Landry prayed to accept Jesus into her heart tonight! Several weeks ago I started asking her at bedtime if she could tell me how we can know we'll go to heaven. I was a little surprised that first night to hear her stumble around and mention things about doing good things and that when we die God just takes us up to heaven. It was a great reminder to me that even though I feel so intentional about surrounding my kids with scripture, prayer, and a biblical worldview, something that fundamentally simple, but profoundly important can slip through the cracks. Wow! So every so often I would ask her again and we'd have great conversations. I would remind her about the simple truth found in the Bible about believing what Jesus did on the cross and choosing to follow him. One question would lead to the next. She always asked really thoughtful, deep questions.
Tonight I did it again and she was closer, but I still wanted to hammer it home. I knew she truly did believe in the cross and desired to follow Jesus so I asked her if she was ready to pray. She politely declined saying she might when she was older. It eventually came out that she was a little unsure how she would be or how she would feel after praying such a prayer. She was concerned that it would mean she would have to be perfect and have a higher standard for life and she just wasn't sure she could do that. I thought that was such a sweet concern. I reassured her that she would be the same girl, but would have God's power in her to help her have the ability to love more, have peace, patience, etc. Then she was concerned about having "power" in her and what that would look like. I told her it was perfectly fine if she wanted to wait if she wasn't quite ready. She asked if I thought she would still have enough time before she died. She's aware of hell now and I know that idea certainly scares her. I told her of course she would have plenty of time and that God knows her heart. I left for a minute to grab my phone (she was dying to see a picture of a real heart after all this heart talk) and when I came back she told me she'd just been getting ready to pray to God! I asked her if she'd like me to join her and she said yes. So together we prayed and I listened with tears in my eyes as she poured her sweet heart out to her Lord and Savior. I pray I'll never forget that moment. She told God she loved him and that she wanted to do what He wanted. She thanked Jesus for dying on the cross and erasing the bad things she does. Then she told God that she loves Him 200, 000 billion million. When we finished she had the biggest smile on her face and was on a cloud. I had told her how special it is to ask Jesus into your heart as a young child because you have that much longer to love Him and get to know him. She was so happy and just radiating, even in the dark of her room.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this precious girl. Thank you that she knows you and loves you and truly desires to live a life for you. Please make yourself real to her. I pray she would develop a real and personal relationship with you all her life. I pray this decision would take root deeply and firmly in her heart. Please protect her and draw her near to you. To you be the praise and glory!
Monday, September 23, 2019
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Reed 18 Months
Whew, this boy is busy! The past couple of months Reed has reached a new level of busy-ness and daring antics. He loves climbing to the very top of anything he possibly can: chairs, tables, the outside of the stairs, stools, etc. It's not totally unusual to find him sitting on top of our kitchen or school tables.
He has added many new words to his vocabulary and is easily up to 10+ words now. The include dada (still the favorite in every way), mama (only when asked to repeat. He still has yet to really call me this.), nana, baba (papa- just learned this one), gah (ball), muh (more), nah (again or I want), ha (hot- probably his first word), gaga (animal), puh puh (poo poo), hi. He's also really solidified his signing and it's so cute. He mostly signs more and please. His please includes a cute little shimmy.
He enjoys music and has a signature dance move which is to shake one floppy wrist. It's my favorite thing to turn on a song in the car and look in his car seat mirror to find him nonchalantly shaking his wrist to the music.
He's gotten pickier about eating. He doesn't eat nearly the variety and meal time seems to make him pretty cranky these days.
He is still fairly clingy and needy a lot of the days. This past week I've seen some glimpses of independent/somewhat happy moments at home, but not a ton. He seems to want to hang on my legs or be held while whining often. I'm pretty sure this has happened with the others at this age and I know he'll come out of it, but it can be pretty exhausting a lot of days.
Reed still loves every ball he finds and knows what to do with each one. He loved shooting baskets at the Grants' house and will hold a glove in his hand while throwing his soft baseball. He's also learned to catch in the past couple weeks.
He loves Diego and lovingly abuses him often. I'm amazed what this cat puts up with.
Despite his frequent clinginess, he has the best smile and happiest little face. He's been able to learn to be gentle after some aggressive tendencies of hitting and biting. Now if we tell him to "be gentle" he'll catch himself and start gently stroking someone and giving kisses. He also loves to give kisses any time and it's so sweet!
He has added many new words to his vocabulary and is easily up to 10+ words now. The include dada (still the favorite in every way), mama (only when asked to repeat. He still has yet to really call me this.), nana, baba (papa- just learned this one), gah (ball), muh (more), nah (again or I want), ha (hot- probably his first word), gaga (animal), puh puh (poo poo), hi. He's also really solidified his signing and it's so cute. He mostly signs more and please. His please includes a cute little shimmy.
He enjoys music and has a signature dance move which is to shake one floppy wrist. It's my favorite thing to turn on a song in the car and look in his car seat mirror to find him nonchalantly shaking his wrist to the music.
He's gotten pickier about eating. He doesn't eat nearly the variety and meal time seems to make him pretty cranky these days.
He is still fairly clingy and needy a lot of the days. This past week I've seen some glimpses of independent/somewhat happy moments at home, but not a ton. He seems to want to hang on my legs or be held while whining often. I'm pretty sure this has happened with the others at this age and I know he'll come out of it, but it can be pretty exhausting a lot of days.
Reed still loves every ball he finds and knows what to do with each one. He loved shooting baskets at the Grants' house and will hold a glove in his hand while throwing his soft baseball. He's also learned to catch in the past couple weeks.
He loves Diego and lovingly abuses him often. I'm amazed what this cat puts up with.
Despite his frequent clinginess, he has the best smile and happiest little face. He's been able to learn to be gentle after some aggressive tendencies of hitting and biting. Now if we tell him to "be gentle" he'll catch himself and start gently stroking someone and giving kisses. He also loves to give kisses any time and it's so sweet!
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Reed (almost) 15 months
Reed is an official biped now! Over the past month he's gained more confidence and balance and now walks full time. I miss his cute little baby crawl, but there's really no going backwards. He's definitely happier overall as this is what he's been after for quite some time. Crawling never really seemed to fully satisfy him.
He has 6 teeth now- 4 on the top and two on the bottom.
He's really gaining vocabulary much more in the past couple weeks. I would say his first official word was "dada" and Dada was his favorite person for quite some time starting around 12 months. His second word was hot which he pronounces "ha". For some reason he really latched on to it after we occasionally said and signed it to him while we were cooling his food or I was drinking my tea. He loves to apply it to many things and it's so cute. He also just added "gaga" for cats or dogs and we think he might say "baba" for paci. We still call them that after that's what they became for Landry. He FINALLY said "mama" yesterday after BJ specifically worked on it with him for a bit. He has yet to repeat it though, little stinker! For quite some time he's been a babbler. He speaks with such inflection and conviction and seems to know exactly what he's saying. It's darling! He's also developed a little wrist flick while extending his arm which means "I want". He'll usually add a little "uh uh" to it as well. It's quite effective.
He loves Diego and often wallers him on the ground. Diego is more than tolerant and has only scratched him once or twice.
He LOVES being outside and does not appreciate being left inside if his siblings are out. He loves swinging and especially exploring. He's all boy and loves dirt, mud, and climbing high things.
He's gotten more into books lately. Sometimes he'll get into taking his books off his shelves and looking through them quietly by himself. I love watching him. His favorite book right now is his animal board book. We say that animal names and he'll usually imitate me doing the sounds they make.
He's also sleeping really well through the night! He usually goes down between 6:30 and 7 and is up for the day between 6 and 6:30. He's also done 2 consistent naps for a couple of months now. If I let him sleep past 45 minutes for his morning nap, he'll usually fight his afternoon one. I'm assuming we're getting close to going down to one nap.
Reed still loves all things balls and he's got a really good (lefty!) arm. He can spot a ball a mile away.
He's really starting to look more and more boyish and less little baby. It's so bittersweet, but I'm trying my best to soak up all of the sweet babyhood that I can. We love you, Reed!
He has 6 teeth now- 4 on the top and two on the bottom.
He's really gaining vocabulary much more in the past couple weeks. I would say his first official word was "dada" and Dada was his favorite person for quite some time starting around 12 months. His second word was hot which he pronounces "ha". For some reason he really latched on to it after we occasionally said and signed it to him while we were cooling his food or I was drinking my tea. He loves to apply it to many things and it's so cute. He also just added "gaga" for cats or dogs and we think he might say "baba" for paci. We still call them that after that's what they became for Landry. He FINALLY said "mama" yesterday after BJ specifically worked on it with him for a bit. He has yet to repeat it though, little stinker! For quite some time he's been a babbler. He speaks with such inflection and conviction and seems to know exactly what he's saying. It's darling! He's also developed a little wrist flick while extending his arm which means "I want". He'll usually add a little "uh uh" to it as well. It's quite effective.
He loves Diego and often wallers him on the ground. Diego is more than tolerant and has only scratched him once or twice.
He LOVES being outside and does not appreciate being left inside if his siblings are out. He loves swinging and especially exploring. He's all boy and loves dirt, mud, and climbing high things.
He's gotten more into books lately. Sometimes he'll get into taking his books off his shelves and looking through them quietly by himself. I love watching him. His favorite book right now is his animal board book. We say that animal names and he'll usually imitate me doing the sounds they make.
He's also sleeping really well through the night! He usually goes down between 6:30 and 7 and is up for the day between 6 and 6:30. He's also done 2 consistent naps for a couple of months now. If I let him sleep past 45 minutes for his morning nap, he'll usually fight his afternoon one. I'm assuming we're getting close to going down to one nap.
Reed still loves all things balls and he's got a really good (lefty!) arm. He can spot a ball a mile away.
He's really starting to look more and more boyish and less little baby. It's so bittersweet, but I'm trying my best to soak up all of the sweet babyhood that I can. We love you, Reed!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Landry Update February 2017
Landry is probably one of the funniest and liveliest little people we know. There is no shortage of personality with this one. There's really nothing she can't say and she talks a lot! She's talking in full sentences and we are both amazed at her clear pronunciations! She can definitely get dramatic very quickly if she wants something and there are definitely moments and days where I feel like my blood pressure is high from being demanded at, but overall she is so fun to hear talking. Landry has the cutest little voice and is also a really good imitator. Oh, and we've officially become "mom" and "dad" to our 2 year old. What the heck?! I'd be sad about this grown up language, but it's actually the cutest thing and cracks us up. At least we're still mommy and daddy to our almost 6 year olds! One of our favorite hilarious phrases she's said recently is "Nice one, Dad". Her first time using it was when BJ made up a song at bedtime she enjoyed. I can't say how many times the two of us just look at each other and crack up at her.
Landry is very excited to become a big sister. She still absolutely loves all things baby. She got to meet Nolan Brown and Porter Clark in the last few months and still talks about them. She would have sat and held them all day if we'd let her. We've talked a lot about Baby Brother in my tummy and him coming out and living with us. She seems on board and I know she's going to be quite the little helper. Maybe more than I need at times! She loves her multiple baby dolls and can often be seen rocking, feeding a bottle, or changing their pretend diapers at any given moment. We got her a big dollhouse for Christmas and I wasn't sure if she'd be old enough to get into it, but she's loved it! It's big enough she needs a stool to play with the upper level, but it's been so sweet to watch her play.
She's still a pretty good eater. She's definitely still more open to new foods than the boys ever were, but has a toddler hit and miss appetite. Landry absolutely loves breakfast and would probably eat cereal or oatmeal for every meal if we let her. Her favorite is oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, and blueberries. She can put away a big bowl! She also loves dried up fruit, frozen moo tubes, hummy/pita, several types of meat (chicken, pulled pork), Her dislikes include chocolate (chocat), macaroni and cheese usually, and anything else at any given time.
Landry still loves bath time and would play as long as we let her most times. Getting her dressed and ready afterwards can be a bit of a marathon though.
Her favorite TV shows right now are Baby Margo (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood) and Doc McStuffins. She's open to other shows as well, but TV doesn't hold her attention nearly as long as it always has for the boys.
She is very aware of what the boys are doing and tries her best to keep up with them. She'll imitate their phrases and has felt very left out lately with the nice weather and the boys jumping on the trampoline at the Grants'. They're still so great and patient with her overall and I'm so thankful what amazing big "buhs" they are to her. She calls Pierce "Pee-uhs" and Blaine is often "Bane Bane".
Landry can definitely have an ornery streak run through her at times. She'll often hit or do something contrary just for attention and generally embraces bed time outs. She won't stay put for downstairs time outs, which has been a bit exhausting on this pregnant mama. In the past couple months we've worked very hard on "obeying mommy the first time" and she's really shown a lot of progress and maturity. She'll say it random times and grins from ear to ear when she knows she's done it. It feels like serious discipline is harder to get through to her, but I'm very encouraged at the progress of self control and obedience she's made in the past month or so.
Her hair has grown so much in the last few months and it makes her look so much girly-er. She rocks the piggies and big bows. She just seems like such a petite little person and is just so cute.
Landry is very excited to become a big sister. She still absolutely loves all things baby. She got to meet Nolan Brown and Porter Clark in the last few months and still talks about them. She would have sat and held them all day if we'd let her. We've talked a lot about Baby Brother in my tummy and him coming out and living with us. She seems on board and I know she's going to be quite the little helper. Maybe more than I need at times! She loves her multiple baby dolls and can often be seen rocking, feeding a bottle, or changing their pretend diapers at any given moment. We got her a big dollhouse for Christmas and I wasn't sure if she'd be old enough to get into it, but she's loved it! It's big enough she needs a stool to play with the upper level, but it's been so sweet to watch her play.
She's still a pretty good eater. She's definitely still more open to new foods than the boys ever were, but has a toddler hit and miss appetite. Landry absolutely loves breakfast and would probably eat cereal or oatmeal for every meal if we let her. Her favorite is oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon, and blueberries. She can put away a big bowl! She also loves dried up fruit, frozen moo tubes, hummy/pita, several types of meat (chicken, pulled pork), Her dislikes include chocolate (chocat), macaroni and cheese usually, and anything else at any given time.
Landry still loves bath time and would play as long as we let her most times. Getting her dressed and ready afterwards can be a bit of a marathon though.
Her favorite TV shows right now are Baby Margo (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood) and Doc McStuffins. She's open to other shows as well, but TV doesn't hold her attention nearly as long as it always has for the boys.
She is very aware of what the boys are doing and tries her best to keep up with them. She'll imitate their phrases and has felt very left out lately with the nice weather and the boys jumping on the trampoline at the Grants'. They're still so great and patient with her overall and I'm so thankful what amazing big "buhs" they are to her. She calls Pierce "Pee-uhs" and Blaine is often "Bane Bane".
Landry can definitely have an ornery streak run through her at times. She'll often hit or do something contrary just for attention and generally embraces bed time outs. She won't stay put for downstairs time outs, which has been a bit exhausting on this pregnant mama. In the past couple months we've worked very hard on "obeying mommy the first time" and she's really shown a lot of progress and maturity. She'll say it random times and grins from ear to ear when she knows she's done it. It feels like serious discipline is harder to get through to her, but I'm very encouraged at the progress of self control and obedience she's made in the past month or so.
Her hair has grown so much in the last few months and it makes her look so much girly-er. She rocks the piggies and big bows. She just seems like such a petite little person and is just so cute.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Landry (almost) 2 Year Update
This girl. She absolutely keeps us laughing, melts our hearts, and surprises us daily. BJ's always said this and it remains truer than ever, Landry just loves life and lives it to the fullest. She is independent, willful, fun-loving, comedic, and sincere. Although stubborn at times, I still feel like I love absolutely everything about her. I feel like she's everything I could have wanted in a daughter. Am I gushing enough?
She's talking so much now and seems to add new words daily. In the past week or two she's begun putting 2 word sentences together and it's becoming more regular by the day. In fact, she had her first three word sentence today as we walked into Nana and Papa's house: "Meecy poopoo side" (Macy poops outside.) I have no idea what prompted that as Macy wasn't even out there, but I was so impressed! She repeats everything she hears and it probably doesn't hurt that Pierce has become obsessed with asking her "Landwee, can you say _____?" (usually the name of a planet, superhero, or whatever he just said). In fact, he even does it when she's in bed but doesn't seem to mind when no one answers! Sometimes Blaine will humor him. "Baba" is still a paci though and "bomba" is still put back or away. I'll be so sad when those go and it may not be long now. She has the cutest little voice and pronunciation for some words, for instance "jammbies" are jammies and "tummby" is her tummy. I love it!
She is fiercely independent, which is kind of new for me because I don't remember the boys really going through that typical 2 year old independent streak. They were still asking to be carried up and down the stairs at 3 1/2 and would still prefer for me to dress them given the choice. But Landry is going up and down stairs by herself, walking beside the cart at Aldi, declining the stroller, and has been known to use the phrase "sef, do it" (do it myself) quite frequently. As frustrating and time-taking as it can be, I love seeing her learn new things and have such a strong sense of confidence and desire to be independent. It just fits her.
She's gotten a little more finicky with eating as we approach 2. It seems like she only has 1-2 good meals per day. She's narrowed down her breakfast eating to mostly cereal (or pancakes/waffles- she is a Holloway!). She still doesn't get the concept of a sandwich which is so funny to me. She always takes it apart and tries to eat the bread vertically and in the middle. I have no idea?! She is still a good veggie eater, especially steamed broccoli (bocco) and cauliflower. She's gotten a little pickier about fruit though. She seems to have a more refined palette and prefers adult food to "kid food". She'd take a fancy, thin crust topped pizza over plain cheese. She loves pickles (peekos), Pringles (pingos), and any other chip. Oh, and a quirk we're going through is her fear of Diego getting her food. I think he may have sniffed a bowl of cereal as she walked by him once and it just really upset her. So now, half or more of the food presented to her can result in a total meltdown of her crying "Didi eat". Very exhausting and I'm not quite sure how to get past this. As if I need another reason to be annoyed at him! She also still prefers anything off Daddy's plate.
Landry continues to have such a wide variety of facial expressions. One of our favorites is her wide eyed, raised eyebrow look of surprise and amusement. It's just become her and always cracks us up. She's such a ham and loves performing. She also has such a sense of music and rhythm in her. Almost anytime she hears music she has to dance. In fact, a couple weeks ago we were leaving church and we walked by the sanctuary. They had just started the music and the doors were still open. As we walked by I watched her stop near the doors, put her hands on her hips, and get down for a few beats and then ran on. It cracked me up and so perfectly encapsulated her. That's her signature move at the moment, hands on her hips and swaying side to side, while bending her knees up and down. It's pretty great.
She continues to love her "buhs", but has moved a bit more into pesky sister status if she interrupts their playing. They're all still pretty crazy about each other though.
Landry does a great job in the different "classes" she attends. Each week she has church (sometimes 2 services while we help in the boys' room), the Y, and MOPS. And she just walks right into each room and does so well. I'm so grateful for how easy she's been with that.
I can't believe she's about to be 2 in less than 2 weeks. Knowing we are having another little boy has made me that much more grateful for and aware of the absolute blessing Landry is in our lives. I'm so grateful to have daughter and I pray that our bond will only deepen and widen over the years. Happy 2nd Birthday, Landry Kate!
She's talking so much now and seems to add new words daily. In the past week or two she's begun putting 2 word sentences together and it's becoming more regular by the day. In fact, she had her first three word sentence today as we walked into Nana and Papa's house: "Meecy poopoo side" (Macy poops outside.) I have no idea what prompted that as Macy wasn't even out there, but I was so impressed! She repeats everything she hears and it probably doesn't hurt that Pierce has become obsessed with asking her "Landwee, can you say _____?" (usually the name of a planet, superhero, or whatever he just said). In fact, he even does it when she's in bed but doesn't seem to mind when no one answers! Sometimes Blaine will humor him. "Baba" is still a paci though and "bomba" is still put back or away. I'll be so sad when those go and it may not be long now. She has the cutest little voice and pronunciation for some words, for instance "jammbies" are jammies and "tummby" is her tummy. I love it!
She is fiercely independent, which is kind of new for me because I don't remember the boys really going through that typical 2 year old independent streak. They were still asking to be carried up and down the stairs at 3 1/2 and would still prefer for me to dress them given the choice. But Landry is going up and down stairs by herself, walking beside the cart at Aldi, declining the stroller, and has been known to use the phrase "sef, do it" (do it myself) quite frequently. As frustrating and time-taking as it can be, I love seeing her learn new things and have such a strong sense of confidence and desire to be independent. It just fits her.
She's gotten a little more finicky with eating as we approach 2. It seems like she only has 1-2 good meals per day. She's narrowed down her breakfast eating to mostly cereal (or pancakes/waffles- she is a Holloway!). She still doesn't get the concept of a sandwich which is so funny to me. She always takes it apart and tries to eat the bread vertically and in the middle. I have no idea?! She is still a good veggie eater, especially steamed broccoli (bocco) and cauliflower. She's gotten a little pickier about fruit though. She seems to have a more refined palette and prefers adult food to "kid food". She'd take a fancy, thin crust topped pizza over plain cheese. She loves pickles (peekos), Pringles (pingos), and any other chip. Oh, and a quirk we're going through is her fear of Diego getting her food. I think he may have sniffed a bowl of cereal as she walked by him once and it just really upset her. So now, half or more of the food presented to her can result in a total meltdown of her crying "Didi eat". Very exhausting and I'm not quite sure how to get past this. As if I need another reason to be annoyed at him! She also still prefers anything off Daddy's plate.
Landry continues to have such a wide variety of facial expressions. One of our favorites is her wide eyed, raised eyebrow look of surprise and amusement. It's just become her and always cracks us up. She's such a ham and loves performing. She also has such a sense of music and rhythm in her. Almost anytime she hears music she has to dance. In fact, a couple weeks ago we were leaving church and we walked by the sanctuary. They had just started the music and the doors were still open. As we walked by I watched her stop near the doors, put her hands on her hips, and get down for a few beats and then ran on. It cracked me up and so perfectly encapsulated her. That's her signature move at the moment, hands on her hips and swaying side to side, while bending her knees up and down. It's pretty great.
She continues to love her "buhs", but has moved a bit more into pesky sister status if she interrupts their playing. They're all still pretty crazy about each other though.
Landry does a great job in the different "classes" she attends. Each week she has church (sometimes 2 services while we help in the boys' room), the Y, and MOPS. And she just walks right into each room and does so well. I'm so grateful for how easy she's been with that.
I can't believe she's about to be 2 in less than 2 weeks. Knowing we are having another little boy has made me that much more grateful for and aware of the absolute blessing Landry is in our lives. I'm so grateful to have daughter and I pray that our bond will only deepen and widen over the years. Happy 2nd Birthday, Landry Kate!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Landry 20 Month Update
I've been thinking about writing this for too long. BJ has been out of town this week, the kids are put to bed, and I would love nothing more than to just veg in front of the TV, but I know I must keep doing these and will be so grateful later!
Landry is really a full-blown toddler now. She looks more like it and definitely acts like it! She is in way more of a hurry to grow up than I am for her to and I think it's most because of her big "buhs". She desperately wants to keep up with them and do exactly what they do. The unfortunate side of this is her intolerance for the stroller and shopping carts. I've honestly thought a couple times that I had a big triple stroller I could just stick them all in so she would stay put! It's funny when I think back to how long they used a stroller, etc. because I've pretty much stopped taking the stroller out as it's a lost cause. But in her defense, she is perfectly happy to walk, has long stamina, and does a pretty good job of staying by me.
Which brings me to another cute thing. When I first started letting her walk somewhere I would take her out and say, "Landry, will you stay by Mommy? Say Yes, Mommy" and then I'd make a big nod. Pretty soon she started doing a slow, deliberate nod in response and now uses that for all yes's. It's soooo cute! And she does it with a very serious look on her face. I love it!
I was going to try to list all of her words now, but in the past week she's talking so much more that it's really not a confined list anymore. She picks new words up every day and is really good at repeating a word you tell her. She's dropped a lot of her signs even. Although just this week I taught her to sign and say "God loves me" after we taught it to the boys' Sunday School class and its the sweetest thing. She picked it up right away!
Landry remains a tough girl. She's not easily hurt and bounces back quickly if she is. She loves rough housing with dada and being tickled and loves to laugh.
Her love of babies ("bebes") has only grown and a favorite doll has surfaced in the last month. We took her pink Baby Alive doll with us to Branson and she started sleeping with her there and she is now an official crib lovey that we all affectionately call "Bebe". But all babies, real or fake, are so enticing to Landry. And anyone 3 and under is considered a bebe. She points them out in public, goes up and waves or says hi to them, and rocks and cares for her babies at home. It's so amazing to watch her be so innately maternal. Babies are definitely Landry's thing.
She still doesn't watch shows, but back in April I realized she would sit through an entire birthday video I'd made for her or the boys. We were showing GG Bon Landry's 1st birthday video and Landry plopped in my lap to watch it and exclaimed "bebe!" the whole time while glued to the TV. So sometimes in the 5:00 hour I'll pop one of those bad boys in and she'll just sit on the sofa and watch the whole thing. It's a small miracle to me after trying to get her into a TV show for that very hour of the day. I'll take it!
She's also started to do some independent play time in her crib. She's still not really a toy player, but she'll spend several solitary minutes hanging out in her crib which is such a blessing for me to get ready or get a couple things done in the morning.
She remains a great sleeper and goes down between 7 and 7:30. Lately she's been up a little earlier, closer to 6:30- probably due to the early sunrise now.
She's seemed to be teething more in the last couple of months and some days I think they really seem to bother her. It can make for some cranky and long days at times, but then she'll have a good couple days. She's very much in the tough 18-24 month phase that was our least favorite with the boys. There are definitely frequent tantrums and meltdowns over something as simple as the wrong cup. The first couple hours of the morning are often pretty rough. I joke that she just doesn't like our main floor because once we hit a different level, she perks right up! I know she's been frustrated at times over not being able to communicate or physically do what she's wanted. But I honestly thing I've seen that improve over the last week or two as she's been talking more.
Her eating has become a little less consistent. She definitely has meal time tantrums more frequently and will often not each as much. She might do one good meal a day and pick through the others. I'm slowly accepting the fact that she just doesn't care much for pastas or peanut butter sandwiches, which blows my mind since those are still among the boys' favorites. I find myself frustrated with areas she vastly differentiates from them, but then I have to remind myself that she's her own girl and I just have to roll with it!
Landry is just so much fun. I find myself so enjoying just hanging out with her. Her gap tooth smile lights up a room and when I close my eyes that's exactly how I picture her. Grinning, laughing, and running around. She's such a joy!
Landry is really a full-blown toddler now. She looks more like it and definitely acts like it! She is in way more of a hurry to grow up than I am for her to and I think it's most because of her big "buhs". She desperately wants to keep up with them and do exactly what they do. The unfortunate side of this is her intolerance for the stroller and shopping carts. I've honestly thought a couple times that I had a big triple stroller I could just stick them all in so she would stay put! It's funny when I think back to how long they used a stroller, etc. because I've pretty much stopped taking the stroller out as it's a lost cause. But in her defense, she is perfectly happy to walk, has long stamina, and does a pretty good job of staying by me.
Which brings me to another cute thing. When I first started letting her walk somewhere I would take her out and say, "Landry, will you stay by Mommy? Say Yes, Mommy" and then I'd make a big nod. Pretty soon she started doing a slow, deliberate nod in response and now uses that for all yes's. It's soooo cute! And she does it with a very serious look on her face. I love it!
I was going to try to list all of her words now, but in the past week she's talking so much more that it's really not a confined list anymore. She picks new words up every day and is really good at repeating a word you tell her. She's dropped a lot of her signs even. Although just this week I taught her to sign and say "God loves me" after we taught it to the boys' Sunday School class and its the sweetest thing. She picked it up right away!
Landry remains a tough girl. She's not easily hurt and bounces back quickly if she is. She loves rough housing with dada and being tickled and loves to laugh.
Her love of babies ("bebes") has only grown and a favorite doll has surfaced in the last month. We took her pink Baby Alive doll with us to Branson and she started sleeping with her there and she is now an official crib lovey that we all affectionately call "Bebe". But all babies, real or fake, are so enticing to Landry. And anyone 3 and under is considered a bebe. She points them out in public, goes up and waves or says hi to them, and rocks and cares for her babies at home. It's so amazing to watch her be so innately maternal. Babies are definitely Landry's thing.
She still doesn't watch shows, but back in April I realized she would sit through an entire birthday video I'd made for her or the boys. We were showing GG Bon Landry's 1st birthday video and Landry plopped in my lap to watch it and exclaimed "bebe!" the whole time while glued to the TV. So sometimes in the 5:00 hour I'll pop one of those bad boys in and she'll just sit on the sofa and watch the whole thing. It's a small miracle to me after trying to get her into a TV show for that very hour of the day. I'll take it!
She's also started to do some independent play time in her crib. She's still not really a toy player, but she'll spend several solitary minutes hanging out in her crib which is such a blessing for me to get ready or get a couple things done in the morning.
She remains a great sleeper and goes down between 7 and 7:30. Lately she's been up a little earlier, closer to 6:30- probably due to the early sunrise now.
She's seemed to be teething more in the last couple of months and some days I think they really seem to bother her. It can make for some cranky and long days at times, but then she'll have a good couple days. She's very much in the tough 18-24 month phase that was our least favorite with the boys. There are definitely frequent tantrums and meltdowns over something as simple as the wrong cup. The first couple hours of the morning are often pretty rough. I joke that she just doesn't like our main floor because once we hit a different level, she perks right up! I know she's been frustrated at times over not being able to communicate or physically do what she's wanted. But I honestly thing I've seen that improve over the last week or two as she's been talking more.
Her eating has become a little less consistent. She definitely has meal time tantrums more frequently and will often not each as much. She might do one good meal a day and pick through the others. I'm slowly accepting the fact that she just doesn't care much for pastas or peanut butter sandwiches, which blows my mind since those are still among the boys' favorites. I find myself frustrated with areas she vastly differentiates from them, but then I have to remind myself that she's her own girl and I just have to roll with it!
Landry is just so much fun. I find myself so enjoying just hanging out with her. Her gap tooth smile lights up a room and when I close my eyes that's exactly how I picture her. Grinning, laughing, and running around. She's such a joy!
Friday, March 25, 2016
17.5 Month Update
Landry is a happy, busy girl these days. Sometimes it strikes me how she's looking and acting more toddler and less baby. I swear that transition comes overnight. She is still personality-galore and knows exactly what she wants and, just as often, what she doesn't. She's learned to say no, and although it's very cute, it definitely gets overused. She does one little head shake to the side and a high pitched "uh". You could say she says no first and thinks later. I've learned to disregard it a bit and press on. She understands absolutely everything we say and follows directions really well. Her awareness of the boys and what they're doing has definitely increased and she does not like to be left out. She wants to climb and jump off what they do, eat what they do (gum and mints are often desired), and play what they do. I know she's at the pinnacle age of frustration to not be able to communicate and act fully the way she wants to. They're still so patient and kind to her though. \\
Her vocabulary continues to increase. Some added words are "bubba" for bubbles (which she excitedly insists on each bath!), buh- book (starting to have a longer attention span for them and loves playing with them), guh- go (usually to play in the basement or go where the boys are), nong nong- still food, bluh- blueberries (in her oatmeal). She can also make the animal noises for a cat (meum), dog (panting sound), and sometimes a duck (cack cack). She can point to some body parts (head, hair, ear, eye, nose), but rarely will sit still enough to try.
She remains a really great eater overall. Some loves are not quite as popular like peas, but she'll develop new ones instead like steamed broccoli and cauliflower! She eats mostly what BJ and I eat pretty happily. It's still so great to sit a meal in front of her and just have her eat it! We're still working on her brothers. She uses utensils really well and definitely prefers to eat with them. She loves snacks and would eat them all day if I let her. Somehow she has a strong association for snacks in the car. I try not indulge this expectation, but I will admit to keeping a pack of graham crackers in my door pocket when I get desperate. I feel like I stretch her meals a bit sometimes, so I guess that's how the car snacks started.
She's also a great sleeper and has a consistent and easy sleep schedule. She naps around 1:00 most days for at least a couple hours and will sleep at least 7-7 (or even a little later overnight). Pretty ideal! I wish someone could have told me what an amazing sleeper she'd turn out to be when she was 7 months old!
Landry is not a fan of being confined in any way. We've know this for awhile, but it's equaled some stressful shopping trips involving a stroller or shopping cart. She'll do ok in a cart for awhile, but then she'll hit her limit and throws a fit to try to get out. This caught me pretty off guard because the boys were always so content in a cart or stroller. I keep suckers in my purse now for desperate moments, although I'm happy to say I haven't had to use one yet! Along the same lines she'd also prefer to walk than be carried, especially in a parking lot. Non- negotiable on that one, Sis.
She does really great in childcare and most days will let me sit her down and walk right out. I think she feels big like the boys because she sees them in the preschool room, so I've started calling church and the Y "her class". Such a big girl!
Her vocabulary continues to increase. Some added words are "bubba" for bubbles (which she excitedly insists on each bath!), buh- book (starting to have a longer attention span for them and loves playing with them), guh- go (usually to play in the basement or go where the boys are), nong nong- still food, bluh- blueberries (in her oatmeal). She can also make the animal noises for a cat (meum), dog (panting sound), and sometimes a duck (cack cack). She can point to some body parts (head, hair, ear, eye, nose), but rarely will sit still enough to try.
She remains a really great eater overall. Some loves are not quite as popular like peas, but she'll develop new ones instead like steamed broccoli and cauliflower! She eats mostly what BJ and I eat pretty happily. It's still so great to sit a meal in front of her and just have her eat it! We're still working on her brothers. She uses utensils really well and definitely prefers to eat with them. She loves snacks and would eat them all day if I let her. Somehow she has a strong association for snacks in the car. I try not indulge this expectation, but I will admit to keeping a pack of graham crackers in my door pocket when I get desperate. I feel like I stretch her meals a bit sometimes, so I guess that's how the car snacks started.
She's also a great sleeper and has a consistent and easy sleep schedule. She naps around 1:00 most days for at least a couple hours and will sleep at least 7-7 (or even a little later overnight). Pretty ideal! I wish someone could have told me what an amazing sleeper she'd turn out to be when she was 7 months old!
Landry is not a fan of being confined in any way. We've know this for awhile, but it's equaled some stressful shopping trips involving a stroller or shopping cart. She'll do ok in a cart for awhile, but then she'll hit her limit and throws a fit to try to get out. This caught me pretty off guard because the boys were always so content in a cart or stroller. I keep suckers in my purse now for desperate moments, although I'm happy to say I haven't had to use one yet! Along the same lines she'd also prefer to walk than be carried, especially in a parking lot. Non- negotiable on that one, Sis.
She does really great in childcare and most days will let me sit her down and walk right out. I think she feels big like the boys because she sees them in the preschool room, so I've started calling church and the Y "her class". Such a big girl!
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