sippy success

Thankfully we have finally had some minor success transitioning to the sippy cup. Pediatricians recommend a full transition to the sippy cup by 12 months... a lofty goal for a women who ADORES her bottle. I can't honestly say we still don't have the bottle in house but we are using them much less. Baby steps, as some would say.

These last couple of photos are from a playground in our neighborhood. H lady loves just playing on the rubber mats and running in circles around the playground... (hey, whatever works for a good bedtime!)

(shopper!)

Redeployment (the term used for soldiers returning!) is coming up soon. As an FRG co leader life is getting busy. It is a very exciting time, yet, also chaotic. We are focusing most of our energy on the single soldier barracks; after a year away in Afghanistan a "homey" room is a nice touch (especially if you are a single soldier and don't have a family to welcome you!). The holidays seem to be quickly sneaking up on us as well....

xoxo,
allie

13 Months

Someone in this family is 13 months... that literally seems unbelievable. Everyone tells you that your kids grow quickly and honestly you don't believe them. Well it is true... they change your life the moment they are born in ways you can never predict and everyday after that. Being a parent is the best journey and also an all day, everyday job. We can't imagine our life any other way.

(Don't worry! I promise she was wearing SPF 70 ). 

Right now H lady says mama, dada, dog, duck, ball, and yes. Her favorite past time is being outside and if she had her own way we would play outside non-stop. She loves playing with her little friends, music class, her baby sign language, and eating. Some of H lady's favorite foods are apples, grapes, BBQ chicken, bananas, and cheese flavored crackers. 

Harps is also an excellent relaxer... for about a second.  (caught)

She also loves babies; we were helping out someone in our FRG and I had quite a helper. 

and sweet friends!

xoxo,

allie

ps. i am sure this is boring to most but this post is for Will! We love you and miss you!

Seven Months

For some reason seven month seems unbelievably old (I know, I know some of you are laughing because she will only continue to get older!). When Harps was first born, I remember thinking that "older" baby ages, like seven month, seemed light years away. Well time really does fly. The first month of having a newborn, especially as a new parent, is overwhelming with zero sleep, tons of laundry, and non stop feeding. Although Harps is a fairly easy baby, I would see "older" babies at the commissary and think it would be much easier at that age! Well.. here we are and it is definitely easier but as I am learning each phase and age has its own perks and challenges. These changes have been one of my favorite parts of motherhood. I love watching H change and grow each day.

She is developing quite the personality; Harps loves being out and about seeing people and doing activities. I also love being busy so we are a great team. Right now, everywhere we go she waves non-stop at everyone! Her favorite people are soldiers in uniform... I think she might associate them with Will.

Her favorite food is avocado (also Will's favorite food) and she adores dogs. She still hates her car seat; I keep hoping we will outgrow that and she is on the move! Phew, she is crawling and pulling up on everything. I love that she is mobile but she keeps me on my toes! I can't take my eyes off her.

She is still very small for her age (5th percentile!) The doctor isn't worried and thinks that she is just a petite lady; he said that she burns so many calories consistently moving. She is really strong though.

I love this last picture. Sophie the Giraffe is still her favorite! Sophie travels with Harps almost everywhere. I just ordered some new "pull up/walking" toys.. We will see what she thinks of those!

This was quite an H post, phew. A new Afghanistan post is coming soon!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo,
allie

Crib Woes

Since (practically) the day H was born, she has always loved standing. She loves standing on my legs, balancing between arms, and now walking in between my feet. She is a woman on the go with her own agenda. When our furniture arrived two weeks ago, Harper started sleeping in her crib again after three month of our furniture slowly making the journey out here. Although I don't think she minded the pack and play, she definitely is intrigued by her crib. After nap yesterday, I heard her yelling and this is what I found...

She was so proud of herself; I love her face. It also meant a new project for Mama. In the past, I would have had Will lower the crib (not one of my strong points!) but clearly that wasn't an option. I tried everything (screw drivers, drills, every little different screw driver head)! I am sure some of you are laughing but again, not my strong point. After really exhausting our tool box, I figured out to use this tiny little thing...

I know, simple. H is still trying to use her bumper as extra height to get to her arms up but no luck. As a side note, I know bumpers are deemed not safe anymore with the rise in SIDS, but this women needs her bumper. Her legs and arms are always out of the slates without the bumper. Choices. Parenting has so many choices.

Trying to escape! This is just the beginning of many crib escapes I am sure. She will surely be the kid that just flips out; she is not afraid of anything.... at least yet! Definitely her Daddy's Girl.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,
allie