11 Months

 

We are one month away from Mattie Girl's first birthday.  Just typing that seems so surreal.  These past 11 months have flown by and I am at a complete loss for where the time went.

As Mattie's personality continues to develop and emerge, I am convinced more and more that she is her mother's daughter.  And by that, I mean we have a little tomboy on our hands - rough, tough and active.  Not even a year old and she already makes her brother cry.

In other news, MJ finally has her two front teeth.  They are large and in charge and make me laugh every time she smiles.  She chows down on all table food now and eats bigger portions than Evan.  When we go out to eat we order the kid's meal for her and have Evan eat off our plates - the girl has a massive appetite.

She is taking steps now, but not in full stride quite yet.  Her confidence is building everyday though and she challenges herself well.  I predict we'll be chasing her around this time next month.

To our Mattie Girl - You have brought such happiness to our life and we are so excited to see the AWESOME little girl that you are too quickly becoming.  We love you to pieces. 

10 Months

Ten months ago today we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl.  She has enriched our lives more than I could ever explain.  Her smile and her laugh can make the worst day pleasant and the best day perfect.  She has stolen our hearts for sure.

She is beginning to mumble words such as mama, dada, uh oh and several others.  She likes to mimic sounds which is helping her develop an early vocabulary.  Of course we think she is brilliant :)

She continuous to eat like a ravenous piggy - the girl simply likes to eat.

And look who is just about walking...

9 Months

Technically this picture is imperfect in so many ways, but perfect for what it represents.  Mattie Jane is 9 months old and rapidly grasping new concepts and reaching new heights of learning - pointing, reaching and waving being three big ones.

You may have noticed that chubba rock here is also about to bust out of her onesie, sized 12 months.  Food is still her best friend.  She is eating a lot of what we eat for dinner - rice, pasta, carrots, peas, beans, etc.  No matter what she has been fed prior to our dinner time, if we eat in her presence she demands to be eating too.  A lot like her mama, I guess.

This little girl will definitely be walking within 6 weeks.  She's constantly up and on her feet and challenges herself every chance she gets.  She's fearless and I love it - but hate it too.  Luckily she hasn't had too many bumps and bruises on the way.

We finally have teeth!  That gummy smile is now sporting two little accessories on the bottom.  Man, they are cute.  It's only a matter of time before she's got a full set.

Slow down, baby girl!

8 Months

Wow - here we are again, another month gone by.  My little baby is maturing into a little girl faster than I can say STOP!  But we are also entering the months of fun - crawling, self-feeding, pulling up and eventually walking.  The 8 - 12 month mark is so exciting for all of these reasons and more.

Mattie Jane's favorite activity is eating.  She sucks down her bottles like it's her job and demands solid foods at least three times a day.  She has an obsession with Puffs and loves to sample food from our plates as well.  Mashed potatoes, pudding and mac n cheese get an A+ so far.  She is extremely independent as far as feeding goes.  She likes to guide the spoon to her mouth and simply refuses to be fed a bottle.  She must be the one to hold it - or else!

She is not crawling, but appears as though she'll be taking off any day now.  Instead she is "soldier crawling" - just dragging her legs behind her.  She is trying to pull up on things low to the ground such as some of Evan's larger toys and our window sills.  She had her first little accident - the window sill won.

Her personality is funny and sweet.  She has a smile that is contagious and a hearty laugh that cracks us up.  Mattie Jane is truly a sweetheart - just as a baby girl should be.

It's Your Birthday

Yes, you are a year older which makes you 36 today.  You should feel ancient.   And I doubt it comes as any surprise that I've made it my mission to never allow you to be "younger" than me.  I'll even stoop so low to Photoshop your pictures to look older if I have to.  You will grow older with me - I still need my big brother.

It's baffling how time has flown by since you left us, yet time has totally stood still.  Sometimes I feel like I spent time with you just the other weekend - but then I realize how much has changed in my life over the last two years and I realize you did not play a part in those memories.  I struggle with that.

You share your birthday today with a very special person.  Someone you never had the pleasure to meet.

This is your niece, Mattie Jane.  She is 7 months old today.  She has a sense of humor that you would definitely appreciate.  She makes us laugh all the time.  She's sitting up now, but sometime wavers from side to side and eventually falls over.  She has a dislike for green beans and peas, but loves carrots, sweet potatoes and squash - and all fruits of course.

Her favorite activity is her bouncer swing - you remember, the one that Evan loved so much.  She goes to town in that thing and laughs and squeals the entire time.  She's a chunker, but we tell her to enjoy her rolls and dimples while she can - they won't be very cute in about 10 years.

You'll be proud to know she's a tough little cookie.  Evan has hit over the head with his toys, pinched her legs, laid on top of her and kicked her many times - it doesn't seem to phase her.  She giggles and laughs, just happy that he's showing her attention.  She loves her big brother.  Just as much I love mine.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan.

6 Months

 

I hate that this picture casts such a noticeable shadow, but that's what I get for procrastinating and not having proper light inside - Mattie's still a cutie though.

In just one month's time my baby girl is beginning to sit up.  She's belly laughing and pulling hair (mine and Evan's mostly).  She's cruisin' around in her walker and bouncing up and down in her jumper.  She's starting to show a fondness for her daddy, but a major dislike for Peyton (our dog).  She is as sweet as she can be and absolutely loves to smile.

At 6 months Easter won't mean a thing to Mattie, but that doesn't mean we still can't have a little Easter fun.  We've started celebrating a little early over here.

5 Months

Another month has passed us by - I can't believe Mattie Jane is already 5 months old.  Where does the time go?  Since month 4 she has mastered rolling over and putting objects from her hand to her mouth.  She has been introduced to solid foods and seems to really like them - especially sweet potatoes and squash.  She squeals and laughs and has a growing love for her brother that just melts my heart.

4 Months

 

This baby is large and in charge...and just turned 4 months old.

3 Months

Our little girl, who we affectionately refer to as Fattie Mattie, turned 3 months old today.  Every month seems to fly by, but we recognize how blessed we are every single day.

2 Months

MJ turned two months old today and the picture captured exactly how she spent her entire day - crying.  Mama is to blame once again.  I seemed to have forgotten that caesar dressing is creamy for a reason.  This dairy business is about to drive me mad.  Why can't she be sensitive to caffeine or spicy foods?  Those I can do without.  Dairy is my friend - my very good friend whom I miss terribly. :(

MJ Turns One...Month That Is

Inspired by a photo project I saw on Young House Love, I've decided to take a picture of MJ on the 15th of every month to illustrate how she's changing month to month.  The authors of YHL have been taking pictures of their little one on a weekly basis, but I knew that would be way too ambitious for me.  Every month is more my speed and her changes will be less subtle that way.

The idea is to capture various faces and gestures, a different one each month, and dress the photo up with a background using a fun fabric.  And by putting Mattie in the same white onesie every month will provide consistency and the contrast needed to turn this project into art - maybe a photobook or calendar when completed? 

 Happy 1 Month Birthday!