100 boxes of diapers, 1,000 bunches of bananas, 1 ER visit (cashews are a no-go,) countless kisses, (are these things supposed to go in order of quantity?) 1,000,000 giggles, and 1 red balloon (minus the great green room) later, Lincoln turned 18 months old this week. My perfect, precious peanut.
I now understand what everyone meant when they said you snap your fingers and your baby is off to college. Those early days are so long and hard, and sometimes it feels like you’ll never make it out the other side, then you wake up one day and all of the sudden your newborn is eating a ham sandwich, saying puppy, throwing things away in the trash can, and is signed up for “school” in the fall. It hit me as I was doing the laundry the other day that I am literally powerless to stop him from growing up. What a scary and honestly gut-wrenching feeling as a mother. No matter what I do, some day he won’t be at home and with me all the time. I know I’m getting ahead of myself to the tune of 17 years, but I don’t think there’s a mother on the planet who doesn’t hurt about that.
On a lighter note, while there’s nothing cuter than a newborn, these last few months with a toddler have felt the sweetest. It’s such a game changer when they can finally walk and engage in outside activities, and Ben and I have loved taking Lincoln everywhere from the zoo, to the Botanical Center, river walk, library, community center, gym play place, and traveling with him to Savannah and Virginia over the past 6 months. It’s such a joy to see your child having fun!
Working from home with a toddler continues to be extremely difficult, though our twice a week sitter is a Godsend. She and Lincoln have a blast together and by now she knows him as well as any family member. On the days when she isn’t here, and I need to steal 10-15 minutes to check email or make a quick dish for the blog, I usually give Lincoln free reign on the pantry and a few select cupboards filled with pre-approved toddler-friendly items like bowls, funnels (my God does that child love funnels,) and strainers. Anything for a little break!
Other than that we fill our days with playtime at home, trips to see Grammie and Dada at work, errands, and at least one “Lincoln-centered” activity whether that be a trip to the library, community center for the play place/open gym, or mall so he can run around. We’re recently down to one nap in the afternoon, so we’re still figuring out the new timing of our day. I continue to get the bulk of my work done during nap time, nights, and weekends.
Lincoln is pretty shy around other little kids (although thankfully he’s getting better,) but he loves flirting with older ladies at the grocery store and restaurants, and makes me laugh at least 100 times a day. He’s a total goofball!
Eating is going great! We introduced utensils around 13 months or so after seeing babies L’s age using them (I texted my SIL asking if I was a terrible mother because I didn’t think kids learned how to use spoons and forks until they were like, I don’t know, 2?) Anyway he’s slowly picked it up over the past couple of months and is now using them pretty consistently. Like I mentioned, the kid eats like a horse. Here’s a typical day’s menu:
Breakfast: banana, slice of bread with peanut butter, mandarin orange, and maybe some Cheerios.
Lunch: Some type of meat/protein (meatballs, salmon, chicken, eggs, deli meat sandwich) green beans, strawberries, peanut butter crackers.
Afternoon snack: Apple Pie Larabar
Dinner: Spaghetti with Vegetable Ragu (I like the Barilla pasta that’s made with vegetables – HyVee has a version too,) peas, applesauce, butternut squash.
Evening snack: a few whole wheat crackers
(Look at that determination!) ;)
Likes: playing in his tunnel, HIS DAD (or more accurately dada! dada! dada!) books, his vitamins, Larabars, watching me do the laundry, chips and salsa, knocking on doors, being outside, walking backwards, the E! News theme song, watching videos of himself, the community center, Taylor Swift, getting his teeth brushed, puppies, and kisses from Mom (ok I put that in there for myself.)
Dislikes: sun in his eyes, when Dad hangs up the phone after talking over the speaker, not being the center of attention for more than 10 seconds, and wearing his winter coat in the car seat. Oh, and socks.
Around the time Lincoln turned one the questions started rolling in – when are you going to have another?! The answer is, I don’t know! We’re in such a great place right now with finally being able to communicate well, feeling comfortable and excited to travel as a family, going out to dinner whenever we want, etc. Life finally feels “normal” so it’s hard thinking about going back to the chaotic world of having a newborn. (I’m not saying everyone’s life with a newborn is chaotic, but for us it sure felt like it!) There’s something to be said about getting the really difficult years over and done with all at once, but there’s also nothing wrong with like, taking a minute. That said, I do want Lincoln to have a brother or sister in the future so that chapter in our lives is still TBD!
Right now I’m enjoying every moment, adventure, and sweet snuggle from my bubba, my baby, my heart and soul. Can’t wait to see what life has in store for our little family next.
Debtgirl 02.05.2015
Oh he is simply delish and i think you are wise to relish every single moment with him, you both deserve to bask in this moment. My one and only will be 16 and i am beyond. How did it happen? So take it easy u have lots of time! Such a great bw pic of you both!
Jeri Wendzel 02.05.2015
My Jocelyn (16 months) does not know how to use utensils. I feel like I’ve failed. She uses her hands and 95% of her food goes on the floor. She does, however, flirt with the old men at the grocery store! So crazy!
Kristin 02.05.2015
Oh my gosh Jeri, you are anything but a failure – you are such a strong, amazing Mom! I’ve read threads where kinds don’t use utensils until they’re 3. You’re totally fine!
Amanda 02.05.2015
The last picture of you two is just perfect. It sounds like your family is doing quite well. I can’t blame you for wanting to enjoy being a family of three for a bit longer.
Our first is a few weeks younger than Lincoln and our second is due in May. It’s a bit overwhelming at times though I’m sure we’ll manage just fine :)
Kristin 02.05.2015
Oh totally, you will rock it! Most of my friends that have kids (if not all?) did at least 2 under 2 and they are loving life!
Christie 02.05.2015
What went wrong with the cashews? I see in his meal listing he eats peanut butter with no problem. We’re pretty sure my 1-year-old (also a Lincoln) has a peanut & tree nut intolerance.
Kristin 02.05.2015
He ate a mini cashew cookie Larabar then broke out into horrendous, itchy hives that morphed into a “giant hive” (per the doctor.) He can still eat walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc – it’s just cashews he had a reaction to!
Christie 02.05.2015
How scary! :( Hope you’re able to avoid reactions like that from now on. We’ve had to start reading labels on EVERYTHING.
Kristin 02.05.2015
It’s so ridiculous and absolutely infuriating – why are these allergies happening?! My nephew had a tree and peanut allergy and he loved sunflower seed butter – not sure if your Lincoln could tolerate that?
elise 02.05.2015
my boy (almost two) has several allergies too….which we found out through an anaphylactic reaction to to peanuts back when he was 9 months old. I’ve done a TONNNNN of research and I just figured I’d give you a heads up that pistachios are in the same family as cashews, so even if he can tolerate other tree nuts, be cautious if you haven’t yet tried pistachios. everything is individual of course, but i just figured aheads up was worth it from one allergy mama to another.
and to the others in this thread – he also tolerates sunflower seed butter even though he’s allergic to sesame seeds.
Kristin 02.05.2015
Eek – thank you for the heads up! We have not tried pistachios yet so I will hold off until we talk to his doc.
Erica 02.05.2015
Always love reading your mommy mind updates! My daughter will be 17 months next week, and I feel the same way about having another baby. Do you avoid dairy with Lincoln? My daughter eats so much dairy (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese), and reading this makes me wonder if it’s too much.
Also, what tunnel does Lincoln have? I’ve been wanting to buy one, but I’m not sure what to get.
Kristin 02.05.2015
No you’re totally fine! He is allergic to dairy – that’s the only reason we don’t give him milk, cheese sticks, yogurt, cottage cheese etc. :) He has this tunnel: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032MYYBE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I snipped the plastic eyes out with scissors because of some safety concerns reviewers mentioned but other than that he loves it!
Erica 02.05.2015
Okay, I was wondering if you avoided because he’s allergic. I’ve heard that’s something they grow out of, so maybe you won’t always have to worry about it.
Thanks so much for the link to the tunnel!
Monica H. 02.05.2015
I love reading these updates! My son is just a few weeks younger than Lincoln so I can relate to almost everything. They are at such a fun age but sometimes I swear I’m already seeing a glimpse of the terrible two’s!
lindsey 02.05.2015
Are you feeding him gluten free as well?
Kristin 02.05.2015
Not right now – I just hate to limit him even more since he is already allergic to dairy!
Christina 02.05.2015
I loved reading this. I agree 100% with everything you said and you stated it so beautifully. You are right to just enjoy this time. I am so glad that I waited until my oldest was 3 to get pregnant with number 2.
Laur 02.05.2015
I cannot believe how LONG your hair is compared to your profile picture! It looks GORGEOUS! Even if you haven’t had a haircut in months (I read one of the comments above), it looks amazing!
Marci 02.05.2015
Just what I needed to read today! I have an 11 day old son and have been feeling like life will never get back to normal in the hectic newborn stage. It was nice to have a reminder that he will grow up soon enough and I will miss feeding his chubby cheeks at 3 am. :)
Kristin 02.05.2015
Those days (and nights!) are so long but it will soon be a distant memory! Hang in there Mama, and enjoy that little precious newborn!
Donna 02.05.2015
Love these posts so much, as they are SO relatable! My little one is about to turn 3 (and now with one on the way) and I will ill take the “terrible twos” ANY day over that newborn phase! I lovvvveeee interacting with them and the moments I see her enjoy playing and really “getting things” (ESP like Christmas!!!!…don’t get me started), it is the sheerest joy of my life.
And I said all that to say “it just gets better.” CRAZIER…but even unimaginably better❤
ShaNae 02.05.2015
He is getting to be a little man! HE is adorable! I too had a drawer and little cupboard that my little dude could get into and that solved so many tantrums when I was making dinner and not paying attention to him at that age. He is now my 9 year old and still loves strainers. I had to buy me a new set so he could have the other ones that he plays with in the tub and wears them like helmets. It’s funny what they like. You have a beautiful family and thank you for sharing them with us as well as your yummy food. Love!
P.S. When I had my baby I thought when he’s 10 I will be 37 and that is so far away. Ha, that’s this coming August. Time flies so fast, and yes, I have also thought oh my goodness my only child is going to be a teenager soon and move out go to college, get married and…I have to remind myself to stop it and enjoy where he is now and that it will all be ok. Yes, we all think about where our babies are heading…without us. Yikes!
Shanon 02.05.2015
I just love these posts! Lincoln is so adorable. I just wanted to say that there is nothing wrong with waiting to have another baby. My girls are 6 years apart in age and they are the best of friends and have been since day 1! (They are 22 and16 now, so I am really enjoying your little person pics and posts!) I had a little helper with the new baby and it really made life easier. Plus I was much more relaxed and less worried about “getting it right”. As long as you love them, you can’t go too wrong. The right time is when you’re ready, or whenever it happens. Good luck!
Patricia 02.05.2015
As a mother of two (almost 11 year old and a 22 monther), I must admit that I chuckled at the notion of infancy being the difficult years. Those years were the most physically challenging for me, with nursing and being sleep deprived, but I find each stage of my older child’s life to be more challenging then the last.
JennP 02.05.2015
Really?! Mine are 5 and 2.5, and I feel exactly the opposite! I would love to have a third, but I just find that first year so physically and emotionally draining. I keep saying “maybe next year”.
Patricia 02.05.2015
It could just be my experience. I found that once our daughter started real school, life become a lot more challenging. School introduces a lot of people into your lives. In some ways it’s great but inevitably there are added challenges – classmates, teachers, other parents, etc. As kids get older, the stakes get higher and the stress levels rise. At least, that’s been my feeling.
Jamie 02.05.2015
We kept our son in his Chicco newborn car seat for 12 months and I thought that was maxing it out (or even a tad unsafe because he was getting taller. How long can they be used?
Katie 02.05.2015
Looks like the Chicco Keyfit 30. It’s outgrown at 30 lbs or 30 inches. Usually the height of 30 inches is reached first. Also, the seat can be outgrown if the kid is under 30 inches, but the top of his head is less than 1 inch from the top of the shell of the car seat. Certified car seat tech here. We had a Keyfit and loved it. We now use the Chicco Nextfit. It’s great and will last for years to come. I can’t recommend it enough. Lincoln is adorable!
Jamie 02.05.2015
Oh thanks so much for the info Katie! I loved that seat! He was 29″ at 12 months so that’s probably why I felt like he was too big even though he was <19 lbs. Good to know about the Nextfit. I went with Britax but we were such Chicco fans that I will definitely try that seat for baby #2. Thanks again.
Kristin 02.05.2015
This one is safe up to 23lbs – which my little peanut hasn’t reached yet. :)
Katie 02.05.2015
That’s great he still safely fits weight wise and is under 30 inches. Also means you’ll get a lot of years out of a convertible seat rear facing when he’s ready to switch!
Melissa 02.05.2015
Having a peanut is great! Our little one didn’t grow out of her infant seat until she was almost 20 months old. We had the same seat. Like Katie said, she outgrew it by being less than 1 inch from the top of the shell of the seat. She didn’t reach 23 pounds or 30 inches until she was 24 months old! Now, she’s almost 4 and still rear facing in her convertible seat. We are rear facing as long as we can. Keep our peanuts safe! Love seeing your updates about Lincoln and Mom life! Also, we love, love, love your broccoli cheese casserole. Thanks!
Danielle K 02.05.2015
Aww what a sweet boy! My son is 20 months old, so I love reading your updates. Try a Columbia bunting fleece for winter travel. They are a full fleece suit that are nice for transporting in the winter. Yet they’re light enough to keep on in the car seat (for short trips).
Bridget 02.05.2015
Such a sweet post!! I have a 15 month old little guy (and live in Omaha) so a lot of this is familiar :) Anyways just wanted to share a virtual high five/hug for how amazing and heart-breaking this whole babies-growing-up thing is. And I also waffle between wanting to take growing our family slowly and wanting to have a gaggle of precious little boys, haha.
Molly 02.05.2015
Hi! LOVE this update! How did you get him to start using utensils?! Mine just flings them across the room! ?!
Kristin 02.05.2015
Oh he does too – at least once at every meal. :) We just try make a huge deal (clapping, saying good job, etc.) when he stabs something with his fork, or gets the spoon to his mouth without anything spilling which has really worked in terms of getting him to use them more often!
Laura 02.05.2015
Awwww, what a cutie.
Your hair looks great – I live in DSM as well and am looking for a hairstylist. Mind sharing who you go to?
Thanks!
Kristin 02.05.2015
It’s a sneaky pic – I still haven’t gotten my hair cut in mooooonths. :) I too am looking for a good hairdresser – I heard the girls at Estilo Salon in WDM do a good job!
Lauren 02.05.2015
You’re hair seems to grow SO fast! I am jealous of how long it has gotten since you last chopped it! It looks great … and Lincoln is totally adorable as well :)
Melissa 02.05.2015
What a great little man you have! I was the same way about getting ready to have a 2nd! Also, check out car seat guidelines about winter jackets – basically they aren’t safe in car seats. They shouldn’t be worn in carseats for safety reasons.
Emily S 02.05.2015
agree with Melissa – coats and car seats (unless the coat is lightweight) are a dangerous combo :)
Renee 02.11.2015
Thirding this; as
Renee 02.11.2015
Whoops, accidentally hit enter.
Anyway, as I was saying, as a Michgander I understand the desire to keep little ‘uns warm, but being cold for a few minutes outdoors or in the car until it warms up is not going to kill a kid. Wearing a coat in the car seat could. Not a good idea.