Wes: 18 months!

I really can't believe that my sweet little guy is 18 months old. What is really crazy to me is that Quinn was 18 months old when Wes was born! Wes seems like so much more of a baby to me than she was at that age. Our sweet boy is really coming into his personality, and is at SUCH a fun age. He definitely has his share of temper tantrums and screaming sessions, but for the most part he is a sweet, kind, on-the-move pumpkin!

At 18 months old you...

*run all over the place!!
*take awesome naps.*sleep from 7 p.m. - 6 a.m. during the week. You sleep in on the weekends, which is really nice.
*love, love, love to read. We read the same few Elmo books over and over. You also love tractors, cars, basketball, and soccer.
*are an awesome eater. Your favorites are any fruit and eggs. You also love peanut butter, corn, peas, green beans, any bread, squash, hamburgers, quesadillas....ok, so basically everything. :-)
*are starting to talk a lot. We hear tons of mama, dada, ball, cup, Elmo, all gone, no, eat, milk, more, night-night, tractor, puppy, banana, baa-baa (sheep), book, Big Bird, got it, and lots more.
*love to snuggle, but love to be on the move, too. Church is really challenging right now, because you just want to go, go, go!

Well, buddy, we made it to a year and a half. I am looking forward to a fun summer with you as you continue to become a BIG BOY! Love you, monkey!

THREE!

I cannot believe my sweetest girl is three years old. That just sounds so...old to me! The past three years of life as a momma have been the absolute best years of my life.

Quinn,

Happy birthday, Angel! You surprise me and bring joy to my life every day. You are my special girl, my first born, the baby I prayed for so hard to come into my life. You came at just the right time! You are a rockstar at preschool, and know so much more than I ever knew could fit into one little mind. The other day you were weaving snippets of The Pledge of Allegiance into songs about days of the week and months of the year (which you know all of). Crazy. You are such a good eater! You love breakfast foods, and also fruit, veggies, pizza, grilled cheese, chicken, yogurt...the list goes on and on. You are getting to be such a girly girl. Barbie, babies, princesses, and Strawberry Shortcake are pretty hot stuff around here. You are a fireball of energy, yet you still snuggle Momma and are shy at times. I don't mind that; I think it is sweet that you can be quiet and shy. I get so many compliments on how sweet and gentle you are, and that absolutely melts my heart. You are exactly how I pictured my first little girl, yet you surprise me and keep me guessing every day. I love you so much, and I can't wait to see what the next year of your life brings for us. I am looking forward to a fun spring and summer of lots of trips to the library, the pool, and tons of walks. Happy birthday, baby!!

watch me grow: 12 months!/12 month stats

Despite the funny faces, runny nose, and drooly mouth, I promise you that Wes is as handsome as ever. :-) (Do you see the wave of destruction this boy leaves behind him?)

Wes,  your second year of life is off to an interesting start!

We had your well-baby appointment on Tuesday. You did great, except for an ear infection in one ear. Just a day later, we were at a different pediatrician's office getting you treated for bronchiolitis. You always keep us on our toes!

At 12 months old you...

*weight 23 lbs., 13 oz. (80th percentile)
*are 30 3/4" long (75th percentile)
*have a head circumference of 18 1/2" (75th percentile)

*cruise everywhere and walk with help.
*I have lost count of how many teeth you have. 12?
*wear mostly 18 month clothes and size 3 diapers. You have so many cute fall and winter clothes. You look like such a big boy! I definitely dress you for comfort most days. Bring on the sweatsuits!
*nap once at day care, but twice when you are home with us.
*sleep from 7 p.m. - 5:45 or 6:00 a.m. Let's hope this continues, because I love your sleep schedule right now!
*continue to love trucks, cars, and balls. You are getting into chunky puzzles and blocks. You are starting to love getting into drawers and cabinets and pulling everything out.
*say mama, dada, cup, and lots of other babbles. :-)
*are still a pretty good eater. With being sick, you haven't eaten much this week. You have enjoyed peanut butter sandwiches and cantaloupe lately. Maybe those are your comfort foods.

We love you so much, big boy! Thanks for a wonderful year. I hear you breathing in the baby monitor. You are sleeping so soundly. Every day with you is a new adventure. Happy 12 months, Wes!

2 1/2

Miss Quinn, today you are 2 1/2 years old!! Happy half-birthday to you, sweet girl. You are an absolute joy, and are just the nicest girl around. I get so many compliments from your teachers and babysitters about how nice and smart you are and what a good helper you are. This makes me so happy and proud of you!

At 2 1/2 you...

*are potty-trained!!!! This has been life-changing. For about two months you have been wearing big-girl panties every day. You still wear a pull-up for naps and to bed, but are very often dry when you wake up. You are so good about telling Momma and Daddy when you have to go. Keep up the good work, Princess!
*are still a good eater. You eat pretty much the same things we do. Last night you had corn, strawberries, cottage cheese, applesauce, and a turkey sloppy joe!
*drink out of a big-girl cup at meals and at preschool. We still do sippy cups on the go and in bed, and you recently picked out a new Nalgene bottle and have been toting that around as well. 
*are a great sleeper and napper. You don't always go to sleep as early as we'd like, but at least you are in bed by 7:30 each night. We can hear you singing and reading books and taking care of your babies. :-) On the weekends we can count on you to take a two-hour nap.
*love to play outside and would prefer to be on our swingset every day! You come home from preschool so, so dirty.
*are a wonderful talker. Your vocabulary grows every day! You mimic everything you hear and can even quote Toy Story (you watch it in the car on long trips).
*laugh all the time. I love it.
*can't get enough books. We read at least 10 books in the afternoons/evenings. Reading with you is such a special time for me, and I hope it continues for a long while.
*have a blast at preschool. Every day that I pick you drop whatever you are doing and greet me with a big hug. You always have a new craft to show me and have stories about what you played with. We have had a small handful of teary mornings, but for the most part you have had an AMAZING transition, and I could not be more proud of my big girl.
*are getting so tall. You still have that big baby head and baby belly, though. :-)
*are my sweet girly-girl. You love earrings, dresses, shoes, and [usually] getting your hair and nails done. I love it!
*love, love, love your baby brother. You always want to give him snuggles and kisses and make sure he is ok. We are still working on the whole sharing thing; right now you mostly just share your germs.

Well, baby girl, 6 more months until you are 3! I cannot wait to see how much you learn and grow this school year. I am so blessed to be your momma, and loving you makes me a better person each day.

Quinn after this fall's John Deere kids' "Fun Run"

Watch me grow: 11 months!

Wes,  you continue to be the wiggliest boy around!!


You are officially 11 months old! Almost a whole year. The invitations for your birthday party are sent out, and before we know it you will be chowing down on cake. I can't wait to snuggle you on your birthday and smother you with kisses.

At 11 months old you...

*pull up on everything and cruise nonstop. One of these days you are just going to take off walking!
*have TEN teeth, including two molars that have been extra painful for you lately. *Those teeth come in handy because you love to eat. Recent favorites are watermelon and grapes. You can't get enough of either!
*wear 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.
*are in the one-year-old room at day care. They take just one nap in that room, so you are ready for bed by 7:00 p.m. You usually sleep until 5:45 or 6:00 a.m.
*love trucks, cars, balls....all boy :-). You love bathtime with your sister; you guys continue to be great pals.
*are still bald! I love your cue ball head.
*have recently started wearing shoes. You now rock some baby Pumas and plaid topsiders. So. Cute.

Next time I post a monthly milestone update, you will be 1.  Until then, let's hope for lots of giggles, snuggles, and adventures!

Happy First Day of School!

First haircut!

Last week Randy was traveling for work so the kids and I headed to my parents'. One of the highlights of our week was Quinn's first haircut!! I love, love, love her long hair, but it was getting really scraggly and needed a trim. It looks healthier, shinier, and thicker than ever! I think this cut will help it grow even more beautiful!

We went to Great Clips in Carroll to be easy and fast. The girl who cut Quinn's hair said that Quinn was the best first haircut she'd ever had. Quinn was absolutely perfect; she sat in the chair like a little princess and didn't make a peep the entire time. I was so proud of her and admittedly a little surprised at how well she behaved. Yesterday for church was the first time her hair was really "fixed," and it looked cute! Definitely not a huge difference, but certainly a very important milestone. :-)

Before from behind

Attitude! [before]

Snip, snip!

Almost done!

Cheese, Momma!

After! Happy with a blue sucker.

A few inches were taken off the back

Clipped back and ready to go!

Watch me grow: 10 months

Wesley, you are 10 months old!! You were not the least bit interested in getting your picture taken for this particular milestone. :-) Gotta move, Mom!

Wes, at 10 months old you...

*love to crawl everywhere and are getting really good at pulling up. You always want to stand. I am sure you will be walking within the next few months!
*have four teeth on top and four on bottom.
*wear 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.
*take two naps per day. If I am lucky those naps will be around 2 hours each!
*go to bed by 8:00 and sleep until about 5:30.
*are a fantastic eater! It is hard to tell what your favorite foods are because you gobble up everything with total vigor! You are still nursing 5 times per day. You haven't had a bottle in a while; we will be doing just sippy cups when you go to day care in a few weeks when I have to go back to work.
*are starting to get more into playing with toys, balls, and books. You love when your sister tickles you or blows on your belly.

I can't get enough of your sweet smiles, infectious laughs, and your big blue eyes. You are growing up so fast! I have had an incredible summer at home with you, but I know you will thrive at day care and learn so much. Your first birthday will be here before we know it. I love you, sweet boy!

9 month stats

We had Wesley's 9-month well-baby appointment this morning. Our big boy did great! There were no vaccinations this time, which made for fewer tears than usual. Wes weighs 20 lbs, 9 oz. (60th percentile), is 29" long (65th percentile), and his head circumference is 18" (65th percentile). Unfortunately, he has another ear infection so we headed up to Walgreens to grab an antibiotic for him. We suspected that he had one because he's been fussier than usual lately. He also has a persistent nightly cough so we are watching that closely, too. For the most part, though, he is doing great! We got the go-ahead to feed him pretty much whatever we want. He is doing wonderfully on table food, especially egg yolks and small vegetables.

Oh, and speaking of "small vegetables".....

I love corn!!!

9 months

 Wes, you are 9 months old! It is hard to believe that in just a few short months we will be having your first birthday party. Wow! You are at such a fun age. You were so well-behaved during church last night, and sat up in the pew all by yourself. I feel like you are becoming happier and more content with each passing day. Maybe you will even start sleeping in. ;-)

Wes, at 9 months old you...

*love to crawl everywhere, sit up like a big boy, and stand with help!
*have four teeth on top and three on bottom. Your little smile melts this momma's heart!
*wear 9 or 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.
*take two naps per day.
*are going to bed about 8:00 and sleep until about 5:30. You go back to sleep until 7:30 or so. Some days you just wake up at 6:30 or so and then are up until your morning nap.
*are a fantastic eater! We are still just feeding you whole grains and lots and lots of fruits and vegetables. We will probably introduce protein soon.
*love to play with trucks, your farm animals, and balls. Mom and Dad love reading books to you!

We love you so much! You are becoming such a handsome little man with a sweet personality. You will be walking all over the place in no time!

Quinn - 27 months

So with all of the monthly updates on Wes, I realized that I haven't said much about my #1 girl lately! At 27 months old, Quinn is certainly a spunky, entertaining, sweet girl.

Quinn, at 27 months old you...
*know most of your letters! I am amazed at how you can "read" already.
*know colors and shapes.
*count pretty consistently up to 20.
*love to play outside, especially on swings and slides, go swimming, read books (over and over and over...), help Momma cook and bake, build with blocks and Legos, color, and play soccer and basketball and "catching" (catch).
*love animals, especially dogs and cats. You love to play pretend as animals, too, complete with sounds, walking on all fours, etc. I love your imagination!!
*are getting to be an amazing little talker. Some of the little phrases you come up with just crack me up. We were eating popcorn this morning, and you went over to Wes, shook your bowl at him, and said "You can't have this, Wes; you're just a baby!"
*love your little brother...except when he gets handsy with your stuff. You are quite territorial.
*are still in diapers...
*take a great nap every day. I hope that this continues for a long while.
*usually sleep 8 pm-7 am.
*are still a pretty good eater. You are pickier than ever about veggies, but you still have your favorite vegetables, so those make an appearance at every meal! Your favorite foods are corn, waffles with peanut butter, eggs, bananas and apples, yogurt, applesauce, raisins, toast, and graham crackers. Pizza and ice cream are still your favorite treats. :-)
*are pretty outgoing and friendly.
*are getting sassier and sassier by the second!! You have your naughty moments, but you are so sweet that it is hard to stay mad at you for too long.

Baking cookies! You love to use the hand mixer.

Future engineer?

No pictures, please.

Helping Momma make a big mess homemade taco seasoning

Sharing ice cream with Daddy

We love you, Quinn!! You test us, challenge us, and make us smile every day. We are so blessed to have you in our lives!


While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

8 months

Wes is 8 months old!

Wes, at 8 months old you...

*prefer to play on your tummy or back. You can scooch, but rolling is your main form of transportation.
*just sprouted a top tooth. You know have two bottom teeth and one on top!
*wear 9 or 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.
*take two or three naps per day: a short morning nap, a decent afternoon nap, and an evening snooze if you and Momma are walking or out running errands.
*go to bed around 8:30 and sleep until 5 or so. Sometimes you get up in the night and sometimes you don't. You are one unpredictable little man. 
*are loving Cheerios right now! You are a huge fan of every food we've given you. Your current favorites are bananas and baked potatoes. :-)
*love to play with your sister! She makes you smile and laugh. You also love to be outside.

We are so glad you are over your sickness. You are doing better than ever! We are setting up the pool today and I can't wait to see you play in the water!!

6 month stats

Hi! Yes, I know it's been over two weeks since I've blogged. We have been gone the past few weekends visiting friends and family, and our weekday evenings have been filled with errands, yard work, and of course, spending time with our sweet babies!

Wes had his 6 month well-baby appointment this morning. He did so great; he was perfectly behaved and didn't make a peep. Today, he was 27 3/4" long (85th percentile), weighed 16 lbs, 2 oz. (20th percentile), and his head circumference is 17" (35th percentile). I had a feeling that he hadn't gained much weight since his last visit, and I was right. He grew two inches but only gained a few ounces. That wasn't surprising, though, since he's had no solids since his throat ulcer/reflux disaster, and he only nurses/takes bottles 5 times per day. We got the go-ahead to continue with solid foods and are planning on giving him some daily.

Our poor little man also has an ear infection. He didn't sleep by himself at all last night (had to be held), so this is no surprise. Let's hope that the antibiotics can kick in and that he'll start making good developmental progress soon! His health and sleeping habits have certainly been challenges, but we are so excited to see what the second half of Wes' first year of life has in store!

6 months!

We did it, Wes...we made it half a year! Happy half-birthday to you and Daddy, which means happy birthday to your mom!!

The past few days have been ROUGH around here (seems to be a trend lately). We learned that you have an ulcer in your throat, which is causing you extreme pain and discomfort. You literally have to be held all night long or you just cry and cry and cry. We do not know what is causing this awful sore; it could be acid reflux or something viral. It is sad to not be able to help you, but frustrating for Momma and Daddy at the same time. We love you so much and want you to be healthy and happy. Let's hope that the next 6 months are filled with more sleep for all of us!

*are working on sitting up.
*still have just the two teeth.
*solid foods are on hold for right now
*wear 6-9 month clothes and size 2 diapers.
*are starting to enjoy your jumper!
*love to go on walks with Momma and Quinn.
*were taking 3 naps/day and sleeping from about 9:30-5 at night before this past week. Now it is completely sporadic.

We love you, Wesley!

Quinn's 2nd Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Quinn's 2nd birthday with some of our close family and friends. I am always amazed at the generosity of our families and at how much everyone truly loves our kids. We got Quinn a new basketball hoop, which she LOVES. Randy had to literally drag her inside to eat and open presents!

Slam dunk! Rocking her snowboots...

 

Play-Doh!

 

Lots of new books!

Beautiful new dollhouse from Grandma and Grandpa Meyer!

Yummy cupcake! A little less messy than last year. :-)

Can't forget about Wes and Gina!