The girls' school is closed this week, and Ryan has had to work most of the week, so the girls and I have had some fun adventures. Today, we went to Sky Zone, and the girls had a blast.
Showing posts with label Natalie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natalie. Show all posts
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
We Have a Walker!!
At 13 months and 10 days old (on her cousin Andrew's due date), Natalie decided to show us her moves, and I was able to catch it on video. She was walking to me and Caitlin in this video. I love how happy she is at the end!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Natalie - Ten Months
Natalie was 10 months old on April 12, 2014.
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, putting everything in your mouth that you can find, pulling Caitlin's hair, playing with Caitlin
Dislikes: Getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Army crawling
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Separation anxiety was definitely in effect this month.
Sleep: You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 7 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You sleep on your belly all the time. As soon as I lay you down, you reach for your lovey, and we also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep. Sleep has gotten better this month, except for our trip to FL (see below).
Temperament/Personality: You are seriously the happiest baby when you're not teething or over tired or hungry. You are always smiling, talking, screeching, etc. You babble all the time, and I'm still patiently waiting for you to say "mama".
Eating: Nursing is still going well. You usually nurse about 5 times a day. You are still eating solids well, and we are now doing 3 meals a day. You tend to prefer finger foods over purees, and you definitely like meat, specifically grilled chicken, ground turkey, black beans, turkey meatloaf and pulled pork, but you typically try anything that we put in front of you, including a lemon while we were on vacation (you didn't exactly love it).
The Superficial: Your hair is mostly brown (as opposed to dark brown/black when you were born), and there is a ton of it. Your eyes are dark - I guess they are finally turning brown. You are still wearing 9 month clothes and the rolls are still there. You are wearing size 2 diapers. You had a productive month as far as teeth go, and you are now up to 6, 4 on the bottom, 2 on top.
Developmental Milestones: You love looking at yourself in the mirror. Not really developmental, but you went swimming this month and loved it. We moved you up to the convertible car seat - I think we actually did this during 9 months, but I forgot to include it. You look knocking down towers that we build for you. We broke out the walker this month, and you can only go backwards. You also love taking things out of containers as fast as you can. It seems like it annoys your toys to have anything in them - ie. the cookie jar or the piggy bank. You also started intentionally rolling from your belly to your back this month. You think it is the funniest thing. You also are really starting to find things funny, laughing at most of our attempts to make you laugh.
Out and About: You took your first plane ride when we went to Clearwater, FL for a week with the Mooneys. You did great on the plane, sleeping most of the way both flights. You also got to try bagel for the first time and loved gnawing on it. You did pretty well during the week in FL and being in an unfamiliar place. You did not sleep well at night, but otherwise, you did pretty well. You took all naps in the stroller, most of the time by the pool or on a walk with me. I got lots of exercise (probably more than I ever have on vacation) because of this. Totally worth it.
Big and Little Sister:
Caitlin:
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but Caitlin was getting bottles exclusively. At this point, I think Caitlin was still mostly on purees, but Natalie has gotten a lot more of "normal" food and stuff that we are eating. There are things that Natalie eats, but Caitlin won't try as a 3-year old (mostly meat-related). Caitlin was rolling all around and pulling up on things. Natalie finally started rolling from her belly to her back again. Caitlin had also mastered the walker, but you can really only go backwards. At this age, you both love the "Good Morning, Good Night" book and roughhousing with Daddy. The sisterly love is still in full effect, but I can see it changing a little bit when Natalie is really moving and getting into Caitlin things. We've broken out a lot of Caitlin's "old" baby toys this month, and Caitlin loves playing with them. So much so, that we often have to tell her to let Natalie try or give her a chance. Caitlin also had started throwing things out of her crib, but Natalie really hasn't done that at all. She seems to know that the crib is for sleeping.
Another amazing month has passed way too quickly, and we are one month closer to having a big one year old. I seriously can't believe it. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin is developing. You are the sweetest baby, and I say it every month, but I would give anything to freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, putting everything in your mouth that you can find, pulling Caitlin's hair, playing with Caitlin
Dislikes: Getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Army crawling
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Separation anxiety was definitely in effect this month.
Sleep: You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 7 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You sleep on your belly all the time. As soon as I lay you down, you reach for your lovey, and we also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep. Sleep has gotten better this month, except for our trip to FL (see below).
Temperament/Personality: You are seriously the happiest baby when you're not teething or over tired or hungry. You are always smiling, talking, screeching, etc. You babble all the time, and I'm still patiently waiting for you to say "mama".
Eating: Nursing is still going well. You usually nurse about 5 times a day. You are still eating solids well, and we are now doing 3 meals a day. You tend to prefer finger foods over purees, and you definitely like meat, specifically grilled chicken, ground turkey, black beans, turkey meatloaf and pulled pork, but you typically try anything that we put in front of you, including a lemon while we were on vacation (you didn't exactly love it).
The Superficial: Your hair is mostly brown (as opposed to dark brown/black when you were born), and there is a ton of it. Your eyes are dark - I guess they are finally turning brown. You are still wearing 9 month clothes and the rolls are still there. You are wearing size 2 diapers. You had a productive month as far as teeth go, and you are now up to 6, 4 on the bottom, 2 on top.
Developmental Milestones: You love looking at yourself in the mirror. Not really developmental, but you went swimming this month and loved it. We moved you up to the convertible car seat - I think we actually did this during 9 months, but I forgot to include it. You look knocking down towers that we build for you. We broke out the walker this month, and you can only go backwards. You also love taking things out of containers as fast as you can. It seems like it annoys your toys to have anything in them - ie. the cookie jar or the piggy bank. You also started intentionally rolling from your belly to your back this month. You think it is the funniest thing. You also are really starting to find things funny, laughing at most of our attempts to make you laugh.
Out and About: You took your first plane ride when we went to Clearwater, FL for a week with the Mooneys. You did great on the plane, sleeping most of the way both flights. You also got to try bagel for the first time and loved gnawing on it. You did pretty well during the week in FL and being in an unfamiliar place. You did not sleep well at night, but otherwise, you did pretty well. You took all naps in the stroller, most of the time by the pool or on a walk with me. I got lots of exercise (probably more than I ever have on vacation) because of this. Totally worth it.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie (these monthly pictures are getting harder and harder to accomplish):
Caitlin:
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but Caitlin was getting bottles exclusively. At this point, I think Caitlin was still mostly on purees, but Natalie has gotten a lot more of "normal" food and stuff that we are eating. There are things that Natalie eats, but Caitlin won't try as a 3-year old (mostly meat-related). Caitlin was rolling all around and pulling up on things. Natalie finally started rolling from her belly to her back again. Caitlin had also mastered the walker, but you can really only go backwards. At this age, you both love the "Good Morning, Good Night" book and roughhousing with Daddy. The sisterly love is still in full effect, but I can see it changing a little bit when Natalie is really moving and getting into Caitlin things. We've broken out a lot of Caitlin's "old" baby toys this month, and Caitlin loves playing with them. So much so, that we often have to tell her to let Natalie try or give her a chance. Caitlin also had started throwing things out of her crib, but Natalie really hasn't done that at all. She seems to know that the crib is for sleeping.
Another amazing month has passed way too quickly, and we are one month closer to having a big one year old. I seriously can't believe it. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin is developing. You are the sweetest baby, and I say it every month, but I would give anything to freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Natalie - Nine Months
Natalie was 9 months old on March 12, 2014.
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, watching Caitlin, bath time, flirting and talking to Daddy, putting everything in your mouth, talking/jabbering away
Dislikes: Getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Army crawling
Biggest Challenge of the Month: I'm sure there was something, but I honestly can't remember. Maybe separation anxiety? It must not have been that bad, if I can't remember it.
Sleep: You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 7 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You have really started to sleep on your belly more often this month. As soon as I lay you down, you reach for your lovey, and we also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep. Sleep has gotten better this month. I think you have definitely given up sucking your thumb.
Temperament/Personality: You are seriously the happiest baby when you're not teething or over tired or hungry. You are always smiling, talking, screeching, etc. You also are saying "dada" all the time now.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. You are still eating solids well, and we are now doing 3 meals a day. You tend to prefer finger foods over purees, and you definitely like meat, specifically grilled chicken, ground turkey, black beans, turkey meatloaf and pulled pork. You have mastered the pincer grip. You will tolerate vegetables (i.e. we have to bribe you with puff or cheerio in between bites), but it definitely seems like you don't like them. We have also started adding flax to basically everything you eat because you have some digestion issues, and it doesn't seem to matter what you eat. I think it's helping a little bit. We're still working on the sippy cup sporadically.
The Superficial: Your hair is mostly brown (as opposed to dark brown/black when you were born), and there is a ton of it. Your eyes are dark, but I can't really figure out what color they are. Daddy says they're brown, but I don't agree. I think eventually they will turn brown though. You have graduated to 9 month clothes (right on schedule). You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are wearing size 2 diapers. Your 9 month stats are as follows: weight - 16lbs. 7 0z (21st percentile), height - 27.5 inches (45th percentile) and head - 42 cm (9th percentile). Your third tooth (top middle left) popped through on Feb 27th.
Developmental Milestones: Biggest milestone would definitely be army crawling. You also can clap and do "so big".
Out and About: No big outings this month. You did celebrate your first Valentine's Day though.
Big and Little Sister:
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. Natalie has Caitlin by almost 1.5 lbs, but Caitlin was taller than Natalie by an inch. Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but Caitlin was getting bottles exclusively. At this point, I think Caitlin was still mostly on purees, but Natalie has gotten a lot more of "normal" food and stuff that we are eating. There are things that Natalie eats, but Caitlin won't try as a 3-year old (mostly meat-related). Caitlin was rolling all around and pulling up on things. Natalie still doesn't really roll from her belly to her back and doesn't seem at all interested in pulling up on anything. Caitlin had also mastered the walker, and I'm not sure we have even tried it with Natalie yet. At this age, you both love the "Good Morning, Good Night" book and roughhousing with Daddy. The sisterly love is still in full effect, but I can see it changing a little bit when Natalie is really moving and getting into Caitlin things. 99% of the time, Caitlin is super sweet to Natalie, always bringing her toys to play with and talking to her and doing things to try to make her smile and laugh. Caitlin also is an amazing big helper for me, almost always willing to grab a bib, burp cloth, diaper, wipes, etc. She also will jump at the chance to pick out Natalie's outfit in the morning for school.
Another amazing month has passed way too quickly, and I can't believe how close we're getting to the one-year mark. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin is developing. You are the sweetest baby, and I still wish I could just freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, watching Caitlin, bath time, flirting and talking to Daddy, putting everything in your mouth, talking/jabbering away
Dislikes: Getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Army crawling
Biggest Challenge of the Month: I'm sure there was something, but I honestly can't remember. Maybe separation anxiety? It must not have been that bad, if I can't remember it.
Sleep: You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 7 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You have really started to sleep on your belly more often this month. As soon as I lay you down, you reach for your lovey, and we also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep. Sleep has gotten better this month. I think you have definitely given up sucking your thumb.
Temperament/Personality: You are seriously the happiest baby when you're not teething or over tired or hungry. You are always smiling, talking, screeching, etc. You also are saying "dada" all the time now.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. You are still eating solids well, and we are now doing 3 meals a day. You tend to prefer finger foods over purees, and you definitely like meat, specifically grilled chicken, ground turkey, black beans, turkey meatloaf and pulled pork. You have mastered the pincer grip. You will tolerate vegetables (i.e. we have to bribe you with puff or cheerio in between bites), but it definitely seems like you don't like them. We have also started adding flax to basically everything you eat because you have some digestion issues, and it doesn't seem to matter what you eat. I think it's helping a little bit. We're still working on the sippy cup sporadically.
The Superficial: Your hair is mostly brown (as opposed to dark brown/black when you were born), and there is a ton of it. Your eyes are dark, but I can't really figure out what color they are. Daddy says they're brown, but I don't agree. I think eventually they will turn brown though. You have graduated to 9 month clothes (right on schedule). You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are wearing size 2 diapers. Your 9 month stats are as follows: weight - 16lbs. 7 0z (21st percentile), height - 27.5 inches (45th percentile) and head - 42 cm (9th percentile). Your third tooth (top middle left) popped through on Feb 27th.
Developmental Milestones: Biggest milestone would definitely be army crawling. You also can clap and do "so big".
Out and About: No big outings this month. You did celebrate your first Valentine's Day though.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
Caitlin:
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. Natalie has Caitlin by almost 1.5 lbs, but Caitlin was taller than Natalie by an inch. Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but Caitlin was getting bottles exclusively. At this point, I think Caitlin was still mostly on purees, but Natalie has gotten a lot more of "normal" food and stuff that we are eating. There are things that Natalie eats, but Caitlin won't try as a 3-year old (mostly meat-related). Caitlin was rolling all around and pulling up on things. Natalie still doesn't really roll from her belly to her back and doesn't seem at all interested in pulling up on anything. Caitlin had also mastered the walker, and I'm not sure we have even tried it with Natalie yet. At this age, you both love the "Good Morning, Good Night" book and roughhousing with Daddy. The sisterly love is still in full effect, but I can see it changing a little bit when Natalie is really moving and getting into Caitlin things. 99% of the time, Caitlin is super sweet to Natalie, always bringing her toys to play with and talking to her and doing things to try to make her smile and laugh. Caitlin also is an amazing big helper for me, almost always willing to grab a bib, burp cloth, diaper, wipes, etc. She also will jump at the chance to pick out Natalie's outfit in the morning for school.
Another amazing month has passed way too quickly, and I can't believe how close we're getting to the one-year mark. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin is developing. You are the sweetest baby, and I still wish I could just freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Natalie - Eight Months
Natalie was 8 months old on February 12, 2014.
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, watching Caitlin, bath time, flirting and talking to Daddy, putting everything in your mouth, talking/jabbering away, exersaucer
Dislikes: The snot sucker, getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Working on finger foods.
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Sleep. See more about this below.
Sleep: You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 7 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You started to sleep on your side and belly more often this month. As soon as I lay you down, you reach for your lovey, and we also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep. If I'm being honest, sleep has pretty much sucked this month. It could have been way worse, but you have been waking up a few hours after you go to sleep and then again in the middle of the night/early morning. You also no longer suck your thumb... no idea why. Maybe you can't figure out how to do it comfortably now that you have teeth? Who knows.
Temperament/Personality: You are seriously the happiest baby when you're not teething or over tired or hungry. You are always smiling, talking, screeching, etc.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. With the sleep issues, you have been eating more often at night. Mommy is tired... Hoping this is just a phase. Your teachers at school seem to think that you are on the verge of learning something big. I guess the other option is a growth spurt, but I don't think you look that much bigger. You are still eating solids well, and you usually have 2 meals a day. You tend to prefer finger foods over purees, and you definitely like meat, specifically Daddy's grilled chicken. You are starting to get the hang of the pincer grasp and are able to pick most non-slippery foods up. You will tolerate vegetables (i.e. we have to bribe you with puff or cheerio in between bites), but it definitely seems like you don't like them. We have also started adding flax to basically everything you eat because you have some digestion issues, and it doesn't seem to matter what you eat. I think it's helping a little bit. We sporadically give you a sippy cup with your meals at home. You mostly just chew on it, and when you get water in your mouth, you just let it run down your chin.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark-ish, but it seems like it's growing more each day. It looks lighter than when you were born, but nowhere near as light as Caitlin's hair. Your eyes are dark, but I can't really figure out what color they are. Daddy says they're brown, but I don't agree. I think eventually they will turn brown though. You are still wearing 6 month clothes but we're getting ready to move up to 9 month clothes. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are wearing size 2 diapers. I weighed us together and then weighed myself, and you weigh approximately 15.8 oz. You also have two teeth now - the bottom middle two. The second tooth popped through around January 15th.
Developmental Milestones: You started to move more this month, but mostly move backwards at this point. You can pick up cheerios/puffs, and you are getting much better at the pincer grasp. You're still making the raspberry sound, but you are also making the kissing noise all the time. It really is so cute. You can get your feet into your mouth now. After the first week or so of doing this, we noticed that you had a cut on your toe, and soon after, you basically stopped putting your feet in your mouth.
This isn't really developmental, but you also got the dreaded stomach bug this month. Caitlin got it first and then passed it on to both me and Daddy. We were praying that you somehow missed it, but you ended up getting sent home from school with it. You also were very attached to me this month and had a few bouts of separation anxiety.
Out and About: We took a trip up to PA, and you went to a birthday party for one of Caitlin's friends. The weather has been bad, so we haven't gotten out much at all.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but Caitlin was getting bottles exclusively. At this point, I think Caitlin was still mostly on purees, but Natalie has gotten a lot more of "normal" food and stuff that we are eating. There are things that Natalie eats, but Caitlin won't try (mostly meat-related). Caitlin was rolling all around and pulling up on things. Natalie still doesn't really roll from her belly to her back and doesn't seem at all interested in pulling up on anything. The sisterly love is still in full effect, but I can see it changing a little bit when Natalie is really moving and getting into Caitlin things. 99% of the time, Caitlin is super sweet to Natalie, always bringing her toys to play with and talking to her and doing things to try to make her smile and laugh. Caitlin also is an amazing big helper for me, almost always willing to grab a bib, burp cloth, diaper, wipes, etc. She also will jump at the chance to pick out Natalie's outfit in the morning for school. I think she has adjusted really well into the role of big sister!
Another amazing month. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin will develop. You are the sweetest baby, and I kind of wish I could just freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, watching Caitlin, bath time, flirting and talking to Daddy, putting everything in your mouth, talking/jabbering away, exersaucer
Dislikes: The snot sucker, getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Working on finger foods.
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Sleep. See more about this below.
Sleep: You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 7 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You started to sleep on your side and belly more often this month. As soon as I lay you down, you reach for your lovey, and we also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep. If I'm being honest, sleep has pretty much sucked this month. It could have been way worse, but you have been waking up a few hours after you go to sleep and then again in the middle of the night/early morning. You also no longer suck your thumb... no idea why. Maybe you can't figure out how to do it comfortably now that you have teeth? Who knows.
Temperament/Personality: You are seriously the happiest baby when you're not teething or over tired or hungry. You are always smiling, talking, screeching, etc.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. With the sleep issues, you have been eating more often at night. Mommy is tired... Hoping this is just a phase. Your teachers at school seem to think that you are on the verge of learning something big. I guess the other option is a growth spurt, but I don't think you look that much bigger. You are still eating solids well, and you usually have 2 meals a day. You tend to prefer finger foods over purees, and you definitely like meat, specifically Daddy's grilled chicken. You are starting to get the hang of the pincer grasp and are able to pick most non-slippery foods up. You will tolerate vegetables (i.e. we have to bribe you with puff or cheerio in between bites), but it definitely seems like you don't like them. We have also started adding flax to basically everything you eat because you have some digestion issues, and it doesn't seem to matter what you eat. I think it's helping a little bit. We sporadically give you a sippy cup with your meals at home. You mostly just chew on it, and when you get water in your mouth, you just let it run down your chin.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark-ish, but it seems like it's growing more each day. It looks lighter than when you were born, but nowhere near as light as Caitlin's hair. Your eyes are dark, but I can't really figure out what color they are. Daddy says they're brown, but I don't agree. I think eventually they will turn brown though. You are still wearing 6 month clothes but we're getting ready to move up to 9 month clothes. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are wearing size 2 diapers. I weighed us together and then weighed myself, and you weigh approximately 15.8 oz. You also have two teeth now - the bottom middle two. The second tooth popped through around January 15th.
Developmental Milestones: You started to move more this month, but mostly move backwards at this point. You can pick up cheerios/puffs, and you are getting much better at the pincer grasp. You're still making the raspberry sound, but you are also making the kissing noise all the time. It really is so cute. You can get your feet into your mouth now. After the first week or so of doing this, we noticed that you had a cut on your toe, and soon after, you basically stopped putting your feet in your mouth.
This isn't really developmental, but you also got the dreaded stomach bug this month. Caitlin got it first and then passed it on to both me and Daddy. We were praying that you somehow missed it, but you ended up getting sent home from school with it. You also were very attached to me this month and had a few bouts of separation anxiety.
Out and About: We took a trip up to PA, and you went to a birthday party for one of Caitlin's friends. The weather has been bad, so we haven't gotten out much at all.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but Caitlin was getting bottles exclusively. At this point, I think Caitlin was still mostly on purees, but Natalie has gotten a lot more of "normal" food and stuff that we are eating. There are things that Natalie eats, but Caitlin won't try (mostly meat-related). Caitlin was rolling all around and pulling up on things. Natalie still doesn't really roll from her belly to her back and doesn't seem at all interested in pulling up on anything. The sisterly love is still in full effect, but I can see it changing a little bit when Natalie is really moving and getting into Caitlin things. 99% of the time, Caitlin is super sweet to Natalie, always bringing her toys to play with and talking to her and doing things to try to make her smile and laugh. Caitlin also is an amazing big helper for me, almost always willing to grab a bib, burp cloth, diaper, wipes, etc. She also will jump at the chance to pick out Natalie's outfit in the morning for school. I think she has adjusted really well into the role of big sister!
Another amazing month. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin will develop. You are the sweetest baby, and I kind of wish I could just freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Friday, January 31, 2014
Natalie - Seven Months
Natalie was 7 months old on January 12, 2014.
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, watching Caitlin, bath time, flirting and talking to Daddy, putting everything in your mouth, talking/jabbering away, exersaucer
Dislikes: The snot sucker, getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned, long car rides (although, dare I say that this is getting a little better)
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Sitting unassisted
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting you to remember that you can roll back when you're on your belly. Still working on that one!
Sleep: You usually take 2 or 3 1-2 hour naps (with an awake period of about 2-2.5 hours between) that are usually closer to 1 hour than 2 hours. You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You like to sleep on your back and once you fall asleep, you sleep with your arms out or above you head. On the rare occasion, you will roll over to your belly and stay there and sleep really well, but it hardly ever happens. You sleep on your side more often than your belly, and we also gave you a lovey this month (a little giraffe). This month wasn't great for sleep. There were a few nights a week where you were up twice to eat, and I think this was caused by the fact that you were teething. You usually put your thumb in your mouth as soon as we walk out of the room. We also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep.
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content/happy and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you love watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. You're such a happy girl, always smiling and talking to us. You love staring at Daddy until he will pay attention to you, and when he does, you give him the biggest smile.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. Since you're sleeping through the night (and have been for a while now), you are not usually eating at night. We've had a few random nights were you have woken up to eat, but it's pretty rare. You are still eating well, and so far you have tried avocados, bananas, pears, apples, prunes, sweet potatoes, mangoes, butternut squash, carrots, green beans and peas. You have liked everything, but I would say that prunes and green beans and peas have been your least favorite.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark-ish, but is much thinner in the back and on the sides. You kind of have a mohawk, and I noticed this weekend that you have a little bald spot. I think your hair has finally stopped falling out though. We also think that it looks like it's lightening up a little bit, but nowhere near as light as Caitlin's hair. Your eyes are dark, but I can't really figure out what color they are. Daddy says they're brown, but I don't agree. I think eventually they will turn brown though. You are still wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes this month. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are still wearing a size 1 diaper, but as soon as we're done with the current pack, we'll be starting size 2's. I weighed us together and then weighed myself, and you weigh approximately 14.8 oz. You also have one tooth - the bottom middle left. The first one popped through around New Years and the 2nd one hasn't officially popped yet, but I can see the white mark in your gums.
Developmental Milestones: Moving around in a circle while laying on your belly. You can pick up cheerios/puffs, but can't quite get them in your mouth. We are working on the pincer grasp. You also started blowing raspberries this month. And, you can sit unassisted, but can't get into the sitting position on your own yet.
This isn't really developmental, but we also celebrated your first Christmas this month! You loved playing with your new toys (mostly teethers/stuffed animals, etc) and also loved trying to put tissue paper and wrapping paper in your mouth as often as possible.
Out and About: We celebrated Christmas in PA with Daddy's family. Daddy and I also had an overnight date night for his holiday party, and Ms. Jen came to say with you and Caitlin. We also took your first trip to the zoo on an unusually warm day for December. It went fairly well - you spent time in the stroller and then in the Ergo for a little cat nap.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. It's funny to go back and read Caitlin's 7-month post because I talked about how much her hair was growing. She looks almost bald compared to Natalie (in my opinion). Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but at 7 months, I had given up nursing Caitlin and was pumping exclusively. Caitlin had finally rolled from her back to her stomach during her 7th month, but Natalie has been doing it for quite a while now. But... Natalie still doesn't really roll from her belly to her back. So crazy how different 2 kids can be. Caitlin also was starting to pull herself up, but Natalie really hasn't started doing that yet. Also, separation anxiety apparently started for both girls this month. There have been multiple days when I have dropped Natalie off at school and she has cried hysterically when I left. Oh, and the sisterly love. Don't even get me started. 99% of the time, Caitlin is super sweet to Natalie, always bringing her toys to play with and talking to her and doing things to try to make her smile and laugh. Caitlin also is an amazing big helper for me, almost always willing to grab a bib, burp cloth, diaper, wipes, etc. She also will jump at the chance to pick out Natalie's outfit in the morning for school. I think she has adjusted really well into the role of big sister! Also, the new thing this month for Caitlin is her hugging and kissing Natalie non-stop. It's sweet, but sometimes it's a bit much. Even Natalie looks at her like, "what the heck are you doing?"
Another amazing month. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin will develop. You are the sweetest baby, and I kind of wish I could just freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Likes: Eating solids, nursing, Mommy, watching Caitlin, bath time, flirting and talking to Daddy, putting everything in your mouth, talking/jabbering away, exersaucer
Dislikes: The snot sucker, getting your nose wiped, getting your face/hands cleaned, long car rides (although, dare I say that this is getting a little better)
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Sitting unassisted
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting you to remember that you can roll back when you're on your belly. Still working on that one!
Sleep: You usually take 2 or 3 1-2 hour naps (with an awake period of about 2-2.5 hours between) that are usually closer to 1 hour than 2 hours. You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 730pm and wake up any time between 6 - 730am. You like to sleep on your back and once you fall asleep, you sleep with your arms out or above you head. On the rare occasion, you will roll over to your belly and stay there and sleep really well, but it hardly ever happens. You sleep on your side more often than your belly, and we also gave you a lovey this month (a little giraffe). This month wasn't great for sleep. There were a few nights a week where you were up twice to eat, and I think this was caused by the fact that you were teething. You usually put your thumb in your mouth as soon as we walk out of the room. We also turn on the seahorse whenever you go to sleep.
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content/happy and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you love watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. You're such a happy girl, always smiling and talking to us. You love staring at Daddy until he will pay attention to you, and when he does, you give him the biggest smile.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. Since you're sleeping through the night (and have been for a while now), you are not usually eating at night. We've had a few random nights were you have woken up to eat, but it's pretty rare. You are still eating well, and so far you have tried avocados, bananas, pears, apples, prunes, sweet potatoes, mangoes, butternut squash, carrots, green beans and peas. You have liked everything, but I would say that prunes and green beans and peas have been your least favorite.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark-ish, but is much thinner in the back and on the sides. You kind of have a mohawk, and I noticed this weekend that you have a little bald spot. I think your hair has finally stopped falling out though. We also think that it looks like it's lightening up a little bit, but nowhere near as light as Caitlin's hair. Your eyes are dark, but I can't really figure out what color they are. Daddy says they're brown, but I don't agree. I think eventually they will turn brown though. You are still wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes this month. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are still wearing a size 1 diaper, but as soon as we're done with the current pack, we'll be starting size 2's. I weighed us together and then weighed myself, and you weigh approximately 14.8 oz. You also have one tooth - the bottom middle left. The first one popped through around New Years and the 2nd one hasn't officially popped yet, but I can see the white mark in your gums.
Developmental Milestones: Moving around in a circle while laying on your belly. You can pick up cheerios/puffs, but can't quite get them in your mouth. We are working on the pincer grasp. You also started blowing raspberries this month. And, you can sit unassisted, but can't get into the sitting position on your own yet.
This isn't really developmental, but we also celebrated your first Christmas this month! You loved playing with your new toys (mostly teethers/stuffed animals, etc) and also loved trying to put tissue paper and wrapping paper in your mouth as often as possible.
Out and About: We celebrated Christmas in PA with Daddy's family. Daddy and I also had an overnight date night for his holiday party, and Ms. Jen came to say with you and Caitlin. We also took your first trip to the zoo on an unusually warm day for December. It went fairly well - you spent time in the stroller and then in the Ergo for a little cat nap.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Again with the hair, Natalie definitely has more. It's funny to go back and read Caitlin's 7-month post because I talked about how much her hair was growing. She looks almost bald compared to Natalie (in my opinion). Natalie is still nursing like a champ, but at 7 months, I had given up nursing Caitlin and was pumping exclusively. Caitlin had finally rolled from her back to her stomach during her 7th month, but Natalie has been doing it for quite a while now. But... Natalie still doesn't really roll from her belly to her back. So crazy how different 2 kids can be. Caitlin also was starting to pull herself up, but Natalie really hasn't started doing that yet. Also, separation anxiety apparently started for both girls this month. There have been multiple days when I have dropped Natalie off at school and she has cried hysterically when I left. Oh, and the sisterly love. Don't even get me started. 99% of the time, Caitlin is super sweet to Natalie, always bringing her toys to play with and talking to her and doing things to try to make her smile and laugh. Caitlin also is an amazing big helper for me, almost always willing to grab a bib, burp cloth, diaper, wipes, etc. She also will jump at the chance to pick out Natalie's outfit in the morning for school. I think she has adjusted really well into the role of big sister! Also, the new thing this month for Caitlin is her hugging and kissing Natalie non-stop. It's sweet, but sometimes it's a bit much. Even Natalie looks at her like, "what the heck are you doing?"
Another amazing month. We are having so much fun watching you grow and learn and seeing how your relationship with Caitlin will develop. You are the sweetest baby, and I kind of wish I could just freeze time right now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month brings!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Natalie - Five Months
(written November 12, 2013)
Likes: Sleeping, eating, Mommy, watching big sister, your hands (and your thumb), Sophie, bathtime, Daddy, putting everything in your mouth
Dislikes: The snot sucker, getting your nose wiped
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Rolling back to front
Biggest Challenge of the Month: I guess I'd say getting you to remember that you can roll back when you're on your belly. Still working on that one!
Sleep: You usually take 3 1-2 hour naps (with an awake period of about 2 hours between). You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 730pm and wake up anytime between 6 - 730am. The big news this month is that we did "sleep training" and took away the swaddle and pacifier during the weekend of November 9th. I put sleep training in quotes because it really wasn't true training. It seems that daycare has already taught you how to fall asleep on your own (and without a paci), so it was quite possibly the easiest task possible. One day when I picked you up from school, and they had just put you down for a nap, so I had to go into the crib room and get you, and as I was getting you up, I realized that you didn't have a paci, and there wasn't even one in the crib. Apparently, your wonderful teachers realized that you did better going to sleep when you didn't have the paci (who knew!?), and you already sleep at school without a swaddle, so sleep training was so easy for us. You do still cry when we put you down, but you very quickly find your thumb and fall asleep. So far, you always sleep on your back and once you fall asleep, you sleep with your arms out or above you head.
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content/happy and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you love watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. You're such a happy girl, always smiling and cooing/talking to us. You found your voice this month and do not hesitate to screech/squeal whenever the mood hits you.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. Since you're sleeping through the night (and have been for a while now), you are not usually eating at night.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark-ish, but still falling out. Every time I kiss your head, I end up with a piece (or two) of hair in my mouth, and when we run our hands through it, more hair falls out. The top is still somewhat thick, but that's about the only area that still has a good amount of hair. Your eyes are still a dark grayish blue, and I am predicting that they will turn brown. You are still wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes this month. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are still wearing a size 1 diaper. There was no well appointment this month, so I weighed you today (11/23) using the highly accurate way of stepping on the sale by myself and then with you and calculating the difference, and I came up with 14.2 oz. The other thing I wanted to mention is that over the past month or so, you have really had some stinky farts. I'm not sure if it's something that I'm eating that causes it or not, but sometimes, you can clear a room. You also let out some good "adult-sized" burps like it's your job.
Developmental Milestones: You are a pro at putting toys in your mouth. You are still super grabby and laugh a lot more these days. We went up to PA a few weekends ago and were joking about what Grandmom was going to get you to do while we were there and wouldn't you know, you rolled back to front while we were with her! Of course, you have completely forgotten how to roll from front to back now, and you get so angry when you get stuck on your belly. You have also found your voice and are super screechy/squealy. Not sure that this is really a developmental milestone, but you are a thumbsucker now! You really only do it when you're going to sleep or are tired, and you never do it while we're holding you, maybe because you associate that with sleep? You also have started noticing that your feet exist and trying to grab them.
Out and About: Hmm, not a whole lot this month... Daily trips to school and a weekend trip to PA to see the LeNoirs and Mooneys!
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, activity mat, bouncy seat, rock n play, Ergo
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
You still have Caitlin beat on the amount of chub and hair that you have, but at 5 months, Caitlin was sitting up. I think you're close, but just not quite there yet. I also think you are much more interested in food at this age than Caitlin was, so it should be interesting when we start solids next month!
Another amazing month in the books. We cannot wait to see what the next month brings for you!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Likes: Sleeping, eating, Mommy, watching big sister, your hands (and your thumb), Sophie, bathtime, Daddy, putting everything in your mouth
Dislikes: The snot sucker, getting your nose wiped
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Rolling back to front
Biggest Challenge of the Month: I guess I'd say getting you to remember that you can roll back when you're on your belly. Still working on that one!
Sleep: You usually take 3 1-2 hour naps (with an awake period of about 2 hours between). You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 730pm and wake up anytime between 6 - 730am. The big news this month is that we did "sleep training" and took away the swaddle and pacifier during the weekend of November 9th. I put sleep training in quotes because it really wasn't true training. It seems that daycare has already taught you how to fall asleep on your own (and without a paci), so it was quite possibly the easiest task possible. One day when I picked you up from school, and they had just put you down for a nap, so I had to go into the crib room and get you, and as I was getting you up, I realized that you didn't have a paci, and there wasn't even one in the crib. Apparently, your wonderful teachers realized that you did better going to sleep when you didn't have the paci (who knew!?), and you already sleep at school without a swaddle, so sleep training was so easy for us. You do still cry when we put you down, but you very quickly find your thumb and fall asleep. So far, you always sleep on your back and once you fall asleep, you sleep with your arms out or above you head.
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content/happy and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you love watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. You're such a happy girl, always smiling and cooing/talking to us. You found your voice this month and do not hesitate to screech/squeal whenever the mood hits you.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day. Since you're sleeping through the night (and have been for a while now), you are not usually eating at night.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark-ish, but still falling out. Every time I kiss your head, I end up with a piece (or two) of hair in my mouth, and when we run our hands through it, more hair falls out. The top is still somewhat thick, but that's about the only area that still has a good amount of hair. Your eyes are still a dark grayish blue, and I am predicting that they will turn brown. You are still wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes this month. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are still wearing a size 1 diaper. There was no well appointment this month, so I weighed you today (11/23) using the highly accurate way of stepping on the sale by myself and then with you and calculating the difference, and I came up with 14.2 oz. The other thing I wanted to mention is that over the past month or so, you have really had some stinky farts. I'm not sure if it's something that I'm eating that causes it or not, but sometimes, you can clear a room. You also let out some good "adult-sized" burps like it's your job.
Developmental Milestones: You are a pro at putting toys in your mouth. You are still super grabby and laugh a lot more these days. We went up to PA a few weekends ago and were joking about what Grandmom was going to get you to do while we were there and wouldn't you know, you rolled back to front while we were with her! Of course, you have completely forgotten how to roll from front to back now, and you get so angry when you get stuck on your belly. You have also found your voice and are super screechy/squealy. Not sure that this is really a developmental milestone, but you are a thumbsucker now! You really only do it when you're going to sleep or are tired, and you never do it while we're holding you, maybe because you associate that with sleep? You also have started noticing that your feet exist and trying to grab them.
Out and About: Hmm, not a whole lot this month... Daily trips to school and a weekend trip to PA to see the LeNoirs and Mooneys!
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, activity mat, bouncy seat, rock n play, Ergo
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
You still have Caitlin beat on the amount of chub and hair that you have, but at 5 months, Caitlin was sitting up. I think you're close, but just not quite there yet. I also think you are much more interested in food at this age than Caitlin was, so it should be interesting when we start solids next month!
Another amazing month in the books. We cannot wait to see what the next month brings for you!
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Natalie - Four Months
(written October 12, 2013)
Likes: Sleeping, eating, Mommy, watching big sister, your hands, Sophie
Dislikes: Bottles (when you first started daycare, but that has gotten much better)
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Getting you to take a bottle at daycare.
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting you to take a bottle at daycare. I will be honest, this was 100% my fault. Because nursing has been so easy with you, we only gave you four bottles while I was out on maternity leave (and you protested two of them). We have since turned the corner on this one, and you are taking a bottle with no problems, but I was definitely stressed about this in the beginning.
Things that Work: Patting your butt. No surprise there - your sister loved this too. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement. You like to rock in the rocking chair in your room too.
Sleep: You are generally sleeping about 2-3 hours during the day (with an awake period of about an hour to an hour and a half between naps), and we're still using the swaddle. You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 8pm and wake up anytime between 6 - 730am. Daycare is wearing you out!
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired or when you lose your pacifier. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you love watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. You're such a happy girl, always smiling and cooing/talking to us. You're teachers have even commented to us about how laid back and chill you are. I guess you have to be with how dramatic your big sister can be at times.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark but we have noticed a definite change in thickness this month. The top is still pretty thick, but the sides and back are much thinner this month. No huge bald spots, but it is much thinner. Your eyes are still a dark grayish blue, and I am predicting that they will turn brown. You've been mostly wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes this month. You can still fit into your 3 month clothes, but the pants are a little short so we've moved up to the next size. We also don't have a ton of warm 3 month clothes since Caitlin didn't move up to 6 month clothes until she was much closer to 6 months. Since the weather changed in the last week or so, we have started using the 3-6 and 6 month clothes much more. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are still wearing a size 1 diaper. Here are your measurements from your 4-month well visit on October 21st:
Weight: 12 lbs, 10 oz. (14th percentile)
Height: 25 inches (63rd percentile)
Head circumference: 39.5 cm (14th percentile)
You are bigger than your sister was at this age, but still kind of a peanut. You dropped percentiles between 2- and 4-months, but because Caitlin did the same thing, the doctor was not worried at all. She thinks that you are just resetting yourself, so we'll see where we stand at your 6-month appointment.
Developmental Milestones: You can finally get your hands in our mouth consistently, and you have started reaching for toys and grabbing them. You are Grabby McGrabberson, grabbing ahold of anything and everything you can get your hands on. And, most of the time, the things you are grabbing make it into your mouth. You also laughed for the first time (for Grandmom, of course) while we were on vacation with them in OBX. Such a sweet sound!
Out and About: We took a trip to the Outer Banks. The other big news is that you have officially started "school" this month. You are going to the same school as Caitlin, and everything is going really well.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, activity mat, bouncy seat, rock n play, Ergo
Big and Little Sister:
Likes: Sleeping, eating, Mommy, watching big sister, your hands, Sophie
Dislikes: Bottles (when you first started daycare, but that has gotten much better)
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Getting you to take a bottle at daycare.
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting you to take a bottle at daycare. I will be honest, this was 100% my fault. Because nursing has been so easy with you, we only gave you four bottles while I was out on maternity leave (and you protested two of them). We have since turned the corner on this one, and you are taking a bottle with no problems, but I was definitely stressed about this in the beginning.
Things that Work: Patting your butt. No surprise there - your sister loved this too. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement. You like to rock in the rocking chair in your room too.
Sleep: You are generally sleeping about 2-3 hours during the day (with an awake period of about an hour to an hour and a half between naps), and we're still using the swaddle. You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 8pm and wake up anytime between 6 - 730am. Daycare is wearing you out!
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired or when you lose your pacifier. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you love watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. You're such a happy girl, always smiling and cooing/talking to us. You're teachers have even commented to us about how laid back and chill you are. I guess you have to be with how dramatic your big sister can be at times.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours which works out to be 5-6 times a day.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark but we have noticed a definite change in thickness this month. The top is still pretty thick, but the sides and back are much thinner this month. No huge bald spots, but it is much thinner. Your eyes are still a dark grayish blue, and I am predicting that they will turn brown. You've been mostly wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes this month. You can still fit into your 3 month clothes, but the pants are a little short so we've moved up to the next size. We also don't have a ton of warm 3 month clothes since Caitlin didn't move up to 6 month clothes until she was much closer to 6 months. Since the weather changed in the last week or so, we have started using the 3-6 and 6 month clothes much more. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You are still wearing a size 1 diaper. Here are your measurements from your 4-month well visit on October 21st:
Weight: 12 lbs, 10 oz. (14th percentile)
Height: 25 inches (63rd percentile)
Head circumference: 39.5 cm (14th percentile)
You are bigger than your sister was at this age, but still kind of a peanut. You dropped percentiles between 2- and 4-months, but because Caitlin did the same thing, the doctor was not worried at all. She thinks that you are just resetting yourself, so we'll see where we stand at your 6-month appointment.
Developmental Milestones: You can finally get your hands in our mouth consistently, and you have started reaching for toys and grabbing them. You are Grabby McGrabberson, grabbing ahold of anything and everything you can get your hands on. And, most of the time, the things you are grabbing make it into your mouth. You also laughed for the first time (for Grandmom, of course) while we were on vacation with them in OBX. Such a sweet sound!
Out and About: We took a trip to the Outer Banks. The other big news is that you have officially started "school" this month. You are going to the same school as Caitlin, and everything is going really well.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, activity mat, bouncy seat, rock n play, Ergo
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
So, at 4 months, Natalie weighs over 2 lbs more than Caitlin did, but they are both the same height. Their relationship is really beginning to develop even more, and Caitlin just loves Natalie so much (and vice versa). When she talks to her, Natalie's face just lights up immediately, and Natalie can't stop watching her every move. It is the absolute sweetest thing to watch.
Another great month has flown by, and before you know it I'll be writing the 5-month post (because I'm so late writing this one). We love you so much, little one! Let's slow this growing up business down a little bit, ok?
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Caitlin:
So, at 4 months, Natalie weighs over 2 lbs more than Caitlin did, but they are both the same height. Their relationship is really beginning to develop even more, and Caitlin just loves Natalie so much (and vice versa). When she talks to her, Natalie's face just lights up immediately, and Natalie can't stop watching her every move. It is the absolute sweetest thing to watch.
Another great month has flown by, and before you know it I'll be writing the 5-month post (because I'm so late writing this one). We love you so much, little one! Let's slow this growing up business down a little bit, ok?
Love you to pieces,
Mommy
Friday, September 27, 2013
Natalie - Three Months
(written September 12, 2013)
Likes: Sleeping, eating, Mommy, watching big sister (when she stays still long enough), pacifiers, her hands (when she can get them to her mouth)
Dislikes: Sometimes the bottle, the car (still hit or miss)
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Sleeping through the night!!
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Hmm. I think getting you to keep the pacifier in your mouth would be the biggest struggle, especially when we're in the car. You still struggle with naps sometimes, but we're getting there.
Things that Work: Patting your butt. No surprise there - your sister loved this too. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement. You like to rock in the rocking chair in your room too.
Sleep: You are generally sleeping about 2-3 hours during the day (with an awake period of about an hour to an hour and a half between naps), and of course, we're still using the swaddle. You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 8pm. I'm not sure how long you would sleep because I have been waking you sometime between 10pm and midnight for a "dream feed". You typically go right back to sleep and then wake up anytime between 6 - 730am. One of these days, I'm going to drop that feeding and see how you do, but I just feel like it can't hurt you to do it, and you don't seem to protest. You sometimes can even put yourself to sleep if we lay you down with the pacifier. You are getting better at keeping the pacifier in your mouth when you need it, but we will be so happy when you can just suck your thumb! You are still sleeping in your crib for all naps and at night time with your head elevated to help with your reflux issues.
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired or when you lose your pacifier. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you have really started watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. If you are crying, she will do anything she can to make you stop and be happy again. She loves to give you the pacifier back (and sometimes shoves it in your mouth a little too hard, but we know she doesn't mean it, and she has been getting better about doing it gently). She also loves to play music for you and lately has even started singing for you, and you absolutely love it when she does. One night, you had a bit of a screaming fit because you were so overtired, and I was upstairs trying to calm you. You had stopped crying for a little bit and then started again, and within in seconds, Caitlin came racing up the stairs so concerned about you saying that she wanted to turn on your musical seahorse for you. It is so very sweet to see this relationship starting to form.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours. Including the dream feed, you typically eat about 5-6 times a day.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark and thick, and there is a lot of it! It has definitely started thinning a bit this month (and mine has too), but I don't see any noticeable bald spots. Your eyes are still a dark grayish blue, and I am predicting that they will turn brown. You're still wearing 3M and 0-3M clothes and wearing a size 1 diaper. I recently pulled out the tote with 3-6 and 6 month clothes in it, and you can definitely fit into the 3-6 month clothe. s You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You occasionally have a little baby acne, but nothing awful. There is no well visit for 3 months, but I have done the highly accurate weighing method of weighing myself and then weighing us together and calculating the difference, I am coming up with about 11.5 pounds.
Developmental Milestones: Rolling front to back. You found your hands and can get them to your mouth about 50% of the time. You aren't exactly reaching for things, but if we put something near your hands, you grab on and won't let go.
Out and About: It has been a busy month! We took a day trip to Avalon where you met the Cardones and Kummers. The next weekend, we spent the weekend in Ocean City, MD with the Galatros. The weather has cooled a bit, and we have taken a few trips to nearby parks to go for walks and sometimes Caitlin even gets to tag along.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, activity mat, bouncy seat, rock n play, Ergo with the infant insert
Big and Little Sister:
Likes: Sleeping, eating, Mommy, watching big sister (when she stays still long enough), pacifiers, her hands (when she can get them to her mouth)
Dislikes: Sometimes the bottle, the car (still hit or miss)
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Sleeping through the night!!
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Hmm. I think getting you to keep the pacifier in your mouth would be the biggest struggle, especially when we're in the car. You still struggle with naps sometimes, but we're getting there.
Things that Work: Patting your butt. No surprise there - your sister loved this too. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement. You like to rock in the rocking chair in your room too.
Sleep: You are generally sleeping about 2-3 hours during the day (with an awake period of about an hour to an hour and a half between naps), and of course, we're still using the swaddle. You typically fall asleep for the night anywhere between 630 and 8pm. I'm not sure how long you would sleep because I have been waking you sometime between 10pm and midnight for a "dream feed". You typically go right back to sleep and then wake up anytime between 6 - 730am. One of these days, I'm going to drop that feeding and see how you do, but I just feel like it can't hurt you to do it, and you don't seem to protest. You sometimes can even put yourself to sleep if we lay you down with the pacifier. You are getting better at keeping the pacifier in your mouth when you need it, but we will be so happy when you can just suck your thumb! You are still sleeping in your crib for all naps and at night time with your head elevated to help with your reflux issues.
Temperament/Personality: You are generally pretty calm/content and happy to hang out and take everything in. You really only cry when you're hungry or overtired or when you lose your pacifier. When you're awake and Caitlin is home, you have really started watching her, and she has started taking an interest in you as well. If you are crying, she will do anything she can to make you stop and be happy again. She loves to give you the pacifier back (and sometimes shoves it in your mouth a little too hard, but we know she doesn't mean it, and she has been getting better about doing it gently). She also loves to play music for you and lately has even started singing for you, and you absolutely love it when she does. One night, you had a bit of a screaming fit because you were so overtired, and I was upstairs trying to calm you. You had stopped crying for a little bit and then started again, and within in seconds, Caitlin came racing up the stairs so concerned about you saying that she wanted to turn on your musical seahorse for you. It is so very sweet to see this relationship starting to form.
Eating: Nursing is still going well. During the day, you are eating about every 3-4 hours. Including the dream feed, you typically eat about 5-6 times a day.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark and thick, and there is a lot of it! It has definitely started thinning a bit this month (and mine has too), but I don't see any noticeable bald spots. Your eyes are still a dark grayish blue, and I am predicting that they will turn brown. You're still wearing 3M and 0-3M clothes and wearing a size 1 diaper. I recently pulled out the tote with 3-6 and 6 month clothes in it, and you can definitely fit into the 3-6 month clothe. s You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. You occasionally have a little baby acne, but nothing awful. There is no well visit for 3 months, but I have done the highly accurate weighing method of weighing myself and then weighing us together and calculating the difference, I am coming up with about 11.5 pounds.
Developmental Milestones: Rolling front to back. You found your hands and can get them to your mouth about 50% of the time. You aren't exactly reaching for things, but if we put something near your hands, you grab on and won't let go.
Out and About: It has been a busy month! We took a day trip to Avalon where you met the Cardones and Kummers. The next weekend, we spent the weekend in Ocean City, MD with the Galatros. The weather has cooled a bit, and we have taken a few trips to nearby parks to go for walks and sometimes Caitlin even gets to tag along.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, activity mat, bouncy seat, rock n play, Ergo with the infant insert
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
Caitlin:
Friday, September 20, 2013
Natalie Laughs
Just like her cousin Leah, Natalie's first laughs were at the beach! Grandmom got the first smile from Natalie, and she also got her to laugh yesterday the first time!!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Natalie Rolls
Yesterday, just 3 days shy of her 3 month birthday, Natalie surprised me by rolling front to back. I was sure it was a fluke... until it happened another 4 times during a different tummy time "session". Still, I was convinced that she would forget how to do it when I put her on her belly today. How wrong I was. She rolled a good 4 or 5 times again today. Mark it down for the baby book, 3 days before she turned 3 months (at 12 weeks, 5 days old), Natalie rolled from front to back and shocked her Mama. I know every baby is different, but Caitlin waited until 4 months to do it, so it totally caught me off guard.
Rolling yesterday:
Rolling today:
Rolling yesterday:
Rolling today:
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Natalie - Two Months
(written August 12, 2013)
Likes: Sleeping (in your crib!), eating, pooping. Looking around the room and checking things out. You have a new found love/hate relationship with the pacifier this month. Most of the time, you love it. I'm going to say bath time even though I'm not certain that you really love it, but you don't complain about it unless you're cold. Trying to get your hands to your mouth. I will be so happy when you can figure this one out so we can work on getting rid of the pacifier!
Dislikes: The swing (although, we haven't actually tried it much this month),car seat until we are moving, but it does seem to be getting better. Daddy tried to give you a bottle this month while I was out of the house with Caitlin, and you screamed. You were so upset when I got home that you wouldn't even nurse. Since then, you have take an ounce from me in a bottle and 3 ounces from Daddy, so I think you've changed your mind about it. You seem to dislike being swaddled because you fight it so much sometimes, but I honestly think it has a calming effect on you, and let's face it, you can't sleep well without it. You are just too much of a wild woman with those hands. You have broken out of the swaddle a few times this month, but I think I've finally got it down, and you have been staying in recently.
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Social smiling (yay - definitely the best part of my day)!
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting your reflux under control.
Things that Work: Bouncing on the exercise ball to calm you/get you to sleep. Walking you around the house. Walking you outside. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement. Hanging out in the bouncy seat. Now that you're sleeping in your room, most of the time, you get rocked to sleep too.
Sleep: I kind of hate to say this because I don't want to jinx this, but I think we have finally found the trick to get you to fall asleep most of the time. You are generally sleeping about 2-3 hours during the day (with an awake period of about an hour between naps) with one long stretch of 4-5 hours at night and then 2-3 hours after you eat at night, and of course, we're still using the swaddle. You sometimes can even put yourself to sleep if we lay you down with the pacifier. We try not to do this though because the pacifier falls out multiple times, and we have to go in over and over again to replace it. We will be so happy when you can just suck your thumb! You started sleeping in your crib for all naps and at night time when you were 7 weeks, 2 days old, and I think that has actually really helped you sleep better (and it definitely helps me because I'm not constantly hearing every single noise you make). We still use the monitor, but I don't jump up to rock you as easily now that you're not in the same room as us at night. Your crib has the head elevated to help with your reflux issues.
Temperament/Personality: Generally pretty calm/content and happy to just hang out and take everything in.
Eating: Dare I say it? Nursing is going well. Basically, the complete opposite of my nursing relationship with Caitlin. During the day, you typically nurse every 2-4 hours, and then have a longer stretch at night of 5-6 hours. My only complaint is that sometimes it takes you 4-5 tries to latch on, but once you get it, it's fine. You also have a tendency to latch on even if you're not hungry, and then when my milk lets down, you pull off and it sprays you in the face. The spray makes you mad, and then I get annoyed because there is milk everywhere, and breast milk makes everything sticky. I think the reflux is getting better since we have upped your dose of Zantac to 1 ml twice a day.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark and thick, and there is a lot of it! I think it has thinned just a little bit, but nothing too noticeable. Your eyes are still a dark blue. You're still wearing 3M and 0-3M clothes and wearing a size 1 diaper. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. We've been out a few times where you aren't wearing pink, and people have asked "How old is HE?' Guess I'll have to start putting more bows on you so people aren't confused about the fact that you are a girl! You also have a touch of baby acne, but nothing awful. As of August 14th (your 2-month appointment), you are 10 lbs, 9 oz (27th percentile), 23 inches long (71st percentile), and your head circumference is 37 cm (14th percentile).
Developmental Milestones: Social smiling and cooing/gurgling at us.
Out and About: Let's see... This month included a few trips to the doctor to deal with your reflux issues, a trip to the Howard County Fair, your first road trip to PA to see Grandmom & Granddad's changes at their house and to see the new Mooney house, a trip to Family Day at the Nats game for Daddy's work, and a trip to Daddy's work to have lunch with him. The trip to PA was quite an adventure. Apparently, we waited too long after you ate to get into the car because about 45 minutes in, you decided that you were starving, and you absolutely HAD to eat. So, we had to stop so I could feed you, and then you weren't thrilled that we were stopped because of traffic after. We've run various errands (Target, grocery shopping, etc.) and are still picking up Caitlin from school most nights. You finally got to meet your Nana Chick when they came to visit this past weekend and you also got to meet the Allisons, the Galatros, and lots of Daddy's co-workers.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, bouncy seat.
Big and Little Sister:
So, at the 2-month mark, Caitlin was an inch longer, but a pound lighter. A lot of people say that Natalie looks a lot like Caitlin, but I don't see it. Other than the dark hair and complexion that is from me, I just can't tell who I think Natalie looks like. Caitlin has been a great big sister this month. She's always quick to help in any way she can and really would probably do more things if we'd let her. Her favorite thing recently has been putting Natalie's pacifier back in for her. Sometimes, we have to remind her to do it gently, and we're trying to help her understand that Natalie doesn't always want it back in her mouth after she spits it out. She loves it when Natalie's hand or foot accidentally touches her, and she gets even more excited when Natalie and I come to pick her up from school. She loves showing her off to her teachers (who are so sweet to tell Caitlin every day how beautiful her baby is even though they just saw her the day before), and she also likes for the other kids to be able to see her baby and touch her baby's feet. When we go anywhere, she always wants Mommy and Natalie to come. Caitlin also loves to help me pick out Natalie's outfit for the day. Such a good big sister! Natalie loves watching Caitlin too, but Caitlin is always on the go, so I think it's hard for Natalie to keep up. We've been encouraging Caitlin to talk to Natalie more, and Caitlin is really good about repeating what I say to Natalie as well.
Another month has flown by. I'll probably say it every month, but it really has been fun to watch you grow and start interacting with us. We can't wait to see what the next month brings!!
We love you to pieces!!
Love, Mommy
Likes: Sleeping (in your crib!), eating, pooping. Looking around the room and checking things out. You have a new found love/hate relationship with the pacifier this month. Most of the time, you love it. I'm going to say bath time even though I'm not certain that you really love it, but you don't complain about it unless you're cold. Trying to get your hands to your mouth. I will be so happy when you can figure this one out so we can work on getting rid of the pacifier!
Dislikes: The swing (although, we haven't actually tried it much this month),car seat until we are moving, but it does seem to be getting better. Daddy tried to give you a bottle this month while I was out of the house with Caitlin, and you screamed. You were so upset when I got home that you wouldn't even nurse. Since then, you have take an ounce from me in a bottle and 3 ounces from Daddy, so I think you've changed your mind about it. You seem to dislike being swaddled because you fight it so much sometimes, but I honestly think it has a calming effect on you, and let's face it, you can't sleep well without it. You are just too much of a wild woman with those hands. You have broken out of the swaddle a few times this month, but I think I've finally got it down, and you have been staying in recently.
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Social smiling (yay - definitely the best part of my day)!
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting your reflux under control.
Things that Work: Bouncing on the exercise ball to calm you/get you to sleep. Walking you around the house. Walking you outside. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement. Hanging out in the bouncy seat. Now that you're sleeping in your room, most of the time, you get rocked to sleep too.
Sleep: I kind of hate to say this because I don't want to jinx this, but I think we have finally found the trick to get you to fall asleep most of the time. You are generally sleeping about 2-3 hours during the day (with an awake period of about an hour between naps) with one long stretch of 4-5 hours at night and then 2-3 hours after you eat at night, and of course, we're still using the swaddle. You sometimes can even put yourself to sleep if we lay you down with the pacifier. We try not to do this though because the pacifier falls out multiple times, and we have to go in over and over again to replace it. We will be so happy when you can just suck your thumb! You started sleeping in your crib for all naps and at night time when you were 7 weeks, 2 days old, and I think that has actually really helped you sleep better (and it definitely helps me because I'm not constantly hearing every single noise you make). We still use the monitor, but I don't jump up to rock you as easily now that you're not in the same room as us at night. Your crib has the head elevated to help with your reflux issues.
Temperament/Personality: Generally pretty calm/content and happy to just hang out and take everything in.
Eating: Dare I say it? Nursing is going well. Basically, the complete opposite of my nursing relationship with Caitlin. During the day, you typically nurse every 2-4 hours, and then have a longer stretch at night of 5-6 hours. My only complaint is that sometimes it takes you 4-5 tries to latch on, but once you get it, it's fine. You also have a tendency to latch on even if you're not hungry, and then when my milk lets down, you pull off and it sprays you in the face. The spray makes you mad, and then I get annoyed because there is milk everywhere, and breast milk makes everything sticky. I think the reflux is getting better since we have upped your dose of Zantac to 1 ml twice a day.
The Superficial: Your hair is still dark and thick, and there is a lot of it! I think it has thinned just a little bit, but nothing too noticeable. Your eyes are still a dark blue. You're still wearing 3M and 0-3M clothes and wearing a size 1 diaper. You have rolls on your arms and on your thighs, and I just love it. We've been out a few times where you aren't wearing pink, and people have asked "How old is HE?' Guess I'll have to start putting more bows on you so people aren't confused about the fact that you are a girl! You also have a touch of baby acne, but nothing awful. As of August 14th (your 2-month appointment), you are 10 lbs, 9 oz (27th percentile), 23 inches long (71st percentile), and your head circumference is 37 cm (14th percentile).
Developmental Milestones: Social smiling and cooing/gurgling at us.
Out and About: Let's see... This month included a few trips to the doctor to deal with your reflux issues, a trip to the Howard County Fair, your first road trip to PA to see Grandmom & Granddad's changes at their house and to see the new Mooney house, a trip to Family Day at the Nats game for Daddy's work, and a trip to Daddy's work to have lunch with him. The trip to PA was quite an adventure. Apparently, we waited too long after you ate to get into the car because about 45 minutes in, you decided that you were starving, and you absolutely HAD to eat. So, we had to stop so I could feed you, and then you weren't thrilled that we were stopped because of traffic after. We've run various errands (Target, grocery shopping, etc.) and are still picking up Caitlin from school most nights. You finally got to meet your Nana Chick when they came to visit this past weekend and you also got to meet the Allisons, the Galatros, and lots of Daddy's co-workers.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths, bouncy seat.
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
Caitlin:
So, at the 2-month mark, Caitlin was an inch longer, but a pound lighter. A lot of people say that Natalie looks a lot like Caitlin, but I don't see it. Other than the dark hair and complexion that is from me, I just can't tell who I think Natalie looks like. Caitlin has been a great big sister this month. She's always quick to help in any way she can and really would probably do more things if we'd let her. Her favorite thing recently has been putting Natalie's pacifier back in for her. Sometimes, we have to remind her to do it gently, and we're trying to help her understand that Natalie doesn't always want it back in her mouth after she spits it out. She loves it when Natalie's hand or foot accidentally touches her, and she gets even more excited when Natalie and I come to pick her up from school. She loves showing her off to her teachers (who are so sweet to tell Caitlin every day how beautiful her baby is even though they just saw her the day before), and she also likes for the other kids to be able to see her baby and touch her baby's feet. When we go anywhere, she always wants Mommy and Natalie to come. Caitlin also loves to help me pick out Natalie's outfit for the day. Such a good big sister! Natalie loves watching Caitlin too, but Caitlin is always on the go, so I think it's hard for Natalie to keep up. We've been encouraging Caitlin to talk to Natalie more, and Caitlin is really good about repeating what I say to Natalie as well.
Another month has flown by. I'll probably say it every month, but it really has been fun to watch you grow and start interacting with us. We can't wait to see what the next month brings!!
We love you to pieces!!
Love, Mommy
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Natalie - One Month
(written July 12, 2013)
Likes: Sleeping, eating, pooping. Sleeping on one of our chests is your favorite place to be.
Dislikes: The swing, pacifiers, car seat until we are moving.
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Tracking us
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting you to stay asleep.
Things that Work: Bouncing on the exercise ball to calm you/get you to sleep. Walking you around the house. Walking you outside. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement.
Sleep: Once you fall asleep (sometimes easy, sometimes not so easy), you LOVE to sleep. In fact, most of the time, during the day, I have to wake you to eat. You usually sleep 1.5 - 2 hour stretches during the day. At night, I get one good 4 hour stretch and then a 2 hour stretch. Currently, you mostly sleep swaddled. You hate the actual process of being swaddled, but it calms you down pretty quickly. You also are sleeping either in the bouncy seat or rock n play because of your digestive issues (see Eating below).
Temperament/Personality: Generally pretty calm/content, unless the witching hours of 5-10pm are upon us. Makes for a pretty interesting night trying to get dinner on the table, take care of Caitlin and keep you happy. Thankfully, I'm only on my own for maybe 1-1.5 hours of that time.
Eating: Generally, nursing is going pretty well. You are eating about every 2-3 hours during the day, and 4-5 hours at night. We took a trip to the ENT because just like your big sister, you had a posterior tongue tie. I handled that one solo, and let me tell you, it was kind of traumatic for both of us, but we survived. We also are about to start reflux meds because you have some reflux issues going on.
The Superficial: Oh, the hair. It is dark and thick, and there is a lot of it! Every time I'm out with you, I get so many comments about it (and how cute you are, of course). Your eyes are still a dark blue. You wore newborn clothes and diapers for the first 3 weeks of your life. Sadly, I'm packing away those newborn clothes since you've graduated to 3M and 0-3M clothes. I'm happy you're growing, but just can't believe it especially since it took so long for Caitlin to graduate to bigger clothes. As of July 11th, you weigh 9lbs 7oz. Your official one month appointment was July 17th, and you were 9lbs, 9oz (50th percentile), 22 inches long (79th percentile) and your head circumference was 36cm (24th percentile).
Developmental Milestones: Tracking us
Out and About: We've been to 3 pediatrician appointments, Howard County General Hospital to have your bilirubin levels checked for jaundice, to the mall with me, Daddy and Caitlin, to the pool to watch Caitlin at her swim lessons and running errands with me. We also started picking Caitlin up from school recently. You also got to meet Grandmom and Granddad LeNoir, the Mooneys, Uncle Philip, Pop Pop Chick, Mom Mom, Aunt Maryann, Aunt Val, Aunt Becky and Uncle Jordan, Ms. Jody, and Ms. Jen.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
So clearly, the big difference between these two is the hair, complexion and size. Caitlin has adjusted into her role as big sister quite well and rarely complains about the fact that Natalie is here and isn't going anywhere. Most of the time, she is even my big helper and gets things for me to help me take care of Natalie. We also spent a good bit of time before Natalie was born talking to her about all the things that she can do but that Natalie can't, so I think that helps too because she feels so important being able to do all these "big girl" things. I think it has really helped that she gets to do so many fun things with Daddy lately. She gets a little annoyed when Natalie cries, but I would say that when she acts out, it is the result of her being three rather than her being jealous of Natalie.
Well, little girl, we survived month one! We have had so much fun getting to know you and welcoming you to our family and can not wait to see what the next month brings.
We just love you to pieces and hope you will always know this!
Love, Mommy
Likes: Sleeping, eating, pooping. Sleeping on one of our chests is your favorite place to be.
Dislikes: The swing, pacifiers, car seat until we are moving.
Biggest Achievement of the Month: Tracking us
Biggest Challenge of the Month: Getting you to stay asleep.
Things that Work: Bouncing on the exercise ball to calm you/get you to sleep. Walking you around the house. Walking you outside. Going for a car ride or stroller ride, but god forbid we stop. Clearly, you love movement.
Sleep: Once you fall asleep (sometimes easy, sometimes not so easy), you LOVE to sleep. In fact, most of the time, during the day, I have to wake you to eat. You usually sleep 1.5 - 2 hour stretches during the day. At night, I get one good 4 hour stretch and then a 2 hour stretch. Currently, you mostly sleep swaddled. You hate the actual process of being swaddled, but it calms you down pretty quickly. You also are sleeping either in the bouncy seat or rock n play because of your digestive issues (see Eating below).
Temperament/Personality: Generally pretty calm/content, unless the witching hours of 5-10pm are upon us. Makes for a pretty interesting night trying to get dinner on the table, take care of Caitlin and keep you happy. Thankfully, I'm only on my own for maybe 1-1.5 hours of that time.
Eating: Generally, nursing is going pretty well. You are eating about every 2-3 hours during the day, and 4-5 hours at night. We took a trip to the ENT because just like your big sister, you had a posterior tongue tie. I handled that one solo, and let me tell you, it was kind of traumatic for both of us, but we survived. We also are about to start reflux meds because you have some reflux issues going on.
The Superficial: Oh, the hair. It is dark and thick, and there is a lot of it! Every time I'm out with you, I get so many comments about it (and how cute you are, of course). Your eyes are still a dark blue. You wore newborn clothes and diapers for the first 3 weeks of your life. Sadly, I'm packing away those newborn clothes since you've graduated to 3M and 0-3M clothes. I'm happy you're growing, but just can't believe it especially since it took so long for Caitlin to graduate to bigger clothes. As of July 11th, you weigh 9lbs 7oz. Your official one month appointment was July 17th, and you were 9lbs, 9oz (50th percentile), 22 inches long (79th percentile) and your head circumference was 36cm (24th percentile).
Developmental Milestones: Tracking us
Out and About: We've been to 3 pediatrician appointments, Howard County General Hospital to have your bilirubin levels checked for jaundice, to the mall with me, Daddy and Caitlin, to the pool to watch Caitlin at her swim lessons and running errands with me. We also started picking Caitlin up from school recently. You also got to meet Grandmom and Granddad LeNoir, the Mooneys, Uncle Philip, Pop Pop Chick, Mom Mom, Aunt Maryann, Aunt Val, Aunt Becky and Uncle Jordan, Ms. Jody, and Ms. Jen.
Favorite Baby Gear: Boppy, burp cloths
Big and Little Sister:
Natalie:
Caitlin:
So clearly, the big difference between these two is the hair, complexion and size. Caitlin has adjusted into her role as big sister quite well and rarely complains about the fact that Natalie is here and isn't going anywhere. Most of the time, she is even my big helper and gets things for me to help me take care of Natalie. We also spent a good bit of time before Natalie was born talking to her about all the things that she can do but that Natalie can't, so I think that helps too because she feels so important being able to do all these "big girl" things. I think it has really helped that she gets to do so many fun things with Daddy lately. She gets a little annoyed when Natalie cries, but I would say that when she acts out, it is the result of her being three rather than her being jealous of Natalie.
Well, little girl, we survived month one! We have had so much fun getting to know you and welcoming you to our family and can not wait to see what the next month brings.
We just love you to pieces and hope you will always know this!
Love, Mommy
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Natalie - Four Weeks
Natalie was four weeks old on July 10th. Here's a recap of week four in pictures.
We celebrated the 4th of July! Happy birthday, America!!
Sisters!
Sisters again - now you can see Caitlin's 4th of July shirt!
Snoozing in the rock n play. I love how big your belly looks!
Snoozing again!
You met Aunt Becky!
All stretched out.
You made funny faces.
You took your first bath in the baby tub.
Snoozing in our bed.
We celebrated the 4th of July! Happy birthday, America!!
Sisters!
Sisters again - now you can see Caitlin's 4th of July shirt!
Snoozing in the rock n play. I love how big your belly looks!
Snoozing again!
You met Aunt Becky!
All stretched out.
You made funny faces.
You took your first bath in the baby tub.
Snoozing in our bed.
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