12 months

With five days to spare before 13 months, I am finally completing this post.  What a busy few weeks it has been!  Life is full with two very busy kids, school work and clinicals, friends, family, and birthday parties. 

And to answer that question we are hearing so many times, "Can you believe it's been a whole year?"... I will continue to answer with a "yes" and a "no" :)  We longed and prayed to have children for years.  Now that we have been blessed with them in our lives for 12 months, we are so incredibly grateful for every day we get to spend with them.  Looking back, the days were so long (especially at the beginning) but the months would just fly by.  Doug and I were reminiscing a bit the other day about the last year and we talked about the incredible love we have for Rowan and Norah, and just how much unconditional love and joy they have brought into our lives.

At 12 months these kids just get more and more fun everyday. It is so much fun to see them learn and figure certain things out. We weaned them off of formula a few weeks ago, and just today we have given up three of their four daily bottles.  Doug and I agreed that we just aren't ready to give up that last bottle before bed yet.  It is our favorite time of day with them.  I know it will probably hurt us in the long run, but it is totally worth it right now.

Finally they are sleeping in the same room at night and I think they really like it. Sometimes I go get them in the morning and find them both jumping up and down, just laughing at each other from across the room.  Bedtime continues to be no later than 7pm, and they usually wake up around 6am.  Both naps (8:30 & 1:30) are still in separate rooms, but I am thrilled to say they are finally going down without a fight...most of the time.

Rowan at 12 months:

* Weighed 23 lbs 2 oz; 31 inches tall

*Mealtime is still a challenge.  Some days are so good, and some days everything ends up on the floor.  His favorites include lasagna baby food, prunes, blueberries, and cheese.

*He's not walking yet, but has taken a few steps here and there.

*He is very independent when it comes to playing during day.

*Most of the time he is Mr. Serious and still struggles with stranger anxiety. He is still my little cuddle bug...and I hope it never changes.  He is definitely a Mamma's boy :)

Norah at 12 months:

*Weighed 24 lbs, 3 oz; 31 inches tall (although I think she is a bit taller than Rowan)

*She is still a pretty good eater.  Her favorites are toasted english muffin, mandarin oranges, blueberries, waffles, and cheese....and anything I am eating :)

*She started taking her first steps a few weeks ago already, and I am proud to say that in the last couple of days she is officially walking.  She is still quite wobbly, but can make it across the room.  She is so proud of herself.  Today I caught her doing laps back and forth across the room.

*While she does not have any stranger anxiety, separation anxiety is a huge struggle right now.  She is not very independent when it comes to playing and does not like it if I am sitting at the table or on the couch.  She will come and whine until I am sitting on the floor with her.  If I leave the room and don't take her with me she will have a major melt down.  Doug and I are gearing up for many temper tantrums to come :)

Stay tuned for birthday party pics, professional 12 month pics, cake video, and walking video.