Parker & Jolie | 15 Months

Parker Jane..

Is ALL leggs (yep, two g's worth).

..28 of her 32 inches are thanks to her leg length (70th percentile for height).  

String Bean is her new nickname.  

..at a whopping 6th percentile for weight (20 pounds, 9 ounces). 

While there aren't any new teeth giving us grief (for the first month EVER- or in about 6 months..) we got our first {and second} ear infection.

..I'll take the teeth any day.

ANY day.

Miss Parker wants to be in your arms or lap 97.8% of the time. 

..and when momma is involved, that percent jumps to 100%.  But, this is nothing new to note.

When she is held she will snuggle in tight to your neck.

..and play with the little hairs around my face.  

I will never (ever) forget the day she sweetly traced my face with her tiny fingers, pointing out my eyes, mouth, and nose, and then cupping my cheeks in her palms before leaning in for a kiss.

..I die a quick death over this sweetness about 47 times a day.

Has developed a keen ability to do a little jig. 

..totally out wiggling the shoulder shakes her sister has perfected to a science.

I am confident that Minnie Mouse has taught her all that she knows.

..her side stomp and hip swivel to the beat of the Hot Dog Song is nearly identical to that of Minnie's moves.

nearly.

Is a total girly girl and demands a hair bow to complete any and all outfits, including her jammies.

..and it is a fight to the death through every second of getting dressed, until we get to the accessories.    

I think she likes loves adores the attention she gets when she is wearing them.

..her mother's daughter.

Loves her wubby & paci, Rise & Shine Kitchen, music, dancing, climbing, stacking toys, removing and replacing lids on everything, and most of all tupperware.  

..her favorite past time is arranging drink mix packets in a rubber baby food mold.

If she can swing her (string bean) leg around it, you better believe she's getting on top of 'it'.

..benches, toys, chairs and in and out of the red wagon.  Determined is the name of the game.

She is my thinker, examiner, and organizer.

..arranges toys and blocks one by one as neatly as she can only for it all to come to an end in screeching frustration when Jolie comes behind to bring it all to the floor.  

In return of the favor, Parker takes off running with Puppy and puts Jolie into a tizzy.

..Parker... thats not your Puppy.  Repeated about 77 times a day.

The girl loves to eat.  

..still grazes like a bird, but is getting better about eating more than 4 or 5 bites at meal times. 

Breakfast is her favorite meal of the day.

..and when breakfast involves waffles with peanut butter, she becomes a never-ending pit.

Digging a few new foods: green grapes, veggie patties, and Mexican rice.

..that last one surprised me.

Sass is at an all time high.

..I'm semi-fearful of what the 'terrible two's' will bring. 

While her sass comes out less often, when it does it is accompanied by an angry shrill that makes you want to climb the wall.  

Oh, Parks.

On the opposite end of sassy Parker is the sweet and confident Parker.

..never unsure about herself and it shows in her prance (literally), demeanor, and mannerisms.

 Always knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it.

Her laugh, smile, and glee in her eyes are something that cannot be captured well enough into words.  

..love you so very much, Mini.

headwrap / jameson monroe

knot initial hat / cotton cupcake shoppe 

headwrap / shelbychicboutique (instagram shop) // dress / janie and jack

Jolie..

Is playing 'catch up' no more.

..surpassing her skinny minnie sister at 9th percentile for weight (19 pounds, 11 ounces) and nearly doubling in length since she was born at 29 in (13th percentile).

For the first 4 1/2 months of her life not even making her mark on the growth charts - 9% is a huge feat. 

..although she may be small, she is fierce.  Never doubted that for a minute.

Miss independent and always ready to do things on her own.

..but is the first to become unsure about a situation and remains close to momma or dad.

The life of the party

..always in on the joke, and never to be left out of anything fun.

A toss in the air, riding on Dad's shoulders, hide and seek, and chase.

..just a few of her favorite things- and of course Puppy is always close by.

Jolie is the one that finds everything fun and worth a cackling (and contagious) laugh.

..and I cannot get enough of that laugh.  It.is.THE.best.  

If you've ever heard it, you would agree.

Destructive is the word of the day this month.

..banging, slamming, and tumbling anything in her path.

I think it is Jolie's way of creating a little bee-bop beat in her world to hum along to.  

Humming. Singing. Hollering.

..all things she does so well.  

Loves jewelry.

..especially watches and bracelets.  

I and brought to tears from laughter when she comes strolling in, adorned in 154 bangles.

..around her legs.

Still my champion eater.  

..much messier than the immaculate, Parker.

Has found a new love for blackberries, grapes, and pineapple.  

I can't keep them on her tray long enough between the shovels to her mouth by the handfuls.  

While she is warming up to meats, she still much prefers veggie patties, lentil burgers, and broccoli quinioa over animal protein.

..and of course the regular favorites: PB&J, guacamole, and turkey meatballs.  

Her sweetness is at an all time high.

..waiting in anticipation for the 'lean in' rocks me to the bone.

Gives the best hugs. 

..running at high speed only to throw her arms around your neck and hold tight.

Loves to hold your hand.

..and will allow you to take the lead whether it be going from room to room at home, or walking the block.

Jolie bug, we simply adore you.

..the never-ending happiness of your spirit is overwhelming.

Love you.

necklace / Josie James Boutique   

We are 15 months!  I couldn't be more proud to be your momma.

WE EAT | Toddler Meal Ideas

At one years old the girls started eating regular meal times- three meals and three snacks a day.  Like every new parent, I was super concerned whether or not the girls ate enough at a meal or throughout the course of a day.

Daily servings for toddlers

• Fruit 3-4 servings a day: fruit- 1/2 to 1 small fruit, 2 to 4 tbsp canned fruit
• Vegetables- 3 servings a day: 2 to 3 tbsp cooked vegetables
• Dairy- 4 to 5 servings a day: dairy- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk for 2 years or younger) per serving or 1/2 cup yogurt
• Protein- 2 servings a day: 1 to 2 oz meat, 1 egg per serving, or 4 to 5 tbsp cooked legumes
• Grain products- 3 to 4 servings a day: 1/2 to 1 slice of whole grain bread; 1/4 to 1/2 cups rice or pasta, preferably whole grain like brown rice, whole wheat pasta or quinoa pasta, or 1/2 cup to 1 cup dry low sugar cereal, 1/4 to 1/2 bagel, 1/2 to 1 whole wheat or corn tortilla

Children catch on fast and they know when to cry, whine or charm their way into a certain food selection. Parker is notorious for this.  If ever its a mealtime when they are trying something new and it isn't up to her expectations, (this is my life..) she gets pretty upset and refuses to eat.  Jolie is typically less picky and will try everything.  Once Parker sees her sister eating, she will often try several bites before deciding she's done.  I do my very best to offer well-balanced and nutritious meals and healthy snacks- and the occasional convenience mixed in here and there- letting the my girls eat or not eat the amount of the food offered. Children often need to be exposed to the same food many times (10-20 times) before it is accepted.  Reinforcing the importance of regular meal times and healthy food choices help to mold good eating habits formed early in life.

I have found that meal planning for the girls, just as I do for Jordan and I, has been incredibly helpful in forming my grocery list and planning and preparing meals ahead of time when I can.  It also provides a no-brainer explanation when it comes to feeding the girls when I am not home with them or we happen to be out and about.  

A typical meal plan for Parker and Jolie at 15 months (has been the same since 12 months) 

Breakfast (7:30-8am): mini waffles with peanut butter (4 mini waffles, 1 tablespoons peanut butter), 1/2 slices banana, 1/2 cup organic whole milk 

Snack (9:30am): 1/2 cup whole milk Greek yogurt or fruit pouch 

Lunch (12-12:30pm): 1.5 ounces diced deli turkey, whole milk mozzarella string cheese, sliced grapes or strawberries OR 2 tablespoons guacamole spread on whole wheat pita bread, mandarin oranges 

Snack (2:30pm): whole grain goldfish, fruit pouch, multi-grain Cheerios, graham bunnies (Annie's), veggie stix 

Optional Snack (5pm): apple slices, multi-grain Cheerios, veggie stix 

Dinner (6pm): turkey meatballs, cheesy broccoli OR scrambled eggs with cheese and turkey dogs OR baked chicken nuggets, baked sweet potato fries, steamed carrots with a little butter OR whole wheat pasta, red sauce, and chicken or turkey sausage OR whatever we are eating that night (casserole, etc.)

The things on this 'toddler menu' is usually on repeat in some sort of fashion every single week.  For the most part the girls eat the same breakfast on most mornings.  They love the mini waffles and peanut butter.  Would probably eat them every meal if I let them.

Toddler Breakfast Meal Ideas:

• Mini waffles with peanut butter and sliced banana
• Whole cooked oats mixed with whole milk yogurt and a little brown sugar, blueberries/strawberries.
• Mini Banana Pancake Muffins (recipe here)
• Whole cooked oats mixed with mashed banana, and a dash of cinnamon
• 1/2 English muffin, 2 teaspoons peanut butter, sliced berries
• Scrambled eggs with spinach and cream cheese (1 whole egg, 1 tablespoon cream cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped organic baby spinach), whole grain toast with strawberry jam
• Cheesy Scrambled Eggs (1 whole egg, 1 tablespoons whole milk shredded cheddar), 1/2 cup organic whole milk yogurt.
• Mini Omelet Cups (I make these in bulk and freeze them for later use)- 8 whole eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, shredded cheese, veggies and meats of choice.  Bake @ 350 degree in a mini muffin tin for 25 minutes.  
• 1/4 cup Cheerios (we do the multi grain), 1/4 cup diced melon (cantaloupe), 1/2 cup whole milk yogurt
• Fruity cream-cheese pinwheels (Spread low-fat cream cheese on a small whole-grain tortilla. Top with sliced fruit. Roll up the tortilla, and then slice into “pinwheels.”)

Smoothies (makes 2 (8-ounce) smoothies)

• Morning Glory Smoothie ( 6 organic baby carrots, 1/4 c 100% pear juice (such as Gerber brand), 1/2 c frozen pineapple, 2/3 c vanilla Greek yogurt, 1/4 c frozen mango)
• Banana Split Smoothie (1 c frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 c low fat chocolate milk, 2/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt)
• Berry Berry Green Smoothie (1 c loosely packed organic baby spinach, 1 c frozen mixed berries, 1/2 c vanilla Greek yogurt, 1/2 c whole milk)
• Life's a Peach Smoothie (1/2 c frozen peaches, 1/2 c frozen strawberries, 2/3 c vanilla Greek yogurt, 4 fresh basil leaves)
• Love A'cado Smoothie (1/4 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup organic baby spinach, 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries, 1/2 c frozen mangos) 

Toddler Lunch/Dinner Meal Ideas:

• Alfredo Veggie Pasta (frozen mixed veggies (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans), whole wheat tube pasta & homemade Alfredo sauce- recipe here) with mandarin oranges (canned in juice)
• Baked chicken nuggets (all white meat), 1/2 cup chopped broccoli with American cheese, strawberry slices
• Guacamole (recipe here) on whole wheat pita bread, sliced green grapes
• Baked fish sticks, 1/4 cup steamed butternut squash, 1/4 cup chopped broccoli
• Grilled cheese (American 2% cheese slices, whole grain white bread), Veggie Stix, peaches (canned in 100% juice)
• Creamy Tomato & Sausage Tortellini (recipe here), 1/2 c sliced pears (canned in light syrup)
• PB&J on whole grain white bread, sliced apple sticks (no skin), 1 cutie orange
• Beef Stew (recipe here), whole wheat egg noodles, cinnamon applesauce pouch
• Turkey Dogs and Cheesy Cheddar Scramble, 1/2 c sliced peaches (canned in juice)
• Deli turkey meat (Boar's Head), cheesy broccoli rice (Green Giant steamer bag), mango applesauce
• Mexican Egg & Refried Bean Tostadas (3 whole eggs, splash of whole milk, diced tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers- spread fat free refried beans on a corn tostada, top with egg mixture and serve with cheese and plain Greek yogurt), sliced green grapes
• Veggie Burger (brown rice), sweet potato hummus (blend together: baked sweet potato, skins removed, 2 tablespoons tahini paste, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 tsp kosher salt), 1/2 c blackberries
• Cheese Broccoli Quinoa (recipe here) with rotisserie chicken (white meat), 1/4 cup steamed carrots, apple sticks
• Turkey Meatballs (recipe here), cheesy veggies (Green Giant steamer bag), fresh mango slices
• 2 ounces deli turkey or ham (Boar's Head),  5 whole grain crackers, whole milk mozzarella string cheese
• Turkey Sausage Alfredo Pasta (homemade Alfredo sauce- recipe here- lean turkey or chicken sausage, whole grain/wheat tube pasta),  steamed broccoli, sliced grapes
• Mini Egg Frittatas with deli ham and hash browns (recipe here)
• 2 oz Deli turkey, 1 oz sharp cheddar cheese cubes, 1/2 c mandarin oranges (canned in juice), 1/4 c steamed peas
• 1/4 baked sweet potato, 1/4 c shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/4 c melon
• Bean burger (recipe here), 1/4 c cubed avocado, 1/4 c blueberries, 1/4 c sliced strawberries
• 1 sliced hard boiled egg, fresh veggie sticks (zucchini, squash, carrots), 1 half whole grain English Muffin
• Curly whole wheat noodles with peas & zucchini in marinara sauce sprinkled with mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1 cutie orange 
• Greek Cous Cous (grape tomatoes, chopped, skins removed cucumber, feta cheese, sea salt an olive oil), applesauce pouch
• Veggie Quesadillas (white tortilla, cooked sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes, shredded monterey jack cheese- grilled or sautéed until cheese is melty), plain Greek yogurt for dipping, 1/2 c cantaloupe
• BBQ Chicken Pizza (recipe here), 1/2 sliced strawberries
• 2 oz Grilled chicken breast, 1/2 c baked sweet potato fries, 1/2 c steamed broccoli with American cheese
• Mexican Turkey Bowl (1/2 c cooked ground turkey, 1/4 cup black beans (rinsed), 2 tablespoons diced fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons diced sweet bell peppers), 1/4 c sliced grapes, 1/4 c blueberries
• Mini Meatloaf (recipe here)- make and freeze leftovers, mashed potatoes (boiled red potatoes-skins on-, buttermilk, salt, pepper), steamed broccoli
• Turkey & Veggie Sloppy Joe (recipe here), 1/2 cup strawberry honey Greek yogurt
• Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Bowl (1/4 cup brown rice, 1/4 cup chopped steamed broccoli, 2 ounces rotisserie chicken, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese), applesauce pouch
• Ham & Cheese Muffins (recipe here) 1/2 c mandarin oranges
• Pizza Minis (whole wheat pita bread, marinara sauce and shredded cheese) with veggie toppings
• Hummus Pinwheels (recipe here), sliced green grapes
• Chicken, Bean, and Cheese Quesadillas (recipe here) with 1/4 cup steamed corn & sliced peaches

There is my toddler meal planning list to start. This list will grow and I will surely update (because I like to look back and while I'm meal planning myself!) I make my meal plan a week ahead of time so that developing my grocery list is super simple and quick.  I make my list from the meal plans (both the little birds and for the adults) and it allows me to manage my budget in such a way to keep it under control.  Going to the grocery store without a list is a terrible habit to allow myself to do.  I would spent $300 and come home with nothing.  We've all been there. 

Be productive, make a list, feel accomplished.

Good luck!  Feel free to email me with any questions you may have (click that 'contact' button at the top!)

Snacks are next!

Austin Road Trip

It has been quiet the week, I must say. I feel like everything we have done in this short window of time has consumed an entire month of my life.  But alas.. its Thursday.  And we are still in February. 

Monday morning we loaded up the girls (after an entire night of being throw-up free!) and headed down to Austin.  I was so thankful that Jolie's little tummy bug was minor and didn't last more than Sunday afternoon.

We timed the trip right to surround nap time.. and made sure to put the sound machine in the cab with us.  Proved to be a very 'relaxing' trip- listened to the 'ocean' for 2 hours straight.  Put me to sleep, too! 

We made it to Austin just in time for me to head out to my seminars while Jordan and the girls got settled in the hotel room.  I was thankful that Jordan and the girls could make the mini trip with me.  Made for more eventful evenings rather than turning in for the night at 4pm when my sessions ended. 

Dinner the first night was low key and super easy.  Parker was way more interested in eating the pizza  in whole slices rather than in cut up chunks.. so Dad had to help. 

Tuesday we got done early with workshop, so we headed out to the mall to let the girls run off some steam.  It was rainy out, and so we were hoping for a play area, but we were in no such luck.  Since it was the middle of the day on a Tuesday the mall wasn't very busy, so we played in one of the large open areas, causing a scene for the customers that were shopping.. or attempting to enjoy their coffee. 

Goal of the afternoon: Keeping babies off/away/out of the escalators.  They found every way to get over to them. 

headwrap /  two little bees boutique // top: dress by osh'kosh for target

The girls have found a new love for being on Dad's shoulders.  It is nothing but laughs and giggles from way up high.

People watching break. 

Smiling for the camera.  When did she get so big? I can hardly help myself with that sweet little grin.

Traveling with the girls took packing to a whole new level.  We have been on road trips before, but never to a place where we were responsible to bring everything.  The amount of food, snacks, toys, pack and plays, clothes required by these two tiny humans is unreal. 

Thankful for these highchairs that break down into boosters.  The days of feeding them on the floor are over.  WAY to busy for that.  We have to contain them in some fashion to get them to eat well. Requesting a microwave was another biggie.  We were able to bring a lot of normalcy to traveling with them through their meal and snack times.

headwrap / @shelbychicboutique (on Instagram only) // necklace / Josie James Boutique // top / Carter's

Last stop before heading out for home (our mini trip was super eventful..)

The State Capitol of..

We might have been a little disruptive.

I loooovve Texas. - Parker Jane

My favorite part of the entire Capitol was the second floor.  The many flags of Texas hung proudly in that hall.  This one was my favorite.  Bullet holes and all.

The drive home was planned around nap time.. which was awesome because it was nearly two o'clock when they woke.  

Awake and haaangry and in the middle of nowhere.  Which means we had the option of..

this place.  NOT McDonald's. 

We are not eating French fries..

..or Mc'nuggets.  (please keep the judgey comments to a minimum.)

Short and sweet with a whole lotta nothing in between.  I was super busy with my conference, but I was really happy that my favorite people were waiting for me when I returned to my hotel room. 


Girls' first official hotel stay was a success!  Kudos to momma and dad, too:)