Kennedy's 22 Month Check In

Another month has flown by and (surprise surprise) I am late to update.  I just don't know where the time is going.  Baby girl is really turning into a little person.  I mean... I *know* she has always been a litlte person, but she acts more grown up every day.  Her language is exploding, her facial expressions and gestures are so animated and her personality is really truly her own.  I am not sure whether I should laugh or cry at the thought of her growing so fast, but one thing I know for sure is that I am truly blessed to witness it.

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 24-25 pounds
• Since she wears mostly Pull Ups during the day, her 2T pants are still way too big. She wears 18 month pants and even some 12T shorts. Tops-wise, she is in 18 month and 2T... no change here
• Size 5 shoes still
• She wears Pull Ups during the day with very few accidents. At night, we still use cloth diapers and she still fits in her one sizes perfectly

Development & Milestones

• In addition to her ever-expanding vocaublry, her comprehension is improving.  She now speaks in complete or near-complete sentances.  She asks and answers questions appropriately.  It is so fun to be able to communicate with her.
• Tooth count... I'm 99% sure we have a full set

Diet/Nursing

• In addition to her love of fresh fruit and veggies, Kennedy still loves to nurse, especially at nap time and bed time.  You know... it's funny (and I will probably do a separate post about this in the near future...) motherhood is such a humbling experience.  I always knew I wanted to breastfeed (mostly for the nutritional benefits) but never in a million years did I expect to be nursing an almost 2 year old, with no end in sight.  The special bond we share and the overwhelming feeling of love and closeness is indescribable.  I am so grateful that we are able to continue to nurse!

Sleep

• Sleep has been pretty good.  I am still working overnights, but on daddy nights, K does a great job falling asleep and sleeping through the night with Kevin.  On mommy nights, we nurse to sleep and she usually wakes once a night for a little more milk.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• Another fun month for us!  Kevin and I celebrated our 3rd (Wow!) anniversary yesterday and the whole family (Miles and Lucy included) enjoyed a trip to Pittsburgh for Memorial Day.
• We are both still rocking T25 and enjoying our new, clean diet.
• Otherwise... same old!

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Pittsburgh trip for Memorial Day with a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo which Kennedy LOVED!
• We are working on a playground in our backyard.  Pictures to come... but it is going to be awesome!

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 year well check in July.

Kennedy's 21 Month Check In

It's hard to believe we are really closing in on Kennedy's second birthday.  This month was pretty dismal, but the weather is sloooooowly improving and I finally see some sunny days and play time outside in the near future.

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 24-25 pounds
• Since she wears mostly Pull Ups during the day, her 2T pants are still way too big.  She wears 18 month pants and even some 12T shorts.  Tops-wise, she is in 18 month and 2T
• Size 5 shoes still
• She is wearing Pull Ups mostly during the day (and doing an AWESOME job with potty training). At night, we still use cloth diapers and she still fits in her one sizes perfectly

Development & Milestones

• I feel like I say this every month, but her language development is really amazing.  She has started to put 3 word sentances together.
• My favorite thing?  "Yes, please!"  She is just so polite and it is the cutest thing.  She says "Yes, please" and "Thank you buddy" all the time.  ::gushing proud mama here::
• Still no fear of strangers and still loves to wave and say "Hi" or "Hi buddy" to everyone
• No new progress with potty training.  K pees on the potty about 75% of the time, but still doesn't let us know when she needs to (or already has!?  ugh) to poop
• Tooth count... I'm just going to guess full set. I can't tell if she has cut any new ones or not, lol!

Diet/Nursing

• Still nursing away! Mostly just nap time and bed time now, but 21 months and still going strong!  It's funny because I really never pictured myself as someone who would nurse for an extended period, but here we are... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
• Her appetite comes and goes, but she definitely has a preference for fresh fruit.  Luckily, so do I, so we are a match made in heaven.

Sleep

• Sleep was great this month.  I have been encouraging Kevin to put her to bed a little earlier, especially on nights that I am at work and this seems to be working well.
• Naps were so-so.  It must be so tough for her to flip flop back and forth between my work and day off schedule... but she does her best and we make it work. 

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• This month has been really great!  Kevin and I have both been keeping up with Insanity and have really made an effort to eat cleaner and healthier than we already do.  Kevin has lost several inches and his changing shape is becoming more obvious!  I am so proud of how hard he is working!
• Otherwise... work is work and school is school and life is crazy, but beautiful.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Not much this month again.  A few trips to the park, a 6 legged 5K (which was WAY fun!), a trip to the zoo and an outing to check out Billy Beez... hopefully some sunshine and play time in the neatr future.

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 year well check in July.

Kennedy's 20 Month Check In

Another month has flown by and we are (FINALLY) approaching spring here in Syracuse.  Kennedy continues to grow and learn while mommy and daddy continue to wish time would just.slow.down.
 
How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 24-25 pounds
• We are finally moving into some lighter clothes (although still long pants and long sleeve shirts) and K is fitting into 18 month pants with 2T tops.  Since she wears mostly Pull Ups during the day, the pants are a little saggy, but length-wise they work.
• Size 5 shoes still
• She is wearing Pull Ups mostly during the day (and doing an AWESOME job with potty training).  At night, we still use cloth diapers and she still fits in her one sizes perfectly

Development & Milestones

• She has learned quite a bit this month... coutning 1 to 10, colors and shapes.  She loves to point to things when we are out and tell me what shape or color they are.  She also loves to count... everything.  I am so proud of her!
• She is still very outgoing and loves to wave or say "Hi" to everyone.  She is also really enjoying her time at the sitter, especially when there are other kids for her to play with.
• She continues to do well with potty training.  We are still not 100% yet, but I am in no rush.  I am just following her lead and encouraging her when she tells me she needs to go, then goes.  She is definitely doing this her own way in her own time and I am totally supportive of that.
• Tooth count... I'm just going to guess full set.  I can't tell if she has cut any new ones or not, lol!

Diet/Nursing

• Still nursing away!  Mostly just nap time and bed time now, but 20 months and still going strong!
• Food-wise, she has been a bottomless pit this month.  She eats anything and everythign in sight... and then asks for strawberries.  She is *obsessed* with strawberries... but hey, it could be worse... she could be obsessed with coffee like her mama.  Ha!

Sleep

• Sleep was pretty good this month.  I think she is back in the swing of things now that we are back into our normal (abnormal) routines).  She goes down fairly easily at night (for the most part, depending on how late she naps) and wakes once for water or a quick nursing session.
• Naps continue to be awful this month.  She continues to push her naps back to sometimes 3 or 4 or even 5 (gulp) in the afternoon.  This makes for a late bedtime or- if I have to wake her up for you know... dinner... a super cranky toddler.  I realize that I am a big part of the problem and that I have created a nap-time monster, but I am unsure of exactly how I can fix this.  My crazy work/sleep schedule means that I only get a few short hours with her in the afternoon and she loves to snuggle, nurse and nap with me.  It's kind of our thing.  I'm not really sure how I can fix her crazy nap schedule without sacrificing our snuggle time or losing out of my sleep time earlier in the day. 

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• This month has been back to normal... in some ways good, and in some ways not so good.  It's nice to get back back into our routine (I type this with a chuckle, since our "routine" is typically complete chaos)... but on the other hand I feel like time just flies when we go about our hectic lives, just trying to make it through each day.
• Kevin and I have decided to start Insanity together on Monday.  I'm pretty pysched about this.  Kevin... not so much.  I have the DVDs ready and waiting (I've already checked out a few of them) and a box of Shakeology to sample.  I am thrilled to have my butt kicked with some good hard workouts and even more excited to have Kevin (and my awesome coach friends) to help keep me motivated.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Not much this month, but now that the weather is warming up, there should be lots of fun outings in our future.

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 year well check in July.

Kennedy's 19 Month Check In

The past week has just been an awesome end to a super fun month!  We drove to Pittsburgh to visit with Kevin's family for a few days then flew down to Orlando to visit with my family.  Monday we took Kennedy to the Magic Kingdom where she met Mickey, Minnie and some other friends.  Her face was absolutely priceless... totally awestruck.  Then we spent the night at the Polynesian (my favorite) and went to Chef Mickey's character breakfast Tuesday morning.  It was such a great experience!

Needless to say, Kennedy has had an exciting month!

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is about 23 pounds
• We actually put her in some clothes from last summer for our trip.  Since she normally wears cloth diapers (which give her a big old fluffy butt), she looked so tiny in just a pull up and her old summer clothes fit perfectly!  I'm kind of wondering if the truck load of 2T summer clothes I snagged on clearance last fall will be too big.  Eh... just means more shopping!
• Size 5 shoes worked well for the trip although I could tell the sneakers were a little tight.  I'm hoping the size 6's I bought for this summer will fit.
• Still full time cloth diapering at home, but we went full time Pull Ups for the trip and she did AWESOME!  We did use regular disposable diapers for overnight, but otherwise she spent the last week in Pull Ups and had only a handful of accidents.  She even used the potty on the airplane (multiple times... I think she thought it was fun) and stayed dry on all 4 flights!  Not too bad.

Development & Milestones

• I wondered if she would recognize the Disney characters in person... I had no need to wonder... she knew every.single.one (from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) by name and she even learned a few new friends' names too.  I was also curious whether she would be shy or afraid of the characters, but she warmed right up to them and even walk up to them and gave them all hugs.  I was surprised and so proud of her.  She sure loves her "MeeMee" (Minnie).
• She has really become very outgoing this month and loves to wave to everybody she sees.  She waves enthusiastically and says "hi!!!" all the time... in the grocery store, at Target or the mall, at Disney, at friends' houses or the sitter's house.  She is such a little social butterfly and seems to really enjoy making people smile.
• She did really well with the potty on our trip!  She had only a few accidents in her Pull Ups and otherwsie used the potty the whole time.
• She continues to amaze me with her speaking and signing.
• The tooth count is up to 14 or 16 now. It's hard to count, but she almost has a full set.

Diet/Nursing

• Still nursing away!  I am so happy to be able to enjoy an extended nursing relationship with Kennedy.
• Her appetite was pretty good this month.  Again waxed and waned a little depending on her mood and how the day was going, but overall she still eats very well.

Sleep

• Sleep was really great early in the month.  Having me back on day shift meant I was... HOME... every single night.  Which was awesome.  It was nice to be a regular part of bath time and bed time and I felt like we were just starting to fall into a really nice routine... then we went on vacation, ha!  Things were a little off the past week due to traveling and the excitement of being in a new place with new people.  And, unfortunately, they will be off a little more when I go back to nights next week.  But I have no doubt that Kevin will get her back into the swing of things easily.  He does a great job with the nightly duties when I have to work.
• Naps this month have been... well... pretty terrible.  Kennedy does not like to nap at the sitter's.  I suspect it's because she is afraid of missing out on any fun with the other kids.  On vacation, naps were sporadic and often took place in the Ergo or stroller while walking around.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• This month has just been incredible!  Thanks to working the day shift, we have enjoyed so much more time (AWAKE!) as a family.  And this past week's vacation was just the icing on the cake.
• Tomorrow is back to the grind, but we can't stay on vacation forever... real life must go on.  This past week in Florida, however, has really solidified our plans to move back within the next few years.  Syracuse has been home for a while now, but Kevin and I have both agreed that we are ready for a change (ahem... especially a change in the weather) and more than anything, ready to be closer to family.  The road to Florida may not be easy, but we are certain that we will get there, hopefully sooner rather than later.  Stay tuned on that one...

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Have you heard enough about our awesome vacation yet?!?
 

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 2 years in July.  What?!?

Kennedy's 18 Month Check In

Hi!  So wow!  I've been MIA for a while.  I'll be honest, this has been a pretty tough few months for me.  But back to Kennedy and more on my deal later.  ;)

Kennedy is growing and changing every day, it seems.  Her personality is really developing and she is growing up to be the sweetest, smartest little girl I know.  The past month has just been so much fun with her.  I think this age (18-?? months) might be my favorite so far.  She talks to me, sings to me and is super affectionate.  I am so blessed to be this little girl's mommy.

In other news, we have a sweet new addition to our little family.  Mr. Miles is a 5 month old Old English Bulldog and we are just smitten with him.  I will post a picture soon, but I can assure you... he is just as cute as Lucy is and I think Kennedy loves him just as much as we do.  By the end of his first day with us, she was hugging and kissing him and calling him by name.  We are thrilled that Lucy finally has a play mate.  Now to work on a play mate for Kennedy.  ;)

 

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is probably near 22 pounds.  *I'll have to go back and look up the stats from her appointment, but I know she didn't gain much weight.  She is still long and lean like a little bean
• Still in 18 month winter clothes. 
• Size 5 and 5/6 shoes and boots.
• Full time cloth diapering although we have played around with Pull Ups, which she seems to do really well in.

Development & Milestones

• Still running and climbing and bouncing around like a maniac.  She is full of energy and loves to play tag (well, her version) with the puppies.
• She has been using the potty pretty consistently this month and has even told me a few times on her own when she needs to go.  We are still a long way away from any formal or aggressive potty training, but I am happy to see that she is interested and making some progress on her own.
• Her language development is off the charts.  I can't even begin to count the number of words she signs and says now.  We are able to really... talk.  And it just melts my heart.  She tells me stories (although half of it is babble that I don't understand), but it is really fun to see her get so excited to talk to me.  She also loves to point at things (everything!) and tell me what it is, especially when we grocery shop together.  She knows almost all the fruits and vegetables.  I am one proud mommy!
• The tooth count is up to 14 or 16 now. It's hard to count, but she almost has a full set.

Diet/Nursing

• Nursing continues to go well. We cut out pumping completely, but still nurse on demand, which tends to be 3-4 times/day.
• K's appetite is healthy.  There are times she is picky and other times where she is a tiny human garbage disposal. 

Sleep

• Sleep has been steady.  She nurses to sleep and snuggles with me when I am home and she falls asleep with a sippy of water for Kevin.  My crazy random overnight work schedule doesn't seem to phase her much. 
• Naps have been good overall.  There are a few times where she has boycotted her nap (and subsequently turned into a holy terror later in the evening), but for the most part, she does well with them.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• It has been an exhausting month.  I am happy to say that I am FINALLY now officially and Emergency Room Nurse.  I have been awaiting my transfer since Spetember and I started my new position this past Monday.  I am still in the honeymoon phase, I'm sure, but I feel better and happier already.  This just feels more... me.  I will be working day shift for a month or so to train, then after my vacation in February, I will likely go back to overnights, at least for a little while.  It's not easy, not fun and physically exhausting... but it works for us for now.  So... back to being a lady of the night I go, ha!
• School is going well and I am beginning a new class, which I hope won't be too brutal.
• Kevin is doing really well and happy to have me on the day shift, even if only for a month.
• Otherwise... work is work and school is school. We are both looking forward to planning a much-needed break in the spring.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• 18 month check up today!  Everything went really well and Dr. Rufa is really impressed with Kennedy's language development.  Woohoo!
 

Product Rave:

 

• TBD

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Counting down to our family vacation at the end of January... and our trip to Florida... and most of all, Kennedy's first trip to Disney!

Kennedy's 17 Month Check In

The year is coming to a close and Kennedy is sending it out with a bang.  She has been talking and signing a lot lately.  It is so exciting to be able to communicate with her.  She is also starting to use the potty a lot more.  She will still not tell me when she needs to go, but if I ask her, she signs back.

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas at home with some great surprises, including a visit from my brother, Mike and brother-in-law, Chad.  They are the best (and best uncles, too!)

 
How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is probably near 22 pounds
• Still in 18 month winter clothes.  She got LOTS of 18-24 month outfits for Christmas, but they are a little too big right now.
• Size 5 and 5/6 shoes.  The 5/6 slippers are a little big, but they are just to wear around the house so it's ok.  Her size 5 TOMS are getting small, but I am going to save the 6s for warmer weather. 
• Full time cloth diapering.  Smalls and one-sizes.  I did break out a few of her mediums, just to try on, but they don't get much use yet.  I also bought a few training pants.  Exciting!

Development & Milestones

• Still running and stomping around everywhere.
• She has really started climbing up onto...well.. everything.  She loved climbing on all of the boxes from Christmas and has been caught on chairs, on the back of the couch, tables and... pretty much nothing is safe.  It is time to amp up our baby proofing.
• Big deal this month... BIG GIRL BED!  We removed the front rail from her crib, so Kennedy now has a big girl bed.  She naps here and starts out the nigh here as well, but still sleeps in our bed for the majority of the night.
• She has been using the potty a lot this month.  She still will not tell us when she has to go, but if we ask her, she will answer.  We have had a few days with very few accidents, but it means putting her on the potty almost every hour.  We are still trying to get her to tell us when she needs to go.
• Her language development continues to grow by leaps and bounds.  She signs almost 50 words now and speaks about 35.  Most of her words she mimics or repeats, but I would say she knows about 25 on her` own.  She is very talkative!
• The tooth count is up to 14 or 16 now.  It's hard to count, but she almost has a full set.

Diet/Nursing

• Nursing continues to go well.  We cut out pumping completely, but still nurse on demand, which tends to be 3-4 times/day.
• K's appetite is back to normal this month.  She loves pasta, sausage, hash browns (or any potato), mac n cheese, black olives (weird, right?), all fruit and, of course, Christmas cookies

Sleep

• Sleep has been pretty good.  Sometimes getting her down to sleep is brutal, but once she is out, she sleeps 10-12 hours/night consistently, waking once or twice for a sip of water.  She falls back asleep easily.
• Naps have been pretty good this month.  Kennedy naps anywhere from 1-3 hours in the afternoon.  If I lay down with her, she usually falls asleep quickly and naps really well in her big girl bed.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• It has been a wonderful month.  Kevin and I are both doing really well.
• I finished one of the more difficult classes in my BSN program and have a few weeks off now.  Much needed.
• Otherwise... work is work and school is school.  We are both looking forward to planning a much-needed break in the spring.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Lights on the Lake drive through, Kennedy LOVED it!
• Visited Santa at the mall
• Surprise visit from Uncle Mikey on Christmas Eve
  
• Surprise visit from Santa on Christmas morning
  
• Surprise visit from Uncle Chad on Christmas morning 
•  An absolutely wonderful Christmas
  
  
  
  
  

Product Rave:

• Kennedy's new (well crib turned) Big Girl Bed!

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 18 months in January

Kennedy's 16 Month Check In

So I guess I am trying to age my baby faster than she needs to... all week I have been telling everyone that she is 17 months old, and I didn't realize that I am a month ahead until I sat down to write this post.  Oops!  Blame it on the mom brain!  Well... anyhow... Kennedy still isn't feeling 100%, but I am pretty sure we are on the up swing from this yucky bug that has been plaguing our house for the past month.

November has been lots of fun with Thanksgiving and our first real snow of the year.  We enjoyed a walk through Lights on the Lake and some great Black Friday shopping!

 
How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is 20 pounds and change.  Her weight gain has tapered off, which is normal as her activity level increases and her appetite slows.
• We are in winter wear now, all size 18 months and up.  Some of the 18-24 month tops/sweaters are a little big, but there is no point to buy any smaller since she will only grow.
• Size 5 and 5/6 shoes.  The 5/6 slippers are a little big, but they are just to wear around the house so it's ok.  Her size 5 TOMS are getting small, but I am going to save the 6s for warmer weather. 
• Full time cloth diapering.  Smalls and one-sizes.  I did break out a few of her mediums, just to try on, but they don't get much use yet.

Development & Milestones

• Running, running, running.  This kid doesn't walk anywhere any more.
• She has been using the potty a lot this month.  She still will not tell us when she has to go, but if we ask her, she will answer.  We have had a few days with very few accidents, but it means putting her on the potty almost every hour.  We are still trying to get her ot tell us when she needs to go.
• Her language development blows me away!  She signs almost 40 words and speaks about 25.  Kevin has done a wonderful job teaching and encouraging her signing and speaking.  She is becomming quite the little chatterbox.
• The tooth count is up to 14 or 16 now.  It's hard to count, but she almost has a full set.  The molars finally broke through, and then a few more followed within a few days.  No wonder why she has been Miss Misery off and on... that's a lot of teeth to cut at once!

Diet/Nursing

• Nursing has been out saving grace this month.  Between the teething and being sick, nursing was the one constant I could count on to comfort her when nothing else worked.  What a wonderful, beautiful thing it is to be able to nurse and soothe your hurting little one.  I am so thankful for our extended nursing relationship.
• The pump is long gone!  I am finally comfortable throughout a 12 hour shift and even up to 18 hours or so if need be.  It's amazing that I can go that long and be fine, then on my days off nurse around the clock if K needs it.  The nursing mama's body is a pretty cool thing.
• K's diet has been so-so this month.  She has really enjoyed frozen fruit more than anything, because it is soothing on her sore gums.  She also loves popcorn (her special treat with daddy on mommy's work nights).

Sleep

• Sleep has been about the same.  She still sleeping about 10 hours/night, but continues to wake once, sometimes 2-3 times/night.  One of these days she will sleep through the night.  Maybe.
• Naps were ok.  She is still consistent with one nap/day, but she has started ot vary the time of that nap... I'm not a fan.  She used to go down somewhere between 11 and 1 for about 2-3 hours... now there are days she is ready to nap by 10am and other days that she has fought and fought and fought until 4pm.  Makes me crazy!  I am hoping to get on a more consistent nap schedule soon.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• It's hard to believe that we are getting ready to celebrate our second Christmas with our baby girl.  Just wow!
• Finally, after 2 years without (not that I missed her), dear old AF showed up.  We are ready to start working on Baby #2.  :)  I will try to not update the gory details of our TTC journey, but I'm excited to at least cross the starting line and had to share.  :)
• Otherwise... work is work and school is school.  We are both looking forward to planning a much-needed break in the spring.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• October 30 15 month check up
• Veteran's Day weekend trip to Pittsburgh
• Lights on the Lake walk through with Lucy
• First snow of the year!  And LOTS of it!
• Thanksgiving
• Black Friday shopping

Product Rave:

• Not to sure this month...

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 18 months in January

Kennedy's 15 Month Check In

Rolling right along at 15 months.   To say that time is flying would be an understament.  I swear I blink and *bam* another month has gone by.  The 15 month language explosion is in full force and since I wrote the post about Baby Signing, Kennedy has picked up at least 10-12 more words.  It is such a joy to be able to communicate with her and watch her discover her voice.  She did have a nasty bout of Coxsackie virus (hand, foot & mouth) that left her with a fever and blisters all over (her hands, foot and mouth go figure)... but she is feeling much better now.

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is definitely over 20 pounds now, we will find out exactly how much at her appointment tomorrow.
• She is wearing whatever is left of her 12 month, but mostly 18 month clothing and a few 2T items.  T... for TODDLER... WOWZA!
• Size 4 shoes are all too small now, which is a bummer because she had some really cute size 4 shoes.  Time to go shopping! 
• Full time cloth diapering. Size smalls still fit, but we are running out of snaps to move out.  The One sizes have plenty of room left to go.  She has also started peeing on the potty... a lot!  We may very well be out of cloth diapers within the next few months.

Development & Milestones

• She walks and runs very well now.  She has also mastered climbing up and DOWN the stairs gracefully.  Better than me, probably.
• Her language development never ceases to amaze me.  She is up to over 30 words signing and about 10 or so words verbally.  So fun!
• The tooth count is still at 8... still no molars

Diet/Nursing

• We are still nursing and love it!  I just love my sweet snuggles and nightly nursing sessions (when I'm not working) with baby girl.
• Pumping is officially finished.  Not pleasant at first, but my body is getting the hint and the nights I work are getting more bearable.
• Food-wise, Kennedy has definitely developed some favorites... french fries (or anything potato), frozen fruit, fruit snacks and sausage.  Her appetite has been so-so due to a nasty virus, but she still loves her food.

Sleep

• Sleep has been pretty good, despite the yucky bug she fought off.  She is sleeping about 10 hours/night with a short nursing (or water when mommy is at work) break in the middle.  She always wakes up in a great mood with mommy, but when daddy has to wake her up early, she is Captain Cranky Pants.
• Naps are good.  She is down to 1 nap a day and it is consistently between 2-3 hours.  She always wakes up smiling from her nap.  Love it!

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• It's been a rough month for us.  I am fairly certain that there was not one day this month that we were all healthy.  Blah!  I will be thrilled when this funk leaves our house for good!
• In other news, since I have completely cut out pumping, I am hoping my cycle will return soon and we can officially begin TTC #2.  We are excited, nervous and well... nervous., but we can't wait to have a little brother or sister for Kennedy to torture... I mean... play with and love.  :)

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• We took Kennedy to the Zoo Boo this past Saturday.  She had a BLAST (and a pumpkin full of yummy candy didn't hurt either).  I will post some pictures of her adorable (ahem last minute) Halloween costume when I remember.  We will also be doing Trick-or-Treating at the mall tomorrow.
• Cloth diapering is still going great!!

Product Rave:

• @@@

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 15 month check up tomorrow!

Kennedy's 14 Month Check In

It has been a GREAT month!  Kennedy is growing like a weed, learning so many new things.  We JUST got back (literally) from our awesome family vacation to the Outer Banks (more to come, along with pictures, on that later!), but we had an incredible time.  Kennedy loved the beach, as did Lucy.  We got to spend time with Gam Gam, Pappy and Uncle Mike.  It was just a fabulous week.  Kennedy is rocking this toddler thing and never ceases to amaze me.

 
How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is 20, maybe 21 pounds now.
• Before we left for vacation, we retired all of her summer outfits, except the ones we brought with us.  Those will {{sniffle}} be retired when we get home.  Her fall/winter clothes are 18 months- 2T and I'm sure she will fit into them easily when we get home.
• Size 4 shoes for now, but her boots are a size 5. 
• Full time cloth diapering. Size smalls and one size- fully extended on the rise and out 2-3 snaps at the waist.  We did switch to size 3 disposables for the trip, mostly because we had a case to get rid of and weren't completely sure about the laundry situation in our rental house.  I'm glad we brought disposables because we had some issues with the washing machine mid-way through the week.  We are, however, VERY happy to be back in cloth tonight.  :)

Development & Milestones

• Running all over the place.  This girl doesn't slow down for ANYTHING.
• We went into the ocean and a swimming pool for the first time this past week.  She was a little unsure (and the pool was very cold) but she did really well.
• She ate really well with utensils this month.  Her coordination is much better and she only dumps her bowl when she is finished and we aren't paying attention.
• Her language is incredible.  She signs so much!  Let's see... dog (of course), milk (OF COURSE, lol), all done, please, bird (her new favorite), eat, water and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.  She is really curious and seems to enjoy learning new signs.  I think we might actually be at the beginning of the 15 month language explosion.
• The tooth count is still at 8... still no molars
• She did surprisingly well through the 6 hour car rides x4.  It is about 12 hours total from home to Nags Head, but we split the trip in half on the way down and back.  She hung out in the back seat with Lucy watching Despicable Me and staring out the window.  We had a few melt downs around hour 5 on all 4 legs, but otherwise she was an angel.  I couldn't believe it!

Diet/Nursing

• Nursing continues to go well for us.  I can tell she is starting to cut back (and I am encouraging) to a few times a day, but the nursing sessions last a little longer than they used to.  Either way, I still love these quiet moments with her.
• Pumping is just about done.  I didn't even bring my big pump with us on vacation.  I did bring a small manual pump to use in case Kevin and I went out on a date night and I used it twice, but otherwise no pumping at all this week, which was nice!  I am planning to really work on cutting back/cutting out pumping sessions completely when we get back.  I don't plan to stop nursing, but this will help (hopefully) to start my cycle again so we can try for baby #2.  Here's to hoping!
• I was able to donate 8 (YES 8!!!!) gallons of breast milk to the National Milk Bank.  I am so proud of myself and my boobies!!  :)  Read more about it here
• BLW is pretty much finished, dare I say?  There isn't a thing this girl will not eat.  This week she tried shrimp, crab and even some hot salsa.  She eats anything and everything.  We are so proud!

Sleep

• Sleep has been excellent!  While on vacation, she kept a great routine, falling asleep round 9 and waking up around 7 or 8.  Part of me was like "aaah!  Wake up at 7??  On vacation??" but at the same time, we were able to see so much and spend so much time outside because we woke up so early.  And honestly, by 9pm, I was ready for bed, lol!
• Naps were pretty good.  She takes one nap a day now and it usually lasts anywhere from 2-3 hours.  She is pretty cranky when it is nap time, but always wakes up in a great mood!

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• Another wonderful month for us.  Kevin's job is going really well and I was just offered a position in our emergency room as an RN.  I have always wanted to work in an ER and am thrilled about this new opportunity.  I'm not sure when I will be starting, but I am very excited!  Health and weight-wise, things are status quo.  We were able to enjoy lots of fun cardio this week with hiking and swimming, a welcome change from running running running earlier in the month.  Lol.

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• Our major event this month was our vacation.  Otherwise, not a whole lot.  :)
• Cloth diapering is still going great!!

Product Rave:

• I LOVE my new necklace from BouBeads.  It is just beautiful and Kennedy loves to play with it.  It is designed from natural, baby-friendly materials so she can play/chew on it safely while she is nursing or while I am carrying her in her wrap.  It keeps her curious little fingers occupied and (more importantly) out of mommy's hair!

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 15 months on October 30.

Kennedy's 13 Month Check In

It's time.  With work, school and well... life... weekly updates are getting more difficult to keep up with.  So this, ladies and gents, will be the first of many monthly check ins.  Ta-daa!!  I hope to be able to keep up with these a little better and maybe squeeze in a few more random bloggings during the week too!

How Big Is Baby?

• Kennedy is just over 20 pounds now.
• I have started buying 18 month outfits for fall.  She is so tall that the 18 month pants/leggings fit pretty good.  Tops, she is in 12 month-24 month. 
• Size 4 shoes.  I tried on her size 3s the other day (because they matched her outfit better, lol) and it was a struggle to get them on!
• Full time cloth diapering. Size smalls and one size- fully extended on the rise and out 2-3 snaps at the waist

Development & Milestones

• Walking and talking and running and climbing. 
• She is getting better with her utensils and holding a cup (without a lid or sippy) better.  However, she loves to dump her bowl out.  Ack!
• She is getting much better wiht signing.  I have to credit the Baby Signing Time video I downloaded from Amazon.  She does milk, more, all done, baby, eat and has done water a few times for daddy.  Her communication skills amaze me daily.  She is getting so much better! 
• The tooth count is still at 8... I thought her molars were coming in, but now I'm not so sure.

Diet/Nursing

• Nursing is wonderful.  We were able to nurse at the fair in the Ergo comfortably and she actually stayed focused... well... for the most part.  She still nurses to sleep and first thing in the morning too, which I just love!
• Pumping is going well. Still pumping once a shift. 
• Great news!!  I have officially been accepted as a donor to the National Milk Bank.  My coolers should be on their way soon and I will be sending several hundred ounces of life saving mommy milk to preemie babies in need!  I am so excited to share this special gift!
• BLW was wonderful!  She got to enjoy lots of yummy fair food this week and tried some of the bets chocolate milk ever!  She also enjoyed one of mommy's favorites.. corn!  Fair corn is the BEST and I think Kennedy would agree!

Sleep

• Sleep has been pretty good.  Kennedy still wakes once or twice to nurse, but easily falls right back asleep.  She sleeps 10 hours consistently overnight (not straight through, but it works).
• Naps were pretty good.  She is still transitioning to one 2-4 hour nap a day, usually in the early afternoon.  There have been a few days where she has boycotted her nap altogether (makes.me.crazy!) but overall she has done well.

Mommy & Daddy Check In

• It has been a great month!  With Kennedy's birthday and visitors from some wonderful friends and family, we have really enjoyed this last full month of summer.  The weather has been gorgeous, the state fair was a blast and spending time with our little girl has been wonderful!  We are anxiously awaiting our vacation to really enjoy spending a whole week with our awesome little family!

Any appointments, visitors or outings? Anything else new?

• This month we enjoyed visits from Nana Lorrie and Grandpa Greg from Florida, Nana Sherrie, Pap Pap and Uncle Chad from Pittsburgh and our friends Amy, Adam and Abbi from Buffalo.
• We celebrated our sweet friend, Isaiah's first birthday and had a few play dates at the park.
• We checked out the zoo and the splash pad at Seneca Lake State Park.
• Cloth diapering is still going great!!

Product Rave:

• Baby Signing Time video.  The music is fun- Kennedy loves to bounce and wiggle along- and she has really gotten much better with her signs since we started watching it.  Plus, it gives mommy a chance to nap a bit or jump in the shower while Kennedy is occupuied for a few minutes.  Love it!

Any upcoming developments, milestones? What's next?

• Next appointment will be 15 months in October.