Reese's 1 year Milestones

I took Reese to her 12 month check up last Thursday afternoon. She had to get 5 shots and have blood work! It was a little bit ridiculous and wore us out. They actually took the blood out of her arm! I was shocked; I just thought they would do it out of her foot. Shows what I know. I was almost too frazzled to go back to work, but once we got home she was in such a good mood and enjoying Grandma Ruth that I decided to head back to wrap up my day. The blood work was to test for lead poisoning and anemia; I got the results this week and they were normal. I am so relieved. I worry about possible lead ingestion because we live in this old 1939 house, and I know it has lead paint and lead pipes.

The doctor reported that Reese weighs 22 lbs 3 oz and is 31 inches. She still does not enjoy being on the examination table. She will not let me put her down while she screams and cries. She's got a good memory about getting shots on that table. She doesn't even like the doctor to examine her. Once again, the doctor said we should "play doctor". Ok already, I'll go find a toy medicine kit. I love our doctor though! She is very sweet and down to earth.

Reese is on target for 'normal development' as per the 12-15 month guide we received from the doctor's office:

- Usually follows a definite daily pattern - check
- Opens cabinets, pulls tablecloths - check
- Likes to feed self - check, check
- Expresses complete thought with single syllable ("da" means "I want that") - I told the doctor I didn't think she was doing this, but as soon as we got home she pointed to a toy she could not reach and said "da". Go figure.
- Utters a few words ("mama", "dada", "ball") - sometimes; she does talk a lot but I do not understand a word of it.
- Loves rhythms and rhymes - check
- Shows more negativism - yep she can throw a tantrum when she wants to
- Has developed a deep attachment to a few familiar people - Yes, ME and GRANDMA RUTH (and sometimes Matt). Sorry Daddy, but she is at a stage where she seems to prefer Mommy over Daddy. I am sure that will change one day, but I hope not. ;)
- Loves to make parents laugh - and herself
- Shows somewhat less stranger anxiety - depends on the day
- Displays a sense of humor - yes, when I give her water through a straw, she will grab the straw with her teeth and hold on to it while I try to pull it away.
- Walks with assistance - check
- Crawls rapidly - check
- Stands alone - check (for 30 seconds or so then she sits down)
- Seats self on floor - yeah like I said

So in addition to the milestone's above Reese has been:

Lying around on the couch watching T.V. (she was in this position for 30 seconds and I managed to capture it on film)

Multi-tasking; she can walk with her toy and watch T.V. (she really doesn't watch that much television, but she does enjoy musical shows and commercials)

Sporting the yellow t-shirt. She looks so good in yellow! I couldn't get over how cute she was when I came home for lunch. BTW, Grandma just loves dressing Reese in her new birthday clothes. Everyday, Grandma and I say how cute Reese looks in her new outfit. Of course we are not biased at all!

Receiving her first piece of international mail from my friend Caroline who lives in the U.K.

Loving playing with socks and helping Mommy with the laundry. It's so funny how she just grabs pieces and tosses them aside.

Getting some curly q's on the back of her head. When her hair gets wet it curls up so cute.

Discovering the cup in the bath tub. I am waiting for her to dump the water on the floor; hasn't happened yet. ;)

Getting real attached to her paci. I know I am probably supposed to start weaning her from it, but it soothes her so well.

Looking super cute in her corduroy dress and matching bow, tights and shoes. The dress is still a little big so she'll be able to wear it a while.

Walking with Daddy...in another super cute outfit. The cord dress was too baggy, so we changed her outfit mid-day.

Pounding on the chair pad.

And seeing what is underneath.

Reading a book on the floor while Mommy packs another bin full of clothes she has outgrown.

Taking a break.


Having fun with Daddy.

Doing pull-ups...I wonder if she'll get to 25 by the end of the year?

Taking a long nap with Mommy after a nice walk on Sunday afternoon.

Going to her first Super Bowl party at The Bellah's. Matt insisted she wear her "sporty" Adidas pants and Elmo t-shirt. I insisted she wear a big pink bow.

Watching Mommy hold 2 week old baby Lauren and talking to Leslie (baby Lauren's Mom).

Reese is also ticklish on her feet and belly. She really gets going when you tickle her belly. I love her laugh!

She still eats everything in sight. By that I mean, she will eat anything I give her. I am thankful she is a good eater. And she loves to feed herself.

We are working on getting her to drink from a sippy cup or a straw cup. She prefers the bottle of course, but the doctor says I should only give her 100% whole milk in the cup. The bottle has to be 1/2 formula and 1/2 whole milk, so she will not get attached to drinking milk from the bottle. Any tips on this one?

I almost forgot to mention that Reese loves to play "Ride a little pony down to town!". I was reminded of this game from Grandma Ruth (who else). I place Reese on my lap or knee and sing the jingle and then drop my leg when I get to the part "Don't fall down!".

One more thing, when we cough, Reese mimics us and coughs too. Funny!