Anniston is 18 Months Old!

You are 18 Months Old Today!

While Anniston was 17 Months She:

Had her 2nd Christmas and we celebrated it 3 times! 

She learned to say Santa and Snowman very well and she got a Fisher Price Digital Camera from him! She plays with it frequently and yells out, cheese! 

She got croup and needed to get a steroid shot. It broke our hearts hearing her cough, but the shot and humidifier helped tremendously!

Got a sled for Christmas and we went sledding in the backyard!

She started saying potty, sitting on the toilet and flushing on her own! No, no. She hasn't gone in the potty yet, just practicing because she thinks it's fun! But she's showing a lot of signs that she is ready!

We made a jumbo snowman and had so much fun doing it!

She wears a size 5 in shoes, 4 in diapers and we are transitioning into 18 month clothes! She's getting so big so quickly! 

She got her top 2 canine teeth in! Her right one is almost completely done and her left one is tiny, but their growing! Thats a total of 14 teeth! 

She can count to five! It is the most adorable thing I think I've ever heard!

She talks. A lot. And repeats. A lot. 
It is so impressive and so cute! 

She got a big castle and a life size Elmo for Christmas. She loves bringing Elmo and her babies into her castle to read! 

Say Cheese!

Sledding and Snowball Fun!

Jumbo Snowman!

22 Weeks

How Far Along:
22 Weeks Along (12/27/2013)

Cravings:
I am into making casseroles and soups at the moment. We've been busy with a lot of family and friends, so large batches of things seem to work best! 

How Am I Feeling:
Busy is an understatement! We are hosting my sister's baby shower next weekend and as I write this, I can think of 73 other things I should be doing! But I am so excited for it! It's going to be adorable! 

Sleep:
I have been a champ lately and staying up quite late! I think it's excitement from the holiday madness and party planning! And I will note again that I still haven't whipped out my body pillow yet, so that is progress! And it also keeps my Nickolas very happy! 

Miss Anything: 
Aerobics classes and mulled wine. Not together. But I really enjoyed doing aerobics last winter and having mulled wine...so they have both been on my mind. Frequently. 

Movement:
Yes. And there's A LOT of it! Nick can feel it frequently now! It's pretty exciting and surreal to know we are to that point already! I feel like I've been so busy this pregnancy that I haven't had time to really realize that This. Is. Happening. Don't worry, the active baby inside of me is now reminding me!

Most Exciting Moment This Week:
It was Christmas!! I can't believe it is  here and gone already! But it was amazing. It snowed the perfect amount, we got ridiculously spoiled and the fun is still going! We got to catch up with friends and see a lot of family too! Now that Rachel is gone, Nick's dad Rick is here to see baby Tobin and spend time with family (25th-1st)! So it has been a ridiculously fast month with lots of family time. We are feeling very blessed! 
Worst Moment This Week: 
The heartburn monster has returned. He is still a beast to put up with and I am popping in Tums like you wouldn't believe. I know last time I found that 

Looking Forward To:  
New years and Angela's Baby Shower! I just keep looking forward to my weekends and so many exciting things are coming up! Bring on the chaos! 
About Baby R: 
The baby is now about 11 inches long and almost 1 pound! I don't know where all that other weight is coming from! But this week, they are really starting to resemble a newborn! The baby's eyes have formed now, but the irises still lack any pigment. 

Time to Compare: 23 Weeks with Anniston

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours!

20 Weeks

How Far Along:
20 Weeks Along (12/13/2013)

Cravings:
Holiday sweets are getting the best of me right now! I am loving anything and everything mint!

How Am I Feeling:
Overwhelmed and Excited! I feel like I have a lot to get done and this month is just flying by! I will say I feel ahead on my holiday shopping though! Amazon.com is the Bomb!

Sleep:
Back to normal! We got a new mattress since our last pregnancy and it makes a WORLD of difference! We went from a full to a king and a extra firm to a Temperpedic! No body pillow needed yet! 

Miss Anything: 
Buying regular clothes. There are SOOO many cute winter sweaters and skinny pants right now! I just wish they made it all in maternity too!

Movement:
 I definitely am feeling something now! Nick doesn't feel the baby yet, but I am guessing it will be any time soon! 

Most Exciting Moment This Week:
This week was full of excitement! Baby Tobin was born on Thursday, December 12th! He is so perfect, small and sweet! We cannot wait to spend more time with him this weekend! 
Extra Most Exciting Moment This Week:
We also got to see the baby this week in our 20 week ultrasound! It was VERY VERY active and busy! We actually had to have another tech come in to try to get the images. She told us even if we wanted to find out what we were having, we wouldn't have been able to because it was so busy! We didn't get any 4D images this time though. I was kinda bummed, but it's okay at the same time. The last ones kinda freaked me out a bit. 

Looking Forward To:  
Spending time with family! I am excited to FINALLY announce that Nick's sister Rachel is here from Washington! We had to keep it a secret to surprise Jennifer, but now that she's here we are so very excited! 
We also have Nick's stepdad Scott and Gracie coming up tonight for Christmas this weekend! 
Then we have Christmas in SD on the 24th & 25th and finally Nick's dad is flying in from WA on the 25th-1st! Busy times, but love seeing all the family! 

Sorry for the Lack of Bump Photos! Pregnancy brain took over, but at least you can look at Baby R!!

Check Out my 21 Week update with Anniston

Cutting Down the Tree

Well despite the RIDICULOUSLY cold weather (-10) we braved the cold and stuck to our family tradition of cutting down our Christmas tree! We got to the Tree Farm at 4:30, it was closing at 5:00, and the lady told us congratulations because we were their first and only customers all day! Anniston was a champ the entire time! I swear she likes the feeling of being cold! And huge props to Nickolas for sticking his body into that tree to cut it down - don't worry, we clapped for him!

But, it had to get done because all our weekends are completely booked! I am so happy we did it and am absolutely in love with our tree! It is massive - we weren't really planning on that - but luckily we have a vaulted ceiling, a ladder and a LOT of ornaments to fill it with! Cheers to holiday decorating, music and hot chocolate! 

Anniston is 17 Months!

You are 17 Months Old Today!

While Anniston was 16 Months She: 

Learned to Walk in Snow Pants and Boots - Quite the Challenge

Threw her first snowball and then leaned down and kissed the snow. 

Learned to Say "Pease" and "Tank You" for everything and it melts our heart every time we hear it!

Loves the word "No!"

She starting throwing things away in the trash - even if it isn't trash. 

Wears mostly 12 months clothes and size 4 shoes. 

Wants to carry 2 babies now wherever she goes. 

Had her first real sickness - throwing up for 12 hours! She was such a tough girl. And she even rubbed mommy's leg when she was sick. I love how much empathy she already shows towards others when they are sad. 

Started showing her first signs of the Terrible Twos by having unexplainable tantrums. I am hoping its just her teeth! 

She has 13 teeth completely in. We are just waiting on her 3 canine teeth now and second molars! Her top right canine just broke through!

She can now unplug her monitor from her crib and turn the lights on and off. So sneaky!

She found a new love for cheese sticks! 

18 Weeks

How Far Along:
18 Weeks Along (11/29/2013)

Cravings:
Homemade stuffing! I had some at our first family Thanksgiving and cannot wait for our second round! Oh yes, and green bean casserole. Yup, feeling hungry again already! 

How Am I Feeling:
Great! I feel like myself and remembering how much I love this part of the pregnancy!

Sleep:
Very typical right now! Since it's the holidays I am definitely staying up later than I typically would, but it's okay! It's all part of the holiday mayhem! 

Miss Anything: 
Mulled wine! Nick brought some home and all these places are having it for a fall/holiday drink. Hot apple cider is my BFF right now and it's working for me! 

Movement:
 Very minimal still. There have been a few times when I am playing down and feel a slight movement here or there! I am excited to start really feeling it again! I miss those feelings! 

Most Exciting Moment This Week:
We been VERY busy to say the least! This week we drove to Nebraska for my side of the family Thanksgiving! We got to carpool with Angela and Jake from Sioux Falls so it was fun talking about baby buys, sharing stories and just catching up!  And now, Nick's family is all coming to our house tomorrow night for a Thanksgiving supper! I am so excited/nervous because it's our first time hosting a holiday! That's a big deal! But we got everything in order and a time sheet for when to begin everything! We are going to rock! 
Worse Moment This Week: 
Just a lot of driving during odd times, which can be rough on Anniston! I hate getting her schedule so messed up, but it is kind of like we're on a mini vacation, so hopefully this weekend we can get back on schedule!  

Baby Buys: 
We did it! We went out into the Black Friday chaos today and bought the baby furniture! I am so so excited for it, but man was it a pain to get.  I am not very fond of the Babies R' Us in Sioux Falls, especially after today. But in the end, it all worked out and I can't wait to begin decorating! I am thinking about doing a fox theme. And no....not because of that song either! 

Looking Forward To:  
All the Holiday Fun! This time of year always goes WAY too fast for me! But all around us there is excitement happening in our family! Nick's sister, Jennifer is due very soon with her little boy(12/23), and Nick's dad is coming for a few weeks to stay with us(12/25) and my sister's baby shower is coming up (1/4)!!! I cannot wait! So much to plan, buy and prepare! But I love it!  
Bring it on December. Bring it on.

This is me at 18 Weeks with Anniston Jean

16 Weeks

How Far Along:
16 Weeks Along (10/15/2013)

Cravings:
Loving any Italian foods lately, but that's a very typically craving for me - pregnant or not. 

How Am I Feeling:
Much better! I feel like myself again and as bad as it sounds, I forget I am pregnant at times! But that is a good sign to me, considering how terrible I felt before! 

Sleep:
This is much better too! See I just forgot how rough the 1st trimester is and how lovely the 2nd trimester is! I did get used to going to bed early, so I am still crawling into bed much earlier than I used to! It's awesome! 

Miss Anything: 
Fitting into my regular clothes! I am at that awkward stage still so I am not quite in maternity clothes, but not wearing my regular clothes comfortably yet. But I am definitely ready for the maternity clothes again! I just remember how much I loved my gap leggings and comfortable waisted jeans! 

Movement:
 Not yet! There's been a few times this week, where I thought I might have felt something, so I think it is going to happen soon!!

Most Exciting Moment This Week:
On Friday, we had our 16 week check up too! It's crazy to think we are there already! Unfortunately Dr. Taylor was out, so we had a very short appointment with another Dr. It was a very brief appointment, but she listened to the heartbeat and it was at 155 bpm.
Worse Moment This Week: 
At the appointment Anniston got very sick. I mean sick in throwing up on her jacket, in her hair, etc. I've never seen Anniston throw up anything other than breast milk. So we were a little scared! The doctor said just to take her down to Peds and have her checked out. Luckily, I had an extra set of clothes so we got her changed, got packed up and heading downstairs. Unfortunately, she threw up again. And again. Needless to say, she left the doctor's office in Daddy's coat and doctor note saying she has a stomach virus and there was really nothing we could do except wait it out. So that is what we will do. It's a conference week, so I am at school Tuesday night and Thursday night. So hopefully staying home with Daddy and snuggling up with good books will make her feel much better! 

Shows I am Watching: 
Scandal - it's getting so Scandalous! Seriously, did that really happen to Mellie? And how on Earth is Olivia's mother still alive?! Really?!
Revenge - this show might be getting a little too twisted for me! It's hard to keep up, but I am just waiting for this finale.
Nashville - it's good music, it's juicy and I don't like Rayna with the new country boy...at all!

Looking Forward To:  
Thanksgiving Break and Conferences being done! We are hosting Thanksgiving this year for Nick's family! I am anxious to see how it all turns out! Don't worry, I am pinning everything to make sure it is a success!

Getting ready to leave the hospital in Daddy's coat. 

Anniston is 16 Months!

You are 16 Months Old Today!

While Anniston was 15 Months She: 

Was little Red Riding Hood for Halloween. 

Learned to really rock on Elijah the Elephant!

Is a pro at going up and down the stairs.

Started climbing. On Everything. "Up, Up!" she always says! 

She picked her own pumpkin at the pumpkin patch and painted it herself! It was messy, but so much fun!

Started sleeping with a blanket in her bed that she curls up with. 

Sits on my lap every morning while I put on make-up. She gets blush on herself frequently.

Wears 12 months clothes and size 3 shoes. 

Started facing forward in her Big Girl Car Seat! She loves it and always yells, "Hi Mommy!"

She braved the cold and went to her first UofM/Huskers Football game. 

She is obsessed with her books now and takes out multiple a day for us to read. 

Her favorite book is "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!"

12 Weeks

How Far Along:
12 Weeks Along (10/18/2013)

Cravings:
No cravings, just hungry every hour on the hour! And if I eat too much I feel nauseous and if I eat too little I feel nauseous. Working on finding that perfect balance! 

How Am I Feeling:
Unfortunately, my mornings have been pretty rough. I'm hoping that this is coming to an end soon though! I am also still so exhausted. I don't remember being this tired with Annie. So it's either a boy or I just tired from Anniston and then keeping up with a growing baby . It's a lot of work!
Boy or Girl:
I am thinking a boy right now. Just feeling much more queasy and sleepy this pregnancy! But it also could just be a completely different pregnancy! So who knows right now...I don't even think the baby really has a sex yet!? I need to read up and refresh my mind when that happens!

Sleep:
Still going to bed pretty early every night. I am a little restless and my strange dreams are starting up again. I remember having strange dreams with Anniston's pregnancy, but this time they are already bizarre! But I guess that's completely normal?! Right moms?!

Miss Anything: 
Feeling like myself again. I just forgot how strange you feel the first trimester of pregnancy! Queasy, chubby, exhausted, pale, frizzy hair....I remember it getting much better last time! So I am hoping the same happens with this pregnancy!

Movement:
Nothing yet! 

Most Exciting Moment This Week: 
We had our 12 week appointment. I always get so nervous for that appointment. As strange as it sounds, I knew everything was fine because I was feeling so nauseous! But Dr. Taylor reassured me saying I was growing good and my symptoms were normal. The baby's heartbeat was at 153 bpm too! It never gets old hearing that though!
Nickolas's 28th birthday is also this week and we are seeing a lot of family next weekend for the UofM/Husker Game.  

Looking Forward To:  
Entering the 2nd trimester and starting to look officially pregnant vs. is she eating too many cookies! 

Anniston is 15 Months!

You are 15 Months Old Today!

While Anniston was 14 Months She: 

Started a new daycare and loves it!

Went from 2 naps/day to 1 long afternoon nap. And thankfully this was a very easy transition. 

Started going down at 7:30 every night and falls asleep right away! She wakes up every morning around 6:30. She rocks!

Walks to get the mail every day after daycare in her pink cozy coupe car or with her walker. 

Started using silverware with her foods. It isn't messy. It isn't perfect. But she loves being so independent!

Wears shoes on a daily basis now...and walks perfectly in them! She now puts on my shoes frequently and tries to walk in them! It's adorable!

Just moved up to a size 3 in shoes! 

Instead of saying "All Done" when she's finished eating, she stands up in her high chair and "Down." Time to invest in a much better high chair I think! 

She started laying on her tummy during bath time to act like she's swimming. She also kicks like crazy and loves when the water splashes!

She blows bubbles with her mouth during bath time. 

Her favorite cartoon and really only cartoon is Pororo - The Talking Penguin or "Po-Po" as she calls him.

Says book, hell-o, bye-bye, and cheese now! 

Likes stacking blocks and pegs together to build up. 

Enjoys fall bonfires outside and always says "Hot!"

She got her last two lower molars for a total of 12 teeth!

Enjoying a Picnic Bonfire! 

8 Weeks Pregnant

How Far Along:
8 Weeks Along (09/19/2013)

Cravings: 
Not craving anything as of now. And not really to the hungry point yet.

How Am I Feeling: 
Exhausted! I literally cannot get to bed early enough. I put Anniston to sleep at 7:30 and usually am in bed by 8:00pm and still feel sleepy the next day around noon! Ridiculous! 

Sleep: 
Well, I should feel well rested, but I am waking up very frequently to go to the bathroom. I just don't remember it being this exhausting with Annie! 

Miss Anything: 
Sleeping through the night. My mind is busy racing with thoughts and I am getting up to go to the bathroom a lot already! But mostly everything else is the same! 

Most Exciting Moment This Week: 
We got to see Dr. Taylor again and hear the heartbeat for the first time! I was so anxious for this appointment, but everything looked great!! And the baby's heartbeat was VERY fast! 168 bpm! 

Worse Moment This Week:
Starting to have some morning sickness again. Hoping it is just short term! 

Recent Movies: 
We watched After Earth with Will Smith. Decent movie, Avatar is much better though! 

What am I Reading: 
What to Expect When You're Expecting since I forgot a lot of things about pregnancy! 

Looking Forward To:  
We are finally going to start telling some family and close friends! Nick is also running the Twin Cities Marathon on October 6th so I am excited to go chase him around! He's going to be amazing and he's been training very hard! 

Our baby at 8 weeks along!

Baby Announcement!

The Rehder's Are Adding Another Pumpkin to their Patch!

Baby Rehder is Due May 1st, 2014!

Food Fanatic!

Anniston definitely has gotten to the point to where she will eat anything and everything! It is amazing what she will all take and want more of! Being a picky eater growing up, this makes me extremely proud that she has her daddy's taste for food! Here are a few of my favorites from recently! 

Fun in the Sun!

I have always loved my summer breaks, but this summer was completely different. 

Last summer was such a whirlwind that I don't even remember going outside. Really. So this summer Anniston and I were literally outside the majority of every day. Bike rides, playgrounds, stroller walks and most importantly - water time. We were always in the water whether it was the lakes, the city pools, a water park or the mini pool at our house!! Here are a few snapshots of our fun in the sun! 

Anniston is 13 Months!

You are 13 Months Old Today!

While Anniston was 12 Months She: 

Just Learned to Walk! It is still clumsy and you still love to cruise, but you are walking! I am counting it!

Says baby, momma, daddy, yes, puppy and okay clearly. She"talks" all the time though!

Eats pretty much anything and everything. Her favorite food is spaghetti and cut up meatballs and favorite snack is applesauce.

Loves her baby and stroller. She pushes them all over the basement. All the time. 

Started sitting still on my lap while I read you an entire story.

Got 2 new teeth this month for a total of 10! 

Had her first ever birthday party and had cake for the first time! She wasn't the biggest fan! 

Went to the pool all the time and loves the water. 

Went for daily bike rides and she loved sitting in your burley bee with her babies and riding the trails! 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

With Anniston's birthday brought a lot of new toys to play with in our house! I've loved watching her interact and discover new things about each and every toy. She's just taken off with her talking, fine motor and we are so close to the big gross motor - walking! Here are a few of her newest favorite things!

Playing on her exploration table. Instead of sitting next to it like she used to, she now crawls on top of it!

Anniston loves her bike rides. I fill her Burley Bee with toys, snacks and blankets and we just ride and ride!

Nickolas cut holes in this box as a joke at first and now Anniston plays in it on a daily basis! She brings all her toys in and plays house. It is so sweet!

Anniston loves getting pushed around in her cozy coupe. She pushes the horn, clicks the keys and turns the steering wheel! Wee!

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

Anniston has been doing a lot of dreaming lately. We’ve seen her through the video several times talking, twitching and turning. I've always wondered what babies actually dream about. Sometimes she looks sad and I can't imagine what is going on in her head. Did she run out of milk, is a toy out of her reach, or is it like our scary dreams? Dark and unknowns. I hope not. I want to keep her World full of as many bright colors as possible! 

I was also big sleepwalker, so I hope I have not passed that trait onto my daughter! Today I was lucky enough to have a snuggle session with Annie Jean and I am certain she was dreaming of ice cream at the park, playing with puppies, or maybe just happy that her mama was snuggling her so close. 
This video just reminds me how precious she really is.

Happy 4th of July

I have always been obsessed with 4th of July. Last year, I remember holding Anniston and looking out my living room window as the fireworks went off at Riverfront Park. I had a grand plan of taking her to the parade, watching the fireworks, celebrating with family. But I kind of didn't realize how much having a baby takes out of you!

So this year, we went all out. We put on our red, white and blue, bought cute decorations, grilled out, went to the parade, ate too much candy, went to a crafts show and watched the fireworks with blankets at Riverfront Park! So I think we made up for our lack of Old-Fashioned Celebrating the previous year!

What a difference a year makes though - feeling exhausted, confused and overwhelmed with a brand new infant to going non-stop all day and watching your little one take in a holiday that you've always adored by yelling "wee" as people passed her in the parade and waving her flag to the music! Too much. Cannot wait until next year's planning!

St. Peter Parade

Madi, Gracie, Anniston and Mykah

Dress from Great Grandma Parr

Waving to the Parade

I loved how many people waved back to her!

Giggles with Daddy!

Fun in the Sun

Say Cheese!

Happy 4th of July!

52:52 Your First Birthday

I want to remember 

Your First Birthday

I want to remember your first birthday. I cannot believe that you have already been in our lives for 12 months - 365 days - 52 weeks. When I started this project I thought of some of the things I might blog about - your first food, your first Christmas, your first crawl - but I never imagined all the things that would unfold in one single year! I have spent the past few days reading through all 52 entries and it is simply amazing to see how much you have grown and changed! I find myself laughing, crying, smiling and shaking my head in disbelief. To be honest, we just had no idea what we were doing when we had you, but at the same time, it just felt so...right. There were difficult moments, sad moments, and frustrating moments - but those moments dull in comparison to those shining moments. And that is what I wanted Project 52 to be a reminder of. All those shining milestones, moments, and snapshots that occurred throughout your first 52 weeks of life.

Oh, and there were so many.

You never ceased to amaze us with your big personality, your contagious laughter, talkative ways and growing body. You have given your daddy and I so much joy and happiness. I never knew I would have so much love for one little being. But with you, it is so easy. We love you to the moon and back and you will forever be the sunshine in our lives.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl. 

One Year Snapshots

The Beauty of a Child

I don't think I ever truly realized what I looked like until I looked at Anniston. I find myself studying her big facial expressions, her delicate features, and her soft movements. I examine her in a way I've never been able to do with myself before. I've always known what I look like, but since Anniston's arrival, I've noticed traits in myself and Nickolas that I've never seen before. 

It's like I have noticed my chin for the first time and the way my cheeks curve up when I smile that I share with her. I've realized her strong arms and legs must come from her daddy. And that the shape of her eyes are identical to Nick's. I can see my complexion, yet with Nick's olive skin tone. 

Nickolas says she sleeps just like me - tossing, turning and talking in her sleep. And I say that she is a heat box just like him! Since then, I've noticed how I stretch in the mornings the way Anniston stretches. Or does she stretch like me? I now notice my thousand facial expressions that I've always made that I see in her and how she can figure out how something works after one time just like her daddy - it is pretty impressive!

Anniston has led us to finally see that we have a million different features and traits. And as she grows, I know we will continue to see more of ourselves in her - the good, the bad and the hilarious! That really is the beauty of a child. 

Few of your Favorites

Book: Cheerios and Guess Who

Food: Spaghetti

Stuffed Toy:  Love Bear
Toy: Train

Song: Baby Beluga
Animal: Puppy (whispers puppy at all animals)
Activity: Taking out items and putting them back....again and again and again.

Special Moments

Funniest Moment: Watching you fill daddy's mouth with toys. And giggling as they would fall out. 
Proudest Moment: When you started crawling for the first time - we worked on it for so long. Now you are so very close to walking! You love your walker and the stairs!

Scariest Moment: Falling and hurting your new teeth. 

Saddest Moment: Your first ear infection

Hardest Moment: Weaning you off your swaddle. Oh those sleepless nights!
Craziest Moment: Taking you underwater with me and seeing you smile! 

Sweetest Moment: She give hugs. Really good hugs. With back pats and kisses.

You are 12 Months Old!