Photos

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm just rambling about things on here.  So I thought I would change it up today and post some pictures!  Just a few that are on my phone...but photos none-the-less.

Sporting a cute outfit from Mo-Mo, carrying both drinks...and WALKING!

Eating a little breakfast!

Again...the eating.  But check those big brown eyes!

Trying to buckle herself into her chair!

Snoozin' away on the way home from Kansas!

Chatterbox!

Much to everyone's surprise, I'm sure, this little lady is quite the chatterbox!  I say it's surprising because Eric and I are both so quiet and soft-spoken!  Ha!! 

She has quite the vocabulary going and says the following:
Bella (our cat and a friend at daycare)
Dog
Mama
Dada
Uh oh
Wow (this is relatively new and quite funny!)
Eyes

She also really likes to make animal sounds and can do all of these:
Monkey
Elephant
Pig
Lion
Bunny (she wiggles her nose and breathes loudly at the same time...hilarious!)

She is trying to learn to whistle and thinks it is beyond funny when Eric and I do it!  She is also a pro at giving kisses and will pucker up and lean in for a kiss.  She is also into giving hugs, which just slays me!  She is quite the affectionate little lady!

We were able to go back to Kansas for my cousin's wedding over the weekend and learned that she is also quite the party animal!  She loved the lights from the DJ booth and the loud music!  Once the music started, she could not sit still.  She was dragging anyone she could get ahold of all over the dance floor.  And when people would sing along to the music, she would chime in as well.  Too funny, this one, too funny!

I love you, Neva!

13 months

I have decided to stop pumping, as of today. 

I'm going to continue to nurse, but am so over the pumping.  I'm feeling a little torn about it, but know that it will be fine.  She really only needs it if I'm not home, but we can supplement that with cow milk...Right?  Here's hoping...

And good riddance, pump.  I will not miss the hours that you and I have spent together over the past 13 months.

1 year stats

Neva had her 1 year check-up on Wednesday!  She continues to be one healthy girl!!!  Here are her stats:

18 lbs. 9 oz.  (25th percentile)
29 inches (50th percentile)
Didn't tell me her head circumference, but that is also in the 25th percentile

Can you tell who she is built like?  Maybe if I tell you that she can almost wear a size 3 shoe (tiny!), that will tell you that she is built EXACTLY like her Dad!  What a lucky little girl!!!

They also checked her hemoglobin and we learned that she is not anemic!  Good news all around!  :)  This wee one is also working on tooth #12.  Although I'm pretty sure I felt that it was through last night, hard to tell for sure when she won't open her mouth for me to see and just wants to chomp on my finger when it's in her mouth! 

And???  She has been taking some steps by herself.  Last night she would take about 4 before she would stop for a dance break.  Seriously, she just stands and bounces.  Hilarious, I tell you. 

This little girl is growing like a weed.  I can't believe how big she is getting!  Nor can I believe that she is already over a year old!  And I really can't believe the independence she is showing...where in the world did she get that? 

I love her.  SO.  MUCH.

One Year Old

Last weekend we celebrated Neva's 1st birthday.  I really can't believe she's already one.  The past year really flew by.

Sunday was filled with lots of laughs, a few tears and many, many memories from a year ago.  We could look at the clock and talk about what we were doing the year before. 

Even since then, we can talk about what we were doing a year ago.  What was going on this week?  Who was here to see us?  It's been so much fun...and I hope we can continue to remember that day so fondly. 

We celebrated with a get-together at a park here in town.  Family and friends were able to join us for a BBQ and some cupcakes.  It was so great to see so many people come together to celebrate Neva's first birthday.  We truly are blessed.

Happy birthday, to my sweet baby girl!  I love you more and more everyday!

Due Date

A year ago today was my due date.  I was impatient and anxious for this little baby to arrive.

Now?  Now I just want time to slow down.

Next week she will be one.  How in the world did a year pass? 

In another 5 minutes, she'll be 18. 

Being A Mom

I love being a Mom with my whole being.  That little girl makes my heart burst with happiness every single time I look at her.  Even if it's for an hour and a half in the middle of the night.  Okay, maybe not at that moment...but just seconds after as I'm falling back asleep.  I love her to bits.  And I seriously can't imagine my life without her in it.

However, there are parts of motherhood that I'm not a fan of.  And I apologize if I sound like a broken record, some of these things I am obviously struggling with a lot.

I hate that I now drive a "mom" car.

I hate that I'm now sporting a "mom" haircut.

I hate that I had to buy a "mom" swimsuit. 

I also hate how said swimsuit looks on my "mom" body. 

As much as I HATE these things, I love this girl even more.  I wouldn't trade anything in the world for her.  She makes me happy.  I mean, look at her...