Epilogue

I was going to end this blog when Syd turned one year, and after the new pregnancy announcement, but I just can't do it. I want to write about Syd. I want to brag about her. I want to share her utter cuteness with the world.

So it's decided.

I will start a new blog. Each year will be a new blog. I will turn them into separate books, the Chronicles of Sydney. Tile to be considered.

And now, what you've all been waiting for:
The New Blog

A New Addition

Due September 17th, 2010, we are expecting another addition to our family! That's right! Sydney's going to be a big sister! We are beyond excited. It was really special this time, having Sydney in the room to see our baby for the first time. She enjoyed looking at the screen as much as we did. Laying on my belly, she propped her little head up right away when the heartbeat started racing. Amazing! I'm so happy to be able to give her a sibling so close in age. Now she can experience a one of a kind relationship that I so badly wanted for her. Congratulations, big sister!

Oh it's comin!

Sydney will definitely be walking soon! The past couple days she has been crawling over to her lion, pulling up and walking with it all by herself. She's standing all the time now, holding on by only one hand. Her balance is getting awesome and she's been squatting on her feet while playing. She even uses her feet instead of knees while climbing over things. This is so exciting!

Ps. Syd said her 13th word today: duck. Sounds like dut, emphasis on the "t". Also, she's feeling MUCH better. No more sick baby! No more fever!

Weaning and Comforting

It has been one week since Sydney last nursed and, with the help of cabbage, I'm all dried up. Sydney happily transitioned to straw cups meant for two year olds. I'm really amazed how easy it was. She basically switched cold turkey. As for me, it was physically painful for about two days but emotionally I felt great. We were both ready and it just seemed like it was time.

Until today.

Sydney developed a small fever last night from her vaccines and she has hardly been eating. She's acting like she doesn't feel well and it breaks my heart. Tylenol brought her temperature down and despite her lack of appetite she broke out a few sweet smiles today. After her second nap she turned completely miserable. She was crying her eyes out, screaming, and nothing was helping. She signed milk and cried for her mommy and her mommy had no milk to comfort her. It was the first time all week she even wanted to nurse, and the first time in a week I brought out the goods because all I wanted was for her to feel better. But there was nothing left and she wasn't happy about it. I almost cried.

She eventually settled for a tight snuggle for 30 minutes while Mickey Mouse took her mind off things. Her gums are extremely swollen and I think she's got major teeth coming in on top of her ear infection and battle to keep away the fever. My poor baby.

Maybe I should have just stuck it out with breastfeeding for one more week. Too late for that I guess...

1 Year Check-up!

Syd had an eventful 1 year checkup today. I guess we were due for one seeing as she's been without any issues her whole first year. My chunky monkey had dropped to the 10th percentile for weight. Following the growth pattern she's been on, she should be about 21lbs, not 18. She was 17lbs 11oz at 9 months. Nothing a little Pediasure can't fix. We are to replace her 16oz per day of whole milk with that, or add some carnation breakfast essentials powder to the whole milk. Plus he said she needs to eat more, which is crazy to me because she eats non-stop! I mean, have you seen her belly?! We go back for a weight check in a month. She is 27" long. She also has an ear infection and threw up pretty bad in her crib last night. She got 3 vaccines-Chicken Pox, MMR, and Hepatitis. Doc said she is waaaay advanced in talking. She says 12 words now! Momma, Daddy, cat, baby, bear, up, stinky, thank you, hi, buh-bye, meow, and ruff-ruff. Her doc said most babies her age only say like one word other than mom and dad. We have to get her working on standing alone. I guess she's been busy talking and not practicing her walking. I'm sooo not worried about it. Everything I've read says by 14 mos. She does cruise and walk with a walker too so that's good. She also thinks its funny, when you stand her up, to fall so you catch her. Like it's a game. Silly girl.

Happy 1st Birthday Sydney

Happy Birthday my sweet girl! Today was your first birthday and I couldn't have been more excited! While most mom's get teary eyed for this occasion, I couldn't stop smiling. We had a small party for you with 49 balloons to fill the ceiling and a HUGE Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake that mommy worked on for two days! I also made delicious cupcakes that everyone thought were store bought. You played with your baby friends, ate some cake, and opened your many gifts. It was the perfect day.













You have grown so much over this past year. It's been amazing watching you develop into such an incredible little girl. I couldn't imagine having a daughter any sweeter, and more beautiful-than you. You are so bright, so happy, and so full of life. You love to learn. You are social. You love your mommy to pieces. And I love you! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You have become what my life is all about and bring happiness to each and every day. People without children are truly missing out on life's greatest treasure. Thank you for being so special. I'm looking forward to the years ahead-the trouble you will get into, the milestones you will accomplish, and the joy we will experience together.

Happy First Birthday Sydney Rae!

Love,
Mommy

Birthday Preparations

I've been super busy preparing for Syd's party tomorrow. The cake process started yesterday and is wearing me out! I'm exited for the end result though. I've also taught Syd to hold one finger up when I ask how old she is-so cute!