4 Months

Happy 4 month birthday to our sweet, sweet baby girl. It is such a joy to have Macey in our lives. She fills our days with lots of smiles, snuggles, and sweet Macey sounds. Macey celebrated her 4 month birthday with Papa and Grandma Carol who decided to come over for a visit, since 2 weeks is too long to go without seeing the grandkids. Micah was able to enjoy some park time with Papa, while Macey, my mom and I did some yard work at our 328 house. We grilled out and also went a walk in the beautiful weather before winter reared its head one last time this past week. Macey unfortunately had to get a few shots the day after her birthday.

Here's what our sweet girl has been up to over the past month -

• Stats - I thought our little girl was packing on some pounds, until starting daycare and being surrounded by a lot of cute, chunky friends. She now seems long and lean and her stats certainly support it. Macey topped the scales at 12# 13 ounces (25%), height 25 1/2 inches (90%), and head circumference 16" (50%) at her 4 month appointment.

• Wearing 3-6 month clothing, although daddy still tries to sneak some newborn clothing on her when given the opportunity. Kyle seems to gravitate towards this purple sweatsuit, which she has well outgrown. It's turned more into a summer capri outfit! She's wearing size 1 diapers, but is soon to outgrow them.

• Eating - Macey loves her bottles. She eats about 4-5 ounces every 3 hours. She hates when the bottle is finished or when she needs to take a burp break, and will scream like we're trying to starve her. I'm still pumping or breast feeding 4-5 times/day. At daycare, she generally gets formula though. I'm thankful to have made it 4 months of pumping, as that's when I stopped with Micah. I've actually even managed to freeze some milk which is a big accomplishment for me. A few people, including Kyle have asked me how much longer I plan to pump, and my next goal is 6 months. We have no plans to start solids anytime soon.

• Sleeping - Macey continues to sleep in a bassinet in our bedroom. My goal this month is to transition her into her crib, as she's starting to outgrow her bassinet. She continues to use a sleep sack. She generally goes to sleep around 10:00 and wakes up between 7-8:00.

• She's been playing with her feet a lot and rolling side to side. When on her stomach, she's clsose to rolling over to her back. Head control is awesome and she bears weight through her legs in standing. She loves her bouncer. She's clasping her hands together and bringing them to her mouth. She also is starting to assist with holding her bottles.

• She is super smiley. Kyle and I joke that she easily becomes embarrassed, as she will turn her head and burry it into your shirt or put her fist in her mouth if you smile at her too long.

• Health - over the past week Macey has been projectile vomiting approximately 45 minutes after  eating. Her pediatrician does not feel that it's related to acid reflux, as she's generally a happy baby, even while vomiting. I'm hoping that it's just a bug, as my washing machine and dryer have been getting a lot of use this week. Macey has also been out of daycare, and Kyle and I are juggling our work schedules to avoid having to take PTO.

• Likes - snuggling, being talked to, stroller rides, faces, eating, and watching Micah or her friends at daycare.

• Dislikes - being tired, hungry, or having a dirty diaper. Being placed in her car seat or put down when she wants to snuggle.

Maternity Leave Reflections

As my maternity leave is quickly drawing to an end, I have been reflecting back on the past 14 weeks of being home. How did time go by so quickly? What happened to my plans of unpacking our new house, finishing Micah's baby book, starting Macey's baby book, and blogging more often?  Although I didn't accomplish all of my to-do list projects, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Macey and spending more time with Micah too. In addition to a lot of snuggles and playtime here is a picture heavy post with what we've been up to over the past few months.

MD visits : ( The first week of my maternity leave was a little (or a lot) stressful, as Macey was jaundiced. This picture shows and reminds me just how yellow she was. We had to make daily trips to the hospital to have her bilirubin levels checked. She had to have multiple blood draws out of her poor little foot. Fortunately, her bilirubin levels dropped on their own and she didn't need to be put under lights.

A MUCH appreciated visit from one of my best friends, Jackie! After dealing with a jaundiced Macey, a sick Micah, Kyle's busy work week schedule and a very cold week, she will never know how much I appreciated the good conversation and yummy lunch that she brought that day.

Lots of cuddles - I love how much Micah loves his little sister!

It was certainly a cold winter/spring maternity leave - no two-a-day walks like I did on Micah's maternity leave. BUT, this little guy loves wearing his puppy hat so much that he frequently asks to wear it in the house and at daycare.

Micah's 2nd Birthday which included a trip to Bounce World and a Pizza party at Mr Pizza

Micah and I took a Kindermusik class with Miss Linda in Rochester every Monday for 4 weeks. Micah seemed to enjoy it. We'd usually hit up the mall playground and food court after class with Grandma Carol.

Loving the extra space in our finished basement

A day trip to the cities to meet baby Gus and see my best college girlfriends

Celebrating Papa Jim's birthday at the end of February

Another trip to Bounce World - this time with good pal, Harrison

New double BOB stroller. Over the past few weeks, we've been able to enjoy several walks and I even got a run in yesterday in the beautiful 50 degree weather.

A fun Sunday afternoon visit from cousins Andie and John while they were back in Minnesota on spring break.

Another wonderful visit with Jackie and her family. The kids had a blast playing together and we enjoyed Ryan and Jackie's company.

Another attempt at a group picture. Haha, Oliver and Micah refuse to smile for pictures together. I think that we're 1:20 in pictures where we've gotten both boys to smile at the same time...

These pictures truly reiterate how great the past 14 weeks have been. Tomorrow a new normal begins. I  like my job and my co-workers, but I love being a mom to these 2 terrific kiddos. Fortunately, Kyle is off tomorrow, so the transition back won't be as difficult. Macey starts daycare on Thursday. We have an upcoming trip to the Dells with our good friends the Kelleys to look forward to this weekend. For the rest of the day, I'm going to enjoy a lot of snuggles with my little girl, a walk in what's reported to be last day of spring weather before winter returns, and one last day in my yoga pants!

3 Months

The past 3 months have literally flown by. I say that with some sadness, because in 1 week from now, I will be back at work and Macey will be getting ready to start daycare. I am so fortunate to have enjoyed 14 precious weeks home with my baby girl, as I've watched her physically transform and her little personality evolve.

The Superficial - Over the past few weeks, Macey has filled out. I love it! She now has a few chins and her long lanky legs now have little rolls on her thighs. We don't go back to the MD for another month, but I anticipate that she's put on a few pounds over the last month. She's mostly wearing 3-6 month clothing, but still is able to squeeze into some 0-3 month clothing. She wears size 1 diapers. She continues to be tall, and have long feet. She will only keep on about two of the pairs of socks in her wardrobe, and kicks the rest off. Her eyes remain blue and she's starting to get a little more hair. It's hard to tell, but I think it's going to be straight, unlike big brother's adorable curls.

Eating - Macey loves to eat, and it is apparent given her healthy appearance. It seems that she's recently been going through a growth spurt as she has been taking a 5 ounce bottle every 3 hours like clockwork throughout the day. She loves her formula, and I think that I finally have found a good match - Earth's Best Organic. Unfortunately, I can only get it at Babies R Us, which means going to Rochester almost on a weekly basis solely for her formula. I'm still pumping 5x/day and nursing too. Most bottles consist of a combination of breast milk and formula and are tolerated well.

Sleeping - Macey continues to be on a good sleeping stretch. She's been sleeping through the night since she was about 5 weeks old. We love it! She sleeps in her Halo Sleep sack. Over the past month she's transitioned out of her "Rock and Play" into a bassinet. She still sleeps in our bedroom, right next to our bed. Her bedtime has been getting earlier and earlier. Currently, she falls asleep around 10:00 and will sleep until Micah wakes her up in the morning. While she sleeps great at night, she's not much of a napper during the day. I may get her to sleep 30 minutes at a time. Sometimes I will get her to sleep longer, and that's usually when she's fallen asleep in her car seat.

Personality - Macey loves to interact with us. She loves it when we talk to her or sing to her and will smile or do a high pitched squeal back. Kyle and I joke around that she's our little opera singer. She often wants to be held and will cry when put in her bouncy chair or rock and play. When tired, she wants to be held. She does not like to be hungry, nor burped midway through her bottle. She will scream like we're starving her when this occurs.

Development - Macey has been working on her abdominal strength lately. She's been doing a lot of kicking and lifting her legs and head at the same time. I'm jealous at her abdominal muscle strength. She brings her hands up to her mouth, and frequently chews on them when she's hungry or tired. I honestly have been terrible with tummy time, but she has great neck strength as she shows great head control when sitting up. She been doing a lot of cooing and working on her vowel sounds. She also bears weight through her legs. Kyle and I have been meaning to get her bouncer and her johnny jump-up out.

Health - Macey continues to be healthy - thank you Lord! She had another touch of a cold, but it hasn't affected her much. I will admit that one of my biggest fears about sending her to daycare is knowing that she will probably get sick, as she's exposed to a whole new selection of germs.

26 months

Happy toddler golden birthday Micah. Whippy turned 26 months today, March 26th and continues to fill us with a lot of laughter and happiness on a daily basis.

1) Big kiddo - Micah is now down to going to the MD on a yearly basis for regular check ups, which is good for both him and the MD. His 2 year appointment was a struggle. Nonetheless, his weight and height checks are now done at home. A few days ago he topped off the scale at 36#.

2) Growth spurt - Micah is starting to transition into 3T and even some 4T clothing. He's currently wearing a toddler size 8 shoe, but those are getting a little snug on him. We have an upcoming trip to the Dells in the next few weekends, and I'm looking forward to hitting up Nike outlet for some bigger shoes.

3) Good eater - Kyle and I frequently comment how we are thankful for Micah's willingness to eat a variety of foods. He essentially eats what we eat for supper. It's rare that we have to warm up left overs or make a PB&J for him

4) Has a sweet tooth. Recently it's been splitting an ice cream sandwich with me after supper.

5) Loves fruit which is great to see. Last summer, he avoided strawberries whereas recently he can't get enough of them. Sam's Club has great and reasonable fruit which is nice since we've been going through a lot of it lately.

6) Daycare drop off were going great until this past week. For whatever reason, he's been crying at drop off time.

7) At pick up time, he is often resistant to coming home.

8) Very young love! Micah has a little girlfriend, Heidi. Those two can often be found together playing in the play kitchen at daycare or in a set of tunnels. A few weeks ago, at daycare pick up, we received a report that Micah and Heidi were caught kissing. Kyle and I are in for trouble!!

9) Learning anatomy - knows his "clavicles, scapula, patella and femur" Papa Jim is so proud!

10) Potty!!! Over the past week Micah has used to big boy twice. I'm not sure if it's a fluke or not, but both times happened right before he got a bath, and the bath water was running. Nonetheless, I was incredibly excited. He received a matchbox truck each time for producing about a 5 second stream of pee. There are 13 more individually wrapped matchbox cars on the top of our refrigerator for our continued potty training endeavors.

11) Speaking of bath - he now loves his bath thanks to his Elmo bubbles

12) "I do it myself" is said multiple times around our house each day.

13) Gets mad if Kyle and I try to assist him into or out of his car seat. If we even touch him during the process, he has to start over and make sure that he completes the task without our help.

14) Loves his "Micah music". It's a kids CD made up of songs like the "Muffin Man", "If you're Happy and you Know it", "The Grand Old Duke of York", etc. Micah requests it every time that we get in the car. We have heard the CD 100's of times, but Micah does not get sick of it. Kyle and I both agree that we need to expand our selection of "Micah music".

15) Loves to sing, especially songs from the above CD

16) Favorite toys continue to be his Matchbox trucks, monster trucks, or anything that really moves.

17) Since Kyle and I just spent a descent amount of money on a double stroller, Micah has now decided that he likes to walk when we go out for walks. We let him walk a few blocks, but he's still learning to stay by the side of the road.

18) Likes to play outside with Kyle, which usually ends with Micah sitting in Kyle's boat in our garage.

19) For the most part, he's a great sleeper. He goes down quickly at night, after his night time routine of bath, teeth brushing, a pacifier, stories, and lastly his fan and music turned on. He may wake up a few times during the night, but falls back to sleep relatively well. Recently, he's been sleeping in until 7:00-8:00. We'll take it!

20) Does not like to be told "no". What kid does?!!

21) Tantrums, hitting, kicking, throwing are still present, but they seem to be reducing in frequency. Time outs seem to work best for punishing Micah. Recently, Micah has become more aware of why he is being placed in timeout, and is able to repeat back to me what he did wrong once finished with his time out.

22) Compassionate - I love this quality about Micah. He hates to see us upset or sad and will give hugs if he feels that those emotions are present.

23) A good big brother - Micah loves his little sister, and has shown no jealousy towards her. He frequently asks to hold her. He will put her pacifier in when it falls out and will try to rock her bouncy chair or "Rock and Play". Sometimes he needs reminders to be gentle, as he'll try to put all of his body weight on her when hugging her.

24) Talking in full sentences all the time. I love his voice and to hear what thought processes are occurring in his little mind.

25) Asks questions such as "who" or "what's that" all the time. A few days ago, he was looking at one of my People magazines, when he turned to me pointed to a Calvin Klein advertisement and said "who's that cute guy?". Shortly after he said "that's Mommy and Daddy". Not so much, but it certainly made me smile.

26) Going brown - Micah still has his adorable curls, but his hair is starting to darken a bit. I think it will bleach out during the summers when he's out in the sun, but I eventually think that his hair will turn brown.

Enjoying an ice cream sandwich to celebrate his "golden" toddler birthday

Happy 2 Month Macey

Our baby girl turned 2 months old almost 2 weeks ago. She has changed so much over the past 2 months, and I wish that time would slow down. I've thoroughly enjoyed the past 2 months at home with her, and while I love my job, it's going to be difficult to return to it in 1 month. Nonetheless, here's what Macey has been up to in February.

Superficial - We have a growing girl, literally! At 2 months old, I feel like she's starting to outgrow some of her 0-3 month clothing, which makes me a little (or a lot) sad. I have a tote in her bedroom to begin packing up some of her clothes, but I'm resistant to filling it just yet. She has so many cute clothes that I want to maximize her wear time in all of her 0-3 month clothing. At last week's MD appointment, Macey weighted 10# 2 ounces (50%), is 24" long (97%) and her head circumference is 15" (50%). She still has blue eyes, and I'm still unsure if they will stay that way - time will tell. She's sporting her baby mullet, as she's lost the hair on the top of her head, while the back of it continues to grow. Right now, it's my color, and I anticipate that it will stay dark. She has beautiful lips and long fingers.

Eating - Macey loves her food! I've decreased my breastfeeding sessions down to 2 times/day, in the morning and in the evening. I did this because it was taking Macey sometimes up to an hour to breastfeed. At 4-5 feedings a day, I was spending almost 50% of my day feeding her. With an active 2 year old, sitting for an hour is not always possible. I'm still pumping, and she receives that in combination with formula in her bottles. She's drinking 4-5 ounces, 3-4 times per day.

Sleeping - Macey is an awesome sleeper! We couldn't be more thrilled!! It's been well over a month since she woke up in the middle of the night to eat. I know that it won't be long before she starts teething or gets sick, or simply goes through a growth spurt and is up in the middle of the night, but we will take as many full nights of sleep as we can get. Last night, she slept from 11 until 8:30 AM. She's slow to wake up in the morning too - like her daddy! She continues to sleep in a swaddle sack in her rock and play. She does not nap much during the day - maybe an hour in the morning and 20 minute cat naps in the afternoon. I've been putting her in her crib for naps, and she's tolerating it well so far. I'm still not ready to transition her to her crib during the night quite yet.

Personality - At this age, Macey seems more laid back than her brother. She can be content with just sitting and watching you. Of course, she willing accepts being held and cuddled. She loves her bottles and becomes angry when they run out or her feeding time becomes abruptly interrupted by a burp break. When falling asleep, she prefers to be held. She seems to enjoy interacting with Kyle and myself as she easily coos, smiles and "talks" to us.

Development - Macey continues to work on tummy time here and there - usually while laying on my chest! Her head control is improving. Her eye contact is also improving. She's beginning to show interest in her feet, although is not playing with them quite yet. Over the past few weeks, she's been blowing a lot of "raspberries".

Health - Macey caught cold #2! Yes, big brother Micah had something to do with that. Fortunately, cold #2 was shorter lived than cold #1. She otherwise has been really healthy, and I hope and pray that it continues.

Macey and I have been enjoying our days home together. Micah joins us somedays, but he also like his friends and routine at school, so he's been going for about 6 hours/day. Macey and I have been taking an ECFE class every Thursday. Otherwise, we are perfectly content just hanging around the house. I'm hoping that we can get some descent weather so that we can get outside on a few walks before I return to work in mid-April.

Pictures from Macey's actual 2 month birthday. She didn't feel like smiling too much that day, and I don't blame her. After having 4 shots at her MD appointment, she rightfully was not too happy that day.  The shots were difficult on both of us - I hate those appointments - they don't get any easier the second time around! We enjoyed a day of snuggling.

Feeling more like smiling a few days later! Happy 2 month baby girl - we love you so much!

Happy 1 month Macey

Our little Macey Joy turned 1 month over a week ago. Time has flown by, which makes me sad. I am enjoying our days together, and even though I'm only halfway through my maternity leave, I'm already dreading my return to work in a little over 6 weeks.

The Superficial: Macey has certainly grown over the past month. At what was supposed to be a 2 week MD appointment, but was more like 3 week, Macey topped the scales at 8 lbs, 11 oz, and was over 21 inches long. We fortunately didn't have to buy much newborn clothing. My friend and coworker, Beth, who has a baby 3 weeks older than Macey borrowed us her daughter's, which was much appreciated. Macey otherwise would have been sporting a lot of blue! Nonetheless, we have packed up and returned the newborn clothing, as she essentially is wearing 0-3 month clothing. Macey is also in size 1 diapers. She unfortunately has developed a bad case of baby acne over the past few weeks, but is still so beautiful. Her eyes continue to be blue, and I'm thinking they will stay that way. Her hair continues to be a light brown, and it's too early to tell if she's going to have her big brother's adorable curls.

Eating: I like to refer to our little lady as a "grazer". Unlike big brother, Micah, who could put down a bottle in no time, only to be looking for his next meal, Macey is a slow eater as she likes to fall asleep while eating, yet before her little belly gets full. Therefore, some feedings can take up to an hour! She's getting both breast milk and formula. I do not have a full milk supply - I didn't with Micah either - but I'm producing more this time around. I am determined to provide her as much of my milk as possible, which between nursing, pumping, and keeping up with a regimen of herbal supplements has occupied a lot of my time. It's difficult to say, but it seems like I'm able to meet 50% of her needs.

Sleeping: I feel like I may be jinking myself by saying that Macey is a descent sleeper. She generally goes to sleep around 11:00 pm and will wake up around 6:00 am. Some nights she wakes up for a feeding around 3:00, whereas other nights she will sleep a straight 6-7 hours. Right now, she sleeps in a "rock and play" in our bedroom. I don't anticipate that she'll transition into her crib at least for a few more weeks. Initially, she did not like being swaddled, but she's gotten used to it and calms down relatively quickly once in her swaddle sack. I don't have her daytime schedule down. She seems to sleep whenever she's tired. Sometimes I will put her in her crib, while other times she is perfectly content in my arms.

Personality: Miss Macey definitely is letting her likes and dislikes apparent. She loves being held in loving adult arms and isn't completely happy when she has to sit in her vibrating chair for any prolonged period of time. I'm contemplating buying a swing. She also cries when she has an empty belly or she's tired. Just this week, she's flashed me a few smiles, and has been cooing when being talked to. I LOVE those first few baby coos!

Development: Macey has descent head control. I can't say that I've been consistent about doing everything that I learned from Dr. Dorsi's Pediatric PT class, as Macey has only spent a few minutes on her tummy. But when being held or laying on my chest, she's great at lifting her head. She turns her head to track voices or faces.

Health: Macey fortunately has survived her first cold. We've all been sick in some capacity over the past month and she was bound to get it. She's well on the mend now, but it was definitely hard to see an uncomfortable, sick little girl. At her last MD appointment, she was tested for RSV, which was negative. She's also been dealing with a clogged tear duct, but is responding well to antibiotics.

I couldn't help myself from putting this last picture up. After 2 pictures, she was done!

Happy 2nd Birthday Micah

We officially have a 2 year old in the Raadt family. Last Saturday, Micah made the transition into his 2nd year. For him, this means that he can now drink out of a cup without a lid at daycare during lunchtime. For us, it provided time to reflect back on the past 2 years of our lives. We have laughed more, imagined more, encouraged more, and yes cried and have thrown our arms up in frustration more throughout the past 2 years than we have throughout our past 30 years. But, we wouldn't want it to be any other way. We are thankful for everything that Micah James has brought us over the past 2 years.

We chose not to throw Micah a big birthday party this year for a number of reasons. Our house is nowhere in the state of hosting a party. Plus, we've all been sick for the past 3 weeks with varying degrees of colds, sinus infections, croup, etc. Instead, we had a family day in Rochester. My parents watched Macey during the afternoon so that Kyle and I could take Micah to Bounce World.  Micah loved it!! I had taken him there in May, but spent the afternoon physically carrying him in the inflatable houses. I think I got more of a work out than Micah did at that time! This was not the case on Saturday. Kyle and I spent a few hours watching him bounce, go up and down slides, throw basketballs, laugh, and smile a lot. That evening, Micah had a pizza party at Mr. Pizza South with both sets of grandparents, Uncle Augie, and the Shaw's coincidentally happened to be back in Stewartville that weekend.

As far as presents, we didn't have to buy anything. Micah received so many presents at Christmas that Kyle and I saved a lot of the presents we intended to give him for his birthday. He also received some Sesame Street clothing and a DVD from Grandma Carol, Papa, and Augie, and a Vikings sweatshirt from Grandpa Larry and Grandma Dawn.

This will be my final monthly update on Micah, and will start going to a bi-monthly schedule.

1) Stats - weighs 32# 1 oz (90%), height 37" (97%), head circumference 20" (97%). Fortunate for Micah, he does not have to return to the doctor until he's 3 years old. This kiddo does not like going to the MD, despite having a great, personable pediatrician.

2) Wearing 2T clothes, and already starting to transition into some 3T and yes, even 4T depending on the brand. Shoe size is 8-9.

3) Vocabulary continues to progress. He talks in full sentences now. A few days ago, I was thinking out load when I asked myself "what did I do with Macey's bottle". He responded "Mom, it's on the counter."

4) His memory is going to be like his Grandpa Jim's. He can remember who he received every big brother gift from. When playing with his garbage truck, he'll tell me "this is from Jackie". Almost a week after going to the MD, Micah still talks about going to see Dr. Sarah. He also told me that he read a Big Bird book, which was correct.

5) "Let's go shoot some hoops, Daddy" is an expression that comes out of his mouth daily. He loves his basketball hoop in our basement.

6) He has formed a strong bond with Kyle which is awesome to see. He loves playing with Daddy whether it would be basketball, cars, reading books, etc.

7) Imagination is in full gear. A few days ago, I picked him up at daycare and asked the same question "what did you do today". Usually he responds "I play cars with Kyle and Logan". Instead, he told me that he went to go see the chickens. (There's a house close to the daycare that raises chickens). Knowing that it was well below zero windchill, I knew that they did not walk to see the chickens that day. Micah went on to tell me that he also foxes, lions, tigers, and bears at the house with the chickens.

8) Sesame Street remains a favorite.

9) Becoming more picky with his eating. This is most notable during supper. He'll still eat an adult sized breakfast...cereal (sometimes 2 bowls), 2 pieces of toast, fruit.

10) Peanut butter M&M's will get him to do about anything.

11) Better about taking coat and shoes off when asked.

12) Likes to pick out his clothes in the morning and his PJ's at night. Becomes angry if you try to put a different outfit on him than the one that he's picked out.

13) Loves music! Currently involved in a toddler music class in Rochester on Monday mornings. Will ask to listen to toddler radio on Pandora.

14) Sleeping has been hit or miss lately. He goes down great, but will wake up 1-2 times per night usually. I am so sleep deprived that I usually don't hear him in the middle of the night, as he goes to Kyle's side of the bed. Will take an afternoon nap still. If he's sleep deprived, he will ask to take a nap.

15) Daycare drop offs have been great. Pick ups on the other hand haven't been as marvelous. He is a dwaddeler, which isn't always a good combination with a hungry sister and an inpatient momma.

16) Knows the President, Vice President and now the Secretary of State ("Don Kerry")

17) Loves to run, jump, play on the playground. I wish the weather was more conducive to being outside with both kiddos.

18) Starting to independently play...at least for 15 minutes at a time. As I type this, he's putting a puzzle together. We are very thankful that this milestone is beginning to evolve.

19) Still is hitting Kyle and I, especially after he's been told "no" about something. Time outs seems to work best for punishment, and we've also started taking toys away too. He doesn't love it, but seems to better grasp the concept of time out these days

20) At this age, he becomes easily frustrated if something doesn't go his way. We're working on trying to teach him to be patient, and I know that this will come with time.

21) Loves to look at pictures of himself on the camera, our phones, the computer, etc. My goal during the last half of my maternity leave is to make him some Shutterfly books.

22) We still read a lot of books, and I'm amazed at how many books he has memorized. It's great to see!

23) Favorite toys include cars, balls, play-doh, his shopping carts, my pots and pans, and anything Sesame Street.

24) Is a great big brother. A few days ago, I heard him tell Macey "I love you" out of the blue. It brought a huge smile to my face knowing that he's beginning to understand those emotions. He loves assisting with her diaper changes and baths.

Last day as a 1 year old

Below are pictures from his birthday

Jasper Shaw and Macey meet

Sesame Street singing Elmo books from Daddy and Mommy