Reid: Two Years

Nothing like being a month late. Again. I've tried to keep the highlights limited to the time between late August and his birthday on November 30. A lot has changed even in the past month - mostly an expanded vocabulary, him looking a lot more like a big boy, and having LOTS of new things to play with. =)

Dear Reid,

I can't believe we're already here. You're TWO and definitely not a baby anymore. I can't even kid myself by calling you a baby-toddler. Nope. We are 110% in toddler territory now. I mean, you're two.

Reid, two is already a whirlwind. It's the calm and the storm. It's leaving the house with less stuff (hooray!) and time outs in public places. It's a pouty face and crocodile tears quickly followed by a grin and giggles that won't stop. It's mini dance parties, chasing you around the house, and building towers. Two is you grabbing our cheeks with both of your chubby little hands and planting a big kiss on our lips. This age is Mickey and belting out Let it Go. It's grabbing your blankie, milk, and at least three books then backing it up onto our laps. Two is tantrums and embarrassment and sleeping through the night. It's eating everything in sight and still wanting more. Two is all about new words, stringing together sentences, and repeating everything we say. Two is "mine" and "no" and "love, love, love." It's about you having buddies and showing us, by example, what it's like to love unconditionally and be a kind human being. Two is stubborn, hilarious, exhausting, easier, harder, fun, sweet, and a total adventure. Two is love. You are two. And I love you.

Mama

Highlights:

You're busy, inquisitive, matter of fact, sweet, funny, a boundary pusher, persistent, stubborn, slightly obsessive compulsive ;), kind, ornery smart, loving, and so, SO loved.

You still love books and tend to 'read' them aloud to yourself instead of just pointing at things to ask what they are (though you still do that too). You love saying the words you know. Sometimes you sit on our laps very well to hear a story and other times you're still too busy for that.

You continue to add new vocabulary. You say 'uppo' for hippo, 'cocky-doo' (with much enthusiasm I might add) for rooster, and every kind of bird, aside from the rooster, is a 'guck'. You say the names of many, maybe even most, family and friends. Water is 'wahtee', sleep and sheep are both 'eep', and you request 'doast' for breakfast a lot. You're repeating everything we say too.

You love to take walks and ask for them regularly. You really enjoy being outside.

You still love to eat. =) You continue to eat just about anything and everything we toss your way. You're no dainty eater either. ;)

You suddenly LOVE Mickey and ask to watch Mickey often. Even if your'e not really watching it, you like it on in the background.

Some favorite activities over the past three months include: reading, walking, watching Mickey, making a mess with play-dough, naming the people in our little family - including yourself, playing with blocks, driving cars around, and playing with zippers. You've also enjoyed singing along with 'Let it Go' and 'Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog'.

You ask for your 'blankie' off and on and it always goes to breakfast with you in the morning. =) You don't take it everywhere you go but you do tend to need that specific type of blanket (Aden+Anais muslin blanket) to sleep.

You love to play and make us laugh. Especially at bedtime. ;)

You are a wallerer!

You began to use the potty and wore big boy undies for the first time... but that all kind of faded away.

You now wear size 7.5-8 extra-wide shoes, size 2T and 3T (mostly 3) shirts, 2t bottoms, and size 6 diapers.

You can open any door and even the baby gate with no trouble.

You have a very effective pouty face and sometimes get a little stubborn and dare I say a bit rude and demanding.

You are good at taking stairs, climbing up on anything and everything, and hopping back up when you get hurt.

You give the sweetest hugs and it's rare that someone gets a hug without also getting a kiss. =)

Dad

Hey Reid,

Yesterday was Father's Day. I couldn't possibly put into words, even on a good writing day, how blessed you are to have the dad you do. BUT, I'm going to try to share a teensy bit more about the man you so enthusiastically call "daddy" all day long and how he feels about you. =)

First off, he is every bit as much of a parent as I am. He goes about it differently than me sometimes but he loves you, you're his priority, and he always has your best interest and well-being at heart. 

He is proud of you and has been since day one. 

When you were born, he did the majority of the "baby care". It was several days before I changed a diaper. He really steps up to the plate for you, and for me, when it counts most. Sometimes, that's just the everyday, not-so-glamorous stuff.

He has a tendency to get you all riled up before bedtime... you two have so much fun... but you've always seemed to feel safe, secure, and still in his arms.

You are like him in a lot of ways. You're curious, loud, a bit of a bull in a china closet, friendly, warm, and you a have the gift of making people smile just like him. You also have his nose, hair color, and more.

Nobody can get you to laugh quite like he does. You two have something special and there's never a dull moment.

He never hesitates to be a kid with you. Your happiness trumps any lack of energy or potential embarrassment. =)

He makes this worried mama back off a tiny bit so you can explore, have more fun, and be a boy.

He tickles you, rough-houses with you, helps you learn new things, holds you when you're sad, dusts you off when you fall down, and holds your hand when you're not quite sure about that big step.

Reid, your dad is top-notch. He is patient and kind and loves you like only a Dad can. He wants the best for you as you grow up - even if it looks differently than anything he's pictured.

You bring out the best in him and he in you. Here's to many, many more Father's Days spent together.

Reid: Month 15

Dear Reid,

Seeing as how you're almost 16 months old now, I'm a little late to this game. Oops! You have changed so much in these last three+ months. You're less and less of a baby and more and more like a big kid. I miss you as a wee little babe but I can't say I get too awful sad about it. You're more fun each and every day and my love for you is just prit-near big time.

You rarely meet a stranger and make friends everywhere you go. You are a character that has the gift of making people smile and winning their hearts. It's a gift I pray you'll always use for good and that God will use to the fullest. Your personality? Sigh. It's explosive. You are such a blessing that I am just so so thankful for. You're really becoming 'you' and I love being along for the ride.

The past few months have been a whirlwind. You showed some slight separation anxiety at times and made it clear you wanted your mama. That seems to have already passed for the most part but it still comes up every now and then. We also dipped our toes into the crazy, confusing, heart-breaking sea of discipline. You are ornery and sure do know how to push your boundaries and our buttons. So far we've found a mix of diversion tactics and the occasional time out seem to work in most instances (like when you're pulling hair, standing on furniture, or pulling blinds and curtains for example ;)) You also seem to be making stronger attachments to your little buddies at daycare and at church. I love to see that! =)

Reid, my busy little man... I love you and look forward to the next few adventures!

Highlights:

You are walking like a pro all over the house. You took your first sorta-steps Thanksgiving weekend, then took your first real steps the week before Christmas. Then, you started full-on walking on January 8. You got up and walked across the room at daycare then came home and gave us an encore performance. =) You walk with your hands up by your chest a good deal of the time and you get into everything.

You climb on everything and have had your fair share of head bonks because of it.

You are very vocal and have quite the set of pipes on you. I think you like to be heard. =) You babble a lot but you also say several things including 'mama', 'daddy', 'uh-oh', 'hi', 'hello', 'bye bye', 'more'. Other things you've said but don't say frequently include: 'Peety', 'doggy', 'Oakley', 'please', 'banana', and probably other things that I can't think of right now.

You love food. You are certainly going to eat us out of house and home. ;) You eat all table food and aside from a few things you still can't chew well, you are happy to try new things. We do still keep bites fairly small but are moving more toward letting you take your own bites off things.

You have all your baby teeth (that's right... all 16... and have had for months now) aside from your 2-3.5 year molars - which - you are currently working on. Bring on the steak!

You had your first visit with the dentist on February 19, 2014. You got a good report (this is when we figured out you're teething again) and we celebrated with a treat from the Donut Whole. ;)

You have just recently figured out how to rock your dino rocker. It's quite cute.

You can now put your blocks together and play with your stacking toys the right way.

You weigh 25+ lbs. I don't have a real recent height measurement but I do know that your head is still in the 90th+ percentile. =) Cutest noggin' around.

You love being with friends and family and are always happy to be dropped off at daycare each day. You're always happy to see me at pick-up time though which keeps my heart happy. You also enjoy hanging out with family babysitters. Thanks Reid, that makes having to be away from you at times SO much easier.

You rarely like to be held, sit on our laps, or hold still to be read to. BUT... sometimes you do and it's just like the best thing ever. You're usually excited to see me when I pick you up from daycare so when I get in the backseat to buckle you in your carseat, we pause for a hug.

I sneak in quick prayers each night during the minute or two you let me sway with you in your room.

You still use a pacifier but mostly just for naps/bedtime and in the car. Our plan was to wean you off of it after the first of the year but again, the teething has just been non-stop and that seems to help you feel better so we've kept it... for now. =)

You still sleep well at night for the most part and you still love naps... usually 2x a day.

You celebrated Valentine's day with a party at Connie's (you even got Valentine's from your friends!) and a party at Aunt Cori's that night.

You handed out your first Valentines.

You spent much of January sick with something... upper respiratory virus and ear infection which was just awful and landed you your first round of antibiotics and a few sick days home with me or your dad, a stomach bug (maybe even two), and lots of teething-related things too, later in the month and info February.

You are still super ticklish and have the best laugh.

You have started undoing the velcro straps on your shoes constantly. You like to chew on the velcro sometimes.

You still wear size 4 diapers. I'm certain we could go up to the next size but there's more in the size 4 box so we're still getting those. ;)

You wear 18-month (and 24-mo shirts/pj's) clothes but are moving more and more into the 24mo or 2T size... especially in shirts. You still have skinny, short legs so you can still take the smaller pants. *update - you're wearing mostly 2t shirts and 18-month bottoms. 

You still seem fairly comfortable wearing your size 5 Stride Rite shoes but it's clear they're quickly becoming too small. *update - too small now that this post is late... moved on to size 6 which are still a tad big.

Your eczema is still a problem. =/ It doesn't seem to bother you too awful bad though. I'm hoping it improves as the weather warms up and the air isn't quite so dry.

You are such a dramatic little eater and drinker. You really go at it with great intensity... mouth wide open, chomping down on the sippy cup or a fist full of food. I giggle each time. It's just so 'you'.

Reid: Month 12

Reid,

You're officially ONE. You're my adorable, sweet, funny wild animal. You're my mover, my shaker, my belly-laugh maker. Sure, you're a curious, crazy (in the best way) toddler  but you're my baby... always will be. =)

I don't think anything has ever broken my heart, warmed it, and made it skip a beat quite like you. The chance to be your mom is an opportunity I am SO incredibly thankful for. That blessing is not lost on me. I get it. I am honored and humbled. I'm grateful I remember, even in the midst of a meltdown, this time flies so fast and every minute I get with you, no matter the activity, is a T-total blessing. (How many commas can I use in a sentence?)

Every phase we come to seems to be that much more fun than the one before. I certainly miss the sleepy snuggles but sharing my time with you is a blast now. You are so full of life. It's hard to be sad about the past when the present is so great. What's better is that while I haven't been a parent for long in the grand scheme of things, I've been at it long enough to know that everything has it's season. The (tantrums/sleepless nights/etc...) will end... even if just for a little bit... and better yet, the good always outweighs the bad. Cliche as it may be, you make everything worth it.

This past week has especially brought about many changes. You made the switch to whole cow's milk and stopped drinking from a bottle. You handled it like a champ. You began to eat breakfast before going to daycare each day. You still sleep well at night (most nights) and you continue to be a pretty laid back, easy going guy. You seem to know your routine so well that when it's broken, you're able to go with the flow then jump right back into it. You do not like to be told no. In fact, you generally respond one of two ways: continuing your activity (usually escaping or getting into something you're not suppose to) with an ornery grin on your face OR stopping in your tracks to have a total broken-feelings-meltdown complete with crocodile tears and the most pitiful pouty face I've ever seen. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. =)

I feel like I have much more to say but more than anything, I want you to know how much I love you. It's unconditional and it's forever. Thank you for making me a mom.

Love, Mama

Highlights:

• You ate table food exclusively from the beginning of the month.

• You continued saying "hi" and added a very cute "daddy" to the end of the phrase. Of course, you waved while saying it. 

• You stood unassisted early on but never for long.

• You got 4 new teeth bringing your total to: 12 (with about 4 more to be making their appearance VERY soon)

• You choked on watermelon.

• You still wore size 4 diapers.

• You wore 12-18, 18, and a couple 18-24 month clothes.

• I started putting steroid cream on your real bad eczema spots. I wish I had used it much earlier.

• You became a little pro with the sippy cup.

• You started saying "yay" and clapping a lot. Oh how you loved to clap.

• You took a a couple quick little steps between your Dad and I.

• You took your first treats to daycare. I made graham cracker sandwiches (with frosting in between).

• You became a lot more mobile and more confident with your steps as you cruised around furniture and walls.

• You started drinking whole cow's milk mixed with your formula and eventually by itself.

• You had your last bottle right before your birthday party (on your birthday) and switched to sippy cups of milk from there on out.

• Speaking of party... you had your very first birthday party!! The theme was the book If You Give a Dog a Donut. We had it at the church and lots of your family was there! You absolutely LOVED the cake and probably would have ate the entire thing if we had let you.

• You tried several new foods, probably too many for me to even remember. 

• You intently watched me take your shoes on and off and learned how to take them off yourself. ;)

• You enjoyed "sharing" your pacifier, toy, sippy cup, etc... with someone only to take it right back. 

• You played more in the bath.

• You celebrated your first Thanksgiving.

• You spent plenty of time with family since your Dad and I had a lot of photo sessions.

Reid: Month (gasp) 11

Dear Reid,

Each day with you becomes more fun and a little bit more challenging. Or maybe not more challenging... just challenging in a different way. There's now more focus on keeping you out of stuff you shouldn't be in and we're very much still trying different methods of guidance and discipline... if you can even call it that. Boy do we have a lot to learn. =)

The cool thing is, there's nobody else I'd rather learn with than you and your daddy. You were the perfect addition to our family at the perfect time. God has a tendency to do that. He knows us more than we know ourselves and he loves us more than we can even imagine in our wildest dreams.

There's no doubt in my mind we will make many mistakes as we parent you Reid. Heck! We already have. I hope you know our mistakes aren't on purpose and that we do the best we can and we do it out of love for you. I'm choosing to believe your Heavenly Father will fill in the gaps when we come up short.

Challenges aside you're just so much fun. I'm going to tell you a secret. Before you were born, I used to worry that you wouldn't be as cool as some of the other kids I know. Now, as a mom, I know I could never not think my child was cool. I get that now. But as your mom - I clearly had nothing to worry about. You have a personality that's all your own. You're ornery, funny, sweet, and just absolutely awesome. =)

Love you little man,
Mama

Highlights:

• In the past few days you made the switch to all table food (lunch and supper) except for the occasional stage 3 pouch while we're on the go. In addition to what you've tried so far, you've tried pancakes, scrambled egg yolks, sausage, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, pineapple, mixed veggies with mini bowtie pasta, and probably some other things you tried off our plates that I'm forgetting.
• You wore size 4 and cloth diapers.
• You started switching more to 18-month clothes. Many are a little big still but many of your 12-month shirts are too short on you.
• You still have 8 teeth. You've been working awfully hard on others but so far they haven't completely popped through.
• You crawl (correctly) exclusively now and do lots of cruising around furniture. You also started walking some behind a push-toy. 
• You play very contently on your own.
• You get an 8 oz bottle first thing in the morning, then a 6 oz bottle around 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and then 8 oz again at night. You hit a bit of a growth spurt (mostly height this time) but now you're slowing down on the formula again and there's been a few times we've just done 6 oz all day.
• You're very vocal and have added new consonants to your vocabulary but still haven't really said any words... except "hi"... you did say that and even waved. =) We're waiting patiently on the "mom" and "dad". No rush. ;)
• I spent three days and two nights away from you while at a conference. It broke my heart to go but thankfully they kept me super busy so I didn't cry the whole time. The girls I work with in that group asked a lot about you. They love seeing your pictures on facebook. 
• You are ornery and still struggle to understand why we tell you "no" when you try doing certain things. 
• You are also very sweet and love to hug occasionally (lay your head on my shoulder/lap) and kiss (come at my face with your mouth wide open). 
• You learned to "pick-up" your toys and seem to feel very proud of yourself when you complete the task. We'll see how long that lasts. =)
• You wave, which is nothing new, but you do it with such enthusiasm I feel it's worth mentioning again. You flap your arm up down so fast I think it might fall off. ;) To top it off, you do so with that million dollar whole-face smile that just charms the heck out of people. 
• Peety interacts with you more now that you're a little bigger. He always makes you giggle.
• You are so stinkin' ticklish - which practically makes your dad's day. He loves to tickle you and make you laugh. You get to laughing so hard you can barely catch your breath. It's contagious.
• Your Eczema got quite a bit worse.
• This month you had your first trip to the pumpkin patch and experienced your first Arkalalah! You also attended a wedding and went to a couple birthday parties. You had a fun and busy month mister!

Month 10

Earth to Reid... sloooow down!

I kid, but seriously though, this first year is moving all too fast. In one breath I find myself sad that my baby is quickly transforming into a toddler while in the next breath, I'm thanking God that I have you, here and healthy.

He's given us a real gift Reid. You are a gift in yourself but the fact that I was able to have a full-term pregnancy, deliver you safely, bring you home, and oh yeah, you're healthy too... wow... we are fortunate sir. We are fortunate that we get to know each other and be 'us'. I love you and I am so incredibly grateful.

I don't really have much else to say right now buddy. I couldn't possibly touch on everything you've learned or every way you've changed over the last month. Just know that my heart is more than full and you fill the majority of my thoughts too.

Love you,

Mama

Highlights:

• You continued eating some regular stage 2 baby foods. We also started giving you some heartier stage 3s for supper. In the past couple weeks or so, you've started eating more finger foods. I'm still sending baby food to Connie's and you eat an afternoon snack there but are getting a mix of baby food and table food in the evenings and on weekends. So far, you've had cut-up banana (which you like much better now), as well as cut up baby carrots, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, chicken, bagels, mac-n-cheese, and probably other things I'm forgetting. =)

• You wore mostly size 4 diapers.

• You wore mostly 12-month clothes and size 12-18mo pj's

• You're up to 8 teeth now! This last one took it's time and you struggled for several days. You also started working on your molars but they didn't pop through yet.

• You began cruising around furniture.

• You sit up better and for longer periods of time (when you hold still long enough) and you crawl more like a big boy now.

• You get an 8 oz bottle first thing in the morning, then a 6 oz bottle around 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and then 8 oz again at night. You eat solids for lunch and supper.

• You started babbling more and stringing more consonants together (so far I've distinguished lots of B's and a few K's and G's.)

• You crawled more on your hands and knees.

• I had my first night away from you and you spent your first night away from Dad and I at the same time. You were in good hands though.

• You had your first hotel stay.

• You also had your first major fall. =( 

• You started being a bit of a mama's boy at times.

• You began to point your finger when you wave.

• You started pulling the pillows off the couches and wallering all over them. You think it's funny. PS - I do too.

• You started to understand the word "NO". You test us now and when we remind you you're not allowed to do something, you look back with the most adorable but oh-so-ornery grin and try to proceed. We tell you no as many times as it takes. Sometimes you get really frustrated with that answer and come crying to me for a hug. It doesn't work, of course, but I'm all for the extra cuddles. =)

Month 9

Dear Reid,

Have I mentioned how much we love you? Yeah? I'll mention it again anyway. We love you. Not just your Dad and I, but LOTS of people. You are one loved little man. Don't forget that.

We pretty well knew from day one you were going to be a mover. You've always been so busy and everyday becomes a little more so. You now pull-up, stand, cruise around furniture. You still army crawl fast as a speeding bullet too. These changes make you look like such a big boy. The newborn Reid is out (mostly) and the almost toddler is in. You're constantly moving and are becoming more vocal. You're sure to let us know if you're displeased which isn't nearly as often as you're happy. Thank goodness! 

With all your new activity has come some falls, bruises, and a few crocodile tears. Oh how you make me nervous. It breaks my heart to see you hurt but I know it has to happen. You have to fall to learn to get back up. You're learning that and are super resilient. You've also been learning to sit down once you're up. This is new because for a while you would just stand until we saved you or you fell over. Now you sloooooowly squat way down - as far as you can while still holding on - before finally dropping the rest of the way. It's hilarious to watch. You're so dang determined (and cute). This same principle is what we've based all our parenting decisions on. We always want you to feel loved and have comfort in that but we also want you to be independent and able to help yourself succeed. It's hard to find the right balance but know that we're trying our very best to give you the best of both worlds.

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of holding you while you slept. One minute you were awake and the next you were conked out in my arms just like our first days home... only you take up much more of my lap these days... and I loved it. I held you and studied your face, your little hands... your feet. So much has changed but so many things are the same. I guess those things are the "you" things that might always be there. You still have the same expression on your face when you sleep as you did the first day we met. Those "you" things bring me some comfort amongst all the changes... the changes I'm sure I'll notice more of as we move closer to your first birthday.

For now I'll continue to enjoy the new and the old while pretending that birthday is forever away still. =)

Love you,

Mama

Highlights:

• You added a few new food flavors to your palette, including: watermelon and tomato, (neither of which you were super fond of but maybe it was the texture; watermelon was also your first real finger food besides puffs) yogurt, pineapple, freeze-dried yogurt bites and spinach. You also started having some pureed meals... stuff like chicken and sweet potato, turkey dinner, country beef and veggies (not a fan). You tried cut up bananas and weren't impressed. You like the taste of bananas so it must just be the texture or the fact that it was bigger pieces. You gagged. Drama.

• You spent some time with Aunt Darla and Uncle Darin while Connie was on vacation.

• You managed to avoid a stomach bug even after being exposed to it by tons of people... including several of your daycare buddies. I hope you keep that immune system.

• You still loved making noise and treating everything like a drum.

• You wore size 3-4 diapers.

• You wore 9-12 and 12-month clothes... even wore a few 12-18 month PJ's.

• You got another tooth... a bicuspid. That's 7 teeth mister. There's still a few just riiiight there.

• You endured another wonder week... it was pretty rough at times but it sure was cool to see you learn so many new things.

• You started pulling up and standing on your own. One morning, at just over 8 months, you got up on your knees. Later that afternoon you stood all the way up. That turned into pulling up and standing constantly. You went through a phase of practicing standing in your crib for up to 45 minutes before falling asleep for naps and at bedtime. Oh and let's not forget all the chewing you did on your crib rails.

• A couple days later you were up on your knees thinking about standing without holding on to anything. You didn't do it... but you sure were testing the waters.

• You continued to army crawl as fast as you could around the house and you when you hold still long enough (rarely ever) you sit like a little champ now.

• You really started to hold your bottle more. You also started really  biting at the nipple. I'm certain had we been able to nurse, we'd be done by now due to your death bite. =)

• You continued to drink a 6oz bottle at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., and 3 p.m. You continued eating solids for supper and switched to solids at lunchtime too. You drank a bedtime bottle around 7 - 7:15 p.m. and went to bed between 7:45 and 8.

• I still offered you water in a sippy cup occasionally, but you rarely drank much from it. You mostly just wanted to chew on the cup.

• You still thought Peety was the funniest thing on the planet. 

• You waved for the first time - the sweetest little dainty wave. =) 

• You crawled (real crawling) for the first time the evening of August 22 - during Wii Night.

• You started to share. You offered up your pacifier. That is proof of the loving heart you have, that you'd be willing to share something so important. =) Keep that, little dude.

• You got your first bloody lip =( and your first little bruise/welt by your eye. A product of your constant determination to stand and move.

Month 8

Dear Reid,

This month has been a month of learning (haven't they all?) for us Reid. I've learned stuff I already knew. Does that make sense? Stuff I knew but that hadn't really soaked in. Stuff I hadn't been practicing in real life - just in theory.

I learned that getting on the floor, on your level, every. single. day is crucial for both of us. It helps me see the world through your eyes... all the newness and excitement. I get down on the floor and you kiss my face with your open, sloppy mouth. You giggle more. I can watch you try to figure things out. I'm there to help you. In those few minutes each day, I've learned to let go of everything else and just be your mom. That's a big lesson for a worrier like me.

You've been learning to stack blocks (or anything for that matter) and enjoy putting things in a bowl. Speaking of which, bowls and spoons are some of your most loved toys.

You've also been working on moving the baby gate (the big laundry cart) between the family room and the kitchen so you can explore in there. You've loved checking out every nook and corner and have especially enjoyed splashing in Peety's water bowl.

It has really sunk in just how fast time is flying. The days are somewhat long at times but this year seems so short. Your dad and I have been talking a lot lately about how much you've changed, how tiny you used to be, how big and full of real person personality you are now. I've learned that makes me sad and yet so very happy at the same time. I've learned that's what a parent does. We hold on tight to the now but ultimately want to see you grow and become your own independent you.

I notice mom/son relationships on tv, at the store... I notice slightly older boys and am sometimes terrified but most the time I feel more at ease with you growing up.

I've learned I really don't worry that you're not doing some things other babies your age are doing. I'm most concerned with your overall well-being. I just love you kid - every little bit of you.

Thank you for the lessons and all the happy you bring to our days.

Love,
Mama

Highlights:

• You added a few new food flavors to your palette, including: orange, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and even mastered puffs. Oh, not to mention you had your first taste of lime and seemed to kinda like it!

• You still loved music and making noise. You get a major kick out of patting your hand on something that makes a new sound. 

• You wore size 3 diapers.

• You wore 9-12 and 12-month clothes... even wore a few 12-18 month PJ's.

• You took your first trip to Colorado to see Matt and Kelly. You went to the aquarium, saw your first fireworks show (for which you stayed awake until the finale... who does that?), and enjoyed the cats. You were a great traveler.

• You went to the public pool for the first time with Felicity. 

• You went to a cranio-facial specialist to have your neck and head shape evaluated. We got good news!

• We spent a week by ourselves while your Dad was in St. Louis for a conference.

• You teethed and teethed... getting 4 new teeth in (your top two and your bottom canines). You started working on 3 other top ones too but didn't quite get them in before the 8th month mark.

• You relied pretty heavily on your pacifier. I think it made your mouth feel better with all those teeth coming in.

• You continued to drink a 6oz bottle at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., eat solid foods between 5-5:30 p.m. and drink a 6oz bottle at around 7:30 p.m.

• I still offered you water in a sippy cup occasionally, but you rarely drank much from it. You mostly just wanted to chew on the cup.

• You started sitting up more - as long as you had a reason to sit still. Otherwise, you army crawled fast as you could all over the house.

• You went after cords and lots of other things you weren't supposed to go after, including Peety's dog bowls.

• Speaking of Peety, you find him SO funny and crack up when you look at him.

• You enjoyed standing up (with help) and stomping your foot.

• While Connie was on vacation, you spent one day with Aunt Cori and her girls and another with Aunt Kayla and her girls. (You spent the rest of the week with Aunt Darla and Uncle Darin but that was technically in month 8.)

• You continue to enjoy exploring, 'talking', eating, making noise, learning things, playing on the floor with toys, watching cars go by, and you light up when I pick you up from daycare. 

Month 7

Reid,

Hey you, has anyone told you how perfect you are lately?! =) I sure do love ya.

You've been exploring the world and it has been so much fun to watch you learn and to see the magic of life through your eyes. Everything is new and amazing to you. So many of the things we would normally take for granted are magic in your mind and we can see those wheels a'spinnin' as you figure everything out.

You find SO much joy in the little things in life and have reminded us to do the same.

Your dad and I were talking recently about the personality we were seeing you develop. So far it seems you're a little ornery, stubborn, curious, happy, and a bit of a people pleaser. I can't wait to see how those things become stronger or change over the years, but hey, no rush. =)

We love you and still feel so in awe that God gave us YOU. You're such a perfect fit.

Mama

Highlights:

• You learned that banging your hand or a toy on the table makes noise. You look ornery when you do that. 

• You loved shaking things (bottle included) and sounds and music in general. 

• You patted things a lot.

• You wore size 3 diapers.

• You wore 9-12 and 12-month clothes.

• You had your 6-month shots and check-up. You weighed 19.13 lbs and measured 27 in. 

• You started going to Connie's for daycare.

• You continued to drink a 6oz bottle at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., eat solid foods between 5-5:30 p.m. and drink a 6oz bottle at around 7:30 p.m.

• You added squash, bananas, peaches, apricots applesauce, pears, green beans, broccoli, white beans, and mango to your palette. You seem to pretty well like them all! You also tried a few puffs but really struggled to eat them unless they were broke into pieces.

• You attempted to drink water from a sippy cup for the first time. To you it was basically just a teething toy.

• You learned to pull yourself up.

• You went from scooting/lunging, to inch-worming, to army crawling.

• Your eczema got worse the more you moved around on the floor.

• You got your first haircut.

• You still didn't show much interest in sitting up on your own. I think it's because that would require you to hold still. You were most certainly strong enough to do it if you wanted to.

• You teethed and teethed those top two teeth but they still remained swollen and right at the surface through your last 6-month day. They've been tough ones.

• You attended your first DIPP Family Reunion out at Camp Horizon and took your first dip in the fool. You hadn't napped much that day so you just snoozed in your floaty. You also swinged for the first time and, after a couple minutes, absolutely loved it.

• You enjoyed army crawling all over the room, banging your hand on the air vents, patting our arms and legs while we held you, having your teeth brushed, putting your feet in your mouth, eating, giggling, being tickled, talking and singing with us, meeting new friends, and the not-often-enough cuddle session.

Month 6

Hey Reid,

Yep, you're still getting cooler every day! You are a busy, determined little guy. You are now constantly rocking on your hands and knees - trying to crawl. You don't sit still unless you're pretty well asleep. You flail and hit your hand on your leg as you eat. You waller around in bed to fall asleep, you roll and scoot all over the place. So busy.

You already keep us on your toes and I know you'll just get busier. You love to jump and roll. Your favorite past time is still eating. You put everything in your mouth and flash the warmest smiles.

I love you so much and am beyond thankful I get to come home to you each day. Thanks for always making my day and for being patient with us when we mess up. Love you, Love you, Love you!!!

Mama

Highlights:

• You began to show a desire for solid foods.

• You got two teeth in less than 24 hours - the two bottom front ones!! The left one came in the evening of May 10 and the right the afternoon of May 11 - 23 weeks old.

• You got your first diaper rash - May 19. =(

• I started weaning during the last week and a half so you started getting some formula each day along with breast milk.

• You had your first food other than milk - oatmeal - on May 21. You weren't particularly interested. The next night, I made it a little thicker and it was a different story. You ate it right up!

• Then, you tried sweet potatoes, then peas, then carrots. You even had a tiny taste of avocado 

• You really started rocking back and forth on your hands and knees. All. The. Time. You wanted to crawl but just didn't quite get to it. 

• Right along with that, you were still a wild mess that could not hold still. =)

• You wore size 6-9 on up to 12-months - especially towards the end of the month.

• You still wore size 3 diapers along with your cloth diapers.

• You worked at holding your bottle more.

• You still rolled and scooted all over the place.

• You started to be more aware of when we'd leave the room and there were a few times when you just wanted your mama. As hard as we've worked to set you up for independence, it warms my heart when just every now and then you want me. =)

• You became even louder with your chatting and laughing.

• You dropped the pacifier again at night. You slept really well for the most part but still woke up about once a night for a diaper change or some quick comforting.

• You loved to jump and got way into your jumperoo. Your legs move constantly.

• You started flailing your arm when you eat.

• You noticed Peety more.

Month 5

Dear Reid,

Hey buddy, I love you. =) This past month has been a bit wild. We started things off with that crazy growth spurt. It reminded me of when you were just a few weeks old. It wasn't pleasant Reid but this time it was a little different. We knew it would pass. We knew you were ok. What made it even better is that we could actually see you developing. You have learned and mastered so many new things this month. It's been so cool to watch and we've had a blast with you. It's been worth that week or two of awful. You've really started to develop your own personality. I think you might be a weeeee bit ornery and mischievous but you're oh-so-sweet and friendly. You win over hearts everywhere you go and it's rare that you smile at someone and don't make them smile back. You're a little lover and occasionally still like to cuddle up but for the most part, your too busy and wiggly. That's ok. You still hold my hand when I feed you. Thanks for that. 

Right now, you're enjoying chewing, playing with things that make noise, music, walks in the stroller, rolling, being tickled, jumping, and kisses. Ok - maybe you're not too into the kisses but I pretend you dig them. =) 

You're the coolest Reid! I'm so glad God picked us to be your parents. 

Mom

• You started that 4-month sleep regression otherwise known as Wonder Week 19. Lord have mercy that took us back to the time between 5-6 weeks. That's not a pleasant time to think back on. Maybe it's still too soon, ha! The cool part about the developmental leap is that you literally were learning something new every day for a while.

• You started putting your pacifier in your mouth and taking it out.

• One night, out of the blue, you started taking the bottle in and out of your mouth and smiled as I fed you.

• Everything started going right to your mouth.

• You learned that you need to bed/tuck your knees to really roll well. You went to sleep on your back and we found you on your belly the next morning. Over the next couple days/nights you were constantly working to master rolling. The rolling part you pretty well had down it was the getting comfy on your belly part that was rough.

• You found your feet!! =) We were all hanging out before church one Sunday and I look over to see you playing with them. Out of nowhere.

• You pretty well mastered the rolling thing and do it all the time. 

• You started sleeping on your belly regularly.

• In addition to the constant drooling and chewing you've been doing for a few weeks, I started noticing a little spot on your bottom gum that looked like a tooth might be on its way soon. You almost always had your pointer finger in your mouth rubbing your bottom gums.

• You became all about your hands and feet - and our hands too - constantly moving, grasping, feeling, and studying. 

• You still mostly wear 6-month or 6-9 month clothes.

• You started wearing size 3 diapers but still wear cloth more often than not.

• You still drank breast milk exclusively.

• You became more aware of the people around you and liked to know where your Dad and I were.

• You recognized voices.

• You became much more content playing on your floor mat, rolling around on a blanket, and sitting in your high chair while we fixed dinner and did dishes. 

• You loved to chat and started kind of "scream-chatting". Ya little loud mouth! =) 

• For the most part, you stopped using a pacifier at night.

• You started fussing when we'd put you in the carseat. I think you went from feeling safe and cozy in it to feeling confined in it. You liked to be free and able to move around. This also made changing you a much more wild process! 

• You started using the pacifier more again - you were working hard on a tooth and liked to have something to chew on.

• You loved to reach out and grab hair, noses, and glasses.

• You got up on your knees a few times and rocked back and forth. You wanted to go but just couldn't so you'd get a bit frustrated. 

Month 4

Hey buddy,

You sir, are getting cooler and more fun every day. I didn't even know it was possible to be more awesome than you already were. =) Your smile melts my heart and that laugh is contagious.

I miss you so much when we're apart - which, quite frankly - is far too much for my liking.

I can't get over how much you learn every day. You're constantly growing and learning something new. It is so much fun to watch! I can see you becoming more independent. I think you're too big for your own britches too. I can tell you want to do more than you currently can. No hurry, you'll get it and that determination is a great quality to have.

Your current favorite activities are snuggling with me (though you don't sit still for long these days), talking to us, laughing at your Dad being silly, being tickled, bath time, and putting everything in your mouth.

I can't wait to see what this next month brings. 

Love you SO much,

Mama

• You really love to giggle and belly laugh.
• You've started doing more with your hands. You seem to like feeling different textures and have begun grasping better.
• We dropped the swaddle, switched you to a sleep sack, and began sleep training routine-ing. 
• You started caring more about your pacifier.
• You continued PT and chiropractor appt's and made huge improvements.
• You finally rolled for me!!! =) 
• You took your first bath in the tub.
• You wore primarily 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes.
• You wore size 2 diapers.
• You still have beautiful blue eyes.
• You started batting at toys, grasping them, and pulling them to your mouth.
• You drank 4.5oz bottles, then later 6oz - still breast milk.
• You loved to look at yourself in the mirror.
• You continued talking and even mimicked our sounds
• We dropped your night feeding(s).
• You, for all intensive purposes, slept through the night for the first time!
• You got another little cold and sounded like Peety with your stuffy nose.
• You really started to drool and chew
• You weighed 17lbs at your 4-month appt, measured 26in, and your head was basically at the 100th percentile. =) 

Month three

Reid,

You are nothing short of a joy to us. When we're exhausted or frustrated about something - you flash us the best gummy grin I've ever seen in my life. Your whole face lights up and subsequently, so do ours. =) You sweet little thing you.

I can already tell you're gonna be ornery, mischievous, and busy! Your doctor even told us he could tell you're a restless soul and that we'd probably never be bored! =) I have no doubt. Bring it on!

This month can be summed up as emotional. I had to go back to work which was just about the hardest thing ever. Sure, I leave you in great hands every day (so incredibly thankful for Cori) but it's not my hands and I feel like I'm missing so much. I've even worried you won't realize I'm your mama since we spend so little time together. Usually on those days, you do something to ensure me that's not the case. Someone told me that it's not the quantity of time but the quality. Deep down I know that's true and have tried to be diligent about making our time together really count.

It's also been hard to balance my selfish desire to spend every second I can with you but also wanting you to be a well-rounded, easily adjusting kid. That is so important to us and yet when we don't need a sitter, I don't want to get one! BUT - lots of people want to spend time with you and it's good for you to be with several different people in new environments so we'll continue to do that even though sometimes I'd just like to pick you up and head to a cave (a cave with no laundry and dirty dish piles) where we could cuddle and play and I could keep you all to myself! =)

This month has been full of new things too. You rolled over, have really started making eye contact, and you're starting to reach out and feel different textures. You are such a happy guy. You're full of coos, smiles, and chuckles!! Oh that laugh - it really gets me. You're just fun. We kind of like you and have decided to keep you around! =)

You keep learning and laughing and we will too!

Highlights:

• I went back to work and you started going to Cori's
• You started wearing cloth diapers
• You primarily wore size 3-6 or 6-month clothes
• You giggled/laughed for the first time (sometimes you get to laughing so hard you can't stop!)
• You started "talking"
• You started drinking 4.5-5 oz bottles
• You still drank breast milk
• You got your first cold and I learned that it's no fun to have a sick kid and to be sick yourself. I realize I never saw my mom sick when I was a kid. She didn't have time to curl up and rest... she was taking care of me!
• You still slept swaddled unti the end of the month
• You were diagnosed with Torticollis and began physical therapy
• We had your first real snow
• I had a major drop in milk supply but was able to get it back
• You hit another doozy-of-a-growth spurt where your sleeping habits took a turn for the pitiful and you were abnormally fussy
• We celebrated your dad's birthday with your first trip to Stillwater and Bad Brad's
• You tried and tried to roll from your back to your belly for days and then suddenly (February 26) rolled from your belly to your back twice at Cori's

Month Two

Hey sugar beet!

This month, like the last, seemed to fly by. I started becoming more aware of just how soon I'll be returning to work. I've been trying to make the most of our time together and soak in every bit of you. I'm not getting anything done around the house. This drives me bonkers but I'm becoming much more ok with it. Loving you is really all there is to do. The rest can wait.

At the beginning of the month, we felt like we were starting to get the hang of things. Whew! Then, between week 5-6 you hit a zinger of a growth spurt. Wow. You fussed and cried and ate and ate and ate. You demanded to be held, didn't sleep worth a dang, and made us want to pull our hair out a good deal of the time. We paced the floors with you, bounced you, and played an ungodly amount of rain noise for you at screaming volumes on the iPad. It was HARD. I began to wonder if I was really cut out for this gig. Still, I for one, knew those cuddly moments wouldn't last forever and tried my best to remember that even as you woke up every hour at night.

A couple days into that 6th week you seemed to be more at ease and at that point we decided to move you into the crib in your own room. Life got a lot better... for all of us! =) It was around this time we started noticing you doing more development. One day, I watched as you woke up. You stretched your little arm out and slowly brought your finger back to your face... staring at it oh so intently. You could see! I was amazed. It was also around this time when we started working on implementing a schedule. We all seemed to work better on one - you especially - and we wanted you settled into it before I go back to work.

Speaking of which, I spent a good deal of the month crying and worrying about sending you to daycare. We could NOT find someone to keep you. I was stressed and couldn't imagine sending you to just anyone. The thought of leaving you was bad enough but the 'not knowing' was the worst. Thankfully, God worked all that out. =)

You sir, are still so loved - more and more every day. We're so happy to spend our days with you.

Love,
Mama

Highlights:

• We tried to put a little more purpose in our days
• You and I ventured out on our own - enjoying a actually peaceful trip to Wal-Mart
• You started drinking 4 oz bottles
• You still drank breast milk
• You still slept all swaddled like a burrito
• You slept in your crib for the first time (nap)
• You slept a full night in your crib (at 6 weeks and we haven't looked back)
• You typically went to bed at 8 p.m., then woke between 1-2 a.m. and again between 5-6 a.m.
• You flashed a real (not sleepy) gummy grin that lit up your whole face
• You really started grasping our fingers
• You went to the dentist with your dad and I
• You primarily wore size  0-3 or 3-month clothes
• Your grandma watched you for a couple hours while Dad and I went on a little dinner/Wal-Mart date
• We decided Cori will keep you when I go back to work and that Connie will keep you starting in June (Praise God for two wonderful people stepping in at just the right time)
• At your 2-month checkup you weighed 14.2 lbs and measured 23 inches long... our little tank!

Month One

Dear Reid,

This was certainly a busy month for us! First, there was the whole you being born thing... that was kind of a big deal. =) Then there was what seemed like zillions of appointments, recovery (for all of us, really) and of course Christmas was thrown in too. You met so many new people and spent your days being the center of our attention - our whole world.

Bringing you home was overwhelming. We were overwhelmingly tired, overwhelmed by all the love and support we were shown, and overwhelmed by the thought that you were really ours and we were yours and you would depend on us for everything. Life was changing in a big way. Most of all though, we were already so overwhelmingly in love with you and grateful God chose us to be your mom and dad.

We spent time in the recliner - just like before you were born. I would rock you, hold you, stare at you. For the first couple weeks your dad was home with us too. He did almost everything for you - things that hurt me too bad to do. You and I tried nursing. We tried so hard. We went to the lactation clinic several times, had lots of visitors, and washed your few teeny tiny clothes over and over.

We learned real quick - almost by instinct - that you like to MOVE. You love to be swayed, walked, bounced, and rocked. You're a little hot mess of a wild animal... all boy. =) You have the sweetest little sleepy smile and you make the most adorably funny faces.

This month crept by and flew by all at the same time. Can't wait to see what's next! In the meantime keep being just absolutely perfect and patient with us as we learn.

Love,
Your Mama

Highlights:

• You were born
• You were strong from the beginning and would hold your head up when we held you against our shoulder. You would look around with the sweetest facial expression - lips shaped in a small "o". 
• You met your big brother Peety. He was SO good with you... surpassed all our expectations
• You refused to sleep lying on your back those first two nights at home. Those nights were TOUGH. We switched you to a bassinet with an incline and  you were much more content
• We discovered your love for movement, white noise, and good music
• You loved to be swaddled. First with your arms in... then arms out... then arms in again
• We didn't turn on the TV
• You had your days and nights totally mixed up
• We had our first family pictures taken
• We celebrated our first Christmas with you
• We struggled with nursing (and your weight) and had to supplement by giving you formula by cup
• You had your tongue clipped
• Between appointments one fay, we took you out to eat for the first time. We went to Red Robin because we thought that seemed family friendly. =)
• I eventually decided to exclusively pump and you had your first bottle
• You had your first chiropractor appt.
• Dad went back to work
• I left you for the first time (with your dad) at two-weeks to go see Charli and Journey's dance recital
• You finally lost your umbilical stump and got a real bath
• You primarily wore newborn clothing
• Your Auntie Boo came to stay with us for a few days
• At your 1-month checkup you weighed around 10 lbs and we were told you are as healthy as a horse