough night Wednesday night.  You tossed and turned and cried out in your sleep a couple of times.  Drove your sister crazy!  But anyway, you have two little teeth on the bottom.  You don't want anyone to see them, but they're there.
• You've said your first official word!  Sure you've been saying "mimi" and "adada" at times, but Wednesday you very clearly said "Mom ma".  I heard it and Haley heard it.  Then you repeated it several times for daddy.  Yay!  Maybe mommy has a shot at rivaling daddy for favorite!  I mean... it's not a competition... You don't have a favorite... Um... ...
• Rocking.  You can get on your hands and knees and rock, but you haven't officially crawled.  You also rock when you're sitting.

Honey, I love you so much!  I am so blessed that you've come into my life.  I can't imagine life being any different.  I'm going to borrow a line from one of your favorite books right now (Snuggle Puppy) "I love what you are and I love what you do"!  I love being your mom.  I love watching you grow and learn.  I love your sweet nature and unique personality.  I just LOVE you kiddo!
Love forever and ever,
Mommy

Yay for bathy's!

First time you had nap hair!

Before your baptism

After you and daddy were baptised

I Hope I Never Forget... 6 Months

Sarah,
Wow!!!  6 months old ~ that's half a year!!!  Growing so big and learning so much!  I really can't believe how fast time is flying by!  This post is a little late because we are in the middle of moving.  This is the last week you will be sharing a room with us, which makes me a little sad.  Also, I'm a little sad at leaving the only home you've ever known... but I think this will be a good thing.  But anyway, I still want to remember these things that are totally you!  So I hope I never forget....

• Your absolute happiness when you wake up!  You've started waking up a little earlier than you have in the past.  But when you decide to get up, you will lay there and talk and sing to yourself for awhile.  It really makes getting up with you so much fun!  Any annoyance that you are awake at the butt crack of dawn instantly goes aways when we see that big smile and excitement you have to see us come get you!
• That you will sleep with your feet straight up in the air.  If you are on your back, your feet are straight up.  We've tried to help you relax by gently pulling your feet and legs down, but you just flex them straight up again.  It's so you!
• Rotating baby!  You turn yourself during the night by 45 degrees.  We always put you down parallel to the sides of your crib, but come morning you are perpendicular.  You also can go in a circle on the floor to get to toys your interesting in playing with. 
• Your love love LOVE of rattles.  You've always liked rattles, but it seems like now you are aware that you are making the noise and just go to town shaking shaking shaking!  You get a little over excited sometimes and hit yourself on the forehead, but you love them.  In fact, you'll pick one to be your favorite of the day and won't put it down for anything!  We have to pry it out of your hands to put you in the car seat or down for a nap.  And even then you want it right back when you wake up or are buckled in.
• Your love of being outdoors.  You still enjoy being outside and taking strolls and have gotten really into pool time.  You love to kick and splash when we go swimming!
• How you are trying to figure out rudamentary talking.  You have started saying "mimi" when you are upset and want me to hold you or comfort you.  And the other day when daddy was taking to you play you got this smug little look on your face and said "adadada" that sounded a lot like you were trying to say daddy.  It's so stinking cute!
• You are now eating solids every day!  Just one meal, but you get cereal and jar of a veggie every day.  We have only introduced one fruit into your diet at this point, which is banana's and you love them!  The jar of banana's was actually the first jar you finished in one sitting. (But that was a couple weeks ago, you're finishing every jar of food we give you now)
• Your love of head wagging.  That sounds wierd, but you love to see me or anyone wag or wiggle their head toward you.  You even like it when we make your stuffed Dumbo do it.  I don't know why you find it funny, but you do!
• Tickling!  You kinda have to be in the right mood, but when you get going you really laugh hard!  You laugh in your deep baby voice, it's so funny!  Also peek a boo has started to entertain you, but not as much as tickling!
• Growing so fast!  We had to change and retire a lot of things this month.  Including your swing, playmat, newborn pacifiers, All 3-6 Month clothing, and we bought your new car seat, even though we haven't quite started using it yet.  Your just growing so big and your needs are changing!
• Reading to you!  You have started to like being read to.  You like to sit in my lap and look at the pictures and help turn the pages.  I'm pretty sure you know the word book already, because the other day I was getting another book to look at, and when I said the word, you dropped the toy you were playing with and picked up a book.  Smart girl!
• Beginning baby sign!  We have started introducing baby sign to you.  We are starting out small with the basics.  Here's a list of the ones we use:  Milk, Diaper, All Done, Eat, Bath, Book, Ball, Bird, and Bunny. (We have a bird and a bunny, so those aren't totally random)
• Exploring new textures.  You are really getting into new textures and realize when it's something you haven't felt before.  We have a touch and feel book, but you're not really into that yet.  You more go for different cloth types, towel, tableclothes, satin/silk, cotton etc. And then different plastics, smooth bumpy etc.  Plush toys vs. plastic toys that type of thing.
• How you hold you hand out when I'm walking.  You put your little hand out just hoping to brush by something.  Like the lamp shade or wall or anything that's along our path.  You look at your hand a little dejectedly if you didn't get to touch anything.
• Reaching for things you want.  You can now lock onto something you want and reach for it.  You haven't really started reaching for people.  But you definately lounge and grab for toys or boxes or whatever you want to hold and look at.  Including our food, so plates and things have to be kept out of reach.
• Your jazzy style.  Seriously kiddo, you are into jazz music.  We have one station in Nashville that plays jazz music with any regularity, but it is the ONLY thing you want to hear in the car.  I've tried switching it off after your calm, but you instantly start whining again.  And Lord help us if that station is doing a news update or isn't playing jazz for whatever reason,  I guess I should get some jazz on my phone for those occasions.  I just don't know anything about this genre...
• Um your lack of interest in feeding yourself.  You will put toys and other things in your mouth.  (Typical baby thing) But when it comes to food, you haven't shown any interest in feeding yourself.  You are happy just having us spoon it into your mouth.  Oh! and when you want more of something you hum loudly until you see it coming.  We're trying to curb this, but that is currently your cue to us that we aren't feeding you fast enough.
• Your hurt baby face when you feel you are being slighted.  It's getting harder to have a meal around you because you genuienly feel cheated if you can't eat what we're eating.  Mainly ice cream or meat.  You have no teeth honey, and it's not time for dairy, I'm sorry!!!
• The big sitting girl you are!  You topple very very little, and usually it's because that's what you meant to do or the toy you are reaching for it just out of reach.  You are also a pro at rolling belly to back and seem to be working on how to get yourself to the sitting position.  You still seem to want to crunch into sitting, but have started to realize it may be easier to push yourself up.
• You're still my little bouncing baby.  You like to be in your bouncer, but when you're not you'll bounce yourself on the lap of whoever is holding you.
• Your facination with hair.  You are really gently with it, but you coo softly when you get to touch it and will run your tiny hands through the strands.  It's really sweet.
• Kicking, I know I say this every month, but you kick as if it's the only thing in the world worth doing.  It's just "you".  You kick when you sit, you kick when you lay down, you kick when you're being held or carried, you kick constantly.  It's actually started to hurt because you kick the same place over and over and over again.  We have to move you or put a pillow in between because your legs are st-rong!
• You are now wearing 6-9 Month clothing and size 3 diaper.  We put you back into Pampers swaddlers because I just don't like the cruisers yet.  I'll probably start using crusiers when you are creeping or crawling.  So far, you have't shown any interest in doing those things yet, but it may just be because you haven't realized that you're able to.

Mainly little one, I hope I never forget what a sweet and happy baby you are.  You get the biggest happiest smile on your face when you see me after work, you also have that smile when I get up with you in the morning because usually it's daddy when I'm working.  I love watching you grow and explore and seeing the ways you're coming up with communicating.  I love playing with you and teaching you new things.  But, you don't like for me to push you into learning something new.  If I try to really get you to do something you won't.  But if I show you when you're trying to do it or show it to you a couple of times spaced out you'll do it on your own.  I think you just like to do things in your time and I'm completely fine with that.  I love that we're starting to see your personality and I can't wait to see what this month brings!  I love you little tiny one!  You light up my life!
Love forever and always!
Momma



I'm 6 months old!!

I Hope I Never Forget... 5 Months

Sarah,
You were 5 months old yesterday!  I can't believe how fast time is flying!  You have changed so much this month!  I hope I never forget:

• The back to belly rolling fanatic you've become.  You've rolled over before, but it seems like this past weekend you really wanted to show off your new skills by rolling over back to belly over and over again.
• The way you finally tolerate tummy time.  I think the fact that you put yourself on your belly has something to do with this ;-)
• Your hand control is so much better!  You are reaching for things that catch your attention and are usually able to pick up and hold whatever it is.  You've also been practicing passing object back and forth between you little hands and are getting pretty good.
• Your facination with grown up food.  You watch intently when daddy or I are eating and will reach for the food yourself.
• How good you are gettting at eating off a spoon.  We've only given you cereal once a week up until now.  But yesterday, for your 5 month birthday, you tried squash and you really loved it!!
• The way you are trying so hard to hold your own bottle.  You don't quite have it down yet, but you sure are trying.  You haven't figured out how gravity works.  Also, once you see that bottle you get upset if we don't give it to you immediately!
• How you can take out and put in your pacifier in all by yourself now!
• Your love of toys with squeakers in them!
• The way you love your daddy.  The past couple of days you have been head over heels in love with daddy.  If he's in the room, you want his attention.  You were bouncing in your jumperoo yesterday and even though I was sitting on the floor right next to you, you would stop bouncing look at daddy and stick that little lip out until he came over and watched you bouncing.  So cute!  You also like to tell him stories at night before bedtime.
• Your fascination with faces right now.  You love to look at faces and grab cheeks or lips.
• That you keep us guessing with sleep routines.  You've figured out how we put you to bed, but the past few nights you've wanted to stay up late and have some "me time".  Meaning you want us to lay you down on the couch beside us and talk to yourself or the couch for a bit.
• How you still wake up happy.  If you wake up crying, it's because you aren't ready to be up yet.
• How much you love your jumperoo!  You will bounce in that thing until you fall asleep, literally.  I have to pull you out while you're still bouncing because your eyelids just can't stay open!
• That you are growing by leaps and bounds!  We put the last of your size 2 diapers on you yesterday.  Now you are wearing a size 3 Pampers cruiser.  You can still wear most of your 3-6 month clothes, but we are transitioning you to 6-9 month sleepers because of your long length.  Although, some of your 3-6 month onsies are getting a little short, so you may be in 6-9 month before long.
• You now tolerate car rides a lot better.  You still need your pacifier, and sometimes a hand.  But overall you are a lot happier in the car than you have been in the past.
• The "mmm" sound you make when you are crying and want me to pick you up.  I think you're trying to say "momma" but you will always make that sound when you want me.
• How close you are to sitting all by yourself.  You love to sit in my lap to play or read.  You are really good at the tripod, and are getting good at sitting straight up.  You last a few seconds before leaning to one side.  When you do topple, you tend to end up on your belly.
• The way you splash.  We've taken you to the pool a couple of times where you learned to kick your legs, so now bath time is messy with you kicking all the water out of your bath.
• Your hair is getting darker and we're having to give you baths more frequently because it is so dang hot in the summer which leads to more sweating.  We can usually tell if you need a bath by your hair color.  (It's a lot lighter after bath time!)
• Your love of jazz music.  We have recently learned that you love to listen to music that has scatting in it.  You smile really big when you hear upbeat scat/swing/jazz songs.  Your current favorite is "I Wanna Be Like You" from Jungle Book.
• You still love to be outside and are happy with an evening stroll either in your stroller or the carrier.  You love feeling the sun on your skin and a breeze through your hair.  But it's getting so hot that we have to wait until evening to take you out.
• You love to babble and coo, especially at pictures or patterns on shirts, but you let your voice be known in conversation.  It's such a sweet sound.
• You still love your swing, but you prefer it before nap time as a quite down activity.  You won't fall asleep in the swing, but you will hug your bear and enjoy the motion.  Poor swing is having a hard time swinging you though, so usually I push you in it instead.  I think you'll be too big for it soon.
• Your happiness.  You are a genuinely happy girl and enjoy smiling and laughing and talking to everyone around you.  Your love of life is very apparent!

I just can't believe how big you are getting.  I have a sneaking suspicion that you will outgrow a lot things this month.  But we will see!  I love how much you are growing and how smart you're becoming.  You really are taking on the world around with gumption.  I love you little girl!  I can't wait to see what you discover this month!  Love forever and always,  Momma

I didn't take a lot of pictures of you this month, but here are the few that I got.  I'm also going to put the video of you rolling over from this weekend at the end.

Yummy feet to chew on!

First lick on a banana

I like to grab the burp cloth off your shoulder to play with it

Pretty in pink

I'm 5 month's old (This is what I get when I ask Mike for pictures ~ haha!)

I hope I never forget... 4 Months

You are 4 months old now!  Such changes have happened in the past month! Here are some of the things I hope I never forget...

• The discovery of voice.  You've been cooing and making noises for a long time now, but recently you've figured out that you are making the noise.  It's so much fun to hear your vocal experiments.  Also, you've started saying consonates.  I've heard a few "M" sounds, so maybe momma will be your first word...
• How much you LOVE toys with squeakers in them.  Seriously kiddo, you love the squeaker noise.  I don't know if it's because you think your toys are talking to you or if it's just the noise, but you heart them!
• The thrill you get out of your swing.  Gone are the day when you would nap in your swing, but since we've sat the seat up and rotated it to move in a more traditional swing motion, you love swinging and playing.
• The way you want someone/anyone to watch you play.  You're so social little one!  You can be happy playing just about anywhere as long as someone is watching you and talking to you.  Although, sometimes mommy can get a couple of minutes when you talk to your mobiles.  (Which you still love!)
• The way you're sleeping like a big baby in your crib all night long.  It's like you were waiting for your crib.  You knew almost instantly that it was your bed and have been happy to sleep there ever since.
• Your drooling up a storm.  We thought you might be teething, but the doctor told us you weren't... It's cute mostly, but you can soak an outfit, burp cloth, or shoulder in no time!
• Drive by cuddles.  Yes, little smarty, you've figured out how we put you to sleep and have been resistant to sleep a couple of times.  You still want to cuddle, but hate to miss anything, which results in drive by cuddling.  You put your head in for a few minutes them pop it up suddenly.
• How early your bedtime has shifted.  You are no longer a night owl.  Bedtime happens between 9-9:30 (I'm sure earlier if mommy could get it together and get you home sooner to get ready).  You've also stopped napping good (you only sleep for 45 min. at a time), but we're trying to get that back on track.
• Your sweet smile.  You no longer rest or sleep in crowds.  You can't nap until you've smiled at everyone in the room or area.  I have to separate you from crowds so you'll settle for a nap.  My little socialite!
• How much you love being outdoors.  You love to sit on the big swing at Gammy's house.  In fact, you'll usually stay out there until you nod off to sleep.  You love looking at trees and feeling the breeze.  An outdoorsy stroll is right up your alley.
• The way you need to hold my hand in the car.  You hate car rides, but are able to tolerate them with your pacifier and my hand.  I love feeling your sweet hands holding mine.
• The way you still love to kick your little legs all the time.  You're so muscular already!  We dream about what you'll do with those kicks... Soccer? Dance? Karate? Track and Field? Maybe nothing? Time will tell...
• The way you still fit into 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers.  You're a little too long for some of the 3-6 month sleepers (the brands that run small) but in those brands you can still wear the onsies and shorts/pants/skirts.
• Your cute little hands.  You've gotten pretty good control over your hands now, but still have a hard time getting things into your mouth, which you are inevitably trying to do now.  You also like to bring your hands together and look at them.
• Your cute little feet.  You've been grabbing your feet more often and are tickled pink if we kiss your toes when you show them to us.
• How you hate tummy time still.  I honestly don't think you're going to get over this anytime soon.  I think you'll learn to crawl from the sitting position.  You throw a temper tanturm after every tummy session and are mad for awhile (and will tell everyone about it).
• How good you are at standing.  The doctor said you stand like a 6 month old!
• That you still wake up happy.  You usually take a minute or two to yourself before letting us know you're awake, but you always have a sweet smile for us when we come get you!
• Your facination with the world around you.  You no longer get overwhelmed by everything.  In fact, you love looking at everything and meeting new people.

But mostly, baby girl, I hope I remember to slow down and enjoy life with you.  I'm not a picture taker, but I try to remember to get some first moments...  I'm incredibly proud of you and love you with all me heart!!

~Mommy

Here are some photo's of you this past month:

First Pool Experience

First time at Zoo, you met a dinosaur!

You enjoying your swing after breakfast



You and Daddy at Mommy's Company Picnic



Sweet baby crying, See?  You're still cute!

I'm 4 Months Old! (Don't mind the spit-up)