We made the switch to the big boy car seat today and took it for a test drive through the metro parks. After several protesting sessions of trial and failure trying to get James into his infant car seat over these last few days - we all had had enough! Although it wasn't easy getting him into this one at first either (this kid is strong, let me tell you!), he finally gave in. However, I think he is enjoying his new perspective and more space.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Brief Warm Up!
Yesterday and today we enjoyed a brief break in the weather! 50 degrees never felt so warm! I'm not even sure if James remembers ever playing outside before... But, he loved walking around the block, listening to the birds, visiting the park, and watching the mailman and school bus go by!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Indoor Fun!
January - March 2014
Still snowing here! Thanks to the "Polar Vortex" that is 2014, we have been stuck indoors for what feels like forever. Living in Cleveland, you expect snow in the winter, of course. But seriously, this has been the longest winter (and snowiest!) that we can remember in all of our years of growing up here.
For those that live in warmer climates, this is what we have been looking at from our windows, oh for the last few MONTHS. (Yes, these were all taken during the day, too):
Jealous? I didn't think so! It is safe to say we are all suffering from cabin fever these days, and cannot wait until we can run and play outside with the little guy. As James is quite the busy body these days, here are a few places we have visited over the last few weeks to keep him entertained (and warm!). James LOVES exploring, and I love watching him awe over new experiences!
Still snowing here! Thanks to the "Polar Vortex" that is 2014, we have been stuck indoors for what feels like forever. Living in Cleveland, you expect snow in the winter, of course. But seriously, this has been the longest winter (and snowiest!) that we can remember in all of our years of growing up here.
For those that live in warmer climates, this is what we have been looking at from our windows, oh for the last few MONTHS. (Yes, these were all taken during the day, too):
Jealous? I didn't think so! It is safe to say we are all suffering from cabin fever these days, and cannot wait until we can run and play outside with the little guy. As James is quite the busy body these days, here are a few places we have visited over the last few weeks to keep him entertained (and warm!). James LOVES exploring, and I love watching him awe over new experiences!
The Aquarium
The Rainforest
@ The Zoo
The Natural History Museum
Toddler Indoor Play
Auto Show
Friday, February 14, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Mr. ONE Year Old!
12 Months!
Weight: 22 lb
Height: 2.5 ft (30 in)
Teeth: 4 top, 3 bottom
James Loves:
Playing hide and seek, peek-a-boo, music (both listening to and playing with instruments), mimicking others (sounds/gestures), dancing, walking/running, books, story time, library, feeding himself, drinking from cup and a straw, "talking," waving hi/bye, giving high fives, cuddling with teddy bears, hiding in play hut, Mr. Potato Head, cars, dump truck, animals, remote controls, phones, soccer ball, stacking cups, Mama, Papa, grandparents, Daddy's golf club, opening cabinets and doors, turning lights on/off, emptying things out (hamper, legos, toy bin, book shelf, DVD's, etc), rides in wagon, watching snow fall/playing with the snow (inside), being the center of attention, and the list goes on!
James Doesn't Love:
Teething, diaper changes, when Mama walks out of sight, not getting his way (a glimpse into the 2's are beginning...)
Food Update:
We are still nursing (Yea! High-five to this Mama for making it to 13+ months)! James nurses/drinks BM only 4 times a day now (morning, mid-morning, mid-afternoon and bedtime). He is eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in-between. We will be starting the weaning process to organic whole milk in February. Hopefully James is agreeable to it! He is crazy for cottage cheese and yogurt, so he shouldn't have any problems with dairy, but it will be a big change for him (and me)!
James LOVES feeding himself though, which means he refuses to eat from a spoon, unless he can "do it" himself. So far, he has a 90% success rate of getting the spoon into his mouth; and probably a 75% success rate of actually getting the food on the spoon into his mouth - but he is getting better every day! Finger foods are wildly appreciated, which is making feeding him more fun, and challenging at the same time! Good thing I have patience! I finally got over my fear of him gagging/choking as he was eating. At 11 months, he was so excited about food, but still getting a handle on the chewing thing, that I found myself holding my breath with anxiety every time I watched him eat/chew something (is that normal, or just me?). After lots of practice, and cutting everything into tiny tiny pieces, James is turning into an adventurous little eater. I have finally curbed my fear, and meal times are much more enjoyable now! I love this baby and toddler cookbook. Great recipes, tips and inspiration for our homemade adventures!
Favorite foods (in no particular order):
Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, yogurt, cheddar cheese, wheat toast, waffles/pancakes, oatmeal, pasta, rice, sweet potato, pumpkin, squash, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, peas, green beans, asparagus, scrambled egg, banana, apples/applesauce, apricots, peaches, chicken, ground turkey/beef, salmon/white fish, black/chili/kidney beans, hummus
Not-so-favorite foods:
Fruits (oranges, watermelon, berries, kiwi) other than bananas and apples (when given by themselves, too sweet?). The faces he makes are hilarious! He loves most fruits if mixed into something else, like dairy, toast or a vegetable, just not alone. Tofu. Avocado (he broke out in a fever/rash when we introduced avocado at 7 months, so I have been hesitant to give it to him again.) However, now that he has had more foods, this will soon be on the menu again. (Hopefully no reaction this time.)
What a difference a year makes! Truly. Looking back at James' birth story , it is hard to believe all that we have been through this past year as a family of three! We are proud, very blessed, parents to a ONE year old! (How did that happen?!) James is sweet, loving, serious, silly, entertaining, persistent, daring, smart, strong, independent, and yet totally dependent all at the same time! He is Mama's little sidekick and our best buddy. James is a tiny man packed with big personality. I could go on describing him and how much I am in awe over him for days, but I will let the pictures from our 12 month photo shoot do the talking!
Enjoy!
| Where's James? |
| Our little jumping bean |
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| Still loves looking for hidden treasures |
| Love his crazy wavy hair (no first hair cut yet though...maybe a trim soon?) |
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| Melts my heart every time |
| Love that little toothy smile! |
| Just a little man and his thoughts; and an iPhone. |
James, you have turned our world upside down, in the best way possible! You have filled our hearts with more love than we could have ever imagined. We are so lucky and thankful to have you in our lives. Thank you for a great first year - and taking it easy on us "rookie" parents. We are loving every minute with you.
We love you so much little man!
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