Little Miss E: 18 Month Update

Little E is actually 19 months old TODAY, but I'm going to make this post her 18 month update as I reflect on her life the last couple months.

First up...stats from her doctor's appointment. Still long & lean. Weight is 22 pounds and height is 32 1/2 inches. Next doctor appointment is right on her 2nd birthday.

She has 12 teeth and is currently working on more. She gets really excited to brush her teeth. She pitter-patters to the bathroom as fast as she can when we tell her it's time. The actual brushing part is harder though as she tends to fight it. I think when she finally has all her teeth it will become easier for everyone! Teething pain is no fun! I oftentimes wonder if we should have gotten an amber teething necklace for her, but I figure it's a little late now to start. She has her first dentist appointment scheduled for the day before her 2nd birthday.

Eating has been rough, to say the least. She seems to be getting pickier and pickier. She won't pick up a  vegetable for the life of her, so we're doing a lot of "green" smoothies and trying to find ways to sneak them in her little mouth. Meat is also a struggle. Everything else is ok for the most part. She loves fruit, carbs of any kind, dairy, and peanut butter. Current favorites are strawberries, bananas, applesauce, toast with peanut butter, any type of cracker, cottage cheese, shredded or sliced cheese, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and ice cream.

Sleep is still great! Still 12 hours at night and a couple hours for a nap right after lunch. She likes waving goodnight to the fish on her ceiling from her sound and light projector and saying goodnight to the birds on her mobile. She sleeps with a little "blankie"(aka burp cloth), a little bunny and elephant lovey (Arya's old ones!), a glow seahorse (I wouldn't waste your money on one), a blanket to cover up with, and a pacifier (still). We're starting to think about when to switch her to a big girl bed, but she seems to doing just fine in the crib, so we're in no big hurry.

She still LOVES reading. Little E will gather up every book she can find, say "sit, sit" (sometimes pronouncing it as a four letter bad word by sneaking an h in there), pat the couch or rocking chair with her hand a couple times, and then insist on reading. She is starting to get selective with her choices. Sometimes in the beginning of a book,  she'll say "no", slam the book shut, set it aside, and get another book. She is getting bored with her more recent favorites, rediscovering her old baby favorites, and finding new favorites. Today she loves Jamberry, The Foot Book, Hairy Maclary From Donaldson's Dairy, Curious George's Opposites, Blue Hat, Green Hat, and her new Gossie books. One month ago, her favorites were Red Truck, Hooray for Fish, Curious Kitties, Doggies, Cars Galore, and Oink Moo Meow. 

In the very rare instance she is not reading, she likes playing with her kitchen and food, working on puzzles (she is quickly getting better at them!), putting blocks or other small toys in and out of containers, waving around her play silks or playing hide and seek with them, running around with her walker toy, carrying her foam bath letters, and playing with her fridge DJ. I also found a cute baby doll at a garage sale for a quarter that she likes to hug and give kisses. There are many, many other toys that I would like to get for her, but I'm learning to use restraint (especially since 9 times out of 10 she goes for her books!). I am excited for her birthday and Christmas though to finally have a valid excuse to get her a couple new toys.

Erin is starting to say more and more words, but is still mostly quiet. No (no-wa), Yes (yis), Sit (s*it), oops (oos), and duck are the words we hear most often. She points to Brisco or Willie (Gma & Gpa Camp's dog) and says "no, no, no" (poor dogs!). She will say lots of animal sounds (cow, sheep, dog, cat, monkey, snake, wolf pup), will say "beep, beep" for a car, and will say "wee, wee, wee" for the last little piggy. She will also repeat many words upon request when reading.

Current favorite songs are "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", "Baa, Baa Black Sheep", "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes", "Jesus Loves Me", and "Skinnamarinki Dinky Dink". She doesn't watch TV at home, so I'm not sure if she has any favorite shows (she does watch some TV at her babysitter's place).

Mostly, Erin is just a happy, lovable, adaptable little gal. She'll easily put a smile on anyone's face and everyone she meets comments how sweet she is (thankfully she's only thrown tantrums at home for now!). I feel so incredibly blessed to be her mama. I honestly didn't know I could love a little person so much!

Erin's Easter Basket

I'll be the first to admit that I have been a little obsessed about finding the perfect goodies to fill Erin's Easter basket. Here's what I came up with!

1. I have been on the lookout for double bows so I could use them for pigtails on Erin (my current favorite hairstyle on Little E). I found the perfect (gently used) lot on Ebay. I plan to put a few in some plastic eggs. 30 bows for $13.56

2. Socks! Someone gifted Erin with a cute little set of ankle socks and I plan on filling a few plastic eggs with them. FREE

3. I found the most adorable set of watercolor alphabet flashcards on Etsy. Unfortunately, I don't think she is a seller anymore! $10 ***CORRECTION: She is still a seller! Hooray! You can find her shop here.***

4. Oh my goodness, these Easter peg dolls are ridiculously cute. Erin loves little things and she loves putting things in and out of containers, so I'm crossing my fingers she likes this set! I found this on Etsy as well from this seller. $23

5. A couple little Haba wooden carrots for her play kitchen. $5.30

6. Gossie & Friends board book set by Olivier Dunrea. Erin is still obsessed with books (making her Mama's heart so so happy!) and this series is recommended in the Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Normally $15.39 from Amazon, but I found a very gently used set on Ebay for a fraction of the price....score! $5.50

TOTAL: $57.36.


Also, a couple items on my Erin's wishlist that will have to wait until another year...

A beautiful Swing Bolga Basket

So Many Bunnies by Rick Walton

Ostheimer rabbit

Jellycat stuffed bunny

Pantone Mini Board Book Set

I cannot WAIT to give Erin her basket on Easter morning! (I hope she loves her gifts as much as I do!)

Happy Spring!

Life Lately

• Erin was diagnosed with her first ear infection today. Poor girl! Starting this past weekend, she has had little energy, a runny nose, a cough, and not eating well. Today her babysitter texted me to let me know she was tugging at her ear. The doctor said she may have RSV as well, but I decided not to test for it because they wouldn't do anything for it anyway. It would just have to run its course.

• Drew is sick too. And I'm getting sick. Yuck.

• We are going to paint the living room and bathroom! We have a little prep work to do first though. Drew took out and patched over the cable and phone jacks. He's also been switching over our cream colored outlet covers for white colored ones! We're painting both rooms "White Kitten" from Diamond Vogel. Here's a link for it. I'm hoping for a white/gray color, so I'm hoping this fits the bill!

• I'm almost done reading The Read-Along Handbook by Jim Trelease. Excellent read. Erin and I have been to the library twice getting books from his treasury list for infants/toddlers. My goal is to read them all with her! Unfortunately, our library doesn't have many of the books though, so we may be looking at other (bigger) libraries to help us out. (Thank you for the thoughtful gift, Amanda!)

• I am working on decluttering our kitchen. I've only done three drawers so far, but I managed to clear out a few things!

• Drew is an ambulance driver and he's been called out quite a bit the last couple weeks. Erin and I are learning to be adaptable and Drew's learning to live without much sleep!

• I'm trying a new crock-pot recipe tomorrow...Slow Cooker Coke Chicken. Fingers are crossed that it turns out well. (Thanks Dad for the pop to use!)

• Drew made Edible Egg-less Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough tonight. Thumbs up for a quick sweet treat!

• I'm a third of the way through the Bible Study using the Made to Crave book. God has been humbling me greatly! 

• Our tax appointment is set for mid-March, so I officially have to get in tax-prep mode! Peachtree and I will be having lots of quality time during the next two weeks.

• Earlier this month, Drew went snowmobiling in Wyoming for about a week. He and a few guys got caught in a blizzard and couldn't get back to their cabin because of the blowing snow and poor visibility. They found a big drift, dug a hole into it, started a fire, and waited there in the freezing cold for 6-7 HOURS!! Finally at around 1:00am, the wind died down and they snowmobiled back to their cabin. I'm praising God for his protection and safe-keeping!

Little Miss E: 15 Month Update

Baby Erin is not much of a baby anymore! She turned 15 months old on January 30th. Crazy, crazy, crazy!

Height: 30 inches

Weight: 20 pounds

Teeth: Just got her fifth tooth on January 30th (lower lateral incisor). Looks like many more are on their way too!

Diapers: Size 3

Clothes: Size 12-18M. Erin is long and lean! 12 month pants are too big around the waist, but are quickly getting too short. 18 month pants are huge around the waist, but are perfect for length.

Mealtimes have been really hit and miss lately. One day she eats everything on her plate quickly and happily. The next day she'll refuse to even try her food. I'm hoping this is teething related and will pass shortly! Favorite foods include: graham crackers, cheese, spaghetti, pizza, pancakes, grapes, cottage cheese, and applesauce. She prefers to drink out of a straw and has struggled with a normal sippy cup. After much effort though (mostly thanks to her babysitter), I think she's finally figuring out how to lift up a cup! I hope to switch to a regular cup when it's not so freezing cold out. Hurry up spring!

Erin loves reading her books, playing with blocks, putting away toys, walking (more like running) around, giggling, climbing, sitting in her new chair from Gpa Oelrich, finding and petting the kitties at Gma & Gpa Camp's house, and playing with stacking toys and puzzles.

We try to give Erin a bath every 2-3 days after supper and before bedtime. She seems to enjoy baths as long as she has a toy or two to play with! She shivers and giggles getting out of the tub, refuses to let go of whatever bath toy she happens to have, and looks mighty adorable in her new hooded towel from Gma Oelrich!

Erin will say dada, mama, briskee, kitty, uh-oh, whoa, yeah, what's that, (basically the same as last month). She has excellent non-verbal communication by pointing, making faces, gasping in excitement, pushing something away, etc. She makes the funniest faces and sounds!

Sleep continues to be great, thankfully! Her bedtime is usually around 7pm and she usually wakes up on her own around 7:30am. She usually takes one nap (2-3 hours) after lunchtime. We still use the sound machine and the light projector and Erin still uses a pacifier (but doesn't use it at all outside of her crib except for the sermon at church). We also read a couple books and say a prayer before she goes to sleep at night.

We've just started working on identifying body parts. So far she only understands nose. She waves bye. She has started to give her stuffed animals and dolls hugs which is so cute. She can take off her mittens and hat and put her mittens IN her hat so that they can be put in her coat sleeve. She'll oftentimes take off her mittens, hat, and socks (if we don't have shoes on her) during car rides. This is rather inconvenient during our arctic winter!

Also, Erin is usually great during church (thankfully). She normally plays and reads quietly during the service. Every once and awhile she'll start fussing and one of us will have to carry her out, but so far it hasn't been bad at all. There are other little ones at our church, so Erin's little noises kind of blend right in :)

Sweet Erin, you are awesome and oh so loved!

Ten Things I Love About My Mom

Today is my lovely mama's birthday! To celebrate, I'm listing out 10 things I absolutely love about her.

photo credit: Sackett Photography

1. She's a helper to my Dad. She does lots & lots of bookwork for the business. Plus she helps around the house and encourages him to make healthier choices.
2. She supported my sisters and me with lots of extra-curricular activities. Piano lessons, voice lessons, dance lessons, choirs & bands, musicals & plays, speech, photography classes, sports, and basically anything "extra" we wanted to try...I truly feel like my opportunities were limitless as I was growing up.
3. She's a fighter. She quit smoking years ago and has recently lost a bunch of weight working out & eating healthy. She overcame cancer gracefully. She's a strong, strong lady.
4. She's good at making friends. She has made new friends and kept old ones through her quilting hobby. They actually get together and do fun things!
5. She gets things done! She completes projects. Sure she has some unfinished projects, but she has finished many, MANY quilts and sewing goodies.
6. She doesn't complain or play the victim. She definitely did not have the easiest life growing up, but I never hear her complain or place blame on anyone. She was determined to give my sisters and me a loving & stable home...and she certainly succeeded!
7. She's an awesome Grandma! She made sure their home was stocked with baby necessities so her grandbabies would have everything they could ever need when visiting. She is willing to drop everything to help out when needed.
8. She is generous. She gives extravagant gifts! Homemade gifts like her quilts, canned foods, hooded towel for Erin, messenger bag, baby carrier, etc. Or just things that she doesn't use anymore that she knows we could use. Or, if she doesn't have any ideas for Christmas or birthdays, she is ok giving gift cards or money as a gift. So, so generous.
9. She is spontaneous and fun. She is almost always up for a spur of the moment shopping trip! I rarely plan ahead, so I really appreciate this quality in her!
10. I know she loves me. Never once have I doubted her love for me. Growing up, I felt wanted, valued, cherished, and cared for.

photo credit: Sackett Photography

Happy birthday, Mom! I love you so, SO much!! Thank you for being you and for being the best mama a girl could ask for.

Valentine Gift Ideas

I am totally loving making these fun gift boards! Valentine's Day is less than one month away. Here are my top picks for the whole fam.

Gifts for the Little Miss:
1. Dress. Such a pretty little dress for a pretty little girl! This would be perfectly paired with a black cardigan. (I really, really wish this came in my size!)
2. Rubber Duckies. Erin's bath toy supply seems to be dwindling (mostly because she has a death grip on them when she gets out of the tub and somehow sneaks them into her room). These duckies are too small for Erin, but something like these would be fun.
3. Count My Kisses or Huggy Kissy. This girl LOVES books.

Gifts for the Pup:
4. Toy. He could never have too many toys!
5. Beggin' Strips. He'd much prefer real bacon, but these are quicker, cleaner, & probably healthier!

Gifts for Papa:
6. Boxers. He wears boxers to bed. ALL of his are old, holey, and falling apart.
7. Book. OK...this book might be more for my benefit :)
8. Dark Chocolate. Can't go wrong with chocolate! He did just tell me he prefers peanut M&M's over any other candy, so I'll likely go that route.

Gifts for Mama:
9. Print. I would cry happy tears if Drew surprised me with this. Seriously. Bonus points if he framed it in a white frame!
10. DVD. Never seen it, but I do enjoy an occasional chick flick.
11. Necklace. Perfect dainty necklace.

First Birthday Party...Pig Themed

We celebrated Erin's 1st birthday party on the Sunday after her birthday. Gma & Gpa Camp were super gracious and let us use their home.

I decided on a pig theme for her party because I used to collect pig things and I didn't want to spend much money. Plus it's naturally pink and girly!

This pig cork board (complete with pig push pins!) made for a fun way to welcome guests. It features a newborn pic, 6 month pic, and 1 year pic of Erin.

The fireplace was decorated with stuffed pigs, a homemade photo banner with some of my favorite Instagram pics, a couple framed photos, and a couple Shutterfly photo books of Erin.

Another Instagram banner was strung across the wide doorway into the living room.

Pink balloons decked out like pig faces were hung above the dining room table. (Funny pig faces courtesy of Drew.)

I made Erin's piggy smash cake.

Plus little piggy cupcakes for the guests!

Erin only nibbled at her cake. She was more interested in feeding me. I made this pig party hat for Erin. Gma Oelrich made the sweet personalized pig onesie! 

The meal consisted of lasagna, garlic bread, green beans, fresh fruit, cupcakes, and punch. I made little bags of a snack mix (plus a photo of Erin) for favors.

Erin's favorite people made it to her party (with a few missing). We are so blessed to have such wonderful, loving families nearby and we miss the ones that live far away!

Erin was showered with great birthday gifts! She wasn't really into opening them, but Brodyn did an awesome job helping her out!

I love these photos of Erin with some of her aunts & uncles!

And a family picture! Erin's face cracks me up :)

All in all...it was a low-key and relaxing little gathering to celebrate our baby girl. What a joy she has been to our lives!!