Dear Tanner,
You are 1!! I still can't believe that. This year probably was the fastest year I have ever experienced (maybe because you are SUCH a busy and active little guy??) It's hard to believe you are growing up so quickly, too fast for me! I am loving this age with you...you are so fun and so joyful. But I wish it would slow down...
You sure loved your cake at your birthday (your 2nd birthday party...the first one, with all the relatives, you just picked at your cake and rubbed it all over your face and hair. The 2nd one, with just close family, you devoured that cake). You absolutely LOVE food. If someone has food, you want it! You get very mad if we give you something different than what you are having. Black beans are one of your favorite foods and I love how you have a black/purple face when you are done eating them.
One thing that changed this month is that you are no longer just walking...you are RUNNING!! You don't stop. You always are "on a mission" and it's hard to keep track of you. One of your favorite things ever, is being chased. You start shrieking and laughing and running away. It always makes us giggle so much to see you get so excited about it.
You still are obsessed with the TV/entertainment center but are doing SO much better at not going up to it all the time. You have learned what No and Uh-uh means and when you hear it, you sometimes just plop yourself down on the ground and get all frustrated (you show this by throwing your head forward).
You have turned into such a good sleeper, which I am thankful for, since the first 4 months with you were not full of sleep! You take 2 solid naps and go to bed around 7:30 (earlier on nights I work) and wake up around 7. You are still nursing, 4 times a day and I am still not ready to be done. It's the one time when you are still and calm and I love those moments.
Still aren't saying many words but the ones you do say are: sss-sss=soo-soo (binky), Dada, Mama, ch-ch=cheerios (or any food!), see-see=Sophie? (you've just started saying this and we think it might be Sophie). It has been cute the past few days because when you are eating and want more, instead of doing the sign for more like we've been practicing, you clap your hands. It works!
I love you my precious Tanner. It's been quite the year! You fill my heart with such amazing joy.
Love, Mommy
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
My baby girl is 4
It's hard to believe that I am a mother to a 4 year old. The day Sophie was born still is so clear to me and I can't believe she is 4 already. It has been quite the exciting and full year for Sophie. Here is a run-down of some super important things that happened this year!
*Sophie became a big sister on June 2/2009, to baby brother Tanner!
*Sophie started pre-school
*Sophie got her first hair-cut!
*Sophie had her very first sleepover at Auntie Kelly's house (and didn't get much sleeping in, I'm afraid)
*Sophie went on her first camping trip (with Daddy!)
*Sophie asked Jesus into her heart :)
*Sophie is starting to learn how to read (she knows all her letter names/sounds and loves to write words she knows, and sound out words).
Sophie has really grown up so much this year. I look at pictures of her 1 year ago and 3, and she still had that "baby" look to her. Now I look at her and I see a big girl. She is still my silly little girl who makes us laugh all the time. Sophie is so expressive and dramatic and could spend all day, everyday playing dress-up (and sometimes she does!) The things she comes up with and says sometimes blows me away (and often makes me giggle too).
We are so blessed to have Sophie in our lives and I love my precious girl more than words can say.
*Sophie became a big sister on June 2/2009, to baby brother Tanner!
*Sophie started pre-school
*Sophie got her first hair-cut!
*Sophie had her very first sleepover at Auntie Kelly's house (and didn't get much sleeping in, I'm afraid)
*Sophie went on her first camping trip (with Daddy!)
*Sophie asked Jesus into her heart :)
*Sophie is starting to learn how to read (she knows all her letter names/sounds and loves to write words she knows, and sound out words).
Sophie has really grown up so much this year. I look at pictures of her 1 year ago and 3, and she still had that "baby" look to her. Now I look at her and I see a big girl. She is still my silly little girl who makes us laugh all the time. Sophie is so expressive and dramatic and could spend all day, everyday playing dress-up (and sometimes she does!) The things she comes up with and says sometimes blows me away (and often makes me giggle too).
We are so blessed to have Sophie in our lives and I love my precious girl more than words can say.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
11 months (a little late!)
Dear Tanner,
Man, oh man. What a busy month this has been! Mommy is late in writing this because life has suddenly turned up a few notches on the CRAZY side. One of those CRAZY things is that you started walking this past month. You took your first steps at 10 months old and by 11 months, you were walking for longer stretches. You look so cute as you walk everywhere, sometimes you get going too fast for your own good and are flailing your arms as you walk and can't stop.
You are also into EVERYTHING. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. To you, anything you see is a challenge to get to. If you see Sophie playing with anything, you immediately want to go play with it too. You don't understand when Mommy says you can't play with Sophie's Polly Pockets or her Littlest Pet Shop and you will let us know exactly how upset you are about that. You definitely have quite the temper in you and we are at that place of really praying for wisdom in how to best raise you and help shape your will.
I love it when we go ANYWHERE and people are always commenting on how friendly and happy you are. You freely give smiles and waves and now that you are walking, will walk right up to someone and give them a huge cheesy grin. You make everyone smile, Tanner, and I love the joy that is in you.
You are still not saying too many words yet. You have started to say "sss-sss" for "soo soo" (pacifier). You also will rest your head on our laps and say "awwwwwww". I know you want to say Sophie's name so badly. You see her and smile and shriek and start making "sssssssssssssssssss" sounds.
Your mullet is getting longer and I am afraid a haircut is due soon. You will be a ringbearer in your Auntie Pamela's wedding next week so probably you will get it cut before then.
I love you so much Tanner. I know you want to be so independent and do EVERYTHING that Sophie does, and my dear boy, you will get to. Don't rush this growing up thing, time is already going by so fast! I love you!
Love, Mommy
Man, oh man. What a busy month this has been! Mommy is late in writing this because life has suddenly turned up a few notches on the CRAZY side. One of those CRAZY things is that you started walking this past month. You took your first steps at 10 months old and by 11 months, you were walking for longer stretches. You look so cute as you walk everywhere, sometimes you get going too fast for your own good and are flailing your arms as you walk and can't stop.
You are also into EVERYTHING. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. To you, anything you see is a challenge to get to. If you see Sophie playing with anything, you immediately want to go play with it too. You don't understand when Mommy says you can't play with Sophie's Polly Pockets or her Littlest Pet Shop and you will let us know exactly how upset you are about that. You definitely have quite the temper in you and we are at that place of really praying for wisdom in how to best raise you and help shape your will.
I love it when we go ANYWHERE and people are always commenting on how friendly and happy you are. You freely give smiles and waves and now that you are walking, will walk right up to someone and give them a huge cheesy grin. You make everyone smile, Tanner, and I love the joy that is in you.
You are still not saying too many words yet. You have started to say "sss-sss" for "soo soo" (pacifier). You also will rest your head on our laps and say "awwwwwww". I know you want to say Sophie's name so badly. You see her and smile and shriek and start making "sssssssssssssssssss" sounds.
Your mullet is getting longer and I am afraid a haircut is due soon. You will be a ringbearer in your Auntie Pamela's wedding next week so probably you will get it cut before then.
I love you so much Tanner. I know you want to be so independent and do EVERYTHING that Sophie does, and my dear boy, you will get to. Don't rush this growing up thing, time is already going by so fast! I love you!
Love, Mommy
Monday, April 12, 2010
10 month wonder
Dear Tanner,
I am finally catching a moment to come on here and update about your 10th month! When you are awake, I usually don't get a moment to sit down anymore. You are busy, busy, busy! Into everything, you are! Sophie likes to call you Curious George because you are curious about everything.
You definitely have been showing a strong-willed side this month. Not so much mellow baby these days. When you want something, you want it now, and we have been seeing your temper. Yikes! You are fascinated with the stairs. You think it is a game to crawl over to them so fast, turn around and look to see who is watching you, and then start shrieking and giggling as you race up the stairs as we try to run and get you. Little stinker :) You make us laugh with your antics!
You love remotes and definitely mommy's cell phone. The look of pure delight that crosses your face when you see that I have left my phone unattended is so sweet. You always make sure I know you have it though, but definitely are not a happy camper if I tell you not to put it in your mouth!
You still are taking 2 really good naps and sleeping between 11 1/2 and 12 hrs a night. I LOVE how long you sleep at night. You go to sleep easily and can get yourself back to sleep fine, as long as you have a "soo soo" handy. So we keep many of your pacifiers around your crib.
I really don't want to have to cut your hair, since you don't have a ton of it, but you are definitely developing a little mullet. You have the longer bushy look going on in the back, and then shorter up front. We will see how long I can handle that before I need to cut it, lol!
You freely give smiles, you are waving so much now to others too. I love it when we say "Praise Jesus!" and you lift your hands straight up in the air. You do NOT like to be laid on the changing table, or on your back anywhere if it means you have to be restrained. You just want to be on the go all the time. You love to eat, but if we are not fast enough, or if you are super hungry, you will tend to fuss during must of your meals. Not so fun! But then, we will give you your cheerios (which you call "ch ch") or a cracker and there are no more tears, just giggles and smiles.
You are not saying too many things. You say mama occasionally. You say dada but not necessarily for daddy all the time. You do say "ch ch" a lot, when you want your cheerios! You say "na na" when you are hungry. You have started to say "A dut" a lot. Not sure what you are really saying though :)
Tanner, as busy as you are, as on the go you are, and as strong willed you are, I still love it every night when you rest your head on my shoulder. Cuddling up with you, feeling your soft skin and smelling your baby smell is my favorite thing. I love you, Mr. T!
Love, Mommy
I am finally catching a moment to come on here and update about your 10th month! When you are awake, I usually don't get a moment to sit down anymore. You are busy, busy, busy! Into everything, you are! Sophie likes to call you Curious George because you are curious about everything.
You definitely have been showing a strong-willed side this month. Not so much mellow baby these days. When you want something, you want it now, and we have been seeing your temper. Yikes! You are fascinated with the stairs. You think it is a game to crawl over to them so fast, turn around and look to see who is watching you, and then start shrieking and giggling as you race up the stairs as we try to run and get you. Little stinker :) You make us laugh with your antics!
You love remotes and definitely mommy's cell phone. The look of pure delight that crosses your face when you see that I have left my phone unattended is so sweet. You always make sure I know you have it though, but definitely are not a happy camper if I tell you not to put it in your mouth!
You still are taking 2 really good naps and sleeping between 11 1/2 and 12 hrs a night. I LOVE how long you sleep at night. You go to sleep easily and can get yourself back to sleep fine, as long as you have a "soo soo" handy. So we keep many of your pacifiers around your crib.
I really don't want to have to cut your hair, since you don't have a ton of it, but you are definitely developing a little mullet. You have the longer bushy look going on in the back, and then shorter up front. We will see how long I can handle that before I need to cut it, lol!
You freely give smiles, you are waving so much now to others too. I love it when we say "Praise Jesus!" and you lift your hands straight up in the air. You do NOT like to be laid on the changing table, or on your back anywhere if it means you have to be restrained. You just want to be on the go all the time. You love to eat, but if we are not fast enough, or if you are super hungry, you will tend to fuss during must of your meals. Not so fun! But then, we will give you your cheerios (which you call "ch ch") or a cracker and there are no more tears, just giggles and smiles.
You are not saying too many things. You say mama occasionally. You say dada but not necessarily for daddy all the time. You do say "ch ch" a lot, when you want your cheerios! You say "na na" when you are hungry. You have started to say "A dut" a lot. Not sure what you are really saying though :)
Tanner, as busy as you are, as on the go you are, and as strong willed you are, I still love it every night when you rest your head on my shoulder. Cuddling up with you, feeling your soft skin and smelling your baby smell is my favorite thing. I love you, Mr. T!
Love, Mommy
Monday, March 8, 2010
Let's not forget this one...
So, in my once a month blogging, which is the letters I have been writing to Tanner on his monthly birthday, I have realized something....that although I LOVE writing these letters to Tanner, that's all I have been writing. I have not been writing about another special someone who also fills my life with so much joy. That's right, my firstborn, Sophie. So this post is dedicated to my girl :)
Sophie just amazes me everyday. I look at her and see a big girl, no more toddler, no glimpse of the "little girl" who was just in our lives. I get so sentimental when I think of how fast time has flown by and here she is, almost 4 years old and growing by leaps and bounds.
She is such a creative and imaginative little thing. Playing "family", or "animals" for hours. Creating little things, hoarding little items in her purses, or playing school. I love watching her! She is so into dress-up, and from the moment she wakes up till the moment she goes to sleep, she is wanting to wear one of her princess dresses, (AKA, Mommy's old frilly dresses from when she was younger.)
Sophie also amazes me with her learning. She knows all her letters and sounds, and even has started to sound out words and figure them out. When she "gets" a word by sounding it out, she jumps up and down and shrieks excitedly, "I am reading! I am reading!" So precious.
Sophie made a very important decision last Sunday night. At the dinner table, we were talking about where Jesus lived, and Sophie said "in heaven." I said that one day she could ask him into her heart, just like Mommy and Daddy have done. This is something we talk about a lot. A little while later she came up to me and told me "Mommy, I want to pray and ask Jesus into my heart." That night, when Daddy got home, we were talking with her about what that really meant. We were astonished at her simple faith and her understanding of that. After she prayed a really sweet prayer, she had a "praying song" she wanted to sing. She made us close our eyes and then proceeded to sing to Jesus about how much she loves him, how he is her hope and her strength. Let me just tell you, my tears were flowing. Her heart is so soft and open to Jesus and makes me so happy to see her experiencing him in her own way.
She is almost done her first year at preschool, where she has made some neat little friends. She is SO black and white and tells us daily which kids had to have a time-out and what they were doing. I think she'll be one of those kids that will always want to please the teacher!
So this is our little Sophie, growing so big, right before our eyes.
Sophie just amazes me everyday. I look at her and see a big girl, no more toddler, no glimpse of the "little girl" who was just in our lives. I get so sentimental when I think of how fast time has flown by and here she is, almost 4 years old and growing by leaps and bounds.
She is such a creative and imaginative little thing. Playing "family", or "animals" for hours. Creating little things, hoarding little items in her purses, or playing school. I love watching her! She is so into dress-up, and from the moment she wakes up till the moment she goes to sleep, she is wanting to wear one of her princess dresses, (AKA, Mommy's old frilly dresses from when she was younger.)
Sophie also amazes me with her learning. She knows all her letters and sounds, and even has started to sound out words and figure them out. When she "gets" a word by sounding it out, she jumps up and down and shrieks excitedly, "I am reading! I am reading!" So precious.
Sophie made a very important decision last Sunday night. At the dinner table, we were talking about where Jesus lived, and Sophie said "in heaven." I said that one day she could ask him into her heart, just like Mommy and Daddy have done. This is something we talk about a lot. A little while later she came up to me and told me "Mommy, I want to pray and ask Jesus into my heart." That night, when Daddy got home, we were talking with her about what that really meant. We were astonished at her simple faith and her understanding of that. After she prayed a really sweet prayer, she had a "praying song" she wanted to sing. She made us close our eyes and then proceeded to sing to Jesus about how much she loves him, how he is her hope and her strength. Let me just tell you, my tears were flowing. Her heart is so soft and open to Jesus and makes me so happy to see her experiencing him in her own way.
She is almost done her first year at preschool, where she has made some neat little friends. She is SO black and white and tells us daily which kids had to have a time-out and what they were doing. I think she'll be one of those kids that will always want to please the teacher!
So this is our little Sophie, growing so big, right before our eyes.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
9 months old
Dear Tanner,
I am writing your 9 month letter while you are napping, since when you are awake, I have lovingly named you "Tanner the tornado". You are 100% boy...busy, busy, busy!! If there is something to knock over, you will knock it over. If there is something to bang, you will bang it. If there is something to dump, you will dump it. It is so funny to see the look of determination on your face when you get something in your sights. You are OBSESSED with the tv/DVD/stereo, and it's amazing that already at 9 months old, we can see your little "will" coming out. You look at us with your adorable smile and then proceed, for the 17th time, to go and bang on the TV. You definitely are keeping us on our toes!!
You started fully sleeping through the night this month, hallelujah! You usually go to bed at around 7:30, and sleep till 7-7:30. Every once in awhile you still may wake up in the night, but those nights are hit and miss now. You take 2 good naps a day, and settle easily with your "soo soo" and blankie after around 3+ hrs of being awake.
We are starting to see a little "temper" in you if we don't move fast enough for your liking. When you are hungry, we better have the food ready RIGHT THEN or you get very mad. You have been eating a TON lately. Mostly baby food, but you've also started eating cheerios, veggie puffs, and pieces of bread. You love trying to pick up the little pieces, although you still have a hard time actually getting those little pieces into your mouth.
You have started to balance standing on your own for a few seconds at a time...it scares mommy as she is NOT ready for a walker. You keep trying to find your balance when standing against something, and slowly taking your hands off. You just want to grow up so fast! You are not interested in your baby toys at all anymore, but can spend soooo long with Sophie's toy kitchen, pulling out the drawers, playing with the food, and banging the pots and pans. Time to pack up the baby toys :(
You are still a mama's boy and definitely need your mama. When I walk into a room and you see me, I love seeing your little face light up. You are my precious boy and everyday I thank God for the miracle of you in my life.
Love, Mommy
I am writing your 9 month letter while you are napping, since when you are awake, I have lovingly named you "Tanner the tornado". You are 100% boy...busy, busy, busy!! If there is something to knock over, you will knock it over. If there is something to bang, you will bang it. If there is something to dump, you will dump it. It is so funny to see the look of determination on your face when you get something in your sights. You are OBSESSED with the tv/DVD/stereo, and it's amazing that already at 9 months old, we can see your little "will" coming out. You look at us with your adorable smile and then proceed, for the 17th time, to go and bang on the TV. You definitely are keeping us on our toes!!
You started fully sleeping through the night this month, hallelujah! You usually go to bed at around 7:30, and sleep till 7-7:30. Every once in awhile you still may wake up in the night, but those nights are hit and miss now. You take 2 good naps a day, and settle easily with your "soo soo" and blankie after around 3+ hrs of being awake.
We are starting to see a little "temper" in you if we don't move fast enough for your liking. When you are hungry, we better have the food ready RIGHT THEN or you get very mad. You have been eating a TON lately. Mostly baby food, but you've also started eating cheerios, veggie puffs, and pieces of bread. You love trying to pick up the little pieces, although you still have a hard time actually getting those little pieces into your mouth.
You have started to balance standing on your own for a few seconds at a time...it scares mommy as she is NOT ready for a walker. You keep trying to find your balance when standing against something, and slowly taking your hands off. You just want to grow up so fast! You are not interested in your baby toys at all anymore, but can spend soooo long with Sophie's toy kitchen, pulling out the drawers, playing with the food, and banging the pots and pans. Time to pack up the baby toys :(
You are still a mama's boy and definitely need your mama. When I walk into a room and you see me, I love seeing your little face light up. You are my precious boy and everyday I thank God for the miracle of you in my life.
Love, Mommy
Thursday, February 11, 2010
8 months (a little late)
Dear Tanner,
I am a bit late in posting this, but that is pretty fitting for this month!! This has been one busy month with you, Tanner! You are just on the go all the time. 3 days after you started crawling, you started pulling up on things to stand! Slow down buddy!! Now you love to stand EVERYWHERE. You started standing up in your crib for naps and haven't figured out how to get back down, so naps have been a bit crazy the past few days. But you have been blessing us with some good nights of 10-12hrs nights, so thank you!!
You said "Mama" purposefully the other day and now say it quite regularly when you want me. You are still a mama's boy but love your daddy immensely and always give him a big smile whenever you see him! Sophie is still your favorite person ever and always just smile and laugh whenever she is around.
You have started to become a better eater, except you do prefer fruits to veggies. You are not a fan of homemade baby food so all those jars that we made are sitting in the freezer :) You like eating teething biscuits and Baby Mum Mum rice cakes. You always have a smile when you eat them, like you are so proud of yourself for being a "big boy".
You are a typical boy...you already have gotten your share of bumps and bruises, and even your first black eye! But it amazes me that you can fall down and land hard but just get up without flinching! You also have gotten another tooth finally, your top Eye tooth! You love chomping on everything, and we have to make sure that Sophie puts all her toys away because you zero in on the littlest thing.
I love you my cuddle bug. The smiles you give me all the time just melt my heart.
Love Mommy
I am a bit late in posting this, but that is pretty fitting for this month!! This has been one busy month with you, Tanner! You are just on the go all the time. 3 days after you started crawling, you started pulling up on things to stand! Slow down buddy!! Now you love to stand EVERYWHERE. You started standing up in your crib for naps and haven't figured out how to get back down, so naps have been a bit crazy the past few days. But you have been blessing us with some good nights of 10-12hrs nights, so thank you!!
You said "Mama" purposefully the other day and now say it quite regularly when you want me. You are still a mama's boy but love your daddy immensely and always give him a big smile whenever you see him! Sophie is still your favorite person ever and always just smile and laugh whenever she is around.
You have started to become a better eater, except you do prefer fruits to veggies. You are not a fan of homemade baby food so all those jars that we made are sitting in the freezer :) You like eating teething biscuits and Baby Mum Mum rice cakes. You always have a smile when you eat them, like you are so proud of yourself for being a "big boy".
You are a typical boy...you already have gotten your share of bumps and bruises, and even your first black eye! But it amazes me that you can fall down and land hard but just get up without flinching! You also have gotten another tooth finally, your top Eye tooth! You love chomping on everything, and we have to make sure that Sophie puts all her toys away because you zero in on the littlest thing.
I love you my cuddle bug. The smiles you give me all the time just melt my heart.
Love Mommy
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