13 Month Update

Age: The babes are 13 months old (or 11 months if like me you just can't quite stop adjusting yet).  I think I am still reluctant to say they are actually one as they have not started walking yet and I was sure they would start before they turned one, if I look at their developmental progress so far.  They are both standing balancing perfectly but just haven't taken a step yet...am still sure it will be in the next month or so...

 

Height/Weight: Finn must be just over 10kg as he was 9.940g on 8th Oct. You can really notice how their weight gain has slowed down now since they started crawling as he only gained 400g in 2.5 months! Becky was only 8.960g, a 700g gain but at the Paed she was over 9kg - not sure if she lost weight or just difference in scales?? Anyway, both are on track growthwise and looking good on the chart - Finn is over the green line and Becky is right on it - so perfect!

Developmental notes: Both are still standing around and balancing nicely. They then drop to the floor and crawl off at great speeds. They both realise now that the bed has an edge and are learning to turn around and push off backwards. They have started to be fascinated by putting objects inside other things - the shape circle toy is a great hit but they get so frustrated when the shape doesn't fit. Finn loves standing in his push cart like a chariot and he loves wheels and things that move. Rebecca loves the ball pool and diving into it. Her newest words are "giggle" and "tickle" and they both say "daddy" perfectly. They also say "weeeeeeee".  Rebecca is an exceptional mimic and often still says once off words, so clearly you wonder if you heard right.  I think she is storing them all up in her fast developing brain for later brilliant articulation lol. Finn still calls out mumum for me. They love it when I play round and round the garden on their hands and they giggle loudly as I tickle them under their armies.

Both have started disliking being changed and sometimes cry and kick when we put them on the changing mat for a change - really no idea why.  It is hectic as they kick me in my stomach, they are getting too big for the changing table but it still so convenient that I am loathe to change the set up. Becs has never liked being changed and still cries after bathtime as we dress her...so tiresome and we wish they would both just happily lie there but alas. Of course they could also just be really tired by that stage and we are lucky that bathtime is always a happy time. There are no new teeth...wonder when the next lot will arrive.

Eating: Mmmm...Becs has started being disinterested in all the usual foods she loved - very frustrating.  I think it is ingrained into us that we must make sure kids eat their food, but after reading up on it, I know I should chill - have read that their growth slows down now and often they do not need as much food as they have been getting.  Also a child will not let themselves starve and will eat if hungry. It is still hard though as I love seeing them enjoy food. Finn still eats pretty much everything and has gone from being sensitive to textures to pretty much eating whatever you give him.  Becs new favourite is peanut butter on bread. She also way prefers feeding herself so I have started putting a variety of food chopped up in front of her and that's how she has been eating for the past few days. I have also wondered if it is because the milky tea during the day may be filling her up? They are supposed to be drinking at least 300mls of milk a day which they do between their morning and evening bottles, so I am going to give them none or less milk during the day and see if that makes a difference. On the other hand I have been worrying that they are not getting enough liquids as they don't really drink a lot of water during the day - how do you know if they need more liquids??

Just after I wrote this...we had the worst lunch feeding EVER! Both freaking out, crying and not wanting to eat anything...a first! Finn had face planted and hurt his mouth so am hoping that was his problem and Rebecca had a few mouthfuls of rice and pumpkin and some small pieces of lamb and then started fog-horning! Geesh she can kwef...she has this loud na na na na screech. They used to LOVE lamb and veg...well not now.  I landed up giving them a peanut butter brown bread sami...not great but they ate that! Please babies snap out of this food strike phase.  I don't want to fill you up on bread...

Sleep: So we did seperate them and it has been SO much better as we do not rush in at the first peep, hearts racing to avoid a double wake up anymore. Even though I would prefer them to be together, it is actually much less stressful now. Sleep training went really well in the beginning and then Becs got a snotty nose again...and it says do not sleep train when they are sick.  So we have had to start on square one again, and had a few nights of crying after she is put down.  But we will persevere. She has also stopped crying when put down for day naps (except for today...she cried and cried at her afternoon nap??!!) Finn also started crying after being put down - very uncharacteristic of him, so we are following the same method after soothing him twice max.

Favourite Things:Crawling around the new huge veranda and exploring.  Finn ate some bird poo the other day = great.  And Becky squashed an ant...shame poor ant.

Dislikes: Still not loving tuna or fish...wonder where they got that from... . Eating.  Being changed. Lying on their backs. Eating. Did I say eating?

Looking forward to: Less moaning and crying during change times and calm peaceful bedtimes.

Mommy and Daddy musings:Oh babies, how beautiful you are. Even when you are crying or moaning you make me want to squish you with kisses and hugs.  And when you fall and cry that hurt cry, I want to run to you and make it all better just to see your little smile again.  You are learning so many new things and we love watching you grow. I love your soft hair tickling my face and your little grabbing hands clutching at my neck as I pick you up. Becky, your serious little face when you wake up until you crack your first smile and fall into my arms for a little hug just melt my heart.  Finn, your huge grin when I say good morning and when you take my hair with your thumb to suck it just makes me want to squeeze you with all the love I have. We are so proud of our little treasures and you are doing so well. Love you booboos.