Evie is a ONE year old...

Dear Evelyn -

This year has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday we were waiting impatiently for your arrival (again...you decided to come late) and now you are a year old.  In typical second child fashion, you have grown up so quickly.   You literally run everywhere, love to climb, and also love it when your sister takes you for rides in her Jeep.  You used to love your Cozy Coupe...but right now even that is too slow for you.  The slide is amazing to you - and you are a pretty good climber - but the BIG slide is where it's at.  You squeal in excitement when you know you are about to go down!  Don't worry...Mommy and Daddy hold your hand.

You love your sister, dogs, anything that looks like a dog, your blankie, pouches of food, sausage, chicken and fruit.  You also found a new love for marshmallows, chips, and even pick out the good stuff from Lucky Charms.  We've tried chocolate milk and regular milk...but you really prefer smoothies in your sippy cup. Everything else is thrown on the ground.  Apparently you have a bit of a sweet tooth.

For your birthday - it was a BIG deal.  We threw a banner party - and you loved every minute of it. Including the cake.  There was so much to see - you really do love action.  The best thing about you is that you can be a momma's girl - but you are also a daddy's girl, a grandma's girl, and right now, anyone that will read to you is your BFF.

You LOVE your sister. LOVE.  It's so fun to see you two play together already - you are going to be best friends.

You are such an animated child at a young age. Your laughter fills a room and I find myself hugging and kissing and just loving on you way more than I did with your sister (sorry Grace).

Evie - I could talk forever about you.  You are the first baby I have stayed home with the entire time and it's been hard letting go even a little bit for Mom's Morning Out (which you started a few weeks ago).  You do great and love it...but for me it's still lonely. I get so scared riding in a quiet car - I'm not used to it.

Know that you are SO loved little girl.

Love,
Your Mommy

And Grace is FOUR

Dear Grace -
How do I even sum up a year - let alone you?  I can't believe you are four.  FOUR.  It seems like just yesterday you and I were playing on the playground on the first day after I quit work.  I remember wondering if I had made the right decision - and now knowing that you and I have such a tight bond (more than we had when I was working...I was a mess) - I know I made the right decision.  You often tell me that we are going to be best friends - and I really hope this is true.  I'd love to be your best friend Grace.  Why - because you really are a caring, gentle, loving little girl.

I say little girl and it hurts....just because you aren't a baby anymore. I don't know how I'm going to do continue to watch you learn and grown and not still remember holding you that first time.  Remembering the special moment's we've held.  How much I love carrying you in my arms, cuddling with you during nap, and your giggling as you get ready for bed.  Seeing you with your sister...my love continues to deepen and grow.  You are an amazing sister - and for the most part are gentle and patient with your sister.  You usually share your toys - but not always...who could blame you.  You can't wait to share your bedroom with Evie (and honestly - we can't wait either).

You are not a fan of bedtime lately.  We have to watch you fall asleep - and you always end up in a sleeping bag on our floor at some point in the night.  For some reason, you are scared.  When I asked your school about it - they said that it's often kids with the biggest imagination.  And you do have a big one.

We love you very much Grace.

Evelyn - 11 months

Gah!  11 months.  Oh Evelyn.....you have had my number.  You are a momma's girl.  Take today by instance...I left for 3 hours. I came back...you had been fine the entire time.  A lot of crying ensued.....until I nursed you.  You needed your mommy.  You wanted to reconnect....though you had been having a lot of fun with daddy too.  Example #2.....I've been waking to feed you at midnight and three AM for MONTHS.  MONTHS.  Everything I read said that this isn't necessary any more.  You are a big girl...and can make it all night without nursing.

Day one of letting you cry at the 3AM feeding...it was two hours  Day two...2 minutes.  Day 3 and 4...sleeping through the night.  You've been playing me the whole time.....

You are walking! Officially walking! Can you even believe it. You are SO proud of yourself too you stinker! Right after your birthday...you decided that crawling was overrated.  You are so busy!

Taking one nap around 1PM until 3/4PM.  You still take morning naps sometimes...but not as often anymore.  You are an amazing night sleeper though - I blame it on your movement.

You also love Grace.  Love. And she is so good with you.  She often tells us how you guys are going to be best friends. And you will. However...you are so different. You love being outside.  And Grace loves crafts.  

Finally...you love these little dolls. So much that they come everywhere with us. Even when you are nursing...one is being held!

How do I stop time?

No really?  How do I?  Evie is almost eleven months...which means almost a year...which means I don't have a baby any more.  And Grace.  My goodness...at almost four years old she really does go from the sweetest kid in the world to the most demanding girl in the world.  I know with out a doubt that I'll look back and realize how lucky I have been with her.  Overall, she's kind, loving, playful and sweet.  She loves playing with other children and isn't afraid to reach out and meet new people.   Rarely do I have to walk away out of frustration - typically I know exactly what is wrong and why.

These days can get long...they really can...with Josh working so much.  Though, he's been so good at picking up from work, coming home to dinner with Grace and I and then putting Grace to bed.  He often misses Evie's nights...but is always there for her in the morning.  It's amazing watching us grow as a family.  I really am blessed.

9 and 10 months - Evelyn

Total mom fail. It's been busy. And by busy I mean...tiring.  For some reason, Evelyn....you have had a rough go. Between getting sick with what we think was sixth's disease, teething (which you are horrible at...you run temperatures and are miserable), and just overall seasonal allergies...it has been a long couple months. You are especially frustrating because you still are waking a few times at night to eat....which shouldn't be happening anymore .  You go to bed at 6:30pm and wake at 7ish am...so I shouldn't be upset...and you go right back to bed...but honestly momma is TIRED.  You also absolutely refuse to let me put a spoon in your mouth and you hate your sippy (it just is thrown on the floor immediately)....so it's been rough on this momma.  However, you are overall just such a HAPPY easy baby...that I'm not mad at you.  I can't be.

Anyway....you went to the doctor last week Monday with Grace and I. You are 93% for height, 80% for weight (a little over 20lbs) and 88% for head size.  Dr. Levy says you look great - and we agree.  You are climbing on everything, can stand on your own for a bit, transferring for thing to thing in the house.  You also can say "bye-bye" and wave, yell for the "DOg", and clap your hands. You love music and your sister....but really love your sister's PB chair.  You see it an immediately DIVE for it. 

You now have the top two teeth and three on the bottom.  Your blue eyes are amazing.  They sparkle like you wouldn't believe.  You are going to be a blondie - your hair is FINALLY coming in.

We made the trip to Wisconsin and Minnesota a few weeks ago.  The car ride was long, but you did really well. We had such a blast visiting everyone and you took an special liking to your cousin Nora.  You attack other babies - just always so curious.

The crazy thing about you, Evie, is that you are pretty go with the flow.  You love your sleep (you are napping right now at 10AM and normally will nap again around 1 or 2)...but you also can totally skip the nap..which is INSANE to me.  Transitioning so early!

We love you!

Eight Months Evelyn

Oh Evelyn - 8 months.  And every day I think I am told that you seem like an 11 month old.  I agree 100%.  You are such a content little girl....just wanting to play.  It's funny...most children are comforted by snuggles from mom, a pacifier.  But you, you are comforted by a new toy.  Some action.  Anything that may interest you. When others ask to hold you....you don't really enjoy that - but at the gym you are content because there is so much to look at and to play with. 

You are pretty.  You really are. Your eyes are the most amazing blue and when you smile, it lights up the world  Your entire face lights up. 

You don't really enjoy pureed food these days - you would rather have the real stuff.  No problem girlfriend . Real blueberries are better than the pureed ones anyway. 

You are talking a lot more these days, and have a preference for baby dolls.  And stuffed animals.  You love having songs sung to you too. 

You are certainly a MOMMA's girl.  And while I enjoy this....it can be hard when your daddy wants to play with you too.  You love him too...but I have to leave for you to really be happy and not constantly looking for me.

You sleep well....13 hours at night with one feeding and 2 - 1 hour naps during the day. However, you are pretty flexible (I think because you love action) and will adjust as needed.  But, those naps must be in your crib.

Just the last week you've been in a storming phase...and needed more nursing to keep you happy. I don't mind, since you still go right back to bed afterwards.

I think the craziest thing about you is how active you are.  Just this last week (so 8 months and a week) you decided to crawl upstairs at the Barton's house.  Your daddy and I were both there to watch it..  All day long you pull yourself up on things. It's like you are always looking for something to stand up on!   Move move move. 

We love you little girl! 

Potty-training Grace

For a really really long time....we have known that Grace might be ready for potty-training.  However, I've never really been sure that I have been ready to give it a go!  But we did....and we have been amazed at how quickly she figured it out.  We set aside a weekend...and here is how it went.

Saturday:   Immediately put undies on Grace and showed her no more underwear.  Gave lemonade, milk, pop....anything we could to get her to drink and then have to go.  Two hours of being on the toilet - including bribes of the I-pad to keep her on the toilet.  Very little tinkling....but each time she did she grabbed a piece of candy  or a toy from her treat bag.    Two big accidents.  BIG.  Later in the night, a pull-up over undies when we went to neighbor - and a big clean-up from that (#2).  We made her clean it up. Not pleasant. Also no diaper during nap or bed-time.  Wanted her to realize how icky it is.

Sunday:  Clean-up of sheets.  However.....no accidents for potty!  Really got the hang of it!  Two poop accidents...which again we made her clean up.  Gave her pull-up over undies for bedtime.  She woke up dry.

Monday:  Went to gym...she told a grown-up she had to go pee.  She went pee there.  Later in the day - pooped in potty!

Accident free at daycare on Tuesday!

All in all...we have been so proud of her for the transition!  Amazed at how well she's done.

Update:  4/14.  So...the #2 took a bit longer. After fighting us for a while, we had to use a combo of Mirlax and Pedilax to ensure that the pushing wasn't so scary.  We now have her back to normal and life is good...but let me say that those may have been the longest two weeks of my life and hers.  The poor girl.

Seven Month Old Evelyn

Seven months have past.  And Evelyn, you are a mover and a shaker.  Let me tell you.  At seven months, you can crawl.  And fast. You are on the go consistently and it's amazing.   It's amazing in that...you can entertain yourself.  You don't have to have someone constantly in front of your face to keep you happy.  Give you a few toys, and you are fine.  The hard thing that comes with this, is that you also really don't like anything taken from you.  Sometimes your sister gives you things you probably shouldn't have (like yesterday....it was a lollipop stick).....and when I take this from you to keep you safe from poking your eye out....you get upset.  However, for the most part, a few things in front of you keep you happy.  You love seeing yourself in the mirror, your Sophia the Giraffe teether, any sort of stuffed animal, and the pretend baby of your sisters (which is SUPER creepy but whatever).  You dislike the car usually....but honestly lately you have just been the best baby.  I bring you to the gym and they watch you for an hour and you never ever cry.  Though, an hour is your max.  You are over it. 

Food wise, you are still nursing about 4 times a day and once at around 3:30AM.....and you love fruit.  You dislike any veggies.  For Easter we bought a ham, and you love ham!  You also really enjoy yogurt and cheese.  The veggies are going to be a struggle - so I've started buying the fruit/veggie mixes.  You really like the yogurt melts and have started to even recognize the bag - you start kicking your legs when you see it. 

Sleep wise you have gotten so much better. You fall asleep with your blanket pretty much all the time...but that could change. 

You were baptized this month, spent a lot of time with Grandmas and Grandpas, got used to going on walks in the stroller, finally spent some time outside ( you love it) and overall had a busy month!  

Finally....you are the most beautiful baby.  Your sister is also beautiful....but there is something about your bald bald head, brilliant blue eyes, and dimples, that makes EVERYONE comment on you.  I can't even start to count the number of times random people have told me there is something about you and that you should be entered in to a contest for the most beautiful baby.  I'm obviously biased, but I tend to agree with them.

Evelyn - we love you. You are the best addition to our family.

Out of the mouth of babes (aka...things that Grace likes to say)

Some of the things that are Grace's favorite.....

Any noise (a beep, a toilet running, and squeak)....and this is predictable.
G:  What's dat noise?? 

G:  Evelyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyn

Me:  Daddy will be home in a couple days
G:  But he needs to give me a kiss
Me: But he won't be home for a couple days....
G: BUT HE NEEDS TO GIVE ME A KISS
Me:  Ok, I'll have him give you a kiss when he gets home.
And she's happy.

G:  I have a little clip (whenever she has a hangnail)

G:  Wanna dance wit' me?

Grandma:  You are all grown-up!
G:  I not grown-up.  I big girl. I potty-trained.

While shopping at Target....
Me:  Grace...what is next on the list? (She's holding list).
G:  (As we go by the toy section) Toys! Toys are on the list!
After giving her a look....
G:  No...that's silly.  Toys aren't on the list.

Evelyn - Six Months

So - six months! I still remember when Grace turned six months....always a big milestone!  Half a year!

Well, Evelyn...you aren't quite crawling yet - but man can you do some planking. You almost have figured out how to move yourself from your belly to your tummy.  You can sit on your own, but not super well.  When you do fall from sitting, it's actually pretty gracefully.  You are tough.  You have gone through quite the growth spurt the last few months and it's amazing how big you are getting.

We started real food about 2 weeks before you turned six months. You eat food like it's nobody's business and you really have the reflex down. You have liked most of it...but really don't like green beans very much.   But, who does.  You have also tried some puffs and some Baby Mums - and you like those too.  You have also eaten some soft banana and pieces of small bread and grapes. You pretty much like it all and have taken to it well.

As far as schedule, you start your day around 7AM typically, then nurse around 8AM and nap 8:30-10:30.  You are up for a couple hours....maybe take a car ride and zone out, but then nap from 1-3PM. Then, up until bed time around 6:30PM/7PM. You wake around 5AM to eat typically and then go back to bed until 7AM.  You nurse about 5-6 times a day depending on what we are doing.

We took you out to eat a week ago and put you in a high chair.  Man...you LOVE that.  In general, you love action.

What we really have noticed about you is how much you smile for your sister.  Of all of us, you certainly have an affinity for her.  She brings out your giggles and smiles the most.

We love you little girl!

Evelyn - 5 months

Well.  I've made it FIVE MONTHS of staying home....and I really can't believe how fast it has flown with you.  You have a tooth....and by the beginning of going in to your sixth month, you totally have the second bottom one coming in.  I look back and try to report on the comparison's of your sister...but it's so different with you.  I have NO idea how much you are drinking in a normal day.  You nurse 4 to 5 times during the day, 2 to 3 hours apart.  Totally depends on what we are doing/going and what your naps are like.  You are consistent in the AM...you wake at 7AM, play, eat and then nap at 8:30. This is usually a longer nap....going until 10AM usually.  Then, eat and up for a bit.  We typically go to the gym for a little bit (so I get an hour break) and they just LOVE you there.  You like it there too.  We hired a babysitter a few nights ago and you flipped out at her.  You dont' know her.  You know the women  at the gym.  I can't believe you are already old enough to understand these differences. 

What do you like?  Well, you like sleeping in your crib or your carseat. That 's it.   You don't like to lay down (you immediately flip over) or try to sit up.  You love jumping in your jumparoo, swinging only at night, your sister's attention (you always smile at her).  You dislike loud noises, sleeping un-swaddled, being held like a baby.

Your smile is amazing. It lights up a room. People often say how pretty you are - they love your eyes and often want to rub your head (yes...you are bald). 

You are still not sleeping thru the  night. But you are out at 6:30PM and eat at 4AM and then back to sleep until 7AM. I wont' complain. 

Neighbors

When you move...you don't think about a lot of things. I mean...you do...but primarily you narrow your search down to number of bedrooms, school district, and a few other "requirements". For us, our search was done under the pressure of only having one weekend to look for a house.

One weekend. Can you even imagine?  

Well...we lost the house we originally wanted. It was gorgeous. It was in a neighboring city. 

Instead, we ended up with our second choice. It's amazing how God works. Our second choice is better than we could ever imagine. Yes, the house is big with a lot of rooms to clean and plenty of space for us to grown in to (regardless if we have more kids or not)...but the number one reason this house is so great is because of the neighbors. 

So many children. Evie's got some buddies.

Grace also has children her age.....

But...for the first time in our lives together, Josh and I both have friends that live within walking distance. For living away from parents, sisters and brothers...this has been our saving grace. God new we were meant to be part of this community. 

Four and a half months - Evelyn

Oh miss Evelyn. You have been a wonderful addition to our family. I can't believe that you are as old as you are...time really does fly. 

So what are you up to these days?  Well, you are four and a half months old. You started rolling over right around 3 months...and these days you have even figured out how to roll your legs up and scoot yourself forward. It's amazing how strong you are; people often wonder if you are older!   You also got your first tooth the last day of too!  This is so early and you seem to be just a bit bothered by it...but we will figure it out. Your bottom right one is poking thru and I pretty sure that other one will be shortly after. 

You are a sleep fighter. Still. If there is any noise or you are being held, you won't sleep.  Put you in the car seat or put you in your crib all swaddled up and you are done!  You take a short morning nap and then usually nap from noon until three and then maybe one more short nap before the end of the night.  You are in bed at 6:30 and wake around 3 or 4 to eat and then back to bed until 7:30 or 8. You are always happy when you wake from your naps. 

You don't like bottles...that's been our one hard spot. You breastfeed exclusively.  You drink a four or five times during the day and then once at night. 

You are such a pretty baby. People talk about it all the time...you look amazing. You are healthy strong and growing. We all love you so much. 

Yikes...an update finally.

Sorry...this post was written a month ago and didn't publish!

Super bad mom.  Three months later I do another post?  With all the technology, you would think I would be better. Well...December 8th was the first day Evie rolled over.  And not tummy to back, the opposite. Girlfriend won't stay on her back. Immediately goes to tummy. 

Being the mom off two has been quite a change. Figuring out the balance between getting things around the house done and enjoying both kids and not going crazy isn't easy. But we are figuring it out.  

I'm amazed constantly at how fast Grace is maturing in some areas. She knows we live in Michigan now and is smart enought to place certain things in her old home in Michigan. She can use scissors like a champ and use them, love art projects and crafts, and enjoys seeing her friends whenever she can. Apparently she's the ouchie kid at school. Always the kid who is hurt.  

How is she so big?