Happy Valentine's Day

I foresee a lot of babies coming this fall. 

Noah is ONE!

Noah is turning 13 months (tomorrow, EEK!) so this is quite a bit late. Better late than never though, eh?

Weight - 18.1 lbs  You are the same weight that your siblings were at a year. Funny how that turned out.

Height - 29.5 in

Appearance - Some days you have blonde hair and other days you seem to have hints of red in it. Your eyes are still blue and I think they'll stay that way just like Christian. I looked it up and there was a less than 8% chance your eyes would've stayed blue considering mommy and daddy are both brown eyed.

 

Eating - You are excellent at trying food but there is plenty of stuff you are not fond of. The only food you have consistently loved are yogurt, strawberries, bananas, and chicken. You still love to nurse and do so to fall asleep. There are times when you are just not happy but after a short nursing session, you are back to your happy self.

Sleeping - Despite the move and our schedules being out of whack, your naps have improved! You take two, sometimes three naps a day. You usually have one good long 2-3 hour nap with the other one(s) being under an hour. You are also nursing less at night (down to once or twice!) which mama is appreciative of.

Milestones - SO many new milestones this month!

Trying to write with pens, pencils, or anything that resembles the two.

"Helping" Alena with her homework.

You added some new teeth! At a year, you had 10 but now at 13 months, you have 12.

You had your third cross country trip in the car (April 12-18) and did very well. You got to visit several landmarks and new things including Cadillac Ranch, the Arch, and seeing your aunt Kristine for the first time.

You have developed jealousy issues. You do not like it when mommy has any other child or even animal in my lap.

You went back to waving after stopping for some reason last month.

You mimic us. Daddy had you doing so much one night - standing on one foot, marching, swaying side to side, and bobbing your head. It was adorable to watch!

You had your first haircut before daddy left so he could be there for it.

You can say more, all done, hi, dada, mama, NO, and your newest word... Alena (nana)

You do the cutest thing when saying no. You will point your finger and shake it at us! You also follow Alena and Christian around when they are rough-housing yelling no and shaking your little finger at them.

You understand when you are not allowed to do something because after we tell you no, the next time you do it or are near something you can't touch, you will tell yourself no.

You are still getting into everything! I can't keep up with your mischief.

Doing what he does best... making a mess.

Likes - wrestling, being outside, swinging (loves it and will cry when we take you off), watching Alena and Christian play and trying to join in, enjoying baths again

Dislikes - having things taken from you like toys or something you shouldn't be having, when you have a dirty diaper, diaper changes, coming inside when you're playing outside


Noah, where has the time gone? It is so bittersweet that you are growing up. We have just absolutely loved watching you grow into the adorable and funny little guy that you are. You are constantly learning something new and amaze us every single day. We can carry on conversations with you even though we don't know what you're saying because you love to talk to us. You make it known to us when something is not going your way and also feel you need to take a bite out of every object you touch. I'm sorry to break it to you, but those habits have got to go. Noah, you love trying to keep up with your older siblings and it won't be long now before you'll be able to run right behind them. We love you so much and are excited to see what the next year holds for you.

Noah - 11 Months

Weight - 18.1 lbs  Not really any gain but it's not concerning me any.

Height - 29 in  Getting long and skinny.

Appearance - Where has my baby gone?! When awake, you are all toddler. I feel like I only have my baby when you are asleep. You have blond hair and blue eyes, although in certain lights you definitely have hints of red in your hair.

Eating - This has been the month that your nursing has started to space out! We're talking around 4 hours sometimes. You love food and will give everything a try. Yogurt, bananas, Oreos (when he can get a taste), apples, chicken, and others I can't think of at the moment are your favorites.

Sleeping - Because of the upcoming move and the fact that our furniture is already gone, I nurse you to sleep in bed. Your naps have actually gotten better/longer lately! I think because you are spacing out your daytime nursing sessions, you are making up for it at night because you are practically latched all night long. You go down around 9 pm and sleep until 7-8 am.

Sizes -  You wear are wearing 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers. You do have a few Old Navy brand 6-12 months outfits but this may be the last month you'll wear them. You rarely wear shoes but they are size 3 or 12-18 months.

Milestones - Climbing! We have to keep the step stool folded up or we will find you at the top reaching for everything on the counter.

I can't believe I'm even typing this but you have vocabulary! We have heard you say "more, all done, hi, dada, and mama"

Your babbling has really taken off! You like to make your presence known to everyone. You talk and talk so much and we love it. Although, when we're in a store or church and you are bellowing your happy yells, not so much. But at least you're happy. :)

You get into SO much! I know it's normal but goodness, you grab anything in your reach and turn it into a toy. You don't even play with your real toys.

Likes - wrestling, being outside, swinging (LOVE it and will cry when we take you off), watching Alena and Christian play, looking out the windows and doors
Dislikes - baths (still don't this month and is the strangest thing considering how much you used to love it), having things taken from you like toys or something you shouldn't be having, when you have a dirty diaper, diaper changes, coming inside when you're playing outside

Your personality is bursting this month and you are the funniest kid! Noah, you are always making us laugh. You mastered walking and quickly moved onto running. Daddy introduced you to "magic chocolate" for when you get hurt (which is quite a bit since you are SO active) and it always works. Just one or two chocolate chips does the trick. The toddler tantrums have already begun. We're talking on the ground, crying, and dramatic. I can't believe you are only one month from turning one! We love you so so SOOO much Noah!

Noah - 10 Months

 
Weight - 18 lbs No weight gain this month.

Height - 29 in Getting long and skinny.

Appearance - You have blond hair and blue eyes, although in certain lights you definitely have hints of red in your hair. Your face is very much toddler like and less babyish.

Eating - You still nurse every 2-3 hours but you have started having longer stretches here and there at random times. You are eating table food with us and are very good about eating everything. There are definite times where you prefer food over nursing and I'm OK with that because you are still very much a booby lover. Hah.

You hate to sleep without mommy.

Sleeping - You sleep from around 8 or 9pm - 7am. This month has been hectic as far as your night sleeping goes. Some nights you'll sleep good and only wake once but you have had a lot of nights where you are moving a lot and nursing a lot. We're debating on moving you out of our bed but once you fall asleep for the night you have to have me nearby or you will scream and cry. You have set your own napping schedule which is pretty much just napping about every three hours.

Sizes -  You wear some 6-9 month and have started wearing 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers. You rarely wear shoes but they are size 3.


Milestones - WALKING! You are up to 10 steps or so before you give up or fall down.


Daddy and I swear we have heard you say "more" several times.

You slept in a crib for the first time at your babysitter's house.


You are beginning to babble and "talk" and it is the cutest thing! You like to make your presence known to everyone.

Likes - wrestling, being outside, food, chewing on everything, watching Alena and Christian play, looking out the windows and doors
Dislikes - baths (this is new), having things taken from you like toys or something you shouldn't be having, when you have a dirty diaper, you HATE diaper changes, driving in the car at night

Noah, you are such a funny boy and almost always have a smile on your face. You are getting better and better at walking and should have it down this coming month. You love to give kisses, doubly when we give you something you want. Speaking of what you want... You know what you want when you want it and make sure to let us know or even throw a fit if you don't get it. And for some reason, you have decided you don't like baths anymore. You are very content to play on your own, making a toy from almost anything. We love watching you grow and learn. Happy 10 months baby!

Helpful Baby Products 0-6 Months

I don't like saying these are 'must haves' because in all honesty, babies really only need food, clothing, and shelter. Still, these are products that I find pretty useful for us. We are very minimalistic (no crib, no stroller, etc) so I have no doubt that if I found them to help, you will too. Count on it. :)

1. Moby Wrap

Using the Sleepy/Moby wrap on Noah, 8mo.

 Both Gabe and I used this Moby wrap almost every day from Noah's birth until about 3 months when he could fit better in the Beco carrier. There are several different kinds of this wrap (I have one called the Sleepy Wrap.) but they all have the same concept. It's pretty much a long jersey material that you wrap around yourself and the baby. It takes some getting used to but once you figure it out, (Youtube videos helped a lot!) it's not so bad. The only down sides are the long length making wrapping it very tedious and that it tends to hit the ground while wrapping. I found this carrier to be the most comfortable for my bad back and really like that there are so many different ways to wrap it.

The Beco Carrier in action.

2. Beco Baby Carrier
The Beco is very similar to an Ergo carrier. While this fits newborns, we didn't really start using it until about 3 months when Noah could wrap his legs around our body in the sitting position. We also call this Gabe's carrier because he prefers it to our other carriers (Mei Tai, Moby, and sling). I have worn it and it worked fine but it just wasn't as comfortable to me and my small body size (5' 1", 95 lbs). Noah loves the carriers and almost always falls asleep and does not complain to get out.

Psst, Mamaroo is off to the right too. :)

3. Fisher Price Activity Mat
This activity mat plays music and rainforest sounds and lights up. It was great at keeping Noah's attention up until he figured out crawling. And even now at 9 months old, he found it hidden in the corner and started playing with it again. I would normally put it in storage but I have found that if I lay him on this, he will stay still long enough for me to change his diaper without having him roll over and try escaping.
 
4. 4Moms Mamaroo
A swing and bouncy seat in one. I saw this five years ago when Christian was a baby and wanted one but the price was holding me back. When I was pregnant with Noah, we were given some gift cards to Babies R' Us and we used them to get this and let me tell you, it is amazing! Well worth it. It has many different motions and sounds, plus! you can plug your ipod into it and play anything you want. When Noah became mobile, I used it and still do (mostly when I really need to do something (like make dinner)) to keep him in a safe place. It's just a bonus that he falls asleep in it. :)
 
5. Bumbo
Out of the seven different products on the list, this was probably used the least. Not because it wasn't useful or loved, but because babies quickly grow out of it. As soon as Noah had good head control (around 3 months), we started using it. It was a perfect place to put him when he wanted to sit up but we couldn't hold him at the moment. As soon as he started becoming mobile and more active we had to put it away because he would lean over and try to get out. When they do that, you run the risk of having it tip over and that's no good.
 
6. Nursing tank tops and bras
This is pretty self explanatory but if you are breastfeeding (especially those of you who nurse 1+ year) I highly recommend you invest in some good quality nursing bras and tanks. I wear them every single day and have several different brands. These Le Leche League nursing tanks are my favorite and you can find them on Zulily.com often times. I do not like the Motherhood Maternity tank that I own as the quality is just not great. 
 
7. Coconut Oil
You scoff all you want but this stuff is amazing for so many reasons. You can't get a more natural product to use than 100% coconut oil and it's safe to use around babies. When Noah was first born he had a red bum for a couple of days and we rubbed some coconut oil on with every diaper change and it was all better within a day or two. A little of this goes a looong way. We use it on dry skin (hello soft heels!), diaper rash, burns, and any other 'ouchie'. When the kids get hurt, they run for this stuff first. If you haven't heard of all the other great benefits of coconut oil, do some research and you will find hundreds of links.

Noah - 9 Months

 Weight - 18 lbs You are now the weight that Alena and Christian were at a year.

Height - 28 in Getting long and skinny.

Appearance - You have blond hair and blue eyes. I finally snipped a little bit of your hair on top because it was starting to get in your eyes.

Eating - You nurse every 2-3 hours, generally closer to 2. I can not nurse you in public because you will constantly unlatch to see what is going on. You are eating table food with us and are very good about eating everything.

Sleeping - You sleep from around 8 or 9pm - 7am (although you will sleep until 8 or later if we don't have to get up early) usually waking up once, sometimes twice to eat. You sleep in our bed but I'm beginning to think you want your own space. You have set your own napping schedule which is pretty much just napping about every three hours. I have been putting you down to nap (instead of holding you the whole time) and you have done well with it.

Sizes -  You wear 6-9 month, some 12 month clothes, and size 3 diapers. You rarely wear shoes but they are size 3.

Milestones - Not only are you standing on your own but you have started taking STEPS in your last week as an 8 month old.


You started signing! You would bang on your highchair while eating and we taught you the sign for more which you picked up quickly and now use!! It's so exciting that you are communicating with us like that.

You have really started trying to be in on the action. When daddy and the kids start horsing around, you get right in there and "wrestle" with daddy too.

You are mimicking us. You mimic bouncing, waving, roaring/screaming (anything loud pretty much), and head movements like tilting side to side and nodding.

You had your first trip to Las Vegas January 12-15.

 Likes - wrestling, being outside, Ernie (the cat), food, taking a bath, chewing on everything, watching Alena and Christian play, looking out the windows and doors
Dislikes - having things taken from you like toys or something you shouldn't be having, when you have a dirty diaper, diaper changes, driving in the car at night

 Noah, what an exciting month! You had Christmas (you didn't care or notice), New Year's (slept right through it), and a trip to Vegas. Not to mention that you took your first steps and are well on your way to walking. When you try walking, you can get up to three steps and then get overly excited, flail your arms, laugh, and lose your balance in all the excitement. I can't believe that you are 3/4 of the way to 1. Your older siblings have really started to play with you this month and even though they don't like to admit it sometimes, they truly love you to pieces!

Noah - 8 Months

Weight - 17.3 lbs With all your mobility, your weight has significantly slowed down but that's OK. I know you are growing and perfectly healthy.

Height - 27.5 in Getting long and skinny.


Appearance -. With your 8 teeth (yes, 8!) you look twice your age. Your hair is just crazy. Very light and fluffy and turning blond. I need to cut it but am stalling because I know you will look older and I'm trying to preserve any part of my baby that I can.

Eating - You nurse every 2-3 hours, generally closer to 2. I can not nurse you in public because you will constantly unlatch to see what is going on. You have gone through all your baby food and I am not buying you more. You are eating table food with us and are very good about eating everything.

Sleeping - You sleep from around 8 or 9pm - 7am (although you will sleep until 8 or later if we don't have to get up early) usually waking up once, sometimes twice to eat. I thought you were getting into a napping routine but with the busy holiday season, that went out the window. Unfortunately, you do a lot of your napping in the many car rides throughout the day.

Sizes -  You wear 6-9 month, some 12 month clothes, and size 3 diapers.

Working on my fitness...

  
Milestones - Cruising furniture and most recently, letting go and doing a controlled sit down. I have no doubt you will be standing on your own this month.

Getting your 6th, 7th, AND 8th teeth.

You wave!!! It is the cutest thing. You will open and close your hand.

You were left with a sitter for the first time this past month and did OK.

 Likes - being outside, Ernie (the cat), food, the Christmas tree, taking a bath, chewing on everything, watching Alena and Christian play, looking out the windows and doors
Dislikes - having things taken from you like toys or ornaments that you are not supposed to have, when you have a dirty diaper, diaper changes


Noah, you are such a BUSY baby and really keep us on our toes. You get into anything and everything within your reach. You love getting the dog food and have eaten some. Our Christmas tree is bare on the bottom because you like to get the ornaments and have broken a few. Noah, you really do not like diaper changes and try your hardest to roll over and get away. And there is almost always crying during your middle of the night changing. You are such a great self entertainer and are perfectly happy to be left to play and explore on your own. But you do love when the kids and daddy play with you too. You are such a fun and enjoyable baby!

Noah - 7 Months

Only semi non-blurry shot I could get of him sitting. Kid does not stop moving.

 Weight - 17.2 lbs With all your mobility, your weight has significantly slowed down but that's OK. I know you are growing and perfectly healthy.

Height - 27 in

Appearance -. Your hair is just crazy. Very light and fluffy and turning blond. I love your little 'jack-o-lantern' teeth!

Eating - You nurse every 2-3 hours, generally closer to 2. It is hard to nurse you when we are in public, you are so easily distracted! We've been giving you food a little more consistently as the month went on and you are LOVING it! You will try anything and everything we give you and surprisingly the only thing you've disliked are the Gerber baby lil crunchies (look like mini cheese doodles). I do notice that when you have a little more to eat, it is harder for you to go #2. So I'm limiting you to only eating once a day or every other day (solid food. don't worry, I'm not starving my child) and only for breakfast or lunch.

Sleeping - You sleep from around 8 or 9pm - 7am usually waking up once, sometimes twice to eat. You may be getting into somewhat of a napping routine. Generally, you will nap around 830am no more than an hour. Another nap in the afternoon that is a little longer than your morning nap. You will then nap once again in the early evening for a short time.

Sizes -  You wear 6-9 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

  
Milestones - Pulling up, climbing, trying to stand alone, and cruising furniture!

Getting your fourth and fifth teeth.

You have started to take baths sitting up. You love being able to sit up and SPLASH.

You will actually crawl to us after pooping and will whine as if you are telling us to change you. Mommy and daddy love that you are communicating with us!

 Likes - food, exploring the house, taking a bath, chewing on everything, watching Alena and Christian play, looking out the windows and doors
Dislikes - getting stuck or falling while trying to stand and crawl, when you have a dirty diaper, waiting to eat, being put down when you are tired (you like to be held or nursed to sleep), diaper changes

 

Noah, my dear sweet boy. You have done so much growing this past month and I just can not believe you are now closer to one year than not. Seven months just sounds so OLD to me. You have started interacting with Alena and Christian more now that you are so mobile. You will try to climb and wrestle on them. Dear boy, you are always so busy! Crawling, exploring, and playing. You are such a good independent player but love when others engage you in play too. Noah, you bring us so much joy!

Busy Baby

I am just continually amazed at the things Noah is doing. Crawling, sitting, pulling up, and now climbing! This kids just does not slow down. I thoroughly enjoy the baby stage while they are immobile because I can leave them in their seat/swing, play mat, or wherever and they STAY there. But Noah is already proving to give me a run for my money.

He does play by himself for a long time; I'll credit him that. But it's the fact that he doesn't stay with his toys. I will put him in the play room with his toys and attempt to accomplish something only to check on him a few minutes later and have to search for him. Hah! He's such a curious baby and I love watching him explore. I can almost see the wheels turning in his mind as he discovers new things.

After only a month of crawling and a week of pulling up, he has now quickly graduated to climbing! Anything low enough that is elevated, he will scale it and is doing it with ease. I was in the kitchen the other day washing dishes and loading the dishwasher when he crawled over and stood at the door and grabbed a spoon from the silverware tray. He was busy playing with it on the floor (toy of year I tell ya) so I ran to the bathroom real quick. I came back to witness him on the dishwasher door elbow deep digging for more silverware. So what does this mom of the year do first? Grab the camera of course!

Noah - 6 Months

*Please excuse my long absence of blogging. I kept meaning to get posts up but just never got around to it. It happens.

Weight - 17.4 lbs

Height - 26.5 in

Appearance -You got your third tooth on Sunday, October 13. It is on the upper left side and will be the one next to your front teeth. Your hair is just crazy. Very light and fluffy and turning blond.

Eating - You nurse every 2-3 hours. If you are not screaming hungry and we are in public, you are so easily distracted! We finally let you try a couple of people foods and you LOVED them. It was all very random so you would get a bite or two and then not have anything else for a few days. You did enjoy bananas the most.

Sleeping - The same as before. You sleep from around 8 or 9pm - 7am usually waking up once, sometimes twice to eat. Naps are sporadic and are usually short cat naps. Mommy would like to get you on a schedule or at least longer naps but with being in and out of the house all day, it's so hard. BUT, even with only short naps you are always happy so I don't mind very much.

Sizes - I am squeezing you into the last of your size 2 diapers and will buy size 3 next time. You wear 6 month clothes and even a few larger sizes.

Nothing is safe anymore, not even the fridge!

  
Milestones - Crawling and sitting!!! If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it. You didn't even do the normal sitting then hands and knees to rocking. You just took off and sat yourself up! You started out doing a funny bunny hop with your legs where you would literally "hop" them underneath you. And now you bear crawl. You learned that your knees are slippery and your toes get better traction so you crawl on just your hands and feet most of the time.

Getting your third tooth.

You have also accumulated quite a few bumps and bruises already! Learning to crawl on hardwood floor is tough for a little guy.

Doing your funky bear crawl.

 Likes - crawling and getting anything in your reach, tasting any food you're allowed, taking a bath, chewing on everything, watching Alena and Christian play, people watching
Dislikes - getting stuck or falling while trying to crawl, when you have a dirty diaper, waiting to eat, being put down when you are tired (you like to be held or nursed to sleep)

Noah, how can you be halfway to year already?!? You are just so amazing and I think we hit the baby jackpot with you. Alena and Christian are quite smitten with you and love to hold you whenever they get a chance. You are so incredibly happy and easy to please. We love you so much and can't wait to see what you do this next month!