18 Months (+1 Week)

AveryAnn turned 18 months old on the 22nd but because I can't get my life together she didn't go for her doctors appointment until today.  This time last year we were going to the lactation meetings to figure out why she wasn't gaining weight.  That seriously feels like last month not last year.

• You weigh 26.2lbs
• You're 31" tall. 
• Eating is hit or miss.  Sometimes you can't get enough of whatever we're eating sometimes you will not eat anything.
• You're wearing 18 month clothes and size 5 diapers.
• Shoes are size 5 and 6 (except your sandals that are a size 3 that I'm still cramming your feet into.)
• Your vocabulary grows daily.  
• Your favorite words are "Daddy" and "Baby"
• You sleep 7-7 most every night. 
• You want whatever your brother has and you want to do whatever he is doing.

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Fun Uncle Patrick came by to visit this afternoon and you were so fussy.  He picked you up and you fell right to sleep.  It was pretty sweet

Also in the last week or two you're so excited about your babies.  You say "bay-bee"  so southern and drawn out and I can't hear it enough.  It is the sweetest.  I can't wait to take you to the American Girl store when you're a little older.

You are so much fun, most of the time and you keep us laughing.  You've recently gotten into wearing things.  Hats, sunglasses, headphones, necklaces.  Anything you can put on yourself is fair game. 

If I pick Barrett up, you're at my feet in no time with those little arms above your head for me to pick you up too.  So I end up holding you both a lot of the time.  I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to hold you both. 

This was the day of the Solar Eclipse.  We had so much fun, you just enjoyed running up and down the driveway at the office. 

One of the cutest things you do right now is sing "Happy Birthday".  You sing it all the time.  (except you know, when we want you to).  One Friday we stopped to get donuts and when I got you out of the car you said "Happy day"  I laughed and laughed because it was so funny that you said it at the donut place.  Well, "Happy Day" turned into the birthday song over time and now you sing it about a dozen times a day.

We are all so crazy about you.  Some days I'm so sad that there's not much baby left but watching you grow and learn takes the sting away a little.  You're still very cuddly and I hope that never changes.  I can't believe how quickly the last 18 months have passed but I can't wait to see what the next 18 months look like!  We love you to the moon and back!

15 Months

AveryAnn is 15 months old.  I can't even believe it!  She has changed so much the past few months.  She's busy and loud and adorable and we love her so very much!

We got a great report at her check up.

• You weigh 24lbs 2oz. 
• You're measuring 29.5" tall.
• You're healthy and you'd never guess this time last year we were worried about you gaining weight.  
• You wear mostly 18 month clothes.
• Size 3 shoes although you rarely wear them.
• Size 5 diapers and we're still going through 5-6 a day. 

• You are eating three meals a day, you are very picky.  You prefer carbs.  You will eat chicken sometimes.  You're not a huge fan of fruits or vegetables.  We're not giving up though.
• You love your milk and drink 24-30oz a day.  You also stole a sip of my sweet tea and really enjoyed it.  Now you try to drink anything I'm drinking out of a straw because you think it's sweet tea.
• You're still a thumb sucker.
• You're hair is light and wild.  It's coming in like crazy but it's still wild.
• You have 8 teeth. 

• You're still a great sleeper.  You sleep 12 hours at night.  You will sleep late in the morning to get your 12 hours.
• You're transitioning to one nap.  If we're at home you'll sleep for 3 hours.  At work you only sleep for an hour. 
• You're cruising around all the furniture.  You're taking a few steps here and there.  While we were at the lake for Memorial Day you took about 8 steps, several different times but you still would rather crawl everywhere.  I feel like in about a month you'll be walking full time.
• You wave "bye bye" all the time.
• You've said "mama", "dada", "Bubba", "Uh-Oh", "Hey", "doggie" and "ball" but the only ones you say consistently are "uh-oh" and "hey".   

You are so sweet.  If I tell people you've been fussy they just laugh at me because that usually means you whined for just a minute and then you were over it.  You think your brother hung the moon.  I hope you always love each other.  He can make you laugh like no one else.  I love getting to be your mommy so much!  I can't believe how fast you're growing and changing. So often I find myself caught between wanting to freeze time and waiting eagerly for your next milestone.  You are such a joy!

Twelve Months

We're so excited to celebrate our girl today!  It's been 12 months, 52 weeks and 366 days since you joined our family.  To be honest, it feels like yesterday that I first laid eyes on you and heard your sweet cry.

You have brought us all so much joy!  You wake up smiling and are a joy until your head hits the pillow at the end of the day.  We're all just smitten with you.   

Your first year has been so exciting, fun and exhausting.

• You weigh 20lbs 3oz.
• You're 27.5" tall.
• Size 4 diapers.  You're still going through 5-6 a day.
• Mostly 12 month clothes.  You got some cute 18m things for your birthday that are a little big but you can still wear them.

• You're still a fantastic sleeper!  You go down around 6:30 and sleep until 7:00 the next morning.  You put yourself to sleep so easily.  I don't take this for granted at all.  You really are a dream baby.
• You still take 2 naps most days.  Usually around 10:00 in the morning for about and hour and then again around 2:00.  It's probably time to transition to one nap but I'm not good at it.

(I love this picture of Barrett trying to get you to smile.)

• You're done nursing.  We lasted longer than I thought we would.  You take 4-5 bottles everyday.  We're trying to transition to whole milk and it's going pretty good as long as its in a bottle.
• You eat whatever we're eating 3 meals a day.  You love to eat.
• You started pulling up to stand this week.  You're so proud when you do it.  I think you'll walk earlier than your brother but probably not anytime soon.
• You got 3 new teeth this month.

• We got to go see Dr Farr again this month for another sick visit.  Your ears didn't clear up like they were supposed to.  We'll get them rechecked Friday and your checkup.
• You love to laugh and laugh all the time.  Barrett gets you laughing the hardest. 
• Your hair is still wild and lightening up.  You're getting better about keeping a bow in it. 

• You love being outside!  You got a new swing for your birthday and you love it.
• You also love Ally and try to grab her anytime she's within reach.  She puts up with it because you also share your snacks with her.
• You love "Donut Friday" at work too! 

I know I've said it a dozen times but you really are such a joy.  I never thought I could love another kid as much as I love your brother but somehow I do.  I love that I get to have a daughter, a friend for life.  I know the day will come when you think I'm not very smart or just trying to ruin your life but I also look forward to the day that you'll call me and say "I really want these pretty cupcakes but I don't want to pay for them" and I'll be able to say "I think I can make them".  I'll probably have to go buy them because chances are I won't be able to actually make them but I know you won't care. 

Eleven Months

AveryAnn, you are eleven months old.  We're only 30 days away from your first birthday.  I'm filled with emotion about it.  Both happy and sad.  You are just the sweetest little Mama's girl and I love seeing your little personality develop but I also miss rocking that tiny newborn that never slept. 

• You weigh around 19lbs
• Around 27"
• You're still wearing size 3 diapers, you should already be in 4's but we're trying to use the rest of this box.
• Mostly 9m-12m clothes.

• You are a really good sleeper.  You sleep 12-13 hours at night.  You're so happy when you wake up, you will talk to and laugh until I come and get you.  It's really sweet.
• You still need 2 naps a day and some days you get them and some you don't. 
• We're almost completely done nursing.  You still nurse in the morning and at night but you get formula during the day.  You got too distracted and wouldn't nurse long enough to get what needed.
• You're eating table food 3 times a day.  You like everything we put in front of you.  Carbs are your favorite and you probably get way to much sugar but you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables too.

• You're crawling anywhere you want to go. Except when we're outside, you will not get off the blanket.  You just sit and smile and laugh at us while we're running around chasing Barrett.
• As you can see above, you're trying so hard to pull up.  You'll get on your knees and you can get one foot under you.  It won't be long.  I think we're still a ways away from walking though.
• 2 more teeth came in this week for a grand total of 4.

• We had our first sick visit to this month.  You had a runny nose and were a little fussy over the holidays but I thought it was probably just your schedule being all off. Nope.  Both ears were infected.  Dr. Farr said "both her ears are infected, but she sure is happy".  You took your medicine like a champ everyday.

• You're hair is still wild.  You do not love wearing a bow.  You'll usually keep a headband on but not a clip in bow.
• You love to laugh.  You laugh all the time.  You think your brother is the funniest.

You are such a joy.  I know I say it every month but it's just the truth. If I had to choose one word to describe you it would be joy.  I feel like everyone just smiles when you're around.  I still can't believe you're eleven months old.  It seems like yesterday they placed you in my arms and I blinked and you're nearly a year old.  We love you so much!

10 Months

I can't believe you are ten months old.  Time is flying by and you are changing everyday! This month has been fun.  I feel like you've grown and changed a lot this month. You were not excited for pictures this month.

• Weight (I'll have to weigh you at work Monday)
• Height (same)
• I suspect you've grown a good bit because your clothes are getting snug.
• You're wearing mostly 9m and 12m clothes a few 6m things too.
• Size 3 diapers and you're still going through 5-6 a day.
• You've been sleeping 13 hours at night.  I usually put you down around 6:30 and you sleep until 7:30.  If we don't have anywhere to be you'll sleep until 8:00. 
• I think you're trying to transition to one nap a day and you're just not ready.  You usually take one good nap and one quick nap every day.
• Biggest milestone this week is you are finally crawling!!!  You haven't realized that you can go anywhere you want yet and still only crawl when there's something to crawl to.
• Your still nurse 4-5 times a day.  It's getting harder because you don't want to miss anything.  Every now and then you get a bottle.
• You eat table food at least once a day.  I should probably be feeding you more table food but I haven't. 
• No new teeth but your attitude lately makes me think there are more on the way.
• Hair is lightening up and eyes are still blue.

We're so excited to celebrate your first Christmas this weekend and then before we know it you'll be a whole year old.  I can't believe how incredibly fast this year has passed.  You are such a joy to us and we can't imagine our lives without you.  You were not in the mood to have your picture made but this is rare for you.  You're usually so easy going and smiling.  We love you so much!

9 Months

Nine months old.  I know I say it every month but I just can't believe how fast this year is flying by.  I feel like you do something new every day.  You've definitely found your voice and aren't afraid to use it.  You love to laugh and it's the sweetest sound in the world.

• You weighed 16lbs 12oz at your checkup today.  Still in the 5th percentile for height and weight but Dr. Farr is happy with your progress.
• You are 25.5" long.  They had to measure you twice because you haven't grown much. 
• Still wearing a range of sizes.  Most of your pajamas are 6-9m.  I'm mostly buying 12m but you can still wear 6m. 
• Size 3 diapers.  You wear 5-6 a day.

• You sleep 12 hours at night.  Usually 7:00-7:00.  You have always been a great sleeper.  I just lay you in your crib and you go right to sleep.  But you also don't mind being rocked or held which is nice too.  You are so snuggly and I love it. 
• Still taking two naps most days.  One around 9:00 in the morning and the other around 1:00 in the afternoon.
• You're still not crawling but you're so close.  I feel like you'll be everywhere by Christmas.
• You're trying to pull up on the side of the pack and play.  I'm still using the bassinet part because you like being able to see out but I'm going to have to move it down soon so you don't fall out.

• You're still nursing really well.  We try to get in 5 times a day but sometimes it's only 4.  You don't seem to mind.  You usually nurse for 15-20 minutes every 3 hours.  You will also take a bottle of formula with no problem.  You aren't picky. 
• You're eating table food at least once everyday.  You want whatever we're eating now that you know what it's all about.  I can't even remember what all you've had this month. You had spaghetti for the first time tonight and it was a mess and you loved it.
• You still suck your thumb and I'm sure I'll hate it soon enough but right now I think it's adorable. 

• You got two teeth this month.  Both on the bottom and you are so proud of them.
• Your hair is thinning and lightening up.
• Eyes are still blue. 
• You've said "Mama" a few times.  You won't say anything on command these days. 
• You started clapping you hands and it's so cute.

We are so excited about the holidays this year.  You and your brother just make everything more magical.  You are already so excited about the Christmas tree and all the lights.  You are the easiest baby ever.  So laid back.  You were fussy the week your two teeth came in but other than that you usually sit and entertain yourself.  You smile all the time and I can't get enough of it.  We love to take turns making you laugh and smile.  You're so smitten with your brother and he can almost always make you smile.  It's so special.  Happy nine months baby girl! We can't imagine life without you.

Eight Months

EIGHT MONTHS!!

I'm a few days late but you're eight months old.  We've had so much fun this month!  You are quite the chatterbox these days.  You seem to always have something to say.

• You weigh 16.6lbs according to the shipping scale at work.  You've been slowly gaining and we're so thankful.
• My best attempt to measure you puts you at around 26". 
• You're wearing a wide variety of sizes these days.  Mostly 6-12m clothes.  But you've still got some 3-6 things you're wearing.  Most everything I've ordered for Fall and Winter is 12 month so it's a little big but we're making it work.
• Still in size 3 diapers.  You go through 5-6 a day.

• Sleep 10-12 hours at night.  You've been fighting going to sleep at night lately, I'm really hoping it's short lived.
• You usually take two good naps each day.  One in the morning for around an hour and one in the afternoon for 1-2 hours.  I think you'd sleep longer if we were at home.  Sometimes you sneak in a little cat nap in the evening.
• You aren't crawling yet but you're getting around.  You will roll and roll to get across the room and then you push yourself backwards across the hardwoods.  You usually end up stuck under something.

• You still nurse pretty well.  You get distracted more easily.  You still nurse 4-5 times a day.
• You usually get one bottle of formula a day just to make sure you're getting enough.
• You eat food for dinner.  So far you've had apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, French fries waffles and cake.  You're doing great and love feeding your self.  We started with puree's but you're also just eating table food too.

• You still suck your thumb and it's still so cute to me.
• You're hair is turning lighter.  It's falling out and I thought it was getting so thin but I think it's just getting lighter.  It's laying down now too.
• You're eyes are still blue.

• You said "Dada" just as plain as day.  She only says it when prompted but I really think she knows it's Patrick.  Anytime anyone says it she starts looking around for him.  It's so sweet and of course Patrick was just smitten.
• Your laugh is absolutely contagious.  It is the sweetest sound in the world.
• Our park got some new swings where you sit in a swing facing an adult swing and you love it.  Barrett loves swinging with you and its the cutest.

I can't believe how quickly eight months have passed since you joined our family.  You are growing and changing every day it seems.  It's all too fast.  I want to bottle up this age because you are just so much fun.  You love Barrett so much and laugh and laugh at him.  He loves you so much too.  I love that y'all have each other.  I hope y'all are always friends and really love each other.  We are so looking forward to the holidays and all the fun things that brings.  We love you so much baby girl! 

5 Months

Five months old.  We're just cruising right along, the months just flying by.  I know the last half of the year will fly by and you'll be a year old before we know it.  I remember feeling the same guilt around this time with Barrett, that I didn't hold you enough and I regretted that I blinked and you are no longer a newborn.  This time around I've had the added guilt of trying to split my time between you and your brother.  I've said all along that splitting my time is the hardest thing about having two kids (well, that and getting everyone in and out of the car.)  Luckily you just go with the flow and don't seem to mind.  You get lots of cuddles too.  I've started letting myself just relax when we get home from work and I just hold you.  You usually take a nap but sometimes you don't.  I love that time of day.  You are the sweetest baby.  I know I say that every month but you really are.  You love your brother so much, you smile and laugh at him and your dad all the time.  You are definitely a Mama's girl and I'm perfectly okay with that!

• You weighed 14.8llbs on the shipping scale at work.  You've haven't grown much this month and now I'm worried that all the clothes I've bought for Fall and Winter are going to be to big.
• You are 26" long counting your hair.  This is not entirely accurate but it was the best I could get. 
• You're still wearing size 6 months sleepers and 6 month dressy outfits.  We still wear the occasional 3-6 outfit (usually two pieces) and even a few 9m.
• Size 3 diapers and you go through 5-6 per day. 

• You sleep 12 hours at night in your crib!  It is amazing.  I was looking at Barrett's baby book and I don't think he did this until 7 or 8 months.  You are a champion sleeper.
• You usually take a 1.5 hour nap in the morning and again in the afternoon and then another little cap nap before dinner. You usually just put yourself to sleep where ever you are.
• You've been a little fussier at night when I try to put you down but most of the time we are able to just lay you in your crib and you go to sleep.
• In the morning when you wake up you make the sweetest sounds and you're always so happy to see me.

• You are still only taking breast milk.
• We'll start food next month probably unless we think you're ready sooner.  Right now you don't seem interested.
• You nurse every 4 hours for 15-20 minutes.  You take 5-6 ounces when you take a bottle.

• You're rolling back to front.  You started that the day after you turned four months.
• You like sitting up in your bumbo seat. 
• You still very much suck your thumb and like your bunny.
• You are squealing and talking more and more.  You love interacting with us.
• Your smile is the best.  You will smile with your whole body sometimes.
• You also are starting to really belly laugh. You've only done it a few times but it is the best.

• We celebrated your first 4th of July and you loved the fireworks. 
• Your hair is still dark and as you can see wild. 
• Your eyes are still blue.

You have been such a joy to all of us.  Its so hard not to smile when you're around.  I find myself wanting to freeze time and daydreaming about the future all at the same time. You are just so sweet and happy.  We love you so much!

Four Months

Baby girl, today you're four months old!  You are the easiest, happiest baby in the world.  I'm sure of it.  I might be a bit biased but you are a really easy, happy baby.  You are almost always smiling or "talking". If you're not smiling you're sleeping.  You put yourself to sleep almost anywhere.  You fuss a minute but then you're snoozing. We are all just head over heels for you!

• You weighed 14lbs 8 oz at the doctor this week. (65th percentile) I think your weight gain has slowed down some.
• You were 24.5 inches long (25th percentile)
• Your head circumference was 16.5 inches.
• You're wearing 3-6, 6 and some 9 month clothes.
• Size 3 diaper

• You eat every 4 hours for 15-20 minutes.  You've put yourself on a pretty good schedule.  You usually eat around 7:30, 11:30, 3:30 and 6:30.
• You take around 5oz in a bottle when you take one.
• You're sleeping 12 hours at night.  We usually put you in your bed around 7:00 and you go right to sleep. 
• You started sleeping in your crib this month.  You've done great. 

• Your hair is still dark and wild. It will lay down after your bath but I wouldn't call it flat.
• Your eyes are still blue.  I think they're going to change but I really hope not.
• You're getting better at tummy time.  You would much rather be on your back.
• You're not rolling yet but you're so close to rolling back to tummy.

• You still love your bunny and you've added your elephant to the mix too. 
• You like to sit up more than lay down these days.  I think you'll be sitting on your own soon.  I think that was my favorite stage with Barrett.
• You suck your thumb to go to sleep.  It so sweet.
• You found your feet this month and you're always reaching for them.
• You went on your first vacation this month.  We went to the beach and stayed with Tony & Carla.  You did so great traveling and on the beach.  We can't wait to take you and your brother on the big vacation we've got planned for the fall.

AveryAnn,

We're all pretty crazy about you baby!  You are the perfect addition to our family!  The time is just flying by.  I love seeing you grow and grow.  I love dressing you up every day.  You're like my real, live baby doll.  You are just a joy to be around each day.  You do so great at work.  You play and nap and pretty much entertain yourself.  I'm sad sometimes that your newborn days are long gone but then your smile or try to sit up and I'm quickly reminded that there is still so much fun to be had together. 

Love you baby girl!

3 months

Three months, one-fourth of a year in the books.  To say time is flying would be an understatement.   You have a brought us so much joy this month.  Your smile lights up a room and we just can't get enough of it. We thought your brother was a laid back, easy baby but you, you are so easy.  Don't get me wrong, you still fuss some if you're tired or hungry but for the most part you are so smiley and content.

• You weigh around 15lbs.  It's not entirely accurate since I weighed you on the shipping scale at work.
• You're around 24" long.  Again not entirely accurate since I did it myself.
• You're wearing 3-6 month and 6 month clothes.
• Size 2 diaper

• You eat every 4 hours for 15-20 minutes.
• You take 5 oz when you take a bottle.  You usually only get a bottle on Sundays at church.
• You sleep 8-10 hours at night.  Which is amazing!  You usually eat around 9:00 and I put you down and you sleep until 6:00 or 7:00.  Sometimes you'll wake up around 5:00 but not very often.

• Your hair is still dark and wild.  It is starting to lay down a little when I brush it flat after your bath.
• Your eyes are still blue.  I hope they stay blue like your daddy's.
• You still don't enjoy tummy time but your brother usually gets down there with you so it's not so bad.

• You love your bunny lovie. 
• You sometimes take a paci to go to sleep.
• You smile all the time.  It is truly contagious.  You hear Barrett's voice and you will nearly break your neck to try to see him.  It's adorable.
• We celebrated your baptism this month too.  It was so special to see how loved you are.  So many family and friends came to celebrate with us.  You did so good and looked beautiful in your gown.  I hope one day you'll have a daughter of your own to pass it along to.
• You went to the lake for the first time!  I'm looking forward to all the memories we'll make there.

AveryAnn,

My sweet daughter, you might never know just how much we love you.  Hopefully one day you'll have a son or daughter and then you will know just how much we love you and your brother.  You are truly a delight.  We love watching you grow and change.  Time can be such a cruel thing.  I love all the new things you do but I know from experience that all too soon you'll be a toddler needing me less and less.  I'm trying to soak up every first.  You might be my last chance at all these firsts so I don't want to take anything for granted. I hope you always know how loved you are. 

Love you baby girl,

Mom