It is so exciting when our babies meet their milestones.  It means many things for moms (well at least for me, personally).  It means that your baby is on track,

healthy, and learning every day.  Having two kids of my own means that this isn’t my first rodeo and I more or less know what to expect when it comes to these “magic” milestones.  I have learned that it’s ok when your baby doesn’t sit up at three months, crawl at six months, walk at 12 months, or potty train at two or three.  Every baby and toddler develops at different times.  progresses differently and you shouldn’t worry.       

 

            So if these milestones have you freaking out, don’t worry.  Keep calm, relax, and enjoy the ride.  They aren’t babies forever and they grow so fast, before you know it they will be so independent and needing you less and less every day.  So enjoy the baby milestones as they come. 

 

            In my experience I have found that it’s in our nature to worry or stress out when our kids are not like other kids.  The other day at church, I seen a 14 month old literally towering over my daughter.  She was walking and actually talking and saying words.  So I started thinking my daughter is behind.  I am the first to say that I am constantly worrying about my kids, especially in today’s world there are just so many more diseases, illnesses, and developmental problems to watch for.   From my experience with my second child, is that babies will do things at their own pace  and when they are good and ready to do it.  Don’t be in such a hurry, these milestones are not a race to the finish line.  We read books or articles from What to expect or baby center but mostly we see other babies and that’s what gets us, come on I’m sure many of you can relate to me, right? 🙂

            Walking is a huge milestone for babies, so don’t freak out if they don’t walk on their first birthday.  Not all babies walk at 12 months, as my pediatrician explained babies will or can begin to walk between the ages of nine to 15 months.   So your baby has plenty of time to get it down, some babies don’t walk till 16 months! I recommend after the 15th month to consult your pediatrician  if your baby has no desire to walk, or doesn’t walk holding on to things.  Never be embarrassed or worried to ask your baby’s doctor questions, that’s what they are there for and we always need that sense of security as parents. 

 

            Is your baby little, big, or anywhere in between? Well wherever they are on the “chart” I’m sure they are A-OK. Today, My daughter is 14 months and barely clearing 20 pounds.  Although she is considered to be below “average” for her weight, our pediatrician doesn’t see a concern, because she is just growing that way, that’s her pace .  Of course I did freak out, I thought my breast-milk wasn’t fulfilling her needs any more, I was so tough on myself because I thought she was too small.  Once our pediatrician confirmed she was in fact very healthy, I felt much better.  She’s petite, and I’m Ok with that.  🙂

 

            For all my mommies with toddlers, if yours isn’t talking, pooping and peeing in the toilet…don’t worry, there’s hope.

 

            My son took forever to talk, he wouldn’t respond to me and of course I assumed something was wrong.  One day, he just started talking, he began saying words I didn’t think he knew.  It’s amazing.  And now he won’t stop talking! LOL! He learned his numbers 1 through 10 by the time he was two and half, he is now tracing lines, following directions, and learning the alphabet.  He also didn’t potty train right at two or three.  He took time, and now he is getting the gist of it and I couldn’t be more proud of him and all his accomplishment thus far (and my hard work 😉            

            Just remember parenting is a journey, and so are these milestones, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back every now and then.  It’s a tough road and we have high hopes and expectations for our kids.  Naturally.  I think as moms we tend to be harder on them  ( at least in my case) Since I am with them all day, I feel like I am the disciplinarian, teacher, and biggest cheerleader all wrapped into one.  It’s been a battle in myself to learn how to cope and understand each of my children and their specific needs from me.  My kids are great, and growing but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t hard work.  Am I right?  As always if you see something that concerns you, address it and find out how to proceed.  Talk with other moms, friends, pediatricians, or anyone really.  Sometimes a shoulder to cry on is necessary in this journey of motherhood. 

           

            So how can you keep track of all these things going on in your baby’s life? I like to keep individual baby books for both my kids.  From pregnancy to first birthday parties, I keep it all in here.  It’s been fun for me to go in and log all the silly things my kids do, I try to update it as often as possible.  If you love to scrapbook then keeping a baby book will be a great thing for you.  You can continue to add to it as often as you like.  Eventually I think that it will be great for them to see when they are older and one day show their kids

 

            Thanks for stopping by mommies! Remember to share my blog with other mommies out there so together we can continue to strive for mommy success!

 

  

 

XOXO,

Reina