AR's 12 Month Photoshoot...

...all I can say is thank goodness these monthly shots are over! Warning to all the new mommas out there: these are easy in the beginning but once they get mobile, they are next to impossible! I wish I'd done one the day she was born but I still have plenty of good hospital shots to use for those. So enjoy, this is one thing I'm not going to miss!

These were usually the easiest ones in the white basket:

As you can tell, I think the wicker baskets one were a little painful:

And these days all she wants to do is play with the bear!

Wow! These doesn't even look like the same kid!

 

AR, thanks for putting up with these each month. I'm sure this isn't the only crafty "pain" you'll have to endure throughout your life. #lovemyAR

Miss AR is ONE YEAR OLD!!!

...wow! My baby girl is one. Crazy how this time last year, I was just meeting her...little did I know how much one, sweet baby would change my life and even with all the sleepless nights and extra pounds I'm lugging around, I wouldn't change any of it-not one bit. We've got a big day today-your first birthday party! Some of your friends are going to come over and I've got fun stuff for you all to do so let's cross your fingers that we have good weather. Now on to the excitement of your 11th month.

*Now that you have teeth, you grind them all the time. It drives your Daddy and me crazy! When I hear you doing it, I try to give you Sophie or something else to chew on. Moms and Dads out there, any tips?

*You've started taking a few steps here and there. It's kind of like a running start hoping that you'll reach your destination before you fall flat on your face. You have really started noticing the animals in your room. Every night when Daddy comes in to say good night, you point to the animals and he says the names. Then we let you stand on the glider and you run/walk to me and Miss Owl. I love that part of the bedtime. You point to the animals every night and grin as Daddy tells you what each of them are.

*Still such a big girl drinking your milk from a sippy cup although you don't drink NEARLY as much milk as you used to, probably because you are eating way more solids. You've basically dropped an afternoon feeding and are mainly just drinking milk at meals plus when you wake-up and right before bed.

*Now that it's warmer out, you've been getting to spend a LOT of time with your doggies. Shad loves you so much although when he gets an itch on his back and rolls over to scratch it, he forgets you are still a baby and sometimes you get a paw in the arm which you don't like. You watch me brush Emma almost every day, it's amazing she isn't bald yet. I think this picture is so sweet and sincere, Shad's head in your lap and you petting him...

*One weekend, we painted outside. You and Shadow both ate the paint (flour, water and food coloring). You were so messy but you both had a lot of fun.

*You had your third, I think, cold. We got the humidifier out which I think helped a TON! As I thought you were on the mend, you started getting more snotty. Turns out it was your very first ear infection! Mommy felt so bad and selfish because I only took you when your naps/sleep got bad...bad Mommy!

*Your hair is so long! I haven't gotten your haircut, my family is very superstitious, but also, I didn't really see a need for it. My mom is insisting on getting her haircut on her first birthday but I'm like, why? Although I am potentially seeing a need for it soon...

*I painted her big toenail for the Color Run. I was only brave enough to do one.

*We went to Haley's Girl Scout Bridging ceremony. It started at your bedtime so you were a little crabby but you did pretty good. I had to walk around with you in the lobby while the leaders talked but once they started saying the girls' names and everyone was clapping, you were happy to join in. By the time we left, 8pm, you were asleep before we got out of the parking lot.

*I still tend to think you're too little for things like the park but I've realized you're not. You love, love, love the swing!

You also love when I pull you up and down the slide.

You walked all the way up these yellow bars and Mommy got some side squats in so I was ready to catch you. It stresses me when you try to crawl because I worry about what's on the ground. As soon as we get home, you go straight into the sink and I do a quick washdown. More than anything though, you love the people at the park and you're quite the flirt. In this picture, you're grinning at a little boy.

*You got invited and went to your first birthday party. Within 10 minutes of being there, you got hit in the head by another kid swinging a bucket. I took you outside to find Daddy to calm down and distract you. When we came back in, the birthday girl had taken your Cheerios out of your bag. Sigh...it was a traumatic experience for Mommy but you were a good sport and after you calmed down from the bucket to the head, you had a great time.

*I don't think I can stress how much you love to be ouside although you hate the feel of the grass. I've been taking advantage of all the nice days we've had and we spend most afternoons after work outside with your doggies or at the park. Here you are helping Mommy plant a flower for your babysitter for Mother's Day.

*You'd had enough of the grass and decided to help weed. I was worried you'd put dirt in your mouth but instead, you picked it up and handed it to Mommy. 



*The week before Mother's Day, you said, "Nigh, nigh!" I was holding you in the glider before bed and Daddy was squatted beside us. You had given us both a million kisses which we both loved so it encouraged you to give more. Finally, I said, "Okay, tell Daddy night, night" and clear as day, you sad, "nigh, nigh!" Daddy and I were both shocked! We got excited and urged you to do it again, so you did...over and over and over, at first whispering it then getting louder and louder.

*When we ask you, "How old are you?" You hold up your right index finger!!!

*We had a garage sale. You saw your old bottles and wanted one so I let you hold one with the lid on. Then you sat back like a fat cat!

 

*You stack rings at Grandma's house. I picked you up one day and you showed me. I was so excited for you! You are such a smart kid.

 

*Papa got you a water table for your birthday. It got up to 90 degrees this past week so I brought it out for you to play with after work. I try to do something fun with you after work like go to the park, play with the doggies, etc...You really seemed to love the table. The neighbor came over to play and when she left you started blowing her kisses:

*You sure do love your Cheerios and because Mommy hates to wash sippy cups. This is your water cup at home, supervised of course:

So my sweet AR, today you are 1. One year ago today, I met you and found how much I can truly love one person. I would do anything in the world for you, precious daughter. You will always be my little girl no matter how old you are. Thank you for loving me, helping me learn to be a mommy and understanding when I have no idea WTH I'm doing. I love you, baby girl, more than you'll ever know! OXXO (not the store) I love this sweet face!



AR's 1 Year Photoshoot: The Outtakes...

...since Matt got me the fancy, dancy camera, I had to agree that I'd take her photos and not pay a photographer. Last weekend, my mom and I attempted some shots of our own. I give 100 million props to photogs who take kid photos every day. Here are the outtakes...

 

"Here, mom, take this lemon."

"Waaaaaahhhh! Why did you take my lemon???"



Two seconds later, "Hey, mom, whatcha got there?"

Don't tell the health department we sit on tables and kick off cups and straws (this is actually one of my favorite pics for catching all this!)

Whew! Cross your fingers that we got one good one!

AR's and Mommy's Day Out Part II...

...after the library and Mommy's work, we headed to the Magic House to meet Angie and Sophie. First stop was the ball pit, both girls LOVED it:

AR ESPECIALLY loved it!

After the ball pit, slide and kitchen, the girls headed over to this glow board thing. It was pretty cool and, of course, AR tried to put all the sticks in her mouth. I don't think I've said, "yucky!" so many times in one hour. It was interesting to hear other parents and the catch phrases they use with their kids. 

The main reason, Ang and I wanted to take the girls here was because the Magic School Bus had an exhibit. My mom used to dress up like Ms. Frizzle and do storytelling. One of Angie and I's first social experience was a Halloween party at her house, back in 2009, in which I dressed up like Ms. Frizzle and she had no idea WTH that was. Since then, I have schooled her on Ms. Frizzle. Here are the girls in front of the Magic School Bus: 

AR with Ms. Frizzle. This area was way over the girls heads but it was a really cool area.

After the bus, we headed back to the toddler area and hit up the sand. Luckily, AR couldn't reach it but she did enjoy trying to put the shovel in her mouth-gross!

After that, Ang and Soph had to leave but AR and I stuck around. We went to the "grocery store" where AR took all the food off the lowest shelf and handed it all to me. 

Then we went to the "vet" where at first she was less than impressed...

Until she found the tubes with the hamsters and took every single one of them out (about 10) and put them on the table to "exercise." I'm just glad she's not picking stuff up and throwing or dropping it. I can handle her handing me everything.

Then we headed downstairs and I thought this area looked safe and fun until one of those pieces went straight in her mouth and that's when I decided it was time to leave.

First though, AR found these kids hiding (not wanting to leave from their field trip) so she had to check it out. The door to the right is the "Calming Corner" for nursing or for kids with autism to decompress. I had seen this on the website but forgot about it. I was planning on nursing her in the car before we left but when I saw this, I thought we'd try it out. We had to wait for someone else to finish using it and when we went in, it was VERY calming, I could have fallen asleep until I heard the pop of the experiment outside...over and over and over. So "Calming Corner," great idea but maybe it should be in a different corner. 

Thanks for letting us tag along Ang and Soph! After we left there, I had to go back to work and AR got to meet a lot more of my co-workers. When we saw the Park staff, she started saying Da-da to each of them...yes, AR, they look like your daddy but they are not! I've got 29 years on AR and I was wore out so I can only imagine how tired she was after our long, busy, fun day!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

...I hope all the Mommas out there had a great Mother's Day! I guess AR couldn't wait to get the day started because she woke up at 4am! After getting her back to sleep off and on until 4:45am, we brought her to bed with us where we all slept until 6:45am-the latest we've ever slept since she was born!

Her and her daddy got me a card and a box of chocolates. Then we went to the hotel and had breakfast with Nana. After that we came home hoping she'd take a nice long nap before our afternoon started. I laid down while her and Daddy played. Half asleep I hear her start to get cranky, I hear Matt missing the sleep cues so I sleepily tell him to put her down (I'm in the bedroom and they're in the living room). He tries to lay her down and instantly she cries so he gives up. Without moving, I tell him to lay her down and let her cry...within a couple minutes, she was asleep. And exactly 30 minutes later, she was up. Ugh! We had a good long stretch of good sleep and now her naps are going crazy...sorry get off subject. Anyways, I felt like a good momma being able to guide him while not moving out of bed.

After that, we got ready and headed over to my SIL's house. First though, a prego friend of mine stopped by for the limited boy clothes that we had. AR was showing off for them and having a good 'ole time until she tripped and bonked her head-silly AR!

At my SIL's, we had lunch, my BIL brought me flowers (shocker!) and after lunch, AR, my MIL and I went for a walk...where AR fell back and hit her head on the wagon. Geez! AR and I then headed home for her to take a nap (my SIL lives about 2 minutes from us). 30 minutes on the dot, she woke up from her nap! We headed back over, visited, AR ate some watermelon, she went on another wagon ride with Daddy (this time the wagon was padded with a blanket) then she ate some more watermelon then we headed back home for the night where she ate some more watermelon. Guess we found a good summer snack, huh?

We did our bedtime routine and right before bed, we snapped a picture...amazing what a difference a year can make, huh?


I had no idea what was in store for me this time last year. It's been an amazing journey with a lot of ups and a few downs. I never thought I could love someone as much as I love my sweet AR. Thanks to all the well wishes and to Daddy & AR for making the day so special for me!

To all the Mommas out there waiting for their miracle, don't give up hope. It's hard to see it but all the tears, hopes, fears and failures are all worth it in the end. Prayers and baby dust to those of you!

AR's and Mommy's Day Out Part 1...

...yesterday, I was off work. I kept AR home with me so we could do some fun baby stuff. There really isn't a whole lot out there for under 1 year olds because, well, they don't do much. Now that we're getting more social, mobile and older (tear!), I'm trying to find some new stuff for us to do.

 

I researched the library's page and almost everything for AR's age had passed. I found an event called, "Meet Little Critter" which had no age requirements. When I called to register, they said there was one spot left and took all my info and then said, "Oh well it looks like you have to be 2..." I told them all of their classes except this one had age requirements. A supervisor got on the phone and tried every trick in the book to sway me from registering until I finally asked what would her age really hinder her from? To which she had no reply so she agreed to let me register and then told me it was full. Long story...we got registered...finally!

 

So we got there a little early and so did the 30 other families waiting to go in. The wait was probably AR's favorite time. She found this huge teddy bear that she loved!

Then she crawled over to the train table where the older boys were playing and she grinned while watching them.

See, totally mesmerized by the older kids...side note: the sitter has school age kids in the summer because her mom helps her. I'm so excited for AR to be able to play with them this summer!

Then the program started and I was one proud Momma of my one year old that was too young! Look at this sweet girl sitting and enjoying. I gave her a little book to keep her hands busy and she watched the other kids mainly but she was quiet as can be. 

Then the older kids did a craft while AR and I scribbled for all of 20 seconds and then she walked back and forth between chairs. After craft, we got to meet Little Critter. AR's met "stuffed" people before with no problems but she wasn't so sure of this thing...this is right after he waved at her and she was giving him a WTH look. We quickly left before I gave her time to get scared!

After the library, we stopped by Mommy's work so I could catch up on some emails. She visited with the ladies in KK and preschool then played at my desk and ate her lunch. Qdoba stopped by to give out samples. I had a bowl in one hand and her in the other walking out to the car. Silly girl reached over and helped herself to some shredded cheese from my bowl! Then we headed to the Magic House to meet Angie and Sophie...to be continued...

Oh my Aching Ear!!!

...is what AR's thinking. I had a major mom fail. My sweet baby girl has her first ear infection and who knows, she's probably had it for the past couple weeks! The week before the Color Run, she woke up two mornings in a row with a snot crusted nose. We did all the usual...quilt under mattress, humidifier, etc...It seemed to get better.

We stayed the weekend at my sister's and she was spitting up some and seemed to have lost her appetite. She'd only eat purees, not "real" food, so I thought maybe her throat hurt. By Sunday though, she was a gobbling fool so I didn't worry about it. I'd check her every day for fever and she never had one.

Then last week, she was still snotty and started touching her ear. She wasn't tugging at it, nothing was leaking out of it and when I'd swab it with a Q-tip, nothing but really ear wax came out. Still no fever and this little girl was as happy as can be!

She was down to taking 2 naps which I figured was transition but then this weekend, OMG-naps from HELL! Saturday I think she took like one 30 minute nap in the car then another cat nap for about 15 minutes. She went to bed early so therefore on Sunday, she woke up early...as in 4am. I laid her down for a nap at 7:30am and she slept for 1.5 hours. I thought we were back on track-FAKEOUT! She then took a 20 minute nap after 20 minutes of screaming and then a 30 minute nap in which she woke up hysterical and only nursing would soothe her. Sunday night, she was up at midnight, 2am, 3:15am and 4:30am. Not up screaming but just fussing and enough to wake me up. Monday she only took 1 one hour nap so I knew something was up. But again, she was happy and busy and playing all day long.

When I picked her up, I figured I'd go ahead and call the doctor's office. I guess a part of me thought she was fine because she was so happy and I knew she had her check-up in a couple weeks. Anyways, I call and turns out AR's doc was out sick so we had to go to the guy who covered for him. A doctor that Matt and I spent an hour with interviewing while I was still pregnant...awkward. I called about 3:45pm and they told me if I could get there by 4:30 they'd see me. LAGIT!

We get there and barely had to wait before they took us back. We did have to wait about 10-15 minutes for the doctor after the nurse saw us but I wasn't going to complain since we got in right away and I didn't have to take any time off work. As I was waiting, I was thinking this place is way closer to home, way newer and the patient rooms are HUGE then the doctor came in and I remembered why we didn't pick him...aside from the fact that he's a Cubs fan.

Apparently, her left ear was clogged with tons of ear wax. This is the opposite ear she had been playing with. He cleaned it out which pissed her off and it was so gross. Then he wrote us a prescription for amoxicillian, gave me 2 free bottles of Advil and sent us on our way. Matt filled the script while I did bathtime. When he got home, Dr. Matt as he wanted to be called, gave her the meds and she sucked it down! So she gets it 3x/day for 10 days and hopefully my sweet little girl will feel better. Ugh...I feel like a bad mommy but at least I know she's on the mend now.