my life in pixels and pronouns

The Riviera Maya

2012-01-02T15:15:00.003-10:00

My handsome husband and I got away for our first real vacation post-Kit back in October. We spent seven days in the Riviera Maya. I was really excited for the vacation and the one-on-one time with Ryan, but I was anxious about leaving Kit. My anxiety only worsened when I learned, on the second day, that we were in the direct path of Hurricane Rina. With weak cell phone service and only two computers for the entire resort, I was freaking out a bit. My worst fear was getting stuck in Mexico and spending extra days in a shelter. Fortunately, the resort was well-prepared and we ended up not having to go to the shelter because the hurricane weakened into a tropical storm. Thank goodness! Otherwise, the trip was really great. We had good weather, for the most part, and the food was outstanding. But most of all, Ryan and I were able to spend time together.

the park in December

2012-01-02T13:33:00.004-10:00

The last day of 2011 brought beautiful weather so we went to the park.
Kit loved going down the slide and watching the ducks.

Potpourri

2012-01-02T13:21:00.004-10:00

A selection of random photos...

Kit's fall photos taken by the great Ansley Reese Photography.

I love my job, in case it isn't obvious.

pistols firing!

future cowgirl (not if her daddy has anything to say about it)

All the cousins, me and Chris, Malinda, mom and Grams on Thanksgiving

my little chubby gymnast who still manages to say "cheese" while hanging.

Kit and my sweet friend, Julie's little girl named Tatum had a playdate!

me and my girl

all bundled up (1/2/12)

Kit and Madge together again

2012-01-02T13:13:00.002-10:00

They loved the stairs. Mommies did not.

They also loved clapping.

They loved jumping.

They love each other.

Margaret's going to be a big sister!

Carter and Kit

2012-01-02T13:06:00.003-10:00

My best friend and her husband came over a few weeks ago and brought Kit's betrothed, Carter. At first, she wasn't too sure about him, but as you'll see below, she warmed up quite quickly.

Boy, you have the wrong idea about me. -Kit

Actually, you're quite cute. -Kit

Girl, I'm too young for this. -Carter

Maybe if I show you my belly button, you'll change your mind. -Kit
You crazy. -Carter

Oh, you saw all that? -Kit & Carter

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T12:52:00.002-10:00

This year we spent the week before Christmas with Ryan's folks in Texas. We came home the day before Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, we went to church and then my dad, Casey, Cassidy (step-brother), Chris (brother), his girlfriend Malinda and my beautiful nieces came over for dinner. I made chicken enchiladas and cream corn casserole. We had a great evening!

my niece Rylee

my niece Kennedy

Malinda and Chris

On Christmas morning, Kit woke up to the Cozy Coupe that Santa brought. When she came around the corner to see the car, she immediately ran to it and hoped inside! I'd say we've already put about 3 miles on the ol' Cozy Coupe. Unfortunately, Kit started throwing up shortly thereafter. She had a 24-hour stomach bug which means we stayed home in our pajamas. It's not a bad way to spend Christmas. I just missed my family and of course, the food!

Merry Christmas (a few days late)

2012-01-02T12:44:00.002-10:00

I had big plans to take Kit to North Pole City to meet the best Santa this side of the North Pole. Well, things didn't go according to plan once she saw Santa. She lost it and there was no way she was going to sit on his lap. This is what we came up with...

A day at the museum

2012-01-02T12:23:00.003-10:00

I had today (Jan. 2) off so I decided I would take Kit to Science Museum Oklahoma, still known to me and about every other Oklahoman as the Omniplex. I don't remember the last time I went to the Omniplex, but I'm thinking it was middle school. Kit and I arrived around 9:30 before it got too busy. I wasn't sure how much she'd actually be able to do, but I was pleasantly surprised by all the activities for the youngins. Overall, great way to spend a few hours with my little Kitters. She had a blast! Here are some pics from our day at the museum (taken with my phone.)

Happy Halloween

2011-11-17T14:48:00.002-10:00

Kit was the cutest little turtle for Halloween! This year we actually went trick-or-treating with some friends. Kit went up to a few houses but mostly just hung out with mommy.

Here's my little turtle saying, "cheese."

Going for a little stroll before we go trick-or-treating.

Kit and mommy

I just love this little costume!

Trick or Treat!

Mack the cow and Kit the turtle - so cute!

my 18 month old

2011-10-30T16:48:00.006-10:00

I haven't been very diligent about blogging lately. It could be because when I'm not working, I'm chasing around this 18 month old! That's right, little Kitters is 18 months old. A whole year and a half. I think it's about time I stop counting in months - which is sad. Looking back at her one year photos compared to now, I am blown away by how much she has changed in just six months. She has lost almost all of her baby features. She is now a toddler.

A few things I want to remember about you at 18 months.

You have such a fun little personality.
You are silly, ornery, mischievous, determined, sweet and loving.

You have developed a few new hobbies over the past few months. You love to draw and you are right handed. We have gone through two boxes of washable crayons. We just learned that Dax was eating them so we are sure to put them up when you're done.

And perhaps your favorite hobby is watching Elmo. You are obsessed with Elmo. You wake up in the morning talking about Elmo. It's the first thing you ask for in the morning and about 100 times throughout the day. We record Sesame Street every day but you only want to watch Elmo so we fast forward to Elmo's World. You get so excited when you hear
na na - na na, na na - na na, Elmo's World. We have since purchased about 10 Elmo DVDs.

Oh dear Darbi. She really is such a good sport with you. Here you both are sticking out your tongue. I remember about a year ago when you started pulling up on Darbi and she would be so still so you could balance. Now, you love to give her a big hug on the neck, crawl all over her, kiss her on the head and chase her around. I'm so glad you love each other so much.

The facts:

25 lbs 13 oz (75%)
32 inches tall (50-75%)
Noggin 26.5 cm (50-75%)
Size 4 diapers
Size 6 shoes
You are very active, I call you my speed racer
You love to be outside going for walks, wagon rides, swinging and going down the slide
You have named your pacifier your "ba"and when you are tired or don't feel well, you really want your ba
You have had your first time-outs (90 seconds in the corner)
You love to jump
You like to sit at the dinner table with us - not your high chair
Your favorite toy is still your baby
The temper tantrums have started - you really don't like being told no, but you're fine telling us no
You go to sleep by 8:30 and wake about 6:30

Kit and Mags together again

2011-10-29T16:33:00.003-10:00

Kit and Margaret had another play date last week! We met them at the park and let the girls play for a while. They will be best friends if we have to make them. And yes, we'll make them.

Kit liked going down the slide.

Margaret liked driving the ship.

I love her chubby butt/legs.

A big smile from Margaret. I love this girl!

Not our best group photo. But it'll work.

15 months old

2011-07-12T15:31:00.010-10:00

Photo by Ansley Reese Photography

Weight: 23.7 lbs

Height: 30 in

Words Kit can say:

Dog "dow"
Juice "oose"
Cheese "eese"
Daddy "da-yee"
Mama "ma"
Snack "nack"
Ball "ba"
Up "up"
Banana "Na"

Kit's favorite toys:

Dax and Darbi (chasing Dax, crawling on Darbi)
Orson - my preemie Cabbage Patch doll from when I was a baby
Stroller
Fisher Price Learning Home
Balls
Books
Anything she can take stuff out of and put back in

Kit's favorite pastimes:

Eating
Playing with her toys
Standing on the couch
Playing in her little pool
Swinging on the swingset
Watching Baby Einstein
Playing with Tatum and Cross
Being in her crib
Doing headstands
Chasing Dax
Hugging on Darbi
Getting in her shoe draw and pulling out shoes
Filling mommy's heart with immeasurable joy

Kit's favorite foods:

Cheese
Fruit snacks
Corndogs
Ravioli
Bananas
Plum Organics Baby veggie/fruit squirty things

Kit's personality:

Funny
Vocal
Mischievous
Sensitive
Outgoing

Fourth of July (on the third)

2011-07-03T18:05:00.006-10:00

We went to Trinity this evening to celebrate the Fourth of July with our dear friends and small group. The festivities began at 6:30 p.m. and we were prepared for a hot one. The church provided hot dogs, cotton candy and watermelon. Each of us brought drinks and snacks as well. We packed up the gazebo (which the guys couldn't figure out how to put up), chairs, a quilt, sunscreen, drinks and snacks.

We did not plan on staying to see the fireworks because they started more than two hours after Kit's bedtime. But by the time 9 p.m. rolled around, we figured we had made it this long and decided to stick it out. Kit did fantastic - other than running around like crazy. But isn't that what a 15 month old is supposed to do? The evening turned out quite nice with a light breeze. We had so much fun hanging out with our friends and watching the fireworks. Kit would point and go, "OOOOOHHH." Everyone laughed. I'm thankful we decided to stick around and watch the fireworks.

Kit eating a yummy cheesy puff - a staple in any summer diet.

Kit and Tatum

Kit and Emma

Ryan and Andy

Quite possibly one of my favorite pics of all time.

Joy.

Our friends the Elliotts.

Addilyn, Cole and Jack eating cotton candy.

Our little family - July 3, 2011

Backyard Pool Party

2011-07-03T17:44:00.005-10:00

Kit's little $5 pool has been a great investment. About every other night we get out her pool and let her swim. A little after 7 p.m., just enough of the backyard is in the shade so she doesn't have to be in the sun. It's so nice! She loves getting in and out - in and out. Then she'll run over to her swingset, swing for a while and then run back to her pool.

*Disclaimer - She is just wearing a swim diaper. We're in our backyard so I do not feel the need to put her in a swimsuit.

Dax and Darbi like the pool, too. I have to keep Dax from jumping in.

This is the face she makes when she's bouncing on her knees splashing.
Notice her pink wagon? She likes to drag it around.

Mischevious.

My beautiful, blue-eyed healthy baby girl. What more could I ask for?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Shortly after I took this, her other top middle tooth finally broke through. I'm going to miss this snaggle tooth smile.

She may look like her daddy, but she's got mommy's personality.

Kit and Margaret

2011-06-11T15:58:00.006-10:00

Guess who came to town this weekend?! CJ and Margaret!

Kit - 14 months; Margaret - 15.5 months

Kit and I went over to CJ's mom's house to hang out Saturday afternoon before heading up to the pool. As luck would have it, both of the girls didn't have good naps today. Margaret slept for about 45 minutes while Kit skipped her morning nap and only slept for about an hour in the afternoon. So we were having to deal with some "issues" if you know what I mean. But overall, they were really good. It was funny when one would have a meltdown, it would cause the other to start crying. I think it's because they are so in tune with one another and all...

Don't the girls look especially fashionable in their swimsuits?

Beautiful Margaret who has absolutely no fear

CJ caught her just in time before she went down the slide

Sweet little Kit was not a big fan of sand

Let's journey back down memory lane and take a look at how the girls have grown ...

Margaret - 8 wks

These two photos are from CJ and Margaret's first visit. Kit was 2 weeks old while Margaret was 8 weeks old. I could kick myself that we didn't get a picture of them together. I think we were distracted by the fact that we both had newborn baby girls.

April 2010: CJ holding Kit - 2 wks

August 2010: Kit - 4 months; Margaret - 5.5 months

November 2010: Margaret - 8.5 months; Kit - 7 months

February 2011: Margaret - 11.5 months; Kit - 10 months

June 2011: Margaret - 15.5 months; Kit - 14 months

Happiness

2011-06-05T14:52:00.005-10:00

Happiness is watching your daughter eat watermelon in her diaper
on a warm (almost) summer evening. I am so happy and so blessed.

And so it begins.

I love her bright blue eyes.

Almost as much as I love her funny faces! This is the stink eye.

Look at her snaggle teeth!

Kit, you have a little sumpthin' sumpthin' on your chinny chin chin.

She loves watermelon.

I washed her off with the hose when she was done.

Me and my girl.

Behold the delicious watermelon!

We got a pool!

2011-05-22T17:16:00.002-10:00

Or just Kit got a pool. I'm not sure we could all fit.

We busted out Kit's new little swimming pool this evening. I was a little concerned that she wouldn't like it because the water was quite cold - even after letting it warm up for a while. But she didn't seem to mind! She stood in the water for a second then sat down, played with toys and splashed around.

My little water bug.

Splashy!

Mommy, I'm going to get you!

Isn't she the cutest?

When she wants to go outside, she grabs her hat (as seen on her head) and her shoes and brings them to me. She knows the drill.

Why do I have to go inside? -Kit

First lake trip

2011-05-08T15:39:00.006-10:00

This weekend was not only Mother's Day, but it was also our first lake trip of the season. I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend, a fish fry and seeing how little Kit reacted to the lake. We went a few times last year, but she was too young to do much. It's still too cold to swim, but Kit did get out on the boat for the first time! She did great. She was all smiles and giggles until the very end when my mom almost got her to sleep. I'm so happy Kit is going to grow up on the lake like I did.

Can someone help me reach the pedals? -Kit

Kit and Goobie (new name for Grandma)

Kit loves chasing Callie.

She loved this little wagon! She would pull it, put toys in it and pick it up. It was her favorite toy.

Kit loved the water. We had to keep her from running in. We let her put her feet in and then she squatted down and got her little tushy all wet.

The little pink hat she is wearing says, "My first fishing hat." It was the first thing Ryan bought when we found out Kit was a little girl.

And what's a lake trip without a little spoiling from Goobie?

At the end of the day, she was DIRTY and I loved it!

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T17:55:00.003-10:00

Every year we go to Papa and Vicki's house in Broken Arrow for Easter. It's a very special tradition for our family. We have a big Easter dinner and then we all go to church. I can't wait for Kit to get a little bigger so she can hunt eggs at Papa's like Chris and I used to.

Easter Family Photo

Funny face but the point was to showcase her adorable outfit my mom got her that says, "Some Bunny Loves You."

I can't say anything that remotely explains the love I'm holding here. So there.

The Kit face.

Oh Uncle Chris tickling Kit with his facial hair stub. He's done this since she was weeks old. She loves it.

Kit would climb up the first stair and stand there like she was big stuff. She never fell, but came close.

Chris and his sweet girlfriend Malinda.

This is Papa and Vicki's newest pup, Sophie. She's only about six months old and she and Kit really hit it off. Kit was really good with her for the most part (minus one ear pulling incident.)

Bubbles!

2011-04-23T17:45:00.002-10:00

Kit got the bubble blaster of all bubble blasters for her birthday from her Aunt Nannon, Uncle Toda, Tatum and Cross. She loves it! These photos were taken on her birthday. She had just eaten a very messy dinner, so that's why she's partially nakey.

Grandma Love

2011-04-23T17:41:00.002-10:00

Kit and Grammy Sonja

My mom and grams - Don't they have beautiful eyes?

Four Generations

Welcome Carter

2011-04-23T17:32:00.002-10:00

My very best friend of 22 years had her first child, Carter Brian, on April 9 which also happens to be her birthday! My awesome pal Sarah and I decided to make the trip to Elk City to meet this little angel on April 10. He was perfect and mommy and daddy were doing great.

The new mom!

Sarah and Carter - I love the way he's looking at her!

Isn't he precious?

I am telling him that someday he will grow up and marry Kit.

Warrior Dash

2011-04-23T16:46:00.008-10:00

Last year, just after Kit was born, Ryan told me about this race that he wanted to do in 2011 - Warrior Dash. I didn't think much of it at the time. I sort of had my mind on other things. It wasn't until November that I had another thought about it. Well, Ryan desperately wanted to do it and he wanted me to do it with him. My initial thought was that Ryan would do it alone and Kit and I would come and cheer him on. You see, I don't work out like I used to and I wasn't sure I could do it. Warrior Dash is a 5k race with about 10 obstacles throughout the course. I was scared. Which is so weird because I used to be fearless. I think this mom thing has sort of made me think I can't do some things like wakeboarding ... which I mastered last summer!

So after much debate, I decided to sign up. I thought, surely I won't be the last finisher. I wasn't! Ryan and I finished in about 41 minutes. Not bad for not training!

Our race began at 10 a.m. - the third heat of the day. They had a heat every 30 minutes starting at 9 a.m. ending at 6 p.m. Needless to say, there were a TON of people. Ryan had invited several of his buddies from the gym to run with us. It was great having friends to run with and hang out with. We arrive at the Texas Motor Speedway around 8 a.m. and we are taken by shuttle to the event. It was go time.

Ryan was smart and as prepared as always. We each had a change of clothes and a towel - this is critical for anyone taking part in Warrior Dash. We get checked in, get our bib numbers, check out the finish line (seen below) and get psyched.

Ryan, me and Zac before the race! I met Zac about six years ago when I worked at Crosstrainers. He and his mom would come in every evening to workout and they are some of my all-time favorite members and friends.

This is the mud pit that you must crawl in to get to the finish line. Yes, that is barbed wire above the pit. Everyone should have to crawl through a mud pit at least once in their life.

Right before you get to the mud pit, you have to jump over this wall of fire. It's not scary but it's real fire!

Just after we finished. Typically I drink water after I finish a race, but I just used this water to get the mud out of my mouth.

Yay for marriage team building exercises!

We had so much fun, that we're signing up for the Warrior Dash in Tulsa in September! Who's with us?

My little one year old

2011-04-18T16:11:00.008-10:00

Well, it finally happened. Kit turned one! I was a little emotional on her actual birthday - mostly remembering what a life-changing day it was and all the wonderful emotions that came along with her birth. This has, by far, been the best year of my life. I never would have imagined I would experience this much love and joy as I have this year.

The world is a different place. Priorities are different. People are different. Sacrificial love has meaning. I am different because of my daughter.

Kit, you are a wonderfully happy little girl full of personality. You bring me and daddy so much joy. I am so grateful that we were chosen to be your parents.

A few things I want to remember about you at one year old.

21 lbs 4 oz (50-75th percentile)
29 inches tall (50-75th percentile)
Size 3 diapers
12-18 month clothes
Size 3-4 shoe
Bedtime routine: 8 p.m. bath, milk, book and in bed by 8:30
You usually talk in bed for about 15-20 minutes before falling asleep
You wake around 6 a.m. but go back to sleep until 8 a.m. or so
You have four teeth
You love your baby dolls - especially your Uncle Chris's Cabbage Patch doll, Orson
You love going for walks in your new wagon
You love to stand in your new chair
You eat almost all adult food - you don't care for baby food
Your favorite foods are lunch meat, sliced cheese and mandarin oranges
You do not like vegetables
You have started to walk really fast if someone is chasing you - almost a run
When I pick you up from your crib, you spit out your pacifier and throw your others back in the crib (we keep three of them in there with you)
You can sign "more" and "milk"
You say dog, dada and mama
You love Baby Einstein
You have started taking toys out of buckets and putting them back in
I love when I hold you and lay your little head on my shoulder
I love the way you lean back and stick out your tummy when you have serious talk
I love the way you put your arms behind you and lean forward when you fast walk
You get upset when I have to tell you no
You are very ticklish - everywhere

Just moments old

One year old

Kit's First Birthday Party!

2011-04-10T01:28:00.005-10:00

We celebrated Kit's first birthday this weekend and what a special day it was! Sixty of Kit's closest friends and relatives came over to celebrate her first year. We had pizza, chips and dip, cake and all sorts of drinks. We had two moon bounces for all the kids which was quite the hit. I highly recommend them! Since it was a pretty evening (minus all the wind), most people sat outside and enjoyed the party.

I feel blessed that so many people love our little Kit. Thank you to all our friends and family that came out to celebrate Kit's first birthday. We love you all!

Small bouquet of flowers for the table.

The cake made by Cathy Weems and Lacy Leonard in Yukon. Delicous!

The cake table.

Kit's smash cake.

On of the moon bounces.

Kit ready to par-tay!

Kit sneaking a peak into one of her gifts!

Kit's first American Girl doll - a Bitty Baby! Thank you Uncle Justin!

More presents!

Kit was so overwhelmed with love, that she had to hug Hadley!

Kit's new personalized chair! She loves it.

Cake time! She started out conservative.

But it didn't take long for her to dive in!

I was hoping she would do this!

Happy girl!

Kit's taking a huge bite of cake.

Her new outdoor chair from Great Papa Brady.

Planting flowers with grandma

2011-04-10T01:10:00.000-10:00

Ravioli and Mandarin Oranges

2011-04-03T07:55:00.002-10:00

My friend Shannon told me I should feed Kit the Chef Boyardee Mini Raviolis. She said she used to get her kids completely undressed and let them go at it. So I thought I'd let Kit give it a whirl.

She LOVED them! I started out feeding them to her in a spoon. But then I thought, what the heck. This is basically a right of passage. So I let her go. She ate the entire thing plus an entire container of mandarin oranges. Here are some photos from operation clean up.

After operation clean up, I let her walk around nakey and she peed.

The Faces of Kit

2011-04-03T07:50:00.002-10:00

I took the following photos in about 90 seconds. I'd say I have a pretty expressive child, don't you agree? I wonder where she gets it.

Silly Kit

Inquisitive Kit

Ticked off Kit

Sad Kit

Ornery Kit

Mischieveous Kit

Mommy's Conference

2011-03-27T16:01:00.005-10:00

This photo sums up how much fun I had.

Back in November, my pal Shannon (who is also Kit's babysitter) texted me about a "Mommy's Conference" to be held in Dallas that she wanted to schedule in March. For those who don't know, a Mommy's Conference is a time when mommy's get together without their children and husbands and do the things that women love to do: Eat, Shop and Talk. Even though Shannon was nice enough to give me four months to prepare for my first overnight-trip away from Kit, I was still anxious about being away from her for two nights. To try to lift the mood, I made a mixed CD of some of the best girl band songs for the roadtrip. It helped.

Me and four of my closest pals, Shannon, Sunny, Stephanie and Tracie, headed to Dallas sans babies, husbands and grocery lists. For the record, I did not cry when I left. In fact, I didn't cry at any point in the trip. We headed out Thursday afternoon and arrived at our hotel around 7 p.m. Minus a little confusion with the check-in date, we were golden. Thank goodness my astute friend, Sunny, knew exactly what to do.

Then we went to a fabulous Italian restaurant and wine bar called Mercy. I was feeling wild so I had a glass of wine and the filet mignon. It was delicous. But what I want to remember from this experience was the crazy waiter who would literally disappear for 15+ minutes at a time. The service was horrible, but it made for a really funny memory. Oh, and who could forget the photos of naked women in the bathroom.

Because of the awesome (not) service, we didn't leave the restaurant until 9:30 p.m. We tried desperately to find this gelato place that didn't exist before retiring back to our hotel. Oh, but not before I fake ran into the pole to give all the girls a good chuckle. We stayed up talking until after midnight. For those who know me, this was about two hours past my bedtime. I was told that I fell asleep about four seconds after the turned off the light. I believe them.

The next morning, we woke excited! We decided we would have breakfast at this cute little cafe called The Dream Cafe. This was one of those places where you really had a hard time picking what to eat ... do you go with delicious sweet pancakes or a hearty breakfast? I opted for the latter as evidenced by this photo. Yes, this was my BREAKFAST. Don't judge me.

I had the Austin Tacos which made me think of my LP in Austin.

Here is Sunny with her chocolate chip muffin which she enjoyed with an iced cold glass of milk. Did I mention that they heated up the muffin?

Shannon, me and Steph

Sunny and Tracie showing off the french toast.

After we ate, we laughed, we shared and we cried. We did a lot of this. But this particular time, I witnessed why you need good girl friends in your life and I'm lucky to have them in mine.

Then, the action started. We headed to NorthPark Center which is a big fancy shopping mall in Dallas. We stayed here for a LONG time. We did a lot of shopping and ended up eating lunch here. We left the mall to hopefully find a place to get some spa treatment near Allen Outlet Mall. As we were pulling into the mall, there it was ... a nail salon. It was like a light from heaven shinning down. Two of the girls got pedicures while Sunny and I got our eyebrows waxed which is a whole other funny story that I won't get into for fear of people thinking I'm stereotyping. But I wasn't!

OK, this might have been the funniest thing that happened to me the entire trip. After we left the nail salon, Shannon, Sunny and I were walking over to the outlet mall. As I'm walking, I reach into my purse and pull out my sunglasses. After I put them on, I realize something isn't quite right. At first, I thought I was having some sort of dizzy spell that actually worried me because I wasn't walking straight. This went on for a few seconds before I took off my sunglasses to realize I had lost a lens and that's why I was walking funny. I laughed. Hard. And Sunny took pictures.

We shopped our little heart's out until the mall closed at 9 p.m. Then ... we were hungry! Tracie had talked about this great place that had a huge ice cream cake thing. That's all she had to say. We were in. We drove to Champps, but not before stopping at Walgreens. I ordered the meatloaf. Isn't that random? OK so picture this ... five girls in what appears to be a sports bar and let's just say the alcohol tab was probably not what the waiter had hoped. We stayed until 2 a.m. YES, 2 a.m. I seriously can't tell you the last time I was out until 2 a.m. and it certainly wasn't because I was having the heart-to-heart I was having with these guys. I would be lying if I said I didn't have a breakthrough at about 1 a.m. I think we all did. But I am especially grateful for my amazing friends and what they mean to me. Thanks girls!

Here we all are with the Mile High Ice Cream Pie.

So we close the place down and drive back to the hotel only to stay up until 4 a.m.! Did I mention that we were getting up at 7:30 a.m. to leave that morning? We finally crash and it seems like 30 minutes before the alarm went off. We all hurry to get ready and eat breakfast at Einstein Bros. Bagels. It was OK. But it's no Old School Bagel Cafe.

On the way back I break out the "All About Me" book and we laugh some more. We stopped by the Gap at the Gainsville Outlet to make sure we didn't miss anything at the Gap at the Allen Outlet Mall that we went to just 16 short hours before. Surprisingly, there was.

We had to backtrack a couple miles to hit up Rumpy's Little German Backerel and Deli. Let me just say that if you're ever passing through Gainesville, go ahead and stop by Rumpy's. You'll thank me. I promise.

I got home around 2 p.m. to a sleeping baby. I took the opportunity to take a little nap myself. The moment I heard her rustle on the monitor, I jumped up and literally ran in there to get her. It was a very happy reunion. She did great without me thanks to her daddy and my mother-in-law for taking such great care of her. I think this Mommy's Conference is going to have to be an annual trip.

Following in mom's footsteps

2011-03-14T14:43:00.001-10:00

Kit is following in my footsteps and has taken up playing soccer. To say I'm proud is an understatement. The video starts with her going in for a corner kick which you will note by her hand raised in the air. Then she dribbles around the living room. I think we've got a little soccer player on our hands.

My 11 month old

2011-03-13T16:55:00.006-10:00

If I made a graph of the total number of pictures of Kit I have taken each month since she was born, there would be a steady decline. There's a simple explanation ... it's easy to take tons of photos when all she did was lay around all day. It's dang near impossible to get a decent pic of this kid nowadays. If she see you with the camera, she'll come running, yes running, to grab the camera. And trying to get her to smile? She's way too interested in looking around to smile. All my old tricks don't work. That being said, I did manage to take a few photos of her yesterday out in the front yard.

This month has been busy. She went from slowly walking to running. Yes, running. She's into everything. She is also developing a little attitude. I had to use the "n" word for the first time this month. The "n" word is "no." And almost every time I use it she sits down (if she's standing) and starts crying. I think this is an early indicator. I calmly walk away and try not to give into her. It's hard.

I feel like she is very umm mature. I don't know how to explain it. She just seems older to me than a normal 11 month old. As we close in on a year, I have a pretty good outlook. I'm not overly emotional or too terribly sad. I really look forward to each new step. Now, on to planning a very special first birthday!

My little Kit at 11 months.

Wears size 12-18 months
Size 3 diapers
You're losing your baby fat
You love to play with your stackable bowls, bug jug and babies
You love to bounce your plastic balls on the kitchen floor - you'll do this for several minutes at a time
Bedtime routine begins about 8 p.m. and you're asleep by 8:30
You wake up between 5-6 a.m. and then go back to sleep until 7:30-8 a.m.
You hardly eat any baby food - you prefer whatever we're eating
You love lunch meat, cheese and bananas

Good Dental Hygiene

2011-03-01T17:26:00.003-10:00

Good dental hygiene is important in our house.

Kit and Madge

2011-02-20T17:00:00.002-10:00

Last week, Kit got to hang out with her BFF Margaret. They didn't quite play "together." There was a little toy stealing and some hugging/tackling, but overall, it was a great time. Margaret lives in Austin and is six weeks older than Kit.

Margaret and Kit

The girls

My LP, CJ and Kit

Beautiful Margaret Ann

Margaret: "You may be bigger, but I'm stronger."

See you soon Madge!

Ten months ago

2011-02-13T16:49:00.005-10:00

Ten months ago my life changed forever and it has been the best ten months of my life. And it's all because a little girl whose name is Kit. This was a very special month because Kit started walking, eating real food and we're pretty sure she's saying her first word, "dog." (Go figure.)

As I look around our living room, it continues to be taking over by "baby tackle." I'm still in awe of this little girl who is learning so much every day. She is starting to really enjoy playing with her toys. Sometimes she wants mommy and daddy to play with her, but most of the time, she's happy to entertain herself. Her little personality continues to develop and I believe she's going to be a pretty laid back kiddo. She's such a joy and happy little baby. She loves to laugh, just like her mommy.

Here are a few things that I want to remember about you, Kit, at ten months old.

You walk! You are very good at walking and it is your preferred method of travel. You don't get into too much, you mostly stay in the living room and kitchen. You haven't had any major crashes, but have bonked hour head a couple times. I try not to get too stressed out.
You feed yourself! After her nine-month check-up, the doctor said she is free to eat anything that she can gum (except honey). So that means, she eats what we eat. Breakfast - cereal but lately you like mommy's NutriGrain Bars. Lunch - lunch meat, cheese, fruit. Dinner - anything ... chicken, spaghetti, hamburger. You still have milk about 4-5 times a day.
You have three teeth - two bottom and top right canine - yes, it's awesome.
You play peak-a-boo
Bedtime routine starts at 8 p.m. and you are in bed by 8:30 p.m.
Wake between 5-6 a.m. to eat but then go back to sleep until 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Separation anxiety is in full effect
You say dog but it sounds like "dau"
You can drink from a sippy cup
Your favorite food is mandarin oranges
Moving into 12-18 month clothes but still wearing some 6-12 months
Your hair is getting so long

Snow bunny

2011-02-03T18:00:00.002-10:00

Kit got to play in her first snow this week! And by play, I mean she sat in it for about 90 seconds before puckering up her little face to cry. I scooped her up after a couple photos. Here are my favorites.

The Park in January

2011-02-03T17:55:00.002-10:00

This past weekend was unbelievable. The weather was in the mid-70s with no wind. Of course we just had to take our first family trip to the park for a picnic. Ryan picked up Jersey Mike's and met me, my mom and Kit at the park. After we ate, we pushed Kit in the swing, played in the tunnel, went down the slide and watched the ducks. It was a perfect day.

Grandparental Love

2011-02-03T17:50:00.005-10:00

Last weekend Ryan's folks came to town to spend time with us (Kit.) They have so much fun with her. They were surprised by how much she had changed since Christmas. Her hair was longer, she was eating real food and feeding herself. But the biggest change was that she is walking! That's right, we have a walker. She walks like a little baby zombie with her arms out straight.

9 months old

2011-01-16T13:04:00.005-10:00

At nine months old, little Kit is the happiest, smartest and funniest baby. Of course I can say that because I'm her mother. This month has been by far the funnest with all the new things she is doing. She is becoming much more inquisitive - translation...she's into everything. Her little personality is becoming much more apparent. I think she's still very laid back and overall really happy. She loves to smile and giggle. She is rarely cranky, just when she's tired. She amazes me. I'm sure Ryan gets tired of me saying, "I just love her so much." Picture Ed from Raising Arizona. Yes, something like that.

20 pounds 10 ounces (75-90th percentile)
28 inches tall (50-75th percentile)
You love the dogs. They are your favorite toy. You are constantly climbing on Darbi. Lately you've been playing with their toys. They will gently grab them from you as if to say, "Umm those are mine."
Your hair is getting really long.
We start bedtime routine around 8 p.m. and you are asleep by 8:45 p.m.
You wake around 6 a.m. to eat, but usually go back to sleep.
Your daytime sleep schedule is becoming more routine with a morning nap around 10 a.m. and an afternoon nap around 1 p.m.
You're really good at feeding yourself.
You love Yogurt Melts.
You're eating more people food every day.
You pull up on everything and your balance is amazing.
You're really strong.
You talk a lot - usually with your hands.
You can stand unassisted.
You took two steps today! (2/16/2011)
You will walk soon.
You still love bath time, but you've got in the habit of trying to stand up in your duck tub.
We had to get you a bigger toy box to house all your toys.
You're favorite toys are your Learning Home, Music Stand and ball shooter thing.
You're very busy but sometimes you will just sit on our lap and watch TV.
You have two beautiful bottom teeth.
You act like you're going to give kisses, but instead you try to bite.
You wear size 9 months clothes or 12-18 months.
You are so smiley and happy.
You love music.

This makes my heart happy.

Tatum taught me that she loves to play ball!

Kit: Check out my chompers!

Darbi is such a good sport. She just stands there so Kit can pull up on her. (Dax looks on cautiously in the background.)

She's been doing this weird thing where she tucks in her upper lip. It's funny. Maybe this is how she concentrates.

Ta-da

Kit looking good in her baby legs.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-29T17:43:00.003-10:00

Christmas is a very special time of year. It's easy to get caught up in all the gifts, decorations and parties. This year, I was especially grateful for my family and everything God has blessed me with. On Christmas Day, Ryan and I celebrated Jesus' birthday with his family in Texas. We had a wonderful time with his mom, dad and brother. But a few days before Christmas, we had our own little Christmas - just me, Ryan and Kit. It was really low-key but very special. I think the less time you spend stressing about fixing big fancy meals, traveling all over the world to make sure you visit every last family member or buying that perfect gift, the more time you can spend with the ones you love. That's my philosophy anyway.

This box was under the tree for a couple of weeks before I got tired of having to pull Kit away. She would constantly crawl over to it and stand up on it. It's like she knew it was her present.

She actually opened presents!

Go Baby Go! It goes rarrrrr!

I got what I wanted. - "Raising Arizona"

Ryan opening one of his gifts.

Kit bathing in the world's biggest bathtub at Grandma Luanne's.

She really enjoyed pulling off the bows.

Another car/walker toy! This one is going to Aunt Nannon's!

Kit double fisting the wrapping paper!

She loved playing with her Uncle Justin.

One of Grandma Luanne's sweet neighbors, Charlotte, made this cute Kit-size apron with a very special poem. I love it.

Kit is 8 months old

2010-12-17T18:13:00.006-10:00

Our little baby girl is now eight months old. This has been a huge month developmentally. Kit started crawling at 7.5 months and pulled up for the first time the day after she started crawling. She can now walk around the ottoman as she holds on. She also has one and a half teeth. Kit is a very laid-back baby. She's typically very happy and easy-going. I love making her smile and laugh which is not hard to do. The best part of my day is when I pick her up after work and she gets a huge smile on her face and crawls over to me. Life is good.

Crawling everywhere...fast
Pulling up...on everything (had to lower the crib)
Two bottom teeth
Still very happy and smiley
Loves watching Baby Einstein
Goes to bed between 8:30-9 p.m. - gets up around 6:30 but usually goes back to sleep around 7:30 a.m.
Is now is her big-girl, rear-facing car seat
Size 9 months clothes, most 6-12 months are getting too small
Starting to cry when mommy and daddy drop her off at the babysitter
Eats puffs and yogurt melts
Loves fruit, hates green beans
Gives kisses
The most beautiful blue eyes

Now that Kit is mobile, it's really hard to get good pics. She's also dirtier. Go figure.

"Do you like my chomper and a half?" -Kit

Kit scaling the entertainment center.

Eating at Chili's. I guess I didn't get all the carrots off her face, but she's still beautiful.

She loves the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Home and Music Table.

She pulls up on everything! And she's been doing this really funny smile lately.

My mom and grandma making Kit laugh.

Kit's First Shiner

2010-12-03T18:56:00.002-10:00

Kit got her first (tiny) black eye this week. I got a text on Thursday from Kit's babysitter (Aunt Nannon) that she had her first shiner. I won't lie, my initial reaction was a little panicked. But after thinking about it ... she just started crawling and attempts to pulls up on everything. I realized, this was bound to happen and it definitely won't be the last. So, I just laughed it off. After all, you can barely even tell it's there. Aunt Nannon, don't feel bad. You gave me a great blog topic!

Can you see it? There is a small bruise under her right eye.

She was playing with this toy and I'm assuming an animal with a freakishly long neck attacked her. Not pointing fingers or anything.

Day Two

These are Kit's sad eyes. Aren't they beautiful.

Kit's first trip to Tulsa

2010-11-27T18:12:00.002-10:00

Ryan and I took Kit to Tulsa to visit Papa and Vicki this week. It was her first trip to Tulsa and her first trip in her new big-girl, rear-facing convertible carseat. We timed it just right and she slept the entire trip - there and back. While at Papa and Vicki's she was as happy as ever. She enjoyed crawling around chasing the dogs and exploring. We enjoyed spending time with some of our favorite people.

I'm Thankful

2010-11-27T17:55:00.003-10:00

My mom, brother, grandma and uncle came to our house for Thanksgiving this year. It was nice not having to travel anywhere - especially with Kit. Mom and Grandma came over on Wednesday to start cooking. If you know my Grandma, you know how serious she takes cooking. It's her thing. And she's really good at it. So all us girls hung out in the kitchen on Wednesday laughing and having a good time. They were amazed by Kit. She had just started crawling and was all over the place.

I'm thankful for my family.

I'm thankful for Grandma's homemade noodles.

I'm thankful for my Grandma who teaches me to appreciate the simple things in life. I'm thankful that I got to be with my uncle on Thanksgiving for the first time in a long time. I'm thankful that I got my mom's sense of humor.

I'm thankful for butter. (Don't freak out. The wrapper is still on.)

I'm thankful for potato peelers and scarves.

I'm thankful for my big brother who always has my back.

If you don't laugh at this ...

2010-11-25T14:50:00.003-10:00

you have no soul.

Pardon my random growl, it's the only way to get Kit to look at me.

She crawls!

2010-11-25T11:37:00.004-10:00

Kit started crawling on November 23 ... just in time for the Christmas tree.

Playdate in Austin

2010-11-22T16:24:00.008-10:00

This weekend Kit and I flew to Austin for the ultimate playdate weekend with CJ and Margaret. Our girls are only six weeks apart and although they've hung out twice already, we had been looking forward spending more time together since they were born. After a delay due to the stomach flu, Kit and I were on our way. I had stressed about flying with her. I just didn't want to be "that" mom on the plane. Not surprising, she did great. She slept the first leg and then played/entertained the plane on the second leg. And I am the master of breaking down and assembling the huge stroller with Kit in one arm. From now on, I will be sympathetic and help any single mom with an infant I see in an airport.

We arrived Friday evening. Margaret was already asleep so we just hung out with CJ and Mat. The next morning the girls got up and played together and then nap time. Everything had to be planned around nap time. For all you parents out there, you know, everything hinges on a good nap. After their morning nap, we went to the Austin Farmers Market. There we bought some all natural, organic, locally-grown Austin baby food. It was sweet potato, curry and pear. Kit was not a fan, but Margaret loved it. We sat outside, fed the babes, fed ourselves and laughed. It's what we do best. Oh, and there was that close call with the tent.

We stopped by a baby boutique before making it home for the afternoon nap. Saturday evening we went out to dinner with the girls. We came home put them to bed and watched SNL. It really was a perfect day.

On Sunday we enjoyed breakfast at one of my favorite Austin restaurants - Austin Java. I usually get Migas there, but this time I went with the breakfast quesadillas. We ate outside with the girls before going to the park. It was Kit's first time to swing in a real swing. So freakin' cute. For dinner, Mat made a fancy dinner from his Bobby Flay cookbook. He literally cooked for 3+ hours on this dinner that consisted of pork with something delicious wrapped in the middle, au gratin potatoes with sage and brussel sprouts with pomegranate and walnuts. I kid you not when I say it was the most delicious meal I had ever had cooked at someone's house.

This was my third trip to Austin. The first trip was the ultimate "Austin" experience - 6th Street, Town Lake, fun restaurants, etc. The second trip CJ and I were both pregnant so I will call that the "maternity" Austin experience. That trip consisted of eating, maternity clothes, eating and baby clothes shopping. This trip was the "baby" Austin experience. My how times have changed.

Kit and Margaret playing

Margaret climbs on everything - Kit puts everything in her mouth

This is Margaret's "surprised face." This is Kit's "I always smile face."

Margaret with CJ

Kitters

Margaret pulling up on me - she's advanced

Kit's got about 5 lbs on Margaret
WARNING: Nudey photos below

Margaret: I think I'll just lay here and relax in my jacuzzi tub.
Kit: I just peed.

Bubbles during bath time = genius

Kit's first time on a real swing!

This was the biggest smile I saw Margaret make the entire trip! Isn't it adorable?

Kit: I was having so much fun on the swing that I pooped my pants.

Kit: Mom, can we come back to Austin every weekend?
Me: No, Southwest lost our luggage.

Seven months ago

2010-11-15T15:31:00.009-10:00

Photo by Katie Christy Photography

Kit, you were born seven months ago and our lives have been forever changed. Changed for the better. I never knew I could love someone so much. You are an absolute joy and every day I am amazed and thankful that you are mine.

I feel like this month you have changed and developed so much. You are becoming more independent, you enjoy playing with toys and we're starting to see your little personality come to life.

I want to remember these things about you at seven months old.

19lbs 11+oz
You're crawling!
You always scoot to Dax and Darbi
You love to talk
You clap your hands and wave
You eat cereal for breakfast, fruit for lunch and a veggie for dinner
You love fruit
You go to bed around 8:30 p.m. and wake at 6 a.m. but typically go back to sleep until 9 a.m.
You love rattles and crinkle books
Bathtime makes you happy
You're too big for your swing and Bumbo
Baby Einstein amazes you
You wear size 6-12 month clothes
You had your first cold
You chew on your thumb, but never suck on it
You love to sleep in the corner of your crib with your butt in the air
We had to lower your crib
You can stand up in your crib

Kit's first cold

2010-11-07T09:39:00.003-10:00

Kit is recovering from her very first cold. The poor baby started to develop a fever Wednesday night so we took her to the doctor Thursday morning to discover it was a cold. I wasn't sure as I heard the symptoms of teething are very similar. But when her fever went up to 102.4, I knew I needed to get her to the doctor. She prescribed Kit some medicine for the congestion and said to give her Tylenol and Motrin for the fever. It was so sad. She was just not herself. She was lethargic, whiny, clingy and congested. Most of all, she wasn't smiley and happy, like normal. You just want to make it all better, but you just can't.

I was able to stay home the rest of the day Thursday and Friday to be with her. She wanted her mommy. She wouldn't even let Ryan hold her - which is definitely not normal. She's usually a daddy's girl. I secretly loved all the snuggle time. She slept on me all day Thursday and Thursday night. She pretty much slept all day, period. She would eat and then pass out. I fed her pretty much all day b/c I didn't want her to get dehydrated. Thursday night was the worst. She would not lay down next to me, she had to be on me. This was probably for the best since she was so congested. The incline probably helped her breathe.

Friday was a little better, not much. She was still very cranky and didn't want anyone but me. We were able to have a little play time in the floor and she took one small nap in her crib. Her fever started to break on Friday, but then would spike back up when the medicine would wear off. Friday night she slept in her crib, but woke about every 2-3 hours. It reminded me of when she was a newborn.

Saturday was much better. She actually smiled! She was still pretty clingy, but she played and took naps in her crib. No more fever, but still pretty congested. I started to worry that we were going to have to go back to the doctor since the congestion wasn't any better. She slept much better Saturday night. I got up with her at 4:30 a.m. but she went back to sleep after she ate and took her medicine.

She woke up today sounding much better. I think she's on the mend! She's smiling and giggling. Our Kit is back! I'm happy to report I took my first shower since Thursday and it felt great. This has been mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting. But I would do it all over again for Kit.

This is the only picture I took while she was sick. Her little checks were red and she had to breathe through her mouth because her nose was so stuffy.

She scoots!

2010-11-01T17:01:00.003-10:00

This was taken a couple weeks ago but I'm just now getting around to post it. This was one of Kit's very first scoots. It looks like these dogs are going to come in handy afterall. Enjoy!

Supergirl to the rescue

2010-10-31T16:08:00.002-10:00

Kit dressed as Supergirl for Halloween! She leaps tall buildings in single bounds and can scoot on her tummy. I'm so proud. Kit helped us hand out candy to neighborhood kids Saturday night and tonight we went up to church for Trunk or Treat! Our small group had a fun game of toss the ball through the huge tire. It was a really fun evening. Kit enjoyed watching all the kids and activities. It was a great Halloween with our friends.

Supergirl flying

Tracie, Emma, Kit and Me (Notice Kit jacking Emma's candy)

Stephanie and Kit

Happy Fall

2010-10-31T09:52:00.002-10:00

Here are some photos of my sweet angel. I got her all dolled up and took some pics in the backyard yesterday. Just when I think she can't get any cuter, she does.
Just when I think I can't love her anymore, I do.

I wanted some shots with her big smile so I ask her daddy to come outside and she does this. She loves him.

She's a happy girl, what can I say?

She might have a little bit of mom's personality?

I love you, Kit.

That's a leaf, not a dog turd. But she still put it in her mouth.

Pumpkin Carving Party

2010-10-26T16:30:00.005-10:00

Ryan and I just hosted our second annual pumpkin carving party! I have to say, we throw one wild party. Five families and their bambinos showed up for the festivities. The evening starting with the kids running around in the yard, then food and finally pumpkin carving. I had an awesome time. I can't wait for next year when Kit can really get into it!

All the kids! (Minus Tatum and Cross who showed up later)

Emma and Kit going "to the left to the left"

Ryan and I with our little pumpkin, Kit

Poor Jackson didn't like the smell

Tracie and Addilyn

Cole painting his pumpkin

Adon and Aaralyn painting

Tatum loving on Kitters

My best friends. I love doing life with them!

Just us girls!

Happy Six Months Kit

2010-10-20T15:39:00.004-10:00

My little baby love is now six months old! At least once a day you can guarantee Ryan and I will look at each other and say, "How did we ever get so lucky?" We love you, Kit. You make our family complete.

You are 18 lbs 8 oz (75-90 percentile)
You are 26 inches tall (50-75 percentile)
You scoot!
Your hand-eye coordination is amazing
You sit up like a big girl
You sleep in the corner of your crib with your head jammed in the corner
You have been eating solids one meal a day (dinner) - you love it all
You eat six times a day
Your bedtime is usually 9 p.m., but sometimes you go down at 8:30 p.m.
You have been skipping your 4 p.m. nap
Everything goes in your mouth
You blow strawberries
You love bathtime
You love watching Dax and Darbi play
No teeth yet, but the drool is out of control
You say "dadadadadada" but of course you don't know what it means
Your feet and ribs are your tickle spots

Chester's Party Barn

2010-10-20T14:54:00.006-10:00

Today, Kit and I joined our good friends Stephanie, her sons: Cole and Jackson, Tracie and her daughters: Addilyn and Emma at Chester's Party Barn. Let me first start off by saying this is not the best name for a kid-friendly establishment. Personally, it sounds like an "adult-friendly establishment" to me. But I'm just saying. Honestly, I thought we were going to a pumpkin patch. More specifically, a salesman on the side of the road or in a church parking lot with tons of pumpkins. Was I ever pleasantly surprised?

After the 30 minute drive to the most inappropriately named pumpkin patch, I saw it was much more than what I expected. There was a petting zoo, a pond, tons of animals, hay rides and a corn maze. Just as I pulled up I thought, "Oh no! Rookie mom mistake." I did not have my stroller. Thankfully Tracie had a back-up. She's a pro mom. We all unloaded the kids and joined about a million other kids for morning of fun. Kit was such an angel. She had her six-month check up earlier so I was worried she wouldn't feel good. But she was perfect.

Kit and the rooster

Emma and Kit looking particularly fashionable this fall morning

The wagon ride

Tracie, Addilyn and Cole going down the huge slide

Cole and Stephanie

Jackson and his horse

The next series of photos were taken at the end of our trip. I desperately wanted a photo of Kit with all the pumpkins. But we were tired, hot, hungry, dirty and so we did the best we could.

Kit: Oh cool, a pumpkin.

Kit: Wait, is that dead grass I see? I must check that out.

Kit: I think I will grab one, make that two handfuls of dead grass. I bet you can guess what I do next.

Kit: I will taste the dead grass.

You will notice there are no photos because I had to keep her from eating the dead grass. Happy Fall!

Go Pokes!

2010-10-17T07:11:00.001-10:00

Go Cowboys! 6-0!

Happy Birthday Kennedy

2010-10-17T07:04:00.003-10:00

My niece, Kennedy, turned six this week! I can't believe it. She has the most beautiful blond curls and the sweetest little voice. Kit is lucky to have such great cousins!

Donkey Doolittle Farm

2010-10-17T06:54:00.002-10:00

A few weeks ago my parents bought two miniature donkeys. That's right, two jackasses. My parents have several acres of land north of Piedmont where they have a barn. They built a fence to keep in their new babies.

I had been wanting to take Kit out there to see the donkeys since they got them. We finally made it out there this weekend. My step-mom wants to teach them to walk on a leash and pull a wagon. Dad wants to get a saddle. I'm not sure about that, but I do think Kit is going to love growing up with two donkeys. They are really well-behaved and love people!

This is Missy. I think she looks like Donkey from Shrek.

Kit petty Missy's nose. It is so soft!

This is Cindy Lou. She's only a few months old. She is Missy's daughter. She loves people. She will try to sit in your lap - literally.

Kit got her ear!

Kit and Papa - the owner of the "Donkey Doolittle Farm"

Great Grandma and Kit

A good shot of little Cindy Lou. I just love them.

Kit's First Hair Cut

2010-09-24T12:34:00.003-10:00

I admit. I have been stalling when it comes to cutting Kitters hair. I just kept thinking, that hair was formed in my womb. I'm not sure what that means or why that justifies not cutting it, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Here lately it seems that Kit's hair (especially in the back) has been growing like crazy. So I finally decided to take the leap. I call my hair lady, Stephanie, and she was able to squeeze Kit in the next day. I want to say a special thanks to Maria for being there for moral support and for taking these photos and the video.

Stephanie assessing the "situation"

She put the cutest little apron on her and began cutting!

Kit did so good! She just sat in my arms looking around. Stephanie was quick!

Kit's got a bob!

Kit's favorite things

2010-09-19T15:16:00.001-10:00

Smiling

Sitting like a big girl

Putting everything in her mouth

Great Grandparents ...

2010-09-19T15:13:00.001-10:00

are awesome.

Don't Judge Me

2010-09-19T15:05:00.003-10:00

This is Kit with my very best friend Melissa. This was OU's first game of the season so I decided to do two things that I never do. 1) Dress her in OU gear and 2) Put a big dumb bow in her hair. The bow stayed in for about 45 seconds. But my good friend Maria got her this stuff so I had to put her in it. And Ryan thought it was pretty sweet. She'll wear it on OU game days. That's it.

To my wiser friends and family, have no fear, she has a beautiful OSU onesie that another friend got her. She wears that when OSU plays. This mean she does a wardrobe change mid-day. I will get a pic next game day!

We love you Aunt Melissa!

Baby Dedication

2010-09-19T14:53:00.004-10:00

Pretty heavy stuff when you think that we were chosen to be Kit's parents. We are responsible for her life and it is our responsibility to set a good example for her. Tonight, we had baby dedication at church. This is a time when all the families with young babies come together for an evening service to vow to raise their children in Christian homes. It's a very special service and something Ryan and I do not take lightly. My dad, step-mom, Papa and Vicki came to show their support.

Five months young

2010-09-13T15:07:00.007-10:00

Our little angel is now five months old. It really is quite amazing all the things Kit has learned to do since she was born on April 12, 2010. I feel so blessed that God entrusted us with this little miracle. She has brought Ryan and I closer together and taught us what love really is.

These are the things I want to remember about Kit at five months young:

You are so very happy all the time
Your giggle makes all my troubles fade away
The way to you turn and give me open mouth kisses when I kiss your cheeks
Your crazy hair
The way you roll all around your crib
You love watching television - especially football (or so daddy says)
You wear size 3 diapers
You are in 6 month or 6-12 month size clothes
You started eating cereal and baby food (once a day)
You are really good at grabbing toys
You play with toys with your feet
You are very close to crawling
You can sit up on your own
We had to move your jumparoo up to level two
You really like your play gym and little rattles you can hold in your hand
You typically sleep from 9:30 p.m. - 6 a.m. (eat) and then back to sleep until 9 a.m.
You love our evening walks
You give daddy the biggest smiles
You really like to grab mommy's hair
You can follow Dax and Darbi as they walk across the room
You take 3-4 naps a day
You moved to the ducky bath tub
Your poop is different

Labor Day at Lake Eufaula

2010-09-06T12:49:00.005-10:00

Each summer we spend almost every weekend at the lake. Or we used to. This summer we only made it three times because of our sweet baby girl and because it was so dang hot! I wouldn't trade it for anything. This last trip we made a very difficult decision. We decided we would not take Dax and Darbi, our lake-loving Labrador retrievers. I have to admit, it made for a much more enjoyable trip. I'm sure we'll take them again, just not when we have to pack 20 bags.

This trip was so much fun. The weather was simply amazing. I think Saturday was the nicest day of the year. I actually swam, rode the jet skis and even wake-boarded for the first time! The last two times we came to the lake, I had a hard time leaving Kit, but this time I was OK leaving her at the house with my mom while I went out on the water. It was good for both of us. On the last night we had a huge bonfire. We roasted marshmallows and made smores.

Of course the best part was swimming with little Kitters. She wore the cutest little bathing suit and an adorable Nike bucket hat. She's my little beach babe. She continue to love the water. This time she really got into splashing as you'll see below.

Family photo

Kit and mama

Kit splashing daddy

I love this girl so much!

Mom's neighbor, Mark is so in love with Kit. He took her on her first 4-wheeler ride!

Cereal time

2010-08-29T16:30:00.003-10:00

Ryan and I gave Kit her first cereal on August 21. She was a little over 4 months old. I was really excited to try something new with her and to see how she reacted. Here are some shots of her first cereal. Needless to say, I'm not sure she swallowed any. It has to be so weird going from milk to cereal. Since this time, we've given her cereal once a day and she has greatly improved. She's still makes a hot mess, but she's at least swallowing some.

Daddy is funny

2010-08-26T15:12:00.001-10:00

Ryan was making Kit laugh this evening during our walk.

Kit at four months

2010-08-19T16:30:00.007-10:00

People say children grow fast - you blink your eyes and they are grown. I used to think that was so cliche. Now, I'm cliche.

I had a hard time with Kit getting bigger around four weeks. I cried. I think a lot of it was due to hormones, but now, I love every new stage. I mean sure, it's sad that she's not 7 lbs 8 oz anymore, but it's way cooler that she can smile, talk, recognize mommy and daddy, grab things, roll over and I could go on.

Kit, I want you to know that you are an amazing little baby. Ryan and I are in awe of you every day. We love you so much and hope that someday you grow to be a happy, fulfilled little person. But for now, we are content with you being our four month old baby girl.

16 lbs 4 oz (90th percentile)
24.5 in tall (50th percentile)
Completely healthy
Shots are terrible - they make you (and mommy) cry
Eating every 3 hours during the day (6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.)
Sleeping all night but usually wake around 4 a.m. for your pacifier - I don't mind because I know how blessed I am that you sleep all night
Size 3 diapers (haha!)
Found your feet and love to hold them
Laughing out loud
Love your jumparoo
Love your play gym and playing on the floor with your toys
Rolling over
Chews on thumb
Ponytail on top of your head
Grabbing everything and trying to put it in your mouth
Almost sitting on your own
Very happy during diaper change
3-6 month clothes
Bedtime between 9:30 - 10 p.m.

Born to Rock for sure

She really wants to crawl

Playing with toys

Ponytail

Bubble baths rock

I wanted to include this pic because she rarely falls asleep during story time. This was a very precious moment.

Kit laughs

2010-08-18T15:46:00.003-10:00

Prepare to hear the cutest noise ever. Oh, and don't mind Darbi. She's a camera hog.

Kit and her friends

2010-08-14T18:07:00.010-10:00

Every parent hopes their kids will have friends. Fortunately, Kit is lucky to have so many great friends very close in age - two of which we are particularly fond of: Emma Jean and Margaret Ann.

Margaret was born six weeks before Kit to my LP, Christina. Unfortunately, Margaret lives in Austin, Texas so we don't get to see her or Christina as much as we'd like. But when we do get together, we have so much fun. Kit's first time to fly on a plane will be in November when we go visit Christina and Margaret. This weekend Kit and Margaret got to spend some time together. Here are some cute photos of their play time.

Playtime started out a little rough for Margaret. She woke from her nap to find Kit playing in her gym. She was not excited about this and I don't blame her. But after a little snack, she was cool with it.

Our sweet little girls. Margaret is doing yoga.

Margaret: "You're really fun. I think you should move to Austin."
Kit: "You crazy."

Margaret: "You will not believe what I heard my mom say on the phone to your mom."
Kit: "OMG!"

Kit: "Let's be best friends forever."
Margaret: "OK. Let's shake on it. Or fist pound. Whichever."

Christina and Kit

Sweet Emma Jean was born only four days before Kit. Her mom, Tracie, and I were due on the same day! Amazing really. I was very fortunate to have her in my life when I was pregnant. I was able to ask her if all the weird things I was experiencing were normal. She was so kind to entertain all my dumb questions. Kit and Emma get to see each other quite a bit. I so look forward to watching them grow up together.

Kit and Emma: "Haha! Our mommies are so funny."

Emma and Kit will probably talk with their hands when they get older. Don't you think?

Emma: "Don't come over here. You don't want to smell this."

This is Emma's big sister, Addi. She was so sweet to let Kit roll on her.

I'm holding Emma and Tracie is holding Kit. The girls are one week old. Yes, it looks like Kit is wearing a baby wig.

Kit and Emma ... four months later.

Say what?

2010-07-31T10:40:00.001-10:00

This is how I roll (take two). -Kit

2010-07-18T16:34:00.002-10:00

Kit rolled over from her back to her tummy today!

My three month old

2010-07-13T14:30:00.007-10:00

You are the most amazing, beautiful little baby girl.
You found your voice and you talk quite a bit. It makes mommy and daddy laugh.
You sleep in your crib at night and during the day. This made mommy sad, but you didn't care.
You hold your head up during tummy time.
You rolled over (once).
You sleep with your arms above your head (like mommy).
You sleep all night but wake about 5 a.m. for your pacifier.
You enjoy playing in your Jumparoo and your feet finally touch the ground.
You love being outside.
You know your mommy and daddy.
You smile really big when mommy changes your diaper.
You love bath time and swimming.
You weigh 14lbs 2 oz.
You are now in size 2 diapers.
You kick your legs like you're trying to crawl during tummy time.
You love to stand up.
You drool. A lot.
You love chewing on your hands.
You're my precious baby girl and I love you more every day.

my little toot

2010-06-28T13:52:00.002-10:00

I have a lot of nicknames for Kit - but mostly I call her my little toot. I also call her sugar booger butt. A few of you have given her some pretty sweet nicknames, too. My favorites are Kitters (thanks Cross), Kitster (thanks Maria) and Kittles (thanks Carrie). I use all of these just to ensure she's totally confused and never learns her real name.

Lately Kit has been drooling tons! She's also been chewing on her little hands. I sure hope this doesn't mean she's cutting teeth. Surely it's too soon for that?!

She's still a very happy little baby. Ryan and I make her smile all the time. The best part of my day is when I pick her up from Aunt Nannon's and she gives me the biggest gummy smile. Oh it just melts my heart.

I'm truly blessed that she has been sticking to her routine - especially when it comes to bedtime. Her last feeding is at 9 p.m. and then we play and have bath time. Then, she goes to sleep about 10-10:15 (like mommy).

5 years ago ...

2010-06-22T06:13:00.007-10:00

June 18, 2005

This is how I roll. -Kit

2010-06-17T17:26:00.003-10:00

Two months old

2010-06-12T18:30:00.004-10:00

Kit is two months old today! She has changed so much since the day she was born. First, she's so much bigger. At one month, she was already up to 10 lbs. At two months, she is 12 lbs 10 oz. She's a healthy baby. A few things I want to remember about Kit at two months old:

You hold your head up
You love to stand up on mommy's lap
You will scoot across the floor during tummy time if mommy holds her hands behind your feet
You are very alert
You sleep through the night
You smile all the time - especially when mommy and daddy talk to you
You coo at us
You love bath time
You still love having your arms out of a swaddle
You love car rides - you usually go right to sleep
You started going to the babysitter because mommy went back to work
You have a nighttime routine: eat, bath, read a book. After your bath, I will put on your jammies and then give you your pacifier. You are very calm at this time of night. You just lay there while we read to you until your eyes get really heavy.

Kit at 2 months

This is how she tries to keep herself awake.

Bath time

2010-06-12T18:27:00.001-10:00

Kit loves bath time. If you don't believe me, see below.

Sleeping beauty

2010-06-12T18:08:00.005-10:00

When you're a new parent you do some really dumb things ... like take a ton of pictures of your sleeping baby. I'm warning you, you may think this is crazy so you might want to skip this post.

Just a few hours old ...

5 days old. I love her little hands in this one.

One week old. This was before she could get out of a swaddle.

Two weeks old.

Three weeks old.

Three and a half weeks old.

Three and a half weeks old (later that day).

Six weeks old.

Seven weeks old.

Eight weeks old.

A few of my favs ...

2010-06-12T17:46:00.005-10:00

Here are a few of my favorite photos of Kit ...

She loves giving mommy (open mouth) kisses.

Melt my heart

She's such a happy baby girl.

Darbi is such a good sport.

I think she's pretty.

Business up front ... party in the back

I love being her mommy.

(insert your own funny comment here in the "comment" section)

If anyone loves Kit as much as me and Ryan, it's this woman ... her Grandma Laird.

Me and Kit after her bath.

Daddy reading to Kit in the rocking chair my parents used to rock me in.

Kit making Grandma and Grandpa Laird laugh.

Papa and Grandma Brady hanging out with Kit so Ryan and I can have a date night. Aren't grandparents the best?

I am mildly obsesses with her chubby cheeks.

Some more firsts ...

2010-06-12T17:29:00.006-10:00

Kit's first time sleeping in her crib - four weeks old. For the first four weeks of her life, we kept the pack and play in the living room and she took her naps there. The transition to her crib was easier on her than me. It didn't even phase her. I cried.

Kit's first time to meet Uncle Justin; he lives in New York City - three weeks old.

Kit's first time at the park and her first time to see Sunny since the day she was born - five weeks old. Sunny was our awesome photographer and my amazing friend who took pics during Kit's birth.

Kit's first time in her Bumbo - six weeks old.

Kit's first time to the zoo - seven weeks old. We went to the zoo with Kit's favorite people (other than mommy and daddy), the Andersons. She slept the entire time.

Memorial Day

2010-06-12T17:00:00.005-10:00

Most of you know Ryan and I spend a lot of time at the lake in the summertime. So when our sweet Kit arrived, we knew we wanted to introduce her to our favorite summer getaway, Lake Eufaula.

We decided Memorial Day weekend would be Kit's first lake trip (and our first family trip since she was born.) She was seven weeks old.

Before Kit arrived, Ryan and I could pack in about 5 minutes and be gone. We would literally throw a few clothes in a bag and walk out the door. That was not the case this time. We left Friday afternoon. I started packing Thursday evening. I kept remembering things we would need. This is what we packed for Kit:

Clothes (daytime and jammies)
Diapers (lots of them), wipes and butt paste
Nursing stuff (TMI ... but there is a lot of stuff)
Baby sunblock
Baby shampoo and washcloth
Playpen
Playpen sheets
Blankets
Swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, hat and cover up

But the good news is that everything fit ... including Dax and Darbi. They would never forgive us if we went to the lake without them. So we packed up, fed Kit and headed to the lake. This would be Kit's longest car ride. She slept until we were about 10 minutes from the lake. Good baby!

This sums up how much fun Kit had!

Daddy and Kit

Me and my niece, Ashton

About to take Kit for her first swim!

Grandma and Kit in the water

Kit and Grandma

And of course, Darbi and Dax ... normally, this post would be all about them.

It was a wonderful weekend. I won't lie, it was very different for me. I didn't swim, ride the jet skis or go out on the boat. I probably could have done these things, but as a mother, I just didn't want to leave Kit. And since she has to eat every three hours and then usually takes a two hour nap, I had to be up at the house much of the time. Thankfully, I was able to spend some time down by the water with her so we could spend time with everyone.

I hope Kit will have many great memories of the lake. This is just the first of many.

One month old

2010-05-10T10:56:00.001-10:00

I asked Kit how many months old she was today and this was her response ...

She's a baby genius.

Lately

2010-05-05T05:30:00.004-10:00

Kit is now three weeks old! I can't believe it. She has already changed so much. For one, she's so much bigger. She is also more aware of her surroundings and is really holding her head up quite a bit. We are falling into a little routine at home. She still eats about every three hours during the day but at night I will let her go as long as she can without eating which is anywhere from 3-5 hours. During the day we have playtime after she eats. This usually entails mom talking to Kit and playing on the floor. Then, about an hour later she goes down and sleeps for a couple hours. During the night she almost always goes right back to sleep after she eats. Yes, I know how lucky I am and I thank God for such a good baby. Ryan got to feed her for the first time yesterday as we introduced a bottle to her. She took it like a champ.

Every day I make it a point to do my hair, put on make up and leave the house. Kit and I have frequented such establishments as Target, the United States post office and the bank to name a few. Everything has to be done with very strategic planning. This has helped keep Kit on a consistent schedule and it's kept me from going crazy. We've also been able to go for a walk almost every day. We both love it but the dogs get sad that they don't get to come.

I absolutely love staying home with Kit. This is such a precious time and I am so thankful that I get to spend it with her. However, I have a hard time sitting still. I walk around the house looking for things to do. There are only so many loads of laundry and beds to be made everyday.

What I want to remember about Kit at 3 weeks old:

You only cry when you're tired or hungry.
You make the funniest expressions after you eat.
You get the hiccups a lot but you don't spit up.
You like to poop in your "poopin' swing."
You poop a lot.
You're already out of newborn clothes and in size 1 diapers.
You love looking around and playing on the floor.
You love hanging out on mommy's tummy and holding your head up.
Your feet are too big for all your feety jammies.
You don't mind being swaddled but I better not put your arms in there.

Play time

Big girl with a big tummy

First bottle

First day at church

She's so cute when she sleeps

A few firsts ...

2010-04-29T03:43:00.005-10:00

First diaper change

First sponge bath

First car ride

First time to pee on mommy

First blowout

First swing

First time to the doctor's office

First walk

First bath

One week old

2010-04-28T10:23:00.000-10:00

Kit's Birth Story

2010-04-28T03:09:00.004-10:00

The following is Kit's birth story:

On Sunday, April 11, I was admitted into labor and delivery. I had a scheduled induction date for the following morning. We arrived at the hospital at 5 p.m. sharp. When I walked up to the counter, they said, "You must be Lindsay." I'm feeling very happy at this point because they know my name. They quickly took us to our corner room and handed me my stunning hospital gown and had me change into it. I thought, wow, they don't mess around here. I changed while Ryan got unpacked.

I thought there would be time to waste, but there wasn't. After I changed, two nurses came in to tag team me. One started my IV and monitors while the other asked me a series of questions. I had connections to both of these nurses so I was still feeling very confident and comfortable. By 6 p.m., my nurse returned to give me Cervidil which is used to help the cervix dialate. The nurses watched us closely as this can send a woman into labor. At this point I was dialated to a two and was having regular contractions about 3-5 minutes apart but I didn't feel them. After this, it was just a waiting game so Ryan and I watched Baby Mama. My good friend Shannon came to visit us and pray with us that night. Around 10 p.m. the night nurse came in to give me Ambien to help me sleep (bless her) and brought Ryan a lovely cot.

We both slept pretty good. I slept fine but they did have to come in and check my vitals a couple times. By 7 a.m. my original nurse was back to remove the Cervidil and check me. I was now dialated to a three. Next, they started Pitocin which increases contractions. At this point I'm still feeling very good and comfortable. At 9 a.m., my doctor came in to break my water. That was weird. But the good news was the water was clear! Yes, I asked. After this my awesome nurse told me that I will probably start feeling pain with my contractions and that I could have an epidural whenever I'm ready. I thought, "Oh, I can handle this for a while." She did warn me that after I asked for the epidural, I would probably have to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before I could get it. After about an hour and a half of painful contractions I decided I had nothing to prove - I was ready for the epidural.

The nice anesthesiologist rolled in with is cart full of goodies. I was not nervous about the epidural. We talked a lot about them in baby class so I felt like I knew what to expect. I even saw the needle that he would insert into my spine - no fear. I sat over the side of the bed and held on to my awesome nurse. She explained everything step-by-step and really put me at ease. The initial stick to numb the area felt like a flu shot - not bad at all. Then, I only felt the pressure of the epidural needle. It really wasn't bad at all. The entire process probably took 5-7 minutes. Immediately after the epidural, I said, "Did it cause my contractions to stop?" She said, nope, you just don't feel them anymore. Amazing.

Then the nurse checked me again and I had dialated even more! It was approximately noon and I was now a five. I think the epidural helped me to relax and dialate. A few family members came in to visit us but for the most part it was just Ryan and I hanging out. The nurse came in to check me a little later and I was dialated to an eight! I remember thinking, wow, this is really happening. I sent out a text message update to our friends and family.

About an hour later, the nurse checked me again and I was dialated to a 10! The time was approximately 2:30 p.m. Even though I was at a 10 and fully effaced, the baby needed to descend a little further down the birth canal. I was told I needed to labor down which basically means just sit there while she works her way down. I think this is probably a painful thing for women who don't have epidurals because they feel the need to push. I felt the need to be excited - no pain! My awesome nurse told me that she'd come back in about 30 minutes to check me again but to let her know if I feel any sudden pressure. I had Ryan go get my good friend Sunny who would be taking photos during the labor. We were all hanging out in the room laughing and being excited. Then I felt just the slightest bit of pressure. I almost didn't say anything but then I decided I would go ahead and tell the nurse. She came in to check me and quickly learned that I was ready to push! She said, "Are you ready?" I grabbed her arm and replied, "READY FOR WHAT?!?" Ryan, Sunny and the nurse laughed. It was go time!

The nurse and a nursing student (who was so sweet) told me that I would do some "practice pushes" before they call the doctor. I thought, ha, practice pushes. I don't need no stinkin' practice pushes. So, when the next contraction came, she had me push! After only three more contractions, she was calling the doctor. She told me she could see her head and that she had a lot of hair! Ryan went to check out the scene and he confirmed ... lots of hair. Two baby nurses came in and introduced themselves. They were nice. Then the scrub tech came in with his cart full of goodies. They broke down my bed and it was showtime. The doctor arrived in all her glory about five minutes later. She washed up, suited up and the spotlight was on - literally. (It's really quite the spectacle.)

She asked me if I was ready to have a baby. I asked her if she was ready to catch her. We have that sort of relationship. By the next contraction, I was pushing. Breath. And after pushing through the next contraction, Kit Harper was here! What am amazing feeling! It was the best moment of my life. She came out screaming. Ryan cut the umbilical cord and I got to hold my sweet baby for the first time. What an overwhelming sense of joy I felt. The nurses took her to clean her up and Ryan went to go tend to our baby.

I couldn't believe it. She was here and she was healthy and beautiful. She scored a nine on her Apgar. Ryan held her and loved on her for about 20 minutes before handing her over to me. I just couldn't stop looking at her. It brought tears to my eyes to see Ryan holding his daughter. She was wide awake and her mouth was moving like she was hungry. I nursed her right away. It was such a beautiful moment.

Ryan and I spent about an hour alone with our baby before bringing family back. Everyone was so excited to meet this little angel. They were all so surprised by all her hair! After all of our friends and family met Kit, she was ready to eat again. She ate and pooped so much while we were in the hospital. We stayed two nights and left Wednesday morning. The hospital staff and nurses were amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for the birth of our daughter.

The first time I held Kit.

Kit shortly after birth.

Kit holding daddy's finger.

So in love.

Kit Harper Laird

2010-04-28T02:57:00.004-10:00

Ryan and I are proud to announce the birth of our daughter, Kit Harper Laird.
She was born April 12, 2010 at 3:49 p.m.
Kit weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.

Final thoughts

2010-04-09T03:44:00.007-10:00

Today is my last day of work before our sweet baby arrives. Several things are going through my head. How can we take in these last couple days before she arrives? (I'm thinking bubble baths, sitting on the back porch talking, eating out, snuggling on the couch and going to see Date Night sure sounds nice - hopefully Ryan will read this.)

To be honest, this whole pregnancy deal has just flown by and I've enjoyed every minute of it - as my doctor can attest (ask me later - funny joke.) But the time has come to have this little human being who has been growing inside of me to come out and meet the world. I have told people who have asked, "Aren't you ready to have that baby?" No, not really. She's really easy to take care of in there and I never forget her. I really thought that I would be in such a different state at 39+ weeks. For some reason, I thought I would be huge, miserable, in pain, etc. but I don't feel bad at all. Maybe I should become a professional pregnant person? Or not. What I most enjoy is feeling her move inside of me. There is nothing quite like it. I won't get into politics, but this baby has been a baby since day one. When we first saw our daughter, she was a mere 2.6 cm and her heart was only milimeters - and nine months later, well she's huge. What a miracle! OK, so I got into politics. I'm done.

Ryan and I have been prepared for this for quite some time - mainly because I'm such a planner which I think will be totally turned upside down once junior arrives. But, I it's a good thing b/c I need a little bit of spontaneity in my life. The bags are packed, the list has been checked (about 10 times) and the car seat is installed. Bring on the baby.

One thing that has bothered me a little has been how some people, not all, but some people love telling us how much our life is going to change. It's like, "duh." Why do you think we waited nearly five years to begin this little journey. It's almost like they want to scare us into changing our mind or make us feel like we don't know what were doing. Of course there are things that will surprise us, but for the most part, I am well aware that I will not be sleeping, we will not be able to just "get up and go" whenever we want and there will be more laundry. Did it ever occur to you that we may have been just a little tired of it just being "us"? At some point, my love cup runneth over and I need to share it with someone other than foster dogs.

The other day, I was flipping through old photo albums and got this overwhelming sense of peace. I think God was trying to show us all the amazing things we have been blessed with and the opportunities we've been given. I made Ryan look through them with me and we realized all the fun we've had, trips we've taken and relationships we have built over the past 8 years. All that to say, it was time for us to grow. It's a personal decision and just because you feel overwelmed with your children sometimes, don't go peeing in my pool when we're about to venture into the most exciting time in our lives. We just prefer to take a more positive stance on the issue. That's all I have to say about that.

It's hard to prepare for the biggest change in your life. Right now, we are just enjoying the anticipation. One of my favorite things to do is to go into the baby's room and look through her clothes, reorganize her drawers (which I've done about a million times) and dream about when she'll actually be here.

What I'm most looking forward to is seeing her and seeing Ryan hold her. Knowing we made this precious child is almost too much to even conceive. I'm the weird one who is really looking forward to labor. I have some great friends who have been willing to share with me the truth about the experience. I know it will be hard, but it will also be amazing.

Maternity Pics

2010-04-01T15:07:00.000-10:00

Getting close ...

2010-03-26T13:15:00.005-10:00

I'm happy to report that everything is still going great! I am now about 37.5 weeks so it won't be long now. In fact, the doctor says I could go into labor at any time. That's a reality check. Of course we already have our bags packed, car seat installed and baby's room ready. That means I will probably go all the way to my due date. But you know me, I love to be prepared.

I still feel baby Laird move constantly. In fact, I asked the doctor if there is such a thing as a baby moving too much. She said not at all. I am sleeping through the night - sometimes I may get up to use the restroom, but not every night. I am still comfortable and have no complaints. I can tell she's getting bigger because I can feel her very high in my ribs. The doctor says she hasn't dropped yet. At my last appointment I was 1 cm dialated and 75 percent effaced. So that all means my body is preparing. I can also feel contractions when I push on my stomach. I don't feel them otherwise and they are not painful at all.

We are so excited that we will soon get to see our baby girl. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well wishes. We truly feel blessed.

35 weeks

37 weeks

10 things I love about being pregnant

2010-03-22T09:27:00.005-10:00

Elastic-waist pants
Always picking where we get to eat
Not having to "suck it in"
Motivation to do something with the spare bedroom
Sympathy
Foot massages
All the bathroom breaks (NOT)
Not feeling guilty about parking close to entrances
A great reason to eat healthy and drink lots of water
Oh, and knowing I'm growing a baby - that's pretty awesome