Silly Time with Daddy and Adalee

Adalee Rose: 18 Months

Miss Adalee turned 18 Months on Thursday, June 2nd - I can't believe my little girl is already a year and a half old!

At our pediatrician check-up this week, Miss Adalee weight in at 23 pounds, 13 ounces (70%) and measured 31.5 inches (45%). She actually weighs the same now as she did at her 15 month appointment. She had lost some weight over the past two weeks due to being sick with croup and an ear infection, but she is already gaining some of the weight back. Still a pretty average-sized girl. Miss Adalee has 11 teeth - all four central incisors (top and bottom), three of four lateral incisors (2 on top and 1 on bottom), and all four of her first molars (top and bottom). At her appointment, she finished her last round of immunizations and doesn't have to have another one until age 5...yay!!

Health-wise, Adalee had been doing really well - no sickness at all - until the past few weeks. Then the Friday before Memorial Weekend, I started to noticed a small cough, which turned into a really bad cough, which turned into a fever. Turns out Miss Adalee had croup, as well as a single ear infection. We were able to get her on antibiotics for the ear infection and a steroid for the croup. Within a two days she started feeling better and within a week, her ear infection was basically all cleared up. Now she is back to her happy and healthy self!

Miss Adalee is still a great eater, although she has started going through spurts where she doesn't want to eat breakfast, or doesn't want to eat lunch. She has become more skilled with her fork and spoon, and doesn't use her hands as frequently to eat. We tend to place her food directly on her tray to avoid giving her plates and bowls, as they eventually end up upside or dumped off the side of her high chair. When she is not super hungry, or when she isn't loving the options, she likes to drop her fork/spoon/cup/food off the side of the tray to see Mommy and Daddy's reaction. Tests our patience, but we are working through it. One meal at a time.

Schedule-wise, Miss Adalee typically gets water or apple juice with dry cereal, or sometimes a small portion of Mommy/Daddy's breakfast, in the morning around 7:00am before heading to school. Then once she arrives at school, she gets milk with a second breakfast around 8:30am. Lunch is served at school with milk around 11:00am, and then an afternoon snack with milk is given around 3:00pm. When we get home from school, sometimes one of us can distract her while the other makes dinner, but sometimes she is adamant about needing to eat, so she will get a small second snack with water. Then we try to eat dinner as a family around 6:00pm. Miss Adalee is fairly good about telling us what she wants - saying yes or no when we ask "Do you want water/milk/juice?". She also can say water - "wa wa" - and juice - "juush" - but isn't able to communicate milk yet. Overall Miss Adalee eats most things - the only exception has been Chinese food - she is not a fan despite multiple attempts!

No real changes in the sleeping department for Miss Adalee in the last three months. She still goes to bed around 7:30pm and wakes up around 6:30am - we feel so lucky that she is such a consistent sleeper. Because she just changed daycares, we have seen a decrease in the time she spends napping, but I am attributing that to her getting used to a new environment. She will take anywhere from a 1 to 2 hour nap after lunch at school. On the weekends at home she will nap anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on how tired she is. Still sucks her thumb and strokes her giraffe for comfort when falling asleep.

Her vocabulary has made a lot of progress over the past few months. She now says a lot more of words - some more clearly than others: "ma-ma", "add-y", "hi", "bye", "ees (yes)", "no", "mine", "ball", "ook (book)", "bubble", "aug (again)", "more", and "kay (okay)". She seems to be interested in trying to learn her name. She often points to me and I say "I'm mama", then she points to Michael and I say "That's daddy", then she points to herself, and I say "Your name is Adalee", then she smiles. I feel like I have heard her say "Ada" in reference to herself, but that could just be me thinking to far in to it. The word "no" is probably her most commonly chosen word right now - sometimes I feel like it is the only thing she says - even when she doesn't mean it. I will ask her if she wants to read a book, she will say no, and then she will go get a book and sit in my lap for us to read. She also has learned most of her basic body parts, and can point to her eyes, nose, ear, mouth, tongue, hair, belly, feet, toes, hands, fingers, knee and elbow (Michael worked really hard on getting her to learn elbow...). She also loves to learn animal noises - knows that a dog says "woof", a lion says "roar", a cow says "moo", a duck says "ack (quack)", and a sheep says "baa". She also does really well when we ask her to do simple tasks, like putting her clothes in her laundry basket, throwing her dirty diaper in the trashcan, putting her books in her basket, or "dusting" the kitchen floor/cabinets with a paper towel.

Miss Adalee is fairly independent and likes to walk most places on her own, as long as she can hold Mommy or Daddy's hand when people she doesn't know are around. She also loves to walk up and down the stairs - holding on to our hand, as well as the railings/walls. She will crawl up the stairs on her own with us following behind, but she doesn't understand crawling backwards down the stairs, so we either have to help her walk or carry her.

Adalee loves to try out everything that Mommy and Daddy do. If Mommy is brushing her hair, then Adalee wants her comb to brush her hair. If daddy is putting on his shoes, Adalee wants to put on her shoes. If Mommy is cooking dinner, Adalee wants to be in the kitchen with her helping to stir whatever is in the bowl. If we are sitting on the couch, Adalee wants to crawl up and sit with us. While it can be a little tedious, I love how involved she wants to be. Miss Adalee loves being outside - everything from walking to get the mail, to our stroller rides before dinner, to playing in the driveway, or visiting our local park to swing and go down the slides. She loves to drive her car, as well as mow with her lawnmower and blow bubbles when she is outside. She is even "helpful" during yard work - when Mommy walks around the landscape beds to pick up weeds and sticks, Miss Adalee usually helps out by throwing "excessive" mulch into the bucket as well... :) The only outdoor activity Miss Adalee doesn't really like is playing in her baby pool. I think she is going through a phase of not liking larger bodies of water, because she also despises being in the bathtub right now - showering is fine, sink baths are fine, but if you put in her in the tub, it is a no go. Same thing with her outdoor baby pool - not a fan. We are hoping to get her to our local pool soon to see what happens there.

When we are inside, reading is still Adalee's favorite activity. We still read multiple books every night before bed. Her favorites are the ones that you can sing and the ones that have actions - all of Sandra Boyton's books are fantastic for this! She also loves to sing along to songs - itsy bitsy spider, wheels on the bus, twinkle twinkle, row row row your boat - and she knows the actions for most of them! Still loves to dance to music makers, play with her blocks and puzzles, and feed/rock her baby doll, but her new favorite toys are balls - any size or shape. She has learned how to throw and kick a ball, and now loves to play "pass the ball" with Mom and Dad.

We love you Miss Adalee and can't wait to see what the rest of your second year has in store for us. And we are so excited to see you become a big sister soon!

Adalee's First Day at MacKids Academy

Adalee started attending her new school this week - the MacKids Academy! When we found out that Burns and McDonnell was adding a daycare facility in their new building, we were super excited!  Not only is it a brand new facility, but it is also STEM education-based. The "nerd" side of both Michael and I loves that Adalee will have some early exposure to math, science, etc! Plus, now Michael can just take Adalee (and eventually the new baby) to work with him and bring them home when he leaves - no need for an extra stop! The only days it will not be ideal is when he is traveling and I have to drive the girls all the way to Burns and McDonnell before heading to Lawrence, but I think the benefits of this place far outweigh the extra time spent driving when Michael is out of town. 

Miss Adalee was actually supposed to start on Tuesday, May 31st, but due to being sick over Memorial Weekend and the first part of the week, she had her first actual day on Thursday, June 2nd. The first drop off went as one would expect - complete meltdown - not wanting to let go of Mommy's legs. But her teachers emailed us a little while later and said that within 10 or so minutes, Adalee was already smiling and having fun with new friends. I am sure the first week or two will be rough with the drop offs, but after that she will get settled in. Fingers crossed!

Here are some pictures from Adalee on her first day at her new school...

Miss Adalee in the dramatic play area of her classroom!

Eating her second breakfast for the day :)

Michael realized that when he looks out the
window of his office floor, her playground
area is right below. So he can spy when she
is outside!

Walking around the playground - looking
for sand and mulch... :)

Found the sandbox with a friend!

Random May Photos and Videos

I can't believe that the month of May has already come and gone - it just flew by! Here are some photos and videos from the past month...

Happy girl after a haircut from Mommy!
Those bangs just grow so fast!

Smily girl at bath time - not super common!
Adalee doesn't love baths in the tub, but she
does great with sink baths, and recently has
been okay with taking quick showers with
Mom and Dad.

Playing legos at Barnes and Noble!

Sitting in a "Big Girl" chair while eating
her ego waffle for breakfast

Just driving around the driveway

That smile...It is my favorite...

Hanging out with cousin James at Nana and Bop Bop's house

Super tired...thus the star fish...

Adalee checking out her new room at the Burns and
McDonnell MacKids Academy. She starts school here
at the beginning of June - we are so excited for her, but
also bracing ourselves for the transition!

Playing cars with her cousins! The Bell boys were in town
for Memorial Weekend and Adalee loved trying to keep up!

My sick little lady - just wanting to hang out on Mommy

Loving Nana time!

Sick with Croup and an Ear Infection.
Just relaxing with Daddy.

Another one of our sick girl - it has been
a LONG time since she had fallen
asleep in my arms!

Baby Bell 2: 38 Weeks

Baby Bell 2 is... the size of a winter melon! Baby is likely 18.9 to 20.9 inches and 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Baby continues to grow and my body continues to (albeit slowly) prepare for labor. At my 38 week appointment, I was still only 1-2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced - same status as that from my 36 week and 37 week appointments. So not a lot of progress on that front. However, the baby has continued to drop lower in my pelvis, which is a good sign! Baby's only job now is to continue to grow, and maybe take it easy on Mommy's ribs and hips!

My bump is... a big, big bump. I have officially never been THIS pregnant. Adalee was born at 37 weeks, 5 days, so I am officially the "most pregnant" I have ever been! I officially hate wearing almost all of clothes (but don't worry, I continue to do so). It is just that nothing is comfortable anymore, even my maternity clothes. Everything just feels restrictive.

I have been feeling... all kinds of emotions. There are days when I just want Baby to be born so that we can meet her and the discomforts can be over. Then there are other days when I feel completely unprepared to be a mother of two, and I wish she could just stay inside forever. There are days when I feel super sad that this pregnancy is almost over, as I know I am going to miss certain aspects of being pregnant - I definitely did with Adalee. There are other days when I feel completely exhausted - most likely because Adalee has recently been fighting croup and an ear infection, and caring for a sick little one can be exhausting even when you are at your best. So many emotions...so goes motherhood... :)

In addition, I had my first round of big contractions a few days ago. Like super big. Like "crying while lying on the bathroom floor" big. Luckily it was only a few contractions and then it passed. But holy moly, if that is what labor is like, I am in for a painful ride.

Baby also tried to turn herself around late last week. I was at work when I felt this massive movement and excruciating pain. I actually watched Baby turn herself around 180 degrees in my belly. Luckily, we got her turned back around and we confirmed at my 38 week appointment that she is back in the head down position. Whew!

Otherwise, outside of my emotional state (which changes daily), we are feeling pretty prepared for Baby's arrival - the car seat is installed, the hospital bags are packed, the final touches are being completed on the nursery. Feels good to see the Baby To-Do list down to almost nothing! :)

I have been craving... no real unique cravings right now. I am mostly just trying to avoid eating a ton because if I eat too much I get horrible acid reflux and heartburn - small meals...that is the key (so they say)!

Our favorite thing has been... making the final preparations and spending time together as a family. Even though Miss Adalee has been sick, we have been able to just slow down and spend some quality time together, as well as spend time with our extended families the past two weekends. Ah family...it is just the best!

We are looking forward to... Baby's arrival. At this point, we are just waiting on her! Take your time sweet girl, but Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister Adalee are so excited to meet you! We love you already!

Last Visit to Manhattan Before Baby!

This past weekend, we made a quick trip to Manhattan to see my parents! Knowing that we likely won't be making the drive for a while after the baby is born, we wanted to squeeze in one more visit! Miss Adalee loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa - like always - and she loved playing with her new toys! A fairy princess car, some soccer and bouncy balls, bubbles, and books (of course!)...doesn't get much more fun than that!

Getting so big...needs a big girl chair!

Ah, the princess life...

Nom Nom - Cookie Monster! They were
oatmeal raisin cookies, so healthy, right?

Reading books with Grandpa - note the
crossed feet - so sweet! :)

Loved blowing bubbles - and even learned how to
say "Bub-Bubs" :)

Baby Bell 2: 36 Weeks

Baby Bell 2 is... the size of a papaya! Baby should still be in the 17.2-18.7 inch and 4.2-5.8 pound range, but I feel like she is a little bigger and I know that she continues to grow! My stomach feels like it can't stretch much further! Baby is getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own - only one more week until she is considered early term! Despite being term at 37 weeks, we are hoping that she chooses to stay a little longer! Adalee was born at 37 weeks, 5 days, and I feel like she could have benefitted from a little more "baking" time. Her skin is still smoothing out, but most of her systems are in working order! I can't believe we are already four weeks away - time has just flown by this time around!

My bump is... still growing! And I can definitely feel it - especially in my ribs! She hasn't quite dropped yet, so I am still carrying her pretty high, which makes it a challenge to breathe every once in a while. It has also made sleeping a little challenging because I feel like she crams into whichever set of ribs that I am sleeping on. My belly button sticks out pretty clearly through my shirt, which is really intriguing to Adalee - she loves to pull up her own shirt and show us her belly, as well as pull up Mommy's shirt to see her belly. Completely fine when we are at home - in public, it is a little awkward... :)

I have been feeling... probably on-par with how most women are feeling at 36 weeks pregnant - you just start to get uncomfortable. It is harder to do things on your own, like get out of bed, or stand up from the couch - which is annoying. Despite her space shrinking as she grows, Baby doesn't seem to want to slow down her movements. We have a very active girl, which is fun to feel and watch, but can be a little overwhelming when it is 3am and I can't get any sleep!

At my 36 Week check-in with my OB, I was dilated between 1-2 centimeters, and about 50% effaced, which is a good sign that my body is preparing for labor. A few small contractions every now and then, but so far everything has been manageable by moving around and drinking water. As we get closer to the due date, I am getting a little anxious about this whole labor thing. It was something I didn't really think about with Adalee because we knew we were scheduling a c-section. I know I am not incredibly pain tolerant, so I am nervous to see how things feel - we shall see!

I have been craving... mexican food! Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, salsa - you name it and I have wanted it! I have also been loving snickers ice cream bars for dessert - nom, nom, nom...

Our favorite thing has been... watching Baby move! Like I said, she has been super active, so every night we get to watch her roll around and kick in my belly!

We also took maternity photos at the beginning on May, and recently got the photos back! It was a chilly and cloudy day at the Nelson, but I love how the photos turned out - our last ones as a family of three! Special thanks to Erica with Anecdotally Yours for the photos!

We are looking forward to... making the final preparations for baby! We are almost done with updating the nursery, and feel like we almost have our lives in order! Just a few more to-do items to go. In the meantime, we will just be soaking up time with Miss Adalee - probably spoiling her a little bit - as well as spending time with our family and friends. We can't wait to meet this little one!