tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84315335794145330202024-02-01T23:35:23.417-06:00Learning to Enjoy the RainA WORK IN PROGRESS...Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-45294196758486720912014-12-27T23:10:00.000-06:002014-12-27T23:11:18.092-06:00IVK 5-6 months<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy very belated 6 month birthday!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I cannot believe 6 months have passed already. I feel like you were just a newborn or even I was just pregnant with you. You are such a sweetie pie. You have done so much over the past month, I have to try to remember most of it. You and your brother are keeping me very busy. Also now that I'm a part time career mommy too, things are bit more challenging but we are making it work for us all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know you can feel the love in our household, even in your little 6 month old heart :). Daddy, big brother and I just adore. Daddy is enjoying you more because you are interacting so much more. And the same with big brother. He treats you so well--I have no complaints about the way you two interact. The way you look at him, I can tell you love him too. You guys love to hold hands while in the car seat and sometimes you two even fall asleep that way too. Melts mommy and daddy's heart to see you guys get along so well. We have tons of videos of you this month. Some of the best ones are of you and your brother goofing off. He loves to try to make you laugh and you are usually happy to oblige. You and your brother's laughter are the sweetest sounds ever!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are enrolled in childcare full time but really only go part time hours unless there's something I have to do, like appts etc. You seem to like it and don't really fuss when I leave. I wish there were less kids there but that's how it is for now. I prefer it to home daycare since we are new to the area and don't really trust anyone to care for you without another adult present. You do seem super excited and grab at my face when I pick you up. So cute! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I finally started you on solid foods about a week before you turned 6 months but we were inconsistent because that was around Thanksgiving and we did a lot of traveling. We started you on avocado, which you loved. You seem to like eating. We have also tried cereal, bananas, and sweet potatoes. I think you like avocados the best so far. You seem to like sitting in your high chair next to big brother. You make cute faces when you don't want to particularly eat and sometimes gag when you are full.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have been sitting up without support (did this right at 6 months). You still don't like being on your belly but will sometimes roll over from back to belly if you are trying to reach something. You bounce up and down on our lap while standing. When we put you to stand while holding onto something, you can do so but then topple over. You love grabbing at things, banging toys around. You love jumping up and down in the jumperoo. You like to help feed yourself so I give you your own spoon when feeding you. You nurse and I pump but you are also drink formula since I'm not a mass milk producer. Doing well with both.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have a sweet personality but gets clingy to me at times and doesn't want anyone holding you (not even daddy). There are times when you just want to snuggle with your mama and you let us know when. I don't think your fussy BUT when you are mad you let us know with your still piercing scream (you had a cold and lost your voice for a few days which was weird because we were so used to your loud scream). You cry mainly when you are hungry or tired. You are super friendly and smile at everyone, especially if you are in my arms. Sometimes you'll smile then bury your head in my shoulder. You also like biting on my shoulder, especially if I'm wearing a patterned shirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You love to sleep and you are overall a great sleeper. With some sleep training you are able to sleep through the night and have been doing so for quite some time. You get to bed around 7 and wake up 630-730. When you get good naps in the daytime, you sleep longer and without any interruptions. You take about 3 naps per day but I think you would take more if we let you. As I said, you love your sleep. For the past few weeks, I've been putting you down wide awake for naps (like I do for bedtime) and you put yourself to sleep. It's been pretty sweet. You wake up so sweetly (by cooing and talking to yourself). By the way, you've been a chatterbox lately--blowing bubbles, chatting, and making blowing sounds). Oh I need to add that you are now a thumb sucker (which makes life easy now but I'm dreading future weaning off it). Nap and bedtime routines are kind of special. I love how you know it's time, when at home, and bury your face in my shoulder with thumb in mouth as soon as we enter your dark room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I think you have 2 bottom teeth that are going to be coming in soon. The gum in those areas look white and you are drooling a lot and chewing on everything. You still looove baths. Your dark brown hair is still growing like wildfire with lots of volume :). Sometimes you look as if you are wearing a wig. Ha! It's a little curlier than your brother's hair. You are still pretty petite although growing pretty well. Everyone says you look more like your dad (even strangers). Nonna and the K family say you look like your dad's grandma who passed away a few years ago. I agree that you guys look a lot alike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Big events: Pumpkin patch with the Foxes wearing your outfit Amy got you, trick or treating as a lady bug, flew to Florida from California and back (first time flying and did fair), celebrated thanksgiving with daddy's family but saw my family too briefly. Wore your outfit that Amy got for you for thanksgiving, Christmas in California with the Duff's and Foxes. Did some family hikes and park visits on days when it wasn't raining cats and dogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mrs. K</span></span></i></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-42070807759501937792014-11-16T23:37:00.000-06:002014-11-16T23:37:00.634-06:00IVK 4-5 months<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy 5 months my Little Dollface!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Time
seems to be going by so fast. It seems like you were just born
yesterday but at the same time it feels like you've been a member of our
family forever. It's weird. This month has been awesome. You've
changed so much--not really in appearance but in your personality and
activities. We all love and enjoy you. We also love watching you go
through each milestone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You
and your brother are still best buddies. He loves you so much although
sometimes he forgets you are more than half his size and plays too
rough. You, however, let him know when he's doing so by letting out one
of your usual blood curdling screams. Yes, you have one of the loudest
screams I've ever heard. You usually scream whenever you are hungry or
tired or bothered by your big brother. Otherwise you are pretty
happy. You love to laugh and smile. Your favorite thing to do is stare
at your big bro and laugh with him. Sometimes you guys will sit next
to each other and crack up. It's so sweet to watch you guys together
and I pray that you guys will forever be close and care about each
other. You also love smiling with your daddy. You are so sweet, I just
want to eat you up!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You
love to grab at everything you see, especially food. I haven't started
you on solid foods yet but I'm looking forward to it. I have a feeling
you'll be a good eater (fingers crossed). You can roll over from belly
to back but not from back to belly. When on your back, you roll over
on you side but don't get quite on your belly. When doing tummy time,
you get up on your elbows and look around. You like tummy time a little
better now that you are stronger. You sit well with support but can
only support yourself for a few seconds before toppling over.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm
still enjoying nursing you, although we are also supplementing because
my milk production isn't the greatest. You are a pretty good eater and a
fairly good sleeper. You nap3-4 times per day and they are pretty
organized (surprisingly). You like to sleep and you can hardly stay up
longer than 2 hours before you start getting cranky. You first nap is
about an hour, the second is about 2-3 hours, and the third is about 45
min to 1 hour. Bedtime is around 7pm and you get up once at night
mostly then wake up around 630. You have a little cold right now so
you've been getting up way too many times to count.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This
month we've done a few hikes, a few playground visits, a museum visit
and went to a birthday party. Oh, how could I forget...you went trick
or treating with your brother and a few of his friends. You were
dressed as a ladybug and your brother was Spiderman. You still seem to
love being outdoors. You are also very friendly and smiley (even with
strangers when being held by me). You don't like to be held my
strangers if I'm not around however. You love to blow bubbles and
imitate facial expressions and sound. You are just so much fun. Your
dad and brother are enjoying you a lot too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We just love watching you grow and we are thankful to be blessed with such a sweet little girl as you. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-70692872895902583202014-10-07T22:41:00.002-05:002014-10-07T22:41:07.736-05:00IVK 3-4months<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy 4 month birthday (my Little Dollface)</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the first month since you've been born that we've had you all to ourselves. We've had family and friends for the past 3 months hanging out with us so that they can see you. It's been fun living as a family of 4 and it's been interesting not having help BUT we all did good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You continue to have a sweet personality. You seem so laid back (most days) except for when you are mad (like when you're sleepy, hungry, or when we get you out of the tub). You looove baths and calm down so nicely as soon as we put you in BUT as soon as we take you out, you start screaming. By the way, did I mention you have the loudest scream I've ever heard--yes.you.do! You also seem to love your brother and smile when he's around. You definitely have been smiling consistently and even laughing. I love hearing you laugh and coo. They are like music to my hears. It warms my heart to even think about you smiling and laughing. You love to kick around during diaper changes and bath time. You also love to blow bubbles and try to imitate facial expressions and noises. Really cute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You still look sooo much like your brother. You are still tiny but growing. You have kissable chubby cheeks and thighs. You still have a head full of bone straight hair when it's dry but gets wavy when wet. I love your big gummy smiles. You even smile with your eyes. Gosh you are sweet. I can't stop kissing you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You sleep pretty good at night--getting about 6-8 hours per night straight then wake up and get 3-4 hours more. You are still a night owl and it's sometimes hard getting you to go down for good at bedtime. Nap time during the day is a little more consolidated or organized. You nap around 930, 1230 and 330. You try to take a late nap in the evenings although we try to avoid that. You end up winning though. I still swaddle you for naps and at night. You still eat pretty good every 2-3 hours during the day time. You nurse mainly but at bedtime I give you a bottle. You still are the spit up queen but you don't seem bothered by it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have great head control. We do some tummy time but need to do more. You hate tummy time by the way. You roll over on your side but not all the way. You have been trying to sit up on your own a lot. When you are in you car seat or we try to lay you flat, you pick your head up, flex your abs and try to sit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have done so much this month--church as usual, several hikes. We went on a few walks with Caroline, your buddy who's a month older than you who lives up the road. Went shopping in Sacramento this month and stayed the night in a hotel--you did great. You also visited Yosemite this month and did great. You are still loving the great outdoors and love being carried facing out in the Baby Bjorn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are all so delighted to have you. We love seeing you sweet little face and interacting with you. We even love you loud piercing screams at times. It's hard to believe that someone as little as you can be so loud. Feeling so blessed right now. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's a recent pic of my little Dollface:</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1770348190"></span><img alt="" class="fbPhotoImage img" height="320" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10687179_10105817982967311_2931538746925715582_n.jpg?oh=006e21b0f907af732245fc45b09c03ee&oe=54C93FDC&__gda__=1421297955_9315bf15d0e4231481d3068f16f5e2ad" title="www.learningtoenjoytherain.blogspot.com" width="256" /><span id="goog_1770348191"></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mrs. K</span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-50436597059063214372014-10-01T15:08:00.000-05:002014-10-01T15:08:53.853-05:00On being a mom of 2I remember having so much anxiety when I was pregnant with my daughter (#2). I worried about if I would love her as much as my son. I just could not imagine loving another child as much as I loved my son. I mean, I really thought it was impossible. I think I also thought that it would take away from him if I "shared the love." It made me so sad to think that my second child (and possible subsequent children) would not be loved the same.<br />
<br />
Well, all that worrying was for absolutely no reason. I don't know what I was thinking. I can't say that I love them the same or equally because it's really hard to measure how much I love them to begin with. But what I can say is that I love them both so much with every fiber of my being. I love them with everything in me. I just do. Loving them is so easy. So natural (even when they are screaming in my face at 2am or accidentally kick me in the nose while horse playing). I look at them and it just amazes. I can't measure how much I love them, I can't fit it in a container. There's no depth or width or height. All I can say is that I love them to infinity and beyond. Sometimes I'm so happy that I could burst with joy. What a blessing these two are! Such hardwork (lol) but such a blessing.<br />
<br />
I also worried about my son (#1) feeling left out or as if he's replaced when his sister arrives. I sure didn't want him to feel less loved because my attention was now divided. Well, all that worrying was in vain too. Although it's hard, especially at first juggling two young kids (and yes it does feel like juggling sometimes)--you find a way to make it work. I'm not saying that my son hasn't tried me so that he can get some attention (even if it's negative attention). But he knows he's loved despite his little sister being added to our family. Hubby and I spend a lot of time with the kiddos together but we also take turns spending alone time with each kid. In fact, last Friday I took my son out on a date (we went to get ice cream at our favorite shop and then we visited the pet store). I know--cheap date but he was so happy. We talked about his day and had fun playing at the ice cream shop (they have a little play area for the kids). And the pet store visit was awesome. It's like a cheap version of the zoo/aquarium BUT he loved it! It doesn't take much to fascinate and entertain my 2 year old. As our kids get older we plan to make it a regular thing for us to take them on dates individually. I really look forward to future dates with each kid.<br />
<br />
So let me also add some realness. Being a mom is challenging period. Being a mom of 2 is even more challenging (for me at least). Yes, it's overall awesome and I wouldn't have it any other way but it's difficult. My kids are 2 years and 3 months apart. Although my son is potty trained fully, he's a little squirt and still needs my help to the potty. He never has accidents (not even at night) but he wakes me up at night when he wants to use the potty. This was ranging anywhere from 0-6 times per night. NO joke. Imagine doing that while trying to nurse a newborn in the middle of the night (it was so hard, especially on the nights my husband worked).<br />
<br />
For someone as Type A as me, I've learned to lower my expectations to preserve my sanity. I've realized that it's impossible to do an awesome job at everything all the time. I've realized that it's ok to let my 2 year old watch a little TV so I can tend to his sister then make it up later by spending special time with him. I've realized that it's ok for us to not all have dinner as a family at the table every night. These are just some of the realizations I've had.<br />
<br />
I've only been a mom of 2 for 3 months but I'm loving it. It's challenging and some moments I feel like crying (lol) because I don't feel like I have it together. But I remind myself that I'm doing the best I can and that my kids seem to be very content. One of my biggest realization is how my love for my kids give me the strength to deal with the challenging times.<br />
<br />
Thankfully for now, my son loves his little sister and she smiles and coos at him all the time. He's protective of her and showers her with kisses. I know the day will come when they'll have nonstop fights so I'm basking in this time when they are so sweet to each other.<br />
<br />
So overall things are tough and it's an adjustment for all of us BUT overall we are all doing great AND I thank God for that. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mrs. K</span></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-58772912275465213672014-09-10T00:50:00.001-05:002014-09-10T00:50:42.424-05:00IVK 2-3 months<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy 3 month Birthday my Little Dollface! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our little bundle is 3 months old. I can't believe it. Time does fly. She gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by. Gosh I love that little girl. I can't get enough of her gummy smile and those cute little dimples.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She's so into her surroundings. She's very inquisitive and wants to know what's going on around her. She's also super smiley. She wakes up so happy in the morning (something I'm not used to--big bro was a grouch when he wakes up, much like his momma). She doesn't cry, she just kicks around and makes sweet noises. When we go to see her she gets excited, smiles and flails all 4 extremities.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My Little Dollface is a pretty good sleeper. Once down (by 830pm) she wakes up once at night to eat then goes back down and doesn't awake until 730-8. Naps are still short but she takes about 3-4 per day. She's still awesome at nursing although she spits up a lot. She's a happy spitter. I've been pumping this month because I know she will start childcare soon. We've been giving her a bottle at night before bed (which is good because that's one less worry about transitioning to daycare)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I said, she's super social and smiley. She knows me, her dad and her brother. She also smiles for others too and doesn't have much stranger anxiety yet. She's still pretty quiet in church too. Overall she's pretty laid back although she has her fussy moments--mostly later in the day or when tired or hungry or need a diaper change. When mad, she's feisty. She may be tiny but she's a tough girl. She has one of the loudest screams I've ever heard. Wow!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She has pretty good head control AND can move her head to look around without problems. There's not much need to support her head anymore although we are careful about this. She rolls over on her side but not all the way. She likes to look at mobiles or anything you dangle in front of her. She also likes to hold things in her hands. She loooves her fingers and seem to prefer them over the pacifier lately.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm pretty impressed that she's demonstrated some ability to self soothe. In the middle of the night right after I feed her, if I put her down and she wakes up--she whines for about a minute then goes to sleep. She loves to "talk." It really seems like she's talking. Just lots of cooing and seems to pause when we talk to her. IT's really neat and sweet.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She loves baths but screams like mad as she gets taken out. Her big brother loves her and is still very protective of her. He's also very sensitive to her and tries to comfort her when she's upset. Cara is still the main baby she hangs out with. We've done a few more trips this month and I'm amazed by how flexible she is. We did two trips which required us staying in a hotel and she did great. She did well for the car rides (longest 3 hours) and well in the hotels too AND awesome on the hikes. I think she'll be a nature girl like her mama, papa and big brother.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just feel so blessed to have her. I couldn't ask for more. I look forward to watching her grow and learn and explore. Can't wait...well, yes I can. I don't want her to grow up too quickly now.</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></b></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-27141105793950420772014-08-30T01:06:00.001-05:002014-08-30T01:06:48.744-05:00IVK 1-2 monthsHappy 2 month Birthday!<br />
<br />
From here on out, I will be documenting milestones etc of my Little Dollface as if I'm talking to her (like I did for her brother). <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Your second month was marked by your paternal grandma visiting all the way from Florida. Your Nonna could not wait to see you and she was so happy when she finally did. She actually spent 6 weeks with us. Your brother continues "to love you so much." He is gentle with you and very protective of you. When someone comes around he puts his arm out and says "stop, that's my baby sister." He is attentive to you crying and cares a lot about you being ok. Your dad and I still adore you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are still very tiny although at your 2 month check up you close to double your birth weight (9lb 13oz) and grew over 3 inches. You seem to be filling out some especially in your face, tummy and legs. You still have a head full of bone straight hair when it's dry but when it's wet it gets a little curly. One day this week you woke up with a natural mohawk. Everyone we encountered thought it was the most adorable thing ever. You are not as pale as you were last month and your eyes are clearly brown. You still have the most adorable little pouty lips. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You still have a pretty laid back personality, it seems although you let your needs be known with your girly ear piercing screams. You began showing some social smile at around 5 weeks although not very consistent. I'm definitely less rigid and more laid back (if I dare say so) the second time around. Although this newborn stage is still rough, I feel less stressed when it comes to caring for you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nursing is still going well and you remain a pretty good eater--meal every 2-3 hours although very fast. Nursing the second time around seem so much easier. I am still having to wake you up every 3 hours to feed you but getting you to go back to sleep has been difficult. Your naps are still not organized during the daytime. We are still swaddling you when you sleep and this seems to help. You like the pacifier AND if it falls out you get really upset. That's been a bit challenging for us. Although I'm nursing you, you got your first cold (your brother goes to preschool and has been getting everyone sick). You did pretty well for being sick. Thankfully we took care of you at home without having to take you to your pediatrician.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have been on several outtings this month--mainly to church, shopping, and a few hikes. You are such a trooper. The more I get to know you, the more I adore you. I just love you so much and feel very blessed to be your mommy. I think you will be just as sweet as your brother when you get older. You still look very much like him.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-66676968814811792952014-08-30T00:36:00.000-05:002014-08-30T00:36:09.657-05:00IVK 0-1 month<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's time to blog about my other baby. As you know I've been blessed with another wonderful child. It's an awesome feeling being a second time momma. It's just as good as the first time and the LOVE I have for my baby girl is just the same as the love I have for her brother. Our capacity to love amazes me. Anyway, she's almost 3 months old so let me introduce you all to my Little Dollface. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />My little darling was born close to 4 weeks early on June 6, 2014--very tiny at 4lbs 13 oz BUT super healthy. She's a sweet California baby. I had to be induced AND the labor and delivery went very smoothly. She lost a few ounces and was down to 4lb 8oz but quickly gained back her birth weight and more (within a week).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She looked so tiny coming home in her car seat. She was swallowed up by the premie one piece she was wearing. We called her our little squirrel because she was so small. Her brother first saw her right after she was born and his love for her was instant. He wanted to hold her and he was kissing all over her. He loves her so very much and has shown no jealousy or meanness. When she got home, we showed her around the house. My cousin, Dee, was there helping us out for the first 2 weeks. Ryan and Carolina visited us while we were in the hospital, along with some of her dad's work partners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As far as physical appearance, besides being very tiny, she was pale white with straight black hair, brownish-grayish eyes and super red lips. She had one of the cutest little faces that strongly resembled her brother's. She loved being swaddled and being held. The pacifier was her best friend and my savior. Her first real bath was at home right at 2 weeks when the stump of the umbilical cord fell off. Her brother and her dad helped with the bath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She nursed like a pro immediately after she was born and has been awesome at eating thereafter. I had no problems with latching or any other aspect of breastfeeding. I did supplement with 10-15 ml of formula at each breastfeeding for the first week to help get her weight up. My milk came in fully on day 3 right after I drank mother's milk tea. We had the usual sleepy while nursing newborn stage but this ended after a while. I fed her mostly on demand but did not let her go past 2 hours during the daytime and 3 hours at night. She does spit up a lot but I expect this to go away in a few months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Her sleep was pretty good for a newborn. Most nights I had to wake her at the 3 hour mark to feed her. One night my alarm did not go off and she slept 4.5 hours straight. She was sleeping in her bed since day 1. While sleeping she would make these funny little noises. Her dad and I joked that she sounded like a dinosaur. We swaddled her for naps and at night. Naps were irregular as usual. She seemed to be in a sleepy slumber for this first month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Overall her personality seems pretty chill BUT she definitely lets her needs be known. She has the loudest scream I've ever heard. It's a super high ear-piercing screaming when she's mad. She definitely screams like a girl! She's been pretty alert from the get-go and has been trying to pick her head up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At 4 weeks old we took her to church for the first time and she did very well. She also went on her first hike at 4 weeks old (in Lassen National Park). Its amazing how much more comfortable I am the second time around. She seems to fit in with the rest of our family perfectly. Her father, brother and I just love and adore her so much. We cannot get enough of our little munchkin. We took newborn photos at 3 weeks old and here she is:</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-90266699060678040432014-08-24T00:05:00.003-05:002014-08-30T00:36:51.353-05:00IEK 2 year old update (w/pic)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">IEK (Mr. Smarty Pants) is doing great! I haven't written an update on him in a while. He's 2 years and 6 months old. This will be a fairly long update, I anticipate, as I want to document as much as I can remember.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He turned 2 years old in February and had a joint birthday party with Abby, one of his buddies from North Carolina. It was a cowboy themed party held at the Little Gym and it was great. I made his outfit (kind of). I ordered a cowboy vest and chaps online. I didn't have to do much altering for the vest but I attached the chaps to a pair of jeans. He looked so cute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First haircut was 12/31/13 and he has had 4 haircuts to date. They seem to be getting shorter and shorter each time. He's had 2 haircuts in NC and 2 here in California. He has done well with all his haircuts so far. He gets into the toy airplane or car or whatever he chooses, mommy acts like an idiot and voila haircut is over. I prefer his hair a little longer but the hairstylists seem to do whatever they want. Since we are talking about hair--interestingly, his hair has gotten very lighter (no longer dark brown (now a light to medium brown with some hints of red-ish-ness in the sun). I think that's because it's the summer. Also the more we cut his hair, the straighter it gets. He has no curls anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">His brown hair compliments his big brown eyes and his adorable smile. He's still not very tall--fairly average I guess compared to his classmates at preschool. Oh yeah, he started preschool the same day his sister was born--BIG BOY! Staying true to his pattern, the first few weeks of preschool was rough (for both of us). He cried everyday when I dropped him off and intermittently throughout the day until I picked him up. I felt so terrible and stressed everyday for the first few weeks. After about 2 months he started liking it and goes without crying. Everyone once in a while he'll tell me "mommy, I don't want to go to school" or "mommy come with me at school" but besides that he's great. I like his teachers Ms. Cindy and Ms Heather. The preschool is great although I wish the class size was smaller but he seems to be adjusting well (was worried because he was in a home daycare up until then). We were proud parents the first time he brought home something he made from school. It was a father's day gift for his dad--a card and a handprint (which his dad uses as a paperweight on his desk in our home office). The card is hanging in his room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">His second year so far has been interesting: we moved from NC (where he was born and lived for 2 years); we had our first vacation away from him for 1 week (Nonna kept him and he did great, I had the hardest time); he was potty trained fairly well with minor accidents before he turned two but fully potty trained during the transition period between moving from NC to CA. He actually traveled from NC to CA (2 flights) without an accident. He potty trained really easily and once potty trained he did not want to go in his pull ups. OK so what else happened this year...yeah we moved to California (different time zone), upgraded him to a big boy bed, and he now has a little sister. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He is such a good big brother. He looooves his sister so much and is very protective of her. He does get a little competitive at times for our attention but he's very sweet to her. He always says "I love my baby sister" and gives her hugs and kisses. I think it was love at first sight for him. He seriously immediately loved her. He's so funny, he goes "awww...she's such a tiny baby." LOL. He also looooves his daddy. He is currently a daddy's boy although he cries for me when he wants something. Ha! He and his dad will have private time in the hammock and if I go outside to say hi, he'll so "no mommy go back inside." He and his dad are so sweet to watch. My husband wrestles and rolls around on the floor with him but they are also tender to to each other. I love watching my husband giving him kisses and hugging him. He's a great dad. Anyway, I've been the enforcer I guess. He says "I love you mommy" mostly when daddy isn't around--haha! I'm very loving with him too but I'm also firm and consistent and doesn't let him get away with much. He likes to test limits like any 2 year old but it's not that bad. He also occasionally will try to whine or "tantrum" but these are also not bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So overall I think his behavior is great. There are few times he acts like "typical 2 year old" but most times he's pretty cool. He listens for the most part and responds well to counting from 1-3 before a consequence. I mostly reward him with something or take away something he likes as punishment. Although, sometimes I do pop him (ex. when he does something dangerous like ride his bike on the road). So he has a Strider (a balance bike) that he absolutely loves. He is sooo good at balancing on that thing. Since the first day we gave it to him he was riding it like a pro--I think the kid is ready for a big boy bike (without training wheels).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's a terrible eater (still). I think this is one of the biggest challenges we have as his parents. It's so hard to feed him because he doesn't like to eat anything. He doesn't try new foods and once he makes up his mind, that's it. I have to be creative to get him to eat, like blending vegetables and putting them in whatever he's interested in eating at the time. The hard part is that he doesn't get hungry so missing a meal or two doesn't affect him. I've also used reward systems to get him to eat. IT's kind of crazy. I can't wait for this no eating phase to end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He was sleeping great until we moved. He's been sleeping through the night since he was a young infant, however the move and the big boy bed (I think) has messed us up. IT was a struggle to get him to stay in his room initially but with some adjustments/training we were able to fix that situation. He now stays in his room fine but he continues to wake up several times at night (wasn't doing this prior to the move). He however naps very well--that required some re-training with the introduction of the big boy bed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's very athletic and loves the outdoors. He loves to play baseball and can throw the ball pretty well. We are still working on the batting skills but he's pitched some good balls to me. He's right handed and pretty coordinated. He loves throwing rocks too and picking up sticks. He's also pretty good at football. We like to blow bottles and shoot waterguns at each other. On a regular basis all 3 of us (me, dad and IEK) are outside shooting waterguns at each other in the backyard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's very smart and loves book and puzzles. He also likes to write on his blackboard and color. Language is definitely a strength for him. I mean, he talks better than most 2 year olds and a lot of 3 year olds I've met. It's amazing. He absorbs everything and remembers everything. He talks like a regular person, although he has the normal articulation trouble (like I "wove you mommy"). He asked "you check your blood pressure, I want to press blue button." He also is a thinker. On the way home from church one day he says "Mommy I pay at church." I didn't understand him so I told him that and he said "mommy not pay (meaning play), I pay (meaning pray) to Jesus," "Jesus made the trees." He really thought about how he could explain to me what he meant. He can count from 1 to 20 (almost). He can say ABCs. He knows a lot of the shapes but he has challenges with colors. IT's weird because sometimes he'll say the colors incorrectly but other times he'll say them right. I dunno. Oh, he loooves to sing and his little voice his so sweet. He's a bit "sassy" at times (according to my grandfather). I try to encourage his confidence but also balance that with some discipline.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's unfortunately more interested in TV because he's had more exposure since the move. Before the move he probably watched TV once per week (if that much). Now he watches it several days per week. I've been working on curbing his electronic exposure but it's a work in progress. He's social in situations that he feels comfortable in but otherwise is reserved in novel situations. Although he's a rough and tough kid, he also is pretty cautious and isn't much of a daredevil. He still loves to listen to music and dance. Thank God for Pandora Toddler station. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Overall he's such a joy. He's so sweet, loving, compassionate, funny, determined, etc. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. I pray that God will continue to bless him, protect and guide him. I also pray that my husband and I will continue to be good parents to him. He makes us so happy and I would like to think that he's pretty happy with us too :). <i>Ok (next update will be at 3yo). Month 1 and 2 for his sister coming soon (w/pic) too.</i></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></b></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-88492330168021800352014-08-07T01:07:00.000-05:002014-08-07T01:07:05.454-05:00Way past overdue update...<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well hello there blog buddies! I hope you all are doing fantastic. It's been a while since I last blogged and even longer since I last blogged consistently. I wish I could tell you all that I had a ball the entire time I was gone but I'd be telling a story. Overall things have been great and I'm definitely counting my blessings but things have also been challenging. I have been reading a handful of blogs while away although I haven't left any comments. I thought about blogging a lot but due to laziness, family, work and other excuses (lol), I didn't. Anyway, I want to catch you up on what's been going on, although I'm not quite sure where to start...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, let me see...2013 was an exciting year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--my husband and I celebrated 5 years of marriage and my son turned one. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I finally completed school/training (after all these years) AND </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--landed my first real paying job at 32 (well I was 31 last year). I liked the job overall because it was very flexible and paid well AND I loved what I was doing. I hated the administrative (paperwork) part of my job because it made life more difficult. Being the obsessive compulsive person that I am, not only did I enjoy the job, I did a pretty dang good job...maybe too good. For example, I would bypass eating, work after hours (without extra pay), pick up my kid late because I couldn't do a mediocre job. Well, that was stressful because I felt like I was doing a mediocre job as a parent (although I wasn't I don't think but my obsessive compulsive (ness) wouldn't let me think otherwise). LOL. It was my first "real" job and I learned a lot. I learned my worth and how to negotiate my time, pay, benefits, etc accordingly. I also learned how to stand up for myself. The two days I picked up my son late due to the company's inefficiency, the company heard about it and they rectified the situation. Overall it felt good to get reasonable compensation for my work (although part time) while not taking away from my family</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I also was able to stay healthy. I only worked 3 days per week so I exercised a lot (both running and weightlifting). I also ate better and was enjoying making fairly healthy meals for my family. I felt so good and lost almost all my weight from my first pregnancy (well, all but 5lbs).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--the latter part of 2013 was more challenging because my grandmother had a massive stroke which she later died from in early 2014. This has been very challenging because my grandma partly raised me and I was used to talking to her several times per week. I had not experienced the death of a very close loved one until this. It's still hard and sometimes I forget that she passed away because it feels unreal but then I'm reminded when I reach for the phone to call her to share some news with her.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--my son, IEK, had a great year too. My husband and I are truly marveled by his sweetness, smarts, and language. Language is definitely a strength for him. He was a good sleeper but still a terrible eater.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2014 has been interesting thus far.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--My wonderful son turned 2 in early February and had a joint cowboy themed party with one of his buddies. We all had such a great time and my husband's parents were there to celebrate with us. He began showing interest in potty training a few weeks before his 2nd birthday and was fully potty trained with ease in no time. He's an awesome little guy and we are so blown away by all he does. We saw him go from being a docile toddler to a bossy preschooler. So cute, but challenging :).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--In late March I stopped working and early April our family moved from North Carolina. We spent two weeks with my husband's parents as we were relocating to the west coast and wanted to spend some time with them. That was fun and very relaxing because for the first time in a long time we had family close by to help with our son. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--In April we went on so many dates. We even went to the Dominican Republic for a week. We did an all inclusive resort type trip and was not impressed at all. However we were grateful for the alone time that we spent together relaxing. It was my son's first time being away from both parents overnight. I cried my eyes out the first few days of the vacation. My son did fine and had a blast with my husband's parents.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--Late April we relocated to northern California because of a great job opportunity for my husband and a potentially great one for me too. We are using to hopping states a lot (although we are not military) but this was our first time living on the west coast. I love our town--it's a medium size town with friendly people, great for families, fairly good schools, great food options. It's bad for shopping but if I want something I usually can find it online if not in the stores. We love our new town although it's taken our family a little while to adjust.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--Our two year old started having sleep trouble for the first time for likely multiple reasons: the MOVE, 3 hour time difference, newly potty trained, converting to a "big boy" bed to name a few. The sleep issues were suuuch a pain in the butt for the most part they are resolved now, thank God.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--We celebrated 6 years of marriage in May.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--We expanded our family in June. I gave birth to one adorable little girl, IVK. She was born a little early but very healthy (had no complications and came right home with us--thk God). She is now 2 months old. She is a darling and her brother "loves her so much." I agree for the most part with the saying that one of the best gifts you can give your child is a sibling. I love seeing them together. He's already very protective of her (although he's hard headed about being gentle with her at times). Haha!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I had some challenges during the pregnancy--I had a rib dislocation at around 7.5 months that was excruciatingly painful. Gosh--it was so bad that I could not sleep in my bed due to rib and back pain. I slept in a recliner for close to 2 weeks. I sneezed, heard and felt a pop, then was in immediate pain and that was hit. Thankfully it resolved after about 2-3 weeks with chiropractic care and regularly icing the area. Soon after that I developed hypertension during the pregnancy and was induced at close to 4 weeks early because it was safer.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--It was soooo stressful: moving to a new city with a sleepless toddler, no support, medical issues and the unanticipated early delivery of our 2nd child. Of course we also had a lot of other small challenges (like not having my car for about 2 weeks after I moved because the car transportation company lied about transporting the car. When they finally delivered it they dropped the car off at some random location 2 hours away from where we lived and left the keys on the wheel).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of course, there's so much more but I've written too much already. Despite all this we feel very blessed and we are very thankful to God. Things have settled down a lot for us and we like it that way. It's weird living so far away from family but we haven't lived in the same state as family in over 6 years. We've had tons of folks visit us so far which has been awesome. We love our town and feel eternally grateful for our healthy happy kids. I'm also thankful for my husband who puts up with his "cray cray" wife with a smile on his face. LOL. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Overall life is good! I hope things have been good for you too. The plan is to pick up blogging again and to be more consistent but I'm making no promises :). I do want to document our history as a family so I will try my best. I will share pictures when I so updates on both kiddos. Also trying to get back in shape again (doing T25--because who has time for a longer workout, right?)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-33453130355365462912014-02-20T13:55:00.002-06:002014-02-20T13:55:40.880-06:00I'm in love with 2 guys!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">How can you not adore a man who says that "the most amazing sound on the planet right now" is hearing our 2 year old son say "rhino." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love my husband! And I agree with him.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-78085726760297520512013-11-05T12:02:00.000-06:002013-11-05T12:02:07.906-06:00IEK is 21 months--almost 2<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My baby is almost 2 years old. Oh my goodness. He's now 1 and 3/4 lol. I don't know what I'm going to do. I remember when we were planning to get pregnant and we were so excited when we finally did. It didn't seem that long ago BUT also it feels like he was always a part of our family. It's weird. I'll do a little update about the past 3 months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My little guy is so awesome. It is an honor for me to be his mommy. He is a character. I just love his little personality. He's a little mischievous, super funny, extremely observant, always smiley, and sometimes bossy. He's very sweet. He loves to give group hugs with mommy and daddy
altogether. Whenever his dad and I show affection around him he stares
then does this goofy smile. He is super affectionate too! He's still pretty clingy but I think it's getting better. When we drop him off at the home daycare he doesn't cry anymore. He still cries during the entire time in the nursery at church on Sundays. Correction, this past sunday he stayed the entire time without crying. He's definitely a momma's boy but he loves his daddy too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He is talking up a storm. Language is definitely a strength for my little booger. He understands most of what I say and surprisingly he communicates very well too. I usually can understand what he says or wants. I've noticed that there are less tantrums since I can understand him better. We talk to him like he's a big boy and he talks to us too. Whenever he says the wrong word we praise him for trying then say the right word. He looooves praises...but who doesn't. He says sentences that are 2-4 words long. At beginning of 20 months he was spontaneously saying "I wove you." He says it all the time now and it's so sweet. He'll look us right in the eye and just say it. We taught him how to say "help" pretty earlier and he says it appropriately. Unfortunately he heard me saying "oh shoot" maybe once or twice and now he says it too (at the appropriate time). For example if I'm putting on his shirt and his arm gets stuck he goes "oh shoot." It's kinda funny but I don't want him to say that. He points out everything he sees and names them. His favorite words are still "no" and "mine." A few days ago I was disciplining him for something and he shook his head and pointer finger and said "no mommy, not nice." I'm finding it so hard to not burst out laughing when he says little things like that. Some of my other favorite words/phrases are: "it's scawy," "gofish," "ssss, daddy seeping," "nice toush," "it's waining," "hourt," "hep me mommy," "I sowwy." These are just a few. He says so many cute phrases. He tells me when he's going to poop ("poo poo") but refuses to use the potty. He'll sit on it when he doesn't have to use it. So I guess he's not ready yet but at least I get a signal when a diaper change is coming up. His dad wanted me to mention some other funny things he says like: "shoenon." That's his word for shoes. He used to say "shoes" but I always tell him to put his "shoes on" so now he calls it "shoenon" (so hilarious).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He continues to be very active. He loves to climb, run, jump, hang upside down and dance. He's actually a pretty sweet dancer. We went to some outdoor concert a few weeks ago and he was dancing the entire time. He's not shy when it comes to dancing. He runs pretty fast and has better balance (definitely less falls). He's a strong little guy too and somewhat of a dare devil. Fine motor skills are good but he doesn't use utensils often because I obsess about him eating and end up feeding him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's still a picky eater overall but he has his moments of good eating. I'm still having to hide vegetables in his food or else he wont eat them. He loves his Nonna's chicken and rice, mommy's spaghetti and meat sauce. He also loves when I cook callaloo. He takes one 1-2 hour nap during the daytime. We are still pretty strict and very consistent with bedtime. His routine has been unchanged since he was an infant because it works. Well, I guess he goes to bed at 8p now instead of 730p but he wakes up at 730a in the morning. He does occasionally watch a little TV (very very infrequent--maybe on average once per week, if even that much). We are a huge outdoor family so we are almost never inside sitting around. He only watches Nick Jr and he loves their "music videos." He loves the "shake the sillies out" song. We go to the park at least twice per week and he loves the swings. He's also pretty brave and goes on the huge slides. Now that it's getting cold we may have to give that a rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I said, he's pretty clingy to my husband and I, especially me. But he does eventually warm up. He warms up quicker to kids than adults, naturally. He usually observes first then slowly integrates himself into whatever activity. Once warmed up he's pretty social. He gets along with other kiddos very well. Actually he surprises me. He is totally not aggressive towards other kids. If a kid grabs a toy or even pushes him, he just looks at them then move on to the next activity without a fuss. He doesn't get angry and he never retaliates. I'm sure this may change but I find it so interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lately people have been saying that he looks a lot like my husband or my husband's mother. His hair had beautiful curls over the summer but now that it's cold it's back to being straight. He does have a few ringlets in the back of his head. He has all but 4 of his baby teeth but his bottom right incisor is trying to poke through his gum. He loves baths but hates to brush his teeth. He doesn't like his hair combed or his nails clipped (especially toenails). Diaper changes are easy because we sing songs. Yeah, he loves to sing or try to sing. He looooves animals but he's afraid of bugs. That'll have to change. Neither his dad or I are afraid of bugs--I don't know what is up with that. He's getting a little better about playing by himself. He's a good helper and follows directions pretty well. He loves to "read."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There's so much to say about this incredible little boy of mine but I guess I'll stop. I try to cram everything into these post because I want to remember in the future. When he's a feisty teenager I want to look back and read this stuff and feel like I'm in a time machine for a little bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More than anything we are very thankful to God for IEK. And there's one thing for certain, IEK is very loved! It is our daily prayer that we continue to be excellent spouses to each other and parents to him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>I know, I know...ya'll need pix. I'll post one for Christmas! </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mrs. K</b></span></span></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-52202107246440409922013-10-27T17:58:00.002-05:002013-10-27T17:58:48.275-05:00Good to be home.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was away from home for almost a month and I must say it's great to be back. No matter how much fun I'm having on a trip I always miss my dwelling. It's just nice to have a home base.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The first part of our trip was just with me and lil man since daddy had to work. We first visited my grandparents and other relatives in Orlando, FL. That was a lot of fun and they thoroughly enjoyed IEK because the last time they saw him was Christmas 2012. Actually that's not true we flew down for my grandma's birthday party but we stayed less than 48 hours so that didn't count. It's cool to think that December of last year he wasn't walking or talking really BUT now he's doing EVERYTHING! IEK is very clingy to me so it took him some time to warm up to everyone. I also don't think that it helped that my family is sooo loud and mainly "chat patois." He's not used to the chaos because our home is so quiet. He enjoyed it overall and it was nice to see him submerged in some aspects of my culture (food, language, music, etc).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After hanging with my family we flew to north Florida and visited my husband's parents. We got to see my husband's sisters (and their families) and some other relatives too. My husband's mom is soooo in love with IEK. And he's pretty enamored with her too, but it's easy to see why because she's so awesome. This week was the most relaxing part of the entire trip. The house was quiet (although still noisier than ours). I had a lot of down time because Nonna was all about doing everything for her grandson. She had the coolest toys (some of which my husband used as a toddler). Isn't that neat? We got to hang out with IEK's twin boy cousins who are a year older than him. It was so much fun seeing them play together. IEK was always too young to truly enjoy the play. He also seems to have developed a very close relationship with one of the twins (Dee). They were so sweet to watch. Dee would even protect IEK from his own twin brother. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The next part of our trip was spent in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains in NC. My husband joined us with his entire family (except his brother). The log cabin accommodated 22 people for sleep and there was a huge table that seated 26 people. The cabin was beautiful although older. We only had about 15 people including the kiddos but it was tons of fun (and loudness, lol). We enjoyed the hot tub, roasting marshmallows and eating smores. The bigger kids (7 and 9 year olds) brought handheld video games but one night I convinced them to play board games. They surprisingly had a blast. By far, there favorite was Taboo. They had so much fun that for the duration of the trip they mainly wanted to play board games at night instead doing other activities. One of our nephew was so cute...he told his mom that my husband and I are so much fun, he wishes we could move back to FL and live close by them. It was so sweet to hear that and it made us feel bad for living so far away. I must brag a little and say that one of the the highlight of my cabin trip was racing my 2 nephews. I WON!!! OK, I shouldn't gloat this much because they are only 9 but they are pretty athletic boys (they play just about every sport on the planet). It's just so cute because they are pretty competitive and they really thought they were going to win. I told them that I would give them each $15 if either of them won. They were bragging and thought that it would be a piece of cake...lol. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, it was so sad to leave each place and everyone but after being away from home for so long I was ready to get back to home base. It was a great trip or trips. IEK had a good time and my husband did too for the parts he spent with us. He missed us dearly for the portions of the trip that he was home alone for. I was very thankful that I had the opportunity to hang out with family. But noticed I called it a trip and not a vacation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, since then I've lost one of my diaper bags with my wallet in it and had to go through all the trouble of getting that resolved. I've been applying for jobs because I'm getting kind of bored and besides with my career and my only kiddo in daycare it makes sense to work. I was going to wait until we move to find a job in our new city but the move will be in 4-6 months. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope ya'll had a good weekend! </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-86309758568863332822013-09-16T20:17:00.000-05:002013-09-16T20:17:35.712-05:00I officially ran a 5K...and more!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My running buddy and I ran the 5K that I talked about in a previous post this past weekend. The name of the race is the Get Heeled 5K (website: <a href="http://www.getheeled5k.com/">http://www.getheeled5k.com</a>/). Funds made from the race will benefit families with children suffering from childhood cancer. My running buddy is a pediatric heme/onc doctor and signed us up. He's pretty passionate about the topic so this wasn't a surprise. But, I get to choose the next race. Anyway, this was an awesome race. There were lots of fun events for kiddos, food, music, etc. The best part about the race events was the emphasis on remembering past patients who unfortunately have died from childhood cancer and also honoring current patients.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So about the actual race/run. I ran the entire thing in 28 minutes. Not the best time but I did it! My initial pace was more of an 8 minute mile for the first 1.5 miles but then there were the unanticipated hills. They almost killed me. There were 3 large hills that seemed like they were never ending at the time. I was taken by surprise by all 3 of them. My running buddy and I ran the "route" twice but it was the wrong route so we were both surprised. I think my time would have been better if I didn't have those hills. Grrr! I felt very old when little school-aged kids were passing me by sprinting up the hills. LOL. I was like "what in the world." My competitive self got the best of me and my pace was faster than what I usually run. It was hard seeing all those people passing me. Hehe! My running buddy actually gave me the ok to go ahead of him...so I did. He wasn't mad, thankfully. My favorite part of the race was sprinting across the finish line! Oh yeah and seeing my husband and son waiting at the finish line for me :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In other fitness news. I've been working out 5 days per week for the past 2 months I think. On the days that I run I usually don't do cardio at the gym--just weight lifting. I've been eating better (sometimes). I just freaking love food but I've been doing a better job not eating what I want everyday. I'm 31...not 21 anymore. LOL. Anyway, I've lost 2-3 lbs over the past month--still not at my pre-pregnancy weight but I'm ok with my progress.</span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i></b>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-81403082897675552802013-09-12T13:13:00.000-05:002013-09-12T13:13:36.013-05:00Lessons in parenting--Part 1<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm a mom of one 19 month old boy. I'm no expert on motherhood but these are a few lessons I've learned. Maybe they'll be helpful to someone else but mostly I hope I can refer back to them in the future for Baby K #2 or #3 or #4 or #10 (kidding). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1) <u>Distraction can work like a charm.</u> It can stop tantrums and get a toddler to do what you want. For example--major melt down because he wants the scissors or some other dangerous object. After freaking out (which you try your hardest not to do because the object then becomes more enticing to the toddler) you distract by attracting his attention to something more appealing (like daddy, the dog, a toy).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2) <u>Singing is good for the soul and good for getting a toddler's attention.</u> It's also great for getting toddler to sit still for diaper changes and getting dressed. Since I've had our little guy I've been doing a lot of singing--singing in the mornings when I go in his room, singing at bedtime, singing his favorite toddler tunes. I've also been singing songs to help me get him dressed...<i>you put left arm in, you put left arm out....you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around, and that's what it's all about</i>...He loves it and now he's at the point where he also tries to sing the songs with me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3) It's ok to <u>drop everything and enjoy the moment with your kiddo</u>. Don't be afraid to stop <i>everything</i>, get down on the kitchen floor at his eye level and be silly with him. My little boy loves when I get to his eye level and make silly faces. His favorite is <i>my fish face</i>. It's even better when he tries to make the face. The work or whatever it is will almost always be there. It's ok to take a break and enjoy the moment. Good for the kiddo and good for you too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4) On the same note, it's not only ok for kiddos to <u>get the silly's out</u>. Mommies can do it and it's even more fun when you do it with the kiddos. Dancing, singing, being silly is great. Do whatever works for you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5) <u>Getting frustrated is normal</u>. I love my little guy to death but he frustrates me sometimes. I no longer feel bad about this. I mean, we are human, right. Some things that usually help to reduce my frustration is to give him a hug and kiss. This works when he gets angry and it works for me too. Taking a break and walking away helps too. The most effective intervention for me is to send him to daddy so that he can frustrate him a little :).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6) <u>Toddlers appreciate it when you talk to them</u>. They may not understand everything or respond but they like it. Whenever I ask our little guy about his day, he rambles on about something. He also repeats what I say to him. I think he feels validated when we converse.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7) <u>Embarrassment is a part of raising children.</u> I just figure he'll be paid back one day when I'm "old." LOL. And thankfully I'm dark-skinned so people can't see when I turn red. Ha! My toddler's new thing is yelling <i>bug</i>. I taught him how to say the word a few weeks ago and he yells it out even at a piece of lint. He yells it out everywhere...church, library, at the dinner table. For example we'll be in church and he'll see a piece of lint (NOT a bug) and start yelling loudly...<i>bug, bug, bug, bug.</i> He continues to yell this until I distract him. There's no warning so he has scared me before with his loud "bug" yell.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8) <u>Toddler tunes on Pandora radio is awesome</u>. It makes car rides more enjoyable. He sings-a-long instead of whining to get out of his car seat. It's also great at home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9) Carry extra clothes for all. And just in case you forget, <u>being a mess for a few hours is ok</u>. There are worse things in life. Actually helping to create some of the mess can be fun at times, although it's not fun cleaning it up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10) <u>The house does not have to be spic and span</u>. Coming to this realization was awesome. I still like things organized but I'm less obsessive about it. And you know what, I'm fussing at my husband less for his mess too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11) <u>Kids change everything--mostly for the better!</u> We had our son when we were ready. He was planned. Hubby and I had been married for a few years. We did some traveling. We even had the dogs to practice. We were very ready but still nothing could have prepared us for the change of life. But you know what we love every moment of being parents and would not change it for the world. Although I always knew I wanted children it was something I feared for so many reason. I'm a "want everything to be almost perfect kind of gal" and I don't like rocking the boat too much especially when I'm comfortable. But looking back my fears were kind of ridiculous and I'm glad that I didn't let them make me delay expanding our family.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">12) <u>I am more unselfish than I thought I was</u>. It's amazing how easy it is for me to sacrifice sleep, time, energy for my little guy. It doesn't even feel like a sacrifice because it comes so natural to me. I used to be someone who hated getting up early, now I wake up earlier than my son and wait eagerly for him to wake up so I can run in his room.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">13)<u> Kids make you a better person. </u> Honestly! My son brings me so much joy. He makes me want to be a better person. I behave better because I want to be a good example for him. I am more "mindful" about what I say and do because I know there are little ears and little eyes around. I'm so used to cheerfully giving to him that giving to others also come easier.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">14) <u>Being consistent is important</u>. AND I still need to work on this. That's all I'm going to say about that ;).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">15) <u>Discipline with love</u>. Discipline and manners are important. My Jamaican grandpa always says "bend di tree when it young." You get the point. This is tough but I think it's best to start early and to lead by example. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">15) <u>Think of most things as a phase </u>(both the bad and sometimes the good). I remember when I thought my son would never stop spitting up...then lo and behold he stopped. I remember when I thought he would never sleep more than 2 hours then more than 6 hours then sleep through the night. I was proven wrong. I remember when I thought he would never crawl, or walk, or run or talk or....you name it. I was proven wrong so many times. I remember when I thought he would never gain weight because he's such a picky eater...<i>er...well, this is still ongoing and I haven't been proven wrong yet but I know I will be</i>. It's helpful for me to think of things in phases to especially help me get through the challenging moments. Thinking this way also helps me to savor the sweet moments too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">16) There's no such thing as a perfect parent. We have all these goals about the type of parent we should be or want to be. <u>Try your best but know that things will go wrong</u>. <i>Flexibility is important.</i> For example if your kiddo is 18 months and is just finally off the pacifier--IT's OK! You should laugh at yourself for thinking that the paci will be gone by 9 months. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">17) <u>Let the past have a positive influence on how you parent</u>. Some people have had horrible pasts and others have had rosy pasts--wherever you lie on the spectrum, make the conscious choice to try to do a good job. Although challenging, even people with difficult pasts can be great parents!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What other parenting lessons have you learned (even if you are not a parent)? I'll include them in my Part 2 of this topic. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And don't forget to laugh out loud once in a while :) </span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></b></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-40970409002015618782013-09-04T18:55:00.000-05:002013-09-04T18:55:00.640-05:00Accidentally ran 9 miles today...who does that?<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My running buddy and I accidentally ran 9 miles today. I know it sounds silly but we ran the Tobacco Trail which is a common running area in NC (no tobacco is on the trail, btw). It's an amazingly beautiful trail and the other runners/ walkers/bikers are so nice. We were planning to do 6 miles today but my running buddy who usually keeps track of the distance messed up. (I'm "directionally-challenged" so it's not my job). I was wondering why my feet were hurting towards the end. LOL. So, we ran 9 miles and it felt great! The majority of my life I've been a sprinter but I was never a good distance runner. But "practice makes perfect," I guess :) I just feel good and I just wanted to encourage you all that you can achieve your goals and more too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Good luck!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></i></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-78167581306885258462013-08-28T20:41:00.000-05:002013-08-28T20:41:34.940-05:00What's on my mind?<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lots, but to name a few:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I'm excited about running a 5K in two weeks with my running bud. We've ran a few times over the past weeks in preparation for it and I think we'll do fine. It's on September 14 but what I'm looking forward to most is running the 10K in the future. It'll be fun to have hubby and my little boy waiting at the finish line for us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I love my husband and our son so much. My husband is hilarious and he keeps it light and airy in our household. He's the comical one and I'm definitely the more "serious one." Although I'm not THAT serious. But our son even realizes that he's the cool one. He still prefers me but he goes to his dad when he wants to have fun. Ha! Our son is such a great mixture of my husband and I (personality wise). He is so much fun! I could just eat him up. That little booger told me a few days ago "no no go away" while I was kissing his face and fixing his hair. He's only 18 months! I could not believe it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--Studying for my Boards right now sucks. It's a necessary evil. I just got done with my training and I have an 8 hour computerized test to take (about all the knowledge I've accumulated in training for the past 5 years). The test is in less than a month. Yikes! I'd much rather be doing something else but since I paid $3000 to take the test, I figure I'd better study so I don't fail. It would really suck to have to pay another $3000. Actually, what really sucks is that I have to take a second part of this test next year for a similar cost. Yeah!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--So yeah, I'm done with training. I've been in school my whole life and now I'm finally done for good. It's an awesome feeling.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I'm not working right now (for the first time in a long time). For close to a month I've been somewhat like a stay at home mom. Well actually not really. But I haven't been working. I drop my son off at his home daycare in the mornings around 9am then run and/or exercise at the gym, go home, shower, pack lunch then go study, come home, make dinner, then pick up my son around 330pm after he wakes up from his nap. It's been pretty nice because for the first time I feel very balanced.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--My goal is to get a part time job by January 2014 but for now I'll be enjoying some of the free time I have. After Boards, I'll start picking up my son earlier so that we can go the library, park or just hang out. I'm looking forward to this</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--Before 18 months ago I always thought I'd be working full time in my career but now I'm so content and excited about working part time. I hate doing a crappy job at...anything. Whenever I do something I like to do a good job or at least feel good about giving it my all. I want to be a good wife, a good mom, and a good career woman. I think that working part time will allow me the opportunity to do that. I also love that I'll still have some time for myself too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> --We will likely be moving some time in the next few months. It's a little frustrating not knowing when or where. No we're not a military family--we're just at a crossroads in our lives and we want to do something different. I know I need to be patient as we wait to hear back from possible job opportunities but it's hard. I keep reminding myself that God has immensely blessed hubby and I individually and as a couple so I should just wait on him and be PATIENT! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--I check my weight in a few weeks (since I only do it once per month). I think I'm looking fitter but who knows. The scale may say something different but we'll see. I do feel good though and I think that means a lot. I've been eating better and exercising.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--Although I complained some I'm more than thankful to God.</span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i></b>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-3552800236742661602013-08-15T19:18:00.000-05:002013-08-15T19:18:32.561-05:00Post pregnancy body<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So my baby is no longer a baby. He's <i>my</i> baby but he's a toddler. He's 18 months old. I have no excuse. I breastfed for 9 months and pumped for another 2 months. While breastfeeding I lost a lot weight pretty quickly. At 8 weeks I was feeling pretty good about my postpartum body. It wasn't perfect but it was heading in the right direction. I started walking pretty quickly after I delivered but that ended as soon as I went back to work. I went back to work after 12 weeks and since then I've been inconsistent with my nutrition and exercise. For exercise I've done some Insanity here and there but nothing consistent (which is very much unlike me). I've gone to the gym and running a few times but nothing consistent. Our gym is actually great. There are personal trainers, free classes, a pool, hot tub, sauna, and CHILD CARE. I've never used the child care because I feel terrible dropping him off so I can workout, especially when I work full time and he's in the care of someone else. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For nutrition, there was a time period where I ate whatever the heck I wanted. About 1 month ago I weighed myself at the gym (and was not happy) and needless to say I've been working out consistently since then. For the past 2 weeks my nutrition has been so much better. I've been using MyFitness Pal app to track my calories. It helps me to think twice before stuffing my face. I've been eating so much better. Well, I weighed myself today and was disappointed. My weight is the exact same. I'm one of those people who doesn't usually gain or lose weight quickly. This infuriates me because I've been working hard (exercising) for the past month. I'm also one of those people who start feeling better about my body when I eat healthy and exercise. I thought I looked better (even if it's in my mind) and I still think I do although the scale isn't reflecting that. I guess I have to just keep trying.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm surprised that I've lost my tummy, although it's not toned. I thought it would be hardest to lose but it's actually my back and thigh fat. LOL. I'm still going to keep trying. I still plan to work out most days of the week (at least 4 days) at the gym. This includes elliptical machine, light weight lifting, abs. I also plan to sprinkle some occasional Insanity workouts in there. I plan to be more consistent with my running. I have a running buddy and we plan to run on one weekend day and one weekday at least. We have a 5K that we will be running on 9/14/13. I can run it without problems but I want to make a good time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, my overall goal is to obtain a "good" healthy body before my next pregnancy. I'll keep you updated. I may never look like this again:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <img border="0" height="213" src="http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx137/moy329/IMG_0296.jpg" width="320" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">but I'll try to come close. I think I can do it. I'll post pictures some time. What did you do to get fit?</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></b></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-23538457507308703792013-08-11T21:15:00.000-05:002013-08-11T21:15:51.348-05:00IEK is a year and a half (18 months OMG)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh my goodness! I cannot believe my little man is 18 months old. I feel like I was pregnant not too long ago. Time truly flies when you're having fun. Life has been even more exciting over the past few months. My husband and I enjoy him so much and we feel blessed to be his parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He loves to walk, run, climb, sky dive off the couch without a parachute. LOL. He loves to throw a ball and attempt to play basketball. He loves splashing around in the pool and bath tub and any body of water, really. We use the Puddle Jumpers as a life vest and he seems to like it. Sometimes he just wants to walk around the house with it on. He likes to climb up and down the stairs independently. In fact, he pushes me away when I try to help. It initially hurt my feelings but now I'm excited about his bravery. He is strong as an ox and when he wants me to go somewhere, he gets behind me, pushes my legs and says "go, go, go." So...we have a tent in our living room. Yeah, I know it's silly but I bought it for my husband a few years ago and we never used it. I thought it would be fun to put it up temporarily so that our little booger could crawl around in it. Well it's been a few months and it's still up. And he loves to play in it. He loves rolling around with his dad in it and dragging his toys in it. Gone are my interior decorating days. It's all about fun and convenience. Well, my house is still organized and clean but just more appealing to kiddos. He can jump (although not very high, hehe). He likes piggy back rides. He prefers playing outside over playing with electronics. He almost never watches TV and he's not that interested into the i-pad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's still going to a small licensed home daycare. His caretaker is lovely. She looooves him and he looooves her. He still whines a bit when I drop him off in the mornings but whenever I pick him up in the evenings he doesn't want to leave. He gives her like a million hugs before we go. It's so sweet. He also gets along so well with the two little girls that are also there. I think this was the best environment for him. However, now that he's getting older, we're thinking about putting him into a more formal preschool. We read to him at home and of course we talk to him a lot. She also teaches him a lot too but we feel he needs a little more structure. Whenever we move, which will likely be around when he turns 2, we'll make the transition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's a social butterfly when he wants to be. When he's well rested and mommy or daddy are close by he's very social. Always waving hi and bye, flashing a smile and twisting his head to get someone's attention, flashing his 8 pearly whites. These are some of the ways he flirts (lol) or just try to connect. So, he does this thing that we find soooo hilarious. Whenever I take him out and he sees a white guy he points and says "daddy." If we are in the supermarket he'll point to a dozen guys before we check out and say the same thing. It's hilarious but it's kinda embarrassing because he says it really loud and they look at us like we are crazy or they just laugh. My husband says he does the same thing whenever he sees a young black woman. Too funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And yes, he's talking a lot. He says at least 20 words. Some of his favorites are dada, daddy, mommy, mama, nonna (grandma), book, baby, cup, dog, doggie, up, keys, kiss, cow, nana (banana), goat, clock, shoes, socks, Eliza, juice, cheese, ice, swing, night-night, bye, hi, hello, more, wa-wa (water), glasses, nose, eyes, mouth, ears, moo, ruff ruff, baa (sheep sound). He can say a few phrases too like night-night dada, love you, bye bye ma. He can point out many body parts including eyes, nose, hair, mouth, head, belly, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, teeth, booty (yes, we taught him booty). He understands way more than what he can say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's a big help. He loves to help sweep. Whenever I grab a broom, he has to get one too to help. He doesn't go anywhere near the vacuum though. He's a bit of a neat, organized freak. If there's a crumb on something on the floor he picks it up and gives it to me. He closes drawers that I leave open. He'll make a mess with food while feeding himself but when he's done he'll out to me to clean it. Whenever I give him tissue he tries to blow his nose and wipe it. He also tries to clean the table although he makes more of a mess. He helps me with laundry too. Whenever I takes clothes out of the washer I give them to him and he puts them in the dryer. If I'm busy and he's not helping sometimes he'll tantrum but if I engage him in helping he loves it. I know this will not last. One day when he's a teenager I'll be begging him to clean his room. Ha! Oh, he also likes to help me get him dressed and undressed. I still have to chase him down to change his diaper most of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's still a great sleeper. Bath time routine starts at 645pm or 7pm and he's in bed by 730pm. He wakes up at 630am. We rock him while singing to him before bed but he's usually completely awake when we put him in his crib. He just lays down then goes to bed. Whenever we travel (which has been very often over the last 6 months) it usually takes a day or so to get him back into his routine. He's flown on an airplane 6 times round trip so far. One of those trips was from North Carolina to California and he did fairly well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's a momma's boy but he loves his papa too. He's such a sweet boy. He loves to cuddle before bed. He loves to hug and gives kisses. He's always smiling and laughing. He loves being goofy and goofiness (just like his momma and papa, but more like his papa). He loves to read books while sitting in his mama's lap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He still has long brown hair. He hasn't gotten his first haircut yet. I've been convincing his dad to delay it. The front of his hair is pretty straight although it's been curling a little in the summer (more like big waves). The back has verrrry soft, loose spiral curls. I wash his hair about twice per week (one wash is only with conditioner and the other wash is with shampoo and conditioner). We use the California Baby conditioner. I don't put any other product in his hair. I think he's looking more like me the older he gets. He has big brown eyes and the longest eyelashes known to mankind. He's such a cute little stinker. I just love him! I am so thankful for the life I'm blessed with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: magenta;">Mrs. K</span></span></b></i></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-45542470573837856992013-06-16T21:45:00.002-05:002013-06-16T21:45:51.345-05:00IEK: 16 months old<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My baby turned 16 months old on Jun 4. I can't believe it. My little boy is getting so big. He'll be a year and a half soon, then 2, then 3...I can't believe I'm his momma. I feel so blessed to be his mom. What a special gift I've received from God and I'm sooo thankful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My little stinker is a hoot. He is such a happy boy. He always walks around with the sweetest smile (most of time). He's very goofy and tries to get others to smile with him. He's definitely a people person (as long as his momma and daddy are around). He's still doesn't like to be around others without us around. Trying to get him to stay in the church nursery on Sundays is a challenge. It takes him some time to warm up to even his Nonna before we could leave him. He is VERY attached to his parents. Despite us encouraging some "independence" it hasn't worked. But that's ok. We were told that the day will come when he wants nothing to do with us and we'll be begging for a "hello". LOL. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let's see, he's a pretty good traveler. We've taken 4 or 5 airplane trips so far and he's done awesome. Well in retrospect he's done awesome but at the time, I guess he was aight. There were a few times the air hostesses and a few passengers told us he was a good traveler. The few times he was noisy it worked out because there were other noisy patrons. For example on our way to Jackson Hole in February there were a few drunk snowboarders who congregated in the back (like they were in a club). They were so loud that no one noticed the few times my little man was fussing. Our trips to Miami, Orlando and Panama City Beach went well too. We have wedding coming up in September that we have to go to also. I think he's a traveling pro now. LOL. We are trying to take advantage of the infant in arms as much as we can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As far as what else he's up to: he's a great walker, runner and climber. He'll open drawers and step into them so that he can climb up high. He loves trying to climb up and down the stairs. He surprisingly can safely climb off the bed. He's a sneaky little man who tries to test limits. It's so hard to not laugh when he does that. It's terrible. I'll tell him "no" and he'll stop then slowly go back to what he was doing while staring at me. I'm cracking up just thinking about it. He likes to color and scribble. Likes to walk backwards, can walk on tippy toes. He's definitely a talker. He loves to repeat words and does a pretty good job. He says: doggie/dog, clock, book, bird, momma, dada, daddy, baby, car, ball, moo, ba (sheep noise), ruff ruff, nay (horse sound), cockadoodledoo (his version), no, shoes, keys, cheese. Understands a lot and signs "more" and sometimes "milk". He's very social with other kiddos. He likes to observe first then join in play once he's felt comfortable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's my sweet little cuddly man who loves to give hugs. When I ask him to squeeze tighter he does. He gives the tightest and sweetest hugs. He also likes to give high fives and blow kisses. I love the kissie sounds he makes. His dad and I can't get enough of him. Oh we love when he dances. I know that he knows that he fascinates us because he'll repeat cute little gestures when we squeal in excitement :). We're trying to teach him to say some Jamaican patois phrases without much success. I guess he'll have time to learn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, we just feel very blessed to be his parents. He's so awesome and we look forward to many more memories with our little man. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-55131770624183314472013-05-20T20:22:00.001-05:002013-05-20T20:22:11.868-05:00Update on life<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted and even longer since I posted about something besides my little man. I've decided to stop doing monthly updates and just do random updates on his milestones. I think I've been avoiding this blog partly because I felt obligated to blog about his milestones but I don't have the time to do it. So just to provide a few updates:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Starting with our little guy. He's doing well. He is a lovely little fella with lots of energy. He loves to laugh and play and hit and pull and squeal and talk. Oh, did I mention climb. He's saying a few words now, although in his own way. He says doggie (dog-mm), baby, uh-oh, Eliza, of course mama and dada or daddy. He also says clock (cock, yeah I know). He knows a lot of words and commands although he doesn't know how to say them. It's amazing how much he soaks up. He is sooo loving. I just love that little booger. He loves to walk and run and climb on everything. I have to watch him at all times because he'll get into everything. He likes being outside and playing with our dog-mm, Eliza. He loves picking up sticks and playing at the park. He's more social and will allow others to hold him (most of the time). He still loves his mommy to death but has been gravitating more towards daddy lately. He loves to read, which is new. He's just an all round sweet kiddo and we love him so much. We feel so blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hubby and I just celebrated our 5 year anniversary. He surprised me with a sitter and we did dinner and a movie. It was nice to hang out with him at night for a change. We live in NC with no family around so we usually don't get much alone time away from home. Anyway, I can't believe we've been married 5 years already. I feel very blessed to be with my husband as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm doing well. I'm enjoying life and I feel very blessed. I graduate in a few weeks and I'm really excited about this. I've been in school all my life without a break so it's nice to be almost done. I'll be taking the summer off to study for my board exams and to just chill before I start working a real job. I'm looking forward to the summer off. Planning to also use the time to get more fit. Speaking of getting fit, I'm nowhere close to my goal. I've lost most of the baby weight except for about 5-10 pounds but I look unhealthy, no longer fit. I'm not content about this but I'm not terribly distressed either. My diet is somewhat crappy and I haven't consistently worked out. I know that if I shape up a bit I'd be healthier and that's what I plan to do. I've been doing Insanity off an on but I plan to be more committed to it. My out-of-shape-ness wont stop me from flaunting a bathing suit in about one week. We are heading to Panama City Beach for my husband's annual family vacation. So looking forward to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We will most likely be moving to another state in late summer/early fall. Hubby and I are both looking for jobs closer to his family. His parents and siblings live in north Florida. Having our son has made us realize the value of having family close by. I am getting sooo excited about the idea of moving although we'll miss all our peeps in NC. Also hubby and I have decided that I'll work part time after we move. I always thought I was a "career woman" who would always work full time but now I'm excited about part time work. I initially thought about working 3/4 time but after talking more with hubby we thought half time would be best. I can still do what I love outside the home but have time for my family. I'm looking into working M-F 8-12. I'm really excited about the possibility of working these hours. I can take little man to preschool in the morning, then go to work. When I get off I'll have time to exercise and still make dinner. I'm hoping I will be able to accomplish more and feel more balanced with that work schedule. We'll see. In theory it sounds great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, I'm just really happy and thankful to God for all that he's blessed me with.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-32973564576227507502013-03-25T21:19:00.003-05:002013-03-25T21:21:13.588-05:00Toddler K: Month 13Mommy is really having a hard time keeping up with these updates. I'm going to try my best to document on here because I want to remember. I know I can't record everything but I want to record something. Just reading my old posts brings me back to the little moments we shared in the past. <br />
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-Things just keep getting better and better. Your dad and I love you so much. It's amazing how having you has changed our lives for the better.<br />
-You took your first plane ride this month and you did pretty good. We vacationed in Jackson Hole for a week. Your dad skied but we didn't. We did get to enjoy some of the other winter activities. You particularly liked sledding but you enjoyed the sleigh ride too. You met another little kiddo on vacation and you guys hung out some.<br />
-You actually fell in one of the stores and chipped a tooth. It's a small chip but I thought I was going to die after it happened. I felt so bad. You cried for a little while but it didn't last long. You're such a trooper.<br />
-You started tantruming this month and it's so hard to not laugh at you when you do them. You are so funny. When you tantrum you lay on the floor and whine. The funniest part is that when you attempt to throw yourself on the floor, you do it so gently being careful not to hurt yourself. You are a trip. Thankfully your tantrums are minor and infrequent. You've also learned that when mommy walks away, she's not entertaining the tantrum so you get up and play. You are such a smart boy.<br />
-You are becoming a better eater. I've noticed that you can tolerating eating in the high chair for about 10 minutes then I have to get you out or you wont eat anymore. Once you're out of the high chair you can eat almost as much as I do. I guess you get bored easily. Surprisingly, you like milk. You also like water. You'll drink almost anything out of a straw (for a few seconds). I think you like the idea of using a straw so you'll drink initially but when you realize it's not a beverage you like, you'll stop. You're a bit of a feisty little guy and spits out whatever you don't like or throws it off the high chair.<br />
-You've been saying words like dada, mama, lila aka eliza, no, uh-oh, da aka dog, up, bop (?).<br />
-You love to point when you talk. You also like to take my hand and pull me to where you want to go or what you want me to do. Your personality is definitely shining and I love it.<br />
-You like going to daycare. When we pull up to the door you start smiling really big. You get along with your two daycare friends. The daycare provider seems to love you. You make her crack up.<br />
-Of course, you are still sleeping great. Surprisingly you slept great everyday on our vacation too. Naps are a challenge because you want to be social but bedtime is great.<br />
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You are such a cute little stinker and we love you so much. My heart is filled with so much love for you. I feel so blessed.<br />
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Mrs. KMrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-32966049791746424362013-03-25T20:57:00.001-05:002013-03-25T21:20:05.638-05:00Baby K: Month 12--Happy 1st BirthdayOK, mommy is very behind on the post. You've been 1 for quite a few weeks but we've been really busy around here. Well, we've been really busy since you've been born (AND we love it, btw). Anyway, you turned 1 on 2/4/13 and we cannot believe it. One-whole-year, WOW. This year has been so awesome. Very challenging but great.<br />
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Over the past month you've done so much:<br />
-You continue to walk very confidently. You even do some running too. You like hiding in the corner then popping out. You still like peek-a-boo. It never gets old with you.<br />
-You are so strong. You can stand from a seated position on the floor.<br />
-You love climbing steps and we have to watch you like a hawk. We fear that we'll forget to close the gate and you'll superman dive down.<br />
-I just love watching you accomplish your various milestones. You still love to dance and you've had several types this month (knees bent bobbing up and down, turning around with left arm out, kicking left leg, alternating stretching left and right leg).<br />
-This month you've been throwing a ball back and forth with me and your dad. You have a pretty good arm but sometimes it'll plop on top of your head. You like throwing other things too (like your sippy cup, your paci).<br />
-You are a good helper and you've been helping me put your clothes in the dirty clothes hamper. You also insist that you put your diaper in the diaper pail. You like to throw random things in the garbage. One of your favorite chores is rearranging our drawers, especially the tupperware drawer. I'll find random objects in strange places. I think it's so funny though and I smile every time it happens because it's a reminder that you are getting smarter and smarter and exploring your environment.<br />
-Your pincer grasp does a good job eating cheerios, goldfish, and other puffed snacks.<br />
-You are definitely a social butterfly. Whenever we are out, you try to get people's attention by smiling largely and when you get their attention you start laughing. You are so funny. <br />
-You are still not the best eater but I think it's getting better. You've been eating from the table.<br />
-You are a little squirt. Your dad and I were tiny for a while so we know you'll eventually "spring up." You still have fairly straight hair although it sometimes curls when it's humid. Your dad wants me to give you a haircut but I want to wait until the summer. Besides your hair isn't THAT long.<br />
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-We celebrated your birthday with close family and friends. I had them write notes to you which I hope you will open one day--maybe some time around puberty when you're going through all the hormonal changes. Your nonna and grandpa were in town. Nonna baked your smash cake but we also bought you a birthday cake that was yummy. We thought for sure you would cake everywhere but you didn't. You gently removed all the decorations from the cake and didn't really smash it. You received lots of toys and books. It was a great day. Your dad and I were so proud.<br />
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Mrs. KMrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-22005938860748408342013-01-04T20:44:00.001-06:002013-01-04T20:44:54.213-06:00Baby K: Month 11<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">HAPPY 11 MONTH OLD BIRTHDAY!!! </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Week 42: Part2 to Week 46</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You initially started out this month by taking one step then sitting down. <strike>Now you are taking a few steps. </strike> YOU ARE WALKING!!!! You get excited when you walk unassisted. You even make a noise while doing this. It's so sweet to watch you walk.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You took a bath in the big boy bath tub for the first time today (12/5). You loved it. You were splish splashing, taking nose dives. You were all over the place. I can't wait until the summer when you can go swimming since you seem to love the water. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You've started waiving by flapping one arm. It's too cute. You also mumble something while you wave. Can't quite figure out what yet. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You just love imitating. If I tap on the table, you do the same. Now you try to put your palm over your mouth and make a noise. On that same note, whenever I pat your back you like to make noises and it sounds funny. You also know how to blow a kiss and make noises while patting your mouth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-I love hearing you sing-a-long to music while we are driving in the car. Or try to sing-a-long with me when I sing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You love to dance and you've got some moves. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You like when I chase you. You like when I play peek-a-boo with you. You like chasing my toes when I wiggle them. You like shoving your fingers into various orifices (your nose, my nose, dad's nose, ears, straw, etc). You like pulling things out of the cabinets and drawers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-We went to 2 Christmas parties this week. You looked very handsome in your outfits. One night you wore a suit and you looked so adorable. Your grandpa (bum bum) commented that you looked like a game show host. Too funny. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-We also went to a Christmas concert at church. You seemed to like it because you were pelvic thrusting to the songs. It was so funny to watch you do that. You just love to dance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-We put up our usual small Christmas tree this week. Your dad and I have been using that same tree since we've been married (4 years). Next year we plan to get a bigger one because by that time you'll be able to enjoy it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You are very verbal. You really try to repeat what we say. It's really cool. You also try to pretend to talk with us. Your first word was dada then mama. But your first "real word" was Eliza ("e-la-la" according to you). You call her name now and whenever we say her name, you look around for her.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Sleep is still good at night but naps are still challenging--only 2 that last 30-40 minutes each.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You caught another little cold from daycare this week. It's a mild one but it's still pretty tough (your congested and you don't have an appetite).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Around week 45 you actually started waving bye-bye. Like, a real wave. Fingers curling and all. Yippie!!! You amaze me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-I got you a few inexpensive Christmas gifts this week. Your dad also bought you a few gifts too. Our plan is to have you try to open them this Christmas.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You are liking macaroni and cheese. You also like banana yogurt.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You still spit up some when you eat but it's infrequent (definitely not as bad as you did before).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You are an expert at drinking out of the sippy cup but you still refuse to drink formula from it. You'll drink water without any hesitation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You got another cold from one of the kiddos at your daycare--no fever but runny nose and cough. I can tell it's uncomfortable for you but it doesn't seem to slow you down.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You are one active little boy. I'm amazed by how much you can do. You are also very persistent. Even if I try to distract you from doing an activity, you go right back to it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You sprouted another tooth on 12/20 (the top right one). The top left one came out a few days later. We've been brushing you teeth as a part of your bedtime routine (without problems).</span></span><br />
-I miss your toothless gummy smile but your smile now is just as precious. I love that huge upper tooth. When you smile it melts my heart. And you love to smile!<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Christmas was great. We spent it in Orlando with my family. Everyone was very happy to see you. You enjoyed being with everyone too but I think you were a little overwhelmed by all the chaos and noise. You mainly clung to daddy and I. You occasionally allowed others to hold you after you warmed up to them a little. Once your dad and I were close by, you would smile and be so sweet but if we were away you'd fuss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-This month you tried a few of the Jamaican dishes my family prepared for Christmas and some other foods too. You got your first taste of callaloo, dumplin, boiled banana, goat head soup (just one taste), hard dough bread, curry goat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Your sleep was awful (to say the least) on vacation. A few nights you got up every 2-3 hours. That's partly our fault because we were inconsistent with bedtime. You also hated sleeping in the pack and play so you had to sleep with us a few nights (this is a first). We all came home (back to NC) very tired.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-To wrap up our trip, we hung out with aunt Jeanna and her family in the mountains in Highlands, NC. This was fun too. You love your cousin Maddy so much and she loves you too. Alli tried to give you her pacifiers because she's too old for them but she changed her mind and took them back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You got quite a lot of gifts this Christmas--mainly toys, books, clothes. It was neat watching you trying to rip open your presents. You were mainly interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You favorite thing to do now is push around your toy car. Sometimes you'll get on it and wait for me to push you. Other times you'll get behind it to push it. You also like playing with you activity table. You are more into interactive toys this month. It's cool to watch you try to figure out how to manipulate a toy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You amaze me my sweet giggly, wiggly precious little mama's boy. I feel so blessed to have you as my son. You bring so much joy to our already blessed lives.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-6493129809145687162012-12-31T21:01:00.000-06:002012-12-31T21:01:56.410-06:002012 Memory Lane<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I got the idea to do this survey from one of the blogs I follow, <a href="http://www.okdani.com/">OK Dani</a>. I mainly blog about my kiddo lately, but I thought it would be nice to blog about something else for a change. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before? </b>Gave birth to my beautiful baby boy.<b> </b>Completed year 1 of 2 of my fellowship. Function surprisingly well despite chronic sleep deprivation.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? </b>I don't make resolutions. I have short and long term goals that I make throughout the year. I actually purposefully avoiding making new year's resolutions.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>3. Did anyone close to you give birth? </b>I had my first baby. <b> </b>My uncle and his wife had a baby girl. My aunt in Jamaica had a baby boy. My male cousin in Jamaica had a baby girl. A few of my co-workers and hubby's co-workers had babies. A few of my blogging buds had babies.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>4. Did anyone close to you die? </b>Unfortunately, yes. My maternal grandma died on Thanksgiving day (unexpected in Jamaica). My husband's paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather died. One of our friends (early 30s, had a baby this year) died a few months ago. It's been a challenging year when it came to losing family and friends.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>5. Did you visit anywhere exciting? </b>We rented a cabin over the summer for a few days with our little baby. My mother was with us so she kept the baby while we hiked and went white water rafting. We also hung out in the mountains of Highlands, NC for a few days too (later in the year). We visited family in Florida for Thanksgiving and Christmas.<b> </b> It's always great seeing family.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? </b>MORE SLEEP. Balancing my life better. More alone time with my husband. A real vacation (maybe with hubby alone--still trying to decide about that one). Better diet. An exercise routine. I guess I want a lot, huh?<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? </b>February 4--the date my little boy was born. He came 8 days early but I was so happy to see my healthy bundle of joy (and energy).<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? </b>Having my son!<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>9. What was your biggest mistake? </b>Giving in to mommy guilt. Not realizing earlier that many things in life (especially challenges) are seasonal.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>10. Did you suffer illness or injury? </b>No but I had a medical scare. After my 6 week postpartum check up I was told I had cervical dysplasia (precancerous cells on pap smear). A repeat was done a few months later which was completely normal. Apparently, it's not completely uncommon for abnormal cells to show up on pap smear postpartum due to scar tissue from delivery. When I first heard the news all I could think of was my baby being without his mommy (I know, I'm a bit dramatic). Anyway, I'm very thankful it was nothing.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>11. What was the best thing you bought? </b>Besides the Baby Bjorn baby carrier that I toted my little one in for months, I would say the I-pad I bought for my grandma. She can Facetime us, take pics, receive pics listen to her favorite radio stations and other music, play games, make videos. She was very happy to receive it.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>12. Whose behavior merited celebration? </b>My baby boy and my baby daddy. LOL. My son is so awesome. He's a joy. He's sweet and smiley, cuddly and wiggly, giggly and a ball of energy. I just love watching him achieve his milestones and explore his environment. It amazes me that he behaves so well, especially in public. I love that kid. My husband has also been awesome. I feel very blessed. He's a great husband and a wonderful father. I couldn't ask for more.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? </b>A few news events were appalling. No one in my personal life.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>14. Where did most of your money go in 2011?</b><b></b> TAXES and educational debt. Kidding. Well, not really. We bought a lot of baby stuff too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? </b>MY BABY and being the best mom I could be. I was so excited about expanding our family and meeting the new addition. I must say that all the excitement was not in vain. He was so worth waiting for. He's just lovely.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>16. What song will always remind you of 2012? </b>I unfortunately don't have one. I was thinking really hard but couldn't come up with anything.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>17. Compared to this time last year, you are: </b>More comfortable because I'm not big and pregnant. No longer nauseated because I'm not pregnant. Not experiencing indigestion because I'm not pregnant. More sleep deprived despite not being pregnant (thanks to my rugrat). Still disorganized (pregnancy brain has turned into mommy brain).<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>18. What do you wish you’d done more of? </b>Sleep. Spend time with my extended family. Exercise.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>19. What do you wish you’d done less of?</b><b></b> Worrying about everything (man, being a new mom makes an already neurotic person really crazy).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>20. How did you spend Christmas? </b>With my extended family in Orlando. It was great celebrating baby K's first Christmas. I am so thankful for all that I've been blessed with.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>21. Did you fall in love in 2012? </b>YES, with my baby boy. It was instant.<b> </b>I'm still in love. I love looking in those big brown eyes of his :)<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>22. What was your favorite TV program? </b>I don't usually watch TV but this year after we put baby K to bed, we've been watching Law and Order SVU and NCIS (old and new). We hardly let the little guy watch TV but the few times it's on, it's on Nick Jr.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? </b>Nope!<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>24. What was the best book you read? </b>Sadly, I don't usually read for leisure. In the past the answer would be some school related book. This time it's <i>Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child</i> by Marc Weissbluth, MD.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>25. What was your greatest musical discovery? </b>XM radio.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>26. What did you want and get? </b>A healthy little boy. I also got joy and peace. A new SUV.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>27. What did you want and not get? </b>Nothing really, I'm pretty content. It feels good to be content.<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? </b>30, I can't remember. My baby was 2 months old. I was sleep deprived.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>29. What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? </b>I wouldn't change a thing, not even my losses and challenges.<b> </b>Actually, that's not true. It would have been better if I worried less.<b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? </b>The year started out with me being big and pregnant in my third trimester. My go-to outfit were dresses (which looked like shirts on my pregnant body), tights and boots. Immediately post pregnancy I was able to fit in my pre-pregnancy jeans but I wore bigger, baggier shirts. The year ended with me wearing more dresses and skirts, colorful skinny pants, and more fitted shirts.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>31. What kept you sane? </b>Prayer and my faith. My husband. My family and their prayers. Having a reliable loving caregiver for my child. Having a flexible and understanding boss.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? </b>None really.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>33. What political issue stirred you the most? </b>I'm not very political. And if I was, I probably wouldn't comment about my opinion on this blog or any other public forum.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>34. Who do you miss the most? </b>My mother. I wish she lived in the US but I know she loves living in Jamaica.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>35. Who was the best new person you met? </b>My son, obviously. My life will never be the same, which is good.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012? </b>I have to do what's best for my family (which sometimes mean disappointing nonfamily members, seeming rude, reminding others of how valuable my time is, being less OCD, being more chill)<b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>37. What are your new years resolutions for 2013? </b>I don't make new year's resolutions but I do make short and long term goals throughout the year.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mrs. K</span></span></span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8431533579414533020.post-36853424344593622072012-12-05T19:57:00.000-06:002012-12-05T19:57:49.652-06:00Baby K: Month 10<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">HAPPY 10TH MONTH BIRTHDAY </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Week 38 Part 2 to week 41 Part 1:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You are becoming more confident with you motor skills. You continue to cruise but you now you do it with confidence and style. You swing from one piece of furniture to the next without hesitating. You also stand up and let go of whatever you were holding on to without thinking twice. You sometimes go from that position to a controlled seated position. It's so amazing to see you grow, get stronger and become more coordinated. Although you are an expert crawler, you're favorite way to travel is still to be carried around in my arms. But sometimes you do squirm and demand that I put you down so that you can explore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You startle so easily and when this occurs your whole body jerks. Nowadays you've been a little more careful with strange (new) objects and people. You approach with caution but then relax pretty soon after you realize it's safe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Baths are still fun. Lots of splish-splashing. Lots of laughter. Lots of fighting with me for the washcloth. Lots of playing with the bath toys. Lots of trying to climb out of the bath tub. Lots of me trying to prevent you from tipping over the tub. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Thanksgiving with Nonna and Bumbum was great. You had fun hanging out with your cousins. You were the youngest but you tried your best to keep up with everyone. You got to meet your great grandpa (daddy's granddaddy). He was impressed by how active and smart you are. You were so fun to watch pushing his walker around the house. You were very clingy to daddy and I. You didn't want anyone to hold you or even feed you at first but you eventually warmed up. Your cousins love you so much and you love them too (especially Maddie). Your dad and I went to the FSU vs. Florida game while you hung out with Nonna. You liked eating her turkey and rice, sweet potatoes, turnip greens, eggs, and more. We drove to Florida and you tolerated the trip fairly well. Oh, you loved playing with Luna although you were rough with her at times. You also liked sharing your food with her and chasing her down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You've been using one of the push toys while walking. It's so funny to watch you walk with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You're a wild little guy who loves to climb stairs. If I turn my head for a second you quickly crawl to the stairs and hurry up them before I could catch you. It's funny watching you rush because you obviously know that you're not supposed to go. You can actually climb all 15? steps without any assistance. Of course I'm there right behind you every time you attempt to climb.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Babbling has been non stop. You call me mama (sometimes nana). You call daddy dada. You call the dog, Eliza (da or lala). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Nonna taught you how to wave. You put your right hand up and hold it there. It's so cute. Sometimes you babble something with your hand in the air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You're not walking yet but you've taken one step then sat down (several times).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You like to "sing" along to songs AND dance to music. You kick your leg and rock back and forth. It's by far the best moves I've ever seen. You are so full of life. You just bring us so much joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Opening and closing closets is a hobby of yours. You also like closing doors. You're a lot like your dad in that respect. I leave things open and he goes behind me and close everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You like to feed yourself. You're a pro at eating finger foods but you also eat the pureed stuff too. I tried feeding you avocado again and you refuse to eat it. I just don't understand why because they are so yummy. You like tofu. I cut it in small squares and sautee it in a little oil and garlic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-I think you'll be a leader one day. You have such a STRONG personality. This was quite evident at Thanksgiving. You absolutely refused to let anyone feed you when your dad and I were around. Even if you were very hungry you outright refused to eat. You just cried and wiggled out of their arms. Once your dad or I hold you, then you eat. It was pretty amazing to watch. I couldn't believe it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You like imitating. You imitate facial expressions, gestures, sounds. It's so cute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Peek-a-boo is a favorite of yours. You like when I hide then pop up out of nowhere. You also try to hide under teddy bears and blankies and sometimes toilet paper. Speaking of toilet paper, you like unrolling toilet paper and eating it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Your smile and laugh is contagious. Everyone says that you are the most smiley baby they have ever met. Your smile stretches from ear to ear. Your show your biggest smile with your 2 pearly whites when your dada walks in the room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-When you get excited you kick your legs and squeal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-You look like such an angel when you're sleeping. Your long eyelashes wiggle and your little lips poke out. You are still sleeping great at night. After your bedtime feeding you just pass out. You go to bed around 730 and wake up at 630. You don't even make a peep all night. Sometimes your dad and I want to go in your room and snuggle with you but we know that probably wouldn't be wise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-We just love watching you grow! We just love you! </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. K</span></span></span></b></i>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379949037095569199noreply@blogger.com5