Mason is 14 months old today!

Time is flying and I can't believe Mason is 14 months old today. It seems just like yesterday that we were celebrating his first birthday! It's been a while since I've done a Mason update, so I know I am a bit behind. Mason doesn't go back for a well baby appointment until 15 months, but when I took him for his one year appointment, he was a big kid. He weighed a solid 25 lbs (75th percentile) and 31 inches long (90th percentile). I am sure he has grown since then! Mason has 8 teeth (with more coming) and transitioned off of formula (two months ago) and drinks regular milk. I am slowly trying to get him off of the bottle. He calls out for it and needs one before bed. We are working on it. My boy used to eat 'anything' but has become a bit more picky. There are certain foods that he does not like - chicken being one of them. If I slip it in his mouth, it comes right back out. He used to gobble up vegetables, but now will only eat a select variety. He does still love his fruit though.

Mason continues to be vocal. He has a set of core words that he says (probably around 10 or so). He has 'mommy,' 'daddy,' 'catch,' 'throw,' 'Leah,' and 'down' nailed. He loves loves loves to play with any type of ball. He can entertain himself by throwing it and quickly chases after it. (That's actually what he is doing right now while mommy writes this blog). He also absolutely loves his cozy coop car. He will hang out in it and enjoys getting in and out. We'll often take him on a walk with it and just loves the ride. My sweet boy is not yet walking, but I have a feeling that it will be soon. He walks like a pro when I am holding his hand and can manage 5 steps on his own before tumbling down. Leah walked right around 14 months too.

Overall, Mason is a pretty happy little dude. He does have his crabby moments, but generally he is laid back and content. He is not as big of a snuggler as my little lady, but I'll take what I can get from him. Mason is still a great sleeper and we've never really had any issues in that department. He goes down easy and is happy when he wakes up. Usually, I can keep him in his crib for a while before having to go get him. He'll lay there and play with his pillow pet and talk to himself. Leah adores her little brother and would be lost without him. They make a great team. I am so happy they have each other!

 Fun at Key Lime Cove

 Such a happy guy!

 First Merry-Go-Round Ride at Great America

 All tuckered out from a weekend of fun!

 My super hero!

 Mase and his buddy Spider Man

 Arlington Race Track

Leah started Preschool

My sweet baby girl is growing up and is officially a preschooler!  Last week Leah started on this new adventure and I am so proud of her. Seriously, over the past 6 months she has grown up so much and come out of her shell. She used to be so shy and quiet, but she's turned a corner and is much more outgoing. Leah was SO ready for to start preschool. She is in three year old preschool and will only go two days a week for 2.5 hours. Next year, another day will be added.

Being a full-time working mom doesn't make it easy to get your kid back and forth to school. For a while, I wasn't quite sure how I would make the preschool arrangements work. Luckily, things fell into place and Leah is able to carpool with a friend. Plus, her daughter is in the same class which makes it even better! It truly was a lifesaver! For Leah's first week, I wanted to be there for the parent orientation day and do the drop-off/pick-up on her first official day. (It kinda makes me sad that I can't do these things that some mom's may take for granted). I know Leah is in good hands though.

Tuesday was parent orientation. The day started at normal time, but it would only last an hour. It gave us the chance to go see her classroom, find her school bag & hook and meet her teachers. The preschool is so cute and I am happy where I've placed her. Leah is in the 'Red Room' and has Miss Julee and Miss Debbie for her teachers. After quick introductions, the parents were to leave the classroom and move across the hall for the orientation. Leah had no problem with us leaving her in the classroom and pretty much shooed us out! The orientation reviewed the logistics of the program, policies, snack days, etc. I am glad they tool the time to review all of the information. Leah is going to have a great year!

 Outside of her new school

 Ready to head in!

 Leah's Name Tag by her hook

 She got her new school bag!

 Inside her classroom

 Leah and her sweet friend Laney!

 Playing hard!

 She is so excited about school!

Great first day of orientation.

Thursday was Leah's first 'Official' day of preschool and it was important to me to be able to take her. The drop off process is a car-line where the teachers greet you at the car and the kids just get out and go with them. There is no walking the child into the building, getting them situated, etc. Leah was so excited and didn't give me any resistance of now wanting to go. She basically jumped right out of the car when we pulled up to the front of the line! I was so happy (and kinda sad). She walked right into the building like a big girl and that was that. Two and a half hours later, we went to go get her. For pick-up, parents come into the building and get the kids from the classroom. The child has to remain seated on the carpet until their parent (or carpool ride) enters and taps them on the head.  Leah was so excited to see us and very eager to tell us about her day. She said preschool is awesome and she can't wait to go back. I think this change will be easy breezy for Leah to adjust to. After school, we walked over to the bakery and treated her to a cupcake! I am so excited for Leah and hope she has a great year!

 Ready for her first 'official' day

 Mase is so excited for his sissy

 All ready in the car for drop-off!

My big girl holding one of the teachers hands to go into the building.