14 months.

This has been quite a busy month for our little bug. Along with numerous trips to the park, we have also visited the Georgia Aquarium, the Botanical Garden, become a regular at LA Fitness Kids Klub, and started classes at Gymboree. She is a social butterfly to say the least. She started walking a month ago and, like me, is always in a hurry. This means there are a lot of falls. A few bumps and bruises and she is not phased a bit. Each day I feel like she is doing something new. Some of our favorite things right now:

* Opening and closing doors and cabinets.
* Taking everything out of a bag,purse, box, etc. We are working on putting it back in.
* Eating with a spoon. I won't give her free reign just yet...
* Trying out different snack foods. She would literally eat cheerios all day long...
* Taking off bibs by herself (and her pants and diaper a couple of times).
* Playing independently, but is at her happiest when mommy or daddy is playing with her.
* Loving her babies--her bedtime lovey, Ellie the elephant, her lady bug stuffed animals, and her bitty baby.
* Listening to music, dancing, and singing baby babble.
* Playing peek-a-boo and cracking up.
* Play hide and seek (I hide, she comes and finds me).
* Giving mommy looks like "you are an idiot"---she is so my child and I know I am going to get serious pay backs.
* Mama is now "mammy" and still her favorite word. Its funny because when she wakes up in the morning she says "mammy" and then she says "dog" because I always take her to see the dogs when she gets up.
* Repeating words a lot... hint hint daddy ;).
* She most likely thinks Mac's name is "bad dog" and I know she says it sometimes.
* Mommy is losing the hair bow battle, as its just not worth the struggle and she takes them out anyway.
* Fighting allergies (I hate that she got this from me, especially since we live in the south).
* Squealing...remember when I said it was so cute when she was 4 months old...not so much now in the middle of the grocery store. We are working on not squealing anymore.
* Giving hugs and being just as sweet as ever.

And just for fun, here is a pic of when she was 2 weeks old and one I took yesterday. What a difference 13.5 months can make!

Favorite "baby things"

I know so many people that are getting ready to be new parents, so I thought I would share some of my favorite baby accessories. It really helped that Court had just had Brooks when I was picking out everything for Kaitlin because I was completely clueless!!

Bottles~ Dr. Browns have worked really well for us. They are really easy and supposed to help with gassiness. The only drawback is that they leak when you take them places. So, we have opted to use the Playtex drop ins for when we leave the house. They are really good for "on the go" moms, like me.

Boppy Vibrating Chair~This is a "MUST HAVE." During Kaitlin's first couple of months she lived in this chair. It vibrates and plays music and she loved it. It was great for us when I needed a break from holding her.

Binkies~ Kaitlin really doesn't like a pacifier, but when she does take one, its Playtex Ortho Pro.

Diapers,Wipes, A&D~ We use Pampers Sensitive diapers and wipes. We have also tried Desitin, Buttpaste, Balmex, and A&D oitment. We like the A&D the best. She had a small diaper rash when she first got home from the hospital and has not had one since! :)

Dresser Top Diaper Depot~ This is great because it makes everything you need for a quick diaper change easily accessible. You can find this at target...I also use the wipes' warmer sitting on top.

Onesies~ I dress Kaitlin in onesies a lot now because of the extreme heat. My favorite onesies have come from Carter's and surprisingly Walmart. Walmart has "Geranimal" onesies for $3.00 and I really like the way they feel. They are also super cute. And of course I can't go to target without hitting up the baby section.

Clothing~ Most people know that Kaitlin probably has the best wardrobe of any 4 month old baby out there (thanks to BJ's family), but its still hard to resist buying more...baby girl clothes are just so cute! I love Children's Place, Carter's, and Gymboree. But, another place that is great that I had never heard of is Heartstrings. BJ's aunt Denise and cousin Sarah bought Kaitlin all kinds of cute outfits from there. Target is also really great for inexpensive clothes that they will only wear a couple of times. Kaitlin also has a whole Ralph Lauren/Polo collection that was mostly bought at Marshalls. TJ Max and Marshalls both have great babies' sections.

Receiving Blankets~ My favorite are Carter's Just One Year. They are really soft and I was able to bundle Kaitlin up in them really well.

Blankets~ Again, I love Carter's Just One Year. They are so soft and the perfect size for a little baby! :)

Bathing~ First Years' Sure Comfort Tub is great. Its perfect for a newborn and infant because there is a place for her to lay back, but it will also still work when she is able to sit up. Circo washclothes are the perfect size and material. As for towels, I wouldn't waste money on really thin ones...no absorbtion whatsoever. I like to wrap Kaitlin up in the big soft ones.

Bottle Cleaning~ Munchkin bottle cleaners are great; we also use a microwave steam sterilizer...again great for "on the go" moms...who has time to boil everything?

Stroller~ Courtney recommended the BabyTrend Jogger and we love it (thanks Nat and Josh!). Right now we use the travel car seat and Kaitlin faces us. I will be sad when she outgrows it and has to face forward. I love being able to look at her while we walk.

Car Seat~ Car seat- Graco My Gride 65; We still have Kaitlin in her little car seat, but this one got great ratings and she will be able to sit rear facing up to 40 lbs and front facing up to 65. It looks really comfy too! :)

Entertainment~ My mom discovered this and it is so cool. This is perfect because babies are so intriqued with music, lights, and colors. http://www.homedics.com/home/sensory/soundspa-lullaby.html; Baby Einstein DVDs- even at a young age babies love these (again music, lights, color); Baby Einstein car/crib mirror also entertains her.

Baby Monitor~Summer Infant Deluxe Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor ; The video monitor is great because you can watch your baby sleeping and it gives you peace of mind. It is a little staticky in our house, but overall a great buy!

Sunscreen~ California Baby, Neutrogena, and Aveeno have all worked really well this summer.

Munchkin Diaper Bag Dispenser~ Another "must have" for dirty diapers when you are out and about! http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.html?section=prodCategories&ID=10002&pID=1280

Playmat/Gym~ Tiny Love Gymini Musical Kick and Discover. I did a lot of research to find the best one and I love love love this one!!! Kaitlin is so entertained and she has figured out that when she kicks her feet it starts playing music. Also, FYI check on Amazon for good deals!

Toys~ Sophie the Giraffe (number 1 baby toy in Europe); This is great for young babies.

I'll try to update this as the year goes on and she starts using more and more. But this is a good start!