First haircut!

Today Aubree Summer had her first haircut. And when I say "first", I mean one her mama didn't attempt. Now don't freak out, I have only trimmed her bangs. Since birth this girlie's bangs have grown something fierce! I think I've had to trim them a few times by now. At any rate, I got tired of hearing certain people *ahem, Bob* say she had a mullet. So, since I was getting my haircut anyway, I asked Carolyn to take a look and maybe give Bree's hair some shape.

Carolyn didn't want to cut Aubree's hair at all. She said it was adorable as is. We did agree the bangs needed to be cut, so Aubree sat there like a big girl (on my lap of course) and let Carolyn trim it up. She was less than thrilled, but did a great job.

Whoa...

All of the sudden Aubree is into making sounds and exaggerating her expression. It's hilarious! And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty sure she was trying to make out with me today. She kept saying "whoa, whoa, whoa", so I was imitating her. It was so much fun to her. Next thing I know (we were sitting together on the couch), she was coming at me with her mouth open. The girl is never dull, I'll give her that!

19 months

Where did the last month go? Our girl is busier than ever and keeping mommy and daddy on their toes. She is slowly learning to speak more, but at times chooses to whine and whimper. We're onto her though. She gets pretty mad at us some days, but we are asking her to use her words rather than whine and point. She's doing better at it though. Sure, there is a long way to go with her speech, but she is getting there. She's unbelievably smart....

18 month well check

Today was Aubree's 18 month well check. Our tiny girl weighed in at 20 lbs 12 oz (5th percentile) and 30 1/4" tall (20th percentile). Dr Shamy said although Bree's weight went down (she was only 20 lbs 2 oz at her 15 month exam), she wasn't worried since her height went up a bit. Overall Bree is a very healthy girl. Getting too big for my liking, but a smart, wonderful, amazing miracle nonetheless.

Our toddler

Today makes it official. 18 months old. I don't know when babies officially become toddlers, but our girlie has reached this point. It seems like only yesterday we were on our way to the hospital to finally have our little girl. Now Bree is running around, talking and getting smarter by the day. She is up to at least 20 signs at day care and understands so much of what is going on around her.

When did this happen?

When did Aubree become a toddler? I guess it's my fault for always looking at her like she's still a baby, but it's so obvious she's not anymore. Playing in her room today, I saw a tiny little toddler. She must have grew when I blinked!

And I know everyone says this about their child, but I can't help but think she is stunning. I could kiss those tiny cheeks all day long. Too bad these days I have to catch her to even do that!

Each day

Our girl is growing faster each day. She's picking up words a little better, though she can't say them quite clear yet. I won't complain though because I know she is still young and she's almost too smart for our own good as it is! I don't think it's possible to go a day without her amazing me in some way. Aubree is very attentive and pays attention even when we don't realize she is. Gotta love her!

A precious gift

It occured to me today how lucky I am. I have a wonderful husband and not only were we blessed enough to find each other, we were given the gift of a child. After almost a year and a half of trying to conceive, to hear the news that I was pregnant...well, it was a shocking and exciting all at once. I didn't want to allow myself to believe it, yet it was true.

Although we experienced many months of frustration and tears trying to get pregnant, I wouldn't take back any of that back, knowing what God had in store for us. It is absolutely beyond any hope or dream I ever had.

And looking back now, I imagined our child would be beautiful. Not because Bob and I are beautiful people (of course I think he is), but because in our eyes, no matter what our child looked like, he or she would be perfect. I wasn't prepared for how absolutely in love I would be nor how stunning Aubree Summer really was. It goes to show that a parent's love surpasses any expectations they had before seeing their child for the first time. From the moment she was born, I couldn't help but stare into her angelic face. I don't think I'll ever tire of that.

A month older

17 months already. I don't know how this happened...but I don't like it. How could my girl be a month older before I've even blinked? While I'll admit, it is always entertaining to watch the antics...it doesn't mean I miss my teeny, tiny baby any less.

On another note, we think Aubree may very well grow out of her 12 month clothes afterall! I don't even remember how long she's been wearing 12 months, but it seems like forever. Come to think of it, she tends to stay in one size for months, so I guess this is nothing new. We realized though that her jeans are just touching the tops of her feet, so she may be out of these sooner than we thought. Well, I'd give it another month at least. She still has pants that are 12 months that she can't wear yet (they must run big). We can roll the legs up all we want, but when the waist doesn't fit, not a whole lot we can do there.

Her size 3 shoes still seem to fit pretty well. I should note though, that any of this could change tomorrow morning. She does like to be sneaky and grow on me every once in a while, so I'll have to keep a close eye. This little bug is full of surprises!

The spaghetti fiasco

Our crazy little girl. I don't know what we are thinking when we decide to let her have a go at her dinner - well, the messier dinners anyway. But, when she is going to get a bath anyway...what's the harm? How much of a mess could a 16 1/2 month old really do anyway? Oh...maybe I forgot to mention one thing...we're having spaghetti for dinner. I shouldn't worry though because I'm sure it couldn't be as bad as past rice incidents. Could it? Will this mean we'll find spaghetti sauce in Bree's nooks and crannies for days? *sigh*

Round three!

Today we had my immediate family Christmas at Benny and Niccole's. We all had a great time. Mackenna was here, so Aubree finally got to see her again. It's been a while, so Bree was a little standoffish with Kenna, but did warm up to her by the end of the night. Bree was extra helpful in handing out gifts. After handing out each gift, she'd wipe her hands together like she'd just gotten done with some hard work. She is always entertaining.

From Meme and Papa R, she got some new walking shoes (okay, so this was an early gift), a Webkins pony and a wagon! We can't wait until the weather warms up enough to enjoy the wagon! Uncle Benny, Aunt Niccole and the kids got her a dancing tower. She seemed to really like it - even dancing with Rex when he showed her what to do. Papa John and Grandma Linda got her a purse.

We ended up staying over there until 11 and girlie was awake and running around the whole time. She did wake three times in the middle of the night/early morning crying, but she did a great job.

Overall, the last three days have been wonderful! Our little girl really enjoyed herself and was a trooper. Never crabby considering the extra long days and short naps.

Technically second Christmas

Aubree woke up around 8 and after getting her milk and some cereal, we all got cozy in the living room to open gifts. I even set up dad's video camera to catch it all. Bree had a great time...after all, after last night at Bob's parents, she knew what to do with the gifts! We decided not to get her a whole lot this year, considering her age and the fact that she'll be spoiled by everyone. It didn't take long for her to get tired. Luckily we didn't have to be to Benny and Niccole's until 4, so she should get some good naps in!

We're going to relish this 8 am waking. Lord only knows it'll get earlier each year as she realizes what is going on!

Christmas Eve at Mimi and Papa's

Bree had her first go real gift opening experience today at Mimi and Papa L's. She wasn't real sure what to do, but quickly figured out that inside all of these pretty colored boxes were toys! Well of course there was one with clothes, which she quickly threw aside, but the toys!! She got Little People sets, Mega blocks, a sweeper, corn popper and even a car!! She was thrilled and overwhelmed.

It was a blast watching her open gifts. After each small piece of paper she tore off, she'd hand them over to Bob or me. And she watched to be sure we had the paper in hand before looking back to tear another piece off.

Now I know why our parents had such a good time at Christmas. It is thrilling just to watch the looks on your child's face.

More bulbs

Will Aubree ever stop taking the bulbs off of the tree? I'm guessing no. She insists on handing these to us. She's in a stage where she is being extra helpful. And bless her heart, I'm sure that's exactly her intention. Handing us everything from Christmas bulbs to our shoes. This girlie is all about being a helper. The look on her face is too precious.

Christmas card!!

After several days of snapping pictures and trying to get Aubree in that one perfect shot, I've given up. I've opted to make a collage Christmas card using Adobe since that seems to be the only option. If nothing else, it sure gives the perfect view of our busy little girl. Since we'll send cards to family and friends we don't see very often, it'll work out well.

Aubree seems to be obsessed with the tree and decorations. Who can blame her? Sure, she saw the same thing last year but she was only four months old. This is the first big Christmas and she is taking everything in. We've had to put the shatterproof bulbs at the bottom since she seems determined to take them off as often as possible.

Does anyone know where the Energizer batteries are in a toddler?

Trick or Treat!

Aubree's very first adventure in trick or treating! We went to her Uncle Benny's to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. No need for a jacket!! This is wonderful considering I was worried at how we'd keep our little Bug toasty. Luckily we thought ahead enough to borrow a wagon from Bree's Meme and Papa L in case she got tired. Lord knows carrying this one, as small as she is would surely wear on us.

Fast forward to the cutest kitty you've ever seen! We went with the kitty costume because every time Aubree sees a cat, she squeals with excitement...no joke. Sure, she loves dogs, but cats are elusive...at least to a toddler!

We trekked the neighborhood of Uncle Benny and Aunt Cole and had a good old time. We attempted to let her walk on her own (she's been walking pretty good for the past couple of weeks). Between the uneven grass and slightly sloped driveways, we had a heck of a time. Each time she'd get a goodie in her pumpking basket, she'd dive right in eager to see what she could play with next. Bob and I resorted to dumping it (under a blanket) in her wagon to hide it. Luckily she was too busy watching kids go by. I was surprised at how quickly she got the hang of walking up to a stranger's house, giving that arresting grin and getting candy. Amazing how fast kids can pick up on that sort of thing. She had a good time chewing on a few select (*ahem* hard to open) candy bars and even got her very first sucker, which she quickly got tired of.

At the end of the night our little kitty cat was tuckered. We had a great time with our girl's first go at trick or treating. And after seeing her ride in style, it makes me wonder why they don't have some sort of wagon for adults....

14 Months and Walking!

We have been noticing our girlie's improvements in the walking department. She's been steadily getting stronger, gaining her balance and working hard in general. Well, we're proud to say she is officially walking!!!!! A couple more weeks of practice and she should have it down pretty well. It's amazing to watch this tiny little girl toddling around the house. She's getting faster by the minute and if you blink, she may just be across the room already.

The sad part is this means she's getting bigger. For months now I've begged my girl to stop growing. She won't give in. She is too fascinated by the world around her to listen to her mommy. I suppose this is just the beginning of this problem. In any event, this new trick she's learned means she will soon be heading to the young toddler room at day care. *sigh*

Allergist appt

Bobby and I took Aubree to see the allergist today. The dr took a brief history (along w/ all the paperwork I filled out) and said the fact that both Bob and I had allergies, Aubree has a 2 in 3 chance. So, the inevitable panel was done on her little back. After learning about our lives, he decided on 13 allergens. Typical ragweed, dust mites, dog, cat and several foods including cow's milk. She had a reaction to the dog, cat and cow's milk. The milk didn't surprise us, but the dog and cat did. He asked if our pets were family or pests - of course they're family to us. So, we were given several tips to help keep any reactions she may have down. The only reaction we've ever seen to a dog (apparently she had a stronger reaction to that than the cat) was at Bob's parent's house. We don't know if it was their labradoodles or his sister's pugs that had been over shortly before.

At any rate, the dr believes there is probably something else that Aubree is allergic to and wants to see her in 6 months. We were told if she has 3 episodes of hives or blotches before then to call. During any of those reactions, we have to write down a history of where we were, what we were doing and what she ate in the last 24 hrs. Wow!

Bob was a little miffed at the pet situation, but as I told him, we haven't seen her have any reaction at home. Of course we will keep an eye on Aubree and anything that seems to irritate her skin in some way.

Aubree did have a melt down towards the end of the appointment. She had been playing around the whole time, but after we had to hold her so the panel on her back didn't get anywhere else on her skin, she was mad. Being tired and hungry didn't help either. She screamed and cried for the last 20 minutes. Poor sweet pea!

Glad we got it all done though...at least now we know.

Then there were more

Daddy was golfing this afternoon, so Bree and I decided to take advantage of this unusually warm October day and head to Wildwood Metropark. It was absolutely gorgeous! The leaves are starting to change - my favorite part of autumn. I'll post pictures later....

So, afterwards, we stopped by my parents to visit. Wanting to see Aubree's newly emerged teeth, my mom got a peek in her mouth. Our girlie doesn't just have a new molar and incisor. Nope, this girl of ours has her other top central incisor, what looks to be both of her other top incisors AND a top molar. No wonder our girl has been a little fussier than normal. With all of this activity going on in that mouth of hers, it's a wonder she's not screaming constantly! It looks like this little girl may have a busy couple of months if this continues.

Surprises everyday

This girl of ours always seems to have something up her sleeve. Last night she was practicing her screaming when I spotted something on her lower left gum line. Hhm. I was playing her screaming game with her trying to encourage her to open that mouth so I could get a better peek. Don't you just know, she was on to me? The minute she suspects you want a look in her mouth, she clamps up. She did allow me to stick my finger in there and she has got a molar popping up! It appears our daughter likes to be different!

We thought for sure she was teething last weekend. Cranky and cried a lot. Sunday she developed a fever and Monday we found out she had a double ear infection. She's been on antibiotics since then but still is a little clingy at times. This molar peeking through makes perfect sense. And here we were waiting for the other top central incisor along w/ the side incisors. You can see them right there, just waiting to make their debut, but they haven't broken the surface yet.

So, this morning, I was playing the screaming game again with Bree (her favorite game these days) and saw a bottom incisor on her right - it has broken through. That one sure surprised us!

So, the order of her teeth so far:
8 months - bottom two central incisors
12 months - top right central incisor
13 months 3 wks - bottom right incisor and one bottom back molar on the left

What will this girlie do next??