Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Holland | 1 Year

Happy Birthday, Holland!  We just spent the entire weekend celebrating the birthday girl and it was the sweetest time spent with family.  I'll have a separate celebration post to share all the pictures but it was absolutely memorable and so much fun.

Holland had her one year check-up today and the doctor said she looked great and had hit all of the necessary milestones!  She got to hear Holland's fake laugh and received a high five once the check-up was complete so I think Holland was quite pleased with herself as well.  After being off the charts in height at nine months, Holland slowed her roll and is now... still really tall.  And speaking of rolls, girlfriend has quite a few.  Ha! Her newest nickname is Squish. 

Weight: 23 lbs 1.5 oz (89%)
Height: 30.5" (90%)
Head: 18.25" (86%)
Shoe size: 3.5 (had her officially measured this past weekend!)

E A T
We are working hard on three meals a day.  Some days these meals are a veggie pouch on the go but we're getting there.  The only food she has flat-out refused is wheat cereal (her very first food).  She hates it, which is hilarious because it was a regular for the twins until they were close to two.  She is a huge fan of carbs and sweets - no clue where she gets it - and her biggest issue is not swallowing before sticking more food in her mouth.  She definitely gets some chipmunk cheeks if we aren't paying close enough attention.  I've been proud of her willingness to try anything, regardless of texture or flavor.

We reached a year of breastfeeding and it is still my favorite time spent with my girl.  I will probably start (slooooowly) weaning her over the next few months and we'll see how it goes.  My next (and last) goal is to make it until we go to Sanibel in July because we'll be flying and that is the greatest defense for a busy toddler.

Toddler...  :(

P L A Y
Holland is such a little firecracker and wants to be around her siblings at all times.  Her favorite toy right now is Sloane's doll house or anything she can fit in her mouth.  Her Mimi & Papa gave her the cutest wooden bird walker and she has been scooting around the house with the proudest smile on her face.  She also received a scooter from Uncle B & Aunt Chelle!  Once she realized she now has a scooter just like J&S, she squealed, clapped, and it was quite possibly THE cutest thing she's ever done.  She's still in no rush to take any steps and gets really nervous when she realizes she doesn't have anything to hold onto.  I'm guessing we still have another month or two before she even attempts walking.   

Holland is SO strong.  I'm shocked at some of the things she picks up and moves as well as how tough it is to wrangle her at times.  And yes, I realize she is 12 months old and I should be embarrassed that she gives me a run for my money.  I am.

She's also interacting more and more with us.  She absolutely loves to give high fives and will mimic any sound or word as best she can.  She's definitely speaking her own language right now but is great at matching pitch (ha!) and loves to "answer" anything you ask.  We haven't added any new words (currently says dada, ba bye, and heeeeey) but she's at least trying to say mama now.  Still comes out as baba but I'll take it.

S L E E P
Not much has changed here!  She's mostly sleeping through the night (7:30p - 7:30a) with an occasional interruption around midnight.  I was thinking we'd drop one of her naps when she turned one but there are some days she can't even make it to 10a before crashing so even though the two naps are oftentimes short, I think we're better to keep both for now.

She is a bit like her dad in that she loves her sleep but once she's awake she has no interest in staying in bed (which is quite ridiculous to me, I could lounge in bed all morning).  She wakes up and is immediately standing up and calling out to us.  Again, the FOMO.  She can't stand to be away from any of us for long!

Michael wrote her one-year letter below (read his letter to the twins HERE) and I love that she'll have these to read one day.

She is adored by us all and the perfect addition to our family.  She is such a ham and has given us a chance to slow down and remember just how much fun it is to hear tiny squeals inside these walls.  I cherish this time so much!


Holland, you have a huge smile waiting for whomever rescues you from the crib each morning.  As soon as you've had your diaper changed, you crawl out of your room as fast as you can and peek around the corner.  You know your brother and sister will be eating breakfast at the counter, and you talk to them as soon as you can see them.  They immediately respond with smiles and giggles and that just makes you smile even more, maybe clap your hands for good measure.  

That's a great summary of what you've added to our life.  You can always inject a bit of sunshine or a moment of excitement to the mundane parts of our day.  

You're also very particular about what you like and what you want to do.  You love to cruise along the ottoman, shift over to the couch, then work all the way around to the other side.  At that point you're stuck and it's all our fault.  The cabinets are a newfound treasure for you as well.  In the kitchen, it's either the cabinet next to the fridge with all of the cups, or the pantry, where you can find bags and cans to spread out all over the floor.  You've also found your mother's underwear drawer and it's hilarious.  You're like a magician pulling scarves.  

You've grown so much, so quickly, but the little things are still the most fun.  You obviously recognize everyone's name, and you'll look at them and point when we address one of your siblings.  When you discover new foods that you enjoy, you want as much of it in your mouth at one time as possible.  And sometimes more.  Your bedtime is a joy to watch because everyone says good night to you and you can't get enough of the attention.  Smiles all the way to the crib.  

We're so grateful for you and look forward to what year two will bring!  

Love - Dad












No comments:

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...