One last piece of me

This post is late but something I wanted to do for my Abby.

My dearest little Abby,

I had your daddy take a picture of us, on your first birthday, to not only capture your big day but to also remember the last time you would have a piece of me. I was very sad to know that you would no longer have breast milk but instead move on to whole milk. There is just something special about knowing that I provided a special gift to you for your first year of life. Looking back, I wished it would have been easier but I was determined to do what I needed to do for you. Our situation was different, and I do thank you Abby, because you allowed me to share our gift with other babies. Over 1300 ounces were donated and I am very thankful that we could help out other mommies and babies. Times were not always easy when it came to getting you breast milk, but together with support and patience we did it. I love you so much and will miss our feeding moments together. I loved having you cradled in my lap while I played with your hair or sang you a song. You most enjoyed looking at me or out the window at the blue sky. As you got older, your favorite thing was to kick your cute legs at me while you ate. Even though you now get all your meals in the high chair, I will never forget our first year together. I love you to pieces my little lady and I know you will always take a piece of me with you. Big hugs and kisses to you!!

Kiddie Acres

Emma has been working very hard on learning to use the bathroom. I told her when she filled up her choo-choo train chart I would take her to the choo-choo train park. Instead of going to our traditional choo-choo train park, I decided we would give Kiddie Acres a try. Emma had a blast riding the train and going on the little rides. Her favorite were the cars. I think she would have stayed on it all day if she could.

Her completed chart.

Andy came and met us after work. He arrived just in time for the train ride.

Emma on one of her many car rides.

Andy took one for the team, so that Abby could go to.

More car riding.

Emma gave the planes a try. Can you see her behind all her hair?

We convinced her try the boats so that the cars could have a rest.

We are so proud of Emma for all her hard work. Hopefully we can be all done with diapers soon!

Beautiful Mornings

Even though our days as still very hot, our mornings are now cool enough to play outside for awhile. We are loving the park near our house that put new equipment in. We have been trying to go every weekend since the girls enjoy it so much. I am thankful that we can be outside for some of the day.

A stroll with daddy.

Someone finally mastered the bridge.

Can you spot Emma in the huge spider web.

Swinging makes this little lady giggle.

Personal Hair Stylist

Emma is really into learning how to do hair. Abby is her best client.

What do you think? Emma has helped perfected Abby's spike.

Abby wanted to try, too.

Milestones

Big accomplishments have been happening in the Solomon household. The first big thing is that Emma graduated from private speech! We could not be more proud of our hard working girl. She will still receive speech at school but our therapist would not be surprised if that ended this year. At this point, Emma needs communication in a social setting and not one on one. She is completely caught up to her peers and scored well in the normal range for her expressive and receptive language. Way to go Emma, you are a rock star!!

Emma in the waiting room. She was bummed that she had to take a picture and not have her snack right away.

In other big news, Abby learned how to stand up! She would push off of me and then stand tall for everyone to see. While she was doing this, my mom gave me my phone so I could take a picture. In the process of trying to capture a picture, Abby decided to take a few steps on her own! She caught me off guard. I am so excited for her to learn how to walk!

Here she is standing.

Here are a few small steps she took.

Smile for the camera

Abby is working really hard trying to figure out how to walk by herself. Today she mastered walking with the moo-er without our help. She was nothing but smiles as she made her way around the playroom.

Picture day is coming up at school, so we decided that we needed to practice for the camera. Emma always wants to stick her tongue between her teeth when we ask her to smile. We were trying to teach her how to smile without showing her tongue.

I guess we will just have to wait and see what she does for picture day.

Rapunzel

Today we met up with our neighborhood friends and went and saw Rapunzel at the Children's Theatre. Emma says she liked it but during the actual performance she was antsy. I think she was wondering why it was not animated with music.

Emma getting ready for the show.

The cast.

Emma loved the bean bags.

All the girls. Olivia, Maddie, Elyssa, Isla, and Emma.

After the show, we all went out to lunch at Phil's Icehouse. A great place to go with kids b/c they have a playground.
I loved spending the morning with Emma. Now that school is in session it is not always easy to get time with just her. I love having dates with my sweetie pie and hope to do more.

Happy 1st Birthday Abigail Marian

Happy 1st Birthday to our beautiful little lady, Abigail Marian. It has been one fast year. Our little baby has truly blossomed into her own little independent lady. She brings us so much love and joy everyday. So many smiled begin with her and her sweetness. Our love grows more and more everyday for this little lady.

12 months stats

Weight - 20 lbs 5 ounces (45%)

Height - 29 3/4 inches (75%)

Head Cir. - 47 cm (92%)

What our little Abby is doing at 12 months

-Had her first taste of milk and kind of likes it but still prefers her bottle. She did have her last bottle of breast milk today and I was sad to know it was the last time she would have a piece of me. Abby did help me proudly donate over 1300 ounces of breast milk. So many mommies thank you Abby.

-Is becoming a picky eater. Loves bananas, strawberries, grilled cheese, chicken, black beans, yogurt, cheerios, puffs, mac n' cheese, and pizza.

-Loves to dance when Andy plays the guitar. She wiggles her little body and it is precious.

-Cruises along the furniture and wants to hold someones finger when she walks. Trying to build up the confidence to walk on her own.

-Wants to do whatever Emma is doing and is learning to fight for what she wants.

-Is a very good talker and answers "yeah" to everything. She will try saying many words and her current favorites are duck, up, and yeah.

-Still enjoyes signing for more, all done, and shaking her head for no.

-Loves to be read to and who would want to pass that up. She also loves taking the books off the bookshelf.

-Is developing a love for her little stuffed cat. She must have it when she takes a nap or has bedtime.

-Enjoys brushing her two bottom teeth.

-Loves bath time and splashing in the water.

-Learning how to go down a slide and it brings her great joy.

-Warms our hearts daily with her sweet smile.

Over the weekend we had a ladybug birthday party for Abby. We had a great time celebrating with family and friends.

The birthday girl.

The ladybug cake. So cute!

Cupcakes for the kids.

Ladybug appetizer.

Ladybugs highlighting her birthday months.

Our sweet little lady!

They party goers. Dawson, Emma, Abby, Kenzie, and Allison.

Family photo.

The girls with Gammie and Papa.

Singing to the birthday girl.

A group effort for blowing out the candle.

Time for cake!

Abby with my good friend, Kristin.

Pure happiness.

Our love bug loves her new ladybug from Kate and Nolan.

Happy Birthday sweet little Abigail! We love you to pieces!!