Kickin' It Preschool

Drove Sydney to school today, can't believe she'd been in school for 3 weeks and I hadn't met her teachers! So I was excited to see everything and meet everyone.

Her uniform backpack

She was unsure about hanging her backpack up on her hook, being that her game was in there and she didn't want to be "irresponsible" and lose it. Then she wanted to show everyone her baby sister Kelli, and after her parade of the little sister, she sat and colored stars.

I confess... I stood outside the door and spied for a while.

3 Weeks Old!

we had our 2 week check up one week late, bc Dr. Lincoln was on vacay. Kelli gave us her first "im in pain!" cry, and I couldn't stand it. Quivering lip and everything. I think I promised her a Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory and a pony for her birthday and I believe I repeated 100 times "it wasn't me... it was her!" while kissing her cheek over and over.

A day of firsts! Got her first prick, and gave us her first blow-out! On her new, CUTE outfit!!!! grrrr. How do they sense this?

Andy got Sydney ready for camp, so I decided I might as well wash up, brush my teeth etc. Problem, I have spoiled Kelli by holding her alot. (I cant help it and I refuse to change). Honestly, I could be holding her by her foot, but as long as *I* am holding her, she's happy. Soon as I put her down (if she's awake)... no ma'am... if she's awake, she needs to be in my arms or literally next to me with me touching her. She's kind of sensitive that way. But as long as she sleeps through the night and never cries in the car... NOT COMPLAINING! Well... I actually set her down here while awake, on the boppy by herself for the first time... and she fell asleep. It was great. I got to brush my teeth, wash my face, go to the bathroom and get dressed... with BOTH of my hands free!

Sydney's puzzles were getting too easy so we went to buy some more. Problem, they either had 24pc puzzles or 100pc puzzles. No in between! So we got the 100pc and I didn't have high hopes for it, however she LOVES the challenge. We are on day 3 and she is halfway done. She works on it during "quiet time" and after dinner.

Kelli loves the boppy (sometimes)

We stopped to eat on the way home from camp. Andy is in Dallas for a couple days, so no one to cook for, and I wasn't in the mood to cook. So Sydney and I shared some chicken breasts and apple sauce & potatoes and ham skillet together. She chowed more of it down than I did! Color me impressed. We've been having "dinner time issues" lately, where she whines and fusses over the meal if she doesn't get to CHOOSE what she eats. But we've put out foot down and she eats what we eat. She can choose her breakfast and lunch, but dinner is up to mom & dad ... PERIOD.

Kelli slept the whole time (off course) with a few funny faces, smiles and grunts. But overall, content. Even during Sister's immediate emergency run to the bathroom where I was reminded of how I never want to be a single mother... ever. Thank you Andy.

She was having a time trying to cut her chicken breasts, so I showed her how to use the knife. It worked, and she was proud of herself for being "proper".

Father's Day 2009

Happy Father's Day!!! We are now a family of 4! Look at these good lookin' kids he gave me!

She was tracing movement yesterday, and I caught this moment of her looking up at Daddy smiling.

Playing "tag" with Aunt Wendy

She was having a blast until Uncle Chris was tagged and chased after her... a little too fast... hence... he wasn't letting her win!

Uncle Wally meets Kelli! Aunty La wasn't feeling well so she couldn't come to the BBQ at my parent's house. So she hasn't met Kelli yet.

Papa gets some smooches.

Godmom gets snuggles. Kelli was really good being there all day. Not much fussing unless she was hungry or being changed.

Sydney elected Chris to build with her. Note: she told him he was going to build with her. Didn't ask. Told him.

Ewps, Kelli dropped her sucky.... sister to the rescue!

She got ALOT of snuggles!

HI

Sydney is on day 2 of her virus, which just happens to be a cold, but she's been running a very high fever, so she's staying at MeMaw's so little Kell doesnt get it. Meanwhile, my energy is dwindling so I'm not doing as much house work, but I guess its for the best as I've run out of pain meds and am feeling a bit sore. The pain is a reminder to take it slow, I suppose. I still went out for a walk but am not doing much else. I'm down 26lbs already, with 29 to go. I know the momentum in weight loss will slow down a little so I'm ready to work hard and get this junk off! I am browsing online stores like Victoria's Secret, wishfully dreaming of the day I can order something from there in confidence.

Sydney got mail!

Sydney got mail! It was a card from her friend Lindsay in CA. On the back it had a sticker, which Sydney proudly displayed on her "door of honor" which holds up all of her pride and masterpieces she has drawn, printed, made etc. She felt the award for "awesome big sister" needed to be shown. Incase anyone forgot.

Two Weeks Old

Smitha and Jennifer came over to visit the baby and let all the kids play. We took all the kids over to the pool for a couple of hours then let them play around upstairs when we got home. Was so good to just hang out with Smitha and Jennifer, since I dont see them too often. Smitha's belly has POPPED and she's so cute, and man, Jennifer's legs are buff-supreme! I guess training for and completing a triathlon will do that to you~! Sydney was SOOOO excited and happy to see her friends Nikita and Alex.

They didn't leave until Sydney opened her "big sister" present which was a "mermaid playground". It was a cute bath toy thing... water slide, swings, shower etc... for the mermaid! Sydney loves it!

After Syd went to bed, Andy and I took some quality "wife & hubs" time on the back porch. It's probably my favorite thing to do. He turned on Dave Matthews on the outdoor speakers and we shared a glass of wine while Kelli snuggled in Daddy's arms. I love the breezes we get in our backyard, and the view while the sun sets. So perfect.

Dagney enjoys it too. As long as you're out there WITH her.

Sun is setting and baby looks ready for bed.

we get coyotes and deer from this 'forest' here. they come up to our fence line at night... which causes our next door neighbor's dogs to bark their heads off at 2am.

niiiiiiii-night

Kelli: Week II

Susan & Stephanie Amster (aka "The Sisters") came by today! Stephanie made little Kelli a blanket, as she has recently begun sewing. And Sydney recieved a few pair of earings as a big sister gift. It was totally unexpected, but SO delightful to see them. I feel like they are a part of our family! Stephanie (above) isn't very comfortable with kids, but I forced Kelli on her! She seemed like a natural despite her claims ;o)

Susan WAS a natural... and Kelli fell asleep very comfortably on her!

Big sis got home from school and immediately needed to know where baby Kelli was. She ran over there and told her how much she missed her at school.

Kelli woke up to conversate with Sis.
(btw: we took her to the pediatrician about the choking-while-nursing thing, and she is OKAY. in fact, she is already 7lbs 12oz... a pound over her birth weight!!! wahoo!)

before dinner we had to give Dagny her shots. This is andy about to pass out bc we are doing the needles. He wasnt able to do it, so I had to prick her. not fun.

after our shower... cuddle time.

Talking to Mona

We all got on the web cam tonight and got to talk to Mona. Sydney told her a story about a "sleepy princess" and Kelli gave her a few good grunts. It was fun interracting with her 'live' like that.

This is the picture of perfection. I love it.

Surprise from Mona

I've always wanted one of these!! Edible Arrangements!! Doesn't it look good!!?? Thank you Mona!

First Sponge Bath

Took Syd to the pool today, and Kelli wanted to borrow her big sister's sunglasses

chest time with daddy this afternoon... look how she's getting chubs!

her first bath. she wasnt a happy customer. but sydney did great helping!

much warmer and happier

Dinner delivered & Game Night~

My friend Jen Roberts came over to deliver dinner! Lentil soup (homemade!!!), brown rice and squash, which she explained was "rataitoulle style". I totally spelled that wrong. But fyi: it was GOOD. She is the one who also did Henna on my belly (and Sydney's foot lol). She is a wonderful friend to have, and is moving up the road in Kyle shortly! I'm so excited. Her daughter Marli was a bit hesitant about another baby being in mommy's arms...

She was cautiously checking Kelli out, and once I took Kelli back... Marli hopped on her mommy and tried to nurse the boob... as if to say "MY TERRITORY" it was funny!

Later our neighbors, the Dienna's, came over for a game night and to let the kids play. Chris was not impressed with the fact that our icemaker was not working, so they got to work in fixing it. It was awesome... people bring over food, games, fix our ice makers....I almost handed him a mop.

Kelli took a paci! I'm not a huge fan of the paci, and apparently she isnt either, but it looks soooooooooooo cute on her!