Benson/Strait Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent at the Strait's. Jackie was home from college and Maggie turns 18 (OMG!) in just a few days. I can't believe how time has just flown by. So here is a glimpse of what last Christmas looked like:

Now here is this Christmas:

We were smart enough to take a group photo this year:

(I know...10 years at Lifetouch has finally paid off - I can actually take a good group photo)

Painting!

I finally got up the courage to try painting in the tub with Jolynn. Jon was a BIG help. I set everything up and then he "coached" her so I wouldn't get full of paint before Zumba class. He then cleaned the tub (and her) so I could get to Zumba. She started off slow, as the video will show, but she really got into it towards the end.

Finished paintings.

17 months

The time between 16 and 17 months just flew by! We haven't had any revelations in development. She is a little chatter box. Loves to dance and sing. We've been trying to color more, working with markers now. She can take the covers off and put them back on too! She's so smart. She amazes me everyday. I can't wait for Christmas. She has been helping me with gifts. Money was a little tight this year, so most of my gifts have been hand made with the help of Jolynn.

One thing we have started (and by started, I mean we took it out of the box) is the potty chair. I don't plan on making it a die hard thing right now. I think she can tell when she is wet because she pulls on her diaper. We are going to go slow. Right now I can't even get her to sit on it with her diaper on. My mom is prepared - with stickers at the ready. No hurry, but it would be nice if she was out of diapers say by 2 years old. My mom said I was potty trained by the time I was 18 months, but I was also in cloth diapers and could tell when I was wet (not a good feeling).

Florida 2011

There were many photos (too many to load here). Check out Facebook if you want to see them all. Here are a few of my favorites.



Poolside

Swimming with Grandpa Moritz








Meeting "Mickey" for the first time.

Up the stairs at the park, and...

Down the slide!

At the ocean for the first time.

Playing in the sand and

watching the waves.

collecting shells with Grandma Moritz

16 Months

When Jolynn was 5 months I believe she was taking her first trip to Florida. Well, here we are at 16 months and she is about to take her second trip to Florida.

We've moved up to a booster chair. She really could have stayed in her highchair, but it doesn't fit well up to the table. So we moved to a booster that fits better.

She loves to read. Just before bed it almost seems like she is stalling because she brings me a book and I sit on the floor. She sits in my lap and we read a book. Then we get done and she brings another book over. We have to go through all the books in the living room (thank goodness we are not doing this in her room). Sometimes I catch her sitting in her highchair (we are still using it as a "chair") with a book open.

Last month, while I was in Vegas, Mike and Margaret took Jolynn for the weekend. They bought her a new pair of tennis shoes and cowboy boots. I'm glad she wore them just about everyday. While we were in Florida, they noticed she was walking funny again (like when they had her). I had her in size 2 shoes. They moved her up to size 3. We went to Stride Rite in Florida and measured her again - SIZE 5! Plan for shoes from now on: get a versatile pair and get her remeasured once a month. Buy special occasion shoes and weather related shoes when needed, not in preparation for a month down the line.

A few weeks ago we had her wellness check up for 15 months. She was 20.7 lbs (30%), 32 inches (90%) and her head was in the 90 percentile too.

halloween

I think I was more excited about going trick-o-treating with Jolynn than Jolynn was of actually going. She was all dressed up and ready to go. We ditched the stroller and Jon carried her for the most part, but he made her walk a good block or more. We went to the neighbors down at the end of the block, then we walked to Mary's (daycare). We hit a few houses along the way, but that was about it. I'm glad we didn't go farther because she started to melt down a block from home. Probably didn't help that I gave her a sucker to keep her quiet and then took it away a few minutes later. She got over it quickly. Jon was anxious to hand out candy. I don't think we got as many kids as we have in the past. There were more kids in costume than normal. I hate giving out candy to kids that don'teven try. Get a mask!

Lady Bug

Happy Birthday BFF

Jodi and I have been best of friends since we were in 6th grade. We ended up having girls that are within a few months of each other. Hopefully they will grow to be as close as us.
Today was Brianna's 2nd birthday party. It was held at a park with a pavilion and an awesome park. It was a little windy. I was glad we stopped at Target before going there and found this cute pink vest, otherwise Jolynn probably wouldn't have been dressed for the weather.

A few photos from the day.

Peeking between the spinners.

Heading down the slide with Gracie.

Playing in the tubes with Grandma Moritz (better her than me).

Going down the big slide with Grandma Moritz.

After a very busy and exciting day - she slept from Hudson all the way to Brooklyn Park.

Macaroni Kid Family Fun Day

I receive emails for activities in our area through a site called Macaroni Kid. On Friday I rec'd an email that they were taking old costumes at the Maple Grove Craft Fair on Saturday. You would receive a ticket to get a new costume at the Fun Day at Anoka MS on Sunday.

I went into Jolynn's closet and found a lady bug bunting costume she never wore last year. We already have a couple costumes for this year, but I didn't think it would hurt to have another just in case. I picked out a lion and a flower. I held them up for Jolynn and asked her which one she wanted. She shook her head no. I held up the lion one and another one. She shook her head no again. Then I took down this frog costume. She grabbed it. She knows what she wants.

When you first enter you are given a goodie bag that had a bunch of coupons and free stuff if you go to the vendor's stores. You had to go around to all the booths and get a stamp on a card. Once you had all the stamps then you turn in your card for a spin on a "prize" wheel. All the booths had candy too so the kids (or in my case, me) could go trick-o-treating. Two of the booths were craft activities for the kids. One was making a spider web from black paint and a ball rolled in a pan. Jolynn again made her own decision in which spider would adore her web.




Then we went over to the other craft table that had foam cutouts with foam stickers to decorate them. Jolynn picked out the stickers and I stuck them on.


This was definitely a fun activity and it was all free. The only bad part about the whole thing was that Jon was not able to join us.

15 months

I was very diligent about writing about Jolynn the first year. I feel like I have been slacking since then. I'm going to try harder. I have been documenting many of her milestones on Facebook. There are videos of her taking her first steps, our fun times with friends and family, and hide and seek. The part I have been trying to remember is the words. She is saying more everyday and sometimes they are recognizable. Jon swears she has said a few things too, but she hasn't repeated them.

Words this month (some heard by me, some by Jon, some only heard once): hot, mouth, hiding, ouch, polly (sort of), Mike, Margaret, pretty, nigh nigh (night night-bedtime), ahyaboo (I love you), bath time,
Previous month and ever since: momma, daddy, ow, uh oh.

She loves giving Daddy kisses.

Biggest milestone this month has been WALKING!! A few steps here and there and every day she makes more and more progress. She does more when she is not paying attention and you are not either.

*I tried putting a video of her walking, but it keeps saying an error has occurred. To see video go to Facebook.

State Fair 2011

I'm a little late with this post. We went to the State Fair on the last day, Labor Day. It was a beautiful day, not very crowded. I did not eat my typical fair food, which made my body feel pretty good. I feel like I missed out a little though. The whole point of the fair used to be the food. This year it was more "the experience" and all about Jolynn's experience. I love watching her discover everything.

Her favorite booth at the fair: the shower heads. See Facebook for photo.

First stop was the K-9 building and she received her dog ears.

Then she went through the Cub Foods Farm.
Apron: check. Gathering bucket: check.

Driving the tractor full of hay.

Payment for all her hard work: CHEERIOS!

Midday nap. She can sleep through anything.

A tradition that we started last year - we will get Jolynn's hand mold done each year at the fair. The one the left is her first year at 5 weeks old. The one the right is from this year. Can't believe she used to be that little!

**I forgot to mention we stopped in the Education bldg for our family photo and weighed in Jolynn. Last year I had to weigh myself, then hold Jolynn to get her weight. This year we had her STAND BY HERSELF on the scale. She weighed in at 21.1 lbs.

Where does the time go?

It has been another month since Jolynn's first birthday. The first year went by so fast, how could the next go just as quickly? With work in full swing again my days are very busy and our weekends have been spent gallivanting visiting grandparents and friends. It has been a busy summer. This past month we caught Jolynn standing. She also pushes her legs straight with butt in the air. One of these days she's going to stand straight up and just start walking! She LOVES to "walk" around the house. She has also been very interested in watching me cook. We put her in her high chair and scoot her really close, then I do a tutorial on whatever I am making.

We've started having bath time at 7:30 or so. She loves the water so much and this has helped getting her to bed earlier and staying asleep through the night. Her nose has been very stuffed up lately and the bath also helps get rid of all the crud. She has started putting her face in the water and trying to blow bubbles. Most of the time she just ends up taking a gulp of water. It has been a good thing seeing her put her face in the water and not getting scared. She had fun playing every night with Ethan (friend from South Dakota).

Our friends from South Dakota came for a visit before their kids had to head back to school. Daycare was closed Friday, so I took the day off and we all went to IKEA. Then the next day we went to Como Zoo. I think Jolynn was more interested in people watching than animal watching. Should make the State Fair interesting. We used her new wagon and we had many comments of "honey, we don't have a wagon yet. I want that one for Christmas!". It was hilarious. I swear I could have sold it easily...not gonna happen-we love it!

Words this month: Ow, Uh Oh, Wuff Wuff, HI! (which she says to everyone whether they are coming or going) and lots of DADDY DADDY DADDY!

She's our little dancing girl!

One Year

This past month has been very busy with getting ready for her first birthday. Lots of planning and I have learned a lot. Knowing that this was the first I wanted it to be big. I just thought it should be. After the first what is there? just kidding

Milestones this month - she is walking with a "walker". Go ahead and move into the walking stage honey! We've got the banister up! Unfortunately the baby gate doesn't fit, so we still have to do the modified version that she knows how to push over. Oh well. Jolynn is also eating more solid big people food. I think she is very much over the mush of cereal. She really likes banana, peaches, grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese, pancakes, and waffles. So far these have been the finger foods given. I tried some veggies, but she just chewed on them then spit them out. I forgot watermelon! she is also transitioning to a sippy cup.

She now has 4 teeth on the top and 2 on the bottom. Not sure which ones will come in next, but I think there are more in the works because she has every sign at the same time. Lots of drool, rosey cheeks, chewing on everything, and diaper rash.

We've had a few 90+ degree days with 100+ heat index. That makes for good pool weather. I see us having many more of these pool days if the summer keeps up like this.

We thought she had said Momma a few months ago, but couldn't tell if it was just a sound she was making or the actual name. We believe her first word (that is decipherable as an actual word) is UH OH! It is so cute. She does a lot of babbling and I suspect more words will be coming in the next few months.

Happy Birthday Jolynn!

Today is the day - at 7:17am I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. This year has gone by so fast. I think I need to recap with a few of my favorite photos.

ELEVEN Months!

It's hard for me to even write the words. I can't believe she is eleven months already!

Swimming classes have ended. She missed class over Memorial weekend; but had her first camping experience and we visited Grandma and Grandpa Benson's cabin. The following weekend was BOW. She was going to miss her final class too, but my mom was able to take her. I mainly wanted her to take the class if she was afraid of the water as a way to get her not to be. She LOVES the water.

Late May I watched Jolynn crawl from one end of the room to the other, then pull herself up on the toy box and coffee table. I was cooking in the kitchen and the sliding door was open with the screen shut. Jolynn crawled across the kitchen, over to the screen, put her little hand on it - and OPENED IT! There isn't a lock on the screen door, not sure how we will keep her in on this one.

Still working on getting the railing up. So far we have been letting her wander around in the living room while we sit on the couch watching. She seems more adventurous and wanting to discover what things do when she doesn't think someone is watching. If we can't be watching her, she goes in her room and we put up a baby gate or we put her in her exersaucer.

This past month she also started: waving bye bye and hello, claps, and is "cruising" from couch to couch to coffee table and back to couch. I am quite positive she will be walking in a few months. She really thinks she is the stuff when you hold her hands and she practically runs (like a march) across the room. She is so proud, and so are we.

More sounds are emitting from her - can't wait for them to be words. We have been working on sign language during eating. Mostly "done", "more", and "milk". I don't know much else. "please" and "thank you" have been others that I try to do.

Ten Months

BIG CHANGES! May 6 - Jolynn crawled! Since then she has been scooting all over the house. I used to be able to leave her in the living room on her blanket while I got ready for work. Now when I check on her she is into some wires or stuck in a corner. She is also fascinated with Polly's toys. Like she doesn't have enough of her own, she has to go after Polly's. So far Polly hasn't minded. Polly just licks her...over and over and over. Saturday morning I watched her crawl across the living room and reach up to the coffee table. She wasn't able to get off her knees, but I suspect it won't be long.
I'm very disappointed. We have this great video camera that was intended to capture all this special moments. So far we have captured them, but not been able to share them.

Next project - Banister and railing so we can put a gate up for the steps. Also, time to baby proof.

We have been working on the two upper teeth for a few weeks. Looks like the top right has finally broken through. I can't imagine how that feels. Just the thought of it makes me feel bad for her.

Another thing she has found (and quite loudly) is her voice. What once was quiet babble, is now ear piercing screeching. Jon and I have taken to singing when she starts to do this. So far I think it is working.

Two more busy months until her 1 year birthday. I can't believe it. It went by so fast. We have something going on all but maybe two weekends for the next 2 months.

Swimming lessons are going great. I will be gone this weekend at a scrapbooking retreat so the Grandmas are going to take her. They are going to have so much fun. I'm sure they both wish they could be in the pool with her at the same time. There will be plenty of time for that this summer. She LOVES the water. I hope we can spend lots of time at G&G Moritzs.

Nine Months

A few days late, but I wanted to get her stats from the doctor's appointment in this time.

She is still in the 50% for height and 5% for weight. 15lb 12.5oz and 27 inches.

This month has brought a few changes. More teeth are on their way. I see two white dashes on her upper gums. Finger food is getting easier and keeps her entertained for a while. Polly likes it too because sometimes a few fall to the floor. I tried to tell her there would be treats galore once Jolynn arrived.

Movement: she is rolling front to back and back to front. I haven't actually witnessed the back to front, but when laid in bed all the sudden I will look at the monitor and she is on her stomach. She also pulled herself up in the pack and play. This brought us to moving the crib down. That was a big step. I packed up 3 more boxes of clothes. She is onto the 9-12 month clothes. She has also started scooting backwards and in circles. Crawling isn't there quite yet, but soo close. We really need to get that banister up :)

I love waking up in the morning hearing her talk to her "friends" in her crib. Then I go in and peer down at her. She gets as excited as when I pick her up from daycare. It's a great way to wake up.
We also had her 9 month photos taken at Flash over the weekend. See facebook for all 26.

Brookings, SD

We were able to take our first family trip last weekend. Jolynn has been for a long trip to Florida, but not a long trip in a car. This was a four hour trip. She did very well. We went to visit friends. While there, we went to the Children's Museum. It was very cool. I can't wait to go back when Jolynn is more mobile. They have a great outdoor part too, which will be nice to visit when it is warmer.

I can help Grandma Benson gather eggs.

Official weight at time of Brookings visit=15 1/2 lbs

Heather helped Jolynn look at the kids in the toddler play area.

They had a cool room with a window and water color like paints. I probably shouldn't have used red, looks a little creepy.


The boys waiting for us to check out from the gift store.


Pooped out from her exciting day at the museum.