16 Months

Kallahan - 16 Months

My baby cowboy turned 16 months at the end of January.  

By 16 months he is off the paci, not taking a bottle but still not talking much at all.  

His vocabulary consists of about five words {woof woof, da, maaama, hi & boo}  

He grunts A LOT, communicates with brilliant facial expressions and leads us to what he wants.  I'm sure all this contributes to why he is not talking - why would he need to, ha!  Talking will come but it's amazing how different our two cowboys have been.  One slow to talk / fast to walk and the other slow to walk / fast to talk.  

I tried to do a post closer to the 16 month date but all the pictures I got of him he just looked terribly sick since he had the flu so I decided to wait.  Then this weekend we were so busy with keeping the little cowboys busy I failed again.  So I asked Kal if he would do a  guest post so we could remember exactly how he was at 16 months.  

He was very eager to help!

My brother had a playdate Saturday.  I loved playing with them.  We had a fun game going:  they would build fence get them all lined up with cows and horses and then I would come in and knock it all down - so they could build it again.  Then for some reason they locked me out of the playroom.  It was so mean and then Mommy made me take a nap.  I hate naps.  

 On Sunday we went out to the farm.  Brother got to ride in the feed-truck with Daddy.  I had to stay in the car with Mommy.  I was so mad.  But Mommy was nice and drove me over to look at the horses.  I love horses and my Mommy.  

Then we went into the city to shop but first we ate a restaurant.  I don't get to eat out much so this was a nice treat.  I worked really hard at not screaming and stayed in my highchair.  I got to share steak with Daddy.  It was soooo good.  Mommy gave me a high five when we left.  

Then we went to this big store where their shopping carts were race cars.  This was the best!  Everyone should have race car carts!  Mommy was really happy because Daddy and her bought new lights for the house. 

When we got home Daddy put up the new lights and I tried to help but he said he didn't need my help.  My Daddy is so independent sometimes.  

Mommy took brother and me down to the basement to play.  When we came upstairs we saw one of the new lights.  I love it!  I keep pointing at it to tell Daddy he did a good job.  After dinner, under our new light, Mommy took me straight to the bath.  She always does this and tells me how messy I am.  I just love to eat!  I always get my own bib before dinner and help push my chair to the table.    
After my bath, Daddy got me dressed in my pajamas.  Then I went looking for Brother.  I found him taking his bath.  I love to take baths with him so I decided to get in!

After I got in I realized I had my pajamas on!  Whoops.  

Mommy and Daddy didn't look too happy but boy was I clean.  On Sunday night I didn't sleep too well.  I kept waking up and screaming.  I ended up sleeping in that big bed that's in my room.  

Well, last night Mommy and Daddy tried to put me in that bed again.  I woke up and was scared.  Mommy rocked me and put me back in my crib.  Awww, it felt so cozy.  Why do they keep trying to get me to grow up so fast?  I like my crib...I think I'll stay there for awhile.  Hope you have a good day.  By the way, happy birthday Grandma Kak.  I hope to see you very soon.

Sincerely yours,  

And I know you're asking, "how did he do a guest post when he can't even talk?"  

Well I can type people.  Yes, my computer skills are out of this world!

13 months old.

My baby cowboy is 13 months old.  We have out grown sticky pickies which means the monthly update posts are less “mandatory” but I still want to keep track of this little guy.  It seems within the past couple days he has changed so much.  He has been walking for over a month but little boy (not baby) mannerisms are more present daily.  He loves to play.  He loves to be outside – in the dirt.  He knows what he wants and where he is going.  He thinks he is big stuff!  We are finding it humorous because he is still such a little guy.   

These little boots are priceless.  They were given to my husband when he was a baby by his late grandfather (his absolute idol).  Keeler wore them and now Kal is sporting them.  And boy does he love them.  They are the only shoes he doesn't seem to fight wearing.  Already a little cowboy?!   

 We still aren't talking much at all...but we have started pointing which 

helps with communication  #anythingisbetterthanscreaming

The weather this weekend was perfect.  I took pictures for friends which I need to be editing but I couldn't resist working on Granny & I’s impromptu photo-shoot of Kal first.  We decided to take his pictures because we were simply bored since Keeler & Tyler were at the farm ‘til late.  They were preg-checking cattle.  Keeler stayed out at the farm all day.  Tyler said he did great.  Keeler has been talking about their adventure all weekend!  How much he really understands I have no idea. :) 

Happy 12 Months

Dear Kallahan,

You are one year old!  The past year getting to know you has been so much fun.  You are so darling and spunky.  You are defiantly your own person and show your personality more each day.  You are more of a “bruiser” than your brother ever was.  You hardly cry when you get hurt.  You also seem much more aggressive.  When you want something…you let us know.  Just today, Granny was trying to take a small piece of licorice out of your mouth because she was afraid you would choke.  But man, Kal you bit her twice and just hollered because you wanted that candy!  I think we have a fun journey ahead with you but I’m looking forward to every second of it.

In the past few days you really have taken to walking.  You still haven’t stayed up past about 6 steps but when you want to go somewhere you are trying to walk first.  I am still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it - my baby is almost a full-time walker!  Brother was almost 16 months old before he walked…why so soon little buddy?  I know, you are just trying to keep up with that brother. :)

You are still eating well and sleeping through the night.  Mommy rocks you to sleep and since everything else is going too fast, I just might be rocking you til your 18.  This week you officially switched over to whole milk.  You don’t seem to even notice the difference nor have you had any negative reactions.  All that worrying was for nothing.  You love your pacifier and your favorite toy is any kind of truck.  You love to push them on the floor…all boy.  This week we have sang “Happy Birthday” to you quite often.  You just light up and grin from ear to ear.

Well Sweetbaby, you’re a year old now. We love you so much; you and your brother are our life. We are so thankful for every moment with our little cowboys!  It’s been an unforgettable year and thank you for filling our lives with joy. Happy birthday baby boy!
Love, 
Mommy

Happy 11 months baby boy!

Dear Kallahan,

Happy 11 months baby boy! You are so happy, bouncy and inquisitive.  You still have only 8 teeth, are a good sleeper and such a sweet little guy.  You are completely over baby food and eating soft foods very well…there’s not much you don’t care for.  You love ribs and other meats!  Such a man.  

Mommy is proud to report that you can wave bye-bye now.  You are so cute when I rub lotion on you after the bath by rubbing your own belly.  Another thing I don't want to forget is how you love to whistle.  Yes, whistle.  You pucker your mouth just right and work until a whistle sound comes out. - Amazing!  I need to get this on video.  

This month you have started making a few more attempts at words.  The two that I’ve heard the most are “yuck” and “dada.”  However, this morning you actually made a “mmm” sound and said “mama!!!”  Witnessing these developmental milestones is so magical!

You are starting to be quite playful.  The cutest is recently when you see grandma or your aunt Samantha you hold out your hands.  They come to get you and then you bury your head in mommy’s shoulder and then smile back at them.  Such a tease!  You love being tickled and to hear mommy fake sneeze.  You just giggle and giggle! :) We love your laugh.

We have begun to introduce the word “No” as we re-direct you in certain situations. You’ve actually done quite well with following through.  You typically look over and then begin on new exploration.  We catch you pushing all kinds of things across the floor as if it’s a truck.  You are all boy Kallahan!  

You also love to play with your big brother.

I love so many things about this photo:

Keeler has his magic sock on...the cure for everything!

My sister bought this train/track over 10 years ago for $25.  What a great investment!

Brotherly love, look at the joy in their faces. :)

Just think, this time last year we were all anticipating your arrival and now… your first birthday is just a month away and we’re planning a big “little red wagon” party to celebrate one whole year of your sweet little life. How time flies! Oh my baby, I love you Kal. Happy 11 months!

Love,
Mommy

Keeler at 11 months.  

We had these pictures taken for Tyler's first father's day in June of 2009.  

I think both my little cowboys both look quite a bit alike aside from the hair.  

Happy 10 Months!

Dear Kallahan,

You are 10 months old!  Just two more months and we will be celebrating your first birthday…how can that be?!  We have had a busy month with celebrating birthdays, parades and other summer fun activities.  You have loved being around family and all the festivities.  Everyone comments on how sweet you are.  You are still such a friendly and happy little baby.  I love you so much!

First Parade - July 14, 2012

You now have eight teeth.  A few of them have not come down all the way but you will be eating steak before we know it, ha!  You are no longer eating baby food because you prefer to sample all of our food.  You love to drink from cups and with a straw.  You scream whenever you see someone drinking or eating, hello don’t they know how to share!

You are still army crawling and every so often you lift your belly off the floor to actually crawl.  But however you do it you get around quickly.  

This coming month you go on your first airplane ride and family vacation.  We are all so excited.  We love you sweet Kallahan.  We look forward to planning your big 1 year celebration.

Love,

Mommy    

Happy 9 months!

Happy 9 Months Baby Kallahan!!

Height:  27 ½" (25%)
Weight:  18lbs 7oz (60%)

Head:  18” (50%)
Keeler @ 9mos: Height: 27 ½" (25%) | Weight: 16lbs 10oz (5%) | Head: 17 ½”  (25%)

Dear Kallahan,

You’re 9 months old today.  You have made our life even more wonderful.  You have the cutest little demeanor because you are so happy and friendly.  This month you got your first haircut, went on your first horse ride and got one more tooth (the front upper right) – that makes three.  You are constantly pulling up on anything and everything.  This month you have begun to cruise; it’s not enough anymore to just pull up on something, you now have to cruise the perimeter of the tables and couches too. It’s amazing. You can’t stand still! It won’t be long before you’re walking on your own.  Granny showed me today how you can climb up and down the stairs.  
You are becoming more and more curious each day.  That means getting into things that you don’t need to like fireplace tools, grabbing drinks, etc.  We are working on “no, no.”  But you just look at us and smile.  Oh, the road we have ahead should be fun! 

You love the water.  From the bath to the pool you light up when you see water.  You almost nose dive to get into the bath.  You also love to eat!  You are still eating baby food primarily but we are introducing some soft table foods like bread and smashed veggies.  When you want another bite you scream.  I mean scream!  Last night daddy was telling Keeler that he needed to eat his food because it won’t be long and you will be taking all his food.  You are sleeping through the nights and taking two naps a day.  We just got back from a trip to Texas and while we were there you did great.  You love our family and seem to feel at home wherever we go.  We love you Kallahan!  Happy 9 months.

Love,

Mommy    

Happy first day of summer!!

We are getting super excited because our cousin Megan (aka May-May) and her boyfriend Eddie are coming up to see us this weekend.  Megan lived with us for about 10 months two years ago.  We have only seen her once since then so it’s a way overdue visit.  She will be meeting Kallahan for the first time.  We love our May-May!!

Summer 2010 - Keeler was so little!!

“I can only imagine where these tiny feet will go in their lifetime. My only hope is that they never forget the way home."  - Candice G.  

Happy 8 Months!

Dear Kallahan - You are 8 months old!

You are such a little sweetheart & we just love you to pieces.

I think you are starting to like us pretty well too. When you want someone or something you rapidly flap your little arms and legs and even screech with delight . You are so bouncy. Your crazy hair is getting longer. Ashley tried to use some gel on it this weekend but no luck. It was even crazier! Your new nickname is Wild-man and it is pretty fitting It's hilarious when you make these grunting sounds..

In this past month you have become more aware of your surroundings and are a little less comfortable with unfamiliar people. That’s not to say you aren't still one of the happiest and friendliest little babies I have even seen. You adore your big brother. He thinks it’s pretty special to carry you - with supervision. Brother also does a good job at keeping us aware of everything you are doing since you are so mobile now. You are not crawling on all fours but boy you get around by worming and army crawling. Taking your 8 month picture was a chore - you were just too busy. I couldn’t believe my eyes last week when I looked over and you were making a good attempt at pulling yourself up. Let’s not try that for a while, okay? We’re not ready for you to start walking yet! You have slowed down on the teething and still only have two teeth but I am sure more are coming soon.

Since Mommy works it makes it hard to not see you all day. I can’t exactly describe the feeling that I get as I get closer to Granny’s house to pick you and brother up each day. But I get this warm feeling in my tummy full of excitement with an outpour love and I just can’t get there fast enough. When I see both your little faces and get sweet hugs it can make the hardest of days just vanish from my mind.  My cowboys are my world.

Love always,

Mommy

Wherever I am, I have to create an atmosphere of peace and happiness for myself and for my family. 

Happy 7 Months!

Dear Kallahan,

I express it every month, that you are growing up too fast but really sloooow down little man!  Your first year is going by a lot quicker than it did with big brother, Keeler.  It doesn’t help that you are hitting milestones faster than he did too.  You have “grown up” so much in the past month.  You have the cutest little personality.  Still such a happy baby.

Over the past month you have got in two teeth! You are eating first stage baby food like a champ. Your top favorites are bananas and prunes, but you also like carrots a lot. Other foods you’ve enjoyed include sweet potatoes and saltine crackers. How you can make such a mess with a single cracker amazes us.  We’re afraid that you may have had an allergic reaction to milk products recently…hopefully this is something you will grow out of.  However, we found you immediately broke out in little red bumps around your mouth when you sampled some of our ice-cream. 

Sleeping, what sleeping?!  We have had some hard nights lately.  You have been waking up several times during the night and just want to be held.  You’ll go hard back to sleep but as soon as we put you down you were back awake.  So, after a couple weeks of sleepless nights Mommy and Daddy made the decision that it was time to finally start the sleep training.  I love rocking you to sleep and since your crib was in your brothers room we really couldn't let you cry long, in fear that you would wake Keeler.  So, the first step was we moved the big crib into your room.  The past two nights we have used the Ferber Method.  It's going well, after the third time of checking on you both nights, you were out.  Best of all, you've been sleeping all night!  Way to go Kallahan! :)    

You are a mover.  I don’t know if we are ready but every day you get a little closer to crawling. As soon as you are put on the ground, you prop up on your knees and start rocking.  All you need to figure out are how those arms work with the motion.  Baby proofing needs to be become our number one priority. Let the fun begin!

Happy 7 months, Sweetbaby. We love you.

Mommy

We have been blessed with some awesome weather recently.  Keeler is enjoying our nightly “family walks” and playing with his outdoor toys.  

 After baths last night, I put the little cowboys in a set of their matching pajamas.  

I tried to get some together pictures.  This is the best I could do.  Tyler even tried to help me.  We wondered how do photographers do it? Ha!  Oh well, they look cute and I think I captured their "true selves"  a.k.a., just goofy! :)  

Keeler is on an oatmeal kick.  It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, it’s oatmeal.  He loves to watch his cartoons at breakfast but complains that he can’t see the TV from the table.  This morning I pulled out his little kid table and let him set in front of the TV…he thought it was the greatest.  He said, “it’s like a restaurant!”  Then he had to get a chair for George.  I am looking forward to a weekend of playing with my little cowboys.  TGIF

6 Month Photos

My sister and I took the baby to have his 6 month photos done while we were visiting for Easter.  This little cowboy did so good.  He loved all the attention and just hammed it up the entire time we were there.  Sadly, this is the first time I have had Kal’s pictures taken in a studio.  With Keeler, I was obsessive – 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, etc… poor second child.  I am so glad that we took him.  I don’t want to forget this stage.  Like Maria, my friend at work said, this baby could not get any cuter!!  We might be bias but he is such a doll. 

Big news:  Kallahan has a TOOTH!!  My mom discovered it yesterday on Easter Sunday.  Ironically, three years ago on Easter Sunday we discovered big brother Keeler’s first tooth.  My baby is growing up!