Happy 21 Months, Lacey!

Here we go! (I really wish I kept up this blog with her monthly changes... oh well. I am beginning again and that is what is important!)

Lacey amazes me everyday. I can't believe what a wonderful, loving, little person she is turning into! Sometimes I just can't stop kissing and hugging her because she is so freaking cute!

So, in the last month...

I have been told that Lacey is "fearless." So in addition to being monkey-girl, she also likes to jump and fall from things. She now will stack pillows up and jump from the ottoman onto them. She also pushes furniture around and climbs/jumps from one thing to the next. OK - we probably shouldn't encourage this... but it's kinda funny.

We have finally mastered the world "help." FINALLY!!! As soon as she starts to whine, we say "what do you want" and she either tells us or says "elp."

Also in the last month - she is naming "pee pee" and "poop." I've also noticed that she holds herself when she pees and immediately wants to be changed. She is familiar with the potty and we regularly sit on it. We are just going to keep moving forward slowly until she is ready.

Her favorite book is Dr. Suess's ABCs. I think we are reading it about 3-4 times a day right now. First thing in the morning I hear "ABCS ook" (book). We usually read it more than once in a row!

The last two weeks she has been an AMAZING sleeper. We bumped her bedtime down 15 minutes and it seems to have helped. I'm actually considering bumping it down again and having her wake-up time closer to 6:30. It might be helpful to have an hour and 1/2 to get ready in the AM when I go back to work (and also nice to have more time in the evening to ourselves).

Her favorite current foods are "MEATBALLS" (she always yells it and is very excited about them) and of course, "COOKIES!"

12 Months!

Wow, my baby is no longer a baby anymore and is an official toddler!

Look at her standing there all non-babyish!

So, at 12 months... drum roll please...

• Is 100% on whole milk from a sippy with the exception of a before bed bottle. I'm not sure when we will give up the before bed bottle as it is our snuggle time and I LOVE IT! Wow, my breastmilk lasted almost a whole year! I'm so proud of us!
• She is just about eating everything we eat with a few minor exceptions (like junk food). We rarely give any purees or baby food anymore. I feel like she eats all day long sometimes! She loves to eat, eat, eat!
• She is playing very well on her own. Usually in the AM she plays for about 30 minutes on her own while I start working and again after daycare she gets to watch a video while I wrap up. 
• In regards to sleeping, we only have to stick a binky in her mouth about once a week in the middle of the night. Otherwise she takes 1-2 naps per day and sleeps 10-12 hours each night.
• Lacey is saying "ma ma", "da da", "hiiiiiii" and "mmm mmm" (when eating). She also has signs she uses for done, up and no more or no.
• Her personality is starting to really show. Lacey is a quiet "observer" and likes to watch and imitate before diving into something. She is also turing out to be quite shy!
• We STILL only have TWO teeth!
• She had her first ear infection and stomach bug this month.

This month is amazing...

It's not even my 12 month post yet and I am completely AMAZED at how quickly Lacey is growing this month! It seems that walking has opened up brand new doors for her and she is grabbing at the world to see what is next!

Lacey is just all over now... when I come home from work she sees me for a quick hug and kiss and is then back to her world. She's a busy little bee... back and forth, back and forth... she walks circles around our downstairs moving, pushing, carrying... it's a riot. I love watching her... this week has been tough because I am in training and commuting every day. I leave before she is up and I get home about 45 minutes before bed... I get my quick kiss and then just watch and watch as she entertains herself. It's the most amazing thing - I can't even explain it!

She is also totally into being a goofball. She will roll around the living room floor being silly. Or, better yet Daddy will get her giggling and giggling. I absolutely LOVE it!

I'm also sad that almost a year has passed. We only have 3 more bags of frozen milk in the freezer and then she will be on 100% whole milk. Before we know it she will be entering kindergarten (at least that's what I feel like!)

Where did my baby girl go???

1 day old!

One of the first giggles/smiles! (4 weeks)

BIG smiles! (5 months)

Happy girl! (7/8 months)

Christmas cheer! (9 months)

Cheese face on vacation! (10 months)

Big girl drinking! (11 months)

Playing outside last weekend! (11.5 months)

Weekend Fun

This weekend was so much fun and so very productive!

I took Friday off and sent Lacey to daycare because we were going to have glass block windows put in our basement. They came out great! Since they were installed Friday, the boys were able to start the drywall (and almost finish) this weekend! Our basement is going to be so amazing... we are so excited to be making such progress!

Since the boys were working in the basement, I got to spend lots of QT time with Lacey - all day Saturday and today. It was wonderful! Now that she is walking, we decided to expand her "area" to the entire downstairs (previously she was just allowed in the living room and dining room). The kitchen is now babyproof and we moved the gates to the two stairways. She loves going up the stairs but can't go down yet!

She also did fabulous with her sippy all day today! She is now at 50/50 whole milk to breastmilk. It's going pretty well with the exception of being slightly backed up and having a little spit up here and there. I expect by next week she will be 100% whole milk... I just can't believe I had that much frozen!!! It's so weird to see the deep freezer EMPTY!!!

Here's a cute photo we took while playing around with the camera! I'm so bummed it is grainy... If I had some good studio lighting this would be perfect!!

Fun things!

This weekend was so much fun! We finally had some good family QT...

Lacey helping Daddy fix the leaky sink...

Loving the balls at Toddle Town! Happy 2nd Birthday, Jake!

I made her this outfit (FINALLY did some sewing!!!)

Lacey's birthday present also came in the mail. Brian put it together while Lacey and I went to watch a gymnastics meet... she was thrilled! The weather was beautiful this weekend so we not only rode around our house, but we were able to go outside as well. It's a good thing Lacey doesn't know about birthdays yet because this was a BIG present and she won't be getting anything else (from us at least :) )

It's amazing how toddler-ish she is getting... She really is getting to where she can tell us what she wants and we can understand her. We do some signing with her, but she has been making up her own. For example, if she doesn't want something she pushes your hands away or shakes her head. When she is tired she nuzzles or puts her bear blanky on her head (sooooo cute!) Speaking of her bear blanky - it is truly becoming her best little friend. We have a white and a pink one that is getting DRAGGED EVERYWHERE! It is really grossing me out. I think I might order a third to make sure they are getting washed enough!

11 Months, Really?

OK - this week Lacey turns 11 months! In some ways, I can't believe that we are one month from a year... in others, I feel like she has been with us forever. I love this little girl and can't believe how she has stolen our hearts!

Birthday plans are in progress - we are having a bash at our house. Invites are going out this week, we've already purchased some of the food (Brian is making sauce and chicken cutlets = yummm) and I've ordered her birthday present!

Get ready for the drum roll...... At 11 months Lacey:

• Is WALKING!!! She's been taking steps for a few weeks now, but it has officially turned into a walk. She can go all the way across our living room!!! Funny - I never thought she would walk this early just because she never cared to roll or crawl until late!
• Does a "bear" crawl - this is her "I need to get there fast" move. A bear crawl is a crawl on her hands and feet with no knees.
• Is still getting EXCLUSIVE breastmilk! We have slowly started introducing whole milk because I don't think we have enough frozen to go the entire month. The transition is going great! I am totally off the pump (ahhhh freedom!) I am so proud of myself for making it this far!
• Drinking from a sippy - we have her using both a straw sippy and a classic sippy during the day. She gets her bottle in the evening/before bed.
• Still cloth diapered (of course!)
• IS SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! I can't believe it... it has been nearly consistent since the end of February. I thought the day would never happen, and when I finally accepted it, it happened!
• She's back in the pack and play... partially because she wasn't doing great in the crib again (she liked banging her head on the wood in the middle of the night and was waking up) and also partially because we tried to move it and it broke (good thing it was free from some friends!)
• She's in her new big girl room down the hall now... photos will come soon!
• Her favorite food is yogurt followed by any green veggies (something about the color - she always goes for green first)
• She is just around 20 lbs
• This week she got her first ear infection and is on antibiotics for the first time :(
• She offiicially has a "lovie" doll that gets carried around EVERYWHERE!

Even bigger news!

LACEY SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Yayy!!!

...and she walked about 5 feet!!!!

Tonight is her first night in her new room (photos coming soon). She took two good naps today in it so I have good vibes about the move... might this be a breakthrough???

Big News!

Lacey is finally sleeping someone consistently! Yay!

No, that doesn't mean she's not sleeping through the night... but it does mean that we have completely night weaned and she usually wakes up once and just needs her binkie!

Everyone is feeling fabulous around the Blamire household!

I think this is due to the fact that Lacey is again eating from a spoon and therefore eating alot more solids. She has significantly decreased her milk intake and isn't hungry in the middle of the night! Hooray!

Happy 10 months Lacey!

Wow, only two more months till the big 1!!! It's amazing how much she has grown!

At 10 months Lacey...

• Is back to being on exclusive breastmilk, however I am done pumping/BFing!!! That's right folks, we are now living off of the 1400+ ounces that were stockpiled in the deep freezer! It is so nice to see be able to be done yet still reap the rewards!! Formula was ok for the trip, but it gave Lacey bad gas and extra stinky poops! (Also - formula does nothing to help her sleep better so we are done with that theory as well!)
• Speaking of sleep... we were consistently waking up only 1x per night until we went on the trip... she's a bit out of routine again and waking up more. It's been a rough week but I'm sure we'll get back in the swing of things!
• We've decided to move her back to her crib. After a month or so in the pack and play tonight is the first night we are putting her back in her crib to sleep... hopefully it will go well!
• Is eating all sorts of foods... there are only a few things she is not eating. Some of her favorites include banana, cheerios, goldfish, Go-gurt and french toast! It's really wonderful to have her be able to eat what we are eating and have her sit with us as a family and eat!
• Is just under 20lbs... she only gained about a 1/2 lb. this month. We have started to put her into some 18 month clothes because the girl has got a BOOTY (and the cloth diaper doesn't help!)
• Is walking, walking, walking... whether it be on furniture, with her walker or with us holding her hands, she loves to walk!
• Is standing for short periods without holding on (record is around 30 seconds).
• We've found a cup she likes! Just today she started drinking with a straw sippy cup!

Swimming!

A few of our friends joined the local aquatic center... we didn't get a membership yet but we did join in the fun! Lacey had a blast hanging out in the kids pool and playing with the balls. She was a bit more apprehensive in the big pool but enjoyed it nevertheless!

We've also officially moved on from the baby purees. Lacey wants nothing to do with a spoon or anyone coming at her with it. If you try, watch out because it will be all over!

She is doing pretty well on solid solids. She loves cooked frozen veggies, rice, soup and cheerios. We are working on things like pasta & shredded meats. Her absolute favorite food by far is PEAS!

Finally, we are also working really hard on transitioning to a sippy coup. Right now some days she is really into and other days she is not. Hopefully by the time I do our 10 or 11 month update, she will be using it regularly!

Happy 9 months (Tuesday) Lacey!

Wow, is it really 9 months already? If it is, Lacey - when the heck are you going to sleep through the night? He he he... Anyways, we have an an incredibly exciting month, here's why:

• Lacey has been exclusively breastfed until just this week!!! For the next week or so we are giving her formula in her "before bed" bottle to see if it helps her sleeping... speaking of sleeping...
• We are still waking up every single night at least once, sometimes two or three times (but usually only once now). She is just so hungry all the time... right now in milk she takes somewhere around 30 ounces a day. Her 3amish bottle is usually about 7 ounces and downed in less than 5 minutes. We are experimenting with the formula to see if it helps.
• So, I am also exclusively pumping and only pumping two times a day... let's all sing the Freedom song! :) I'll continue doing this until I either loose my supply or the end of January. After January we are running on frozen! I can't wait to have my deep freezer back!
• We are still cloth diapering, of course. Our most used and favorite diapers are the BumGenius one-size and the BumGenius Flip system.
• Lacey weighs approximately 19 pounds and has gotten quite tall this month. In mid-December she hit a growth spurt and is all of a sudden needing 12 month clothes.
• She no longer wants to eat from a spoon... and showing her stubbornness! We are trying really hard to get her to eat, but she only wants finger foods. She loves picking up food and putting it in her mouth herself.
• We have TWO teeth! They arrived on Christmas and the day after!
• Lacey is taking steps with the assistance of the couch, coffee table and her walkers and can do a "real" crawl now.
• She hates having her diaper or clothes changes... the girl in on the move!
• Bath time is her favorite.
• She has a "lovie" teddy bear blanket that now comes with us everywhere... she snuggles him when she sleeps. One of her sleep signs is that she will find her bear in the room and start snuggling him. This means it is nap time or bed time!
• Lacey takes 2-3 naps a day - usually 2
• She no longer sleeps in a crib, but in a pack and play! For whatever reason, this has helped her sleep MUCH better. We have no idea why!

Lacey playing with a new ball toy from cousin Drake on Christmas!

Christmas dress and pretty red shoes!

Ho, ho ho!

Riding her pink horse - every girl should have one!

Look who's talking?

OK - I'm pretty sure she doesn't really mean to say "mommaaa" but still, it's too cute! Visit my Facebook page here.

Happy 8 months (Saturday) Lacey!

As usual, a quick post! Lacey had a great November!

At 8 months...

• We are still exclusively breastfeeding!!!!! I know have over 1400 ounces in the deep freezer. It is literally JAMMED packed down there! I am not really trying to produce any extra anymore since we have no place to store. Since I have made it this far, my goal is to continue until the end of January and then stop pumping. I will let her self-wean on the actually BFing. Once we get to end of January at that point we can use frozen to get us to 12 months!
• We are still cloth diapering and loving it!
• Lacey is wearing 9 month clothes... but on the verge of moving to 12 month pants because of her fluffy booty.
• She weighs in around 18 lbs. (a tad over)
• Up until last week she had all homemade baby foods. We started using some jarred food for things that are too $ to buy or difficult to make. We haven't found a food that she doesn't like!
• Lacey is also starting some finger foods... finely chopped banana and other dissolvable solids.
• She is being introduced to a sippy cup... generally she just chews on it but sometimes she sucks.
• Still has NO TEETH! I love her gummy smile!
• She is scooting all over the place (the baby gates are up!) pushing to a sitting position and pulling up to a standing. I've seen her try to take a few steps here and there as well. She loves when we help her walk behind her push toy. We still have a ways to go before she is on her own.
• Lacey goes to bed at 7:30 and (a good night) means she is up 2x. Once for a hug and once for food.
• Lacey finally had her first sleepover this month! She stayed at Grandma's house when mommy and daddy were worn out after a rough week. Let me just say, it's really, really hard to be BFing and not have a baby for over 12 hours! Ouch!!!

We are super excited for Lacey's first holiday season! This weekend I made her the cutest red and white tutu and took some photos for xmas cards. We also cut down our own tree and decorated. The house looks fabulous!

Happy 7 months Lacey!

Lacey is really testing my ability to function properly this month... she is still NOT SLEEPING! Too bad she is just so darn cute! At 7 months...

• Lacey loves her green peas... and veggies more so than fruits in general
• Will only wake up 2x on a good night
• Is still EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED! Noooo formula here! I know have nearly 2 months frozen as well
• Is still cloth diapered!
• Has figured out how to scoot and favors her left arm and right leg while doing so
• Pushes up on hands/knees and hands/feet
• Can sit alone without us worrying about falling over
• Is ticklish on her belly and it's super cute when she laughs!
• Is a happy, happy, happy wonderful baby girl
• Weights in at 18 lbs.

6 months of Lacey!

This past Monday Lacey had her half birthday! Hooray! She is getting SO BIG!

At 6 months Lacey is...

• still EXCLUSIVELY breast fed, but has started solids... this is HUGE! I seriously never thought I'd make it to 6 months...
• still cloth diapered, of course!
• rolling, rolling, rolling... reaching and rolling some more
• able to sit on her own with no assistance (but does fall over sometimes when she tries to reach for things
• is doing ok at night - except for having a cold, she has generally only been waking up 1x on average
• smiles, laughs and does lots of high pitch screams!
• can push up on her hands and needs, but doesn't go anywhere... yet
• has eaten all the cereals, squash, carrots, yams, peaches, pears and apples

Go Bills!

Go Bills!
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

Lacey bouncing

Lacey bouncing
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

I know the res on this is really bad... but I find it hilarious!

Lacey has discovered how to "bounce" in her bouncer! Hooray!

Happy 5 Months (Saturday) Lacey!

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

At 5 months...
- Lacey still has not had any formula and is exclusively on breastmilk (800 something ounces in freezer)
- We've started rice and oatmeal cereal
- We are still cloth diapering!
- She is rolling ALL over the place... seriously, she doesn't stop!
- Is 16.? pounds
- Is wearing 6-9 month clothes (pants are too long on her but we need to size up to fit the fluffy butt)
- Is completely free of night time swaddling
- Has been waking up about 2x / night (d'oh)
- Loves her feet and trying to eat them
- Is great at going to bed without a fuss
- Has been kicking things with her legs
- Can figure out how she gets what she wants (by rolling/reaching for things)
- Has started daycare full time!

Lacey's new play space

Lacey's new play space
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

So, Lacey is officially mobile!

She is rolling both ways and has learned its a good way to be able to get what you want. Here little rainforest mat (shown in the pic) will no longer container her so I decided me make her a bigger play area!

This space is in my home office - she often spends the morning (pre 7:30 am) and afternoon (post 4pm) hours in here with me while I work. She seems to really enjoy spreading out - today she played her for about an hour while I cleaned and organized my desk.

It needs a bit more work - more baby proofing for the rest of the office and I need to rearrange the furniture so that the rug actually fits (it's rolled on the one side), but overall it works for now!

Happy 4 Months Lacey!

In honor of her 4th month birthday, Lacey wanted me to share her new discovery with you - her upper lip! How funny is this? It is her new obsession!

Things have been SUPER busy around her. Long weekend at the cottage with family, trip to Atlanta then coming back to being slammed at work. Here is a quick update on what's new with Lacey (besides her upper lip).

Lacey at 4 months...

• Is still exclusively breastfed (whoo hoo, we also have 700 ounces in the freezer!)
• Is still wearing cloth diapers full time
• Has not yet started solids and will not likely start them until 6 months
• Doesn't seem to have any desire to roll over... no matter how much we bribe her with toys
• Laughs, laughs and laughs some more
• Makes us laugh with her squeals and screeches
• Is around 15 lbs (probably greater than)
• Is wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes
• Can push her self up on her arms, lift up her head and arch her back realllllyyy high
• Now is allowed one arm free from the swaddle at night (she can get her fingers in her mouth well now, so she doesn't wake herself up poking her eyes)
• Is consistently sleep 8 hours at night with a record of 10.5 (knock on wood)
• Has two little bottom teeth bumps accompanied with LOTS of drool
• Plays in the exer-saucer

As a note on bullet #1 - I am now committed to exclusively breastfeeding for 8 months (or more). It is going really well and I have grown to love it. I believe it is best for my baby and best for me! Recently I have ordered a Medela Freestyle pump. Look for a future post on my review of it!