Growin' like a Weed: Taylor - 11 months

Height: 27.5in

Weight:  18lbs (according to my scale at home)

Likes: Eating, waving, smiling and dancing! She's a precious child who truly lights up a room!  She's very curious, and touches EVERYTHING!  She's pretty good at standing independently, but hasn't really ventured into taking any steps yet.  She likes to cruise on furniture and climb on everything! She's still a Momma's girl. And she really loves anything soft, shiny, or electronic (phone, key fob, remote).

Dislikes: Hmmm... when I'm not holding her, diaper changes, putting on clothes and carseat.  Man! We're cycling back to some older things she used to not like! Lil turkey! haha She also doesn't like wearing socks or shoes.  Child rips them off her feet within seconds! Good thing we've had a warm Fall.  Ohhh she HATES getting her nails clipped or filed.  Sorry neighbors for the blood curdling screams :/

Sleeping: Not much change here. She wakes up and starts the day around 6:30-7, awake for 2.5 to 3 hours then naps (1-2 hrs), awake for 3 hours, another nap, awake until bedtime (7:30-8ish). She's still not sleeping through the night, but I don't really care.  I think her morning nap is getting shorter, so I've got to re-evaluate that.  It's SOOOOOOOOO nice having them take their afternoon nap at the same time (can I get an AMEN). I put a little pillow in her bed, which she seems to love. Taylor reaches for her giraffe, "Icy" the sea otter, or "sweet teddy" when she wakes up.  It's cute!

Eating: We're doing REALLY good here! I nurse her 3-4 times during the day and once at night.  She eats 3 meals a day with us, yes, whatever we eat, she eats.  I "Momma Bird" i.e. pre-chew food for her off of my plate and she hovers it!  She snacks on whatever me and B are eating and she doesn't seem to have any allergies or strong aversions to much!  She is getting decent at drinking water from a straw-ish water bottle, but dribbles quite a bit. Way to go chick! I thought you'd be solely nursing forever!

Playing: EVERYTHING.GOES.IN.HER.MOUTH.STILL  So she doesn't really "play" she just licks or "noms" on things, as we affectionately call it. She likes climbing up on the fisher price chair and table we have in the back room by the window a lot.  Our neighbors "Outhouse Peekaboo" Santa is a favorite of hers, as well as our new trampoline!  Brooke REALLY loves it, except for when I make her get off of it when she's "seat dropped" sister. Taylor still loves petting animals.  Recently, we played with a big pile of buttons (yes, we closely supervised her, and no, she didn't eat any).  Taylor was a wild woman pushing them all around and scattering them on the hardwood floors!

Big Sister: Can be the sweetest thing in the world one second.  And then the most devious hellion you've ever met the next! I guess that's just being 3?  She still acts out in jealousy and pushes her sister down, or snatches toys, but all in all, I feel like she's getting better.  Brooke says some of the cutest things and she amazes me with the little things she picks up on.  Her memory is INSANE! She can recall events, VIVIDLY from MONTHS ago!  I love snuggling with her at bedtime and feeling like we're best friends just chatting away.  It breaks my heart to discipline her, but she's stubborn just like me and we're near about sick and tired of the fussing, wining and "wishy washy" attitude.  Brooke still loves to squeeze Taylor and hug her too long and too tight. I can't wait to see their friendship flourish as they grow! Thank you Lord for our sweet girls! 

Growin' Like a Weed: Taylor - 10 Months

Height: 27in

Weight:  16lbs (according to my scale at home)

Likes: Mommy, Ms. Marsha and Aunt Effie! haha No offense Daddy, but for some reason, Taylor is particularly happy when these ladies are in her presence and could seemingly care less if I'm in the room! Hmmm this month we have caught ourselves, on numerous occasions saying "wow! Taylor is really growing up fast!"  Most days she's a go with the flow kinda gal.  Given she does have her fussy episodes every now and then, but she never misses an opportunity to flash her smile or give a friendly wave to a stranger! Taylor also seems to really like loud music.  Specifically weddings with a live band and praise and worship at my sister's church! 

Dislikes: This is getting harder and harder (praise the Lord!) to write! Like I said above, she's pretty awesome! There are times at which she'd much rather be held than down on the floor playing or eating something that she shouldn't, but she gets over it, or gets distracted, or I give in and hold her! haha She's learned to sleep in the car!  Many a prayer was said over our 6 hour drive to Georgia and chick was a champ! And I would still stay she prefers not to be in a stroller, shopping cart, or car seat most days. 

Sleeping: Wakes up and starts the day around 6:30-7, awake for 2.5 to 3 hours then naps (1-2 hrs), awake for 3 hours, another nap, awake until bedtime (7:30-8ish). She's still not sleeping through the night, but I don't really care.  I think her morning nap is getting shorter, so I've got to re-evaluate that.  It's SOOOOOOOOO nice having them take their afternoon nap at the same time (can I get an AMEN). She's a funny girl when it comes to snuggling though.  She wants to be held, awkwardly upright on your torso, with her hand tugging at/reaching up your shirt sleeve. And chick gets TICKED if you have on a tight shirt that she can't easily grab at!

Eating: Still going strong nursing.  She'll eat the occasional bite or two of whatever we're eating at meal times and she's a beast at using her pointer finger and thumb to pick up cheerios, peas, carrots and puffs (but really not getting enough to make her full and drop a feeding).  Wait for it... SHE NOW HAS 2 TEETH!  haha not that that helps in any way, shape or form, but she looks so dagum adorable!  She's CONSTANTLY grabbing at my plate (remember before, chick sits on MY LAP, not her high chair to eat) and I am pretty much covered with food at.all.times.  Ice cream and smoothies still seem to be her favorite.  She's not a fan of baby food.  I momma bird her a lot (aka chew up food and give it to her, or break it into super tiny pieces) and give it to her to eat by shoving it in her mouth! I keep trying to sit her in her high chair more, but most meals, she ends up right back in my lap.

Playing: EVERYTHING.GOES.IN.HER.MOUTH.STILL  So she doesn't really "play" she just licks or "noms" on things, as we affectionately call it. She's cautiously "cruising" now, taking a step or two and is almost standing on her own.  She lets go a lot or squats and stands really well.  I feel like it's going to be a quick, and out of the blue thing like ... WHOA, Taylor is walking!?  She likes animals, especially the cats at the pet store or our neighbors super friendly tabby cat.  She's always getting into something, and I'm pretty much OK with it.  I mean, I'm not going to let her crawl around the floor of a restaurant or Walmart, but church, the park, the grass, etc. she's free to roam. 

Big Sister: Wow.  This is tough.  Like seriously I struggle EACH AND EVERY DAY trying to wrap my brain around her.  Ok, for 2 years, you were the only one.  We doted on you and took care of you, and now you have to share our attention.  Brooke acts out in what we see as jealously all day, everyday.  Okay, yes, I'm exaggerating but it's a lot.  Trying to figure out and appropriate discipline technique that will teach her and transform her heart is pretty dang challenging.  And each day is different. Some days she LOVES Taylor and loves playing and is so much fun, the next... Lord help me, I'm about to send her packin'! Brooke is officially 3 now and as sweet as can be.  She is my child. And that's an amazing thing! Praise God for my first born, who in my eyes, will always be my baby! 

Growin' Like a Weed: Taylor - 9 Months

Height: 27in

Weight:  18lbs 3oz

Likes: Mommy, being held, music, chewing on EVERYTHING (especially things she shouldn't have... my keys, leaves, water bottles, grass, shoes, etc.)  Taylor LOVES smiling and seems to really enjoy her new found mobility! She's really good at crawling now and enjoys pulling up on everything!  She's not trying to cruise yet, but we know it will be soon. Taylor likes to be outside and really loves taking naps, haha by that I mean I have to wake her up from 75% of her daytime naps.  Praise God for a good sleeper! 

Dislikes: DIAPER CHANGES.  Poor thing has pooped every diaper for the last 2 weeks and her lil  big booty is raw.  She still HATES putting on clothes and HATES Mommy putting her down when she doesn't want to be independent.  Car rides longer than 20-30 minutes are still torture and sitting in her high chair, or a stroller is normally short lived.  I don't like that she doesn't like her high chair... I hold her or sit with her on the floor for most meals.  

Sleeping: Wakes up and starts the day around 6:30-7, awake for 2.5 to 3 hours then naps (1-2 hrs), awake for 3 hours, another nap, awake until bedtime (7:30-8ish).  She wakes once (anywhere from 2-4) to nurse but goes without waking some nights.   She really is a pretty good sleeper though! We're very blessed and she's so dang adorable laying there in her crib :) 

Eating: Still going strong nursing.  She'll eat the occasional bite or two of whatever we're eating at meal times and she's a beast at using her pointer finger and thumb to pick up cheerios, peas, carrots and puffs!  She's CONSTANTLY grabbing at my plate (remember before, chick sits on MY LAP, not her high chair to eat) and I am pretty much covered with food at.all.times.  Ice cream and smoothies still seem to be her favorite.  Confession: My go to restaurant is Golden Corral. It's PERFECT because she and B are free and I can put whatever in front of her, mainly from the salad bar and she can make a big ol mess while I stuff my face!  Don't judge.  Try it sometime! And the poor child still doesn't have any teeth... but at least her hair is growing! Can I get an amen! 

Playing: EVERYTHING.GOES.IN.HER.MOUTH.STILL  So she doesn't really "play" she just licks or "noms" on things, as we affectionately call it.  She she started saying Dada (first word) Mama, baba, and like a heyyy sound.  She also shakes her said when we do in a no back and forth motion. She claps and plays peek-a-boo like a BOSS!  She's pretty dang adorable, yet still quite frequently mistaken for a boy.  I'd have to say she's most active when we're playing in the "back room" and laying on the floor.  She gets courageous and crawls all over, pulls up on things, "talks" and kinda gets lost in her own little world! She's precious!

Big Sister: Is enjoying pre-school!  I don't really know much of what goes on M-W-F from 9-12 but I do know she knows the days of the week now, can count on her fingers, and has memorized a ton of songs!  We've also gotten a taste of the wrath of Brooke.  Yes ladies and gents, we're talking screaming, back talking, hitting, pulling hair, pushing, flat out disobedience and the ever-so-lovely "MOMMY. I. DON'T YOVE YOU!"  Yep, the first time it hurt, but the 30th, stings a bit less.  Praying for a way to help this sweet soul control her anger and learn to calm herself when she gets frustrated.  She loves pushing her "sissy" down, snatching toys from her, and saying "no no no Tayur" to basically anything she does.  Hold on lil momma. We're in for a wild ride with you strong willed but oh so beautiful child! 

Growin' Like a Weed: Taylor - 8 Months

Height: 

Weight:  16 lbs

Likes: Me, still. She loves Daddy, don't get me wrong. But 9 times out of 10, you'll find her in my arms or close by me.  She's having fun trying to crawl now, so you can't leave her anywhere alone, except on the floor or in her crib (I know, I know, you shouldn't LEAVE an 8 month old alone, I just saying you can't set her down any more without her trying to go somewhere!)  She likes grabbing everything (plates, food, hair, pot on the stove, nail clippers) You've gotta watch that little turkey all time!  She seems to really like high pitched noised and talking and dogs close up to her face make her laugh. Wow. That was random! Oh and bath time... she could stay in the water forever! 

Dislikes: She really doesn't like getting her clothes changed still. I can get the shirt over her head, and she's OK but then those chunky arms squeezing through the little holes and some outfits are a little snug around her thighs #thestruggleisreal #shegetsitfromhermomma  She still dislikes sitting in her high chair, or stroller or exersaucer for any length of time.  And she really doesn't like getting snapped into her carseat. Oh yes, and she HATES car rides over 20 minutes. 

Sleeping: Wakes up and starts the day around 6:30-7, awake for 2.5 to 3 hours then naps (45 mins to 2 hrs), awake for 3 hours, another nap, awake until bedtime (7:00 - 7:40 ish).  She wakes once (anywhere from 12-2) to nurse and has been hopping in bed with me after that wake up because if I put her in her crib, she plays and keeps me up.  I. NEED.SLEEP.  She really is a pretty good sleeper though.  One night she went 11.5 hours, and my boobs hurt, and leaked everywhere. It really doesn't bother me that she wakes once to nurse.  Charles snoring annoys me more! 

Eating: Still going strong nursing.  She'll eat the occasional bite or two of mashed potatoes, bananas, squash, whatever pouch Brooke has open, but she doesn't seem really interested in anything except my dang ice dream cone from chik-fil-a.  So funny! She LOVES putting her mouth all over it, and taking little licks of my morning smoothie.  I guess I should start trying her on a sippy cup and just skip bottles.  Needless to say, I don't get very far from her and I'll pretty much nurse her anywhere. But I'm not one of those whip out my boob wherever gals, T needs it quiet and still gets pretty distracted. 

Playing: EVERYTHING.GOES.IN.HER.MOUTH.  So she doesn't really "play" she just licks on things.  She's gotten really verbal and "sings"/babbles REALLY LOUDLY most of the day.  She likes to roll, and sit, stand, and scoot.  She hasn't crawled yet but she has started going from her tummy, to sitting! It's pretty awesome. Her favorite toys are probably balls or spoons.  She loves spoons.

Big Sister: STARTED PRE-SCHOOL! haha last week. And it's only 3 hours a day, 3 days a week.  She seems to really like it and we've gotten pretty positive feedback so far from her teachers.  Brooke has also started on a terrible track of not listening.  "Brooke don't take Taylor's toy..." Brooke takes toy.  "Brooke don't push Taylor over..." Brooke pushes Taylor over.  "Brooke, lets get dressed..." Brooke walks away and acts like she never heard you.  "Brooke lets finish eating..." Brooke dawdles and fusses when you tell her dinner is over. Then she cries and says "I'm HUNGRWEEEE" and is upset she didn't get a treat.  Whooooo wee. We've had some rough days. Taylor laughs when Brooke is getting in trouble ;) Sweet, sweet girls!

Growin' Like a Weed: Taylor - 7 Months

Height: 26" 

Weight:  ()

Likes: Being held/close to Mommy at all times! Man oh man she's a Momma's girl! She gives Daddy BIGGGGGGGGGGG grins but knows Momma is her safe place!  She's into TALKING, KICKING, WIGGLING and ... wait for it... ROLLING OVER now!  TAKE THAT DOCTOR!  At 6 months and 4 weeks she rolled back to tummy, then a few days later tummy to back! Can't stop her now! She's always trying to scoot on her tummy and "crawl". She's an active little bugger!   Oh yes, this has been going on for a while now, but she really likes to snuggle/cover her head when she sleeps with the corner of a soft blanket.  It's cute, but scares me! She rode in a shopping cart, at walmart for the first time, and LOVED it!

Dislikes: Diaper changes and changing clothes most days. She also doesn't like me eating. Especially dinner! She doesn't want to sit at her high chair and play or eat any thing. She's really not into food and doesn't want to play during meal time so I normally eat while holding her and end up with half of my food on the floor because of her sweet lil grabby paws.  She also doesn't like it when she's playing, and can't see me. Like realllly T.  I've gone to PEE, I promise I haven't left you forever sweet girl!  She dislikes ducks.  We have some in our neighborhood and she cries when we see them; but then she laughs at Brooke feeding them.  It's pretty funny!

Sleeping: Wakes up and starts the day around 6:30-7, awake for 2.5 to 3 hours then naps (45 mins to 2 hrs), awake for 3 hours, another nap, awake until bedtime (7:00 - 7:40 ish).  She wakes once (anywhere from 12-2) to nurse and has been hopping in bed with me after that wake up because if I put her in her crib, she plays and keeps me up.  I. NEED.SLEEP.  She really is a good sleeper though! WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY better than B was at this age!

Eating: She is a snacker. Like nurses, fussy/eyeing my boobs an hour later, nurses again, then nurses again when she wakes up from each nap. So ehhh 6-8 feedings a day. But they're like 5-8 minutes each. I've also introduced some solids, but she hasn't really been interested.  Haven't tried a bottle in months. I've stopped pumping, no point really. She likes cheerios the most, but has gagged on them 3 times and full out puked, on me. NOT FUN!

Playing: She just likes to put everything in her mouth.  Holds toys, eats them, licks them, hits them together, smiles, rolls, talks. We're on the go so much it feels like she never just gets to play.  And when she does get a toy, big sis snatches it away from her. Note to self, let Taylor "play" more this upcoming month!

Big Sister: Is really into taking things from Taylor.  Like toys, or Brooke is really possessive if Taylor is trying to touch her or her things. It's kinda annoying but I guess I can understand.  Also, Brooke seems to enjoy "holding" Taylor on her lap a lot and hugging her and kissing her.  She's not a natural "Mommy" and doesn't really care to help me with T, but that's okay.  She's still all up in her face and makes her cry; but, she's the BEST at getting Taylor to laugh. It's adorable!

Growin' Like a Weed: Taylor - 6 Months

Height: 25" (25%)

Weight: 15 lbs 13oz (50%)

Likes: Pretty much the same as her last post! haha still hasn't rolled over, still likes Mommy, still likes sitting up, etc.  We went to the beach with my hubby's family and she seemed to like the pool and didn't mind the ocean.  All in all she's WAYYYYY more adaptable than Brooke was! She still likes food, or the idea of it and tries to pull at your plate while you're eating.  She loves being held and doesn't seem to mind the car (if the music is on and if she can see Mommy).

Dislikes: Morning sleep. haha she wakes up at dang 5:30 everyday and I have  to try to get her back to sleep, which means I don't fall back asleep, which means a looooong day! Oh well! She doesn't like it when I leave the room.  Yes, separation anxiety. And she really doesn't like to keep her poop in her diaper. I swear she has 1-3 blowouts a day. I think her butt hole is angled wrong. hahaha She still hates putting on or taking off clothes,  but gets over it quickly. She doesn't like sister "palming her head" and being all up in her face. Bless!

Sleeping: Wakes up and starts the day around 6:30-7, awake for 2.5 to 3 hours then naps (1.5 to 2 hrs), awake for 3 hours, another nap, awake until bedtime (7:15-8 ish).  She wakes once (anywhere from 12-2) to nurse and then has been waking up at 5:30am to start her day, but I always get her back to sleep. She slept GREAT at the beach, in a closet with an air vent.  It was AMAZING how well she slept... 12 hours one night!

Eating: She is a snacker. Like nurses, fussy/eyeing my boobs an hour later, nurses again, then nurses again when she wakes up from each nap. So ehhh 6-8 feedings a day. But they're like 5-8 minutes each. I've also introduced some solids, but they're just to keep her occupied while we're eating. Pretty much just banana and whatever we're eating that I can mush on my finger and put in her mouth.

Playing: She likes to sit up and play with toys. The little barn, the big barn, plastic animals, wooden stacking rings, etc. Her fine motor skills and dexterity are ridiculous! She has amazing precision and control of her hands and arms.  She also is really good at sitting up and can tolerate a bouncy seat or an exersaucer for a little bit, but prefers to be in the action playing with Mommy and sister. Oh yes. And EVERYTHING goes in her mouth!

Big Sister: LOVESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Taylor. Gracious. Baby talk ALL.DAY.LONG I mean it's sweet how she always wants to touch her, squish her, kiss her, ANNOY HER. haha she's awesome and we can't wait to see their little friendship blossom! Brooke's favorite thing now is playing like she's a baby... yeah. And anytime I'm not holding Taylor, "Mommy, can you please hold me?" Gotta love em! 

Growin' Like a Weed: Taylor - 5 Months

Height: 24" (%)

Weight: 15 lbs (%)

Likes: Sitting up! She does it all day long for a really long time!  The funny thing is, she still has yet to roll over by herself.  Taylor really likes big sister talking to her and playing with her.  She also seems to like "talking" and squealing loudly.  We read a book, Baby's Hug-a-Bible before bed every night and she really enjoys looking at the pages and touching them. She also likes to be held by Mommy, alot. 

Dislikes: Hmmm.  This is tough.  It really depends on the day.  Taylor is still insanely inconsistent with the time she wakes up in the morning...  6:30 one day, 8:15 the next.  She is also very "vocal" shall we say when she doesn't want to go down for a nap or bed.  We also went to the swimming pool (crowded cold YMCA pool with loud kids and a lot of splashing) and she didn't like it at all!  She's also not a fan of dinner time because she sees us eating and wants in on the fun!  All in all, she doesn't like loud people and over stimulating atmospheres. Hey, can you blame her?

Sleeping: 3 naps a day (wake up - 2 hours awake - 45 min nap - awake 2-3 hours - 1.5 - 3 hour nap - awake for 2 hours - 45 minute nap - awake for 2 hours bed - asleep 6-7 hours - nurse - sleep 3-5 more hours)  If she won't go back to sleep at her mid day nap or after nursing, I lay her down beside me on the twin bed in her room and we snooze.  It's sweet.  I kinda love it.  

Eating: This varies.  She gets distracted REALLY easily so she's done a lot of half feedings, hungry in an hour kinda deals lately.  She also doesn't cry when she's hungry, she just gets fussy and won't let me put her down to play. haha her tell tell sign is looking at my boobs, yes. I know she wants to eat if she's constantly looking at my boobs.  She still won't take a bottle. Taylor seems to REALLY want to eat solids, but I want to wait until 6 months.  So far though she has tried peas, banana, cool ranch doritos, pork loin, watermelon, sweet potato and blueberries from our plates.  She's liked them ALL and cries when you take the food away.

Playing: Taylor still really likes her activity mat and is really good at playing with her toys and pretty much anything you put in front of her!  She giggles a lot and really likes to "sing" when there's music on.  Everything goes in her mouth (pre-teething) and she's really strong!  She enjoys tummy time, especially if she's near a mirror.  I think Taylor's favorite place to play is in the bath with big sister! Their giggles are priceless!

Big Sister: Brooke asked to hold Taylor for the first time.  Yes. It  took her 5 months to want to hold her sister (while seated) and she asks to hold her frequently.  She's soooooooooooooooo good at running over to check on Taylor if she's fussing and try to console her.  She also likes to "baby talk" goo goo ga ga high pitch crap to her, which as you can tell, I'm not a fan of.  haha Brooke also likes to squeeze Taylor's chub and say squishy squishy and pretty much laugh and talk to "Tayur" all day long!  Brooke is a great big sister and is happy on Taylor's fussy day, because she gets to watch more TV/movies.