Carina is 2!

Carina -

On December 28th (sorry, Mommy is late again) we celebrated your 2nd birthday. You've gone from a tiny blob of a newborn to a happy, energetic, and quirky little girl.

I can't believe how much you have grown. Even from early on everyone commented on your big, beautiful eyes. I hope they stay this big and beautiful forever.

What's up with you:
You're speaking in sentences and can pretty much repeat any word we say, and then use it again in the correct context. It's amazing being able to ask you questions and have you answer. You can tell me what you'd like to eat for lunch. You can ask me what I'm doing. You talk talk talk nonstop and I love hearing your little voice. And you seem to think you're a Disney prince. A few times a day you'll say, "I'm Prince Eric!" or "I'm a Prince!" Hilarious. You have also started trying to sing. You know a few lines from "A Whole New World" from Aladdin and "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty and hearing you "sing" makes me smile every time.

You can say the numbers in order 1 through 10. I don't say count because we're still not sure if you completely understand the concept yet. Although you have on a few occasions looked at a group of three things and said, "3!" You're getting there. You can identify all of the letters of the alphabet, most shapes, and colors as well.

You like to jump and climb whenever possible. You climb on me and exclaim, "climbing Mommy mountain!" You can open doors now (eek!) and are getting better at using utensils. You'd still prefer to use your hands, though.

Your expressions kill me. You might just have the best side-eye ever.

Loves:  

• First and foremost, your binky and monkey. After you saw Aladdin for the first time your monkey gained a new name: Abu. We tried to wean you off of the binky but it didn't go so well. We need to give it a go again, soon.
• Food: mozzarella cheese (or cinderella cheese), clementines, yogurt-covered raisins, black beans, Nutella (just like Mommy!), toast covered in butter and cinnamon sugar, and cheesy eggs.
• Playing with your play kitchen and princess figurines.
• Snuggling. You'll say, "snuggle Mommy couch!" and grab my hand and lead me over to the couch to sit together. Please never stop this. I can't tell you how much I love it, too.
• Watching Mommy or Daddy draw (after you demand it) Disney princes, princesses, and sharks in every color of the rainbow for you.
• Watching Super Why, Sofia the First, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin.
• Reading books. Your recent favorites are the Llama Llama series, Disney princess books, and a few Sandra Boynton books.

Hates:

• You still hate brushing your teeth and fight us every single time.
• When I turn off the TV. I swear you'd watch it all day every day if we let you. Good thing we don't ;)
• Taking a shower. Sometimes you love showering with Mommy or Daddy, but other times you scream bloody murder.

Height & Weight: A few weeks ago you weighed in at 23.5 lbs. and were 34 inches tall. We are FINALLY done with the Failure to Thrive diagnosis. At your Pediatric Nephrologist appointment in mid-December he was very happy with your growth and told us we have nothing to worry about. You're just a small kid! You are still in size 4 disposable diapers overnight and we had to completely unsnap most of your One-Size cloth diapers. You are in size 5 shoes and will be headed into 6s soon. Most of your clothes are size 24 Months and 2T. Your 18 Month pants are outgrowing you lengthwise, but still are too big in the waist! We need to find some pants with adjustable waistbands.

21 Months

22 Months

23 Months

I'm 2!

Birthday sundae

Happy Birthday, Carina.

Mommy Fail: A {very} belated 18 Month Update

Carina -

You're 20 Months now, and I just realized I never posted an 18 Month update. So here's your 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 Month update...all in one :shakes head at self::

Milestones:
You are running around and climbing on everything these days. Your new favorite venture is to climb up on top of your tiny table and dance around like a penguin (think Happy Feet). I vow to get this on video soon. It's seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Your eating is getting a little better since I weaned you at the beginning of July, but we've yet to see any real progress on the scale yet. Fingers crossed you'll pack on some pounds soon.

You are expanding your vocabulary daily! You're up to about 150 words, my favorite being "busted!" That's what Daddy says when you are doing something you aren't supposed to...and then you repeat it. You can put together very small sentences and few word phrases like "where did Daddy go?" "I got my binky" and "all gone turds" (when I change your diaper - this one cracks me up). Your favorite word is "shark". You have been quite taken with all of the Discovery Channel's Shark Week programming. Thank goodness for On Demand.

You can identify all of the letters of the alphabet, and are currently working on counting to 3 and colors. Whenever I start singing the ABC song you smile and try to since along. You can't really make it past "C" at this point, though. Yellow seems to be your favorite color, or maybe you just like saying the word "yellow".

I left you overnight for the first time, and it went surprisingly well. You had lots of fun with Daddy, and Mimi & Pepere. Mommy was even able to hold it together for the whole three days!

Loves:  

• Your binky and monkey. You don't want to give either of them up...EVER. We tried to wean you off of the binky but it didn't go so well...
• Food: black beans, peaches, blueberries, chocolate milk, cookies, yogurt-covered raisins, and DONUTS! You recognize the Dunkin Donuts logo from afar & even on coupons that come in the mail - I don't know whether to be proud of this fact, or embarrassed!
• Riding in the backpack carrier with Daddy and going outside in general
• Playing with your Calico Critters dollhouse and toys. Digging these out of the closet was one of the smartest things I've done in a long time.
• Watching Super Why, Tangled, and Happy Feet. I'm hoping to catch your penguin dance on camera one of these days.
• Spending time with family. You recognize your Grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins from their photos and ask to see them all the time.

Hates:

• Brushing your teeth! You used to LOVE it, now when I try to get the toothbrush in your mouth it sounds as if you are being tortured :(
• Getting anything taken away from you, like the cat's tail that you are trying to pull, your binky when it's time to eat, Daddy's keys or wallet, etc.
• Being put in your highchair. Every now and then you're fine, but most of the time you go rigid and scream bloody murder when it's mealtime.

Height & Weight: At your last appointment on June 29th (at 18 Months) you were 19 lbs. 12 oz. and 31.5 inches. According to our growth chart you've grown a little since then, and our scale says you are 21.5 lbs. That would be AMAZING. I almost don't want to get my hopes up...we have a follow up with the Pediatric Nephrologist on September 10th. Still size 4 disposable diapers (just for overnight) and the middle setting on your One-Size cloth diapers. Your feet have grown! You are now almost outgrowing your size 4s. Most of your clothes are size 18 and 24 Months, although you have a few random 2T things that fit well.

16 Months

17 Months

18 Months

19 Months

20 Months

Time needs to slow down. These last 5 months have passed in the blink of an eye...and you get more beautiful by the day.

15 Months! (and 13 & 14...oops)

Somehow your 13 and 14 Month posts have slipped through the cracks, little one. Sorry about that. I might do these monthly updates less frequently now, anyways, since I feel like I am talking about most of your exciting milestones and favorite things in other posts. But for now, let's recap your last 3 months.

Milestones: So many exciting things have happened! You are now walking and talking. You have started saying so a plethora of new words over the last few months, I'll just list the ones I can remember off the top of my head: dog, duck, banana (although it sounds more like "banaaaa!"), bath, cheese, beans, hi, baby, doll, hair, eye, boots, hat, and my favorite - oboe. You just recently started putting a couple words together, too - "Hi Kitty" and "Hi Baby". We've also had some conversations about your digestive functions as well as animal sounds. You tell me a cow says "moo", a duck says "qua!", kitty says "meow" and sheep says "baa". You also think the pig says "baa". We're working on it, love. Despite our current issues with food, you have really taken to eating with a fork and spoon. Lastly, and Daddy's favorite - you can recognize your extended family members by voice. Your uncle Chris recorded a story book for you and every time you play it you exclaim, "Diiii!" Which we have come to realize means "Chris", as you also yell it when we video chat with him every day.

Loves: Black beans. When I make something else for you for lunch you often look at it, frown, and yell "beans!" It's pretty much the only thing you actually like to eat. You love to torment pet the kitties, chase after them, and I've caught you trying to color them with crayons a few times. I don't think they appreciate that.You favorite toys are currently a few hand-me-downs from Auntie Amanda: Fisher Price Learning Home, Chicco 4 In 1 Ride On, Farm Friends Bowling, and a couple Melissa & Doug toys that I got for free with my Zulily credit: Stacking Train and Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks. Going "boom!" aka slamming your fists down on Daddy's chest at 7 AM is something else you are enjoying. How's that for a wake-up call? Oh and how could I forget: talking to your family members on the phone and video chat. You want to do this all the time. You see the phone and instantly yell, "Mimi! Pap! Diii!" So cute.

Hates: Getting your diaper changed. As soon as I set you down on the changing table you yell, "Dada! Mimi! Pap!" Basically, you call for everyone you know to come save you from evil Mommy as she snatches away your squalid diaper. Cracks me up every time. Eating! You just don't want to do it and it is a constant source of frustration for me. Now that you're walking I'm hoping your appetite will pick up.

Height & Weight: I write this section with a sigh. You are 18 lbs. 4 oz. and 29.2 inches long. Both are way at the bottom of the growth charts. We need to fatten you up, my dear! You have outgrown most of your 12 Month clothes and are mainly in 18 Months now. Still size 4 disposable diapers (just for overnight) and the middle setting on your One-Size cloth diapers. Little miss tiny feet you are, still in size 3s.

13 Months

14 Months

15 Months

Mommy wants to slow down time. I can't believe you're my toddler now ::sob::

One Year Update (going to go ugly cry now...)

Carina is One. I can't believe it has been a year since she was placed in my arms for the very first time.

Milestones: You are cruising everywhere these days...it's only a matter of time before you are walking. No rush though, seriously ;) A couple of words have been added to your ever expanding vocabulary including "ball", "Pap" and "Pepere" (your grandfathers). Teeth #3 and 4 just started poking through, which is good, because you're pretty much eating whatever Mommy and Daddy eat these days. Your favorite foods are clementines, apples, and ravioli. You also just started whole milk and are doing just fine with it so far. I am still nursing you, though, first thing in the morning, before your naps, before bed, and usually one additional time during the day.

Loves: You absolutely loved our Christmas tree. You circle around it, trying to break grab all of the ornaments. You particularly like the round, spherical ones, to which you point and yell, "ball!" I think you really like our new apartment, too. There are so many places for you to explore, including the cabinets and drawers in the galley next to the kitchen. Whenever you get bored with playing you make a beeline right for the cabinets. Whyyy must your favorite be the one that contains the trash? Gross. I hate when I can't catch you fast enough.  Your favorite toys this month include your Jellycat Monkey. It makes me smile to see you carrying him around by his tail or shoving his face in your mouth. The Bright Starts Activity Table is another favorite. Ever since we attached the legs you have loved spending time cruising along it, and shoving whatever you can find inside the whole in the middle. Tee hee. Oh, and who could forget peekabo. You love it, and I love it because of the barrel laughs it evokes out of you.

Hates: Diaper changes are a nightmare! Sometimes you twist around to the point where I'm holding your ankles in midair as you wrestle yourself away from me completely. Watching your tiny naked bum crawl determinedly away cracks me up. Why try? I'm going to get you and slap a clean diaper on that booty, whether you like it or not ;) I have found that giving you a book and singing to you while I change your diaper usually buys me a few minutes, escape-free. Lately you have disliked getting put down, when Mommy walks out of view, when Daddy leaves in the morning, and when I put you in the baby jail so I can cook. Must be separation anxiety. You also don't like it when dogs lick your face. Can't blame you there. Lastly, you kick and scream when I try to clip your nails. You would think I was cutting off your fingers or something, yikes!

Weight & height: It's been a while since you've been officially weighed, and unfortunately your year appointment isn't until February 10th. They book appointments way out in advance here in CT. My attempt to weigh you the other day resulted in 18.5 pounds. Who knows; I guess we'll find out in a month. You are still in size 4 diapers, although we have started transitioning over to cloth diapers and I am so excited about it! You are still wearing some size 12 Month clothes, but most of what fits you really well is in 18 Months.You still haven't grown our of your tiny shoes. Most of your size 3s are still too big. You might have the tiniest feet ever.

I gave up on the "I am __ months old today" signs a few months ago. You either tried to eat them, or rip them apart.









More beautiful every day.

11 Month Fail

Somehow Carina's 11 Month post got lost in the chaos of our move. I would love to write a detailed one right now, but unfortunately month number 11 is currently running together with month number 12 in my mind.

Except for a few things that {some for obvious reasons} stick out, including:

• You got sick for the first time. I would be more than happy if we never have to repeat that double ear infection hell ever again. Could we only be that lucky?

• I flew alone with you and it was a bit rough, especially our one night hotel stay during which I became convinced that I must have birthed an exorcist baby. You were up screaming and spitting up every hour or so :(

• You have been cruising along everything and have stood by yourself for a few seconds at a time. Maybe you'll be walking soon. No rush, I can wait.

Sorry for the sparse update, love. At least I have a few cute photos of you from right around your 11 month birthday.

Look at those big, brown eyes. Wow.

10 Months

Carina turned 10 months old! {almost 2 weeks ago} So I'm a little late...oops. She'll forgive me, right?

Milestones: You started crawling! And ever since I have been chasing after you constantly. We even had to buy you a baby jail so that I can pee in peace without fear of you toppling the TV or sticking your tongue in an electrical outlet. You are pulling up to a stand, trying to cruise along the ottoman, and starting to climb. We have been expanding your food horizons this month...you've had chicken, beef, ham, turkey, pasta, rice, tomatoes, asparagus {changing diapers later is just lovely, let me tell you}. We went to the pumpkin patch for the first time, and you survived two 2-hour-long-each-way car rides! You had never been in a car that long before. You also had your first hysterical temper tantrum, and Mommy was lucky enough to catch it on camera!

Loves: Shoving everything imaginable in your mouth, including the penguin on the toy bar on your bouncer. You stand up and hold onto the bar while you try to get your entire mouth around the little penguin. You also squeal when I say "waddle waddle waddle" in a funny voice as you play. Your favorite toys this month include the Baby Einstein Piano, a couple of the dangly toys on the Fisher-Price Rainforest Gym, and the Fisher-Price Rainforest Soother. Often when I put you down for a nap I'll come back a few minutes later to find you standing and banging on the soother. You've figured out how to turn it on and off, too. Any and all electrical cords and my computer keyboard are also things you try your hardest to get your hands on, my crafty little devil.

Hates: Getting your diaper changed! All of a sudden a couple weeks ago you started throwing a fit every time we lay you down on your changing table. Why, little one? Are you angry that we're stealing your poop? Surely you don't want to sit all day in a sack of refuse, right? Similarly, you fuss and fight when we change your clothes. I just don't get it. You also don't like your baby jail. I thought you two were going to get along, but most of the time I feel like you're just trying to escape.

Weight & height: At Urgent Care the other night you weighed in at 17 lbs 1 oz. Your weight has really plateaued the last few months - but your doctor isn't concerned. You are just my teeny tiny peanut. At your 9 month appointment you were 28.75 inches, so I'm guessing you're a little bit longer now? Long and lean. You're in size 4 diapers still and wearing size 12 Months most of the time. I can't wait until you grow into the cute 18 Months dresses I bought you for this winter.

This time I didn't even bother to print out the "I am 10 Months Old Today" paper because I knew it would be hopeless. It would have been in her mouth and/or ripped up within minutes. She also wouldn't sit still, and then she got fussy. Fail all around.

Holy picture overload...I apologize in advance. I just couldn't not include all of these.

Not going to sit still for this, Mom!

OMG KITTY!

So ANGRY

It's all better now

OMG TOYS

Whatcha looking at?

9 Months

Carina turned 9 months old on Wednesday! Right after I put her to bed I realized that I forgot to take her "I am 9 months old today!" photos. I immediately felt like a horrible Mother. As if taking those pictures on the exact day is actually a measure of parenting quality... ;)

Milestones: Your first two teeth poked through! It's so funny to watch you move your tongue over them...over and over. I would imagine it's strange to have these foreign sharp things in your mouth after almost 9 months without them. You tried your first finger foods including little pieces of plum and grapes, cheddar cheese, banana, and puffs. You'd much prefer me to feed you than feed yourself. You clapped for the first time and it was one of the cutest things I've ever seen. You love to do it now, especially when we clap with you. You are still *almost* crawling. You can get up on all fours just fine, and start rocking back and forth, but you have yet to actually move yourself anywhere, even a couple of inches. You're getting closer all the time, though!

Loves: Romping around on the floor, when we fake sneeze (the barrel laughs that ensue when we go, "achoo!" are HILARIOUS), trying to drink out of your sippy cups, my iPhone, and the TV remote control. Your favorite toys this month include the Bright Starts Click and Giggle Remote, Nuby Teether, and your Jellycat Monkey. You sleep curled up with the monkey every night. We got the toy remote in hopes that you would no longer go for the TV remote. While you love the toy one, you still pursue the TV one with reckless abandon - really, you almost dove off of the couch when it fell once. It is amazing how smart you are with the toy remote - you press buttons and then look at the TV, expecting the channel to change, and then you seem to get frustrated when it doesn't!

Hates:  When we take away something that you shouldn't play with (iPhone, TV remote, etc.) Your face instantly contorts into the saddest pout I've ever seen. Saying "No" is going to be so hard. When we set you down on your play mat to play - you burst into tears almost every time! Why?!? You love to play, and you're usually fine 10 seconds later. I don't know why you hate that initial put down so much. Getting you into long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts has become a challenge. You don't have any patience when I try to wiggle your arms in. And God forbid that the neck hole on a shirt or onesie is too small and I have to find a way to finagle your clunker of a head in - I DREAD this.

Weight & height: The bathroom scale says you are 17.5 lbs. I think you're going to be a teeny child, just like me. We'll find out your official weight at your 9 Month appointment in a couple weeks. The size 4 diapers are working just great! We haven't had a blow out in quite some time. Your 6-9 Month and 9 Month clothes are still fitting, but barely. You wear 12 Months most of the time. We have some super cute Fall and Winter clothes for you :)

I am 9 months old {yesterday}!

Come on Mom, let me go back to crinkling this paper

Mommy kisses

I demand that you stop growing up so fast <3