Happy birthday baby girl

Dear Scout, 

You've added "Dadda" to your vernacular. You still get giddy when Mom or Dad enter the room. You're still very generous with your kisses, and you've started making kissy sounds/fishy faces when we're at a distance. Whenever you hear the word "yay" or hear anyone clap (including people on TV), you immediately get excited and join in the applause. You've started nodding your head yes and shaking no. "No" is adorable because you sometimes throw in a cute little finger wag, but "Yes" is our favorite because it requires more effort and you can't nod without raising and lowering your eyebrows at the same time. You're not a snuggler, but sometimes when I'm holding you and a stranger approaches, you get sheepish and nuzzle your face into my neck which I secretly love. You're not quite walking on your own yet, but you get around pretty well with support. It's impressive to watch you walk around furniture because you're always on your tippiest of tippy toes. Every second I turn my back, you're racing up the stairs. You've started to get a little sass, and you're more clingy. Very recently, you tend to get a little fussy if you're not in my arms. You're not licking as much anymore, but you still put everything in your mouth. We can't put you down in the grass without finding a leaf, a twig, or a handful of grass in your mouth within seconds. When you hear upbeat music, you get a big smile and start to bounce on your bum. Your dad sneaks into your room almost every night and snaps a cell picture of you while you're sleeping because he doesn't get to see nearly enough of you during the day and you're just so sweet and peaceful.

We just adore you and every single thing about you. My heart hurts a little that you're no longer my little baby and suddenly a toddler, but it's also so fun to see your little personality develop. 

We just can't wait to see where your those sweet baby toes go.

Scout was very dainty and controlled with her "Cake Smash". Part of me wanted her to dive in face first and part of me was relieved that she wasn't really interested. (By the way, that big chunk that's missing from the cake? That was Dad.)

My first two-layer cake! :) Not perfect, but I was still pretty proud of myself

Taking a moment of reverent silence for the twelve months passed.

12 months

We made it! It took a bit of work orchestrating these monthly shots, but now I can finally say it was totally worth it! I just love seeing how much she's changed. As parents, of course, we've always been biased about her cuteness factor, but I swear she just keeps getting cuter!

I do have to apologize now though to our subsequent children who will most likely...no, most definitely, not have as many pictures. Sorry, just one of the perks of being the first.

You can see this pretty clearly in her twelve month collage below, but Scout has definitely gone from short and chubby to long and lean. Apparently, we're going to have to start feeding her cheeseburgers. Check out her measurements from her 12-mo wellness visit in comparison to her 9-mo visit below. At 3-months, she was 70% in weight and 10% in height. :)

AT HER 12-MO APPOINTMENT: 

Weight: 18lbs 5oz (30%)

Height: 29 ½" (70%)

Head Circumference: 43.25  (15-20%)

AT HER 9-MO APPOINTMENT:   

Weight: 18lbs 10oz (65%)

Height: 27 ½" (50%)

Head Circumference: 42 ½ (25%)

First set - Months 1 thru 12

Second set.
Because I'm indecisive.

11 Months

Your first word was "mama". You actually started saying it a couple of months ago. Your dad's not entirely convinced you know what you're saying, but he's just silly and jealous.

You still lick things...mostly cool things like the wood floor, chrome, leather, porcelain (yes, porcelain. ie. toilets). You're still very happy and easy going. You can also be mischievous. We have to keep a close eye on you because we never know what you might be putting in your mouth or getting into. As soon as we open a door to a room that's off-limits (ie. pantry or bathroom), you immediately come crawling full speed to try and weasel your way in. You find great joy in biting your dad's finger and watching him squirm.

We had a few sad nights when you woke up hysterically crying and there was nothing we could do to calm you. This was strange because you've been a 12+ hour sleeper for several months now. After doing some browsing, we think it may have been night terrors...which is so hard because you get so upset and we feel so helpless. Fortunately, it only lasted 3 nights.

You love your baths, you love to play, and you seem happiest when we're out in the fresh air on our lovely walks.

You love sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, rice, greek yogurt, and Gerber cookies. You like bananas, whole wheat bread, turkey, cheese, and pureed apples & pears.

You can pull yourself up and stand when you have support. You can clap, wave, give wet kisses, and you're working on your high fives/hand hugs.

Lots of things make you laugh - peek-a-boo, tickles, raspberries, being tossed in the air, nuzzles, funny noises & sometimes absolutely nothing at all. (Listen to sound bite below)

Holy moly, those eyes.

This expression is sort of fantastic.
Now that the weather is cooler, you get to wear your fleece footies,
and you're even more snugly than usual! I think we'll just wear these everyday until spring.

Beware: this picture is not for the faint of heart. 99% sure that that is a bug's leg on her tongue. Protein?

Scout's new thing: She randomly breaks out in this great laugh/cackle.
It's hilarious. Listen to sample below.

10 Months

I'm not sure how we've arrived at 10 months, but this parenthood stuff is pretty rad.

Scout is definitely still living up to her nickname, "Scouterific"! She's so much fun and so happy. She's not walking yet, but we're ok with that. She's an army crawling machine though, and she's pretty darn fast when she wants to be. She's always pointing her toes which is absolutely adorable but could pose a problem for the whole standing/walking thing. I'm starting to think she might just do a pirouette before she takes her first step.

P.S. If you haven't noticed, we're digging the whole Rosie the riveter headband thing these days. :)

9 Months

NINE months, really?? 

She's definitely cruising these days with her cute little dead leg army crawl. Still not very interested in solids, but she's slowly warming to the idea. She loves to "talk" and read/chew books. 

Mostly, she loves to brighten everyone's day with her adorable smile.

AT HER 9-MO APPOINTMENT: 

Weight: 18lbs 10oz (65%)

Height: 27 ½" (50%)

Head Circumference: 42 ½ (25%)

Likes (sort of): carrots, peas, squash, apple sauce, pears, bananas, cereal

Dislikes: pureed meats & anything the least bit tart (raspberries, strawberries, grapes, peaches)

Video evidence of Scout's dislike for raspberries. The funniest reaction EVER.

Been Busy

Nelson Reunion | Scottsdale, Arizona

"And now for a dramatic fall." - Paige

Talent Show

Kickball

Mary's birthday Celebration

Organ Stop Pizza.

Girl's Day! (Pei Wei & Pedicures)

Amy's pretty pedi

The whole lot of us (we just used my camera on a timer)

The grandkid shot - always a classic. :)

The McDonalds

The Makechnies

Lovely cousins

Beautiful Amy...soon to be famous author. :)

Pie eating contest! (Nelson & Drew)

Minute-to-Win-it game, "Chocolate Unicorn" (Ava & Paige)

"Junk in the Trunk" (Gregor and Eric) Is it just me or is this hilarious??

Poor Gregor got so into it that he hurt his back.

Nelson & Steven were good sports and let Amy and Allison throw cocoa puffs at their whipped creamed faces (note to self: next time use shaving cream; the whipped cream melts right off)

Nelson getting hosed down by his loving mama.

 

Claire's helping Dad with his push-ups.

And then rewarding him with snuggles.

Sweet Charlotte in her blessing dress.

Girls Camp 2013 | Sagehen Reservoir 

Honn Reunion/Camp-out at Swinging Bridge