My Girl at 13 1/2 months

Wow, I am actually attempting a post. I thought I should probably do an update on my girl before she turns 13 years old. Earlier this month, she turned 13 months old!!! Time is flying, friends. Seriously...flying...by!

So much is new with her, that I don't even know where to begin. She has been popping out words like crazy! I was keeping a list of them, but I must be a bad Mom as I can't find the list at the moment. Some of her favorite words are: Keys, Cheese, Outside, Mama, Dada, Eyes, Socks, Hi, Yum, Teeth,Woof Woof, No no no. She also tries to say Alex "Ah-ix" (the baby I watch) and she's said her bff's name "aya" (Kaya). There are a few others too but I can't remember! That's why I was writing them down. But obviously doesn't do me any good if I can't find it. She also did the signs for "more" and " all done" recently!  It is just so much fun watching her learn and explore. One of my favorite things is to just watch her examine something and try to figure it out. She is constantly on the move! This girl does not like to sit still. I swear, if she sits longer than a minute or two somewhere, I run over and feel her forehead for a fever. She is crawling and cruising like crazy. Standing unassisted at time too! Although, no real steps yet! Just walking by pushing a walking toy in front of her. I'm really in no hurry for her to walk! She is already so quick and on the move, I don't know how I'll keep up. I think shoes will help in getting her to take some steps maybe. I really haven't put shoes on her very often, just when she's in a dress. But we just ordered her some baby Nikes (they are soooo cute!) and got her some new sandals for this Spring/Summer.
Our peanut is still that..a total PEANUT :) I can't remember if I told you all that at her 12 month appt her weight hadn't gone up, maybe 2-3 oz in a few months. I was really worried. We were about to try whole milk and we were hoping that would help add on the pounds. Well, the whole milk didn't go well. She had been on Soy formula for the longest time, but we wanted to see if she would tolerate Dairy and she didn't. It was the week before Easter and she was just miserable and gassy and stopped even wanting to drink the milk. So now she has been on Soy milk and it's going great. The doc said we could revisit dairy in the future. It's strange though she can tolerate some yogurt and cheese just fine. Her weight a few weeks ago was 16lbs 4oz. We have a weight check this Thursday and I am praying she gained. I feel like she eats pretty well. I mean she's a bit picky, but she eats a ton of what she does like. Although, I seriously think her clothes have gotten a little loose on her since then, so I am sort of freaking out about the whole weight thing :( The doc wanted to see if she tolerate milk to start pedia sure maybe to get the weight up. But she didnt do well with dairy, so I dont know if there's a soy version?
Eating is a bit of a challenge since she hates meat. Spits it out. She LOVES eggs, fruit,cheese and PASTA! She was loving green veggies but has backed off with those lately :( She also loves nutri grain bars and grilled cheese. And her Momma. She has been all about me lately! :) Which is nice because she was all about her Daddy for awhile :) She doesn't want me out of her sight! Which sometimes can be tough, but still makes my heart swell up knowing she loves me so much! Her Daddy makes her laugh with his singing and tickle attacks and she grins from ear to ear when he comes home from work.
What else is Sam loving? She loves her Baby Genius videos, bubbles, bath time, emptying out the laundry baskets and filling them back up (which can get annoying to clean up, but so cute to watch her!), she loves being outside, clapping, and doggies!
Sleep is still a challenge. Yes, at 13 months old! Naps have gotten better, but she still is doing about 1/2-3/4 of the night in crib. At that's with having to pat her back down once or twice.
Her scar from the Hemangioma is looking good. Still quite long and reddish, but according to the docs "healing beautifully." We have to go back to Boston (God Bless Boston!) for a check up in June. She also has a follow up with the developmental doc in June.
Teeth! She has been teething again. Poor girl. A few at a time. Right now she is working on her 8th tooth! And she loves to brush her teeth :) I give it to her in the tub and she loves it. Just sort of chews on it with a big smile, but I figure it's a start!
I am so excited for the nicer weather to show up and for Summer to begin! I'm hoping she loves the pool this year :) She's at such a playful age right now, that I hope she loves the sunshine and pool like her Momma.
In early May we are walking in  The March of Dimes walk. We are team "Peanut Princess." :) And Mid-May she is having her professional photos done by a private photographer, which I am super excited about! The photographer had to cancel back in March because she went on bed rest with her pregnancy. So we are happy to finally get these done. I hope Samantha AND the weather cooperates for them :)
I'm sure I have probably forgotten some things about Sam in this post, but overall she is GREAT :) We love her sooo much and her smiles and laughs just turn us into mush. Not a day goes by that I don't think "Oh my God, she is really mine?? Forever?" :)

What's new with me? Just busy busy between babysitting from home full time and chasing after Sam :) A few weeks ago I had three teeth pulled! Ugh. My last two wisdom and another top back tooth that had a really bad cavity. My mouth was hurting for awhile! I hate dental work. Seriously, I'd rather have another c-section. I also had a birthday..the big ole 34! I started a "diet" two weeks ago with my friend K. We are doing it together. I am at my heaviest! And I can't stand it! So I am just trying to eat better and exercise more. I weigh myself on Mondays. I lost 3 pounds in the first week. Which I was hoping for more, but I will take it. I completely cut myself off from soda. Which is huge, because I LOVE my coke. Let me clarify, coca-cola not cocaine. :) I'm trying to teach myself to like seltzer. Which is it isn't bad, just isn't Coke!
Life is good though. Counting my blessings, especially after all the horrific Boston events this week...

Here are a few pics of Sam. Sadly, she's still against headbands!

"Ok, I'll give you one with this headband on. But move quick!"
 

"Cheeeese!"

"A book about cupcakes huh? Yum."
(This was the first book we ever gave her. When she was in the NICU, the hospital was having a book fair. I read it to her when she was in her isolette) 

Sleepy girl striking a pose

Out for a walk with Momma! And snacks of course.