Savannah Update: 4 years and 2 months

Last week Savannah had quite a busy week.  Not only did school and ballet start back but she also had her annual doctor's checkup, her biannual dentist cleaning, and her weekly speech therapy.  She was thrilled to head back to school after the winter break and to see and play with all her friends.  As much as we all enjoyed lounging around the house and staying in our jammies all day, it was nice to get back on a schedule.

On Tuesday she visited Dr. Johnson for her 4 year checkup.  This was her first time having her hearing and eye sight checked.  Thankfully she scored 100% on both tests; however, this now confirms what I've always thought----she suffers a bad case of selective hearing.  By all accounts she appears to be a healthy, happy, well adjusted, and balanced four year old.  Oh, and I must add that this was Savannah's first time going to the pediatrician where she didn't shed a single tear.  She cooperated wonderfully for all the tests and her exam.  It definitely helped that she didn't have to get any shots but in the past just checking her weight caused a meltdown.  She's definitely growing up fast.  

Weight: 40.8 lbs (85%)
Height: 40.25 inches (55%)

On Thursday morning she visited Ms. Kristen and Dr. Avni for a teeth cleaning.  As we were waiting in the waiting room she informed me that she was going to go back by herself and that maybe I could go back with her next time.  So when Ms. Kristen came out to get her, off she went like a big girl.  I was told that she hopped up in the chair, picked out some matching pink sunglasses to wear (they help with the bright light in her eyes), and happily cooperated throughout the whole cleaning process.  She also got her first set of dental x-rays done.  Everything came back great---no cavities!!  I did ask about her nightly teeth grinding but apparently that's pretty common in young children so it's nothing to worry about.

Just a few hours later she had her weekly appointment with Ms Anne for her speech therapy.  Afterwards I asked about her progress and how she compares with others her age.  I can tell that her speech has improved dramatically and most other adults are able to understand roughly 80% of what she says.  Ms. Anne informed me that Savannah is now capable of making all the sounds that most four year olds can make; however, she still struggles with making the connection to use those sounds during her normal speech.  She can correct herself when prompted but it's just going to take a little bit longer for it to become natural.  She did say that the end is in sight.....woohoo!!

Overall Savannah had a super week!  She is growing and developing right on track.  Everyday she is becoming more and more independent which makes me happy and sad all at the same time.

WEA turns 13 Months

Well I officially made it past Walker's 12 month mark and only shed a few tears.  My sweet little man has really been advancing a lot this past month.  He is without a doubt a full blown toddler!!  Watch out world!!

Walker's 13 month milestones/achievements/random tidbits:
~he is walking 85% of the time.  We even had to buy his first real pair of shoes so that he can walk outside.  Gone are the days when he would sit quietly in the swing and watch the big kids play.  Now he wants to be out chasing after them.
~he is majorly teething and this time it's the molars! He got one on his left side and the others are really pushing up under the surface.  His poor little gums are soooo swollen and it's causing him a lot of discomfort.  He is chewing through his lovies at the rate of 2 a day which has me doing lots of laundry.
~the teething has been messing up his nighttime sleeping.  Normally he will sleep through the night but there have been several middle-of-the-night wake ups and even more really early-in-the-morning wake ups.
~nap times are becoming quite a battle.  I think he's decided that one nap a day is good enough for him; however, he can't seem to decide which time of the day he want to nap.  Some days it's a late morning nap and other days it's a middle of the afternoon nap.  I think he still needs two to keep him from being so grumpy and tired but obviously he could care less what I think.
~he learned how to wave bye-bye and now every morning we watch and wave as daddy goes to work.
~he is still a pretty good eater but he is becoming a little more difficult at mealtimes because he wants to feed himself.  Because I am such a neat freak regarding food, this has been a real struggle for me especially since Walker refuses to wear a bib.  ACK! I can't stand seeing food on clothes!!  We've really been working on using a fork and spoon and he's making great progress.
~his favorite foods right now are: eggs, cheese sticks, waffles, cantaloupe, spaghettos, chicken potpie, Clif bars, and pureed fruit pouches.  He loves to drink vanilla soy milk and occasionally steal some of Savannah's chocolate milk.  
~his favorite toys include anything with a hammer.  He loves to hit and bang on things.  Also, he is becoming a big fan of the train set.  I am now finding trains scattered all over the house.
~he jabbers constantly but I haven't been able to make out any words in particular.  I can't tell if he has any words/sounds that go with any particular object/person.

playing in the foam pit at a birthday party

bath time fun

riding his Bat Mobile

It's been such a fun month watching him grow and learn new things.  He is so curious and he's always watching and taking things in.  You can tell that he's trying to figure things out in his little head.  And he's still the sweetest, most lovable little man.  He loves to be held and cuddled and he is always willing to give a hug and a kiss.  I sure do love this little man......more and more every day!  On to the next month......

Walker's 12 Month Photo Shoot

We met up with our good friend, Amber Byrd, back in November to take Walker's 12 month pictures and to also get a good family pic for the Christmas card.  I think we succeed on both :)  Here are just a few of my favorites.

I can't believe that was the last session in his yearly package!!  What a fast year we had!!  I'm going to miss documenting my littles ones growth every few months with Amber's great photographs.  I guess now I need to learn how to take better pictures with our camera.

Farewell 2013

Ever since Savannah was born Oscar and I have spent New Years Eve at home and more than likely sound asleep at midnight.  This year I decided that just because we stay home with the kids doesn't mean that we still can't celebrate with a fancy party.  And now that Savannah is getting older and she understands things more, the idea of a fancy party was right up her alley.  I say "fancy party" but really is was just the four of us decked out in fancy clothes, aka Savannah's every day attire.
Last week we went to the party store and I let her go to town picking out NYE decorations----streamers, noise makers, hats, plates, table decorations, and even a Times Square backdrop.  As soon as Christmas was over she couldn't wait to decorate and get ready for our party.
At 5:00 on New Year's Eve we were all dressed and ready to party.  We munched on yummy finger foods, lit some sparklers, popped some confetti bombs and waited for the countdown with London.  At 7:00 we rang in the new year watching fireworks shown from various European cities.  It was such a fun night and one of the best parts was that we were all in bed sleeping at midnight.  I'm hoping to continue this new tradition of our New Year's Fancy Party for many years to come.....at least until Savannah decides she's too old and too cool to spend NYE with her parents :)

the fancy party girl

a few of our decorations

happy party boy

sparkler time

I can't wait to see what all 2014 has in store for our little family.  Here's hoping for health, happiness, and lots of love.