9 Months - One Feet, Two Feet, These Are Neat Feet!

Jordan Mae (aka: Stinkerpot, Little Miss, Booger Bear, Snuggle Bunny, Little Gene, and most recently "La-La", per Daddy, since that's what she says 24 hours a day) is 9 months old today. That means we are 3 months away from her first birthday. I feel like we have gone from counting up to a countdown. A countdown to the age of one!

Our girl went from crawling one day to pulling up the next. Literally! For a while she was doing her own version of crawling that looked a little disorganized and was not the most efficient method of getting around (even though eventually she would get where she wanted to go). Then one day she finally figured out how to organize all those limbs into working as a team and then the next day she decided it was time to move on to the next thing. Now we can hardly keep her off her feet because she uses everything to pull up on. Our legs, tables, couches, the ottoman and she's even tried the wall a few times but without much success.

She has also been learning how to feed herself. While she isn't completely sold on most solids that we've tried, she does enjoy feeding herself little puffs. The first time I gave them to her she must have sat in her high chair for 45 minutes just focusing on getting those little pieces into her mouth. For a while there were more going into the chair and onto the floor than in her mouth but tonight I only found six in her chair. I'd say her accuracy has improved quite a bit! She also finally cut two teeth on the bottom. Hopefully someday she will be willing to put her teeth to good use.

One thing that is fun about this age is her personality is showing more and more. I find evidence of who she is in all the things she is doing. I am even doing my best to put a positive spin on the fact that she has quite the opinion about certain things.

1) She is always reaching for things and going out of her way to get her hands on things she probably shouldn't have. Translation - She will be a goal oriented person who won't give up on her dreams.

2) She gets so mad at me when I remove her from an area she shouldn't be. Translation - She won't let society tell her what her limits are.

3) She doesn't sleep much and often thinks it's time to play when it's really time to sleep. Translation - She will be the life of the party and a lot of fun to be around. (That's fine as long as she doesn't have too much fun.)

4) She would rather be held than sleep in her bed. Translation - She is a very affectionate and loving person.

Of course she is not always getting into trouble. There are times that she will just crawl over to me and lay her head on my leg. She also will lay her head on my shoulder and give me a quick snuggle every once in a while. I know every parent probably believes their child is intelligent but I truly believe we have a smart little cookie on our hands. Her pediatrician pegged her a genius months ago. While I think "genius" might be overstating, I am willing to agree that she is going to have her Daddy's smarts. Apparently a high needs baby can often mean a smart child, so with that in mind, the bags under our eyes are merely evidence that we have created someone special.

Visions of sugar plumbs are dancing in her head. Asleep on Christmas Eve.


Christmas morning and curious about that snowflake.


She didn't care to unwrap any gifts but she thought the bows were lots of fun!


Continuing the solids adventure.


I just love her outfit and expression here.


Visiting her Great Grandpa (her Gene counterpart) and Great Granny during Christmas. She had fun playing with Grandpa's hands.


We also visited "Uncle" Troy. He thought she wouldn't like him but she looks happy to me!


Using her new skill (standing) at her new toy.


There is a Jordan in there somewhere.


My happy girl!

8 Months - Peekaboo, I See You!

8 months and this girl won't slow down!

She is waving like crazy, crawling, attempting to pull up and playing peekaboo.

The waving is usually more of the whole arm flying recklessly back and forth but it looks so enthusiastic, I love it. Of course it's one of those things that she does randomly and hardly happens at socially appropriate times. We always wave back though so we probably aren't helping. :) She will get it eventually.

The crawling is ever improving, much to Daisy's dismay since she is often the destination. It's either her or the Christmas presents that are all too tempting with their bright wrapping paper and colorful ribbons. I have one designated present that is all hers to destroy and will definitely have to be re-wrapped before Christmas morning. Oh well, we just consider it practice for her first opportunity to open presents. She won't know why I'm finally encouraging her to rip paper to shreds since usually I'm rescuing whatever important document she has gotten her little hands on (and inevitably goes into her mouth). On that note, I found myself wanting to apologize to the sales clerk at Children's Place the other day for the half slobbered tag she had to scan. Drool is just an occupational hazard in a place like that though.

The attempts at pulling up started one day after she officially began crawling. It started just after we got home from our trip to Amarillo for Thanksgiving. I was sitting on the floor and she grabbed my knees and with all her might she tried to stand. Now that seems like all that she is interested in. Forget trying to perfect the crawling, standing is way more fun. My biceps are getting quite the workout since she still needs plenty of assistance.

And then there is peekaboo. Cutest thing ever. First she discovered that she could raise her arms above her head. Before, all of her toys were in front of her, but now they can go on her head! The progression to peekaboo happened naturally. She had her taggie blanket and attempted to put it on her head but covered her face instead. Upon removing it I said "peekaboo!" and that began our new game. Yesterday she was playing it in her carseat with her bunny security blanket. She must have done it 20 times or more. The best part is that she was watching herself in the big mirror on the seat while I narrated from the front. I don't know who was more amused, Jordan or myself.

Our busy girl.


The laptop is one of her obsessions. (Her cloth diapers are temporarily not being used due to a rash issue. Too bad because they are much cuter in pictures.)


Her new kitchen toy from her cousins. She loves clock because it has a little ball that she can spin over and over and over...


This is pretty much the only way she sleeps these days.


Trying out some squash in her mesh feeder.


She has already learned that it's nice to share with your friends.


Daddy is such a funny guy!


Just happy to be Jordan!


Last but not least, we took Jordan to see Santa last Friday. She wanted to see who we had handed her to but we distracted her with lots of excited talking and smiling and we got a big smile back! They snapped about 6 pictures and then she looked back, got a long, good look at who was holding her and then began to cry. I'm glad we got a big smile out of her first!

I have video of Jordan playing peekaboo and I am still trying to figure out how to upload it. I plan to post it as soon as I conquer technology.

7 Months - Sitting and Crawling and Waving, Oh My!

Well look who is late again. I've intended to post for the past couple of weeks because Jordan is 7 and a half months now! I guess I've been a little busy with this girl who is learning all kinds of new things.

First of all, she has learned to sit! This is quite the accomplishment because it allows her to enjoy her floor time so much more. She's still a little top heavy and losses her balance when she turns to follow us (or Daisy) across the room. I think she is really enjoying feeling like a big girl though. Sitting up means that now she gets to sit in high chairs and shopping carts. Fun!

She is also working very hard to figure out this whole crawling business. She can now get up on all fours and rock but she rarely goes anywhere. She pushes with her toes, almost into a bear crawl, but gets stuck at that point. All that is left is for her to learn to coordinate her arms and legs. That doesn't mean she cannot already work her way around the floor though. Rolling can take you all kinds of places you want to (and shouldn't) be. The days of me being able to keep her contained are coming to an end and I see even busier days in my near future. All of this coming just in time for the holidays when decorations and presents will be out. I'm not sure we will have any presents under the tree this year. We will have to seek higher ground for them unless we want to be doing a lot of rewrapping.

Jordan also has a new fascination as of recently. She will be reaching for a toy and all of sudden she is distracted by her fingers. She will just watch her hand as she bends her fingers over and over. Who wouldn't be excited about little fingers that can pull Mommy's hair, yank on Daddy's lip or grab Daisy's ears?

And while we are talking about hands... My little girl is learning to wave and it's the cutest thing. With all of her finger watching lately, she has gotten the opening and closing of the fist down. Last night we were at Amber's (one of my best friends) wedding and I saw her waving her hand and then I realized it was in response to someone waving at her. Today Granny and Grandpa did lots of waving to her and she was watching very closely. Sometimes she was so interested that she forgot to wave back. I think she will be waving at everyone before we know it.

I have so many pictures that I want to share. That is what happens when I wait too long to post. Prepare yourself for cuteness overload.

Nothing is safe if it's in Jordan's reach.


Our little snow leopard on Halloween.


Some Jordan and Daisy bonding time.


Eating is messy business! (Maybe that's why I'm in no hurry to change her liquid diet.)


Outside on a Fall day.


It's all about having something new to explore.


Just went for a walk on a chilly evening!


Yes, she is asleep with her feet crossed and propped up on her breathable bumpers. I still need to get a picture of her sleeping on her tummy because I love how she sticks her bottom in the air. I think it's truly adorable.


I think I can read her mind in this one. She is saying, "Mommy, you are going to be in big trouble when I figure out how to crawl."!


Here she is thinking "It's my turn to play with the camera!".


All dressed up for Amber's wedding.


Our little family wearing our Sunday best.


It was a late night for Jordan. We are on our way home and she is pooped!

Our Little Punkin'

I just wanted to share the pictures from our trip to the pumpkin patch. Jordan was sleepy so she was a little cranky by the end (as you will soon see). I would like to go again to see if we can get a few more smiles!

Our one and only smile caught on camera. I'm glad Daddy was there to make her happy!

Jordan and her big cousin Matti


Hmm... what is this thing?


At least someone is happy in this picture (Keely)


Why are we so mad at the pumpkin? Pumpkins are our friends!

We will see if we get another chance to go. I cannot believe it's so close to Halloween already. I actually started my Christmas shopping today. Now that is going to be a fun holiday!

6 Months - Tyler, Tastes and Toes!

Shame on me! Jordan turned 6 months a week and a half ago and I haven't been here to post. I have so many pictures to share.

We went to Tyler a couple of weekends ago to celebrate my mom's birthday as well as Keely's. Jordan was feeling the party spirit.

While we were there Jordan had some bonding time with Grandpa...

A nap on Granny...

And a quiet conversation with her cousin Matti.

She also spent some time playing with Daddy...

And her first taste of avocado. (Which did not impress her.)

We really enjoyed our time there, like we always do. I look forward to taking her back, hopefully sooner rather than later. We will take her for walks on the dam, swing in the backyard and eat all the s'mores our tummies can handle.

In other food news, Jordan also had her first taste of sweet potato. It impressed her about as much as the avocado. So far this girl is picky but she comes by it honestly. Her momma may have had a bit of a reputation as a child. But who doesn't want their grilled cheese to be cut diagonally? It's the only way that makes sense. Am I right?

She would rather eat her bib.

We also introduced the sippy cup but for now it's just a toy. The ice makes a fun noise when you shake it and throw it!

Jordan also discovered a fun new toy that is great for holding and chewing on. I will give you a hint...

It's cute, chubby and has five toes.

It's so cute to watch her hold her foot while she kicks it back and forth. I caught her staring at her feet a few times in the last couple of weeks. It was only a matter of time before she decided to grab one and check it out.

Last but not least, Jordan may finally be sleeping a little better. The last week we have seen some improvement and I'm praying that continues. I think Jordan is praying for the same thing in this picture.

Watch for another post coming soon. Yesterday we went to a pumpkin patch with the family and we have some cute pictures of the cousins!

25 Weeks (tomorrow) - Picture Poetry

Our little baby Jordan Mae,


She loves to eat


and chew


and play!


Her mommy loves her


and her daddy too.


With her smiles so sweet


and her eyes so blue!

Since my last post Jordan has gotten a new toy. Her fabulously fun exersaucer. It satisfies her need to be upright and entertained! She loves the buttons that talk and play music. She found those the minute we put her in it for the first time. Now she pushes them and gets to laugh while I do a silly dance for her. I love watching her explore all the toys and she always looks like such a big girl in it.

Mommy, put down the camera and do that little dance!

She also has started eating cereal at the recommendation of her GI doctor. Despite my hesitations, I finally gave in to the advice I've been ignoring for the past month. Well, it may not be helping her sleep any better, but she sure does love it! Sometimes she gets a little upset when she realizes that she has had the last bite. Even after I have scraped the bowl clean.

Jason and I made sure to get video and pictures of the momentous occasion. I successfully multitasked by using one had for the first bite and the other armed with the camera. I already shared one of these above but here they are in order...

Here comes the first bite!


Ew, what is THAT?!


She may not look satisfied but looks can be deceiving. She now gets so excited when she sees me preparing her cereal. I cannot feed her fast enough sometimes. Hmm... has someone been watching how daddy eats?

And one more picture for fun.

Who are you and how did you get in my toy?