3 1/2 years

Sienna,
You are growing up so fast and are learning so much at school. You love to soak up every ounce of it. Right after Christmas you moved up to the next room: Pre-2. You were so proud of the accomplishment and already talk about moving onto Pre-K. I am amazed by all you are learning. You can write your name quite well all on your own. One weekend, the only thing you did was practice writing your name over and over until you got it. You claim you had your first boyfriend, Jackson, who would kiss you everyday. You tend to make up stories, so I have no idea if that was true or not. He's now moved up to the next class so we will never know!

A couple versions of your name writing.

You love doing anything with art and crafts. Markers, crayons, colored pencils, water colors, dobbers, stickers, scissors, or glue are all you want to play with. At school the coloring station is your favorite and where I always find you when I pick you up. We have stacks and stacks of art projects. You can't get enough. When you aren't doing art, you are usually signing and dancing. The Frozen soundtrack is your current obsession and you love to say, "Mom, watch me. I can shake my butt." Then you'll turn around and give us a booty shake. Your imagination is growing bigger. You and I had our first round of playing barbies the other night. We took them to the hair salon, home for a sleepover, and for a ride in the car (which was a picnic basket). Playing pretend family or princesses is also occurring more and more. You love to be the Mom and boss everyone around. I am always the "sweetie" and Kensi gets to be the baby.

Coloring as usual.

You are very articulate but there are still some words that you say that crack me up:
Pasketti for spaghetti
Alona for Leona
Mall-Ameriga for Mall of America
Fruit Cottontail for fruit cocktail

You have always been our cautious child. You like to feel out a situation with Mom or Dad until you are comfortable with it, although many times you surprise me with your confidence. You have a definite fear of heights and would prefer to have 2 feet on the ground instead of climbing.

Big girl, proud on the dentist chair. Don't be fooled by the sweet, confident smile, you were terrified when it came to the actual exam.

You have such a big personality which swings from the sweetest, move lovable kid to some pretty high drama crying. :) Very typical for your age. You and I have very similar personalities which sometimes leads to major clashing. I assume this will continue for the rest of our lives. But no matter what happens you are always full of lots of hugs, kisses, and I love yous. You crack your Dad and I up everyday with your ideas and expressions. We love to hear what will come out of your mouth next!

First Day of Pre-School

Sienna,
We have been waiting for this day to come for a long time. When you started potty training, your motivating factor was you could go to school once complete. We also promised once you turned 3, you would start school. The day you turned 3, you were sure to hold us to our word. More than anything you wanted to ride the big yellow bus. Lucky for us you still wanted to go even after learning the bus had to wait a few more years.

After looking into many different school options, we finally settled on school full day, 5 days a week. Even though you were very excited, I was nervous. Very nervous. I was afraid you wouldn't want us to leave, you'd miss Bita and friends, you wouldn't make new friends, etc. All those silly Mom worries. We talked a lot about school before your first day. You got to visit it once and buy a new backpack. We had promised both Mom & Dad would drop you off the first day and we'd all pick you up to go out for dinner after to celebrate. There was a lot of anticipation. I knew you were excited, but also a little scared. The day before your first day you were acting very strangely. At first we thought it was nerves, but it turns out you were sick - with tonsillitis! As I learned early on in this whole parenting thing, plans never go the way you expect them too. You had to miss your first 2 days of school and your Dad had to go out of town and miss your first day.

The morning of your first day, you woke up and cried that you didn't want to go to school. As you woke up more you decided you were ready and very excited. We Skyped with Daddy while you ate breakfast and he pumped you up. We dropped Kensi off first and you ran around Bita's house telling (maybe yelling) everyone that you were going to school. When we got there, you marched right in like you owned the place. You put everything in your cubby and ran into your class room. You hardly even looked up to wave goodbye to me.

You are so proud every day to show us your worksheets from class and want to hang them all on the fridge. Your teacher told us that you are very outgoing and a sweet kid. You are already becoming a leader in the classroom. We are both so proud of you for taking another step in the big girl world!

3!!!

Sienna,
How did you get to be 3 already? It sounds so old and you act every bit of it. I read a blog where they called it "threeanger." Every time we have to wake you up in the morning as you moan for us to turn the lights off and yell that you don't want to get up, I picture you (and myself) as a teenager. You still have a very sweet and empathetic personality with a bit a sass thrown in. And you are the ultimate charmer. You charm the pants off everyone we meet from the cashier at Target to the pastor at Kensi's baptism. Your charming skills also brings on lots of negotiating. Your Daddy is convinced you will be in sales someday. If you don't like our answer, you will think of another way to get what you want. You are extremely articulate for your age and I love the things that come out of your month. One of  my favorites, "Mommy, I have a GREAT idea!!" and then you either repeat something I just suggested or come up with a new idea and giggle afterwards. My other favorite is whenever you want to cuddle you ask us to, "Nuggle" with you. You are such a cuddler too. I love it.

You also love to sing. It started with "I like to move it, move it" from Madagascar. Then it turned into normal kids songs like ABCs, Ring Around the Rosey, and now you sing about everything and anything. The other day you sang, "Look both ways when you cross the street! Take an adults hand." over and over and over again.

Some of your other favorite things to do:
Dancing and watching your dance recital video, while dancing to all the songs.
Playing dress up
Riding your trike
Reading books - you are especially into your Tinkerbell and Friends books set
Wearing dresses and skirts

Becoming 3 also means big changes. We took the railings off your bed and made it into a princess tent. You were pretty hesitant to take those sides off, convinced that you would fall out of bed. We had to talk it up for a few weeks before you turned 3. It also means you are starting preschool! You are leaving Bita's and going to a full time preschool. You are very very excited to go to school, although a little disappointed that you don't get to take the bus there. You start in a couple weeks and I'm sure that will be a post in and of itself. You are fully potty trained now and only wear pull ups at night and sometime for nap.

new really big girl bed

As much as Daddy as tried to stop this, your teething toothbrush has become one of your favorite loveys. Before you go to sleep every night you line up all of your friends in their certain spots. If anyone is missing we have to go searching to find where Conner relocated them. Daddy and I have both tried to remove toothbrush from your bed but no such luck. You spot that he's (yes toothbrush is a he) missing right away.

You, toothbrush and another favorite book - Green Eggs & Ham

To no surprise you are still on the petite side. We got your official Drs measurements

Weight: 28 lbs - 21%

Height: 35.3 inches - 13%

Happy 3rd Birthday my Sweetie! We love you so much.

2 1/2 years

Sienna,

2.5 years old. You continue to amaze me as what you can do and understand at such a young age. It's probably always like this but I will never stop being in awe. You have the biggest heart and show your love for everyone. Your favorite expression right now is sincerely telling people, "You're so nice." Or if we are talking about someone you will say, "He/She is so nice." You are starting to grasp the concepts of right/wrong and good/bad. You know if someone is not nice, then they are mean. You also know that hate and stupid are bad words which we don't say - and remind your Daddy about it every time he does. :)

You are still all about being a big girl. If I forget and call you my baby you set me straight saying, "No Mommy! I'm a big gee-aaalll" (that's a southern accent you picked up somewhere) You are wearing pull-ups pretty much full time now at home and underwear at daycare which makes you so proud. We are still a ways away from really getting potty training, but it's a definite start.

In addition to being a sweetheart you are also so smart. Daddy taught you right vs left and you picked it up right away. He's also been working on reading your clock to you. Every morning you wake up so excited to read the time. You also have your Mommy's love for puzzles and with help, love putting together the 24 piece ones. Your memory is also amazing. Gone are the days when we could tell you something to appease you for the moment. If we say it, you hold us to it!

The girly girl in you is coming out as you love combing hair, pretend putting on lipstick, getting dressed up in your princess clothes, and putting on all the jewelry. You get very excited when you get to wear a dress and have to be bribed to wear jeans. Dance class and going swimming with Daddy are 2 of your favorite activities. You talk about dance class all week long and will show anyone your dance or the moves that you have learned. One day at the pool you decided on your own it was time to start wearing the floatys. You walked right up to the bin, told Daddy you wanted to wear them, and marched into the water to start swimming.

Helping Mommy & Daddy bake or cook makes you so happy. Whenever we are in the kitchen you run in and want to sit on the stools and help or watch.

You are becoming such an independent girl. Pretty soon you will be a big sister and I can't wait to see you take on that role too. We love you so much Sienna!

2 Years

Sienna,
2 years old!!! How did you get to be so big? Now that you are 2 everything is about being a big girl. Being a big girl means doing things by yourself or at least trying. Of course that also means some big girl tantrums and stubbornness. But even more it means big girl cuteness. You are still so sweet and loving to everyone and you constantly make us laugh or smile.

Coloring is your all time favorite thing to do. You prefer markers, but will take crayons if that's that only thing around. We gave you an easel for you birthday and that's pretty much all you play with now. If you aren't coloring you're usually playing with your kitchen, cooking up some food. You also love anything with Minnie Mouse. You've started to play with your dolls a little more. I overheard you talking to your Baby Stella the other day. You was asking her what was wrong and if you could kiss it. You take your owies a bit to the extreme. If anyone (especially Conner) even brushes up again you, you'll run over and say you got an owie and want ____ to kiss it.

More of your imagination is coming in. Somewhere you picked up that monsters are going to get you. You like to talk about if they are in the room, if we scared them away, or if they are going to get us. Conner has proven to scare them all away so we keep him close by.

Next week you start your dance classes are you are sooooo excited. You love to talk about going to dance class and being a ballerina, even though you don't really want to put on your tights, leotard and ballet shoes. I am hoping we'll get through all that with minimal tears. :)

Your communication skills are definitely your strength. The Dr. even said you are talking at a 2.5 - 3 year old level. It's been great for us because you can tell us your needs and what is wrong. We feel very spoiled to be able to communicate with you so easily this early. My favorite word that you say is "Uey" for Zoey. You also have the cutest expressions. My favorites: "Oh my goodness!" "Conner's Crazy!!" (when he's running laps around the living room) "Oopsie Daisy!" "You love me?"

Your teeth are still coming in very slowly. You still need your bottom eye teeth and all 4 of your 2 year molars. I would guess those won't come in for another 6 months. I am so looking forward to the days of teething being done!

We also got your official measurements. Still staying on the smaller side expect for that head. No wonder those shirts are so hard to get on.

Height: 33 inches (27%)
Weight: 25 lbs 13 oz (38%)
Head: 19.5 inches (92%)

21 months

Sienna,
Not a big milestone month, but you've changed so much in the past 3 months I couldn't wait until you were 2. (Can't believe you are going to be 2!!) You have started to assert your independence...for everything. You want to try to do everything yourself and get so mad if we do it for you. Luckily after a few attempts of not being able to do whatever it is, you let us help you.

You are still a huge chatter box. I think every little thought that comes into your head you try and verbalize it. You have been stringing multiple words together into small sentences for quite awhile now. You also give possession to everything. "My chair. Mama's car. etc" And you love to tell people what to do. "Mama sit there!" One of your favorite things to do is count. You count everything and have gotten really good at 1-4. The other morning you woke up, told Daddy you wanted to count, and proceed to count up to 10 all by yourself 3 times in a row. You also like to read to yourself. You are making us read the same books over and over again so you can memorize them and read them yourself. A few of your favorite books are "Brown Bear Brown Bear", "I'm Going to be the Best Ballerina Ever!", "Goodnight Moon", "It's Time to Sleep, My Love".

Your play kitchen, food, and tea set are your favorite toys. You're very good at serving tea and coffee to all our guests and also feeding your baby Stella. Playing Night Night is a close 2nd to cooking. The other day you and Daddy were playing night night and I told you to shake him awake - meaning shake his arm. You paused for a second and then starting dancing and saying, "Shake, shake!" until he woke up. We of course encouraged this and now it's how you wake everyone up.

I love seeing you around your friends. At daycare you follow the older kids around and do your best to keep up, especially with Maddie. She's a year older than you and you idolize her. You love giving everyone hugs, big waves, and saying goodbye when we leave. Everyone says you are such a sweet little girl and we are so lucky to have such a great, happy kid. We couldn't agree more!

18 Months

Sienna,
Time is flying by and you are getting bigger and more and more independent every day. At least you think you should be. You are getting more confident with being on your own and are asserting yourself all the time. You are pretty shy to meet new people and will bury your face in my legs to hide. You also take your time warming up to new places. But once you feel comfortable, watch out!

Some of my favorite adorable things you do. You love singing or listening to Mama sing and you are starting to join in! You will sit down with a song book and sing "I-E-I-E" for Old McDonald's e-i-e-i-o. You sing "Baaabee" for Rock-a-bye-baby. And you do all of the actions with me during Wheels on the Bus. In order to get you to brush your teeth I have to sing Raffi's Brush Your Teeth song. I will admit I have no idea what the lyrics actually are and make them up every night. But it gets you to brush so I go with it.

You are becoming a climber and are getting more daring. You have started to go head first down your slide. I'm going to assume you learned this one at daycare. You also love to climb into your toy box, sit on/around all of the toys and play.

You have learned what "Owe" means and that kisses make everything all better. Anytime you bump any body part you say "Owe", point to it and run over for a kiss. You are continuing to learn many words, including your name. You call yourself  "Nena". In addition to saying no all the time you have also started saying "yeah" - a lot too! But not as much as No.

A few of your other favorite things to do are board puzzles, playing with your musical instruments, and playing with your pretend food. It seems like your imagination has started. You will pretend eat with me and even share a pretend french fry with me!

Here's you walking in Mama's shoes. You love to be pretty and always want "prettys" in your hair.

You are finally getting all your teeth in. This toothbrush is your favorite teething toy. You just got your 2 top molars. Now your bottom ones are coming in at the same time as 2 of your top front teeth. Your teeth have come in a very random order. This will catch you up to the average 1 year old. 

We got the official measurements from the Dr today. She said the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Looks like you will be taking after your Mama and will be on the smaller end of the spectrum.
Height: 31.5 inches 45%
Weight: 22 lbs 5 oz 20%
Head: 18.5 inches 63%

Potty Time

I want to say up front that I vow not to discuss all of Sienna's bathroom habits in detail on this blog or show pictures that will embarrass her in 12 years. :) That being said, we had a big event this weekend. We bought Sienna her first potty. She's been showing lots of interest in the potty lately. When all the other kids at daycare go, she wants to go too. Whenever she goes to the bathroom, she'll grab her diaper and say "poo poo" (even if it's just pee). So she's starting to be aware of what is going on. We thought it was time to take the first step and introduce her to her own potty. We took her to Target and she of course wanted the Elmo one. Right now we are just practicing sitting on it. 

All smiles for her potty

Saying "potty, potty, potty, potty..."

Long road to go from here but at least she loves to sit on it!!

First Hair Cut

Sienna hit another milestone this weekend - her first hair cut. She doesn't have a ton of hair but it was long enough to need some evening out and we also cut her bangs. I thought for sure she was going to scream the whole time but this kids place was great. They had a tv stationed at every chair. They turned on Elmo and she was pretty well distracted.

Watching Elmo - she looks so big getting her hair cut, yet so little on that big chair.

She didn't like getting her hair wet down.

Or the hair dryer

Hair all cut, although still mostly wet. New do with bangs. She was more excited about the sticker.

15 Month Favorites

Sienna,

At 15 months you are full of opinions, loves, and hates. Conner is your bestest of all friends. You love to run over to him, give him hugs, pull on his legs and chase him around. This also includes standing next to him with your mouth open waiting until he gives you a mouthful of kisses. He is such a good doggy and is very patient with you.

Conner hugs

and kisses

Your Dad's love of Christmas is contagious and you have caught the bug. You are mesmerized by all of the pretty lights and decorations. Every time you see them you say, "Oooooooooh!!" and squeal with delight. Even if you turn away for a moment and then look back, it's like it's the first time all over again and more ooohs. 

Ooohing over the tree

Your Mom's love of dance seems to have been passed onto you. Christmas music is your favorite to jam to but any toy that plays music will do as well. You've even started to do a booty shake. (Videos needed) You also love climbing and rocking. Your rocking chair provides hours of entertainment. All of your toys go up on the chair and then you try to climb up and sit with them - most of them are too big and this doesn't work very well.

15 months means we got an official measurement checkin! I think you stayed pretty close to your same percentages as last time.
Height: 30.3 inches 44%
Weight: 21 lbs 7 oz 27th
Head: 18.5 79%

12 Months

Sienna,
One year!! How can one year go so fast, yet it seems like you have been with us forever? Seems like I was just waddling around trying to imagine what you would look like and how our lives would change. It truly has been the best year of our lives as everything seems more fun to have you experience it with us. But enough sap, now time to brag!

You've developed a lot of new skills this month. You are now signing more, water, and dog consistently. We are working on help, cat, and all done which you do sometimes. It's so sweet to see you do it and communicate back to us! I love it. You have added Bita and Hi to your vocabulary. I haven't heard Bita, but she has. You say Hi!! and wave to anyone that walks by when you are in the mood.

You were very well behaved for pictures this month.


You've gained 1 more tooth on the bottom and have 3 more trying to break through. The Dr. thought by the end of the month you will have 8 total. Lots of teeth in a little time! We were correct in our measurements and you haven't grown much since 9 months. Here's the official stats:

Height: 28.3 inches (33%)
Weight: 20 lbs 1 oz (25%)
Head: 18.4 inches (90%)

So in summary you are little with a big head! hehe. No wonder those shirts are hard to put on. You've definitely dropped in percentages and the Dr. said your weight will probably drop more once you start walking. We shall see! You are a very good eater so that will definitely help. Your favorites are cheese, peaches, watermelon, and baked beans. As for walking you haven't shown a ton of interest yet. You'll stand on your own for a few seconds but you'd much rather crawl to something than try and take steps.

We spent your big day with a family trip to the zoo and hosting your Sparkle party with the Eid's and Moehring's. A very fun day!

Baby Signs

Ever since Sienna was about 5 months old we started signing "milk" to her without much success. Once she started eating real foods we added "more", "eat", and "water" again with no real reaction. Until last week. She signed "more" back to us!! She gets it! It was so cool to see. Soon after that we also saw "eat" and "water". My favorite was during her snack this weekend. She was eating some cheese, raspberries, and blueberries. Like all kids she's a cheese freak and as soon as she ate up all the cheese she immediately signed more. She had already eaten her quota of cheese for the day but being the sucker I am, I ran to fridge and cut up a little more. How can you resist!

11 Months

Sienna,



First of all...PIGGIES!!! I just about died when I came home and saw Bita had put your hair up. So cute, but makes you look so big. My little baby is growing up.

The biggest milestone you've had this month is your teeth. You finally broke your first two on the bottom. The top 2 are starting to swell up and maybe by next month we will see them too. If you enlarge this pic (click on it) you can see the teeth.



You decided that the wood floors are ok to crawl on and are moving all over the house. Usually following us around because you always want to be by people. You've also mastered going forward in your walker and love going in circles around the kitchen while we cook. Unfortunately for us you don't realize that running into ankles hurts!



You've taken a big interest in books. We have a big basket of books that whenever I take out, you pull yourself up on the side and stand there looking through them all. Your favorite one is a photo album full of your friends and family.



Either you haven't grown at all or we can't measure. I'll be curious to see your official measurements at the doctor next month. You appear to still be at:
Height: 27.5 inches
Weight: around 19-20

Changes

Signs of change and toddlerhood are fast approaching. This past week we've been dealing with all sorts of them. The first was teething. I can't imagine it's a fun process to go though. Poor little girl has had every symptom in the book but overall she's still her smiley happy self. The first tooth poked through 2 weeks ago Tuesday and the seond one is about to make it's debut any day. In addition to the crankiness of teething, Sienna has also decided she thinks she'd too old for 2 naps a day. We've been struggling with her naps both at day care and at home. She would much rather stand in her crib and tell stories to Ted (the teddy bear). Are the two related? Maybe. But I see this morning nap going away sooner rather than later. And finally Sienna has crossed the threshold of the wood floors. No longer is any room (or animal) safe in the house. One night while Justin was making dinner Sienna followed him around the kitchen, over the doorway to the sunroom, out on the deck, and beelined for the stairs. She's keeping us on our toes to say the least.

Justin's in Orlando for work for a few days. Can you believe the weather there is actually cooler than here? That's a little ridic. Sienna and I tried to beat the heat Saturday night at my parents. She took a little dip in a pool that Nana couldn't resist buying.



Keep Cool!!!

10 Months

Sienna,
Busy busy busy; that's the best way to describe you. We've seen some big changes in you this month. You are starting to understand some of our words and actions and you've started to really move around. It began with the swimming, which evolved into slithering, and eventually you pushed up to your knees. This past week you figured out that crawling on all 4's is a much more efficient way to get around. Every day it gets faster and faster. Conner's bones are no longer safe on the other side of the room. In fact, they are your best motivators. The only thing that stops you right now is the wood floor. You get to the edge of the carpet and aren't quite sure what to do. Usually you end up crying for help.



Besides moving you have been copying us. You favorites are waving, clapping, doing Soo Big and peek-a-boo. Being outside is always fun and you want to be in anything that moves, like in the wagon, riding your push bike, or swinging.

Pictures were quite challenging. So glad I only have 2 more months of trying to keep you still!






This month you did the opposite of last. No growth in height just in weight. It's funny how it switches.
Height: 27.5
Weight 19-19.5 (not sure w/our scale)

9 Months

Sienna,
This post should really be called wiggles. I think pictures are only going to get more difficult here on out. About a week ago something must have clicked in your head. All of a sudden you started doing all these new tricks. It is so so fun for us to see. My favorite is when you started to say mama. We've been working on that word for months and finally you said it. Sometimes you act like you know that it's me, other times not so much. The next day (and every day since) all you will say is bababa over and over and over again with an occasional mama and/or screech thrown in. You have become quite the chatter box.
You also learned how to wave. Sometimes it's one arm and sometimes it's both but you love to show it off to everyone you see. Here's you waving to Daddy.

Feet are always fun to play with - and eat too.

You don't like laying still for long and want to be on the go. Your Grandma Deb said your version of crawling looks like swimming. I think that sums it up very nicely!

You are starting to grow more in height and hardly in weight. The Dr says it's because you are moving more. It's certainly not that you aren't eating! You love your mealtimes and will eat pretty much everything I give you - except for black beans. We just started you on dairy and meats which of course you gobble up.
Official Measurements
Height: 27.6 inches (52%)
Weight: 18 lbs 11 oz (48%)
Head: 17.9 inches (87%)

Music to my ears

I guess it's the week for videos!

Yesterday was my first day of summer hours at work. This year it came with a bit of bittersweetness. I have to leave so early that I don't get to wake up Sienna and get my few minutes of smiles and cuddles. I was really missing her yesterday. When I got home, Justin was heading out so we did a quick baby exchange and run down of her daily events. He also told me to be sure and watch the video on the camera!

Totally made my day and brought a huge smile to my face. Still does!

Pre-Crawling

Here's Sienna doing her version of crawling. I'm not sure exactly what you'd call this. Something between rolling and army crawling. Whatever it is, she can get where she wants...slowly!

And just because it's cute. Here's a few giggles.

8 Months

Sienna,
Here we are at another month!! Your little personality is really starting to shine through. You are very social and love people. Sometimes you will be a little shy at first and lay your head on mom’s shoulder but a few seconds later you’ll perk up and be full of smiles and squeals, showing off for everyone around. Removing your socks has become a new favorite past time as is screeching very loudly and high pitched. You love love love to be standing or jumping in your jumperoo (see screeching loudly).

This month we’ve played around with your foods a lot. Since you refused purees for quite awhile we’ve done mostly finger foods. You quickly learned how to feed yourself and are now quite proficient at it. Eventually you started eating off a spoon and we’ve added some purees into your diet to allow our meal time to go a little quicker. You fit right into the family and seem to love all foods, although peas are definitely your favorite. I hope this continues as you get older.

Just to show that you aren’t always all smiles and fun… (yes there are other sides to that adorable personality!)

You either didn’t grow much this month or we messed up measuring you last time.
Weight: 18 lbs 52% (down half a lb!)
Height: 26.5-27 inches 52% (you were very wiggly)

For the Grandparents Part I

A typical night at the Jovle house these days.