Ava - 12 & 13 Months Old



Ava is now 1 year old and I cannot believe it. Her birthday was 5 week ago but we've been so busy, and I guess I've been putting it off a little too. I'm in denial about her being one year old already, it's gone so fast. I thought everything went quick with Noah but it somehow manages to go even faster the second time around. I feel like I blinked and she went from this squidgy newborn to a fully fledged, walking toddler over night. It's so bittersweet.

March was such a busy month for us with our break to Center ParcsEaster Bank Holiday, lots of days out and of course Ava's 1st birthday. It's been so busy that I'm only just getting chance to write this update. With her turning 13 months last week I decided to combine the two into a double post.


Character
Her character and personality grows so much every month. Family and friends always comment on what a little character she is and how they could watch her all day long. She has so much personality and wit, that you forget she's only a year old. She loves to make people smile and laugh, it's her calling. Perhaps she'll be a comedian when she's older, who knows! As well as being very funny she's also inquisitive, clever, quick thinking, observant, strong willed and independent. She's also very social, loving and caring.


Size
I weighed Ava this morning on our home scales and she was approximately 1st 9, which means she's 23lb! She wears 12-18 month clothing which I think shows she's where she should be when it comes to how big she is. She wears a size 3 shoe and size 5 nappies.


Health
At the moment she's cutting 4 molars at once, they look really sore but she seems to be handling it well. In total she has 12 teeth if you count those, she has so many! Health wise she's been okay. She's had the sniffles here and there but nothing else. I think she still gets some immunity from breastfeeding as she does seem to avoid lots of bugs. 


Feeding
We are still breastfeeding but have recently introduced cows milk too. She enjoys both and takes a bottle no problem. I hope that this encourages her to self wean when she's ready. At the moment we still breastfeed at night and first thing in the morning. She has a bottle of full fat cows milk before her nap in the afternoon and one right before bed too. When it comes to solids she has three meals a day and numerous snacks. She also drinks water from a straw cup. Favourite foods are pasta, cheese, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, potato cakes, crisps, yogurts, fruit pouches, ham, cereal. She'll give anything a go, just like her brother.


Sleep

She's not sleeping through yet but she's a lot better than she has been. She usually goes straight to sleep after bottle or breast at around 8pm. She then wakes up during the night, usually once a night. I then breastfeed her back to sleep and she'll have a few more hours. She ends up in our bed every night, usually early morning but that's okay with me. I love the snuggles and this stage doesn't last very long. Her naps vary but she generally has one long nap before lunch. Ideally I'd prefer her to have a big nap after lunch but with Noah finishing nursery at 3pm during the week that isn't feasible really. She sometimes has a little cat nap after we've picked him up. 


Milestones & new tricks
* Ava is now confidently walking and has been for a few months. She now walks outside and can run too.
She's added one more word to her usual; mama, dada, daddy, hiya, aww, cat, ta. That word is YEAH. It's so funny when she says it because she nods at the same time.
* She smacks her lips when she's excited to have a certain drink or food.
* She nods for yes and shakes her head for no.
* She's always trying to dress herself, brush her hair or her teeth.
* Understanding. She seems to understand so much now. For example when I tell her we are going to pick Noah up from nursery she will grab her coat and go to her pram.
* She tickles her own toes and makes a "tickle tickle" noise.


Likes and dislikes

She loves cats! She's obsessed with them and everything that moves is one! Mummy, Daddy and Noah. Her family in general. Talking and waving at strangers. Walking outside and enjoying the freedom. Playing with Noah and his toys. Eating! Singing and dancing. YouTube and nursery rhymes. Foo Fighters and headbanging. Going out for walks. Trees and birds. Books, especially lift flap ones. Animals. Blocks and balls. Rock music and guitars, especially when Daddy plays. The Xbox controller! Going to the park and swinging on the swings next to Noah. She doesn't like being in the car, having her nappy changed or her teeth brushed.


18 comments:

  1. Aww it's lovely to hear of how much she has grown over a year! It does go by so quickly so keep making memories! Oh tickling her own feet and giggling is so cute ❤️

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  2. She's beautiful, and growing up so quickly, 12 teeth is fantastic, Mollie only has her top bottom two and one through and one cutting through on top at the front, she is also very happy, everyone comments on her smiling and giggling at them, even strangers she doesn't know, when Megan is having a mini meltdown and crying Mollie makes fake crying noises, we find it funny, Megan on the other hand doesn't lol xXx

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  3. Ava does seem to have grown up so quickly. She nice that she is a happy, smiling child. She has probably learnt so much by watching and spending time with her brother Noah.

    Rachel Craig

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  4. Seems like Ava has a really good appetite.

    Rachel Craig

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  5. Lovely to read that you are enjoying Ava's character / characteristics.

    Rachel Craig

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  6. She's growing up into a beautiful little girl

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  7. She is growing into such a stunning young lady, and you dress her beautifully too!

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  8. Ava seems so interested in everything that is happening around her. You mention that she is singing and dancing :- Does she get the opportunity to practice these activities at the Baby Group that she attends? Some children start dance classes at a young age, perhaps 2 years. Maybe you could consider what opportunities there are within your local community.

    Rachel Craig

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  9. Growing up so fast - a wonderful 2 months

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  10. Such an active little lady.

    Rachel Craig

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  11. Charlene Merrall16 April 2018 at 20:17

    Love the way you document all this. It's an amazing thing to look back on when shes older

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  12. Ava at the swing park. Swing park can be such Fun!

    Rachel Craig

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  13. Top photo, lovely little hairband.

    Rachel Craig

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  14. Nice to read that Ava enjoys music. An aspect which she shares with her Dad Nick.

    Rachel Craig

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  15. Ava has lots of outfits.

    Rachel Craig

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  16. Lovely for you to have a record of Ava's First year.

    Rachel Craig

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  17. Ava has a wide range of outfits.

    Rachel Craig

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  18. so beautiful you should be so proud

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