Ten months...

Olivia, you are ten months old. You are growing so fast, I can't even believe it!

In the last month, you started walking! I wasn't ready for you to walk so early, but you have some big brothers that you want to keep up with so I guess you didn't want to wait.

You are incredibly curious, and we're having to find creative ways to keep you safe, such as putting the trash can up high so you can't dig in it. You also want to climb in the dishwasher and play with food in the refrigerator.

You're starting to eat a few solid foods. You enjoyed a few small chunks of pizza recently and you like kidney beans, too. However, you still prefer mostly purees, especially pears. But a new favorite is yogurt - it took trying it a few times before you liked it, but now you love it.

You had your first nasty illness that you're still fighting. For the last few days, you've had a fever that just wouldn't go away. We took you to the doctor a couple of days ago and it turns out you had blisters in your mouth, indicating you have a virus called herpangina. Yesterday, you woke up fever-free and have stayed that way since, but you are definitely still in pain. You're also cutting at least 4 teeth that I can see, so your poor mouth is in a lot of pain right now.

At your doctor's appointment, you weighed 21 lbs and measured 29 inches. You still wear size 4 diapers and 12-18 month clothes.

Most of the time, you are a happy, easy-going girl. You're sleeping better these days (except for the last few days while you've been sick). You're still very much a mama's girl, but you're getting more comfortable with other people. Daddy and your brothers make you giggle like no other, and you also love Dawn at daycare.

You recently outgrew your infant car seat so you are now in a convertible car seat (still rear facing). You love riding in the car, and fall asleep while riding to and from daycare often. When you're not sleeping in the car, you're giggling at your brothers who make silly faces at you the whole time.

Livvy, I can't even put into words how much joy you to bring to our hearts. You are so much fun to be around and the sweetest little nugget. We all love to kiss you, hug you, and munch your chubby cheeks. Oh, and tickle you - your laugh is the best!

Happy ten months, my baby. I love you to the moon and back.

Love,
Mom

Alden is FOUR

Dear Alden,

This week, you turned four years old. It’s amazing to me how four years can go by in a blink, and yet at the same time, I can’t remember what life was like before you.

Alden, my sweet middlest baby (Yes, I said baby. You will forever be my baby.), you are at such a fun and difficult stage right now. You say the cutest things and you love to hug and snuggle, and when you’re happy, your face lights up the gloomiest day. But when you’re sad or angry, you are very difficult to parent (though some of your pouty faces are hilarious so we still get some giggles at your expense).

You have such a wonderful excitement for life and you turn everything into a game. You have a very caring and sensitive heart. You tell me you love me randomly while we're driving in the car and you run to me with wide open arms when I pick you up from your classroom every day. I know that won't last forever, so I am savoring it now.

You started preschool this year and you absolutely love it. You are excited every day to go, you love your teacher, and you have made some great friends already.

Things you love:

• food (snacks, not actual meals)
• your siblings - man, you adore them, but you also irritate them
• trucks, cars, anything that “goes”
• Legos, magna tiles
• school
• singing in the car
• Puppy Dog Pals on Disney Jr
• mac and cheese

Things you don’t like:

• vegetables
• me telling you “no”
• wearing socks
• eating actual meals - you wish you could just eat snacks

Alden, you are so much fun these days - except when you're grumpy. ;) I love every minute that I get to spend with you. I love you with my whole heart, and I am so thankful to be your mama. Happy Birthday, sweet boy! I love you more than all the stars in the sky.

Love,

Mama