16 months

"This month, your formerly wobbly walker might just break into a run; he may also be climbing himself into a ton of trouble, so double-check your childproofing efforts — he can reach a lot more stuff than he could just a month ago. And just to confuse parents more than ever, some toddlers this age are terrified of strangers and dogs while other tots are virtually fearless, which could lead to danger. (Good news: There are tactics for dealing with both extremes.) At mealtime, be prepared for erratic eating habits: He gorges himself one day and eats next to nothing the next, rejects foods he used to love, or never slows down enough for a proper meal. Your picky eater might get picky about his high chair as well, clamoring to move to the big table with you and Dad — so consider a booster seat if he seems ready to make the switch. Don’t be surprised if your toddler shows a strong preference for you over everyone else including his father; flattering, yes, but not practical or fun for Daddy. There are several strategies to try to minimize “mommy-itis,” including making yourself scarce sometimes so Dad can step in and showing junior that you think Daddy is competent (“Wow, Daddy makes great pancakes!”) and fun (“Look what Daddy built with your blocks!”) In other news, Mr. Make-Up-His-Own-Mind may decide he suddenly hates the bathtub (you might just have to climb in there with him, armed with soap crayons and a new fleet of plastic boats). Teething may crank up the crank factor, so be ready with simple soothers (a chilled teething ring or a partially defrosted bagel work well; brandy or any type of alcohol is a definite no-no). Finally, bring on the books! You can plant the seeds to grow a love of reading long before your toddler knows his ABC’s."
--whattoexpect.com

Andrew is now:

• easily feeding himself with a spoon
• beginning to be able to drink from a regular cup
• following directions
• climbing
• bouncing to music
• matching all his shapes to the holes they go in
• using his toy screwdriver correctly with the toy screws (no idea how since I don't think we've ever shown him)
• running
• will bring his shoes over to yu and try hard to put them on until you put them on his feet
• brings you your shoes
• Has 12 teeth
• says/ has said "Mama", "Mom", "Dada", "Dee" (for the toy 'D' in his barn set), "Ligh" (Light), "In-Doe" (Window), "Baw" (Ball) and "Lo" for 'Hello'.

He had his 15 month check-up the other day. He is 28.2 lbs and 32". He is doing well, but the pediatrician recommended going to a speech pathologist. At first I was really uncomfortable with it but the more I think about it, the more I want to go. It's obvious Andrew knows HOW to speak, can form some words and is understanding words so I think a bit of instruction and help from someone on how to encourage him to speak more would be really helpful! 

Well, that's about all for now. TTFN! <3

Seriously though, how does time go so fast?!?

So while we were bumming around Minnesota last month Andrew got 2 upper molars in, and it was pretty much hell. Super clingy, fussy, not sleeping well, not wanting to eat, diarrhea, fever, etc. Well, as I'm brushing his teeth last night I catch a glimpse of something white. Some time in the last two days his first bottom molar pushed through. I had no idea. If that isn't a testament to how much kids value stability and routine I don't know what is. I know, also from that trip, how much it sucks when you're not feeling well away from home and I'm sure that's what was going on with him to a degree. So, yeah, craziness that my little man has 8 front teeth and 3 molars! Heck he could have a fourth coming in by now, who knows?

Old Navy Bachelor shirt (out of stock) eBay listing here

He has his 15 month appointment the day before he is 16 months, haha, dropped the ball on that one. I'm really interested to see how much he weighs/ how tall he is now. I swear just the other day if he was on tip toe his eyes barely cleared the table and now his chin easily clears it. How does this happen so fast?!? I'm so not prepared for this growing up thing. Can it stop now?

Andrew is still an avid book reader. I'd say at least 35% of his awake/ play time is taken up by his examining books or being read to. He has become a great knocker on doors, can practically turn doorknobs now and his favorite things ever are "Lift-the-Flap" books.

Also, I am loving how well he is understanding things. He is pretty consistent about saying "mama" and "dada" though he doesn't often use them as in sort of 'calling' for us or anything like that. His most consistent work is "Lo". But he understands when we say "Use your spoon" at the table, and does, when I ask if he wants help with the last bits of oatmeal, applesauce or yogurt in his bowl he will hand me his spoon, and he understands when we ask if he wants to read (he will go grab a book and come sit on your lap), and "Bring that here" which he USUALLY does, haha.

This week has been pretty low key. I had my last doctor appointment (a skin check) and all is well so after my follow-up cleaning at the dentist, I am done with doctors for a few months! Otherwise, we have been hanging out indoors a lot (I didn't want to go to the dermatologist with a sunburn, haha). 

My PCP's creepy exam rooms......

We did go view 4 different gated communities for our new place this winter. We're torn between two places. One is a bit easier to get to both Jesse's grad school and work but is small and no security gates or anything. The other is our current community. With new management they updated 4 one bedrooms and one downstairs two bedroom apartment to see if they were responded to well. So far only one of them has been leased but if all five are leased they may update more, and we are hoping for an upstairs 2 bedroom to be renovated so we can lease that for at least the next two years.

Today is a very gray day. It was storming pretty bad earlier and we have severe flooding warnings all around our area. A few miles away on a major street a car is stuck and water is up the bottom of the windows! Yikes. Hoping it clears up over the next several hours so we can check out a new salsa dancing place this evening.

Well, I suppose that's all for now. Here are a few links to my facebook and instagram accounts as well as a few coupons, etc in case anyone is still looking for that perfect Mother's Day gift. Only 9 days away! TTFN <3

Here is my FACEBOOK page

Here is my INSTAGRAM account

Here is my TWITTER account

And last but not least, my PINTEREST.

EBATES is having a double cash back sale now for Mother's Day. If you haven't already signed up DO IT. Even if you don't shop online often, if you just go to the site through Ebates (and they have a ton) you get cash back any time you do! Even on travel!!!!! Plus you get cash if a friend joins so help a gal out ;) It's really easy, safe, and I have already gotten over $50 back from only a few online purchases. It's awesome!

Here is 5% off at HerbsPro with Code: HM0514

20% off everything from Sunday Afternoons at Campmor with Code: SPF50

And save up t0 70% off Columbia Sportswear at Campmor no code required :)

11 months!

Holy moly, our little man is almost one whole year old.

"Chances are your baby has developed an uncanny knack to get a hold of things he shouldn't have and get into places he shouldn't go. If he hasn't already done so, be prepared (with video camera on perpetual standby) for those first few steps as your child makes both physical and verbal strides this month. He loves games — especially those that involve pointing — and his interest in books will grow exponentially as he begins to comprehend more and recognize familiar pictures. A few things not to be concerned about: bowed legs (almost always normal and temporary); parental nudity (he doesn't care if you're naked as a jaybird as long as you're there!); and hitting milestones later than his peers. Remember, every baby is different and they master different skills — like standing and walking — at different ages. Children learn best and build confidence when you let them learn at their own pace, but if you're truly concerned, check with your pediatrician. More things to ask the doc: dietary questions, such as restricting fat and cholesterol in your baby's diet, and the best ways to ensure he gets the nutrients he needs. As for you, Mom, take a hint from your baby and get a move on, whether you're struggling with post-pregnancy weight or not. Regular exercise will not only help you shed pounds, it'll boost your mood and help you sleep better at night. Now who wouldn't want that?"

--whattoexpect.com

He got tired of my photo shoot REAL fast lol

Andrew is crawling on his hands and knees about half the time now (still army crawling the other half), pulling himself up on EVERYTHING and doing the downward dog pose every so often. One of these days that kid is gonna up and walk away and my mind will be blown.

He has 5 teeth now, the 6th one is workin' it's way out. He is taking it in stride though, almost 6 teeth in less than two months and he's been as happy as can be lol.

His meals are getting chunkier! Slices of steamed carrots, cottage cheese, halved blueberries, chunks of salted avocado.... and this just in-- Graham Crackers! He's chompin' away like a pro.

Naptimes have changed a bit, we typically have a meal when he wakes up, a snack two hours later, and then he goes down within an hour of the snack.

....UPDATE... today we did three hours until a snack and then a quick cuddle, diaper change and down for a nap. It worked great and he passed out the second he was in his crib both times!

We're going to hopefully get in some outdoors play time this week, maybe try to go to a park or something for the weekend. We also have tickets to see the Rockettes Holiday show this Saturday! Yay! I've met a Rockette but never seen them perform live, haha!

Other than hangin' out with the little man not much is going on. I've been TERRIBLE at the whole working out thing lately. I worked up the gusto to do yoga on Sunday but that was about it. Gonna try to do some stuff tonight/ do another round of yoga tomorrow morning.

Well, that's about it! Here's some pics :)

TTFN! <3

Gifts are slowly being wrapped.... these are all Andrew's! They all contain clothing haha! Really mostly for me, but I figured he'd like the tissue paper, right? ;)

Hanging out in front of the Christmas tree-- he's been SO good about leaving it alone!

Mama/ baby time :)