12 months of JOY!

Happy Birthday, Joy Tatum!!!

Joy's stats:

• crawls from room to room
•  two bottom teeth and four top teeth
• says mama, dada, bye-bye, no-no, and her version of uh-oh
• says "YAY" when she wants to be praised
• gives kisses
• stands alone
• gives hugs
• takes three to four steps on her own
• sleeps 12 hours straight at night
• takes one nap a day around 12:30 or 1
• eats four times a day (breastmilk) *Let the weaning process begin!
• after weeks and weeks of practice she FINALLY started taking a sippy cup
• eats solids once/twice a day
• wears 9-12 month clothing
• wears size 4 diapers
• reaches for people to hold her
• loves to play in her room and can entertain herself
• cries when I leave her in the nursery
• feeds herself puffs/biscuits
• picks up small objects
• signs "more" when eating
• dances to music

11 months of JOY!

Joy's stats:

• crawling from room to room
•  two bottom teeth and one coming through on the top
• says mama, dada, bye-bye, no-no, and her version of uh-oh
• gives kisses
• stands alone
• has taken one step
• sleeps 12 hours straight at night
• takes one nap a day
• eats four times a day (breastmilk)
• eating solids once/twice a day
• wears 9-12 month clothing
• wears size 4 diapers
• reaches for people to hold her
• loves to play in her room and can entertain herself
• acts shy around men
• feeds herself puffs/biscuits
• picks up small objects
• signing "more" when eating
• dancing to music

AG at 11 months

Edy at 11 months

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I can hardly believe my little Joyful will be a year old next month!  Please come back on Monday for my Happy Hostess Link Party!  I'll be sharing some  of my ideas for her first birthday celebration and I'd love for you to join in the fun, too!!!

10 months of Joy!

If you are thinking, Wow!  She's already 10 months!, you and I are thinking the same thing.  I say this every month, but she is GROWING UP TOO FAST!  It's true. It's especially true when the third time around.  Life is too busy--too fast pace.  I'm pretty certain we won't have any more children and it's tough knowing this is the last time we will go through this stage. *Pardon me while I go cry for a moment...*  

I'm back.

Too cute at TEN MONTHS!

*I could have edited the bruise on her forehead, but I think it's pretty telling of a baby at 10 months of age.

And because you are kidding yourself if you think I got the last shot on the first try...

Joy's stats:

• crawling from room to room
•  two bottom teeth
• says mama, da, bye-bye
• waves bye-bye
• gives kisses
• pushes to a sitting position
• sleeps 12 hours a night
• takes two naps a day
• eats five times a day (breastmilk)
• eating solids once a day
• loves her big sisters
• wears 9-12 month clothing
• wears size 3 diapers
• hair is really starting to grow (coarse texture and double crown)
• reaches for people to hold her
• loves to play in her room and can entertain herself
• acts shy around men
• pulls to standing position (flat-footed)
• balances while standing
• moves feet slowly around object while standing
• feeds herself puffs/biscuits
• picks up small objects
• signing "more" when eating

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AG at 10 months

Edy at 10 months

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With just two months away, I am getting ideas together for Joy's first birthday extravaganza.  I've pretty much landed on a theme:  A little birdie told me you are ONE!  I'm sort of keeping with the time of year she was born (like her big sisters' parties) and her nursery decor.

9 months of Joy

My Joyful is another month older.  She's nine months old today!

Just look at my girl and her gorgeous smile!

I dare you not to smile!!!!  I DARE YOU!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9!

Joy's stats:

• crawling everywhere
• cutting two bottom teeth and drooling like crazy
• says mama, da, bye-bye
• waves bye-bye
• sits on her own
• pushes to a sitting position
• sleeps 12 hours a night
• takes two naps a day
• eats five times a day (breastmilk)
• eating solids once a day
• loves her big sisters
• wears 9 month clothing
• wears size 3 diapers
• hair is really starting to grow (coarse texture)
• reaches for people to hold her
• loves to play in her room and can entertain herself

...and she won't stop...

She's headed straight for my camera.

My three unique and wonderful little girls at 9 months old.

********** AG at 9 months old Edy at 9 months old

8 months of Joy

Joy is EIGHT MONTHS old today!!!

 

Joy's stats:

• army crawling and pretty much "regular" crawling
• no teeth yet
• says mama, da, bye-bye
• waves bye-bye
• sits on her own
• can almost push herself to sitting position
• sleeps 12 hours a night
• takes 2-3 naps a day
• eats 5-6 times a day (breastmilk)
• taking to solids a little better
• loves her big sisters
• wears 9 month clothing
• wears size 3 diapers
• hair is really starting to grow (coarse texture)
• reaches for people to hold her

I guess it's true what they say, the baby of the family is spoiled!  Graham, AG, Edy, and I all cater to this little one!  I don't stress much over what she is/isn't doing like I did with AG or even Edy.  She doesn't eat solids every single day and I really don't worry much about it.  She is my most needy baby, but that's not saying much--she's pretty easy going.  She isn't "doing" as much as her sisters were at this age, but I think it most likely has something to do with being held all of the time! ;)  I remember thinking AG was more grown at this age and always pushing her toward the next stage.  Not with this one!  She's just a little baby and I don't want to rush anything.

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AG at 8 months
Edy at 8 months

7 months of Joy

It's hard to believe that our little Joyful has been with us for seven months!  She is growing like a weed and changing everyday.

Joy's stats:

• sitting up
• army crawling
• clicking her tongue
• sleeping from 8 to 8
• taking about 3 naps a day
• nursing 5 times a day
• we force her to take a few bites of veggies/fruit once a day
• 18.5lbs and 27in. long (Dr. says she's in the 50th percentile for weight and height, but I'd guess 90th!)
• loves playing on the floor in her bedroom
• belly laughs at her sisters
• won't take a passy
• won't take a bottle
• sleeps on her tummy--I gave up fighting with her.
• sucks on her fingers constantly

 That's one talented little girl!

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AG at 7 months

Edy at 7 months

6 Months of Joy

Oh my goodness!!! My Joyful is SIX MONTHS OLD today!

 

Joy's stats:

• rolling over both ways
• eating 5-6 times a day
• taking 3 naps a day
• sleeping from 8PM-7AM 
• almost sitting up unassisted
• getting on her knees and rocking back and forth
• not a fan of cereal
• still won't take a bottle but starting to adjust to the passy
• works to get something out of reach
• babbles constantly! *another talker*

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AG at 6 months

Edy at 6 months

5 Months of Joy

What a {joy} to behold!

Joy's stats:

• rolling over both ways
• eating at 7AM, 10AM, 1PM, 4PM, 7PM, (9:30PM)
• taking 3-4 naps a day
• sleeping from 8PM (interrupted for feeding at 9:30PM)-7AM.  I've been wondering if I could cut out that 9:30 feeding altogether, but why mess up a good thing, right?
• won't take a pacifier or bottle! STILL!
• sits supported
• bears weight on legs
• loving the jumperoo
• tummy sleeper!  At night I swaddle her and put her on her back, but she breaks out and rolls to her stomach.  A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Since this little rascal won't take a bottle, I'm thinking of mixing some of my expressed milk in with her cereal.  I am planning on starting cereal tonight!  Wish me luck!

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AG at 5 months

Edy at 5 months

four.months.of.joy.

Four months today and happy as can be!

 

What's going on with Miss Joyful?

• cooing like crazy
• laughing/giggling
• rolled over from belly to back once
• discovered her hands and feet
• refuses to take a pacifier or bottle--REFUSES!
• reaches for objects she wants to get her hands on
• eats six times a day
• taking 4 naps a day
• sleeps from 8PM-6:30AM

Click HERE for AG's 4 month post.

Click HERE for Edy's 4 month post.

three.months.of.joy.

She's growing, growing, growing...

What's my little sugar biscuit up to?

• size 2 diapers
• smiling all the time
• cooing
• squealing occasionally
• a few giggles here and there
• kicking feet like crazy
• eating schedule: 6:30AM, 10AM, 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM, 9:30ishPM
• taking about 4-5 naps a day between feedings
• goes to bed at 8PM and then eats again at 9:30ish and then back to bed until morning
• holding head up better and better each day
• not into the pacifier--sucks on hand  

Click HERE for AG at 3 months.

Click HERE for Edy at 3 months.

two month records

I've said it before and I'll say it again--if I wasn't a teacher by trade I'd be a secretary. I'm a record keeper/data collector/organizer/felt-tip pen lover/etc. Anyway...I've been diligent to keep my girls' baby books and monthly pics up to date because...I love stuff like that!!  So...here's a comparison shot of all my babies at two months old.  What do you think??

Today was Joy's two month appointment and it was time for those blasted shots!  

 {grins and giggles before shot time}
I did well and was able to hold back my tears.

 For a kiddo that is really content and happy, she's been super fussy this afternoon.  #curseyoushots

Here are the stats that I've recorded:

AG at two months and five days: 12lbs 5oz 22 3/4 in. long

Edy at two months and one day:  12lbs 9 oz 22 3/4 in. long

Joy at two months and ten days: 12lbs 12oz and 24in. long

It seems like they all have a similar growth rate.

The little story I'm about to tell may be TMI, but it's funny and I've never been real shy.  Here goes:

I've had a hard time pumping this time around (never had this problem with the other two).  Finally after weeks of trying, I was able to get in a groove of pumping and storing.  I planned to use the stored milk at times when it was inconvenient to nurse.  Guess what?  Joy absolutely positively will not take a bottle.  We've pulled out all the stops (changed bottles, techniques, etc).  Nope, not gonna happen.  Graham had to call me back once when she refused and started gagging and screaming at the top of her lungs.  I nursed her and she was just fine--completely fine.  That little stinker.

 

So...the jokes on me!

comparisons

A little friendly comparison...

 

one.month.of.joy.

Can it be possible?  Little Miss Joy Tatum is ONE MONTH OLD!

I'm back to taking monthly pictures of another little blessing!

 

 (Can't decide if I should take a monthly pic with or without the bear.  Thoughts?)

 

What's going on with Joy?

• loves tummy time
• loves bath time
• can lift head for a little bit while on tummy
• focus on faces
• eats 7-8 times a day
• sleeps 4 and sometimes 5 hours at night between feedings
• naps about 4 times a day
• loves the bouncy seat
• just recently cut out a night feeding (Whoohoo!)
• just starting to smile at my face (melts my heart)
• a content little sweetie

AG's first month post click HERE.

Edy's first month post click HERE.

Growing Girls

Just for fun!

Edy Grows - 12 months

WOW!!! I can't believe Edy Rose is a year old today!  Here's a quick walk down memory lane in honor of her first birthday.

Ava Grace telling the news --May 16, 2009 

Ahh...what a sweetie--Edy was about 4 hours old in this picture.

Such a tiny bundle of joy!
Click here for more about the day RoRo was born.

Just look at her now!  

Again, a special thanks to Turtle Feathers for Edy's cute "birthday suit".

Here is what Edy has been up to lately:

• walking 
• signing "more", "down", "hold me"(her own made-up sign), and "drink"
• saying "Mama", "Daaa" (for Dad), "night night", "bye", and a few other words she copies us saying
• responding to simple commands (just like your daddy...jk!)
• drinking from a cup
• breastfeeding four times a day (Let the weaning begin!!!!!! *insert "Hallelujah Chorus"* Bring on the jalapeños)
• taking one nap a day (sometimes two if you are fussy)
• sleeping from 6:30p.m. until 7:30a.m.
• playing independently for about 15 minutes at a time
• pointing to things when asked (i.e. dog, car, ball, light, etc.)

Edy Rose, 
We are so blessed to have you in our lives.  You have been such a wonderful addition to our family.  We love watching you play with your sister, discover new things, and doing things that are uniquely You!  We are praying for you -- that you will come to know Christ at a young age and that you will serve Him all the days of your life.  We are so thankful that God has allowed us to be your parents.  Happy Birthday, Ro!
Love, 
Mommy and Daddy

Edy Grows - 11 months

Other than taking your first steps, not much has changed with you this month.  I can't believe we are almost ready to celebrate your first birthday! I love you, Rose Bud.

Edy Grows - 10 months

Edy Rose, 

You're 10 months old today!  Just look at how much you've grown.  Ahh...you are just too cute for words.  

Here is what you have been up to this month:

• feeding yourself soft peas, bananas, and carrots
• sleeping 12 hours at night
• cutting your top two teeth at the same time (that makes 4 teeth total)
• standing solid without holding onto anything
• cruising around furniture with ease
• crawling faster than I can blink
• signing "more" when eating
• drinking juice/water from sippy cup
• pointing to lights when asked
• giving open mouth kisses
• saying "Mama", "Dada", and "Bye"
• gibber gabbering constantly
• enjoy looking at books--especially Moon Dance
• smiling a lot!

I can't believe we are only two months away from your first birthday.  I know I've said it before, but your first year has flown by too fast. 

I love you, Rose Bud,

Mommy

I've  had several people comment that they liked looking at the out takes from our monthly picture shoots.  Well, here they are.  Count 'em--all 27 of them.  Guess what?  The best picture out of all of them was the very first one! Ha!

I love my little wiggle worm!

Edy Grows - 9 months

I say it all the time--Edy is growing so fast.  Too fast!  It seems like she should still be a tiny newborn.  Now look at her...

She is a little bundle of energy.  It makes these monthly pictures kind of difficult to take.  She does not want to sit in this Bumbo seat for any length of time.

 Here are some funny outtakes.  See what I mean?  She just won't sit still.

Look at these girls.  I'm noticing some real differences.  For one, Ava Grace had a lot more hair at this point.  Yeah, they look like sisters, but they have their own unique distinctions.  What do you think?

Edy, you are such a blessing!  Here's what's going on with you at 9 months of age:

• crawling FAST!
• like to play with AG's toys
• eat two meals a day (veggies and fruit)
• take a morning and afternoon nap
• breast fed (4-5 times a day)
• pulling up on furniture
• cruising around furniture
• standing momentarily without holding on to anything
• two teeth
• sleep from 7pm - 7am (we hear you wake up around 7, but we usually don't get you until 8ish)
• say "bye bye", "dada", "mama"
• love yogurt puffs
• starting to like Baby Einstein movies (about a 5 minute attention span)
• becoming more hot-tempered!
• drink a little juice/water from a sippy cup

I wish you would slow down and stay a baby for a while longer, but you are determined to grow and grow!  We love you very much, Edy Rose.

Edy Grows - 8 months

Edy is eight months old today. She is just as happy and healthy as ever.

Here's the latest:

• says mama, dada, nana, gaga
• eats five times a day (breast milk)
• eats veggies, fruits, rice cereal, Mum Mum crackers, puffs, etc.
• has one tooth (and one coming in)
• crawls
• can sit up on her own
• trying to pull up on things
• gets really mad when you take a toy from her
• starting to understand "no"
• responds to her name
• sits in shopping cart and restaurant high chairs
• can write her name (just seeing if you are paying attention)
• loves playing with her big sister
• still doesn't have enough hair for a bow
• sleeps 12 hours at night
• wears 9 month clothing
• wears size 3 diapers

Edy Grows - 7 months

My sweet, little baby is seven months old.  She is just the cutest thing and I love every minute I have with her.

Such a charmer!

She still loves her jumperoo and her "C"!

She is starting to enjoy "big kid" toys!  

Here's what's happenin' with our Ro Ro:

• sitting up strong
• moves EVERYTHING she touches straight to her mouth
• says "da-da-da"
• blows raspberries
• clicks her tongue
• can creep--just about ready to crawl.  It won't be long.
• can almost push herself to the sitting position from her stomach
• sleeps from 8 to 8
• eats 5 times a day (breast milk)
• eats cereal, veggie, and fruit once a day
• beginning to be dependent on her "C" (pacifier)
• bears weight on legs.This is awesome considering she's such a chunk!
• passes an object from one hand to the other
• starting to grow some hair! 
• loves her big sis

Edy, You are such an energetic little bundle of joy.  You have a personality all your own and your sense of humor is really starting to develop.  Even though you can't speak yet, you still have the ability to make me laugh. I love your soft little cheeks.  I know those kisses get old, but I just can't resist.  You are just so lovable!  You have the ability to light up a room--it is so refreshing when you smile. I am so glad that I get to be your mommy.  I am praying for you each and every day. Love, Mommy