Year in Review

Ally's Favorite Activities:

Climbing

Waving

Reading books

Pulling items out/off of their place

Petting her dog

Visiting family

Drinking from a straw

Our Favorite of Ally's Activities:

Laughing

Smiling

Clapping when you say good job

Getting a big smile and a wave when you go in to get her in the morning

Productive nap times

Best Buys/Gifts:

Video baby monitor

Graco convertible products- we love both the travel system and high chair systems

Boppy pillow

Flip video camera

Pottery Barn blanket

Bouncy seat

Works in Progress:

Meal times- trying to work for more self feeding and to try to put more in her own mouth than she gives to the dog

Separation Anxiety- since she is with me all of the time, she is sometimes hesitant to go to Karl when she needs something. She is ok with others if she doesn't see me leave which is obviously very common at this age

Riding in Cars- she is great on long trips but anything shorter than a half hour is a disaster most of the time

Walking

Proudest accomplishment for myself in the first year: Sticking with nursing for six and a half months despite the stress and struggles

Biggest area for improvement in year 2: Better communication with Karl about the small things related to Ally and let him do things his way and I can do them mine, as long as they get done and she is happy

We are beyond lucky to have a very easy going, healthy and happy girl. My goals are to stress less about the small things and enjoy all the fun things that are ahead. Although I know she is "normal" and all kids go through some struggles I can't let a bad trip in the car, refusing her lunch, a day with no nap, waking up a time or two at night or any other minor one time problem ruin my day.