Since I recently posted my goodbye love letter to Charleston, I thought I should show some love for our new home - Kansas City. We are settling into our home more and more everyday, meeting neighbors and getting into our routine. The house is amazing and I still pinch myself everyday that it's ours. Everyday Jordan, Willie and I go outside and play - Jordan on her playset and Willie with his frisbee.
We have loved seeing friends and family and looking forward to seeing many more folks in the coming weeks. And yesterday, as I looked around my table on a Thursday and saw my sister-in-law, cousin and her kiddos, my nieces, my mom and daughter - I thought to myself- this is what this move means. Jordan growing up around family.
Doug started his first week of work and is adjusting to his new role and new job. Looking back, I think I should have celebrated and recognized all of these milestones much more. At the time we were so busy with moving, but something that took 26 years of school and study should have been a bit more celebrated. I know that he doesn't mind at all, but I am so proud of his accomplishments.
So now we are back to our old routine. Jordan, Willie and I spending quiet days (trying to avoid the crazy heat) looking forward to when Daddy comes home. Home {Sweet} Home.
Such an amazing, busy, awesome, bittersweet month with our baby girl. Or should I say, big girl? Jordan took walking to a whole new level this month - running all over Charleston as we tried to soak up every last bit of our time there. She developed a whole new love of beaches - especially a fun time with friends at Carolina Beach. Jordan was excited to have her Burgess/Bonus family visit just in time to have an early birthday party. The Heffners also visited from St. Louis - which was such a great time for all of us.
Doug coined a new phrase that we are loving for her this month. She is always so busy - picking up a blocks, moving things around, playing so well by herself or others. Doug started calling it her "baby work". And it's such a perfect way to describe it. The way she tackles each task, does make it seem like she is doing a job.
Walking/Running Do you remember the scene in Forest Gump where he says, "Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere,I was running!" That is a great quote for Jordan this month. She wants to walk (run) everywhere. We struggle to keep up with her baby energy.
Stacking Blocks Jordan has always loved to play blocks - usually knocking down any structures Doug or I would build. But this month, on her own - she started stacking blocks. It was so fun to see her doing it all by herself.
2 - It's the Magic Number This month carrying things around the house became a big pastime. But it is always two things. And if possible, it's two matching things. In fact, one day, Jordan went into my messy closet and found a flip flop. She then went back in and found the match to the pair and walked around with them for an hour or so. So funny.
Words Da (Dog), Ge (Doggie/Willie), Mama, & Dada are her words this month. Although she isn't saying a ton of words, I am absolutely amazed at how much she understands what we are saying. She really comprehends so much of what is going on. She throws away her own diapers and with very few gestures really follows commands very well.
Opposites Someone gave Jordan an opposite book and she really loves it. This month - she was very into opposites. Up/Down, Asleep/Awake. It was so much fun to see her throwing her arms in the air for up or laying her head down to be "asleep".
Books Although we have always read books, Jordan became very, very interested in holding and opening them this month. In fact, changing her diaper is so much easier now. When you lay her down, she points to her shelf with books and I give her one. She lays back while her diaper is changed, quietly turning the pages. It's too funny.
Teeth Jordan's bottom two teeth got really big this month - prompting us to teach her how to "show us your teeth" as explained in this photo. She also cut her top two teeth - which are looking big, a little spaced out and completely adorable.
Other fun photos from this month:
Fun with Grandma & Grandpa at Middleton Place Plantation
I never used to understand people who spoke about the city where they lived as if they were in a relationship. But I have to be honest - I have turned into one. I absolutely loved living in Charleston. And as one person recently commented back "Seriously, what's NOT to love?".
This beautiful city with sweet southern charm. Where the teller at the bank wears a bowtie and everyone calls me Miss Katie. I got to live in a city with Island in the name and became hypnotized by the ocean tides that would rise and fall outside our back deck. Sometimes I'd go to the beach on a Tuesday just for fun. What's not to love?
Every stroll downtown turns into an adventure- a new discovery, a new street, a new favorite. And the weather. Our pool was open in March! Where Doug's drive to work included sailboat, cruise ship & seagull spottings. What's not to love?
The wonderful friends that feel comfortable just stopping by and memories that we have made together with our families. The amazing places we have seen. The sunsets off our back porch, at high tide while the baby ducks swim by. This magical city where we raised our sweet daughter for the first year of her life. What's not to love?
But, as it is with so many relationships - it's time to move on. I really don't want end my relationship with Charleston. I'm hoping it's lifelong - we will be back to visit. That is a promise.
I can't believe that Doug and I celebrated our five year anniversary. To celebrate, we went out on a date night to dinner in Charleston then took Jordan and spent the weekend in Savannah. We really enjoyed getting away and exploring such a fun city. We were blessed with great weather and a happy baby - perfect weekend. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the trip.
Fountain at Forsyth Park - one of the many parks we explored
Riverfront at night
Relaxing near one of the fountains
Jordan's standing was just getting really good at this point (April 9 and she had taken a few steps)
With dad
So much has happened in the past five years! I look back on the day of our wedding and I can honestly say that I would not have done one thing differently. It was a wonderful day, surrounded by our friends and family - and a great way to begin our lives together.
Two weeks before our wedding we found out that Doug matched for residency at Duke - so we were moving to North Carolina. A few weeks later we flew to North Carolina to purchase our first home. And now - five years later - we look to make some more big changes in our lives. But although I sometimes get nervous about the future - I know one thing is unequivocally true. I chose the absolute, perfect partner for this amazing journey.
When I first started writing Jordan's monthly blog, I remember thinking - will there ever be a month where I don't have a big event to talk about? I have finally figured out that the answer to that question is a resounding "No!" Our little baby is changing every day - in fact, sometimes we struggle to keep up. And she looks back with her sweet (sometimes ornery) face seeming to say, "Come on guys- keep up!!"
She is so interactive - her new favorite thing is laughing when anybody else laughs. It is so funny. Jordan finished up her music class this month - which was such a great experience for both of us. Now we are enjoying library story hour and looking forward to starting swim lessons next month.
Jordan's separation anxiety seems to have reached it's peak this month - with crying during our weekly visits to the gym nursery. We are trying shorter and more visits to combat this going forward. As tough as it is for me to leave her knowing she is sad, I know that it's a very important step for her to learn to live without me.
We had a fun weekend getaway this month to celebrate Doug's and my 5 year wedding anniversary. We went to Savannah and loved our time away and exploring this beautiful city. But we'll cover that in a separate post.
Teeth! Jordan finally cut her first tooth - or should we say teeth? Her two bottom teeth broke through early this month. She was a bit clingy and drooled a bit, but overall she stayed true to her sweet baby self.
First steps Jordan took her first step for Dad on April 6. This month she slowly progressed to taking up to 4-5 steps - usually back and forth between Mom and Dad. It's so fun to see her gain confidence and she looks so proud of herself when she takes steps. She has also gotten so much better at standing without holding on. Kinda scary...
Walking with cart We have progressed from short walks inside with Jordan's cart to long walks outside. She loves to walk with the assistance that the cart gives her. She looks so tiny walking around outside in the big world.
Down the stairs At the beginning of the month, Jordan learned how to go down the stairs backwards. Seems like a simple concept, but she kept trying to go headfirst, so this was a very important step. Her favorite thing is to crawl up the stairs, stand at the top and play with the gate, and then crawl back down. We are still right with her, afraid of falls - but she is getting stronger every day.
Foot tapping It started during mealtimes, but Jordan has started tapping her foot on the table or floor. Usually it is accompanied by the head bop dance that J started a few months ago. She absolutely loves music and we have enjoyed our music classes all month.
Head tilting On her own, Jordan started tilting her head side to side - very slowly. She absolutely loves when somebody "mirrors" her. We started noticing that she would do this to new people, or visitors. It was her way of checking people out.
Lip smacking Lip smacking was a short phase this month that she loved to do over and over again. I think it may have had something to do with her teething that happened around the same time.
Sharing Jordan's favorite pastime is sharing toys with Willie. This is what we do - all day long.
Some photo highlights from this month...
On the battery - on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War
With Dad - before work
Baby ducks on the pond in front of our house - it's been so much fun to see them get big.
Watching the Easter Egg Hunt at a local playground
Shaking the tambourine at music class
5 year anniversary with our newest addition to the family
See! I really have hair!
Dad rescued the baby ducks from the well. He is the best.
Christen visited Charleston! We had so much fun :)
Yay! Baseball season has started.
Uncle Jack, Aunt Arleen & cousin Seth also visited this month. So nice to have family visit!
uh, mom. Babies should not be stuffed into canons.
The cutest baby at the Citadel Parade. Boys - stay away.
Valentines Day, Missouri trip, meeting Uncle Aaron & lots of new stuff for Jordan this month. Our little baby keeps proving that sometimes the best things can be found in little packages. Small but mighty - she continues to amaze us with her inquisitive mind and happy personality.
Our little girl had lots of opportunities to work on her socialization this month - we joined the gym at MUSC and Jordan spends time in the nursery while mom goes to yoga class two days a week. It's been a nice break for me and Jordan has done great in the nursery. The first time I came back to pick her up, she looked at me with a bored look and went right back to playing.
I also did a part-time, short-term, nanny job this month to help out a friend. Jordan spent a few weeks with two fantastic kids and I think it really helped her be more social and get into an even better nap schedule.Jordan & Jake
Here is what is going on with our 8 month old sweetness.
Getting Down- Early in the month, Jordan started getting so much better at getting down from standing. She began to understand that she needed to slowly lower herself (opposed to falling flat on her back) This is a great video to showcase this skill and the next...
Cruising - Jordan started cruising along the fireplace when we were at Grandma Ceil's house at the beginning of this month. She is getting better (and faster) everyday - turning corners and even moving from one piece of furniture to the next. She can also pull up on flat surfaces like walls or moving objects like doors. Tongue Curl - Our new favorite trick - flipping our tongue over. It is sometimes accompanied by a squeal.
Climbing - Doug's mom told me that Doug was a climber and it seems Jordan inherited his proclivity for climbing. Jordan loves to play on our end tables, which have a shelf about 5 inches up. She has also started climbing into her toy basket - yikes!
Eating - Jordan starting feeding herself this month - starting with large rice cakes (Mum Mums) and working her way to Puffs. She is getting better and picking up the small puffs and somehow shoving them into her mouth.
Mom and Dad? (Talking!!)- Last few months with Jordan have been on the quiet side. Usually when she is doing lots of development - she doesn't "talk" as much. This month, we started to hear lots more sounds. She loves when you mimic what she is saying - thanks to Uncle Aaron. We hear a lot of m sounds (mum, mama) especially when she is upset. I have also heard her say more of dada - when she is happy and sort of singing. Not sure I would classify them as words quite yet, but she is getting close.
Waving- This month we have started to work on our waving. Usually saying goodbye to Daddy when he goes to work or Grandparents on the webcam. Some days are better than others - but it's so cute when she gets it! No good picture yet - but here she is holding hands with Willie. Which is just adorable. Other fun stuff this month:
We had a fun play date with Jordan's two cousins - with the little ones wearing their team's outfit. It was so much fun to see them all together and dressed up. Sleeping - Jordan is currently sleeping 12 hours per night - sometimes getting up once to eat, but go right back to sleep. Towards the end of this month, she was sleeping straight through with no wake ups.
She loves to play Pat-A- Cake - especially with Dad. Her love of music should help out when she starts Kindermusik class next month.
Jordan took her second plane trip this month - back to Missouri with Mom and Dad. She was such a big girl. Even trying to read the safety card. Jordan got to see her first big snowfall in Missouri this month - and a chance to wear her snowsuit :) She is such a happy baby and such a blessing to our family. So much fun! See you next month!
Between Christmas, New Year's, Doug's parents visit & a trip to Missouri - it's been a very eventful month for our little family. Baby Jordan's increased mobility continues to keep us on our toes as she amazes us with her curiosity. One important thing that happened this month, Jordan is learning to be much more independent. Being mobile has helped her to be comfortable playing on the floor and not needing to be held nearly as much. Her personality continues to be amazingly happy and sweet - she loves hugs and kisses. Here is what our big 7 month old was up to this month.
Crawling - (FAST!) This past month was a busy one for mom & dad - chasing after our little mobile baby. Jordan's crawling went to super speed this month. She can also travel large distances - which seems amazing when I see her cross a whole room. This is Jordan crawling at 6 months, 1 week. You should see her move now - I need to get a new video.
Pulling Up Right before the New Year, Jordan decided that she wanted to experience things on another level. She started trying to pull up - usually on her basket of toys or music table. Things progressed to couches, tables and even Willie. About a week later, Doug went in to get Jordan after her nap and found her standing in the crib - grinning at him. Pulling up was a bit traumatic at times, since she wasn't totally steady on her feet & couldn't really figure out how to get down afterwards. A few bumps, bruises and one black eye better - she is getting better every single day. Here she is with Grandpa - playing peekaboo while pulling up. Momma's little multi-tasker.
Pulling up at 6 months, 1 week
Pulling up at 6 months, 2 weeks
"Walking" with Mom or Dad So funny to see Jordan move her feet one in front of the other while holding onto Mom or Dad's hands. She starting doing it right around the time she was pulling up - so right around 6 1/2 months. Here is our sweet girl, after "walking" on the beach with Dad. Sitting From Crawling Last month, Jordan started crawling and mastered sitting, but could not transition from crawling back to sitting. She has learned to do that this month - she is getting so strong and deliberate in how she maneuvers her body. Here she is sitting in our bed - very interested in the humidifier steam. Eating Jordan started eating at the beginning of the month, and it was slow going at first. She still thrusts her tongue when she eats anything - so it can be a bit frustrating. She really got much better around the new year when Doug's parents were visiting. Whether it was their experience or patience, it definitely did the trick and eating has gone so much better since. Jordan is a pro at her rice cereal and loves the food I have been making - a new favorite is sweet potato.
Reaching for Mom & Dad I remember the first smiles and laughs that melted our hearts. Recently when Jordan started reaching for us - well that almost topped those moments. It started with Mom and then Jordan started reaching for Dad, too. We are totally smitten.
Toy Basket Jordan loves to pull up on her toy basket. Once she is at a good level, she proceeds to pull out every single toy. So much fun! Now if we could just teach her it's fun to put them away???
Dancing Right at the end of month Jordan starting bopping her head to music. It's super cute when she "dances" - usually one of us has to start first, but then she joins right in.
Pincer It's so fun to continue to see Jordan's coordination develop. She is really getting good at using two fingers to grab at things. She is able to find the tiniest thread or fuzz on the floor - it's amazing (and keeps me on my toes vacuuming).
Curious & Independent Jordan Everyone says a baby's mind is like a sponge - and it really seems to be true lately. She concentrates on people and things and is so curious while exploring the house. We do our best to provide a commentary.
Goodbye Pacifier, Hello Thumb? Jordan was never much of a pacifier girl, although, she would use them when going to sleep. All of a sudden this month, Jordan started throwing her pacifiers out of her crib - I think it had a lot more to do with her being able to pull up in her crib. Now, every now and then - Jordan will stick her thumb in her mouth when she is tired or needing to be soothed.
See you soon - Mommy was really late getting this month posted :)
