Dear Andromeda - 11 months

Dearest Meda, 

Spring is here at last! We were lucky to spend a lot of time outdoors - soccer games, playing in the yard, walks, parks, you name it!

Milestones/Special Firsts:

*You're just really happy to be so mobile now. You follow everyone around the house, room to room, not wanting to miss anything. You have also started to climb stairs! 

*You celebrated your first traditional Easter. We spent much of the day at your Aunt Shelley's house for brunch. Your favorite menu items were the German potato salad, egg bake & cheesy potatoes! It was one of the first really nice days out. We had so much fun just hanging out together on their front lawn soaking up the sunshine. 

Things You Like Right Now:

*You love spending time with your cousins! We celebrated Ivy's 2nd birthday in Neenah. You also spent a lot of time with your cousins Thea & Thanos this month as we were together celebrating the newest PHFB cousin, Del. I remember Thea sitting next to you and being so happy that you were playing now. It's like you transitioned from being 'just a baby' to an official member of the cousin crew. You want to be where all the action is! 

*Buckwheat! I'm so glad you're getting to spend some quality time with him. I was worried he wouldn't be around much longer after you were born, but to my surprise he has and the two of you have had the chance to have many moments together. You love playing beside him, crawling on him, and giving him lots of mockies. You're due for an outfit change at least twice a day from all the Buckwheat hair! 

*Eating on the go! We still don't prefer to dine indoors with Covid, so oftentimes mommy will do a curbside pick up and we will eat in the van! You think this is pretty fun! 

*Outside. You love the swings and have even started going down slides!

Things You Don't Like Right Now:

*Life is good. You're pretty content just being with the family, although not thrilled to wear the science goggles in the bathtub. 

Your Siblings:

*Leo is the first one to show you the ropes. He likes to teach you everything and watch out for you. He sometimes has to be reminded not to be so rough when playing with you. Elle is a mini mama. If there is ever a time I need to tend to something else, she is thrilled to swoop in and take the reigns. Ari continues to be the sibling you count on when you need a good laugh. His favorite time to play with you is before bed. I believe this may be strategic to avoid bedtime just a little big longer. 

Your Dad:

*You love your daddy and it amazes me how content you can be just hanging with him. He's your safe place & that truly melts me. He misses you so much as he just started going back to work in person. Daddy is counting down the days until summer break.

Your Mom:

*If you could just hang out playing with me all day, you would be in heaven. You're just giddy when I sit on the floor with you and play. And I wish I could just hang on the floor with you all day too. You like to help me with my workouts by crawling all over me. I'm soaking up every minute of our nursing chapter. One of the most special parts of the day is taking breaks from work to nurse you. You look up at me and play with my mouth the whole time. It's our quiet time together, just the two of us. 

You are so very special to all of us baby girl. I can't believe you're approaching your first birthday already! Life is so good when we have you to love. 

Love, 

Your Mommy 

Dear Andromeda - 10 months

 Hi sweet girl, 

Another month has come and gone. Now that you're on the move, the month seemed to go even faster. You enjoyed your newfound freedom being able to explore all over the house. One of your favorite places to be is playing in your drawer, right behind where mama stands at the sink doing dishes. You like to put toys in and out of the drawer, over and over, mixed in with crawling back and forth to hug mamas legs. 

"But mama, I still like scooting!"

Milestones/Special Firsts:

*You have your first tooth! In fact, you went from not having any teeth at the beginning of this month to having 6 at the end of the month. I'm always amazed at how different babies look when the teeth start coming in. I think this is just the first step of you transitioning from a baby into toddlerhood. 

*You started your first swim class! This class is all about just getting your comfortable in the water. You practice sitting on the side and falling into our arms, laying on your back, moving around the water to grab toys. It includes lots of singing! After class, you enjoy hanging out in the play area while your brothers and sister have some free time in the pool. 

*You were baptized on Sunday, March 7th. We were so honored that Nicole agreed to be your nouna. You are one lucky little girl to have someone so special to watch over you. The service was a bit long for you, but you remained patient and shot over many looks to daddy during the sacrament. 

Things You Like Right Now:

*Being outside! The weather is warming up and the grass is turning greener by the day. You are known to wait for someone to leave the back door to the garage open as you know you can push the screen door open to try and get out there! Anytime mommy is holding you and we walk past the door to go outside you give out a whine/wail in disappointment. 

*You're very interested in reading books these days, especially books that have the little flaps that you can open and close. 

*Talking! It seems as though you are learning a new word every day! I think Papou's heart melts (over and over) every time he watches this video:

My heart also skips a beat every time you try whistling for Buckwheat. 

*Mealtime! You pretty much eat anything and everything that we eat now. You are sure to express your excitement for food when we put you in your high chair. This like could also be found under the things you don't like section as you can be really impatient waiting for your food. 

Things You Don't Like Right Now:

*When you're hungry, you want to eat NOW. Waiting for mommy to get your plate ready can be challenging. 

*You also are quite the wiggle worm on the changing table. Who wants to lay there when there is so much to see and do?!?!

*When big brother takes a toy out of your hands. Go ahead...take a guess which big brother. 

Your Siblings:

*It's still quite the spectacle who is going to get to play with you, hold you, sit next to you during meals, etc. Your brothers and sister love you so much! Ari likes to be silly to make you laugh and Elle likes to snuggle with you every night before bed. I think Leo really likes being the older sibling when Ari and Elle are off to school. He takes watching over you very seriously! The phrase that comes out of his mouth quite a bit is, "Mama I just want to give her a hug."

Your Dad:

*A highlight for daddy this month has been taking you to swim class. This is something he has enjoyed with all four of you and there was something extra special doing it this last time with you. Daddy took you to a few soccer practices this month as we had to split up to get everyone to their activities. You enjoyed sitting in the Stokke eating your snacks and listening to daddy talk soccer with his buddy. Daddy received his first covid 19 vaccine this month. Thank goodness as it was just announced he will be going back to his actual classroom next month. Gosh we are going to miss having him home. 

Your Mom:

*It was nice being at the pool. This is one of the first activities we've signed you up for throughout all of covid. We felt it was good for you to get this experience and that we could keep you socially distanced well. We have been pleased with the experience as a whole...taking one step at a time towards some normalcy. Mommy got her first vaccine too this month! 

*Your baptism day was really special for me. It was something (due to Covid) that just kept getting pushed back and I was really feeling anxious awaiting this day. Here you are trying your gown on for the first time. Safe to say you felt beautiful (as you should). 

Watching you grow up so quickly makes me pretty emotional since you are my last baby. These months...this time of my life...is fleeting. I'm not ready for you to continue growing, but will I ever be? I want to snuggle you forever sweet girl. 

Until next month...

Love, 

Your Mommy 

Dear Andromeda - 9 months

Dearest Meda,

Sweet angel of mine. Even though there was some cabin fever this month, it still seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. You are growing up so fast and I just can't handle it! I mean we are already approaching your first birthday. I wish there was a way to freeze time. I'd keep you little forever if I could. 

Milestones/Special Firsts:

*You had your 9 month well check! Dr. Richer was impressed with how well you sign and that you're starting to talk! We also discussed how stubborn you've been in regards to crawling. Dr. Richer suggested you start to see the occupational therapist, Syma. Syma sure makes you work and we're just amazed with the progress you made in three visits. You officially know how to crawl now; although, it is still not your preferred method to get around. I'm wondering if the nickname "Scooter" will stick?!?!

*Your first bath in the kitchen sink! Of course this turned into a family affair. Daddy and Ari came home late from soccer practice and were so surprised to see you happy as a clam in the sink.  

Things You Like Right Now:

*We got a lot of snow this month! In addition to the snow, there were weeks at a time that were extremely cold. You were happy to get outside when you could and had fun sitting in the fort your older brothers & Papou made. 

*Snuggles. You look forward to your post nap snuggles. You spent a few Saturday mornings at Nonee and Papou's house while Mommy & Daddy went to Ari's games. With Covid there are still spectator policies in place, so you can't come to the indoor games. But, you sure don't seem to mind as long as someone snuggles you after your nap. 

*Strider time! You don't need a hand anymore to keep you steady. You're sure to smile every ride. 

*All the delicious new foods you are getting to experience. Your favorite this month was Aloo Gobi, which made mommy and daddy so happy since it brought back memories of our other kiddos enjoying that meal as well. 

Things You Don't Like Right Now:

*"Working Out". Your therapist has suggested two twenty minute sessions at home a day. When we first started these sessions you were really fatigued and let us know you weren't all that happy. 

Your Siblings:

*Elle celebrated her 7th birthday. Our family met at Glacier Hills Park and went sledding together. You didn't get out on any hills that day, but did take a late morning snooze. When you woke up you had a little bit of Nonee's chili..mmm! 

*Ari has been busy with soccer. He's playing with three different teams at the moment so there are lots of practices and games throughout the week. With Covid restrictions, you haven't been able to attend a game since fall when we were still outdoors. 

*Leo is ready for spring! Temps were super cold for awhile and he was getting a little stir crazy inside. He's excited to be on his first soccer team. The season starts in April! 

Your Dad:

*Bravo to your dad for sticking with it when we faced a hurdle with your crawling. We were really worried that you weren't going to crawl and how that might affect your development. There were days you just primarily cried while completing your workout/homework for the therapist. Daddy took it day by day and really built upon the progress we noticed each day. In a matter of four weeks you went from not wanting to bear any weight on your arms to full on crawling. We're so proud of you baby girl. 

Your Mom:

*This was the month I decided to make a change. I've started working out about 4 times per week in the early morning before you and your siblings wake up. I can't believe how much more energy I seem to have now throughout the day. Work has been stressful as I took on a new role (licensing). The light on my work days is YOU! I feel so fortunate to walk out of my office and come play with you for a break and have lunch with you. 

The month ahead is going to be an exciting one! Spoiler alert - lots of crawling, swim classes and your baptism. 

Love you so much baby girl!

-Mommy 

Dear Andromeda - 8 months

 Hi sweet girl, 

Wow! Your 8th month just literally flew by. I'm sure it has something to do with the holidays. We're officially in 2021 now. Hopefully things will only improve from here on out with the pandemic. The holidays may have looked different this year, but they were certainly special since it was your first Christmas. Here you are sweet girl, happy as a clam! 

Milestones/Special Firsts:

*Your first Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve at Auntie & Andy's house with Grandma, Brandon, Jordan and Amanda. We also celebrated Grandma's 77th birthday! Christmas morning we woke up and opened the presents Santa brought! After that, we went over to Nonee and Papou's house where we had an officially masked Christmas. It was nice being together even though many expressions, reactions and feelings were hidden behind the masks. 

Happy Bday Grandma Jude!

Christmas morning (still dark out) 

*You experienced sledding for the first time! We went over to Nonee and Papou's one chilly afternoon. This brought back so many memories as your older siblings also had so much fun over the years sledding on their little hill to the west of the house. Buck too! We went inside after and sipped hot cocoa by the fire. Later on this month you went sledding again when we went to visit Aris and Dayne. This sledding hill was much bigger! You were a trooper. 

Sledding at PHFB

Sledding in Fox Cities

Things You Like Right Now:

*You love your big cousin Ivy. You really enjoyed an overnight visit to Stroebe Island to spend a couple days with her. You two are already two peas in a pod. I foresee an amazing friendship between the two of you. 

*Hiking! You and mommy rang in the New Year by going on a hike to Nashotah Park...just the two of us. You loved your first official hike in the backpack carrier. We sat on our favorite bench and watched the afternoon go by. You were starting to get sleepy, so we decided to head back as the sun was beginning to set. You slept the whole walk home! 

*Big girl food! You are already starting to push away any purees or food that mommy tries spoon feeding you. You like to pick the food up off your tray and eat like a big girl. You're transitioning to eating whatever the family is eating for that particular meal. You enjoy pancakes, eggs, peanut butter & jelly pieces and banana. Oh and your puffs always get you excited (picture legs kicking in the high chair)!

*Strider rocker rides! You like to get on your bike once a day and have mommy or daddy rock you. You look around so proud as you realize what a big girl you are! 

Tongue worthy fun!

*Signing! You are a pro at signing "more" "all done" and "water". We're now working on "please".

*Starting to talk! Your first word was "mama" (swoon). Shortly after saying mama, you started saying "dada", "Buhbuhbuh (Buckwheat)", "Pppp" (for Papou), "Nonni (for nonni nonni bedtime), and "more". We're so very proud of you! 

Things You Don't Like Right Now:

*Well, you are so content taking in the chaos around you, you seem to have very little interest in crawling. You turn yourself around completely, scoot yourself here and there, but as far as leaning forward and trying to crawl...nope. 

*You're developing your voice alright! If a sibling (okay Leo) takes something away from you, you are sure to let everyone know! 

Your Siblings:

*It was a big month for Ari as he traveled to his first out of state soccer tournament in Florida. While he missed you, I think he secretly loved soaking up his solo time with mommy and daddy. 

*One of your favorite things to do is watch your siblings run around the house after dinner time. They run in a circular fashion around the stairwell and you're so excited every time they come around the corner. 

*Leo is your day to day playmate, but you're certainly thrilled when Ari and Elle get home from school each day. 

Your Dad:

*Daddy continues to find himself in the basement Monday-Friday teaching. He looks forward to when your older siblings have soccer practices in the evening. He also has fun in the basement doing indoor soccer drills with them. You enjoy going down there as well and watch/play from your excersaucer. You like going down there so much you whine whenever mommy passes the basement door and doesn't take you down there. Daddy soaks in every single one of your snuggles. 

Post nap

Christmas morning 

Your Mom:

*This was a really difficult month for me as I made the decision to join Ari for his trip to Florida. Since it was his first tournament I really wanted to be there for him to soak in the experience. This of course came along with many tears about leaving you, Leo and Elle. Luckily, your nonee and papou were here to care for you and love you beyond measure. I was gone three nights, but we were able to Facetime many times throughout each day. It was the sweetest reunion returning home to you. A highlight for me this month was our solo hike together. The sun was shining, the air felt so crisp...we were both on top of the world. You are still very attached to me, to the point where if I'm home working I have to hide from you, or you get so upset not being able to be with me. I feel so sad some days that I have to work, but blessed to be working from home now for a whole year.There isn't anything that makes me happier than time with you, Leo, Elle and Ari. Nonee and Papou take such good care of you while I'm working from my office upstairs. 

Christmas morning 

I nurse you each night before bed and just watch you sleep...sometimes for hours before putting you in your crib for the night. 

Hiking at Nashotah Park - New Years

So excited to see what 2021 has in store for you my love. 

Love, 

Your Mommy