Allison's Cupcake 1st Birthday

I had SO much fun planning Alli's first birthday party. I had all summer to think of a theme and hand-make decorations for both of her birthday parties. Knowing this was my last baby to plan a first birthday party for, and the fact that it was a "girlie" party... I might have gone a little overboard. Ahhh, cuteness overload!!!

My only regret is not giving myself enough time to set up for both parties, so I never got a "complete" photo of the whole room decorated.

The invitation

Cake made by my Aunt Jan

Smash cake

Homemade cupcake liner garland and cupcake birthday banner

Monthly photo banner

Cupcake liner "1" to hang on door

Yummy cake! 

The sign of a successful cake smash: cake everywhere! 

Allison=ONE + a couple months :)

I have really fallen behind on blogging (so sorry, Alli, if you are reading this in the future...) I have had very good intentions of writing all about Allison turning one... and now she's almost 14 months old. Whoops... totally dropped the ball. Better late than never, though!

Sweet, curious, mischievous Allison is currently weighing in at 22lbs 10oz and measuring 31 inches, placing her right around the 75th percentile for both height and weight. Finally, within the last week, her first tooth started poking through! I have so enjoyed her gummy grin, but am looking forward to seeing what she looks like with teeth.

We held two birthday parties for Alli when she turned one (one for my side, and one for Bill's side). Alli did great with both parties, with her favorite part of both being the cake smash. She was a little hesitant to dig in at first, but once she started smashing, she smashed with gusto. It was really cute to watch. Big brother Andrew was a huge help in opening Alli's gifts, instantly claiming several toys as his own. Alli is so laid back that she doesn't really care, and in most cases she will choose to play with Andrew's toys (specifically cars) over her own toys.

Family shot at Alli's birthday party #2

We also did a one year photo shoot with yet another cake smash session for Alli about a month ago, followed up with some family photos in the park. We loved our photographers and thought that they captured some great moments of the kids. Alli was captivated with the autumn leaves fluttering to the ground and Andrew was Mr. Photogenic, smiling at the antics of the photographers behind the camera.

Alli is soooo close to walking and has gotten really good at walking all over the house with her little push toy. She will stand up on her own in the middle of the room and I'll tell her, "Walk, Alli! Take a step!" What does the little stinker do? Crawl to her push toy, stand up and begins to walk with the toy.

Speaking of little stinkers....oh my goodness is she a curious and mischievous child! There have been countless times where I am thanking the Lord that we did a good job babyproofing the house. Andrew was never really one to get into things and I could leave outlets untouched, bedroom doors open, cabinets unlatched, etc. Alli, on the other hand, gives me a daily workout chasing her around. I've found her playing with the garbage can, splashing in the dog's water, exploring in the pantry, and climbing up on her brother's bed. She is a little spitfire and her crazy antics cause me to constantly be on the alert, but to laugh at the same time because she's so quick at getting into things before you can catch her.

"Lemme in there!"

Alli has become pretty vocal too, with her first official word being "Mom" (ahhh melts my heart!) She also calls Bill "Mom", which makes us laugh. She says "ba-ba" (brother) for Andrew, and also says "Uh-oh". We've been teaching her sign language too, so she can sign "milk", "more", and "all done". She knows where her nose, eyes, and mouth are and enjoys finding them on anyone who holds her, too. She's not much of a cuddler these days, but would much rather be down on the ground exploring everything around her. She's very aware of her surroundings, just like her mama.

Having fun riding her "Docmobile"

We are definitely looking forward to what the next few months bring, as she starts walking and talking more. Alli and Andrew adore each other, and it has been adorable to watch their relationship develop. Andrew has become very good at telling me when Alli is into something she shouldn't be and he has become very protective of her already, which I just love. I'm hoping to get back on the blogging train again, but with the holidays right around the corner we'll see! :)

Cuddling her "wolfie"- favorite stuffed animal

Fall daycare pictures- 13 months old

Fall daycare pictures
Andrew-3.5 years, Allison- 13 months

Halloween 2014- Andrew the fireman

Halloween 2014- Alli the 80's workout baby

Allison's 9 and 10 month update!

Yikes! I forgot to post Allison's 9 month update, so I'm just going to "lump" months 9 and 10 together. Poor, second child. ;-)

9 months old (6-11-14)

10 months old (7-11-14)

Alli is a thriving, happy baby. The last two months have been a blur, as it seems that she learns a new "skill" every week! She is crawling now, and is a little busybody- always wanting to get into big brother Andrew's toys. He's mastering the art of quickly grabbing toys out of his sister's hands before she gets the toy into her mouth.

About to eat Andrew's puzzle :)

Andrew and Allison ADORE each other. I love the rare moments that they both just stop what they are doing and giggle with each other. Best sound in the world. I always wanted a big brother, so my hope is that Andrew grows into Alli's protector and that Alli learns from and trusts her big brother. Andrew loves going into Alli's room to get her up every morning, stating "I'm going to get my baby Alli, mama!" and Alli's face lights up the moment she sees him. Pure bliss!

Besides being on the move, Alli has learned to wave "hi" and "bye-bye" and will say "mamamama" and "dadada". We like to think she says it with meaning, but I'm sure that will come soon enough. Alli loves "talking" to anyone who will converse with her, especially during car rides. She'll make a noise, we "copy" her noise, she echoes back, and so the game continues.

Waving "hi"

It has been so nice to get both kids outside into the fresh, summer air. They love being outside, and Alli loves to watch Andrew blow bubbles or watch him play tball. They both LOVE water, so it's been fun to play in the kiddie pool on warm afternoons. Alli splashes and squeals and just enjoys being in the water so much.

 First time in the baby pool (6-27-14)

First time swinging at the park (6-28-14)

Fun in the sun!

Drying off in her sun-shade tent

We're still playing it safe with food. I'm really nervous to give her anything with grains, in fear that she will not be able to stomach it. Luckily, we have a doctor's appointment later this month, and I'll be interested to see what her pediatrician thinks. I've tried to give her small pieces of whatever we're eating, but she still has a gag reflex and so I'm just paranoid that she's going to empty her stomach every time she gags. She still loves all her pureed fruits and veggies (she's not really a fan of the green veggies), and loves yogurt, too. She likes cheese and has tried cottage cheese (the jury is still out on that one). She really seems interested in everything we're eating, so that's good. Now, I just need her to get some teeth so she can try some of the chunkier stuff! Those teeth are taking their sweet time!

Alli continues to be a great sleeper. Bedtime is usually between 6:45-7:15pm and she will sleep a solid 12 hours before waking. She takes two naps, one morning nap for about 1-2 hours and an afternoon nap, again about 1-2 hours. We're pretty lucky to have a great sleeper. I've got it timed to where Andrew takes his afternoon nap the same time as his sister so that this mama can have a little peace and quiet (which usually means washing bottles, folding laundry, and hoping to get in a quick nap myself before it starts all over again!) I'm definitely a big proponent of keeping kids on a schedule, which can stink sometimes when trying to make plans with people who don't really understand my obsessiveness with a sleep schedule.

Sound sleeper

Bill and I always marvel at what a good baby Alli is. People in restaurants will even stop by our table to tell us how good she is. She's just so mellow and mild-mannered. She is curious and observant and has such a happy personality. She's the perfect completion to our little family. :)

Happy Father's Day!

Visit from Auntie Wen (7-1-14)

4th of July- our little firecracker!

Peek-a-boo!

Snootie face (7-12-14)

At Andrew's ENT appointment (7-15-14)

Why, Mommy? Why??? and Happy Mother's Day!

Andrew's new favorite words are "why?" and "what are you doing?". This is the phase I've heard so much about, where your every move is questioned. I go to the bathroom. He follows me. "Mommy, what are you doing?" Umm, Andrew, what does it look like I'm doing? "Why, mommy?"

Oh, man. Here we go. LOL. Good thing I have lots and lots of patience. :)

I love that he's so inquisitive. My mom tells me I was the same way, an endless question-asking machine.

I just adore that boy. He's turned into such an imaginative, loving, caring, thoughtful big kid that I just can't get enough of. Apparently, we're doing something right. It's a tough job molding a human being. Teaching them manners (for the record, he thanks us for everything... "Thank you for helping me go poopy! Thank you for cleaning my ears! Thanks for helping me clean up my toys!") , teaching them to say I'm sorry (not as easy for a stubborn child-he spends a lot of minutes in time-out), to be kind to other people and animals ("No, Andrew, Maizey does not want to give you any more kisses. I think she needs a break in her crate."). There are other things we will continue to work on... such as how the heck do you teach a kid to blow their nose?!? Tips, tricks, suggestions are welcome!

Kisses for sister

They pretty much adore each other

Fun at the park (downtown LO) 5-10-14

Loving the park

He's such a happy kid

I had such an amazing Mother's Day yesterday. Hubs let me sleep in (omg, I can't remember the last time I slept until 9am). I woke up to beautiful flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, and sweet cards from both kids and from Bill. Hubs went out to get us bagels and coffee and we enjoyed the morning together. After Alli woke up from her nap, we headed out to Partridge Creek to enjoy the gorgeous day and walk around the mall. Andrew loved playing on the playground and Alli enjoyed the fresh air in her stroller. We capped off the day with yummy Mexican food (and a couple margaritas for mommy!) and then stopped for frozen yogurt on the way home. I loved not having to change diapers and just being able to RELAX. Much needed, and MUCH appreciated.

Mother's Day gift for Sito Clason

Mother's Day gift for Grandma Pantuso

Partridge Creek 5-11-14

I love these little people
(and the bald guy photobombing us in the background!)

Alli is 8 months old!

Alli turned 8 months old on Mother's Day! We've gotten into a little "groove" and the days and nights propped up on the couch with a sleeping newborn are just a distant memory. I love a baby on a schedule!

Happy 8 month old!

Our little peanut last weighed in at 16 pounds and 26 inches long. She was between the 25th and 50th percentiles for weight, height, and head circumference. Perfectly proportional! Her pediatrician was really pleased with her progress, and she is meeting all of her milestones. She's rolling over from front to back and back to front with ease, and she is decidedly a tummy sleeper. She'll sit up on her own for a little bit, but she is such a little busy-body that she gets distracted easily and tips over. When she's on her belly, she looks like she wants to do "The Worm", wiggling her little self around to reach for her favorite toys. She has no teeth yet, which I love because you forget what that gummy smile looks like as soon as they get teeth. She is definitely teething though, and wants her toys, fingers, our fingers, anything she can get her hands on in her mouth all the time. She stopped using a pacifier after about 3 months, just like her big brother. I'm actually happy about that. One less thing to have to think about down the road!

Alli continues to be a great sleeper. She takes 2 regular naps each day, about 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. She goes to bed around 7:30pm and sleeps straight through until between 6:30-7:30am. It is nice to get sleep again.

Over the last month, it feels like the plague hit our house. Alli started with some congestion and runny nose and then it sounded like it was settling in her chest. We took her to the doctor, and he prescribed breathing treatments to clear her up. We did the breathing treatments for a few days and she wasn't getting better, spiking a fever, and just not acting like her normal self. Back to the doctor she went, and was prescribed an antibiotic for sinusitis, which we learned is not too common in infants because their sinuses aren't completely developed until after 1 year old. Poor baby would wake up every morning with her nose completely crusted over and her eyes all goopy and crusty. She looked like she had been beat up, with red rings under her eyes. It sure is hard when your children don't feel good. It's even harder when you are sick AND your kids are sick... that should SO not be allowed. Hubs ended up getting sinusitis (prescribed antibiotic) and I ended up losing my voice and having laryngitis (prescribed a steroid shot in my hip). UGH! We can't win over here. :(  So, Alli took her antibiotic for 10 days and seemed better for a couple days, but then it started all over again!!! I emailed the doctor and based on her symptoms, he said it sounded like the sinusitis hadn't completely cleared up, so he prescribed yet another, stronger antibiotic. She's currently been taking the new medication for 3 days and it seems like she is pretty much back to normal, thank goodness, and so are we! Luckily (knock on wood), Andrew seemed to dodge the bullet this time around.

Sick baby :( 

Then on top of it all, last weekend I decided to let Alli have her first snack of the little Gerber baby puffs. She seemed to like them and ate 6. Two hours later, she was violently vomiting until everything was out of her system. So now, my concern is that she has some sort of sensitivity or allergy to grains, since she had the previous vomiting episode after the rice cereal. Her pediatrician told us that they can't test for an allergy until she is 1, but for now to limit whole grains and stick to fruit and veggie purees. He said it could be that her system just can't handle the grains right now and needs time, or it could be a food allergy. This little girl is putting us through the ringer with her food issues! We're just starting to transition to stage 2 purees, but even some of those seem too "chunky" for her liking and she gags. Help me, Rhonda!

Enjoying her first snack of puffs

Practicing her fine motor skills

The aftermath- all emptied out :(

On the bright side, she seems MUCH better now and we are just being careful with what we give her. You just never think of these things when you have a baby!

So, the fun part of a baby at this age is their personality! Alli's is emerging and she is turning into quite the little ham. Whenever we travel somewhere, I love talking to Andrew. Alli just chimes right in when she's awake, blowing raspberries and babbling away (ba-ba-ba and ma-ma-ma and mmmmmm are some of her go-to "words" right now). If you shake your head "no", she will mimic with a big smile, shaking her head "no" too. She's also decided it's a fun game to pull my hair and let out a huge giggle when I say "OUCH!". Kisses on her neck always make her squeal out in laughter and she is enjoying playing peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake with us and Andrew.

Only one more month left of school and then I get this little cutie all to myself every day! I bought her a little swimsuit the other day and can't wait to get her in the water. She's going to be a lot of fun this summer!

Fun at the park 5-10-14

Sitting pretty 5-11-14

I'm 8 months old!