twenty-one

This girl.
To know her, is to love her.
You just can't help yourself...

At twenty-one months, our Caroline...

... is hilarious. You can't help but laugh at her. Even when you're not supposed to. Like when she crawls out of her crib or climbs on top of the table and laughs in your face.

... is learning new words and even started combining two. It usually comes in the form of 'more'. "More apples?" "More cookies?"

... has added 'why?' to her vocabulary. It seems a little early for that, but I guess I can thank big sister for that. While we continue to work on please and thank you, 'why' is a constant. A normal conversation at our house... "cookies?" No, Caroline. "Why?"

... loves her some animal sounds, frozen soundtrack, dressing up like Doc McStuffins and giving check ups, dolls and books. Still obsessed with Anna as well.

... adores her Bella and kisses her. She also adores her sister and they play together so well. Most of the time. They have their moments and when they do she seems to be able to stick up for herself pretty well. I'm not sure if thats part of being a younger sister or just our Caroline's personality. We will keep you posted.

... is expressive. Big eyes and surprise is her signature look. We can't get enough of it.

twenty

This girl.
I've probably said this a million times but she is literally a bundle of joy.
She makes me laugh all the time and that smile,
Matt and I are doomed.

At 20 months, this little bundle...

... is hilarious. Her facial expressions. Those eyes. The way she runs into a room, giggling to announce herself. We can't handle it. At night, Matt and I trade stories and try to mimic her and nail the way she says cookies.

... she says cookies. About half way through dinner. With her head cocked to the side in a cute subtle way. And when Mom says no, she turns to dad and does it again. I can't. She also says ball, Bella, Lola, bow, owl, bye, duck, book, eyes, and several other words. And in case you're wondering her 'uh-huh & uh-uh' has moved on to 'yeah' and 'no'.

... she calls every Disney princess, Anna. Because that's her favorite... we think.

... has so much energy. She runs everywhere, keeps up with her sister, and has no fear. She has started animal sounds and the other day while running errands, I caught her singing Row Row Row your Boat. {which was basically sounded like 'row row row}

... has started to show some interest in the whole potty chair thing. You may remember my battle with Lauren, so by no means are we 'potty training'. But when she started taking off her dirty diaper and giving it to me, I thought we would at least give it a whirl. She nailed it. Again. And again. Hence her new word cookies.

... is the best snuggler. Like I cannot get enough of it. She will hug and kiss you at any given moments and her hugs are like squeezes of goodness. She also starts school in one week.

And just in case you thought I left out anything, we also have our share of this lately.


Whining.
She does plenty of it.

nineteen

At nineteen months, this sweet independent soul...

...continues to amaze us with her BIG personality, independence, and fearlessness. She gives us a near heart attack almost daily and then sends us in to heart burst mode with the huge smile.

... is learning new language skills all the time. She is beginning to learn all of her animal sounds and can still answer any question you give her. But not 'yes or no'... it's still uh-huh or uh-uh.

... stands on everything. Please see the part about heart attacks. She also runs. Everywhere. And typically is holding something is one hand while the other arm is pumping to increase her speed. It's a sight.

...is beyond sweet. She is always up for a kiss, a hug, a cuddle, a giggle. She has been known to give random hugs. She really is a true joy to be around.

... is working on all 4 eye/canine teeth. She's got a mouthful.

... still loves books, puzzles, baby dolls, her sister, our dogs, snacks, and her bunny. We just can't seem to get enough of her.

eighteen

Another half birthday has come and gone,

serving as a reminder of how fast these sweet girls grow.

sigh.

Which is why I will take every squishy snuggle and baby giggle

she will give,

because it's just so good.

But so is seeing her little personality bloom.

At 18 months, sweet Caroline...

... is busy. She has one speed. Running. Typically one arm pumps to help her go even faster. It's a sight. And it's the best when she's coming at you for a hug.

... is a total imitator. Especially of her sister. Anything Lauren does, Caroline is right behind her. And girlfriend surprises us sometimes.

... loves puzzles, books, her bunny, babies, the dogs, playing outside, climbing, and snuggling. Oh, can she snuggle. She counts, 'one, one, one' and plays a mean game of identifying body parts. 

... recently learned the word 'mine'. That's fun. It goes well with the recent fits and whining that she has displayed.

... when she really needs something, she can be heard yelling, 'MOM' from any room in the house.

... will answer any question you have for her... with a 'uh-huh' or 'uh-uh'

... calls every princess 'Anna' and we love it. 

... has the biggest smile that displays those big little chiclet teeth and we can't get enough of it.

She is so loved.

seventeen

At seventeen months, this sweet Caroline...

...is continuing to be a busy girl. She keeps us on our toes as she is for sure a fearless female, just like her sister, but with a knack for climbing and testing her boundaries.

... always has something in her hand. Loves books, puzzles, baby dolls, and little princesses and Daniel Tiger's crew. She also loves to dress up and play with her sister. While I am amazed at how much they 'fight' {sharing is a big topic at our house} I am even more amazed at how they play together and how close their sisterly bond.

... has the best giggle. LOVES high fives & kisses and wrinkles her nose in the cutest way that makes her mama melt. Goodness, we love her.

... is still a good eater. If she's hungry enough she will eat the veggies mama gives her but prefers fruit and anything considered a carbohydrate.

... is picking up more and more words. Each day I feel like a new one becomes distinguishable and we all love cheering her on!

... has moves. This girl can't hear a beat and not move. We get a big kick out of it and can't wait to see what her future holds.

sixteen

At sixteen, this little miss...

... is so busy. I know I write this every month, but she's not slowing down. See how she is posing with 13 months. She switched the blocks before I could take the 4 steps to take the picture. And we had to take sister to school, so she wins.

... has more teeth. We've got our bottom molars and are working on our top, for a grand total of 10 {this top ones haven't cut yet, so they don't count} Just for reference, sister had 7 at this age.

... loves books, Daniel Tiger, baby dolls, running, playing outside, her bunny, dancing, goldfish, her dogs, and sister.

... the girls are starting to play more together, which gives me all the feels, until it takes a sharp turn and the crying starts. The fighting is starting. Lauren, our leader, likes Caroline to do exactly what she wants, when she wants. Caroline has a mind of her own. And doesn't have words to share that.
So, she bites.
Yep.
Twice. Both times have been in a form of self-defense... Lauren wouldn't leave her alone. She gave a couple warning shrieks and then went for it.
Kinda freaking out...
I don't want a biter.


... is really getting into puzzles, which makes my teacher mama heart happy. She knows her eyes, nose, mouth and toes, babbles with the best of them, and seems to be learning something new everyday.

... is still a bit timid when meeting new people or in new surroundings, but once she is comfortable, watch out! She runs into her sisters school to pick her up each day, is a busy little birdie at Little Gym, tries to break into the room Lauren practices in at the dance studio, and just started swim lessons last week. While I had to hold her back from jumping in the pool during her sisters lesson, she went right in the pool to Miss Paige, practiced her scoops, loved to jump in, and even went under.

... is still my snuggly sweet baby, despite the impending toddlerhood that awaits us. Based on those little fits, my days are numbered.

fifteen

At fifteen months, this little sweetheart...

... still can't sit still. Unless she is reading a book. Or watching Daniel Tiger with her big sister. She's a big DT fan.
... loves to dance. Has a signature spin move and spends much of the time at her sister's weekly dance class trying to get in the door.
...is working on a set of bottom molars. Poor dolly. We are hoping this is the cause of the recent 'whiny' behavior. Because if it's not, we may be in trouble.
... shows more and more personality. While she is still sweet as ever, she is showing that she can hold her own. We had an biting incident last week. During a wagon ride. Big sister wouldn't keep her hands off her and after numerous attempts to let her know she didn't like it, those big little teeth found a way to make it stop. Mom is hoping both sisters took a lesson from this and this was an isolated incident.
...says 'Mom, Dad, & more' and babbles, but has herself convinced that she is speaking just as clearly as the rest of us.
...is so independent. Wants to walk/run everywhere, has to go up & down the stairs herself, and is quite the little helper during clean up.
... has no fear. As much as I love having a play set in the backyard, this girl will give you a heart attack. And she thinks it's funny.
... adores her big sister and wants to do all the things she does. This includes, but is not limited to tea parties, blocks, riding a scooter, coloring, & dolls.
... still loves her bunny & now has two. During Christmas break, we had a missing bunny and mom immediately ordered another. I didn't realize there were numerous sizes and a much larger bunny greeted us. Char got to the tags before I could return them and Caroline discovered big bunny who was just as sweet at little bunny. You should see her snuggle both of them...

fourteen

At fourteen months, this McQuinn sister...

... is busy. I said the same thing about her older sister at this age, but she takes the cake. She doesn't stop moving. Unless she is sleeping or reading. 

... is my climber. Those little legs push and work their way on top of anything. We have temporarily moved the chairs from the playroom as Caroline has a way of ending up on top of the table when they are around.

... is little. I think she might be taking after mama with those short legs. We may be in 12-18 months for awhile.  

... loves music & dance. The second she hears music, she stops and starts her twirling, her signature move. Lately they have let her come into Lauren's dance class at the end and she is in toddler heaven. Although she hasn't quite grasped the fact that she isn't an actual member of the class. 

... is a pretty good eater. She is good at experimenting with new foods, but has a special place in her heart for carbs. Did I mention she is my girl?

... adores her big sister, her bunny, dolls, dress up, forward rolls at Little Gym and books. She's also a pretty big fan of Daniel Tiger.

... is a little shy, but warms up pretty quickly. Gives the most amazing open mouth kisses and is still my little snuggler. 

thirteen

Oh, thirteen months.
We officially have a one year old in the house.



At thirteen months, our dear sweet Caroline...

... doesn't slow down. She is on the move, all of the time. She climbs, she walks real fast, and she's into everything.

... loves to play outside. Swinging and sliding are her favorites.

... has no fear. Which causes this mama a lot of anxiety. This little girl will climb anything and is constantly in search of a way to stand on top of tables. Oy.

... well maybe some fear. She is a bit bashful... she's a total flirt until you get too close. Then the stank eye comes out. We just started class at Little Gym. She loves to work on her forward roll, but isn't crazy about anyone but mom assisting her.

... is still the best snuggler. Her hugs... the best. And now she is all about those open mouth big kisses.

... is a good little eater, but still has her moments. She loves blueberries, bananas, chicken, and grits. A great snack day involves some Pirates Booty. And she would rather feed the dogs the majority of vegetables that come across her tray.

... loves her bunny, is so sweet with baby dolls, and plays doctor with her sister and loves to wear the stethoscope.

... speaking of sister. Adores her. And tolerates all the choke holds and tackle hugs.

... when there is a quiet moment, she can be found in her bedroom, reading her books. Just like another sweet little girl in this house.

Caroline is ONE!

Despite my state of shock as to how an entire year has passed since we welcomed Caroline into this big beautiful world, it has.
And we have so much to celebrate.



At ONE year, our 'baby' Caroline...

... is so busy. She walks. She climbs. Did I mention she climbs? Girl has no fear. Standing on everything, especially her sister's rocking chair. She keeps all of us on our toes.

... can be found moving through the house with at least one item in her hand. This started a few months ago, but Caroline loves to hang on to something. A princess figurine, a spoon, her bunny, a maraca, whatever she can find. She hangs on and keeps moving.

... has 8 teeth.

... waves, a lot.

... blows kisses, shakes her head 'no', points & says 'this', and claps enthusiastically.

... adores her big sister, cuddles her pink bunny, can't get enough of her sister's toys or pop-up books.

... Caroline can bust a move and can even be heard singing along sometimes {that sweet sing song hum... may I never forget it}

... is known as the snuggler and the smiler in our house.

She is so loved.

And we are so, so, so, blessed to call her ours.

eleven months & 48 weeks

Eleven months.
I can't quite believe we're here already, yet I don't remember life without our Caroline.



At 11 months, Caroline...

... is a walker. She is up and all over the place. Her first steps were at about 10.5 months and the last couple weeks she hasn't stopped moving. We are all so impressed by her ability to get up and go from anywhere in the room and straight up from her knees.

...is busy. She's a mover. She can be found trying to keep up with her sister or play with the 'big girl' toys. She prefers to walk around with something in her hand, sometimes it's the dress of a doll, sometimes its a plastic chicken leg. And with quickly found out she really likes the stairs. If the gate is open that little gal will be up those stairs in no time. Thankfully we have no accidents to report at this time.

... has 5 teeth and the 6th could be here by morning. At 11 months, her sister had zero.

... loves table food. She wants nothing to do with purees and most green vegetables. Which breaks my brussel sprout loving heart.

... loves her pink bunny, kisses and hugs all the dolls in the playroom, plays a mean game of peek-a-boo, wishes she could play all the things her sister plays, has the best toothy grin, and is my sweet snuggly girl. She is a hugger and the feeling of that head on my shoulder... that is one I hope I never forger.

ten months

At ten months, Caroline Ann McQuinn...

... is a joy. She is so happy and sweet. Even the little growl sound she likes me make is adorable.

... is on the move. That girl does not stop. She is pulling up, cruising, balancing, and climbing all the time. She is quite mobile and will likely be more mobile in the near future.
**which is making these pictures harder and harder. Blurry options. Mama needs more practice.

... is a good little eater. She prefers table food to baby food purees, but when she is hungry she will eat it all up. She has also established a good relationship with the dogs, especially since she sneaks them food at least three times a day.

... adores her sister and her sisters toys. Caroline is tough, she can hold her own against her sisters toy stealing and general roughness.

... is a Mama's girl, smiles at strangers, but really likes her personal space.

... goes with the flow. She is along for the ride and doesn't seem to mind. With sisters school schedule, morning dance classes, and busy lifestyle, our schedule remains 'flexible' and Caroline doesn't seem to mind.

... loves music and dances, claps, waves, and bounces to the beat. Which makes dance parties in the kitchen a lot of fun.

... has 4 teeth. And loves to show them off. Can you blame her?

nine months

We've reached the point where I see her first birthday approaching... fast.
I can't quite believe we're there, but rather than dwell on how fast the time goes, I am going to soak up the 3 months of official baby-ness we have left.

At nine months, our darling baby girl...

... is busy. Caroline is an active girl {just like she was in my belly}. She is now officially crawling, the bear crawl with belly off the ground, but also loves her trusted army crawl to get anywhere fast.
... pulls up on everything and is beginning to get her 'surf' on.
... really likes her sister & sister's toys. Especially the dollies. Big sister does not like this.
... currently has two little bottom teeth, but is working on the top teeth. See drool as evidence.
... has the best little giggle that comes out when being tickled or a really good game of peek-a-boo
... and her open mouth kisses. The best!
... has the cutest clap, is a total flirt, and has the best-est sweetest smile, that shines through her eyes.

8 months

At 8 months, our blue eyed beauty...

... is busy. She army crawls at a fast pace. She pulls up on everything and likes to let go from time to time to see what happens.
... has two bottom teeth, but appears to be working on more. The drool, folks.
... is a total mama's girl. We're working on this.
... loves to eat. She will take most anything we give her, especially if it's not pureed. Girl likes herself some real food. She was recently introduced to pickles and was all about it.
... takes two naps, when she can fit them in. Poor girl has spent the summer going with the flow. Today she had one nap after sisters dance class and at grocery store and the other before and en route to swimming lessons. And our sleeping through the night schedule is irregular. I'm blaming those teeth. Mostly because I'm scared if it's not those teeth... she's been up a few times lately.
... loves to clap, gets so excited when she sees her sister, is a total flirt, and is drawn to the dollies in our house.
...gives us a little growl lately. We're not sure where that came from, but she thinks its hilarious.

seven months

At seven months, this dolly girl of ours...

... has two teeth. I know. Unbelievable, right? Poor dolly was giving me all the signs of teething, but I was so convinced she would follow in her sisters footsteps and maybe sport one for her first birthday, that I totally missed all the signs. We sometimes stare at those little pearly whites in disbelief. I am fairly certain she holds the record on the McQuinn side for 'Youngest Teether'.
... got her first ear infection. And she nearly broke my little heart. Between that and those teeth, it's been a rough week or two. A few weeks ago I would say she sleeps through the night, but as of right now, that is not a true statement.
... doesn't stop moving. She's a mover and a shaker. Whether she is in your arms or on the floor, she goes non-stop. By definition, she is not crawling, yet, but she currently gets where she needs to go. Plank, up on the knees, army crawl, roll... all moves that get her from one place to another.
... isn't terribly interested in solids quite yet. We've tried quite a variety and much like her sister, she prefers fruit to the greens. Her faves include peaches, avocados, bananas and mango. Sister is all over the mango.
... loves her some mama, gets the giggles with her big sister, loves to pet her puppies, pulls hair, likes toys that make noise, sleeps on her tummy, smiles with her whole sweet face, and is so, so, so easy to love.

26 weeks || six months

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At six months, our darling babe...

... is one smiley girl. Her whole face lights up when she smiles and it is contagious.
... is happy. She is just a content little lady. Her sister can often be heard saying, "Caroline is happy". She is a go with the flow kinda gal, which we are so thankful for during our busy summer days. She hangs out at the splash pad, the park, and thoroughly enjoys watching her sister dance, and has been enjoying library time from week to week.
... is sitting up. It became baby book official this weekend. She has been wobbly for a while, but as we played on the floor this weekend, I realized that she had yet to fall down. Hopefully this little fact makes it to the baby book.
... loves to be held. That happy smiley thing... especially when she is held. Her pattern tends to be that she is a morning gal. More content to be in the exersaucer or play on her own in the morning. But afternoon she likes to hang with mom. I don't complain too much... and I have been quite surprised by some of the things I am able to accomplish with a babe on my hip. That being said, her new skill of sitting up seems to alleviate some of the 'baby on hip' time.
... has regressed in the sleep department. Just a bit. We had a stretch where it was through the night. I was hesitant to even say those words for fear that it would stop. She is waking up about twice a night, once near the 5 o'clock hour, which isn't considered the middle of the night.  Whether it's a regression, a growth spurt, or our new normal, it still isn't complaint worthy.
... is squishy and delicious. She has the best thighs. For reals.
... loves her sister. She lights up around her, loves to pull her hair, and reach for anything in her hands. Big sister has also taken an interest in anything that is in Caroline's hands. Lots of talk about sharing in this house. Caroline also loves toys that make noise and anything that is soft and snuggle worthy.
Which is one the many things we love about her...

Caroline's 3 month photos

I still haven't admitted defeat to the whole 'memory-documentation-photos' of second child thing.
You know, the one where the first born has pictures and records of every milestone and seemingly special moment,
and each child following the first born has less and less of that.

I'm still trying.

Although, honestly, I've already been defeated.
I know there are less photos of Caroline on my phone and big camera.
Her baby book is sitting in a cupboard, next to a file folder filled with notes, papers, and photos.

And her three months photos almost didn't happen.

I took Lauren's 3 month and 9 month photos in-between professional sessions scheduled for newborn, 6 months and one year.
We love having those photos to look back on,
to see how much she changed from week to week,
month to month,
and now to look at both the similarities and differences to our sister girls.

So I intended to do the same with Miss Caroline.
Except I was a mere days away from her 4 month 'birthday'
and hadn't taken one three month photo.

So one Saturday morning,
when Lauren was at gymnastics with dad
I made it happen.
I grabbed a couple headbands from her nursery,
a blanket from the closet,
opened all the windows in my room,
and started snapping.

It was fast.
I was in a hurry.
I knew I had limited time before big sister came home and the chaos of lunch, a birthday party afternoon, and general life with kids began.

When I finally uploaded the photos to my computer
I was disappointed in myself.
Why didn't I take my time?
The lighting could have been better,
my focus was off,
and I didn't capture a one with that big sweet grin she shows off.
And on. And on. And on.

The photos sat, untouched, for some time.
I debated trying again another day or
pushing it off until a six month session with a professional.

But no.

"What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that's gone forever, impossible to recreate"
- Karl Lagerfeld

These photos capture my darling baby girl,
at three months,
on a Saturday morning at home,
just being her sweet self.

While the focus may not be perfect,
the poses are all the same,
and I would have liked to take 400 more,
I can never have that moment again.

And that's all the reminder I need to cherish these simple little 3 month pictures.

And carry my big camera with me all summer.

four months

At four months, our sweet baby girl...

... weighs in at 13 lb 12 oz and is 25.5 inches long. What's really crazy, at 4 months her sister weighed 13 lb. 10 oz and was 25.25 inches.

... is so sweet. She really is. She's happy and content. When she smiles, she smiles with her eyes. I can't quite seem to get enough of her.

... giggles. It's the best little sound. Really.

... has a sensitive side when it comes to her little tummy. I've learned to become quite careful about what I eat and to keep the gas drops on hand. I am completely avoiding carbonated beverages {no Diet Coke, no sparkling water} and the after effects of broccoli will make me think twice next time.

... loves her hands & soft blankets and adores her sister.

... sports the same hair-do as her sister did as a babe. Keeping all the hair on top and nothing on the sides.

 

... doesn't love tummy time and has been putting it to a stop by rolling over. She receives a lot of praise from sister and I. But I've yet to catch it on video... so I am not sure if its baby book official yet. 

... sleeps.

Lauren is 2... and a half

Sometimes as I stare at Caroline, I remember being a brand new mom and wondering what it would be like when this sweet baby in front of me could speak, run around, and play.
What would her favorite color be?
Would she like to play dolls and dress up or prefer to play in the mud and throw around the ball?
Would she ever talk back??
{snicker, snicker}

I know now that those moments come sooner than you think and just like that, we have a little girl deep in the heart of being 2.


At two and a half, our little big girl...

... is sweet and kind. She likes hugs, kisses, gives out  heart-melting "i love you's" without hesitation and always tells her Dad, "Happy Day, Dad!" before he leaves for work

... is a wonderful big sister. She's got a lot of love for baby Caroline and is full of kisses, hugs, Bless You's, and sister snuggles. We're in the process of working on the whole sharing thing.

... has a lot of personality. Sometimes it's a little too much... she can't quite handle it all and lays on the floor and cries. These are known as fits in our house. We're working on them. Mostly for mom's sanity. But the sweet way she apologizes for her 'big fit' does bring a smile to my face



... is still a total book worm. And I still love it. Sometimes it's the only time she is still and quiet, but I love hearing the pages of her books turn as I find her comfy cozy in the various book nooks in the house. Lauren also likes coloring, painting, and any 'project'. She likes to help mom bake and play with play-doh. She loves her dolls, who all happen to be named Caroline, hosts a mean tea party and can go from Dr. Lauren to Princess Lauren in approximately 3 seconds.

... loves playing outside. Balls, bubbles, running, picking flowers or rocks, walking to 'her' park, driving her 'truck'. Just a few of her faves.



... is a negotiator. She likes to make deals of sorts. One of my favorites, that I don't want to forget. She really likes to look at the pictures on our phones. But once she gets her hands on them, they're not always easy to get back. Which leads to the following...   Mom, I look at pictures on your phone. Set the timer. 5 minutes. No fits.

... is so excited for school in the fall; A Mother's Day Out Program, 2 days a week. She constantly tells me about her lunch box and Winnie the Pooh backpack* that her 'kids' will help her put on at school.
*she doesn't have one nor do I recall ever seeing one... hoping she forgets about this come fall or we might have a big fit on our hands

... has a silly side and a sensitive side.
... still isn't potty trained.
... is becoming a bit of a daddy's girl.
... still loves her Lola.
... is kind of a whiner.
... love, love, loves her dogs. Although she is being reminded to play with them gently and not to ride Char on a daily basis.
... makes us laugh daily, even when we aren't supposed to.

Two is hard. Somedays it's really hard.

But that sweet voice, squishy hands, genuine smile, and belly laugh.
sigh.
Oh, Lauren.
there's just so much to love.

two months || nine weeks

At two month, our little dolly girl...

... had four shots and some congestion at her two month appointment. She didn't love the shots, but doesn't seem bothered by the little cold her big sister passed along.

... weighs in at 11 lbs and 8 oz and is 23 inches long. We've got a healthy growing baby girl.

... likes to eat and sleep. She is still sleeping wonderfully at night {typically up once for a feeding}, but sometimes likes to fight sleep during the day.

... she likes to eat, be held, smile and coo stories to anyone who will listen, play with the rings and butterflies in her bouncy seat, go on walks, watch sister at the park, and read books.

We can't get enough of her.