Brigitte at 1 year

Our sweet, happy baby Brigitte will soon turn a whole year old… which makes me sad and happy at the same time. I don’t know where the time goes, but here we are again- she’s just learning and growing so much. She’s the happiest baby I know, always smiling and content. I can see part of her little personality coming through already- she’s mellow and patient, sweet and kind. She’s the perfect fit into our little family. I just love my Bridgie baby.

Here are a few facts and milestones about Brigitte at 1 year:

- Loves to splash around during bathtime with big sis

- Has started to eat solid food, like crackers, soft fruits and pasta

- Plays peek-a-boo with us

- Still doesn’t sleep through the night…

- Still nursing, but bites mommy a lot!

- Has 6 teeth- 4 on top, 2 on bottom (maybe 2 more bottoms on their way)

- Her hair is still light blonde

- Her eyes are a brilliant dark blue (another lucky girl!)

- Loves to share- hands us things and makes a game out of it

- Blows raspberries a lot

- Happily rides in the cart at stores and sits in highchairs at restaurants

- Loves to make a mess of goldfish crackers

- Throws stuff from her high chair…

- Her cheeks are still a little chubby :)

- Wears 9m/12m size clothes

- Crawls around really fast chasing after sister

- Says “hi!” and what sounds like “this?” when she hands us things

- Obsessed with tv remotes, iphone

- Has super sharp nails and often scratches herself :(

- Says “da” and “ma” a lot

- Pulls at the cats’ fur and tries to eat it…

- Naps just once a day, sometimes two if she’s really tired

- Likes to try to brush her own hair

- Signs for “milk” and “more”

- Started walking 2 weeks before 1^st birthday- she took those precious first steps while I was away at work. I cried :(

Natalie at 2.5 years

Our big girl is now two and a half years old! It’s hard to believe. In the last few months, her language and skills have sharpened so much. She’s certainly very assertive and confident, often telling everyone what to do... but at the same time, she’s very loving and eager to help others. She adores her baby sister (“Boojie” as she often calls her) and loves to help, whether it’s giving baby her paci or helping me stir a batch of cookies. She is really becoming a big kid fast!

Here are a few facts and milestones about Natalie at 2.5years:

- She talks a lot more and more clearly, but still can’t make out everything she says

- Fully potty trained!

- Says “pappies” for panties

- Loves to drink “coco mik” in the morning with a pink straw

- Often drinks from big girl cups and doesn’t spill much anymore!

- Doesn’t nap much anymore, just plays in her room during naptime

- Can become very cranky in the evening…

- Transitioned very well to her new room at our new house in Walnut Creek

- Insists on wearing tutus nearly all the time

- Had a perfect check-up at the dentist! And even sat still long enough for the full cleaning

- Often asks for a “surprise”- usually a cookie or treat of some kind

- Favorite foods- fruit snacks, yogurt, applesauce, cookies

- No more paci! :)

- Hates time out, but it really works for her when necessary

- Likes to ride in the big part of the cart at the store

- Absolutely loves to ride the train at the Oakland Zoo (thank goodness for that season pass!)

- Outgrowing some of her smaller 2T size clothes

- Wears a 7/8 size shoe

- Refuses to wear pants to bed

- Has started to wear hair half up, in addition to one or two “ponies”

- Still a daddy’s girl- if daddy’s available, she usually doesn’t want me :(

- Loves to watch movies, especially Cars, Disney Princess sing-a-long and Sofia the First

- Still enjoys watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins

- Brings a “friend” with her nearly everywhere- usually baby doll, Little People bus, Minnie or Daisy

- Doesn’t sit at the table very well when we’re eating together- she can get very distracted

- Loves to dance and sing

- Common sayings-  “No, you/baby want…”, “No! I do it! I big girl!”, “Daddy a big girl!” “Silly baby!”, “One more ---, then all done, kay!”, “I help you!”