What we're up to...

We've been having some fun in the past few weeks, but last week was exceptionally cold. On one day in particular it was negative 19 degrees with a serious windchill. We couldn't go out that day and cabin fever nearly killed us but we made it. Let's hope the weather cooperates for the rest of the winter.

These are some of the shennanigans that Katen has gotten into while at home...


Relaxing with Grandpa



Doing laundry...
"Mom! There'd better not be any underwear in here."

"Here's lookin' at you kid."

...and the softer side, cruising with the lovey.

"I'd like to know exactly why you think these socks are funny."

...before the snow got higher than her head.




Poor Swiffer. What does a cat have to do to get some sleep?

Gaming: Level 1 Human

...aaaaand I'm pretty sure this is not what Fisher Price intended the sink to be used for.

(oh yes that IS the loveseat in front of the fireplace. It's easier than peeling the kid off the mantel every 5 minutes. Enough said.)

Print Page

One Year Pictures!

We had Digital Galleria Designs do our pictures and had a great time!

Giggles and Fangs

Do you remember how long we waited for those first two teeth to arrive? It was 10 mos before the pickle got her first teeth. Now at 12 mos two more are coming in. Not the typical top front though. No, check this out...



Print Page

Fun at Home with Mom

What did we do on our first day home after the holiday vacation?

We conquered the toybox that Great Grandpa Duane made us...

...and did a little sweeping.

Then we made some muffins...

Get it. Show that batter who's boss...

Overall it was a good day. I think we'll do it again tomorrow. :)

Print Page

One Year Well-Baby Visit

Katen visited her pediatrician for her One Year Well-Baby Visit today.

She got her finger pricked to check lead levels and received her Hep A shot. We'll go back next month to get her MMR shot. I chose to delay the Hep B and Varicella shots for now. The reason I asked to go back later for the MMR shot is so that it's the only shot given at that time.

The MMR is a combo shot of three vaccines and I feel like that's plenty for her little immune system to fight off on it's own. Based on research I'm feeling okay about doing the MMR combo though, despite concerns raised about links to autism. A very solid study was conducted in September of 2007 by several reputable medical institutions showing no link between the MMR shot and Autism. Regardless, it's still a lot of vaccine at one time and I think Katen's glad that she didn't get 4 shots in one day. I can't imagine feeling the pain of one shot in each leg and then seeing that they're going to do it all over again once more. I know I personally wouldn't be too happy about that. We'll go back, thank you.

Here are the stats for 12 mos:

• Height: 29 inches (2', 5")
• Weight: 21lbs
• Both in the 50th percentile
• Her soft spot is nearly closed and head circumference is in the 75th percentile.
• We've finally been referred to the allergist to nail down the source of Katen's allergies
• Katen has successfully weaned off of the bottle and uses only sippy cups for drinks
• Next we'll work toward using a regular cup and will begin potty training if interest is shown
• Based on our milestone check, Katen is performing at the 18 month level.
  

She's able to do the following--

13 months milestones:
Bends over and picks up an object
Crouches
Enjoys gazing at reflection
Holds out arm/leg to help dress
Combines words and signs to to indicate needs
Rolls a ball

14 months

Eats with fingers

Empties containers
Imitates others
Walks well
Initiates games
Responds to instructionsUses utensils
Matches lids with containers
Pushes and pulls toys while walking

15 months
Walks backward and Runs
Adopts "no" as a favorite word

16 months

Turns the pages of a book
Has temper tantrums if frustrated
Is attached to a soft toy or other object
Enjoys climbing
Can stack three or more blocks
Is able to take off at least one piece of clothing
Becomes a pickier eater
Takes one nap per day

17 months
Uses six or more words regularly
Dances to music
Kicks ball

18 months
“Reads” books on his own
Strings two words together

--The things she doesn't do yet within those milestone guidelines are in the advanced category and not required to have met the month's milestone:
Points to one body part when asked (we're close – she can tell you what certain animals say though)
Scribbles with a crayon – she'd rather eat them or bang them on the paper
Sorts toys by color, shape, or size

We're pretty excited to see what she learns next.

Now that I'm staying home with Katen every day instead of working, I have more of a chance to take charge of her learning and also to experience her discoveries right along with her. I'm pretty excited about that. I know she's going to miss her toddler friends though.

Print Page