Caitlin - 15 (& 16) months old

Now that Caitlin is almost 16 months old, I seem to have a little time to catch up. We had her 15 month appointment earlier this month and she's doing really well. It's funny to see her measurements so different from Cooper - he was always off the charts in both height & weight, while she's slowing down in height...but not really weight.

We went through the standard set of questions and were able to say yes to all of them. She seems to be a pretty smart cookie, though she doesn't talk much. Actually, she talks a lot - it just isn't something we can understand.

Surprisingly, Caitlin did not have an ear infection when we went in! Cooper was along for the ride to be seen for a follow up from HIS ear infection though.

These two are such different kids! Caitlin can be pretty aggressive. She got in trouble a few weeks ago for eating crayons, so I took them away from her. Instead of getting mad at me, she pushed Cooper's chair, pulled his shirt and hit his back. Angry much? They are so rough with each other - but can't be apart. Caitlin hears his voice and immediately starts looking for him. She reminds me of a dog at times - he'll yell for her and she goes running to him.

Cooper would eat almost anything we put in front of him, but she can be really picky if she wants to. I can never tell what she will eat from one day to the next, because it really depends on her mood. Grapes are always winners, she flipped in Sam's one day over a box of Cheeze-its, but won't always eat them. Chips are probably her favorite thing, especially if they are dipped in Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno or salsa. Rice & beans are a close second. I've learned that dinner out is best at a Mexican restaurant - Cooper gets a taco and Caitlin gets rice & beans. I usually end up sharing my food with them!

Lately, she insists on drinking from our cups or straws. I sort of remember this phase with Cooper. I don't remember hating it so much. Dining out can be a chore - constantly fighting her for my own drink, my own fork & my own food. It also doesn't help that Caitlin is usually ready for bed around 7:15 - right about the time food comes at any restaurant we choose for dinner.

She is still a great sleeper! If she is really tired, we will suddenly find her carrying her baby and her blanket around the house. Most nights, she is in her bed around 7:30 and sleeps until 7am. Cooper never slept that long!

Earlier this month, we had tubes put in Caitlin's ears. She did great - I won't hesitate to suggest this procedure to anyone! She slept most of the morning and was in a decent mood that afternoon. Not quite what I expected.

Caitlin loves the water. If I mention bath, or get in the bath, she's trying to get her leg over the side to get in. A few weeks ago I took a bath and she was in the bathroom with me, trying to pull her pants off. She thinks she can swim and will walk right into the pool without hesitating & she's never scared. (scary for mom, though)

She finally got 2 more teeth! We've rolled along with just 2 teeth for months. Almost 16 months, to be exact. Unfortunately, Caitlin waited until we were on vacation to get those teeth & turned my usual good sleeper into hell. She was up all night for three nights. There are 2 more just about to pop through the skin and I think we'll be set for a while.

As summer winds down, and we get closer to fall (I hope) I find myself really looking forward to the fall holidays. Halloween & Christmas mostly. This year she will understand a bit more and I look forward to seeing her follow Cooper around trick or treating. I know she will do whatever he does!

July Phone Photos

This girl is a fire cracker. She loves to be able to walk into school on her own.

We spent the 4th at Nana's house and Caitlin cooled off in the water table.

We went out for breakfast one Saturday - someone was excited for pancakes.

I took a trip to New Orleans for work and was treated to a carriage ride. Cooper was completely jealous and wants to go on one himself when we visit later in August.

Quinn came over for a visit and the girls went shopping. We think they discussed the price of limes.

Cooper was invited to a party at Houston Swim Club. He went prepared. I was also extremely proud of him - he had to swim across the pool to be able to play without a life jacket. He started swimming, and began to cut off about 3/4 of the way across the pool. The lifeguard told him to keep going and he did!

We met Nana & Pops for dinner at Repka's. The meal was cut short when Caitlin started crying and could not be consoled At.All.

After a nap on the way home and a dose of tylenol, she was much better.

Cooper learned about the postal service at school and mailed a letter home to us.

Jason and I finally hung the canvas prints on the wall above the TV. I like it, but I'm not quite finished.

I surprised him one morning with funfetti pancakes before school.

Caitlin had an appointment with the ENT in the Med Center one afternoon. Since my usual baby-sitter was out of town, I took Cooper as well. After the appointment, we waited out traffic and grabbed dinner at JustMac. I told Cooper we were going to a restaurant that only served beans. He was very happy to see that I was joking!

Caitlin can climb into Cooper's chairs and tried her hand at coloring. It ended quickly when she at the crayons. Then, instead of getting mad at me she decided to take her anger out on Cooper. She pushed his chair, pulled his shirt and hit his back. I put her on the stairs in time-out as a punishment, but man does that girl have a temper!

Astros Game 2014

This past weekend, we were able to join Cooper's cousins (& mine) at an Astros game. Cooper came bouncing downstairs at 7:05 to tell us he was dressed for the game. We were really nice & sent him back into the living room to watch tv alone so that we could go back to sleep. (side note: I'm so glad he can turn the TV on and find Disney Jr)

We finally made our way into town & the stadium. Aunt Carla bought the kids all Astros Buddies Club memberships this year and we managed to all make the same game! Having the extra help from a few of Cooper & Caitlin's aunts wasn't the worst thing in the world either.

Cooper was thrilled to see his cousins and we loved having room to spread out. I guess there are some up sides to the Astros being so bad - plenty of empty seats!

Somehow the kids ended up with cotton candy...which ended up all over Cooper's tongue and jersey!

I tried getting a photo of all of the kids, but it really wasn't possible.

Caitlin spent most of the game walking around the top of our section. I miss the days when I actually watched the game! The Astros won 6-1, which made the trip even better.

As we were leaving, Cooper was intrigued by the kids on the field. We asked if he wanted to run the bases, which he quickly agreed to. The line was very long and we almost turned around, but were moved to another short line just for Buddies Members.

Cooper followed the line of kids down to the field as I moved around to catch some photos.

We stopped on the way out for a quick pic with Mickey, and headed home with two really tired kids.