Sarah At Twelve Months

Stats
Weight: 23lbs 0.5oz
Height: 29 7/8"
Head circumference: 17 5/8"

Sleeping
Sleeping has been so much better after last month seemed rough.  Sarah has gone back to napping an hour each morning from around 9:30-10:30 and one or two hours in the afternoon from 2:00-4:00.  She keeps geeting better at falling asleep on her own.  A few times this month she played, rolled around, and babbled happily for over an hour before she finally collapsed.  Fine by me!  It was pretty cute to watch on the video monitor.  Sarah still falls asleep in the carseat, but it's gotten easily to transition her to the crib so we don't have to sit in the car until she wakes up.  She's started sleeping with one of my old blankets and Lamb Chop.

She managed to get her left arm out of her pajamas!

Eating
She's been naturally consuming less from bottles and more from table food.  I'm excited to start whole milk and ditch the hefty price tag of formula!  When I think of Sarah's favorite foods this month I think of peanut butter, bread and tortillas, spaghetti, garlic parmesan butternut squash, watermelon, yogurt, strawberries, cheddar and colby cheese, and water from her sippy cup.  She loses it and gets so focused when you bring out the jar of peanut butter - a girl after my own heart.  Just wait until you try PBJ, Sarah!  She drinks at least 10 ounces of water a day now, too.  She's probably thirsty from all that peanut butter!

Personality
Sarah has a new scrunchy face that she makes whenever somebody looks at her or talks to her.  It's become a crowd pleaser which has made her start doing it even more.  She's also started raising her right shoulder and tucking her head into it when smiling - also a crowd pleaser.

Sarah got moved to the toddler room at church on July 30.  I thanked the baby teacher for her time with Sarah, and she said that Sarah had been the leader of the classroom, tried to involve the other children in whatever she was doing, and enjoys sharing her toys with others.  It was really sweet and made me so proud of the person that Sarah is becoming.

Speaking of sharing, Sarah really learned how to share this month.  Sure, she might want the item back after two seconds, but it seems like a big milestone that she's noticed that we share with her so she wants to share with us.

Health and Physical Ability
Nothing tops Sarah's first solo steps this month!  She took two steps by herself on Friday, July 22 in Kansas City when we were in town to celebrate her Nana's birthday.  It was so exciting!  Unfortunatley, Robert missed it and has somehow missed every time since then.  She's taking steps every day now, and her personally record is seven steps in a row.  She also likes pushing her walker and anything else (boxes, chairs, etc.).  She still enjoys crawling, but I think walking will be her preferred mode of transportation very soon.

Sarah had her appointment with the urologist this month.  We've decided to postpone surgery in hopes that her ureters will straighten and strengthen as she grows.  She will have the renal ultrasound and VCUG performed again next year to see if they are getting better.  If they aren't getting better then we will do open surgery.  If they seem to be progressing and getting healthier then we will decide to do a robotic surgery or to continue to wait.  While waiting she is on a daily antibiotic to prevent infections while she still has VUR.

Sarah's new words this month were Hat and Woof Woof, and she's really been enjoying blowing raspberries again and clicking her tongue.  She's also good and mimicking vocalizations that we make.

Superficial
Sarah's curls pretty much go around the entire back and sides of her hair now.  She's gotten tanner than me.  She still has the cutest nose, eyes, and eyelashes.  Her skin is so soft, and it's sad to think about her feet getting calluses as she starts to walk and wear shoes.  She's become ticklish under her neck this month and can't help but giggle uncontrollably when you tickle her.  She also thinks it's hilarious when other people get hurt - again, just like her mom.

Highlights of the month
July 9-16 - Robert was in Omaha for a mission trip.  This was a really long week, and I don't think I could have made it without the help of family.  Again, so thankful to live close to them.

July 22-23 - Trip to Kansas City to celebrate Nana's birthday

July 24 - First trip to Silver Dollar City.  Sarah road the frogs, butterflies, carousel, hot air balloons, and puppies.

July 25-26 - Memaw came for an overnight visit.  She and Sarah are great playmates!

July 29-30 - Kansas City for Aunt Bethany's baby shower.  Sarah is excited to meet her first cousin!

August 1 - First birthday photos!

August 2-7 - Aunt Cathy and cousin Christine in from Pennsylvania to celebrate Sarah's birthday (their first time to see Sarah since October).

Dear Sarah,
You're a whole year old!  This has been a season of growing, learning, and changing for you.  In your life you will go through many seasons: childhood and adulthood, sickness and health, easy times and times in a figurative desert, just to name a few.  I hope you always remember that God is with you in every season, whether it feels like an easy time or Satan tempts you to believe that God has left your side.  That is a lie, and you can always trust that God has you in His hand.  He's been with you this year when you slept, ate, played, crawled, walked, and everything in between.  God has great plans for you future.  I hope and pray that the most important thing that will happen in His plan is that you will become a born again believer who seeks to please and honor God in all that you do.  Sarah, I look back on this year and can't believe how much you and I have changed.  Thank you for the privilege of being your mother.  I hope I can set a good example for you.  You are a precious gift from God.  Now let's party!